After examining the corpse on the ground, the newcomer finally reached a conclusion. "That's right. Someone tampered with the wounds. If junior sister hadn't shouted those last words, I really wouldn't have noticed. This was most likely the Vast Earth Empire's doing."
The others frowned at this. "The Vast Earth Empire? Why would they do this? What would they gain?" Though the three top-tier forces were usually at odds, they rarely attacked one another. They knew that once a war broke out, both sides would inevitably end up battered and broken.
Once that happened, the third party would reap the benefits and swallow both sides whole. The Vast Earth Empire's provocation baffled the Profound Ice Sect. By now, however, someone had already spotted the reason.
"Of course they stand to gain. During the last Tidal Eruption, the Vast Earth Empire stirred up a conflict, leaving them with little to show for it and a blow to their reputation. I think they're attacking us to balance out our strength and hinder our development."
After a pause, he continued, "If I'm right, they'll definitely attack the Drifting Flower Pavilion next."
Everyone nearby frowned. They would have been delighted to see the Vast Earth Empire attack the Drifting Flower Pavilion. But what if the empire pinned the blame on them? Given the Vast Earth Empire's nature, they were perfectly capable of doing just that. "What do we do? Just pretend we don't know?" They could not swallow this insult.
The dead expert from the Profound Ice Sect had had quite a few admirers within the sect. One of those gathered here had been particularly fond of her. Now that she was dead, it was already difficult for him to remain calm enough to speak.
"No, of course we're going to settle this, but