As Alia's mind churned in turmoil, a familiar voice rang out.
"Mother." Lin Chen's voice came from the other end of the corridor.
Alia hurriedly stood up, patted down her robe, and pretended nothing was wrong.
But Lin Chen had already walked up to her and looked into her eyes.
"Father isn't here. What will we do in three days?" His voice was heavy with worry.
"The puppet can't go. It has no intelligence to speak of and would be exposed easily."
"I know," Alia said. "If it goes, it'll be exposed. Once word gets out that your father isn't here, Black Mountain may act directly."
"But if we don't go, we definitely won't be able to keep the Witch Crystal Mine. It would also be a slight against Black Mountain, and he'd still have an excuse to cause trouble."
Lin Chen bit his lip and thought for a moment.
"Then we'll say Father has entered seclusion to break through the Second Ring bottleneck and cannot be disturbed. We'll send a steward with gifts and wait until Father comes out of seclusion to discuss the Witch Crystal Mine."
"As long as the news spreads, Black Mountain won't dare offend a Second-Ring Martial Master over the Witch Crystal Mine. By then, once I break through too, two One-Rings won't have to fear one Second Ring."
"No. If we do that, it will only make Black Mountain act sooner!" Alia said.
"He won't pass up the chance to strike at an enemy who is in seclusion to advance. He'll definitely make a move in secret. If we're exposed then, the family may be doomed."
"Your father advanced late and has never reached the Peak of the First Ring. If he suddenly claims to be advancing now, Black Mountain definitely won't believe it."