The Hall of Light.
The Hall of Light is divided into an inner and outer hall. The inner hall is located within the Light Ruins and governs the entire area.
The outer hall exists in the real world, engaging in strategic maneuvering with various factions.
In the grand hall of the outer court, the Pope sits in the high seat, with three cardinals standing before him.
The Pope's face is aged, but his eyes are exceptionally bright, currently burning with boundless fury.
Just moments ago, he received news from Nancy.
Cardinal Bedra was killed in Huaxia by Xuan Qi of the Dark Association and Sasaki of the Shinobu Division, who joined forces against him.
The team dispatched by the Hall of Light suffered almost complete annihilation, with only Nancy and two or three divine envoys managing to escape.
"My esteemed cardinals, you have all received the news. What are your thoughts?"
A majestic yet aged voice resonated. The three cardinals exchanged glances.
Finally, Hassar stepped forward and said, "The Hall of Light has suffered such grievous losses. This matter cannot be left unaddressed. I suggest we launch a full-scale attack on the Dark Association immediately!"
With his statement, the other cardinals nodded in agreement. This was a rare and significant loss in the history of the Hall of Light, and it absolutely could not be overlooked.
Blood debt must be repaid with blood!
Seeing the indignant gazes, the Pope's expression softened considerably.
After all, these cardinals still held the Hall of Light dear to their hearts.
He pondered for a moment and then slowly spoke, "My dear cardinals, have you considered the consequences if the Hall of Light were to engage in all-out war with the Dark Association?"
At his words, the three cardinals froze, their eyes darting around.
They were all renowned cardinals, their experience and intellect far surpassing ordinary men. It would not be an exaggeration to call them old foxes.
In the next moment, they arrived at a terrifying conclusion.
Once the Hall of Light made its move, they would likely face two super-powers: Huaxia and the Dark Association.
It was simple enough: the headquarters of the Dark Association were located within Huaxia.
How difficult it would be to enter Huaxia, and simultaneously, Huaxia's factions would never cooperate with the Hall of Light, nor would they open their doors.
Besides the Dark Association's headquarters, their peripheral strongholds were also mainly situated in Huaxia, presenting the same problem.
Taking it a step further, even if Huaxia opened its gates, allowing the Hall of Light to contend with the Dark Association, who could guarantee that Huaxia wouldn't be the final opportunist?
It was known that the strength of the Hall of Light and the Dark Association were comparable. The outcome of a conflict between the two would most likely be mutual destruction.
At that time, if Huaxia emerged to clean up the mess, who could stop them?
"Your Holiness, are we truly to let this matter go?"
Hassar stepped forward, inquiring.
This was a matter of the Hall of Light's reputation. If they did not retaliate, everyone would believe the Hall of Light to be easily bullied in the future.
Not to mention those who sought refuge under the Hall of Light's banner.
"Of course, it cannot be let go!"
The Pope declared with certainty.
His gaze swept over the three cardinals as he said, "Our contest with the Dark Association is not about who strikes first, but who lasts longer!"
The Pope understood clearly that the tripartite balance of power was not easily broken.
Therefore, whether it was with the Dark Association or the Huaxia factions, a swift resolution to the conflict was impossible.
Thus, the Hall of Light still needed to accumulate strength and must not engage in a decisive battle with the Dark Association at this juncture.
However, given the Hall of Light's losses, action was necessary to salvage its dignity.
After a pause, the Pope slowly stated, "I have decided to launch a comprehensive strike against the Shinobu Division!"
This declaration stunned all the cardinals, their eyes flashing with surprise.
For a long time, the Pope had sought to ally with the Shinobu Division. Firstly, to strengthen their own faction.
Secondly, to use the Shinobu Division as a stepping stone to strike against the Huaxia factions and the Dark Association.
Therefore, the Pope's decision to strike against the Shinobu Division was truly unexpected.
However, on second thought, it was also within reason.
Regardless of the Shinobu Division's previous actions, while they had instigated conflicts among various parties to profit,
The losses for the Hall of Light were not significant, and the Pope could tolerate them.
But now, a cardinal had fallen under the Shinobu Division's blade, a fact the Pope could absolutely not accept, making his thunderous rage entirely normal.
With this in mind, Hassar spoke, "Your Holiness, if we attack the Shinobu Division, they will likely be pushed entirely towards the Dark Association. This offers us no benefits!"
"Hmph! It matters not!"
The Pope scoffed, his eyes filled with murderous intent. "I will use lightning-fast methods to destroy the Shinobu Division, so swiftly that the Dark Association will not have time to react!"
The Pope's heart was brimming with killing intent. Since the Shinobu Division did not know their place, they should not blame him for his ruthlessness.
Even if he couldn't destroy the Shinobu Division, he would inflict heavy damage upon them.
Even if the Shinobu Division then sided with the Dark Association, they would be unable to exert much influence!
Sensing the palpable killing intent emanating from the Pope, the three cardinals wisely fell silent.
Seeing this, the Pope coldly commanded, "Qiao, Idi, you two will be responsible for swiftly destroying the Shinobu Division. Hassar, you will be responsible for keeping the Rattlesnake Mercenary Group in check, and the matter of 'harvesting leeks' will be entrusted to you..."
"Yes!"
The three responded in unison, then withdrew from the hall to make their preparations.
After leaving the hall, Qiao and Idi looked enviously at Hassar. The task of 'harvesting leeks' was truly a lucrative one!
Not only could they annex small and medium-sized factions to establish merit, but they could also gain considerable benefits from these same factions.
Frankly, if not for the Pope's orders, they would have vied for it themselves. However, with the Pope's arrangements made, they dared not defy them.
On the other side, sensing their gazes, Hassar smiled slightly and said nothing more.
Having already reaped the rewards, there was no need to offend them further!
...
Kyoto, Huaxia.
Ye Cangtian finally found some leisure. Normally, he would punctually pick up and drop off Tang Xinwan from work, leading a seemingly peaceful life. However, in the past couple of days, he had been extremely busy.
He still remembered certain matters and was quietly making preparations during his free time.
However, he was often nowhere to be found, which greatly displeased Tang Xinwan.
From Ye Cangtian's actions of picking her up and dropping her off, she had guessed that Ye Cangtian was relatively free lately.
Yet, while usually free, Ye Cangtian would often wander around the branch. This time, however, Ye Cangtian had disappeared, which truly frustrated her.
Finally, as they were leaving work, Tang Xinwan could no longer contain herself and confronted Ye Cangtian.
"You scoundrel, what have you been busy with lately?"
Her voice reached him. Ye Cangtian, who was driving, glanced at Tang Xinwan beside him, smiled slightly, but said nothing more.
"You scoundrel, I seriously suspect you've been fooling around!"
"If you don't explain yourself clearly, you'll face the consequences!"
Seeing Ye Cangtian smiling without speaking, Tang Xinwan's temper flared, her voice turning extremely grim.
"Oh, my dear wife, don't you know me by now?"
"Even if you gave me ten thousand times the courage, I wouldn't dare fool around!"
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian's heart tightened, and he quickly began to explain.