They Have Arrived

"Is everything done?" As they exited, Han Shu couldn't wait to ask. 

Mo Qingkuang nodded, "All the personnel matters are handled. Now, it's up to how the one inside thinks." 

"..." Han Shu was speechless. Mo Qingkuang's words weren't wrong, but they felt unreliable. 

Could a sixth-grade array and a few plants really sway the Holy Envoy to their side? That would be too easy. 

It's understandable why he felt this way. Mo Qingkuang's actions didn't directly state that Tianxuan was poor and weak; in fact, there was even a hint of pride. 

The Holy Envoy was special because of his unparalleled talent, and thus, his treatment was also exceptionally lavish. 

The environment provided by Tianxuan wasn't poor; it had a certain level of class. Compared to the general members of the Holy Land, it wasn't much different. 

This way, the Holy Envoy wouldn't find it too outrageous. However, having grown up in luxury, he couldn't understand how a great empire like Tianxuan had such a thin foundation. 

Combined with the Holy Land's instructions to maintain balance, it was natural for him to side with the weaker party. 

"Let's go, report back," Mo Qingkuang stretched. He had been bowing and scraping for so long that he was already irritated and couldn't wait to leave this place. 

Especially with that old man Liu Qing, who always stared at him sinisterly, making him feel constantly on edge. 

*** 

After Mo Qingkuang and Han Shu left, Lan Xiao led the old man to a room to sit down. 

The old man raised his hand, and a strange wave spread out, enveloping the entire room and forming a soundproof area. 

"Domain Lord Liu, what do you think?" Lan Xiao asked. 

The old man was named Liu Qing, a seventh-rank Martial Emperor, and Lan Xiao's protector. He was also one of the domain lords under Penglai Immortal Island, overseeing thirty-six sea areas, equivalent to a high-ranking official. 

This time, Lan Xiao was representing Penglai Immortal Island, ostensibly in charge, but it was actually a training experience for him. 

The one who could provide decisive advice was Liu Qing. 

Of course, Lan Xiao was also quite respectful to this protector. 

Liu Qing poured tea for Lan Xiao and himself, then said in a hoarse voice, "Tianxuan Empire is very weak." 

Lan Xiao nodded, "Not only weak but also poor! Look at the setup of this courtyard; even the ordinary disciples on the island live better than this." 

"Tianxuan doesn't border the Demon Kingdom, so it lacks sources of spiritual herbs. This is understandable. Moreover, professions like alchemists and craftsmen require fire, which the Blue Flame Empire has an inherent advantage in. Tianxuan can't compare in this aspect," Liu Qing nodded. 

"Therefore, they have no advantage in economic trade. Coupled with the Blue Flame Empire's targeted blockade against Tianxuan, their national power has further declined." 

"And the War for the Sacred around five hundred years ago depleted Tianxuan's high-level forces. According to reports, Tianxuan can't even control its four major sects. Of the five regions, only the Central Province listens to their commands, making them countries within a country." 

Liu Qing had some understanding of Tianxuan's situation and explained it to Lan Xiao. 

Lan Xiao frowned, "So, the so-called Tianxuan Empire is really just the Central Region?" 

"You could say that" Liu Qing nodded. 

"Before we left, Master instructed us to maintain balance. Domain Lord Liu, what do you think this means?" Lan Xiao asked again. 

Liu Qing smiled, "The Holy Envoy already has an answer in his heart, so why ask?" 

Lan Xiao nodded, "I have some thoughts and would appreciate your guidance." 

"I believe Master's mention of balance refers to maintaining a balance of power between the Blue Flame Empire and Tianxuan Empire. Only when their strengths are close will it be easier for the Holy Land to control." 

"Hmm, continue," Liu Qing looked approvingly at Lan Xiao. Lan Xiao was exceptionally talented and diligent in his cultivation. If all went well, he was almost certain to be the next Lord of Penglai. This trip was to train his ability to handle matters and think like a leader. 

Lan Xiao continued, "Tianxuan has been weak for hundreds of years with a thin foundation, vastly different from the Blue Flame Empire. If it weren't for the restraint of the Holy Lands, the Blue Flame Empire might have annexed Tianxuan long ago." 

"No, if Tianxuan hadn't discovered the spy in their ranks this time, the Blue Flame Empire might have launched a blitzkrieg and annihilated Tianxuan. At that point, with the War for the Sacred imminent, our Holy Land would have had no choice but to accept the Blue Flame Empire's unification of the human race," Liu Qing corrected, shaking his head. 

Upon hearing this, a trace of disgust appeared in Lan Xiao's eyes. Growing up in the Holy Land, he had been indoctrinated with the belief that the Holy Land was supreme and that the secular world was insignificant. 

But now, this insignificant Blue Flame Empire intended to deceive the Holy Land with a fait accompli, which was unforgivable. 

In Lan Xiao's mind, he had already decided to severely penalize the Blue Flame Empire and help the Tianxuan Empire rise again to a level capable of contending with the Blue Flame Empire. 

Thinking of this, Lan Xiao said, "Tianxuan Empire lacks vast resources and high-end combat power, and it can't even control its own territory." 

"When demanding compensation from the Blue Flame Empire, money and land are useless. It's best to obtain high-grade pills to help the Tianxuan Empire's upper echelons quickly improve their strength. Whether to counter Blue Flame Empire or in the War for the Sacred, these can be useful." 

"The Blue Flame Empire prides itself on its alchemy and has an exceptionally rich reserve of pills. Among them, several are the foundation of the Blue Flame Empire!" Liu Qing interjected at the right time, "These are the Emperor Ascension Pill, the King Sealing Pill, and the Venerable Breaking Pill!" 

"These three pills respectively help martial artists at the Martial Venerable, Martial King, and Martial Emperor levels to break through their realms with higher success rates, forming the basis of the Blue Flame Empire." 

At this point, Liu Qing fell silent. 

"Domain Lord Liu, are you saying we should undermine the Blue Flame Empire's foundation to reinforce Tianxuan Empire's foundation?" Lan Xiao's eyes lit up. 

"Exactly. I believe that spirit stones and spiritual herbs are not what Tianxuan Empire urgently needs. These pills, which can help break through realms in a short time, are the best choice," Liu Qing affirmed. 

"If that's the case, how should we determine the quantities?" 

"Let's initially set it at ten Emperor Ascension Pills, twenty King Sealing Pills, and one hundred Venerable Breaking Pills. What does the Holy Envoy think?" Liu Qing pondered for a moment and then spoke. 

"That many?" Lan Xiao's eyes widened. "How could the Blue Flame Empire possibly agree?" 

These are the foundations of the Blue Flame Empire, and asking for more would shake their very core! The materials for these pills are extremely rare, and the Blue Flame Empire's stock should be limited. 

Liu Qing's demands seemed excessive, and the Blue Flame Empire would undoubtedly refuse. 

Liu Qing stroked his white beard and said, "If we don't leave them some leeway, what will we gain?" 

"We...we?" Lan Xiao was stunned, even more puzzled. 

Liu Qing slowly stood up, opened the door, and said meaningfully, "They've arrived..."