Ye Wen strongly desired to arrange all his countermeasures before departing—what he should do if things went smoothly, and how to react if the situation shifted.

Yet, as he tried to map out a strategy, he awkwardly realized his knowledge of the Olympian gods was limited to just a handful of names.

He turned to his junior sister, only to find Ning Ruxue sighing helplessly: "My understanding of the Olympian gods is even less than yours, Senior Brother. I only know Athena, Poseidon, and Hades; I know nothing else!"

The only reason Ning Ruxue remembered those few names was because, during their time in the Changbai Wonderland, Ye Wen had played the entire Saint Seiya series multiple times out of boredom, and she had passively absorbed some Greek deity names from watching along with him—but that was where it ended.

Just as he was feeling dejected, Ning Ruxue piped up: "However, the envoy from the Heavenly Court mentioned that perhaps the Jade Emperor might assign someone to be your assistant for this journey. I imagine this person must be someone intimately familiar with the Olympian gods!"

If they weren't knowledgeable, sending them would be pointless; worse, Ye Wen might mistake them for a spy. He figured the Jade Emperor wouldn't be foolish enough to do that.

Therefore, there was a ninety percent chance this so-called assistant would be someone well-versed in the Olympian pantheon, serving as a necessary aid for Ye Wen to better observe their true strength.

"Who could it be?"

In the following days, Ye Wen kept the matter quiet, instructing Ning Ruxue and Xu Xian not to mention it to anyone. He spent his time familiarizing himself with his newly acquired power while pondering which "notable figure" the designated assistant would be.

Seven days later, the answer was revealed. Shen Gongbao, the Heavenly Court's Water Division General, arrived at Mount Shu once more, this time in the capacity of Ye Wen's helper.

"For this westward journey, I will have to rely heavily on the care of Headmaster Ye," Shen Gongbao's expression was far from pleasant. It seemed this assignment was not one he wished to undertake, likely ordered directly by the Jade Emperor, forcing the Heavenly General to steel himself and come.

"General Shen is too polite!"

Ye Wen looked around and immediately understood why Shen Gongbao looked so sullen: as the assistant, Shen Gongbao had arrived completely unaccompanied by any attendants. Moreover, he had shed his armor, wearing only a long robe somewhat resembling a Daoist gown, making him look like an ordinary cultivator. At first glance, no one would associate him with the Heavenly Court's Water Division General.

Seeing Ye Wen sizing him up, Shen Gongbao offered a wry smile. "As Headmaster Ye sees, I have arrived utterly alone, without even a single follower."

Ye Wen nodded and ushered Shen Gongbao into the inner courtyard. Refreshments of fruit and wine were already laid out, and the area was secluded. After Ye Wen and Shen Gongbao settled down, Ye Wen cut straight to the chase: "What exactly does His Majesty, the Jade Emperor, intend by this?"

Shen Gongbao had just sat down; the stone stool beneath him was still icy cold. Before his hand even reached the fruit on the table, Ye Wen’s abrupt question startled him, causing him to flinch so violently he nearly knocked over a plate of fruit.

Fortunately, Shen Gongbao was no ordinary man and reacted quickly, stabilizing the plate with a sweep of his hand before setting it back in place. He managed to say, "Headmaster Ye, what you say..."

Ye Wen smiled slightly. "General Shen need not be afraid. Anything said in my courtyard, once it leaves your lips and enters my ears, no one else will ever hear! When our conversation concludes, these words will be as if they were never spoken!"

Shen Gongbao remained silent, merely plucking a grape and popping it into his mouth, appearing reluctant to say much. However, his constantly darting eyes alerted Ye Wen that Shen Gongbao still needed time to deliberate. He was wary of the vast power of the Heavenly Court; if he misspoke carelessly, he might never recover—truly, never. After all, Shen Gongbao, listed on the Investiture of the Gods, possessed near-infinite longevity, and the Jade Emperor, being a Golden Immortal, would not suddenly pass away. If he incurred the Emperor's displeasure, he would be stuck in misfortune until death.

Shen Gongbao rapidly devoured six or seven grapes in succession before finally uttering, "What does Headmaster Ye wish to know?"

"What? Are there multiple things?" Ye Wen had merely intended to ask why the Jade Emperor sent him alone, without even armor, dressed like a common cultivator. But Shen Gongbao's response suggested several other underlying issues.

Shen Gongbao seemed to grasp Ye Wen's confusion, yet he no longer held back. He had reasoned that he was acting under the Jade Emperor's decree, handling a crucial Heavenly affair! His current mission was to ensure Headmaster Ye could complete his mission to Mount Olympus smoothly, and he needed to provide every possible assistance from the sidelines.

Therefore, discussing these matters with Ye Wen did not violate the Jade Emperor's order. Moreover, it was highly unlikely these private words would ever reach the Emperor’s ears anyway.

"In truth, the Heavenly Court is greatly wary of the Western Heaven Buddhist Realm!"

This seemingly unconnected topic instantly brought clarity to Ye Wen: "So, you fear attracting the notice of the Western Heaven Buddhist Realm!"

This made perfect sense. Despite his current diminished status, Shen Gongbao was still a Heavenly General, commanding the Celestial Navy, and his position carried weight!

Every word and action of Shen Gongbao represented the Heavenly Court's stance. If Shen Gongbao had arrived clad in armor, leading a troop escorting Ye Wen toward Mount Olympus, the Western Heaven Buddhist Realm would instantly realize something was amiss. They would deduce that the Heavenly Court intended to align with or confront Mount Olympus, and they would prepare accordingly!

This would give the Buddhist Realm time to mobilize, rendering the Jade Emperor's entire scheme useless.

Hence, Shen Gongbao was sent to accompany Ye Wen discreetly; both dressed as cultivators to avoid drawing attention. Although Eastern cultivators rarely traveled westward, it wasn't unheard of, providing a minimal screen for misdirection.

Furthermore, if Shen Gongbao accompanied Ye Wen quietly, all eyes would be fixed solely on Ye Wen. Even if the Buddhist Realm noticed Ye Wen heading to Mount Olympus, they wouldn't overthink it. If they connected it to the Eastern Immortal Realm, their assumption might be: Mount Olympus seems to be weaving a connection with the Shushan Sect? Perhaps they are planting a spy within the Eastern Immortal Realm?

In reality, this very thought was what the Jade Emperor hoped for, as it would significantly increase the chances of his plot succeeding.

The Western Heaven Buddhist Realm would likely only realize, at the very last moment, that Ye Wen's relationship with Mount Olympus was not one of alliance, but preparation for a better engagement—all designed to allow the main Heavenly army to focus entirely on the Buddhist Realm.

Having understood the reason behind Shen Gongbao's subdued appearance, Ye Wen was now curious why the Heavenly Court was targeting the Western Heaven Buddhist Realm instead of dealing with the troublesome Olympians who repeatedly provoked them.

"Although the Olympian gods have frequently violated our borders, ultimately, they have no intention of destroying us. Fighting us is merely a way for them to stave off their own boredom. In other words, even if they won, they likely wouldn't send anyone to occupy even an inch of the Eastern Immortal Continent."

"Ah? That sounds exaggerated!" Ye Wen found Shen Gongbao's assertion hard to believe. "Aren't all the powers in the Immortal Realms survivors of brutal warfare? Are the Olympian gods really that... 'benevolent'?"

Shen Gongbao offered a bitter smile. "Headmaster Ye, you do not know. The gods on Mount Olympus have limited desire for power! They are more interested in various eccentric pursuits, and they feel their current domains are already vast enough; expanding further would only cause them more headaches. Therefore, their interest in expansion is infinitely close to zero."

As he spoke, as if to bolster his argument, Shen Gongbao flipped his hand, and a map materialized. Spreading it before Ye Wen, he pointed to the empty expanse between Mount Olympus and the Eastern Immortal Continent. "Actually, this entire region is ownerless land. After conquering these areas, the Olympian gods never occupied them. They withdraw their troops and return to their original locales, leaving these lands vacant."

Ye Wen glanced over the map. This territory was substantial, stretching westward from the Shushan area all the way to the coast of the Mediterranean, with a large swath to the northwest also empty.

"Why doesn't the Heavenly Court occupy it?" As soon as he asked, Ye Wen realized the question was pointless. Already plagued by Mount Olympus, why would they offer themselves up as targets?

Furthermore, if they truly occupied this vast area, Yang Jian's garrisons would have to station themselves near the northeast of the Mediterranean, effectively exposing their rear directly under the watch of those from the Western Heaven Buddhist Realm, who could potentially deliver a fatal blow from behind at any time. Thus, from every perspective, the Heavenly Court could not claim this territory.

Besides, the Heavenly Court itself wasn't desperately short of land. So, they allowed the area to remain empty, a territory without jurisdiction—the Buddhist Realm couldn't manage it; the Heavenly Court was hesitant to intervene; and the Olympians, who should have been responsible, were too lazy to bother.

"See? That territory is not small, yet these gods gave up occupying it simply because they didn't want the extra workload."

Shen Gongbao shrugged. "So, the Olympian gods are not as dangerous to our Heavenly Court as you might think."

Ye Wen now understood why the Jade Emperor avoided attacking the Olympian gods. Because their existence posed no existential threat to the Heavenly Court; at worst, they caused trouble, but they wouldn't cause the downfall of the celestial hierarchy.

In contrast, the Buddhist Realm was truly urgent!

While the Buddhas of the Western Heaven preached universal salvation, what they actually pursued was converting everyone into their followers, never abandoning the ambition to turn the entire population of the Eastern Immortal Continent into Buddhist disciples. The Jade Emperor had always been deeply wary of this ambition; he didn't want to wake up one day to find all his subjects had become monks, disobedient to his command.

For the Jade Emperor, who had established his footing in the Immortal Realm and was gradually solidifying the Heavenly Court's bureaucracy using its populace, this was an attack on his very foundation.

If the Buddhist Realm succeeded, the Heavenly Court would cease to have reason to exist. A Heaven without subjects was no Heaven at all; everyone might as well revert to being ordinary cultivators. The Heavenly Court would effectively perish without being overthrown.

Therefore, the Jade Emperor was extremely wary of the Buddhist Realm—terrified, in fact! He was so wary that currently, there were virtually no monks in the entire Eastern Immortal Continent, and very few temples. Every temple constructed within the Eastern Immortal Continent was under intense surveillance by the Heavenly Court.

In recent years, various Bodhisattvas and Venerables from the Buddhist Realm had repeatedly voiced their dissatisfaction—because restricting temple construction in the East meant that most temples allowed to be built only enshrined Buddhas. This made it almost impossible for Bodhisattvas and Venerables to possess temples dedicated to themselves, preventing them from cultivating followers in the Eastern Immortal Continent.

Naturally, they expressed their discontent. However, the Jade Emperor had never relented, constantly working to control the Buddhist Realm's expansion within the East.

But he also knew this situation couldn't last forever. This time, the Jade Emperor intended a permanent resolution—to directly eliminate the Buddhist Realm, or at the very least, drive them away so they dared not speak of converting all the citizens of the Eastern Immortal Continent again.

"So that's how it is..."

Understanding the root cause, Ye Wen no longer found the Jade Emperor's choice of the Western Heaven Buddhist Realm as an adversary strange. As for that situation, he didn't wish to dwell on it further; for now, focusing on his own affairs was more reliable.

"What is the current situation on Mount Olympus?" Shen Gongbao mused for a moment. "Actually... the situation on Mount Olympus is quite complex, far more intricate than it appears on the surface. If Headmaster Ye can utilize it skillfully, perhaps you can employ some tactics to fulfill the Jade Emperor's expectations of you."

The Jade Emperor's expectations for Ye Wen were ultimately the expectations for the Shushan Sect: to contain the Olympian gods, preventing them from causing trouble while the Heavenly Court engaged the Buddhist Realm. How Ye Wen achieved this specific objective was left to him; the Jade Emperor would not interfere!

"In my view, the worst possible choice is to remain entrenched at Shushan, relying on the mountain's protective formation to face the Olympian army," Shen Gongbao stated. If this mission failed, Shen Gongbao would also suffer consequences. Conversely, if it succeeded, even if he wasn't restored to command of the Celestial Navy, he might be given another post with real authority. Thus, he was quite invested in this diplomatic mission. "If we can exploit the internal conflicts on Mount Olympus to cause some internal turmoil, rendering them incapable of waging external war, that would be the optimal solution."

"Oh?" Ye Wen hadn't expected Shen Gongbao to moonlight as a strategist, offering him advice! Ye Wen briefly considered whether he should change into fine robes, don a crown, and listen to Shen Gongbao's counsel with a domineering air.

But such thoughts were fleeting. Setting aside the trouble it would cause, he simply didn't have the leisure for such theatrics.

Shen Gongbao continued: "Every time Mount Olympus launches a campaign, Ares, the God of War, serves as the vanguard. However, Ares has recently been stripped of his title as the God of War—this is the greatest internal conflict on Mount Olympus."

"Continue," Ye Wen said, seeing Shen Gongbao look towards him. He refilled both their teacups, adopting an attitude of eager listening.

"The title of God of War is highly valued by many gods on Mount Olympus, especially Athena, whose domain is War and Wisdom. Her role already conflicts somewhat with Ares's position as God of War. Now that Ares has been deposed, Athena is the most delighted."

"But Ares won't willingly remain in disgrace; he will certainly try every means possible to reclaim his divine title—" Ye Wen immediately understood. "You mean Athena will try to prevent Ares from regaining the title? Are you suggesting we ally with Athena?"

Shen Gongbao shook his head. "Not necessarily an alliance with Athena! We must first investigate how Athena intends to stop Ares from regaining his title."

Ye Wen felt a bit lost, as he was unfamiliar with the intricacies on Mount Olympus, so he simply continued to listen to Shen Gongbao's analysis.

"If Athena hopes to stabilize her position through military achievements and deny Ares any opportunity to earn merit, she will certainly volunteer to initiate war against our Eastern Immortal Continent, taking Ares's place as vanguard. By seizing all opportunities for merit, Ares will have no chance to achieve glory, and thus, cannot reclaim his title as God of War."

Ye Wen felt a headache coming on. "In that case, wouldn't that mean we'd be making enemies of both Athena and Ares? Ares certainly desires war; only through conflict can he earn the position of vanguard, achieve merits in battle, and reclaim what he lost. This means both Athena and Ares would be the war faction, directly opposed to Ye Wen's interests! He couldn't unite with anyone."

"Of course, this is only one possibility! There is another scenario: Athena might vehemently oppose the outbreak of war, thereby denying Ares any chance to earn merit at all," Shen Gongbao chuckled slyly. "In this situation, although Athena gains little tangible benefit, Ares cannot reclaim what he lost, which is a satisfactory outcome for Athena."

"So, Athena is potentially amenable to persuasion?" Ye Wen grasped the situation: by skillfully manipulating the infighting among the Olympians, they could potentially prevent the war entirely.

Shen Gongbao nodded. "However, securing an alliance with Athena won't be easy! Furthermore, a more critical factor is that the final decision on whether to wage war rests not with either Athena or Ares, but with the King of the Gods, Zeus!"

Shen Gongbao shrugged and concluded, "Therefore, we must devise a reason for Zeus not to start the war!"