Master of Strange Dao

Three tower ships, sailing northwards from the East Sea, progressed separately.

The first day out of Daqian's borders, they suddenly encountered a whirlpool on the surface of the East Sea; a great sea demon stirred the waters, forming waves that reached to the sky, and swallowed a tower ship into the depths of the sea.

By the fourth day, only two tower ships were left, having reached Dazhen's maritime territory. One of these ships silently disappeared from the surface of the sea, devoured by a big array that had been prearranged, leaving no trace behind.

The last tower ship safely arrived at a port in the eastern part of Dazhen, but this ship was just an ordinary merchant vessel, also used as a decoy.

No one managed to track down where the real Second Prince went.

Just when those in pursuit had given up, a small merchant aboard the merchant ship, together with two followers, quietly departed.

"Young Master, the other two shipments will not make it."

"Hmm, let's go."

Having lost two tower ships in succession, he had not actually planned to come on the third one.

It was only halfway through the journey that he decided to board the third ship stealthily.

Hurrying all the way to the Capital City of Dazhen, the Second Prince quietly submitted a visiting card to the residence of the Faceless Man.

That very night, someone guided him to meet Li Xingchen.

With just a glance, Li Xingchen confirmed that the visitor was indeed the Second Prince of Daqian. He was somewhat surprised; this prince was quite daring, seemingly unafraid of meeting an accidental demise outside.

"Your Highness graces us with your presence, what brings you here?"

"I wish to see Emperor Zhen, to discuss a matter of importance."

"Your Highness could tell me first."

"Daqian is willing to deploy troops to launch a northern campaign against Dali, to restrain the military might of Dali, offering Dazhen an opportunity to reclaim lost territory."

Li Xingchen looked at the Second Prince, his gaze slightly hardening.

"Can your words be taken as a commitment?"

"I am acting under my father the Emperor's orders, venturing north on a risky journey. Is this not sufficient proof of our sincerity? My Daqian could draw away all of Dali's military forces in the southern and eastern regions.

This creates a win-win situation. With us attacking from both sides, Dazhen will find it much easier to reclaim lost lands.

Continuing to advance southward is also a possibility. At that time, the difficult situation Dazhen faces will resolve itself.

There is limited time, so it would be best if you report to Emperor Zhen sooner rather than later.

If war has already broken out at the borders of Dazhen, the terms won't be as favorable as they are now."

Li Xingchen bowed and turned to leave.

He of course knew the current state of affairs in Dazhen.

He was aware of the changes at the borders, including within King Qi's domain.

Even this Second Prince of Daqian was fully informed about these matters, which meant it was no longer simply an issue of intelligence leaks.

The situation had become fully impossible to conceal.

Within the palace city of Dazhen, Emperor Zhen, having heard Li Xingchen's message, looked at the wall map and let out a wistful sigh.

"At last you arrive. I was just thinking, under such circumstances, Daqian would not remain inactive.

Unexpectedly, it is this Second Prince who personally comes to Dazhen.

This lad does have exceptional courage and sagacity."

"I have ascertained that he departed with three tower ships. Now, two have disappeared without a trace.

One was taken by the sea demons of the East Sea, and another vanished into a great array set by an unknown hand.

The third tower ship, which he risked boarding, luckily spared him."

"It can't be mere luck; it was just that someone had confirmed in advance that he certainly was not on the third ship." Emperor Zhen chuckled and pointed at a location on the map.

"It is my oversight." Li Xingchen was momentarily taken aback and quickly admitted his mistake.

"No need for such formalities with me." Emperor Zhen remarked.

Despite this, Li Xingchen maintained his rugged demeanor, as if he hadn't comprehended.

Emperor Zhen took it in stride, and after gazing at the map for a long while,

"Tell him that Dazhen will deploy troops."

Watching Li Xingchen depart, Emperor Zhen thought for a moment.

"Wait, also convey these matters to King Xiang."

"Understood."

If King Xiang was informed, then the Old Emperor Zhen would know, and Qing Ziyu would also be aware.

Emperor Zhen stared at the map for a long while, his gaze growing increasingly profound.

The loss and gain of each city and pond was not crucial for Dazhen at present.

He did not wish to start a war with Dali. If a great war were to break out, regardless of the outcome, it would be weakening Dazhen.

The national strength of Dazhen could not compare to that of Dali.

And considering the internal situation, any significant losses were more than he could afford.

If the losses were too great, even if the external wars were won, internal chaos would inevitably arise again.

Emperor Zhen stood there for quite some time.

Meanwhile, upon receiving the news, King Xiang, predictably, thought to report to his father immediately.

Hearing that King Xiang had left, Emperor Zhen couldn't help but smile.

No wonder the Old Emperor Zhen had previously sent a message, instructing him under no circumstances to appoint King Xiang as the Imperial Nephew.

True to expectations, King Xiang immediately became a blabbermouth, sharing the news with Old Emperor Zhen.

You Zhen looked at his naive son and could not help but sigh deeply.

"Was it Li Xingchen himself who told you?"

"No, it was one of Li Xingchen's subordinates."

"Ah..." You Zhen lifted his wine cup, drank it in one gulp, and sighed once more.

Then he sent a message to Yu Ziqing.

When Yu Ziqing arrived, You Zhen stood up and bowed.

"Brother Qing, I need your help with something."

"Old Brother, what are you saying? Sit down and speak. Whatever it is, just tell me."

After You Zhen recounted the events, Yu Ziqing stroked his beard, looking at You Zhen.

"Is Emperor Zhen planning to... um, ensure internal stability before dealing with external threats?"

"Based on what I know of my younger brother, that would be the case."

"Do you need me to facilitate talks with Dali?"

"Yes, Dazhen truly has no suitable candidate who could be inconspicuous and convincing to both parties, except for you, Brother. I can't think of anyone else."