Chapter 244: A Good Idea
“…A draw, huh?”
Meanwhile, Bai Ming, who also received the news, fell into deep thought.
“The Demon Cult suffered heavy losses, but fortunately, the goods were saved. It seems the Holy Kingdom was caught off guard by our cooperation with the Demon Cult.”
“From this perspective, the Holy Kingdom likely won’t have time to prepare for a second attack; this shipment should arrive safely.”
“The real problem is, what do we do next?” Bai Ming sighed, rubbing his forehead.
It wasn’t just about dealing with the Holy Kingdom.
The Demon Cult faced significant setbacks this time; with Young Master Sang’s personality, there’s no way he wouldn’t want a hefty share cut from this.
The mere thought of Young Master Sang coming to demand an explanation made Bai Ming’s head throb even more.
Sure enough, not long after, he noticed a message from Young Master Sang, asking to discuss this matter officially tomorrow.
Ah, what a shame about the materials he’s just acquired; he didn’t even have time to jot down all the overflowing inspiration.
Sometimes he really wished he could just kick back and be a carefree light novel writer instead of this flashy commerce association president gig.
Take it slow.
First, get this batch of goods to its destination and ease the local crisis.
If Young Master Sang really does ask for a large cut, it’ll just have to hurt a little.
After all.
Bai Ming knew better than anyone that this was only the first confrontation between the Holy Kingdom and the Demon Cult. Both sides were still in the probing stage, not fully prepared.
Next time is where the real showdown begins.
If the Demon Cult backs down now, all his hard work would go to waste.
He couldn’t help but wonder what that woman on the Holy Kingdom’s side would think…
Bai Ming glanced out the window, a hint of worry in his expression.
——
——
In the direction of Bai Ming’s gaze.
Thousands of mountains and rivers away stood an imposing fortress nestled among the peaks.
The capital of the Holy Kingdom, Tianlang City.
Deep within the grand palace, which was magnificently decorated, there were a group of seven or eight people gathered around a large desk.
At the back of the desk lounged a perfectly composed woman, her expression neutral.
With her dignified demeanor and striking beauty, the most eye-catching detail was her black dragon robe adorned with gold filigree.
At that moment, she rested her head on her hand, lazily saying, “…So you’re saying.”
“That this time, you all lost?”
The middle-aged general in front of the desk immediately knelt in apology, “Your Majesty, spare us! The opponents this time brought in powerful reinforcements who cooperated seamlessly, unlike the hired cultivators in the past.”
“In particular, there were several troublesome cultivators on their team. Even our Tianlang Wei, despite fighting to a standstill, couldn’t seize the goods. I underestimated them.”
“Your Majesty,” someone else chimed in, “Tianlang Wei has confirmed that the reinforcements the Floating Splendor Commerce brought in are indeed the rising force of the Demon Cult.”
The woman’s brows raised slightly.
“The Demon Cult… the new power in the holy land?”
“Exactly,” the man replied respectfully, “It’s said that the sect leader, Hua Jianglian, recently ascended to the Great Ascendance stage, and there is rumored to be an ancient demon cultivator within who has re-emerged. They’ve become quite a sensation.”
“If the Floating Splendor Commerce really collaborates with the Demon Cult, we should consider this matter regarding Linzhou carefully.”
Her expression remained calm as she tossed out a simple question, “What do you all think?”
An elderly official spoke up, “Your Majesty, in my opinion, while Linzhou is prosperous, it’s not worth offending the two major powers of the Floating Splendor Commerce and the Demon Cult. Moreover, without the Floating Splendor Commerce, Linzhou wouldn’t be where it is today. Even if we brought Linzhou under the Holy Kingdom, we might not gain anything. It would be better to negotiate again with the Floating Splendor Commerce’s leader. If we can establish a friendly relationship, it would benefit the Holy Kingdom in the long run.”
“Hmph! If we follow your advice, wouldn’t that mean the Holy Kingdom bows to these merchants?”
“Have you forgotten you’re a part of the Holy Kingdom? Have you lost track of our dignity over the years?”
Another general, with a square face and dark skin, snorted, “Your Majesty! The Holy Kingdom hasn’t shown its face for years, leading these local bullies to become increasingly arrogant and disrespectful.”
“A mere Demon Cult, just because they’ve had one rise to Great Ascendance, dares to oppose the Holy Kingdom?”
“I implore Your Majesty to send a decree to the Demon Cult. If those rogues remain obstinate, I’ll personally lead a team of Tianlang Wei and crush this Demon Cult!”
“General, no! The fall of a Great Ascendance cultivator is exceedingly difficult. If we don’t eradicate them completely, we’ll have a Great Ascendance cultivator constantly watching over us, and the Holy Kingdom may never know peace again!”
“What are you afraid of? Let them come once, and we’ll fight. If they dare to flee, we’ll wipe out their entire Demon Cult. When did the Holy Kingdom fall to the point that a single Great Ascendance cultivator can ride roughshod over us?”
Watching the ministers bicker incessantly, the woman merely frowned slightly.
She had grown accustomed to such scenes.
Since her ascension, these ministers had never reached a consensus on any matter; every time it devolved into endless squabbling.
Fortunately, at that moment, another deep voice slowly resonated:
“Your Majesty, I have something to say.”
At the sound of that voice, the previously arguing ministers fell silent.
“Chancellor Cao, please speak.”
The man was over fifty but spoke firmly, full of vigor, “In my opinion, while the opinions of all officials make sense.”
“You’ve only just ascended to the throne, and this is a crucial moment for establishing your authority. The Linzhou matter concerns the Holy Kingdom’s face; we cannot give in lightly.”
“However, the Demon Cult is a rising force; avoiding a direct confrontation is also a sound strategy.”
“Why not choose a middle path, give a subtle warning to the Demon Cult, and let them understand their limitations?”
The woman half-heartedly nodded, signaling him to continue.
“The sect leader of the Demon Cult is a Great Ascendance cultivator, with their department heads being formidable practitioners. It wouldn’t be easy to address them directly.”
“However, I know that there is a head within the Punishment Department, a silver-tongued fellow who managed to snag the position with eloquence, enjoying high praise in the Demon Cult, yet his cultivation is only at the Foundation Establishment stage.”
“I advise that we send the Tianlang Wei to capture this individual, to show off against the Demon Cult and gauge their response.”
“Capturing a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn’t sever the muscles and bones and wouldn’t instigate a deadly conflict between us.”
After speaking, Chancellor Cao bowed respectfully, waiting for the woman’s response.
Time passed slowly.
The woman on the dragon couch slowly opened her drowsy eyes and softly responded:
“…Approved.”
