First, we can step in to help the royal family eliminate troubles. Surely the emperor has matters that are difficult to handle; if we take action, the situation will be different.
Second, we can serve the royal family. For instance, we can cultivate heirs for the royal family or provide battlefields, which are particularly needed by them.
Third, we can collaborate with a certain prince. Of course, we must be extremely cautious when choosing whom to serve; otherwise, there could be endless repercussions.
Additionally, we can change our perspective and first identify who our adversary is—who exactly is opposing us. We can frame them for our issues and put them in a precarious position. I believe what we do will not attract the emperor's attention; it must be a certain prince or minister whose interests have been harmed. As long as we identify this person, there will definitely be a way to deal with them.
Finally, let's discuss how to leverage power to expand ourselves.
Recently, a prince approached the Warrior's Pavilion and requested that you do not ally with us. This indicates that the Warrior's Pavilion has already caught their attention. However, if we understand the opposing sides of these individuals, we can artificially create problems by exploiting their conflicts, thus creating opportunities for both sides to support you. This should not be difficult to achieve. In this way, it would be hard for the Warrior's Pavilion not to grow.
Huangfu Jiayin's thoughts and strategies left everyone present in shock. As a small gang, they actually considered trading with the royal family and using its power to strengthen themselves—what bold thinking! But does such a weak sect really have the capital to negotiate with Huangfu?
Luo Fang also began to explore the feasibility of Huangfu Jiayin's proposal. Huangfu Jiayin's words opened a large window for him, greatly expanding his vision. He felt he had grown and gained insight.
The elders of Dao Zhen Sect were once again stunned by Huangfu Jiayin. Each of them silently contemplated various possibilities in their hearts.
After a long while, Luo Fang tentatively asked, "Huangfu Teacher, would you be willing to accompany me to the palace?" After much consideration, Luo Fang finally decided to take a chance; this was an opportunity—a rare opportunity that might indeed allow them to become the most powerful force in Waydao Empire as Huangfu Jiayin suggested.
Huangfu Jiayin pondered and said, "First, let's understand the internal situation of the royal family. Then the Five Factions and Master Luo will hold a meeting together to decide our strategies and bottom lines so that we may take the initiative in negotiations; otherwise, if we are led by others, it would be better not to negotiate at all."
Everyone present nodded in agreement; they all knew that knowing oneself and knowing one’s enemy leads to victory in every battle.
After a month of gathering information, the five factions finally came together to discuss strategies with the Warrior's Pavilion. They ultimately agreed on common negotiation terms.
Luo Fang and Huangfu Jiayin went directly to the palace.
The first target of this visit was the Third Prince of Waydao Empire. It was he who had sent word to Warrior's Pavilion’s Taidou Hall not to ally with the Five Factions of their country.
The Third Prince had been dissatisfied with Warrior's Pavilion for taking nearly two months to respond and thus met with Luo Fang with a cold demeanor and indifference on his face.
Huangfu Jiayin could be seen as someone who is not capable of great things; a person whose emotions are clearly displayed on his face cannot go far in politics. Huangfu Jiayin's evaluation immediately dropped significantly.
The Third Prince completely disregarded Huangfu Jiayin, only speaking to Luo Fang. After all, Luo Fang is the Hall Master of the Warrior's Pavilion Taidou Hall, representing a Major Power.
"What is the result of your considerations at the Warrior's Pavilion? I really can't understand why you would associate with those sects. They cannot bring you any real benefits."
Luo Fang smiled and replied, "Actually, our relationship with them is merely a strategic alliance; there is no deep connection. I'm just unclear about whose interests this will affect."
The Third Prince was not one to keep his composure; he immediately spoke in a reproachful tone, "You may think it doesn't affect others, but in reality, it has a significant impact. It is precisely because I see that your connection with them is not too deep and that you handle matters somewhat detachedly that I wanted to remind you to keep your distance from them."
"Is it possible that Your Highness the Second Prince intends to take action against those sects? I hope Your Highness the Second Prince can clarify so we can gauge our position accordingly," Luo Fang continued to inquire.
"As long as you maintain distance from those sects, you should be fine. Do not deceive yourselves. As for dealing with them, it certainly won't be me; I'm just passing on someone else's message," said the Third Prince, unwilling to reveal the forces behind him.
Luo Fang added, "Currently, we have some business collaborations with the Dao Zhen Sect. If the Dao Zhen Sect were to be destroyed by others, it would definitely affect our interests, and we cannot agree to that."
The Third Prince pondered for a moment before saying, "Rest assured, even if they are destroyed, your interests will absolutely be protected, and you will gain even more."
"Your Highness the Second Prince, you know that I am merely the Hall Master of the Warrior's Pavilion Taidou Hall. If my incompetence or mishandling affects the interests of the Warrior's Pavilion, I will face punishment. Therefore, I hope to have certain guarantees to ensure our interests are not harmed." Luo Fang pressed for information about who was behind this, laying the groundwork for their next move; otherwise, how could they proceed without knowing who their opponent was?
The Third Prince coldly snorted, "Are you implying that you do not trust me, Master Luo?"
Luo Fang quickly responded, "It is not a matter of distrust towards Your Highness the Second Prince, but rather concerning our interests. Since this matter does not involve Your Highness the Second Prince, naturally you would not act as a guarantor. If someone were to question me about who forced interference in our affairs, it would be difficult for me to answer. Since you are conveying a message on behalf of someone else, please let me know who it is so I can understand what they are after and whether it will affect our interests."
The Third Prince snorted again in displeasure and said, "Do you really want to ask me how to act?"
Luo Fang firmly insisted, "We at the Warrior's Pavilion are also a Major Power in the Dragon Python Celestial Domain. Not just anyone can command us. Even if someone wants to command us, we must consider whether they have enough weight. So please, Your Highness the Second Prince, do inform me of the truth; otherwise, we will find it hard to comply."
At this moment, Luo Fang held great admiration for Huangfu Jiayin. He firmly believed that even if difficulties arose, Huangfu Jiayin would be able to turn the tide. Thus, he completely relaxed in his conversation with the Third Prince, setting aside any concerns.
The Third Prince did not expect that Luo Fang, like a stubborn piece of meat, would insist on knowing who was behind this. He felt quite frustrated. A mere Hall Master of the Warrior's Pavilion was not something he took seriously; however, since Luo Fang mentioned the interests of the Warrior's Pavilion, it put him in a difficult position. After all, the Warrior's Pavilion was an extremely powerful force; even the Waydao Empire Your Majesty had to treat them seriously—something these princes could not easily offend.
The Third Prince pondered for a moment before making up his mind. "Master Luo, if you truly want to know the reason, I will tell you. The world is on the brink of chaos, with external forces aggressively entering our Dragon Python Celestial Domain. The situation is critical and could erupt at any moment. Therefore, both the Nanshan Sect and the Nanyue Sect are establishing branches in every empire to strengthen the overall power of the Dragon Python Celestial Domain and protect our thousands of years of heritage from being seized by these external forces. My request from you is to clear the path for their future."
Luo Fang was suddenly taken aback. Could it be that the Nanshan Sect and the Nanyue Sect really intended to establish branches in every empire? This was a monumental matter. Were these two top-tier powers planning to gather all resources under their control, leaving no room for other sects? Did they truly want to turn the Dragon Python Celestial Domain into their own backyard with the power of the heavenly court?
At that moment, Huangfu Jiayin spoke up. She coughed lightly and said softly, "Your Highness the Second Prince, the aggressive expansion of the Nanshan Sect and Nanyue Sect in various empires is not a good thing for your royal authority. I believe Your Highness would not want to see such a scenario come true."
The Third Prince's eyes widened as he noticed a delicate-looking young man with red lips and white teeth, who spoke cautiously. He looked at Luo Fang in surprise, and Luo Fang understood his meaning and introduced him: "This is Huangfu Gongzi, a friend of mine. He has insightful views on the current situation; perhaps Your Highness would like to hear what he has to say."
"Oh," the Third Prince became curious. For a long time, no one from the martial world had discussed major affairs with him, so he was eager to learn Huangfu Jiayin's perspective on the state of affairs. Moreover, Huangfu Jiayin's earlier comments had struck a chord with him.
Seeing that the Third Prince showed interest, Huangfu Jiayin continued, "In today's Dragon Python Celestial Domain, there are two major sects, six great halls, and eight great families. Do you agree, Your Highness?"
The Third Prince was momentarily taken aback and didn't know how to respond since Luo Fang was present; he felt it inappropriate to say too much.
Huangfu Jiayin said, "The two major sects dare to oppose the heavenly court in name and advocate for the people, but in reality, all major powers know that they are backed by the heavenly court. Thus, they are merely representatives of the heavenly court in the Dragon Python Celestial Domain.
As for the six great halls and eight great families, they must compete annually to determine their rankings. During this time, the two major sects can leverage their superior positions to manipulate the competitions, ultimately allowing factions that align with them to rise and secure positions within the six great halls and eight great families. It can be imagined that after tens of thousands of years, all six great halls and eight great families will become affiliates of these two sects. The entire Dragon Python Celestial Domain will be subordinate to them.
Currently, there are already powers allied with these two sects occupying positions among the major powers.
If these two sects truly unify the Dragon Python Celestial Domain, their next target will be each empire. Any empire that does not heed their commands will surely become their target for overthrowing. It is said that everything happening in the Songyang Empire is related to behind-the-scenes maneuvers by the Nanshan Sect; I believe Your Highness has heard about this."
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