"Send secret messages to every Lineage in Chess Mountain. Now that our Guangyun army stands at your borders, ready to crush you beneath its thunderous might, those who wish to live and preserve their foundations must name the instigators behind the Myriad Heavens Marketplace and surrender evidence of their crimes..."
Li Chen set down the secret letter and immediately ordered Heavenly Pivot to send his reply.
He knew his reply was all bullshit, but some people simply loved swallowing that sort of thing.
Chess Mountain had enjoyed peace for so long, sitting back and raking in wealth. Their comfortable days had lasted far too long and been far too sweet.
They had long taken all of this for granted and lost any drive to advance. Once faced with the threat of losing it, they would lose their heads.
Some would find their composure amid the chaos, gradually steady themselves, and turn to resistance. Others would only appease and surrender, not daring to face a fearsome army.
Such a mindset had nothing to do with strength. As long as someone lacked courage in their heart, it would reveal itself.
Besides, Li Chen had already given them ample justification: staying alive and preserving their foundations.
Perhaps some Lineages would even feel that they were doing this not to save their own lives, but to protect Chess Mountain's people and their ancestral foundations.
How rational and levelheaded they were!
After finishing, Li Chen pondered briefly, then said to Heavenly Pivot, "Send a secret message to Grand Artisan Meng. Brother, you are a Grand Artisan of your region, a hero risen from the Underworld. How could you suffer humiliation at the hands of mere servants and die alongside ordinary beasts in the stable? My attack on Chess Mountain has gravely offended you, but I