Since retreating from Jibei Province last time, the Old Imperial Household had made no further moves. Compared with Great Shun, they lacked both resources and high-level forces, leaving them on the defensive in their prolonged standoff.
The Old Imperial Household lacked the strength to launch an offensive. To preserve their existing borders, they could only carry out diversions and acts of sabotage.
By that reasoning, they were likely to take similar measures this time. After all, as Skyline advanced, more Central Cities would surely join, strengthening the Great Shun Kingdom. That was certainly not something the Old Imperial Household wanted to see.
Jibei Province was where Skyline had originated, so it would be no surprise if the Old Imperial Household targeted it. The question was how. And how much of a role could this Hidden Treasure or rift play?
"Let me say a few words," Qiao Weiting said. "I don't know exactly where this rift is, but from a military standpoint..."
He tapped his World Token, bringing up the locations of the Three Mountains in Jibei Province.
"Zhang Mountain lies to the north, Clip Mountain to the southwest, and Xie Mountain to the southeast," he said. "They enclose Yangzhi, leaving an opening only to the south.
"If a rift appears anywhere in the Three Mountains, the Old Imperial Household need only occupy Yangzhi City, then seize the other two mountains as well, to secure an excellent position that's easy to defend and difficult to attack."
The Security Team members' expressions grew grave. Yangzhi City had a large population and an established industrial base. Roads connected it to the other counties and cities, and its relatively clear waterways made transportation convenient. The Three Mountains also contained numerous fortress complexes left over from the Great Exploration. If occupied, the area would become