In the early morning, at the imperial post station of the capital.
Song Zining rose early and made his way to the Ministry of War. With his current rank, he now had a rather spacious office in the coveted space of the Ministry, complete with a dozen or so dedicated personnel.
One advantage of working in the Ministry was that he could see all the battle reports first, keeping a finger on the pulse of the entire Evernight world.
Entering his office, before he even sat down, his adjutant came to report a visitor.
Song Zining instructed the visitor to be led to the meeting room, took a moment to browse through the day’s news, then entered the meeting room.
Seated within was a spry, young-looking general, not much past thirty. He stood to give a military salute, then said, “I am Zhang Zhao, serving under the command of the Stabilizing King.”
Realizing the visitor was from the Stabilizing King, Song Zining nodded, gestured for him to take a seat, and then seated himself in the main chair.
Zhang Zhao said, “The King has a matter requiring your assistance.”
“Since the King is concerned, it must be of great importance. Speak freely.”
Zhang Zhao replied, “This matter is of utmost significance. The King did not provide written instructions but gave me this commission for you to review.”
As he spoke, Zhang Zhao took out a document and handed it over.
Song Zining first checked the seal, then opened the envelope, drew out the paper, and after reading it carefully, nodded. “To receive a handwritten commission from the King shows great trust. Very well, what does the King require?”
Zhang Zhao continued, “This matter also concerns Qian Ye. Although in the previous battle, Qian Ye perished along with Nighteye, there are still some loose ends that need to be dealt with.”
“Which loose ends need addressing?”
Zhang Zhao observed Song Zining’s expression, noting no change, and then said, “The King mentioned that Qian Ye, despite his short time, built a formidable foundation. Even though he is gone, his legacy remains and cannot fall into the hands of the Evernight. The first item is the Ancestral Hall. This national treasure must be retrieved at all costs.”
Song Zining said, “The Ancestral Hall is elusive; no one can predict its whereabouts. After Qian Ye’s departure, it vanished. How do we find it?”
Zhang Zhao explained, “No matter how mystical the Ancestral Hall, it still requires human control. According to my information, tens of thousands of soldiers are stationed there. These people must return to the surface, and their most likely destination is Bibo City in Yongsu.”
After a pause, seeing no reaction from Song Zining, Zhang Zhao continued, “Our investigation shows that the soldiers in the Ancestral Hall are divided into three groups: native humans from Yongsu, werewolves from the Emerald Sea, and the main force and backbone are from the Darkflame Mercenary Corps of the Neutral Lands. Currently, the primary strength lies with Carol, who hails from the Frost Lightning Temple in the Neutral Lands. Therefore, in the matter of the Ancestral Hall, the King believes you have a natural advantage. Please consider the greater good and do not decline.”
“Are you asking me to go to Yongsu, eliminate my old subordinates, and seize the Ancestral Hall?”
Zhang Zhao, sensing the disapproval, hurriedly added, “Not necessarily. If they are willing to abandon darkness for light and serve the Empire, that would be best, and they can be generously rewarded.”
Song Zining’s face darkened, and he sneered, “Are these the King’s words, or yours? If this is all the King sent you to say, you may leave. I will personally inquire about this matter with the King. I, Song Zining, am not one to be trifled with!”
Zhang Zhao, startled, quickly stood up and bowed, “Please calm down, General! I do not know where I have offended you, but I beseech you to forgive me.”
Song Zining’s eyes narrowed, and he said coolly, “There is nothing more to say. That is all.”
Zhang Zhao hesitated, then gritted his teeth, “There are some words the King instructed me to convey only after you agree. However, I will reveal them now. But do not mention this to the King, or I will be in mortal danger.”
“Go on.”
“The King said that if you put in a significant effort, he will arrange a new legion number for you, allowing you to integrate your old subordinates from the Neutral Lands. All human mercenaries can be granted legal status in the King’s territory, becoming Imperial citizens. You and the King can share the territory and benefits of Yongsu. Defense of the region can be handled by the King’s trusted men. If necessary, the King will intervene personally.”
The foundation Qian Ye left in Yongsu was significant, far beyond ordinary Imperial vassal states. Even half of it would be vast, not to mention the prosperity and wealth of Bibo City. If leaderless, the land would eventually revert to its fragmented state, and with the Peak of Clans’ presence, humans might be driven out soon. Only the King’s protection could secure this land.
Song Zining’s expression softened slightly, “That sounds reasonable. Is there anything else?”
Zhang Zhao inwardly cursed, realizing that even with his high reputation, Song Zining was swayed by the offer. Still smiling, he lowered his voice, “However, the King has a small condition.”
Song Zining’s face turned grim, “What condition?”
Zhang Zhao smiled, “It is not a burden. The King has several granddaughters, including the second and youngest princesses, both beloved and known for their beauty. General, you are unmarried; perhaps you can consider a marriage alliance? It would be a delightful union of two families.”
Song Zining appeared thoughtful, seemingly tempted, but finally shook his head, “I am only in the capital for a few days of rest. Tomorrow, I will leave for the New World. There is no time for this matter.”
“Black Sun Valley will remain peaceful for now. Soon, you can return and address this.”
Song Zining paced, “Yongsu is not just home to humans and werewolf natives. The Peak of Clans is there, making the situation complex. If something goes wrong, I have no troops to respond.”
Seeing Song Zining’s interest, Zhang Zhao reassured, “Do not worry, the King has arranged for this. He will dispatch elite troops and sufficient strongmen to assist you.”
Song Zining nodded slowly, “That is good. But these people need to be sent to Yongsu in advance, to infiltrate and act when the time is right. Traveling together would be too conspicuous. Also, keep it secret! The Peak of Clans has a heavy presence, and if they discover our plans, it would be disastrous.”
Zhang Zhao, invigorated, said, “Of course! I will report back to the King and make the arrangements immediately. When you return from the New World, everything will be ready for you.”
“Thank you for your trouble.” Song Zining bowed to see off the guest.
Zhang Zhao knew the stakes were high, and minimizing contact with Song Zining before the plan’s success was best. Having achieved his goal, he left in haste.
After sending off Zhang Zhao, Song Zining returned to his documents, instructing his staff to retrieve more files. Among them were reports on Qian Ye, other important regions, and various major clans and factions.
If judged by the list of documents, Song Zining was preparing for his new role in the Ministry. Any commander needed to be familiar with the Empire’s military and political affairs.
Having read all the materials, Song Zining ordered his carriage prepared for departure.
—
In the Evernight Council.
The hall of the Round Table still held thirteen seats.
Unlike the usual dynamic atmosphere filled by the great figures, this time, though the hall was full, almost no one emitted any aura.
The attendees were also different. Apart from the Blood Race’s Lightless King, Medanzo, and the Wolf Clan’s Great Overlord, Sossa, the rest were Demonkin members.
On the Chair of the Speaker, a dark, pure shadow lingered, though it exuded no presence, drawing a chill to anyone who paid it attention.
To the left of the Demon Emperor sat the Eternal Flame, Krassus, followed by Mesifeld, Deep Abyss, and Jeluth, leaders of prominent families.
To the right of the Demon Emperor was a very young-looking Great Mage with short, pale golden hair. Below him was the Speaker, still shrouded in his hooded robe, followed by several famous prophets of the Evernight.
Despite the unusual seating arrangement, no one showed any surprise, even the normally status-conscious Medanzo and Sossa, who remained stoic and unblinking.
A Demonkin Prince stood, bowed deeply to the Demon Emperor, and began to report recent battle situations.
Unlike the regular reports, this one was divided into two parts. One part aggregated the participating races and clans into a single total, while the other detailed casualties by clan and region, including a standard deviation not found in public reports. The conclusion indicated that over ninety percent of the regions met the criteria, with the New World achieving 120%.
After the report, the Speaker’s muffled voice came from beneath his hood, “We can proceed to the second phase, setting up observation stations as planned. Increase combat forces by thirty percent in the regions that have not yet met the criteria. The Jeluth and Wallace families will handle the transportation and installation of all exploration facilities, with Master Meri coordinating the prophets.”
“Also, please ensure that the New World’s criterion does not exceed one hundred.” The Speaker glanced at the head of the Mesifeld family.
Parochia, still grieving the death of the Mesifeld’s younger generation, Duke Freyr, glared at Medanzo, “All due to the cunning Bloods. In their territories, our casualties are particularly high.”
Medanzo, without lifting an eyelid, retorted, “Renoir is the Blood Race’s overall commander. You have already protested to him.”
Before Parochia could reply, the Speaker interjected, “The Blue King has specific arrangements. Let’s not discuss it here. As for the Lightless King, how are your matters progressing?”
Medanzo slowly replied, “The Night Queen has returned to her slumber. Unless someone with authority wakes her, she will not concern herself with anything outside the Pas family’s traditional territories.”
The authoritative figure referred to the remaining second-generation progenitors of the Blood Race, currently active: the Blue King Renoir, the Lightless King Medanzo, the Fire Crown Habs, and the Dark Gospel Howard.
Howard, an arch-enemy of Medanzo, had only appeared once since awakening and stayed within the Twilight Continent.
The Speaker pondered, “The Fire Crown…” and looked to the Demon Emperor.
The Demon Emperor said, “I will handle matters concerning him. Avoid the Sparker’s clan castle.”
The Speaker was slightly taken aback, but promptly replied, “Yes.”
Medanzo, showing no change, felt a brief surge of will sweeping over him, a warning from the Demon Emperor.
“Lastly, the Eye of Control and the Eye of Destruction.” The Speaker paused.
Demonkin prophet Master Meri stood, bowed to the Demon Emperor, and said, “Regrettably, Your Majesty, I cannot locate their traces.” He looked at Pratictic on the Demon Emperor’s right, “Perhaps the Young Prince of the Shadowless Nightmare can…”
The Demon Emperor stated, “Pratictic will not participate in any faction activities.”
His statement was firm, and Meri responded, “Understood, Your Majesty. I will discuss strategies with my colleagues.”
The Demon Emperor said, “No need. The Celestial Art of the humans and the Blood Race’s secrets make it normal that you cannot see them.”
No one doubted the Demon Emperor’s words, and the gazes again focused on Medanzo, who remained indifferent.
Pratictic mused, “My dear Emperor, your meaning is that, despite the chaos in Black Sun Valley, some humans want to save Qian Ye, and some Bloods want to save Nighteye? This exchange is quite intriguing.”
The Demon Emperor replied, “Short-lived beings are complex and contradictory, and the Blood Race shares many similarities with them.”
Pratictic seemed eager, “Perhaps I can try a little.”
The Demon Emperor said, “As long as Lin Xitian’s Celestial Art influence has not completely faded from this world, stay away from matters on the Dawn side.”
The hall fell silent, the first time Lin Xitian’s name was explicitly mentioned in the Evernight Council after the Floating Continent battle.
Previously, Habs, as the final overseer of the Floating Continent, had claimed injuries and avoided reporting. The devastating casualties of the Black Sun Sword Guards and the redeployment of the outer-space fleet received numerous impeachment requests from various races.
However, none of these impeachments were discussed, largely due to the Demon Emperor’s suppression. Clearly, he did not wish to hear of the battle. Yet today, he brought it up.
The Speaker cleared his throat, “Regarding the handling of Marshal Lin, we have some hypothetical plans.”
“One approach is to start from the central power of the Qin. Based on our intelligence, this could incite conflict between the emperor and his ministers. Initially challenging, finding the right entry point is crucial, but once started, it would self-perpetuate. However, the outcome would be uncontrollable, potentially leading to another Celestial Shift or failing like the previous Green Blood Plan.”
“Another approach is to start from the Western Continental Theater, the Blaze Continent. The situation there is complex, involving the Zhao Clan, the Ministry, and dissident provinces. This method is simpler, leveraging natural opponents among these factions. Rumors could grow into opposition waves, given the distance from the central power.”
The Speaker glanced at the Demon Emperor, who remained motionless, and continued, “For the first method, we need a mature internal line. Lightless King, how are your connections?”
Medanzo replied, “After the Bloody Funeral, the Qin capital underwent a thorough purge. Even peripheral contacts were relocated to remote areas.”
The Speaker nodded, “We have tested the second method. Providing vague statements about the Marshal to associated parties in the Qin, the upper echelons showed great caution. Our envoys struggled to discern whether they detected issues or were under pressure. Among the dissidents, there was a positive response, suggesting they welcome bad news about oppressors.”
The Speaker looked at the Demon Emperor and received a response.
The Demon Emperor said, “Proceed. Continue your tests when setting up the observation station on the Blaze Continent.”
“Yes.” The Speaker surveyed the round table, “If there are no further questions, we will fully enter the second phase.”
Sossa, silent until now, spoke, “What about Yongsu?”
The Speaker, “It is not in our observation plan.”
Sossa, slowly, “So, I can handle it independently?”
The Demon Emperor, “The Peak of Clans no longer has the storm advantage. I hope in places of lesser importance, avoid making too much noise.”
Sossa, nodding, “As you wish.”
The meeting concluded, and everyone bowed to the Demon Emperor before leaving, leaving only the Speaker, Pratictic, and Master Meri.
The Speaker hesitated, organizing his words, “Your Majesty, how should we handle the trajectory originally assigned to Marshal Lin?” He always addressed Lin Xitian with respect.
The Demon Emperor, after a pause, “It is merely adding a control group to the Dawn lineage. Clearing more human settlements can also gather data.”
None of the others spoke. Using ordinary populations for a control group meant a significant number. Lin Xitian’s role was more than just a control group, but no one raised objections.
Master Meri, “I will report the changes to Prince Anwen and provide the updated results soon.”
The Speaker, “I will increase war preparations.”
After the Speaker and Master Meri left, the Demon Emperor chuckled, “Those ants matter only to him. If clearing more means he can rest undisturbed, it is worth it, isn’t it?”
Pratictic, covering his eyes, leaned back, and said, “Only if he hasn’t left behind contingencies.”
Thus, the fates tied to Lin Xitian could only be answered by him.
The Demon Emperor, his tone mild, “Let’s hope Habs understands sooner rather than later.”
Pratictic’s heart jolted, his limbs cold, but he remained in his lazy pose.
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