A heavy sense of an impending storm hung among the senior ministers in Zichen Hall. The imperial military and political conference had lasted an entire morning.
Chen Yu sat high on the Nine Dragons Throne, his fingertips tapping unconsciously against the armrest. Hua Country's next strategic objective was to unite every nation in the West Blue. Arceus's primal power over order allowed him to sense clearly the profound changes taking place in the land beneath his feet, as well as the distant gazes filled with scrutiny, apprehension, and even malice. The World Government, the remaining powers of the West Blue, and even those monsters in the New World would not stand by and watch a unified West Blue emerge.
"Your Majesty," Xun Yu stepped forward, holding his jade tablet, and reported in a steady, forceful voice. "The policy of 'a common script and standardized wheel gauges' has been in effect for several months. Elementary education and Imperial Road construction across the commanderies and counties are now on track. However, the Ballywood Kingdom has joined forces with Saint Poplar, Winsor, Mano, and Illusia. Envoys have been traveling frequently between these five nations of late, and incidents of friction at sea have risen to more than ten this month, thirty percent more than last month."
Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and continued in a clear, composed voice, "This is a sign that the Anti-Hua Alliance is taking shape. They fear Hua Country's rise and have therefore joined forces to protect themselves. Yet their interests are entangled and their internal conflicts numerous. They are by no means a united front. I believe their actions demonstrate precisely that our policy of lying low has begun to bear fruit-if Hua Country were still displaying its full strength, they might already have joined forces