On the outermost waters of Starfall Lake, an ordinary, inconspicuous little boat bobbed gently with the waves.
Several figures had gathered aboard, each with a deep, restrained aura and a faint haze of damp water vapor swirling around them.
At their head stood a young woman with fine, crystalline scales growing along both cheeks. She narrowed her eyes as she gazed at the uproarious scene in the distance.
"They are being this flamboyant and arrogant. The Southeastern Province's confidence this time is truly overflowing," a voice said softly, carrying a hint of amusement.
"They have the capital to be arrogant," another voice replied, steady and calm. "In past clashes between the two regions' prodigies, their strengths had been more or less evenly matched. But this time, the number of people in the Southeastern Province who have forged their Dao Foundations is dozens of times greater than in the Northern Heavenly Domain. Not only that, they have figures presiding over them who have reached Gang Condensation, Baleful Refinement, and even Astral-Baleful Unity. With such an overwhelming advantage in strength, of course they are confident."
After a brief silence, the scaled young woman slowly spoke, her cool voice like pearls falling upon a jade plate. "So our Eastern Sea Aquatic Race has decided, in principle, to cooperate with the Northern Heavenly Domain?"
"Mm." The first speaker nodded. "The Southeastern Province's edge is far too sharp now. It must be checked. However, the higher-ups' intentions are clear—we must wait until the Northern Heavenly Domain has completely fallen into a disadvantage and reached the end of its road before offering aid. Only then can we firmly grasp the initiative in this cooperation."
The Southeastern Province was brimming with confidence, sharpening its blades and waiting to use Jiang Xuan as a sacrificial banner. The