Chapter 2, The Strategy of Engaging Distant Allies and Attacking Neighbors is Always Advantageous (3)
In the past decade, the empire has maintained a ceasefire with foreign powers, focusing on internal issues. To avoid international disputes, it is inconvenient to act openly abroad, and everything must be done covertly. The two major sects, Cihang and Taiyi, value their status; even though they care about that closed-door work, they would not resort to brazenly seizing it. In comparison, the other troublesome matter is far more critical.
What is even more daunting is that due to rapid expansion in a short period, the members under the Holy Lotus Sect are of mixed quality, the regulations are lax, and the atmosphere is extremely poor. Coupled with the fact that they are still in a phase of expansion, they exhibit considerable aggression, frequently erupting into violent conflicts. Their methods are ruthless, often resorting to unscrupulous means, making them a source of fear that people wish to avoid and are reluctant to provoke easily. Currently, the greatest pressure comes from the Holy Lotus Sect.
After he poked his eye, this fellow made an excuse to heal and hurriedly fled. Although he did not specify when he would reappear, it is estimated that it will not be long before he shows up in front of me again. At that time, I will definitely make him pay, and it will not be enough to just poke his eye once.
The young girl was stunned for a brief few seconds. Although she knew this might also be a deliberate provocation from the other party, she could not hold back this time. She swiftly responded, causing a scream to echo throughout the garden
Feng Xiang felt that today was the most unfortunate day of her life. She had never encountered such a chaotic person before, with an exceptionally thick skin, despicable and vile, and seemingly full of endless cunning ideas. Her identity had been exposed, and although he did not utter a single word of threat, the implication of coercion was clear to everyone.
Speaking of which, I am not the kind of rustic village girl. In the past, I have visited various major cities multiple times with Gilfihart. Although my stays were not long, I have seen a bit of the world, which sets me apart from those other rural women. This was a special training arranged by Gilfihart for me. I cannot say I have great confidence in the results of this training, and now I am facing my first test. I never expected to encounter such a person; it truly feels quite terrible.
Feng Xiang has only a superficial understanding of the affairs of the martial world. Gilfihart occasionally mentions some old stories, but does not elaborate much. She tries to gather more information and analyze it herself, yet often finds herself confused, unable to comprehend the thoughts of those in the martial world, only feeling that... Engaging solely in alchemy research and the production of various artifacts is far simpler than dealing with those complicated human affairs.
Looking across the current land, although there are several nations coexisting, the Holy Midlan Empire stands supreme, possessing the greatest strength. Over the years, through conquest and annexation, it has occupied sixty percent of the land, encompassing all the prime regions within its borders, and it alone is referred to as an empire. It has compelled the other nations to rename themselves as kingdoms or duchies, exhibiting extreme dominance. Were it not for the severe domestic issues, it would have long since swallowed the remaining weaker nations without leaving a trace. Although Silver Valley is not within the empire's territory, it cannot remain independent of the empire's influence. In recent days, the shadow of the empire, akin to a colossal beast, has formed substantial pressure, growing heavier with each passing day.
The Holy Lotus Sect, originating from an ancient cult that had long been extinguished, did not attract much attention when it was reestablished nearly a century ago. It was merely a small organization in the countryside that deceived the gullible. However, within a few decades, it rapidly rose and expanded, embracing a wide array of teachings and recruiting talented individuals from various factions. Members from both the righteous and the wicked were absorbed, leading to a swift increase in its power. Today, it stands as one of the most formidable forces on the earth, rivaling the top powers. In terms of heritage, it may not compare to the two major sects, but in terms of combat strength, it undoubtedly surpasses them.
If we follow the consistent style of the Holy Lotus Sect, since they are determined to obtain this final work, they would not care about the means or the image, and would have directly sent their army over long ago. The Holy Lotus Sect is neither a nation nor a state, but within the sect, the five factions of Heaven, Deity, Dao, Buddha, and Witch each have their own private troops, which are powerful and can be summoned at any time. They are accustomed to acting with impunity. The reason they have not acted recklessly this time is that Gilfihart was once one of the four deities of the Holy Lotus Sect and has not yet been completely removed from the list. The sentiment of incense offerings is secondary; if they were to openly tear their faces, it would not only make them a laughingstock but also provide other forces with an opportunity to intervene. Therefore, the Holy Lotus Sect has been slow to take action, and even their envoys have only sent letters stating their intention to come, yet have not arrived to this day.
Wow—just asking, you actually poked someone in the eye
The main hall of Yulong is the largest hall in the entire Yulong Manor, capable of accommodating several hundred people without issue. To convey a sense of grandeur, it features expansive open spaces with large floor-to-ceiling windows and transparent glass, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding courtyards and landscapes. Within the courtyard, lush greenery and flowing water create a serene atmosphere. Through special design, water flowing through various stone caves produces musical notes that resonate around the hall, akin to a melody. The most remarkable aspect is that whenever it rains, the volume and flow of water change, resulting in different musical notes emerging from the stone caves, creating a myriad of variations. This phenomenon leaves a lasting impression on the esteemed guests who have visited Yulong Manor, evoking their admiration and wonder.
Even without that individual, the current situation is already quite troublesome. The matter regarding the closed-door project has unexpectedly leaked out, attracting a host of troublesome figures from outside. While the others are manageable, it is those few major forces that are the most difficult to handle
Shaking her head, Fengxiang picked up the tray holding the tea and returned to the hall of Yulong Manor
The silver lining in misfortune is that my identity has not yet been fully exposed. Aside from that brazen rogue, no one has discovered my secret, so I should be able to hold on for a while longer, preventing anyone from entering the Silver Valley... It truly is unfair; such a heavy burden should have been shouldered by Gilfihart, yet it has fallen upon me... It truly is unfair; such a heavy burden should have been shouldered by Gilfihart, yet it has fallen upon me...
Feng Xiang adjusted her clothes in front of a mirror. The reflection showed a maid with a somewhat sallow complexion, appearing somewhat ill, yet her features were still considered delicate. She wore a lace white apron, looking quite ordinary, and as she glanced left and right, she could not discern any flaws in the disguise. Was it due to her insufficient professional skills, or was that person exaggerating?
According to the past customs of Yulong Manor, distinguished guests from all directions are assigned to separate courtyards based on their respective affiliations, providing considerable privacy to prevent encounters between enemies that could lead to conflict. This time was no exception; however, due to the matter of the closed-door work, no one was willing to be confined in the courtyards, cut off from information. As a result, a large number of guests from the martial world gathered in the main hall, overwhelming the attending servants. Fengxiang also took the opportunity to blend in, gathering intelligence from the conversations of these martial artists.
The Jianghu... a place where a multitude of eccentric individuals gather...
The Cihang Jingdian and the Taiyi Zhenzong, representing one Buddha and one Dao, are two major sects that have been passed down on Earth for over a thousand years. They have always been the backbone of the righteous forces. In any country inhabited by humanity, there are disciples of these two sects, whose influence transcends national borders and is far stronger than that of ordinary small to medium-sized nations. Particularly, the Cihang Jingdian possesses the most profound heritage, and the Sacred Empire sweeps across the land with overwhelming might, yet it does not dare to treat them lightly.
Alas... what a terrible situation...