A game of strategy

Dongfang Wanrong nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over Ji Xuan's shoulder before looking at the people in the hall.

At the same time, Nalan Tianlu's voice echoed in his mind:

"Those eight people are rather strange; their auras are as if they were all one, seemingly extraordinary yet not quite."

After a quick assessment, Dongfang Wanrong understood who the "eight people" Nalan Tianlu was referring to were, because they were all wrapped in the same black robes.

"What beautiful twins." Liu Hongmian scrutinized the sisters, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes.

She considered herself an exceptionally beautiful woman, even among the many beauties in the Wan Hua Lou sect, her appearance was outstanding.

Neither of the twin sisters in front of her could amaze or surprise Liu Hongmian, but when the twins stood together, it was as if a qualitative change occurred.

In particular, one is charming and the other is aloof, complementing each other perfectly.

The people in the hall shared a similar attitude with Liu Hongmian; they were all amazed by the twin sisters.

This includes the aloof young man Xu Yuanhuai, Qi Huan Danxiang of the Gu Clan in Southern Frontier, and the White Tiger of the Demon Race.

Dongfang Wanrong looked at Ji Xuan and asked with a charming smile, "And who are you, sir?"

"My name is Ji Xuan, son of the City Lord of Qianlong City."

Ji Xuan cupped his hands in greeting.

Dongfang Wanrong already knew what kind of place Qianlong City was from her teacher Nalan Tianlu, and nodded slightly.

She led the followers of the East Sea Dragon Palace into the courtyard, had them line up in the courtyard, and then she and her sister, Dongfang Wanqing, went into the hall.

"Greetings, Two Vajras."

The two sisters bowed respectfully.

"My two young masters, we meet again."

Dongfang Wanrong greeted Jingxin Jingyuan with a smile.

After everyone had exchanged greetings, Ji Xuan took over the conversation, saying:

"The general situation has been explained by the spies of the Heavenly Mystery Palace in their secret letter. What questions do the two Palace Masters have?"

Dongfang Wanqing remained silent, while her elder sister, Dongfang Wanrong, spoke:

Why are there two dragon-like auras appearing in the Martial Arts Alliance?

It is a very strange phenomenon that two of the nine dragons appeared in the Martial Arts Alliance at the same time.

Jingxin clasped his hands together and guessed, "Perhaps it's due to the mutual attraction between dragon energies."

Dongfang Wanrong frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the answer.

At this moment, Xu Yuanshuang said calmly:

"It's not that dragon energy attracts each other; dragon energy is a kind of fortune, and it has its own consciousness. This consciousness is not the kind of spiritual consciousness we understand, but more like a Principle heaven and earth."

"Fortune is formed by the convergence of the people's will, so the dragon's energy will instinctively seek out people with excellent reputations or objects that are worshipped to reside in."

"The Jianzhou Martial Arts Alliance has an excellent reputation and plays a role in maintaining order. Coupled with the background of its former leader, which force do you think has the best chance of vying for supremacy in the Central Plains should there be no interference from external forces and the Central Plains descend into chaos?"

Without a doubt, it's the Martial Arts Alliance.

Dongfang Wanqing asked, "No, I encountered many treacherous people during my process of collecting dragon energy."

Xu Yuanshuang thought for a moment and said:

"First, human nature is complex; even a gambling addict might possess the qualities of an emperor. Second, throughout history, how many of those who have become kings or emperors have been honest and upright individuals?"

"If the dragon's aura chooses its master based on personal character, then throughout history, no founding emperor has been qualified."

Dongfang Wanqing fell silent, but Liu Hongmian frowned instead.

"Why didn't the dragon energy choose to reside in Xu Qi'an when it dissipated? In terms of reputation, he is stronger than anyone in the Martial Alliance."

Xu Yuanshuang said calmly:

"Because it was originally scattered, the dragon energy was formed from the condensed fortune of the Central Plains. After it was scattered, it naturally returned to the Central Plains."

Dongfang Wanrong nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. She scrutinized the aloof young woman and said:

"You're a Warlock?"

Xu Yuanshuang remained silent, tacitly agreeing.

Dongfang Wanrong glanced at the crowd from Qianlong City and asked again:

"After the deed is done, how will the dragon's energy be distributed?"

Ji Xuan responded, "Take one from each."

Seeing that Dongfang Wanrong did not refute, he continued:

"How much do the two Palace Masters know about the Martial Alliance?"

Dongfang Wanrong said, "I was just about to ask Young Master Ji for an explanation."

The East Sea Dragon Palace was not located within the territory of Great Feng. For the two sisters, the Martial Alliance was a Central Plains organization with which they had no conflict of interest, so they had only heard of it briefly and knew nothing about the details.

Liu Hongmian acted as the guide, explaining the situation of the Martial Arts Alliance in detail.

The Eastern sisters frowned repeatedly upon hearing this.

Ji Xuan said:

"The martial arts alliance is powerful, so we need to plan this carefully. That's why I invited the two palace masters to meet."

"Then, let's do some deduction."

"First is Cao Qingyang, who is a half-step transcendent being, easily dealt with by the Seven Constellations of the Azure Dragon. However, considering the large number of mid-to-high-level martial artists in the Sword State Jianghu, if we join forces with Cao Qingyang, we can probably only manage a draw?"

He looked at the Azure Dragon Seven Mansions.

A hoarse voice came from within the Azure Dragon's hood. "It's impossible to estimate precisely, but the odds of victory are extremely high."

It's difficult to estimate their combat strength. If the Seven Constellations of Azure Dragon are genuine third-rank martial artists, then even if Cao Qingyang joins forces with all the fourth-rank martial artists in Jianzhou, they will not be able to shake the Seven Constellations of Azure Dragon.

However, our side also took an unorthodox approach, possessing only the combat strength of a third-rank martial artist, but lacking the corresponding defense and flesh-regenerating abilities.

In this case, the margin for error is very low.

Furthermore, it cannot be determined whether the Martial Alliance possesses a combined attack formation for support.

Therefore, we'll only know the truth after the test.

Ji Xuan nodded and said:

"Next is the military town at the foot of Quanrong Mountain. An army of 20,000 men is enough to wear down a fourth-rank soldier. In the Battle of Shanhai Pass, many fourth-rank soldiers died from exhaustion."

Baihu pondered for a moment and said, "Choosing Quanrong Mountain as the battlefield would be ideal, as it would effectively curb the cavalry's advantage. Moreover, fighting in the mountains allows us to utilize the terrain to create rolling stones, which would be a devastating disaster for ordinary soldiers."

Qi Huan Danxiang then said:

"I can manipulate poisonous insects to wreak havoc and poison soldiers and ordinary gang members. However, with just a few of us fourth-rank officials, no matter how many methods we have, we are still not enough."

As a martial arts force that has dominated Jianzhou for six hundred years, how could a mere few fourth-rank officials possibly handle them?

"We're definitely not the main force."

Ji Xuan smiled and said:

"The old leader of the Martial Arts Alliance has been in seclusion for many years. I have received reliable information that his current condition is extremely poor and he is no longer a concern. But we need to be wary of someone else."

"A terrifying opponent."

Apart from the two Vajra warriors, the expressions of everyone present changed in different ways.

Ji Xuan's team was mainly filled with fear; Jingxin and Jingyuan looked somewhat gloomy; and the Dongfang sisters were full of resentment.

That's the guy who stole their man.

Seeing the expressions on everyone's faces, Ji Xuan knew he didn't need to explain, and said in a deep voice:

"Xu Qi'an is a Transcendent Realm cultivator, but he is no longer at his peak. His combat strength can be estimated to a certain extent. The strength he displayed outside Yongzhou City should not be weaker than Cao Qingyang's."

"After the Arhat of Compassion was captured, his seal should be further lifted; conservatively speaking, he might just reach the third rank."

"His cultivation level is nothing to worry about; a Vajra cultivator could easily suppress him. However, the people he might be involved with are a major headache. For example, Luo Yuheng, and the Heavenly Sect."

Xu Yuanhuai frowned. "My father's superstitions say that Luo Yuheng most likely won't make a move. As for the two Yang Gods of the Heavenly Sect, their whereabouts are elusive and unpredictable."

Liu Hongmian looked at the Dongfang sisters and said with a half-smile:

What are the two older sisters' trump cards?

An elderly man with white hair and a white beard floated above Dongfang Wanrong's head, calmly looking down at everyone in the hall, and said gently:

"If the Heavenly Sect's Yang Spirit appears, I will deal with it."

Nalan Tianlu, Jingxin, and Jingyuan felt a chill run down their spines. The two Vajra behind them exchanged a glance, their expressions also turning grave.

Ji Xuan tentatively asked, "Rain Master Nalan?"

The old man smiled and nodded.

Ji Xuan exhaled:

"Then I can rest assured."

"Actually, the two Yang Gods of the Heavenly Sect couldn't possibly follow Xu Qi'an. Their intervention last time was probably just a coincidence."

He guessed right.

"Furthermore, Xu Qi'an may not be in Jianzhou right now, nor may he know that the Jianzhou Martial Alliance has two dragon auras. We are only taking precautions. Compared to devising a flawless plan, I believe our primary task is to achieve a swift victory."

Ji Xuan spoke eloquently and clearly, "We will storm Quanrong Mountain with lightning speed and destroy the Martial Alliance. Then we will eradicate all the affiliated sects."

Martial Arts Alliance.

Cao Qingyang has been in a state of anxiety and unease these past few days. His last attempt to visit the ancestor failed, so the next day, he sent someone to the capital to confess the matter of the dragon aura to the Bureau of Astronomy.

The reason is simple: dragon energy is clearly a treasure, possessing miraculous effects beyond what ordinary people can comprehend.

Wang You had already confessed that he had spread the information before he was captured.

Sooner or later, the officials from the Bureau of Astronomy will come to demand an explanation and reclaim the dragon's energy.

No matter how arrogant Cao Qingyang was, or how strong the Martial Alliance was, they didn't have the confidence to challenge the Bureau of Astronomy.

Since that's the case, it's better to be honest, so there's room for negotiation. For example, will extracting the dragon's energy endanger the lives of the children?

At the same time, he also sent a secret letter to Xu Qi'an through a messenger, hoping that he could mediate between them.

Sun Xuanji returned to the Bureau of Astronomy, but instead of going to the Eight Trigrams Platform to see the Director, he went to find Song Qing.

The alchemy fanatic is leading his fellow apprentices in research, currently working to refine a metal that is light and soft, yet possesses formidable defensive capabilities.

This effectively reduced the soldiers' burden during marches, allowing them to sleep more soundly while on high alert.

Furthermore, it could even be manufactured into vests in the future, giving cavalry both superior mobility and the ability to contend with heavy cavalry.

However, Song Qing failed; the experiment only worsened his dark circles.

Song Qing felt a tap on his shoulder, so he put down the vessel in his hand, turned around and saw that it was his second senior brother who had returned.

"Senior Brother Sun, you're back!"

Song Qing turned her head back, fiddling with the metal lump as she said:

"Yesterday, a martial arts expert claiming to be from the Martial Arts Alliance came to the Bureau of Astronomy, saying that there was a dragon energy host within the Martial Arts Alliance. I remembered that you have been collecting dragon energy, so I used the sound transmission conch to inform you."

He spoke calmly, as if he were talking about a random cat or dog on the street.

Sun Xuanji nodded and was about to leave when Song Qing quickly called him back:

"Wait a moment.

"A while ago, before Master Jianzheng passed away, he gave me something and asked me to pass it on to you."

As he spoke, he called out to the other Alchemist in the alchemy room:

"Where is the National Protection Sword? Where is the National Protection Sword?"

The white-robed Warlock looked at each other, indicating that they hadn't seen anything.

Sun Xuanji caught a glimpse of a white-robed Warlock holding a brass sword, poking at the embers in his Pill Furnace with it, and shaking his head as he replied:

I didn't see the National Protection Sword.

Song Qing retorted angrily, "Xu Fu, isn't that what you're holding? The mighty national treasure sword, you're using it as a fire poker?!"

The white-robed Warlock looked down and was greatly surprised:

"Ah, it's been here for so long, I'd completely forgotten about it."

"Senior Brother Song, didn't you yourself use Master Jianzheng's Heavenly Secrets Plate as a table leg? How dare you criticize me?"

Sun Xuanji looked down and, sure enough, the Supervisor's Heavenly Secrets Plate was pressed against the table leg.

The Heavenly Secrets Compass is a Law Treasure, but it lacks self-awareness and has never developed sentience. Master Jianzheng said that objects used to deduce and probe heavenly secrets cannot possibly develop sentience.

So even if you throw it into the latrine, the Heavenly Secrets Plate won't object.

But what Sun Xuanji was curious about was that the Zhenguo Sword had a spirit. It was the sword of the founding emperor, which had suppressed the fate of the nation for six hundred years. When did its temperament become so gentle?

"Oh, the Imperial Astronomical Observatory has sealed it. Remember to unseal it later, but don't do it in the Bureau of Astronomy."

Song Qing said.

Sun Xuanji took the Zhenguo Sword and immediately understood Song Qing's meaning.

A faint consciousness came from the Guardian Sword:

"Destroy them."

In the courtyard, Cao Qingyang stood with his hands behind his back, scrutinizing Cao Chun as he vigorously wielded his sword.

The seven-year-old boy wielded a wooden sword with incredible skill and agility. No one who saw this would believe that he had only started practicing this Swordsmanship yesterday.

Dragon energy is indeed a treasure. If it could remain in Chun'er's body, his achievements would only surpass mine. Cao Qingyang quickly dismissed this thought.

More than his son's success, as a father, he hoped his child would be safe and sound.

He hoped that the people from the Bureau of Astronomy wouldn't be so unscrupulous, and that Xu Qi'an would arrive at the Martial Alliance after receiving the secret letter. He suddenly turned his head and looked behind him, only to find that a figure in white had appeared there sometime earlier.

"Warlock? Someone from the Bureau of Astronomy. They mean no harm." Cao Qingyang's eyes flickered as he said.

"Chun'er, go back inside."

Cao Chun stopped and looked at his father with a puzzled expression. "Yes."

He acted as if he hadn't seen the man in white and went straight back.

Cao Qingyang cupped his hands and asked, "May I ask your esteemed name?"

The white-robed Warlock stared intently at him: "Sun"

Half an hour passed, and Cao Qingyang received no further news.

His surname is Sun? He only gave his surname, not his name; the Warlock of the Bureau of Astronomy are indeed arrogant and haughty. Cao Qingyang bowed respectfully.

"Mr. Sun, I am aware of the matter of the dragon's aura. May I ask how you intend to handle it?"

He waited for a long time, and what he got was:

"The mystery."

The well-informed Cao Qingyang was filled with questions. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:

"If we extract the dragon vein, will my son's life be in danger?"

"No!"

"Did Xu Yinluo come along?"

"Without."

Cao Qingyang felt he had gained a preliminary understanding of the Warlock Warlock him. He was extremely aloof and only spoke one word at a time.

"Mr. Sun, could you tell me about the matter of dragon energy?"

Cao Qingyang said, "Furthermore, I would like to take my children to the capital to see Xu Yinluo."

What he was thinking was that Xu Qi'an had to be present to explain the pros and cons.

Cao Qingyang did not trust this unfamiliar Warlock.

Half an hour later, in the study, Cao Qingyang watched the soft brushstrokes flow smoothly across the paper, and a strong sense of satisfaction and happiness welled up in his heart.

Sun Xuanji put down his pen, shook the paper, and handed it to Cao Qingyang.

Cao Qingyang took it and read it intently, his expression growing increasingly grave as he read.

The entire page simply explained the origin of the dragon energy, and Cao Qingyang finally understood why the dragon energy had possessed his children.

After Emperor Yuanjing died, the spirit of the dragon vein collapsed and scattered throughout the Nine Provinces, attaching itself to different hosts.

Furthermore, this Warlock named Sun Xuanji explicitly stated that he could not extract dragon energy; only Xu Qi'an could do it.

This relieved Cao Qingyang a little. He would feel much more at ease if the person who extracted the dragon energy was Xu Qi'an.

What followed was what made Cao Qingyang's expression turn serious.

Currently, the Witch God Cult, the Heavenly Mystery Palace, and the Buddhist School are also collecting dragon energy, and these forces are attempting to seize control of the Central Plains.

Now, it is highly likely that they have already turned their attention to the Martial Arts Alliance.

The ancestor is in a terrible state, fast asleep and unawakened. How can we defend against the enemy? Cao Qingyang felt a heavy weight in his heart.

"Alliance Leader Cao, please prepare to meet the enemy."

Sun Xuanji wrote these words, stood up, bowed, and a clear light shone beneath his feet as he disappeared from Cao Qingyang's sight.

He's going to find Xu Qi'an.

P. S.: As usual, I'm asking for monthly votes.