Chapter 527 Court Intelligence
"The heart of an emperor cannot tolerate even the slightest grain of sand." Guiguzi's voice was deep and solemn, as if he were talking to himself, or as if he were conversing with the ancient world.
He slowly put down his pen, his gaze piercing through the window, looking north towards the capital city.
There was no clash of swords there, but rather an invisible giant net was quietly tightening, its mesh so fine that it could strangle any force that was outside the imperial power.
Without further ado, Guiguzi stood up, his plain robe fluttering even without wind, and an aura of profound and imposing grandeur instantly filled the entire study.
Inside Situ Dengfeng's study, the air was filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood incense, creating a serene atmosphere. However, when Guiguzi appeared at the door, the leader of the martial arts world felt a sudden chill in his heart.
He knew that unless the situation was urgent, this senior would never have visited him so late at night.
"Valley Master, what is the matter that is so urgent?" Situ Dengfeng stood up to greet him, his voice already carrying a hint of tension that he himself did not realize.
Without exchanging pleasantries, Guiguzi proceeded to recount the intelligence that Shu Wangxing had brought back.
Every word felt like a heavy piece of lead, striking Situ Dengfeng's heart.
His face changed from red to white, then from white to green, and finally settled on a cold, hard expression.
He immediately turned around and sternly ordered the guards standing watch outside the door, "Go and fetch Shen Mo immediately! Quickly!"
After the order was given, Situ Dengfeng paced back and forth in the room, his worry almost tangible.
He knew that the power of the imperial court was not as great as that of the evil cultivators overseas.
But it is a sleeping dragon. Once it is fully enraged, its claws and teeth will be sharp enough to cause turmoil in the world and displace the common people.
Soon, Shen Mo's familiar figure in black appeared at the door of the study.
His expression was calm, as if he had already seen through everything.
The three sat down, the candlelight flickering and casting long shadows that intertwined on the wall, like a battle map about to unfold.
"Shen Mo, you have just returned from the far west, and you are about to face the infighting in the imperial court again. I feel ashamed." Guiguzi spoke first, his tone carrying a hint of apology, but more so a resolute one.
Shen Mo shook his head slightly, his gaze calm and composed: "Valley Master, you flatter me. The martial world and the imperial court are two sides of the same coin. Since there is no way to avoid it, then we should face it head-on."
Situ Dengfeng took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "In my opinion, we should immediately contact the Nine Sects and the other sects, explain the advantages and disadvantages, and work together to resist this calamity!"
After listening, Guiguzi slowly shook his head: "The alliance leader's strategy is too forceful, but too risky. The court has deep roots, how can we know that the nine factions haven't secretly contacted the new emperor? In my opinion, the best strategy is 'vertical alliance,' the middle strategy is 'nibbling away,' and the worst strategy is 'confrontation.'"
Guiguzi's strategy, like a gentle spring breeze and nourishing rain, seemed mild but concealed deadly intent. It aimed to fundamentally eliminate the threat to the imperial court, rather than confronting it head-on.
Shen Mo remained silent for a moment, then gently tapped the armrest of the chair with his fingertips, making a soft sound.
He recalled how, atop the holy mountain, the Pope's invincible majesty crumbled before him like a clay sculpture; he recalled the profound trust Odin placed in him when he bowed down in submission.
He raised his head, his eyes showing neither Situ Dengfeng's worry nor Guiguzi's deep concern, but only a clear and unwavering determination.
Shen Mo spoke. His voice wasn't loud, but it was like an invisible blade, instantly piercing the oppressive silence of the room.
"Alliance Leader, Senior," Shen Mo's gaze swept calmly over the two of them, "I have a plan that may turn this crisis into an opportunity."
These words immediately attracted the attention of the two people.
He paused, then clearly uttered a few words: "I can order the Heavenly Demon Sect to contact the various tribes of the northern grasslands and deploy troops on the border to exert pressure. This move will be enough to make the imperial court uneasy, thinking that a foreign threat is imminent."
Situ Dengfeng's breath hitched. He instinctively opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
Controlling alien races? This is no longer a simple martial arts tactic; it's practically... unpredictable manipulation!
"At the same time," Shen Mo's voice grew increasingly calm, carrying an almost ruthless calculation, "I will send experts from my sect to infiltrate the capital and create the illusion that a northern barbarian tribe has assassinated the emperor."
"What?!" Situ Dengfeng finally exclaimed in shock, his face turning deathly pale. Assassinating the emperor? That's a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family! He simply couldn't believe his ears.
However, Shen Mo's eyes remained unwavering, as if stating something utterly ordinary. "Just as the assassins made their move, the Martial Alliance appeared with lightning speed, 'just in time' saving the Emperor. In this way, the Emperor will not only not suspect us, but will also regard the Martial Alliance as a pillar of the nation and his saviors. His suspicions will naturally vanish."
After he finished speaking, the study fell into a deathly silence.
Only the faint sound of the candle wick burning was amplified infinitely in the silence.
Guiguzi closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled.
When his eyes, which had witnessed countless vicissitudes of life, opened again, they no longer held shock, but a complex light mixed with awe and understanding. His heart churned: The Heavenly Demon Sect… had actually grown powerful enough to influence the fate of the world! This was no longer just a martial arts sect; it was clearly an undercurrent capable of shaking the very foundations of a dynasty!
Situ Dengfeng stood there dumbfounded, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
As the leader of the martial arts alliance, he dedicated his life to upholding the code of the martial arts world and protecting all living beings.
At this moment, he was experiencing an unprecedented and intense internal struggle.
On the one hand, Shen Mo's plan was perfect, with each step linked to the core of the problem, and almost flawless; on the other hand, the words "using foreign tribes to exert pressure" and "assassinating the emperor" made his heart pound.
He suddenly raised his head, his gaze fixed intently on Shen Mo, his voice tinged with worry: "Shen Mo, this plan is ingenious, but..."
He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, before uttering his deepest worry, "What will become of the people on the northern border? If war breaks out, they will be the ones who suffer!"
His eyes were filled with sincerity and compassion, the heart of a true benevolent person who cared deeply for the common people.
He is willing to take risks and bear infamy for the greater good, but he cannot tolerate innocent civilians becoming victims of this power game.
Shen Mo looked at the genuine worry in Situ Dengfeng's eyes and his heart stirred slightly.
He nodded solemnly, his tone firm yet gentle: "Alliance Leader, rest assured. The Heavenly Demon Sect acts with discretion. The so-called 'pressure' is nothing but a bluff, a feigned attack on a few insignificant border towns. We will never actually conquer cities or seize territory, nor will we harm the people in the slightest. Our goal is simply to let the court's spies see the smoke of war and hear the drums of war, nothing more."