Chapter 315: Speculation
When the Dragon King heard Li Xian ask such a question, a trace of sorrow flashed in his eyes, followed by a look of determination.
“That’s right. Every ten thousand years, such a ‘game’ must be held. There are countless dangers in the vast oceans beyond your imagination. The weakened dragon race needs a celestial-level divine dragon to guard it.
Moreover, such a game can stimulate the dragons to strive for strength and increase their sense of crisis.
In ancient times, there were countless races that stood alongside the dragons. But how many of them have survived to this day? Most races have quietly disappeared into the river of history. Today, only a few lineages continue, and even many of them are barely surviving—some have even fallen to the point of being hunted as prey.
Only the dragon race still controls vast sea territories and remains powerful to this day.”
At that moment, the surrounding lightning finally disappeared completely. Li Xian stood up immediately. “I understand. Dragon King, let us depart. Since the blood pact is sealed, Anyang will do its utmost.”
After stepping down from the altar and exchanging pleasantries, they discussed the resources to be provided by Anyang. Then, the “demons” from the Dragon Palace took their leave for the time being. Li Xian’s expression darkened immediately.
Still, he showed concern for Ling Zhifeng. “How are you?”
“Don’t worry, Young Master, I’m fine. This time I was struck by lightning because I stole a glimpse of a heavenly secret. Haha! But with this heavenly secret, I now have hope of reaching the Nascent Soul stage. Of course, it’ll also help the Young Master in future development by uncovering more opportunities in advance.”
Li Xian nodded. “Focus on improving your cultivation as soon as possible. Some less important matters can be put aside for now.”
“Understood!” Ling Zhifeng, rarely solemn, said, “I’ll take around three days to handle everything, then go into seclusion. This time, I’ll aim for a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage to meet Anyang’s current development needs.”
Upon returning to the main hall of Anyang’s City Lord’s Mansion, Li Xian immediately shared the Dragon King’s information with Xu Ren, Li Yuanming, and Yan Ze’an, asking the three of them to help analyze it.
“What the Dragon King said, at most, is only thirty percent of the truth! I fear there are still crucial things he hasn’t revealed. But even with just this information, it’s enough to make effective judgments. Cooperation with the Dragon Palace is likely filled with danger—more severe than we imagined,” Xu Ren gave his judgment at once.
Li Yuanming sneered, “The Dragon King said, ‘Only the dragon race still controls vast sea territories.’ That statement is likely exaggerated. If it were me, I’d have said, ‘We still hold eighty-one seas.’
From that, I believe the dragon race may not even be able to protect themselves right now.”
Yan Ze’an was the last to speak. “If we take the Dragon King’s words at face value and believe this is just a ‘regular game’ of the dragon race, then there should be no danger. But the Dragon King’s wording was sloppy—he revealed his own slip. The Xuanhai Dragon Palace has conquered three other sea palaces, so I fear this ‘game’ has already changed.”
Xu Ren spoke again: “The Beihai (North Sea) Dragon Palace and the Yingzhou East Sea Dragon Palace are likely not on the same side. There’s even a possibility they might take advantage of the situation.
The dragon race might already be internally divided, engaged in mutual battles and annexations.
I suspect that each faction of the dragon race is now preparing to gather their own ‘Nine Sons of the Dragon’ bloodline to create their own celestial-level divine dragon!”
The group gradually became more animated in their discussion. One comment followed another as they filled in gaps and corrected flaws, piecing together the current state of the dragon race from the Dragon King’s vague words. If the Dragon King were here listening, he’d likely regret being so “chatty.”
At the end of the discussion, Li Xian made the final decision: “Since the blood pact is sealed, there’s no turning back. It is precisely because the Yingzhou East Sea Dragon Palace is weak that we have this chance to form an alliance. Overall, this is an opportunity for us.
The following decisions are made:
First, send orders to Yan Zhenqing in the North: In this war, take no prisoners. Completely eliminate the 500,000-strong army of the Cai State to set an example. If there is an opportunity, enter Cai State territory, capture all military and government personnel, and loot their counties once again.
Grant Yan Zhenqing full authority. All resources may be used during the war.
Second, issue orders to Qingyun Valley: Prepare ample supplies of liquid spiritual energy, bacterial elixirs, fine gold, mithril, red copper, black iron, etc., and also prepare enough waterproof explosives that can detonate underwater. More is better—expand the factories if necessary. Spare no expense. Temporarily allocate ten million taels of gold to Qingyun Valley.
Third, due to the war with the Cai State, adjust the number of firearms sold at this year’s Industrial Expo. Let Fang Shijing make adjustments based on production capacity.
Fourth, temporarily slow down development in the newly acquired Luliang County. Focus on mining resources.
Fifth, intensify recruitment and training of top-tier experts at the Nascent Soul and peak Golden Core levels, especially focusing on combat prowess.
Sixth, expand recruitment of strategists, scholars, and all types of tacticians.
Seventh, within the next five months, add at least five more 10,000-ton warships—using the same scale as last time. No need to increase the size, but focus on improving formation defenses and technical upgrades, especially speed. Ideally, each ship should be garrisoned by at least two Nascent Soul cultivators. All naval forces must be at least Foundation Establishment level and fully equipped with magic-weapon-level gear.
Eighth, begin research into ‘magic-weapon-level’ firearms. Ordinary weapons have limits. A well-prepared late-stage Golden Core cultivator in full gear can withstand a direct hit from a 356mm shell. Moreover, the range of ordinary weapons is limited, so this must be addressed.
Ninth, through the Adventurer and Mercenary Associations, gather intelligence on independent experts and find ways to lure them to Anyang. Do not use force. Be cautious of infiltration. Better to have none than the wrong kind.
Tenth, Li Yuanming, you may begin the plan to divide Nanyang County.”
“Yes!” Li Yuanming responded. His eyes began to shine, and a cruel smile curled on his lips.
The plan to divide Nanyang County was: “If Nanyang County pledges allegiance to Jin, we will secretly instigate local lords to ‘rescue’ it.” This plan had been in place for a long time—just waiting for this moment.
“Lastly,” Li Xian turned to Xu Ren, “Sir, there is one task I must trouble you with. Please accompany the Princess Consort (Xia Qingqing) back to the royal tomb at Yunding Mountain in Tianfeng Ridge. First, to offer a memorial; second, to escort my mother-in-law (Xia Qingqing’s mother, Xiao Yu) to settle in Anyang; and third, to persuade the former Imperial Guard Commander and Minister of the Court, Fu Minghui, to return to Anyang.
Take several Nascent Soul cultivators for protection.”
“Understood,” Xu Ren nodded.
Escorting Xiao Yu to Anyang was Li Xian’s expression of filial piety—after all, she was his mother-in-law and Xia Qingqing’s birth mother. The royal tomb was no longer safe in the chaotic Great Xia.
As for Fu Minghui, he was a talent—at least a capable general. But Fu was proud and stubborn. Even now, he commanded more than ten thousand Imperial Guards, firmly stationed at the royal tomb. Despite offers from Crown Prince of Baofeng County, Third Prince of Guangling County, and even Gao Bin of Songzhou, Fu Minghui remained unmoved.
Now, after a long observation, Li Xian’s interest in him grew. To let such a man go would be a true waste. Considering that Anyang still had over ten thousand former Imperial Guards, Li Xian was brimming with confidence.
Letting Xu Ren accompany Xia Qingqing to pay respects at the royal tomb while accomplishing multiple objectives along the way—Li Xian’s plan was indeed seamless.