The Hardliners

Li Lin tapped his fingers lightly on the table in front of him. His face clearly showed impatience.

"Please repeat that again, my dear Princess Shirley."

Although Li Lin's voice was quite calm and steady, Princess Shirley inexplicably felt a chill run down her spine.

"If I heard you correctly, you're saying that those small countries that were once bullied by the Five-Nation Alliance are planning to sign an agreement with me?"

"..."

Princess Shirley didn't answer Li Lin's question. She lowered her head, drenched in sweat, staring at the floor before her. At the same time, she cursed those damned bastards inwardly! Were these guys out of their minds or just plain stupid? They actually dared to set their sights on the Magic Empire!

The matter began simply. After Princess Shirley traveled to those small countries as instructed by Li Lin, many of them were quite interested. However, they proposed a condition that put Princess Shirley in a difficult position: they had to sign an agreement with the Magic Empire to guarantee that their rights to their future territories would not be violated or seized. Of course, if it were just that, Li Lin wouldn't mind. But their subsequent demands were what made his face darken. According to Princess Shirley, these small countries wanted... the Magic Empire to unconditionally acknowledge that all the territory they had conquered belonged to them.

Unconditional acceptance?

Li Lin revealed a cold smile, while Princess Shirley, standing in front of him, didn't dare to even breathe loudly.

Princess Shirley

As Li Lin spoke, he changed his posture.

"To be honest, if you weren't so clever, you would think right now that you're deliberately speaking ill of those countries in front of me and trying to monopolize the interests of our Magic Empire's alliance."

"I absolutely do not have this..."

I know you don't.

Li Lin waved his hand, completely ignoring Princess Shirley's almost pale face as she tried to explain.

"Based on my impression of you, even if you wanted to do this, you should have done it much more subtly. I don't even have the heart to pay attention to such a clumsy trick. But if it's true, then it's even more ridiculous... Fine, I believe that since you dared to come before me and report this news to my face without fear of being killed by me, you must have made corresponding preparations and backup plans."

"Yes, Arcane Mage."

Princess Shirley was finally relieved. She took a deep breath and began to tell Li Lin her thoughts.

In Princess Shirley's view, these small countries had no right or strength to challenge the Magic Empire. Their current actions were merely a test of the Magic Empire's limits. Of course, from Princess Shirley's perspective, this was a foolish move. After all, the Magic Empire wasn't the Five-Nation Alliance; it wouldn't be polite or at least maintain a semblance of respect. Look at what they were doing! Kudel and the Federation were already doomed. Having angered the Magic Empire, it was perfectly normal for them to "accidentally" expand their territory further. The Magic Empire's power was virtually insurmountable, let alone a match for. But these countries clearly hadn't shaken off their old ways of thinking and still intended to treat the Magic Empire the same way they had treated the Five-Nation Alliance.

However, not all small countries are so idiotic.

"The Northlands barbarian kingdom of Serei is a good candidate. Their king has spoken with me privately and assured me that he would agree to all of your proposals, Master. However, he has one small request."

Princess Shirley felt a sense of relief as she finished speaking.

"In fact, these small countries have already begun their offensive on the borders of Lalia, while the situation on the side of Serei is slightly more serious. Their army has been halted at the White Dragon Canyon, a key transportation hub in Lalia, and cannot advance an inch. Serei is an impoverished country in the Northlands mountains, and they desperately need the fertile plains west of Lalia to feed their people."

Li Lin made a gesture, and Nia immediately took out a map. Whether it was due to the pride of the Magic Empire or some other reason, the map they were using was the one drawn during the Magic Empire era, not the one they were using now.

"Here?"

Li Lin looked in the direction Princess Shirley was pointing and pondered for a moment.

"Then?"

"Although the Kingdom of Serei has a small population, it is a formidable nation. The harsh mountains make the men of their country strong and robust, and they possess rich combat experience. I can assure you that a single fighting legion from this country would be enough to wipe out other small nations."

"So?"

Although Princess Shirley had made it very clear, Li Lin obviously didn't like this one-sided hint.

"If you can help the Kingdom of Serei conquer that pesky fortress and assist them in occupying that plain, then the Kingdom of Serei, having tasted the benefits, should know what to do. The same applies to other countries, of course... if they are unwilling to accept such demands..."

With that, Princess Shirley withdrew her hand and remained silent.

Li Lin understood her thoughts, of course.

First of all, even among the small countries bullied by the Five-Nation Alliance, there are still conflicts. According to Princess Shirley, this country called Serei is obviously a poor and impoverished small country that desperately needs to acquire more territory to feed its people, which is certainly not wrong. Moreover, this urgency obviously makes them not care whether the land they occupy belongs to the Five-Nation Alliance or not—as long as it is land, that's enough.

When it comes to national interests, the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" is utter nonsense. If it weren't for the fear that the Five-Nation Alliance would cause trouble and invade, then Serei would probably have already wiped out those small countries around him to support his own people. Now that times have changed, Serei naturally has to change his policies and, at the same time, take some benefits from it.

However, Li Lin naturally didn't believe Princess Shirley's words. He felt that the princess seemed to be hiding something, as if she wasn't being sincere. But he quickly understood why. Although the Sea-Encircled Country had become a loyal vassal of the Magic Empire, they hadn't gained any real merit in serving it. They were basically just cheerleaders, adding to the Magic Empire's prestige. In actual combat, they couldn't do anything to demonstrate the Magic Empire's power or strike its enemies. The Kingdom of Serei, on the other hand, was much more savvy. Li Lin couldn't spare the time or energy to pay attention to those short-sighted small countries. So, the Kingdom of Serei could simply use the banner of "for the Magic Empire" to teach those countries a lesson, naturally winning the Magic Empire's favor. Politics is sometimes like children's fights; it's just a matter of who wins in the end. The Kingdom of Serei itself knew that it was impossible to confront the Magic Empire, so it was better to establish good relations sooner rather than later.

The Kingdom of Serei is not very large.

Compared to Princess Shirley, Li Lin clearly trusted Catherine more. At this moment, Catherine was standing in the spot where Princess Shirley had just stood, but her expression was noticeably more confident than Princess Shirley's.

"I've heard of that country before... Come to think of it, that country seems to have some connection to your Magic Empire, sir."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Li Lin was slightly surprised, then looked at Nia nodded.

"Relationship? What relationship? Could it be that Arcane Mage had an illegitimate child and then ended up abroad?"

"Of course not."

Catherine explained with a smile.

"This is just a rumor. This country is relatively new, and as you know, the Northlands are desolate and uninhabitable. Even the City of a Thousand Towers offers some shelter from the wind and rain. Then one day, suddenly, this country appeared... well, not exactly suddenly. Perhaps the Five-Nation Alliance was simply too lazy to pay attention to those barren and troublesome borderlands. So when they heard from traveling merchants that a new country had suddenly appeared in the Northlands, these officials were undoubtedly astonished. Needless to say, while the Five-Nation Alliance wouldn't lower themselves to befriend a new country, they sent envoys to flaunt their authority and observe the new nation's situation. However, what these officials didn't expect was that their envoys were thrown out of the palace the moment they introduced themselves to the king. According to the rumor, the king seemed furious, even ordering the envoy to deliver a message to the Five-Nation Alliance: they were forbidden from ever appearing on their land again, or he would kill them all."

"The Five-Nation Alliance shouldn't be so weak as to simply do whatever the other side tells them to do."

Hearing this, Li Lin smiled.

"Of course not. Although there were proposals to send troops at the beginning, the environment of that country was simply too harsh, making it extremely difficult to attack. Moreover, even if we did attack, we probably wouldn't gain anything. So the final decision of the Five-Nation Alliance was to blockade the country's border trade, intending to let them starve to death inside. Because the terrain there is full of rocky mountains, and even wild animals are quite rare, it's simply not a habitable place. So the Five-Nation Alliance's idea was that as long as the border was blocked, they would eventually apologize and surrender to the Five-Nation Alliance."

However, the Kingdom of Serei was truly resolute. Even though this made their lives even more impoverished, not a single person in the entire kingdom wavered. The King of Kingdom of Serei even made a stern statement, saying that even if all his people starved to death, he would never yield to the Five-Nation Alliance.

The Five-Nation Alliance was quite frustrated by this response. They couldn't figure out why they had provoked such a deep grudge. After all, it was just a newly established small country. Why did it seem like they were mortal enemies? Finally, someone said, "Could these guys be remnants of the Magic Empire?" And from then on, this country and the Magic Empire seemed to be inexplicably linked.

"Of course, this is just a rumor."

Nia picked up where Catherine off and continued.

"I've also traveled to that country, but I didn't see anything related to magic. Besides, their king was just an ordinary person who didn't know anything about magic."

I see.

Just then, a clear, crisp sound rang out.

"I hope you will agree to this condition, Arcane Mage."

With that sound, everyone felt as if the world before them suddenly jolted and shook, and then the figure of the Lady of Secrets appeared before them.

"What happened? I thought you wouldn't interfere in other countries' internal affairs."

As the saint gazed at the goddess before him, Li Lin's expression also turned solemn. After all, arriving here without using a special teleportation device indicated that the situation was extremely urgent.

"Because the people we need are there."

Whether it's a habit or just a quirk, the Goddess of Secrets still speaks in a way that's unclear and ambiguous.

He will be a very important figure among us.

Is that all?

Although there were many uncertainties in the Lady of Secrets's words, Li Lin had, after all, owed her a favor.

We hope you can help him.

The Lady of Secrets's words, as always, left people puzzled, but for Li Lin, that was enough.

"And..."

The Lady of Secrets's eyes looked so deep.

"Never forget your mission, Arcane Mage, remember your duty."

"I think I can't refuse, and I won't refuse. And I'll never forget."

In response to the Lady of Secrets's words, Li Lin spread his hands.

He certainly hadn't forgotten his duty. A victory wasn't simply about restoring the Magic Empire; he also needed to use the Great Book of Law to return the chaotic world to its original state. The key to this, of course, lay with that damned God of Justice. His presence had merged with and broken down the barriers and boundaries between divine powers—something Li Lin desperately wanted to avoid. He had to reverse the entire situation and eliminate all potential threats in one fell swoop.

Although the true meaning behind the Lady of Secrets's words is still unknown, it seems that going is unavoidable.

Should we send the Scourge Legion?

Nia had already sensed the decision Li Lin was making from his expression, and in fact, she didn't think Li Lin would reject it.

"Unnecessary."

Li Lin shook his head.

Since they are undead, it's best to avoid fighting alongside humans; it would only lead to pointless rumors.

"I've seen Yi Aier's new weapons; they're quite impressive. Perhaps this is a good opportunity for practical application... Let them do it. Those mages who have regained their physical forms haven't left here for a long time; it's time for them to see what's happening outside. Of course, I'll go too; I still have a slight interest in that country."

As he spoke, Li Lin looked at Catherine.

How are your plans going?

"Very smoothly, Master."

Catherine smiled, radiating confidence.

"Aside from that little democratic farce, at our call, powerful adventurers and warriors from Lalia and Kudel have gathered on our territory. Furthermore, some of our former vassal states have also dispatched warriors and troops, attempting to join the United Government in resisting the Magic Empire's attack. I have personally witnessed these warriors; they are young, brave, and possess rich combat experience and considerable energy. Now, they too have assembled, awaiting the Temple's orders, ready to defend against any potential attack from the Magic Empire."

A single spark can start a prairie fire, because the scattered sparks are simply too numerous to extinguish one by one.

However, once everyone is together, the task becomes much easier.

"Now, resistance forces from across the continent have gathered around the United Government, Master."

Catherine proudly raised her head, gazing at Li Lin with unwavering confidence.

"Given the right opportunity, we can absolutely annihilate them in one fell swoop! Let the glory of the Magic Empire return to this land!"

Li Lin's goals extend beyond this.

"The God of Justice will surely appear again."

He said in a deep voice.

"Right now, he, like me, is gathering strength, awaiting the moment of final battle. Even you, my Holy Maiden, cannot possibly know everything he intends to do. I don't know what the God of Justice's ultimate trump card is, but I'm worried that a situation like that of a thousand years ago might occur again. An army that is unafraid of death and the Book is a cause for concern wherever it is, unless I have a way to eliminate all the resistance, but that's clearly not going to be easy at the moment."

God of Justice.

This deity is shrouded in mystery. Now Li Lin is certain that he is not the "God of Justice" at all; he merely claims to be so. The death of the old paladin completely shatters this lie. The divine authority of the God of Justice has never belonged to this God of Justice. Now, Li Lin doesn't even know what he truly is. It is precisely because of this that Li Lin analyzes everything with utmost caution. He cannot allow himself to take unnecessary risks again and fail once more.

He needed to figure out exactly what this God of Justice was and what kind of power he possessed.

This time, we must succeed.

This is not only for me, for the Magic Empire, but also for the innocent people who died.

"Catherine, you are my most important pawn. Do everything you're supposed to do."

"Yes, Master, I understand your meaning."

Catherine nodded; the pendant on her chest was emitting a mesmerizing glow.