Yue Hanshan showed no surprise at Hui'an's question.
"A fine question, Master. Since we have come this far, I might as well speak plainly."
"Ever since Spirit Venerable Xiao-Lord Xiao Canglan-was entrusted with great responsibility by the Immortal Dynasty, appointed governor over both Lingnan and the Southeastern Circuit, granted the Subordinate First Rank as an Immortal Official, given the additional title of Spirit Martial Great General, enfeoffed as a First-Class Duke, and authorized to act at his discretion, he has paid very close attention to... the Gouwu Sea."
Yue Hanshan's voice turned cold. "Why? Because the Gouwu Sea occupies a strategic crossroads! It borders the Southeastern Circuit to the north, faces Southern Yue to the west, and adjoins the Demon Race of the Outer Sea to the east! If this place falls into chaos, the southeastern half of the realm will be unstable; if this place is stable, it can become a wedge that pins Southern Yue down and deters the Demon Race of the Outer Sea!"
"So how important is its geographical position? How could the Immortal Dynasty allow it to remain a heap of loose sand, embroiled in endless infighting?"
"All these years, His Lordship the Spirit Venerable has intended to help the islands of the Gouwu Sea integrate more fully into the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty's system, and perhaps even become part of the territory directly administered by the Immortal Dynasty in the future!"
"Boom-!"
Despite having been somewhat prepared, hearing Yue Hanshan explicitly say the words "become territory directly administered by the Immortal Dynasty" was still shocking enough!
There were simply far, far too many interests and complications involved. For a moment, everyone was somewhat dazed.
Yue Hanshan took in all their reactions. His tone softened somewhat, yet carried even deeper meaning:
"Of course, the Immortal