"Woo--"
As the deep steam whistle blared, one steel warship after another left the harbor and slowly sailed toward the pitch-black Nether Sea.
At the harbor.
Some in the light, some in the shadows.
Countless people watched the fleet depart.
"Did they agree?"
At the Longevity God Church, the priest quietly knelt before the idol, holding a scripture and praying in a low voice.
Behind him.
Stood a man dressed in the same black robe.
He wore a mask.
The difference was.
The man's mask was white, while the priest's was silver.
"No."
The priest calmly finished his prayer before turning around and saying unhurriedly, "They don't trust us. They were very hesitant about the plan to take the initiative and counter-encircle the Celestial Association."
"In the end, they didn't agree."
"Aren't they afraid?" the man asked curiously. "Whether they cooperate or not, the Celestial Association will attack them."
"If that's the case."
"I can't think of any reason not to cooperate."
"Could it be that they don't believe the information you provided, and think the Celestial Association's attack is a fabricated rumor?"
The priest held the scripture.
He pressed both hands against his chest.
His tone was calm as he said, "No, they believe my information."
"They believe the Celestial Association is planning an attack."
"But they aren't willing to cooperate."
"Hmm?" The man grew even more puzzled. "Why is that?"
"I don't know."
The priest said indifferently, "But we can make a guess."
"In this world."
"There are always things happening that make people feel they are inconceivable. Not because they truly are, but because there are sources behind them that we don't know about."
"For example."
"The place they're going is sensitive."
"It doesn't wish to be disturbed."
"And going to a sensitive area requires making complete