Several months later, senior figures from all sides gathered at the Cloudthunder Sect's headquarters in Cloudview Heaven to discuss Cloud Province's military and political affairs.
Once all the reports had been compiled, the situation looked grim indeed.
"The underworld and local markets have now all been taken over by Puppet Masters, who are eating further into our resources."
"What deserves particular attention is that they have begun changing their strategy, promising to protect the interests of the local inhabitants."
"The aristocratic clans and powerful families originally stationed across the region have begun trading with them, and are even selling our military intelligence!"
The Puppet Masters' invasion of Cloud Province was comprehensive. After the Insect Swarm had rampaged through the land and demonstrated their strength, humans capable of negotiation took the stage. Secret agents and spies from every side traveled back and forth frequently, negotiating cooperation with those whose resolve had begun to waver.
Backed by Materialized Heaven and acting with explicit authorization, these people won the support of local aristocratic clans by promising to safeguard most of their interests.
Although the Great Powers had yet to act and the outcome of the war remained unclear, leaving almost no diehard advocates of surrender, those sitting on the fence had already begun to stir.
In troubled times, there was never a shortage of people who thought themselves clever and tried to bet on both sides.
"These people are especially hateful. I would dearly love to kill them and be done with it, but blindly suppressing them could backfire and harden their resolve to join the enemy instead."
"Our first task is to give the local populace confidence. Punishment will have to wait until we settle accounts after the harvest."
"Exactly. Our immediate priority is to keep them steady. If all else fails,