Peerless Sage

As soon as Kubana entered, he saw Hu'erlun, whose anger was still unquelled.

Before Hu'erlun could speak, Kubana presented him with a bowl of fragrant, steaming thick soup.

"Sovereign, please have some Spirit Nourishing Soup. Don't rush, there will always be more solutions than difficulties."

Seeing Kubana, an elder, Hu'erlun's expression softened slightly. He took the Spirit Nourishing Soup, sniffed it, and said with a hint of intoxication, "Fortunately, Sage, you understand plant knowledge, which allowed me to recover so quickly. Every time I drink your medicinal soup, I feel full of energy, as if I have inexhaustible strength. Sage, you will become the backbone of the Eagle Alliance."

With that, he held the stone bowl and drank it all in one gulp, smacking his lips as if still wanting more.

Kubana took the empty bowl and placed it on a nearby table. "How can I be the backbone of the Eagle Alliance? For this unprecedented great alliance of humans, you are the only core.

This is beyond doubt. Besides you, no one can stop the years of tribal warfare and curb the endless bloodshed and tears. You are the chosen one, destined to be remembered by all humans.

As for me... I am merely your assistant, not worthy of much attention."

Although Hu'erlun spoke politely, when an elder he respected praised him like this, he was inwardly extremely pleased.

Something called "vanity" was invisibly expanding, and his perception of Kubana became even more trusting.

Hu'erlun waved his hand. "My name will surely be remembered by future generations, and for this, I will rely on you, Sage, to preserve my deeds and widely disseminate them.

This is not arrogance, but what I deserve. Moreover, only in this way can I better spread the correct faith for my Lord Panshen."

Kubana nodded, his gaze clear. "Praise Panshen... You are correct. As a Divine Apostle, your reputation and that of our Lord Panshen are inextricably linked."

Hu'erlun nodded with satisfaction. "I am the only true Divine Apostle! I summoned you, Sage, today to discuss this matter.

The Blazing Flame Tribe has actually imitated us, claiming that their shamans receive the ability to communicate with fierce beasts from the gods, and that they are the divinely chosen tribe!

It's simply absurd!

The Sun God? Is the Sun God someone who controls beasts?

It's a colossal lie!"

Kubana flattered, "Indeed, only you and our Lord Panshen are the legitimate and supreme deities. All others... are merely false gods, fabricated by the Blazing Flame Tribe.

Time will prove everything. Strength and defense are paramount, and the God of War endures forever."

Hu'erlun was delighted. "So Sage thinks the same way! Indeed, the embodiment of the strongest power and defense in the world, the Sun God... If Loserius had obtained flame power, I might have grudgingly acknowledged him.

But communicating with fierce beasts is heresy, a beast-taming ability imagined by shamans. Any human can tame wild beasts. Loserius simply possesses some technology beyond our current understanding.

Just like... you, who were the first to tame a hound-beast cub back then."

Kubana nodded. "That's right, it's a skill that ordinary people can learn, but the shamans of the Blazing Flame Tribe are simply unwilling to spread this technology.

However, for now, before we obtain the same technology, Sovereign, our Eagle Alliance's expansion must be carefully planned."

Hu'erlun agreed wholeheartedly. "You are right. This is what troubles me the most. A mere mortal pretending to be a god can contend with me, a Divine Apostle.

Marching on the Blazing Flame Tribe was my first setback. If we were to engage in direct combat, I couldn't fight so many savage beasts.

The Blazing Flame Tribe has already imitated us and formed the 'Blazing Flame Alliance.' Some tribes in our border regions are wavering.

Sage, do you have any good ideas?"

Kubana smiled. "Of course, I do. Since I have chosen to follow you, I will certainly dedicate my mind to it."

Hu'erlun's eyes lit up. "Sage, tell me!"

Kubana nodded. "First, we need to strengthen our control over other tribes. The Eagle Alliance has expanded too quickly, incorporating ethnic groups with different customs and beliefs. For distant tribes, we lack control.

Therefore, my idea is to dismantle the loose Eagle Alliance and establish the Eagle Empire!

And you will be the first leader of the empire, a divinely appointed person, possessing the 'right to appoint' other tribal chiefs.

Weren't there some tribes earlier that didn't obey your rule? You can directly declare them heretics in the name of the gods, even if you have to fabricate a story.

Then, select those who obey you to serve as leaders of those tribes, strengthening your rule."

Hu'erlun frowned upon hearing this. "But in terms of direct strength, we are no match for the Blazing Flame Alliance. What's the use of this?"

Kubana sighed inwardly, wondering why so few people used their brains.

But he still explained kindly, "Since we are not their match in direct combat, we will not engage them head-on for now. As long as your legitimate authority is solidified, using both benevolence and might, and turning the leaders of major tribes and potential leaders into your people, strengthening control, the Eagle Empire will become an ironclad entity, difficult to shake.

After all, in terms of individual strength, no one in the world is stronger than you. For those tribes that dare to defect to the Blazing Flame Alliance, you can directly punish them under the guise of betraying Panshen.

This way, potential leaders will gradually realize that betrayal only brings bloody consequences, and only by flattering Panshen and you can they gain power."

Hu'erlun clapped his hands. "Excellent, Sage! You're truly something. With this, the leaders of other tribes will gradually become my people.

But...

What if the Blazing Flame Alliance directly declares protection for those who defect?"

Kubana sighed. "Don't you understand yet? The Blazing Flame Alliance, they dare not!"

Hu'erlun frowned. "Why wouldn't they dare? I still don't understand, please explain it more clearly!"

Kubana was speechless. "Didn't I say it? In terms of individual strength, you are an invincible existence. If the Blazing Flame Alliance dares to launch a large-scale offensive or encroach upon your territory, you directly abandon your territory.

Go and raid their home!

Your movement speed is faster than savage beasts. As soon as they launch a major attack, you directly charge into their stronghold from the flank and slaughter!"

Hu'erlun finally understood completely. He looked at Kubana with admiration, exclaiming, "With Sage here, the Eagle Empire will endure forever! I understand. Even if we can't win against the Blazing Flame Alliance in direct combat, we won't fight them head-on!"

As long as they fear my existence, they won't dare to encroach upon our territory in large numbers!

Strength, speed, defense first – these are my advantages!

According to the Sage, as long as the empire's ruling power is strengthened, even tribal groups who are outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant won't dare to rashly side with the Blazing Flame Alliance!

So, our advantage is actually greater than the Blazing Flame Alliance's!

Because our people would never dare to rebel, and the Blazing Flame Alliance wouldn't dare to launch a full-scale invasion. Once the situation is stable, we can turn the tables and gradually encroach upon the enemy's territory!"

Kubana nodded with satisfaction and said, "That's right. Sometimes, advantage and disadvantage aren't as simple as they appear on the surface. If we mobilize all our resources, we won't be any worse off than the Blazing Flame Alliance."

"Mhm, mhm!"

Hu'erlun agreed, "The Sage is indeed wise. However, I still have one question. My tribe... is gone. If certain tribes don't obey us and we need to send people to take over, who should we send?

Besides the Sage, I don't have anyone I truly trust anymore."

Kubana's gaze was subtle. "You can let my tribesmen go. My tribesmen have an excellent reputation among many tribes and are easily accepted. They also obey my commands.

At that time, under the guise of spreading my newly discovered survival knowledge to their tribes, and occupying the legitimate position, I believe it will only take some time to control the Eagle Empire.

And as long as they believe in you and worship the Panshen deities, no one will have any ulterior motives."

Hu'erlun frowned and thought carefully.

It seems...

It's really like that!

The Sage is right!

As long as he stays by my side, those sent out won't rebel.

As for anything else, Hu'erlun didn't think about it.

Because it's unnecessary.

Strength!

My strength is right here!

Why would such a good person as the Sage be so out of touch as to rebel?

Even if he did rebel...

He's right beside me, I can take him down at any time!

Thinking of this, Hu'erlun admired the Sage even more.

Amazing!

After interacting with the Sage for so long, even I have become smarter!

I originally couldn't foresee the consequences of power struggles, but the Sage's guidance made me realize, what if, perhaps, it's possible that the Sage might also have a chance to rebel?

But this chance is very small, almost negligible!

Because if the Sage wanted to become the Sovereign, he could have, years ago, with his reputation, built his tribe into the largest tribe on this continent, perhaps forming a tribal alliance system years ago.

But the Sage never did that; instead, he selflessly shared knowledge, bringing humanity the power to drive away beasts and bringing them light.

This is enough to show that he has no ambition for conquest!

Furthermore, even if he did, so what?

He's always by my side!

He can't run away. As soon as he shows any sign, with my speed and endurance, I can easily cut him down in the midst of thousands of soldiers!

At this thought, Hu'erlun's admiration for the Sage swelled like never before.

He even blamed himself, thinking how could he have suspected such a good Sage, such a pioneer for all of humanity.

Next time, he wouldn't be so petty and measure the Sage's intentions with his own narrow mind!

He must treat the Sage as a true elder, like a father!

Only then can he wholeheartedly help me conquer this continent!

Hu'erlun withdrew his thoughts and said solemnly, "Good! Everything will be as the Sage says. The Canghuang Continent will forever remember your contributions. You will become the first legend below the gods and the chosen one! Even I, the chosen one, am willing to always follow your teachings!"