In less than an hour, the spies from the Net returned, bringing with them a great deal of news about the Xinma Empire.
"Your Majesty, according to the information leaked from them, they should be a powerful maritime nation in the southern seas, about a thousand kilometers away from us."
More than a thousand kilometers!
A glint of light flashed in Lin Yi's eyes. He hadn't expected this Xinma Empire to come from such a distant place. He couldn't help but mutter, "So it's located in the South Sea. No wonder Zhou Yu and Sun Jian couldn't find it; they were looking in the wrong place!"
He divided the sea area into four large sea areas, with the Central Continent where Great Liang was located as the center, surrounded by the East Sea, West Sea, North Sea and South Sea.
This Xinma Empire was clearly located in the South Sea, which explains why Sun Jian and Zhou Yu couldn't find them.
After all, they searched and explored in both directions, without venturing deeper into the surrounding area, so naturally they couldn't find this Xinma Empire.
Furthermore, this distance of over a thousand kilometers is no joke. Modern ships travel at a relatively slow speed, unlike the powerful ocean-going vessels of later generations, so crossing this distance is not so easy.
But here's the question: how did they find Great Liang in the first place?
Lin Yi looked at the woman beside him and said in a deep voice, " Xuan Niao, have you found out how they found us, and whether they are friend or foe?"
The spies of the Net organization are divided into Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow, and Demons and Monsters. The woman is the best among them, the third in Net Heaven Character Number Three, codenamed Xuan Niao. After Wang Yue left, she was the one responsible for following him.
With her delicate and perceptive mind, she could accurately complete the tasks assigned to her, and she would certainly be able to find information about the enemy as well.
Xuan Niao nodded and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, according to the information I have received, the Xinma Empire should not be hostile. Although they have been very high-profile along the way, they have not taken the initiative to provoke anyone from my Great Liang. They are obviously not here to cause trouble."
According to rumors, the other party seems to have connections with the Moses Empire, and should be related to them!
Rumors?
A smile flashed in Lin Yi's eyes. This was the first time a group of foreigners had come to Great Liang. They didn't have that many rumors. At most, they were just asking for directions, or perhaps they were deliberately spreading information to test the waters.
However, since the other party shows no hostility, the situation becomes somewhat delicate.
The only possibility is that I blocked the reinforcements from the Moses Empire, which caused the Great Liang Navy to be exposed and thus allowed them to find me.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but laugh and said, "This Xinma Empire is either a match for the Moses Empire, or it's a pathetic wretch being rubbed into the ground by the Moses Empire."
However, given how high-profile the other party has been all along, it's more likely that the former is the case!
The Xuan Niao's eyes lit up, and it immediately realized that this made a lot of sense.
If Xinma Empire were countries that were being thoroughly humiliated, they wouldn't be so high-profile; they should be in a very miserable state, since they don't have the strength to be so outspoken.
Only an opponent would have such confidence in their strength, so it's highly likely that the other party is here to form an alliance.
Thinking of this, she couldn't help but ask curiously, "Your Majesty, does this Xinma Empire want to form an alliance with us to attack the Moses Empire together?"
"An alliance?"
Lin Yi shook his head slightly, showing little interest in the matter. He smiled and said, " Great Liang doesn't need allies, but if they are useful enough, I might give them a chance."
To be honest, he never believed in so-called alliances; frankly, it's just a way to fool himself.
Just like the Great West Empire back then, they demanded an alliance right away, but in the end, the other side didn't say anything and directly sent troops to help the Frostwest Empire. This so-called alliance was simply too fragile.
I am destined to conquer the world, so allies will become potential rivals in the future, and there is no need to help my rivals.
Of course, sweeping the world will take time to process, so if this Xinma Empire has enough influence, it might be possible to play a two-against-one game with them.
I could try it myself and experience two empires fighting against the Moses Empire; just thinking about it sounds wonderful.
The Xuan Niao, though bewildered, felt a sense of awe and silently mourned for the Xinma Empire.
The other party specifically sought out allies, unaware that they had inadvertently exposed themselves to the Emperor—a hardly a wise move.
After hesitating for a moment, she whispered, "Your Majesty, the other party has just arrived at the Foreign Affairs Residence of the Court of Diplomatic Reception Ceremonial, claiming to be preparing a gift for you, so I'm afraid they will not be able to enter the palace today."
"Huh?"
This surprised Lin Yi. Why was this gift only prepared after arriving in Great Liang? Shouldn't it have been prepared much earlier?
Something's fishy!
Suddenly intrigued, he chuckled, " Xuan Niao, let's go on a clandestine visit today and see these foreigners from the South Sea! I heard you're skilled in disguise, so give me a makeover!"
He was very curious about the foreigners in this world and wondered what was going on. It was still early today, so he decided to go and take a look.
" The Xuan Niao obeys!"
Upon hearing the order, Xuan Niao nodded and quickly went down to prepare.
Before long, Lin Yi had already disguised himself and left the palace gate without alerting anyone else.
Thanks to Xuan Niao's disguise, even if acquaintances were to meet him in person, probably no one would recognize him as the current emperor; they would only think he was some young master from a wealthy family out for a stroll.
"Wow, that kid's really handsome!"
Looking at himself in the mirror, Lin Yi couldn't help but become curious, pinching his sideburns and looking at his skin, before finally letting out a sigh of admiration.
Traveling in this state is simply carefree!
This Jade-Faced Little Flying Dragon looks incredibly flamboyant; he's clearly a spoiled brat. Who would recognize him?
puff!
Upon hearing the Emperor's narcissistic words, Xuan Niao, disguised as a maid, almost burst out laughing, her usually aloof demeanor crumbling. In all her years, this was the first time she'd ever seen someone so confidently praising themselves.
And to make matters worse, this person was actually the emperor! That's unbelievable; who would believe it if you told them?
Lin Yi, unaware of her thoughts, laughed and said, " Xuan Niao, your craftsmanship is truly superb. I am very satisfied. Go find Zhao Gao to claim your reward later, and choose one from the Jiazi Treasury!"
This kind of technical skill isn't something everyone can do. Since we have such talent, we must reward them.
Jiazi Treasury!
Upon hearing this, Xuan Niao's face lit up with joy. The Jiazi Treasury was full of treasures, and if he could get one, it would definitely strengthen his power.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Haha, this is truly amazing skill of yours! Now nobody recognizes me, this is what you call traveling incognito!"
Lin Yi waved his hand!
Let's go!
The two instantly got into character, a young master and a maid entering Yong'an City.