Chapter 401 Strike with Gloves Off
The group then sat down in a room, as there was much to do and no time for celebrations.
"Daoist Wu... why don't you at least take a rest? You have been intensively using your Spiritual Qi the whole time and performing techniques so complex I thought my mind would fry if I even tried to perceive them"
Zhao Xieren expressed his concern over Wu Long's condition as he latter was still a little pale.
"It is not that severe, and there are important steps we have to take. It is good that the treatment lasted a few hours less than I expected, as this gives us extra time"
Wu Long shook his head, turning to Madam Liang.
"What is the situation with Princess Cai Yin? Your message stated that the situation grew more unstable"
"Yes, it was expected that an all-out conflict would start in a month, but the other side suddenly ramped up their preparations. My information network picked up a convergence of the Golden Ox mercenaries in the country"
"Mm, it seems she is much more dangerous to them than I thought, and they want to eliminate her as fast as possible before the big conflict starts"
Wu Long nodded, as he traced his chin.
"Well, her behavior has been extremely cautious since the time you left this country, as she has ostracized many people she previously supported and generally became more isolated.
There is almost no way for even my Thousand Eye Information Bureau to get any information about the inner workings of the circle of her close associates, and sending in spies proved to be impossible, as anyone sent was unable to breach even the outer layers of her entourage"
"Haha, she finally behaves like a proper Soul Cultivator who has Heaven-given talent now, plus being slightly paranoid and overzealous in securing her surroundings is normal in her circumstances"
He wryly smiled with understanding as Madam Liang nodded.
"Unfortunately that excellence in solidifying her supporters and weeding out any weak links or vulnerable channels is having a negative effect on her situation since she became a lot more dangerous due to being out of reach of even information about her let alone control or sabotage"
She sighed as she spoke, seeing the rationale in the Princess's actions, but lamenting the fact that Cai Yin seemed to not realize that being too secure from outside influence put her at even greater risk.
"Until now she has been fortunate that the Song Dynasty has quite clearly drew the line at her security from outside forces, but the other side is now beginning to probe the outer edges of that line.
Ideally they wanted local Royal Family to be the ones to dispose of her since there would be no justification for a reaction from the Empire then.
But it seems it proved difficult as the Princess is giving them a hard time, her side garnering more support from people and influential government officials, threatening to become the dominant political influence in this country while remaining completely out of the Alchemy Tower's control and surveillance"
Wu Long made a pondering expression as he heard Liang Yuhan's narration.
"So they are finally going for a kill even if it means opening the conflict earlier. I guess Gu Zhen knew that Old Man Zhao's condition took a drastic turn for the worse and he is letting his subordinates get bolder in their actions.
By now they don't mind if it all hell breaks loose, but getting Her Highness Cao Yin out of the picture takes priority since she is not only throwing a wrench into the plan by getting Tingren Kingdom to wrestle with their control, but also is a Soul Cultivator who could potentially mess with their army"
He then gave out his assessment of the other side's actions.
"Well to be entirely fair it is partially your responsibility as well, Daoist Wu.
Your presence, albeit by all accounts should not be that significant for someone in Seven Profound Realms, is putting unease into that weaselly bastard. He's always been extremely cautious and sensed danger a mile away, even if it seemed ridiculous.
Why else do you think he waited out so long and constructed all this meticulous strategy across the continent instead of gritting his teeth and just smashing his way to his goals?
Your actions quite clearly showed him you're aware of him when you moved that trading company and established the Alchemy Pavilion. And that inexplicable strength of yours as well as the way you move gives him a bad feeling.
In short, he smells something burning and it smells a lot like his tail to him"
Old Man Zhao spoke up a little cautiously, trying to not make it sound as if he was blaming Wu Long.
"Hah, did me taking him up on his game changing challenge unnerve him so much? Hmm, but it is true, for someone so cautious, he might really see even as small a problem like I should be perceived as, seriously"
Wu Long chuckled as he seemingly have assessed his own image in Gu Zhen's perception inaccurately.
In his mind, the only problem Gu Zhen was ever worried about was Zhao Xieren, as when this old man died everything would fall into place.
All the games with Wu Long were simply a way to ensure there would be as less obstacles when the time came since he had to wait anyway.
In other words, Wu Long assumed Gu Zhen only ever saw him as a nuisance he could not get rid of yet because of Old Man Zhao and possible fear of a backer, but never took seriously enough.
Like a martial artist staring down a dangerous opponent did not dare to swat an annoying fly buzzing around because that action would give his foe an opportunity, but never considered that fly to be dangerous enough or warrant true caution.
But Old Man Zhao seemed to view it differently, and as someone who knew the man better, this opinion did carry a weight.
"Well, no matter which case it is, I have to operate with that mindset from now on. Besides, after this he really would have no choice but to pay attention to me.
Thus, our first step would have to shatter his perception of absolute superiority by revealing Old Man Zhao's recovery"
Wu Long then switched the direction since mulling over what Gu Zhen's thoughts could or could not be was pointless.
"But how exactly are we going to reveal it?"
Madam Liang chimed in, not seeing any other way than for the old man to simply go out and release his aura, causing at least one of Gu Zhen's lackeys to come out and see his recovered state.
"Hehe, what better opportunity would there be than this Tingren Kingdom's conflict his subordinates are so focused on? It is better to gain something while the other side is still sure of their superior position, and we are not locked and tied down in a renewed stalemate"
Wu Long's lips curled up in a smile, as he took out a few communication talismans.
"You want to lure out a direct reaction from the other side?"
Madam Liang widened her eyes, receiving a nod from Wu Long as the old man and his son started laughing in anticipation.
"Ahahaha, this old man likes it! Better to land a strike while the gloves are still off, than make the opponent pick them up and gain only a standstill"
"Mm, my eyes truly did not fail me with you Daoist Wu. Here I have to agree with my Old Man, being decisive is the way to go, hahaha"
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