Looking at Jidu’s solemn expression, a sense of unease still lingered in my heart.

Yin Shuang and Yin He were equally bewildered.

“There are some things I must tell Your Highness, and you two are core members of the Black Flag Army, so you should know about this as well,” Jidu’s face grew grave. “Although this is still speculation, the Emperor and the Divine Seer are extremely worried about Your Highness’s current predicament.”

“Predicament.” I was momentarily stunned.

“What on earth is going on?” Yin Shuang asked, clearly anxious.

Jidu said earnestly, “Perhaps Your Highness is unaware, but currently, both the Holy Word Alliance and the royal houses of the Two Kingdoms of Bichi and Cang Yue view Your Highness with extreme apprehension.”

“General means that the Holy Word Alliance and the Molar Alliance might move against me?” I asked, slightly surprised.

“You could put it that way,” Jidu replied with a hint of helplessness.

“How is that possible?” Yin Shuang found it hard to believe. “If the Cang Yue Empire of the Molar Alliance hates this King to the bone, that I can understand, but why would Bichi and the Holy Word Church also harbor hostility towards me?”

“Many things cannot be judged merely by appearances,” Jidu sighed. “Since Your Highness shattered the Aotian Mage Legion at the Battle of Mancheng, your prestige has grown day by day. Afterward, coming alone to the Demon Sealing Continent, you single-handedly annihilated the Aotian Legion and even established the Black Flag Army. Now, even Silver Peak of Molar has fallen to the Black Flag Army. It can be said that in terms of reputation, the outside world even describes your current achievements as those of an uncrowned king.”

“Uncrowned King.” I was a bit dumbfounded; that title seemed a bit too exaggerated.

“Indeed,” Jidu confirmed. “Your Highness currently commands eight million brave soldiers, supported by heavily armored generals like Silver Lake and Silver Tide, who are fiercely loyal. Moreover, in the Battle of Mancheng, General Yin Shuang displayed unparalleled military acumen. In terms of military strength, the Black Flag Legion today absolutely deserves the title of the strongest on the continent. Consider this: from the perspectives of the Bichi Empire and the Cang Yue Empire, who would be happy to see the Demonic Dragon Empire become excessively powerful?”

“An overly powerful Demonic Dragon Empire.” I seemed to grasp it for a moment. “Are they trying to squeeze us out?”

“Precisely!” Jidu exclaimed. “The Demonic Dragon Empire has been weak and stagnant since the Rebellion of Heaven Slaying five hundred years ago. Otherwise, how could the Bichi Empire possibly become the leader of the Three Kingdoms Alliance? Over these five centuries, as the Demonic Dragon Empire gradually declined, even the Cang Yue Empire started to look down upon us.

Worse still, the Holy Word Church not only failed to enforce justice impartially but instead allowed the Cang Yue Empire’s behavior. For five hundred years, the Demonic Dragon Empire has truly struggled at every step.

Due to geographical constraints, our Demonic Dragon Empire has been forced to directly face the entire northern military strength of the Demon Sealing Empire. Meanwhile, the Cang Yue Empire has constantly launched sneak attacks from the rear, preventing our Demonic Dragon Empire from accumulating national strength and revitalizing itself over these five centuries.

On the surface, the Bichi Empire appears relatively impartial, prioritizing the bigger picture and restraining the Cang Yue Empire, thus easing the pressure on our rear flank. But ultimately, all of this is driven by self-interest. After all, the existence of our Demonic Dragon Empire significantly curbs the expansionist momentum of the Demon Sealing Continent’s advance. And with the Church’s support, the Bichi Empire became the leader of the Three Kingdoms Alliance.

For five hundred years, this state of mutual restraint and balance has been maintained!

But now, with the rapid rise of the Black Flag Army, the Demonic Dragon Empire has suddenly become powerful, instantly shattering that delicate equilibrium. The Bichi Empire now feels an immense threat emanating from the Black Flag Army.

Your Highness can imagine what actions the Bichi Royal House, the Cang Yue Royal House, and the Holy Word Church will take under such circumstances!”

Jidu’s words struck me like a sudden awakening. Yes, as someone from the modern era, I had seen enough of court intrigue and inter-state diplomacy on television, even if I hadn't experienced it firsthand.

“As expected of the Holy Word Alliance!” Yin Shuang sneered. “They are masters of internal strife and clumsy at external conflict.”

“It can’t be helped,” Yin He said helplessly. “Relations between nations are always nothing more than raw mutual exploitation.”

“It seems this Marshal has been too conspicuous,” I finally managed a wry, bitter smile after a long pause.

“Too conspicuous.” Jidu was slightly taken aback, then remarked, “That word fits perfectly. Marshal, you are indeed too sharp right now. Considering the Marshal is only eighteen years old—if you were allowed a few more years to develop, who knows what you might become—perhaps no one can imagine.”

“If I were Jian Xing and the True Martial of Cang Yue, the most likely action would be to use the Molar Alliance’s hand to eliminate a strong enemy,” Yin He stated gravely.

“Borrowing a knife to kill someone,” I muttered subconsciously.

“Precisely, borrowing a knife to kill,” Yin He expressed great admiration. “The Marshal’s words are concise, admirable, yet thought-provoking. This is indeed the most reasonable strategy for Jian Xing and the True Martial of Cang Yue. However, the exact measure of how to deplete the Molar Alliance’s strength to the maximum while inflicting the greatest casualties on the Black Flag Army is difficult to gauge.”

“That’s why they sent Jian Wu to assist, and dispatched the Bichi military command structure to guide us, right?” Yin Shuang said darkly.

“Exactly so,” Jidu confirmed. “In truth, neither the Bichi Empire nor the Cang Yue Empire ever had good intentions from the start. To them, our Demonic Dragon Empire is merely a pawn to be utilized and exploited.”

“What cunning methods,” even I, a well-traveled (transmigrator), felt dizzy from the complexity of the situation.

“Now, the Molar Alliance has been forced to deploy its Thunderous General,” Jidu continued. “It can be said that this is the most critical moment for them to orchestrate the entire battlefield layout. Based on our understanding of the Holy Word Alliance, resolving this dispute through negotiation would be the most suitable path.”

“Once negotiations begin, both sides will inevitably engage in bargaining,” Yin He gained a deeper insight into the current situation. “And the Marshal, now an mortal enemy of the Molar Alliance, will naturally become a target that the Molar Alliance must eliminate. Furthermore, the Molar Alliance high command can certainly see through the intentions of the Bichi and Cang Yue nations. They will seize the opportunity during negotiations to demand the Marshal’s removal. The Holy Word Alliance would gladly grant this favor, not only eliminating the Marshal but also gaining other richer benefits—a win-win situation for them.”

“…” I could only stare at the three of them in astonishment, realizing they had deduced so much information from mere wisps of clues.

“Now, Your Highness can understand how dangerous the situation is,” Jidu stated solemnly.

“This is truly troublesome,” I replied with a bitter smile. “It seems this battle cannot be fought even if we want to.”

“So, we must make arrangements for this situation early on,” Yin Shuang said seriously. “Otherwise, the enemy will surely find an opportunity to strike.”

“Since we have seen through their intentions,” I looked instinctively at Yin Shuang. “I trust General Yin Shuang can devise a way to resolve this crisis and secure the greatest benefits for the Black Flag Legion.”

“Your Marshal flatters me,” Yin Shuang showed a rare trace of shy bashfulness before looking at Jidu. “But it seems the old General already has a countermeasure.”

“Haha, this wasn't my idea!” Jidu laughed. “In fact, this is the Divine Seer’s plan: we should first stabilize our position and observe developments. At the same time, the Marshal must pay close attention to his personal safety. According to the Divine Seer’s analysis, the Molar Alliance is most likely to dispatch a Thunderous Warrior to assassinate the Marshal.”

“Assassination?” I nearly jumped in fright. “Why this tactic again?”

“Assassination is indeed the simplest, most direct, and effective method,” Yin He worried. “And the opponent might even be a Thunderous Warrior. If we face one, the Marshal stands no chance of winning.”

“What should we do?” Even the usually calm and collected Yin Shuang seemed flustered.

“Therefore, we must strike first!” I knew that at this moment, I absolutely could not show any sign of fear or retreat.

“Strike first.” Yin Shuang questioned, “Didn’t the Divine Seer advise us to wait and see? Why does Your Highness think of striking first?”

“Waiting and seeing, and striking first, these two do not contradict each other,” I stated seriously. “Later, assemble all the generals of the Black Flag Army, including the Ranger representatives from the Ranger Corps. In the assembly, we will announce to everyone the news that the Molar Alliance has dispatched a Thunderous Warrior, and state that the Holy Word Alliance has sent a Thunderous Warrior to provide support. Our army will rest on the spot and await reinforcements until the Holy Word Alliance’s Thunderous Warrior arrives!”

“What a great idea!” Yin He expressed immense admiration. “This way, our army achieves striking first while simultaneously maintaining a posture of waiting and seeing. Moreover, it forces the Holy Word Alliance to respond overtly. I believe that under these circumstances, the Holy Word Alliance will have little chance to make any covert moves.”

“If the Holy Word Alliance does not send a Thunderous Warrior, we then have grounds to withdraw our troops. More importantly, if this situation arises and the Holy Word Alliance makes no statement, word will immediately spread across the Mafa Continent, which would be a significant blow to the Holy Word Alliance’s morale. Therefore, the Holy Word Alliance must respond regardless.”

“Of course, the situation might evolve again into a negotiation scenario,” Jidu added. “However, under this broad atmosphere, our Black Flag Army can legitimately put forward our demands. Even if they secretly reach some agreement, it won’t affect us much. As long as the Marshal remains alive, he remains a huge threat to them.”

“But how do we ensure the Marshal’s personal safety before the Holy Word Alliance responds?” Yin He looked at me instinctively.

“You don’t need to worry about that!” I declared seriously. “With the help of the Great Mammoth King, facing a Thunderous Warrior, even if I cannot win, self-preservation should not be difficult.” Remembering the terrifying speed of the Great Mammoth King, I had absolute confidence in this aspect.

“The only current concern is if the Molar Alliance launches a full-scale assault before the Holy Word Alliance sends its Thunderous Warrior—how should we cope then?” Jidu asked.

“If that happens, we can only choose to retreat,” I said gravely. “However, I believe this is not what the Church leadership and the royal houses of Bichi and Cang Yue wish to see. Once we withdraw from the Demon Sealing Continent, the Holy Word Alliance gains nothing. And now that they have painstakingly created this atmosphere of massive armies pressing forward, the Holy Word Alliance will never give up such a golden opportunity to reap benefits,” Yin Shuang said confidently. “Moreover, this action of ours has another purpose: to inform the Church leadership and the Bichi and Cang Yue nations that their intentions have been seen through by us, and that playing petty tricks behind the scenes is impossible. I believe that no matter how reluctant they are, the outcome will only be a decisive battle or a choice to negotiate, and in either case, we, the Black Flag Army, will have sufficient justification to fight for our due benefits.”

“Hahaha, an excellent plan,” Jidu was greatly invigorated. “It’s settled then. Let’s let those old bastards in the Bichi Empire and the Church know our might. Trying to use our Black Flag Army is not that easy.”

“The following arrangements will be handled entirely by General Yin Shuang,” I said seriously.

“Yes!” Yin Shuang responded.

Returning to my room, it was nearly noon. I had intended to visit Yan Luo and Long Xin during this break, but the events of the morning had filled my mind with a jumble of chaotic thoughts.

I felt it was best to quiet my mind for now.

However, thinking about how I accidentally discovered the true nature of the Dragon Shadow Sword last night made me intensely curious about what was truly going on with it now.

I instinctively drew the Dragon Shadow Sword and carefully sensed the fluctuations within it.

The slender blade still shone with a faint, pale azure light, incredibly pleasing to the eye, and the subtle wave of Dou Qi flowing within seemed no different from before.

Yet, I knew that whenever my emotions became intensely agitated, the azure on the Dragon Shadow Sword’s body would turn a bizarre scarlet. And at those times, the feeling emanating from the Dragon Shadow Sword was completely different.

Recalling it now, it seemed that every time the blade turned scarlet, I would enter a strange state where my fighting will, speed, and power would all significantly increase.

Stranger still, I seemed to be controlled by some sort of euphoric emotion at those times, becoming bloodthirsty and combative.

In the past, I always assumed this was due to the latent bloodline within me acting up.

After all, the bloodline of the Demonic Dragon Royal Family is renowned for its Berserk trait.

However, I knew that the Demonic Dragon Royal Family’s bloodline frenzy seemed to require the Nine-Color Dragon Seal as a foundation to trigger, and my Nine-Color Dragon Seal hadn't shown any obvious changes yet.

This suggested that the previous marvelous state was not caused by the bloodline variation.

Could that peculiar transformation have been triggered by the sword spirit of the Crimson Blood Demonic Sword hidden within the Dragon Shadow Sword?

What puzzled me was that compared to Blood Tiger Luo Jiang back then, my berserk state seemed less complete; at least I could maintain sufficient rationality during combat.

And it wasn't as brutally exaggerated as Luo Jiang’s. Moreover, the power increase was monstrously beyond imagination.

Remember, Luo Jiang back then, relying solely on the Crimson Blood Demonic Sword, fought on par with Jidu, who was a Heavenly Demon Warrior wielding the Blade of Destiny. If it hadn't been for the Super Great Fireball launched by myself and Feng Qingtian later, Jidu would likely have died under Luo Jiang’s Nine Heavens Star River Sword Technique.

By deduction, the true power of the Crimson Blood Demonic Sword’s spirit is far from what the current Dragon Shadow displays.

But the current Dragon Shadow Sword simply doesn't look as powerful as the Crimson Blood Demonic Sword was originally.

What was the reason? The sword spirit is the same, even the forging materials are identical, yet why is the power of the Dragon Shadow Sword inferior to the Crimson Blood Demonic Sword?

Thinking about this gave me a headache.

I am now feeling the importance of supreme power more deeply than ever. If I had possessed enough strength back at Lingfeng Bridge, I wouldn't have ended up in that state of complete helplessness.

Every time I recall that heart-stopping scene at Lingfeng Bridge, I still break out in a cold sweat.

It was arguably the most perilous experience of my life. If the Great Mammoth King hadn't suddenly appeared to save me at the last moment, I cannot imagine what would have happened.

The dangerous moments during the Battle of Mancheng were similar.

Even now, I can feel the lingering tremor and fear of standing on the brink of death—the tearing sensation of blades piercing flesh, the violent contraction of the heart, the crisp sound of broken ribs, the agony of Dou Qi invading my body like surging tides—it still makes my entire frame tremble slightly. If only I had been a little stronger, just a little stronger then. Perhaps the outcome would have been entirely different.

And the current situation makes me even more frustrated. The Molar Alliance only needs to send one Thunderous Warrior to completely nullify all my previous efforts.

This is the absolute dominance brought by absolute power!

Power! Absolute, overwhelming power! Never before have I so desperately craved immense strength!

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