Chapter 201: Winds Rising and Clouds Surging

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Tianshui Sect

Since the Shui family reappeared and Mo Lihai returned to the sect, the entire Tianshui Sect has been in a state of great excitement.

The return of the Shui family signals another period of prosperity for the Tianshui Sect.

"Xinyan, remember, when you take the sect disciples to the Shui family, you must quickly integrate into their ranks. If you get the chance, make sure to interact with the patriarch."

In the main hall of the Tianshui Sect, Sect Master Mo Lihai looked earnestly at a group of young people gathered in the center. Leading them was the Tianshui Sect's Holy Maiden, Mo Xinyan.

According to the Shui family rules, every time they reappear, their affiliated forces are allowed to select a group of young individuals to study with them. Those who excel may stay long-term.

Thus, upon his return from the Shui family, Mo Lihai immediately chose these talented young disciples.

"Xinyan will remember the sect master's teachings."

"We will remember the sect master's teachings!"

In the center of the hall, dozens of young people responded respectfully.

Seeing this, Mo Lihai was very satisfied and began to contemplate his next steps.

At the same time, a different scene was unfolding in the Xuanying Sect.

Xuanying Sect Master Xu Mo was leading all the elders to move treasures from the sect's treasury.

"Sanshi, this is your first visit to the Shui family. You must be extremely careful and ensure all our treasures are handed over."

About half an hour later, when the treasury was emptied, Xu Mo looked gravely at Xu Sanshi.

Unlike the Tianshui Sect, which had already gained the Shui family's trust, the Xuanying Sect was deeply worried about their relationship with the Shui family.

To gain their trust, Xu Mo decided to offer all the sect's treasures.

"Sect Master, offering all our treasures might affect our future development," the head elder beside Xu Mo hesitantly remarked.

But before he could finish, Xu Mo scolded him.

"Foolish!"

"These trivial possessions are nothing. The Shui family aims to unify the entire continent. If we gain their trust, we will have no shortage of treasures in the future!"

Xu Mo's tone showed his frustration at the elder's shortsightedness.

Standing higher allows one to see farther. Xu Mo knew that compared to the Shuijia family's trust, these treasures were insignificant.

"Sanshi, do you understand the importance of this mission?"

After scolding the head elder, Xu Mo turned his gaze back to Xu Sanshi.

Xu Sanshi had once been classmates with Shui Wuya and had some interactions with him. This connection was why Xu Mo chose Xu Sanshi to escort the treasures to the Shui family.

"Yes, I understand."

Xu Sanshi nodded blankly, occasionally showing a dumbfounded smile.

Even now, he found it hard to believe that Shui Wuya had become the patriarch of the Shui family.

After all, he used to call Shui Wuya "boss" every day and dreamt of going to the Shui family. Now that the dream had come true, he didn't quite know what to do.

Star Luo Empire, Imperial Palace

Since the return of the Star Luo Emperor, the great hall has been filled with the continuous arguments of the ministers.

"The Shui family is too audacious! Even with Shui Yuanchen's support, our Star Luo Empire has endured for thousands of years. How can we easily submit to them?"

In the great hall, after a long period of debate, a white-haired elder suddenly stepped forward, speaking passionately to the Star Luo Emperor.

"The Chancellor is right! The Shui family is too arrogant, wanting to unify the entire continent, disregarding our Star Luo Empire. This is intolerable!"

"Your Majesty, I request permission to lead 200,000 troops to guard the border. I implore you not to submit to the Shui family. If they invade in a month, I will fight to the death!"

The ministers voiced their concerns one after another, and the hall's atmosphere reached a peak.

However, at this moment, Xu Jiawei, seated on the dragon throne, looked at his ministers and sighed inwardly.

He knew all too well the dominance of the Shui family. As the ruler of the Star Luo Empire, he wished to preserve this millennia-old legacy.

Yet, compared to the Shui family's superpower, what did the Star Luo Empire amount to?

"I need some time alone. You may all withdraw."

After several moments, Xu Jiawei sighed softly. He ignored the ministers and walked down from the throne, leaving the hall.

The ministers looked at each other, their excitement fading, replaced by confusion.

Shortly after the assembly, Xu Jiawei returned to his study alone.

Gazing at the imperial seal on his desk, he reflected on the Star Luo Empire's glorious history. A glimmer of light appeared in his weary eyes.

Submit or perish? That was the question.

As an emperor, Xu Jiawei naturally did not want to submit, but given the current situation, what choice did he have?

His dim gaze fell on the dust-covered history books of the Star Luo Empire on the shelf. For some reason, he felt compelled to learn more about the Shui family. He walked over and began to read the heavy volumes.

…

Thousands of years ago.

Shui Wuya and Shui Bing'er returned to their island in the vast ocean.

As soon as they arrived, Dean Feng brought them urgent news.

"According to reports from the continent, the Wuhun Empire launched a war ten days ago to unify the land. Three days ago, the Tian Dou Empire's emperor mysteriously ordered an unconditional surrender to the Spirt Empire."

In the palace hall, Dean Feng shared all the information he had with Shui Wuya and Shui Bing'er.

Upon hearing this, Shui Wuya raised an eyebrow.

The Spirit Empire had initiated the war earlier than he had expected, but the Tian Dou Empire's surrender was within his calculations.

After all, the current emperor of the Tian Dou Empire was none other than Qian Renxue, disguised as Xue Qinghe.

"Wuya, what should we do?"

Shui Bing'er naturally turned her gaze to Shui Wuya. By now, she was accustomed to his presence.

"The Shui family forces will remain silent for now. We will respond according to the situation. I will make a decision after I return from a trip."

Shui Wuya did not make an immediate decision, but a plan to support the Star Luo Empire was already forming in his mind.

(End of the Chapter)