"The other point concerns the long-term security of our human race. Do you know about the Grand Canal jointly operated by the Asura Race and our human race?"
Xu Caiyi nodded. Of course she knew. It was a symbol of peace and prosperity between the two races, often praised by all races.
"The canal's navigation has indeed brought mutual benefits."
But Xu Buwan's tone sank, carrying a trace of barely perceptible gravity.
"Yet in recent years, the undercurrents beneath its surface have long changed. On the surface, the Asura Race has honored the agreement, maintaining trade and enjoying peace and prosperity. But in secret... according to the intelligence gathered by your sisters-in-law, the Asura Race has been quietly mobilizing elites and transporting special supplies under various pretexts. Taking advantage of the canal, they have continuously infiltrated deep into human territory.
"Their movements are covert, usually disguised as merchant caravans, travelers, or exchange delegations. Even when some clues are discovered, they dismiss them as 'individual actions' or 'isolated incidents,' leaving us unable to seize solid evidence or openly tear off all pretenses and strike back with thunderous force."
Xu Caiyi's little face gradually tightened. Though she did not directly participate in political affairs, she had been born into the Xu family and raised around Yang Yao and the others. She instinctively understood the danger lurking behind words like "infiltration" and "smuggling troops under cover."
"What... are they trying to do?"
"Nothing more than building up leverage and waiting for an opportunity."
Xu Buwan's voice turned slightly cold. "The current peace and shared prosperity may merely be the prelude to future clashes of arms.
"And this Grand Canal... once something changes, it will turn from a 'Golden Waterway' that links our lifeblood into a 'High-Speed Military Route' aimed straight at our heartland.