After pondering for a moment, Lin Tingzhi turned around and advised Chen Yu, "Chief Executive, the Origin Xia envoys do not seem anxious about this matter. Then there is no need for us to rush an answer either. We can have Fellow Daoists Yun and Zhu relay certain information, making them believe that we are deadlocked in disputes over this proposal. That way, we can keep delaying."
Wei Tingzhi agreed. "Lin Tingzhi's proposal is sound. This is precisely what Origin Xia hopes to see. We can also fabricate the appearance of internal strife, making them think we are attacking one another. Then they will be even less likely to act rashly or rush to see a result. Instead, they will wait until we have exhausted ourselves internally before coming to clean up the mess."
Chen Yu looked toward Wu Tingzhi and asked, "Wu Tingzhi, you spoke face-to-face with the Origin Xia envoys on this trip. What is your view on this matter?"
Wu Qingxu said gravely, "This can delay matters, but it still leaves us passive, merely placing our hopes in the envoys' thoughts. Wu believes Celestial Xia should not be so conservative. Since Origin Xia has sent envoys here, we might as well request to visit Origin Xia ourselves. That would allow us to better understand Origin Xia and prepare for the war to come."
Chen Yu nodded, then looked at Zhang Yu. "What is Zhang Tingzhi's opinion?"
Zhang Yu said, "In my view, we must act both within and without at once. I also support what Wu Tingzhi has said. Even if we temporarily conceal our way past this hurdle, it only proves that Origin Xia possesses strength great enough that it need not care about such matters. Even if it makes a mistake, it can bear the