A Demon's Journey

639  Shun's Investigations And Noah Takes Action

In the grand hall of the Royal Palace of the Great Qin Empire, Emperor Qin Lei addressed his advisors with a grave expression. "Gentlemen, the situation has taken an ominous turn. We find ourselves beset on multiple fronts, with nations conspiring against us and a demonic incursion at our borders. What insights do you have to share?"

The advisors gathered around the central table, maps and strategic documents spread before them. General Jiang Shou, the seasoned military strategist, spoke first. "Your Majesty, the attacks on Frascoia Continent by seven human nations and the unexpected assault by the Woltensian Empire are coordinated and precise. The timing is suspicious."

Qin Lei's brow furrowed. "Are you suggesting a conspiracy, General Jiang?"

Jiang Shou nodded, "Yes, Your Majesty. The simultaneous nature of these attacks seems orchestrated. It's as if someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes."

Another advisor, Minister Li Wei, countered, "Your Majesty, with all due respect to General Jiang, orchestrating such a vast conspiracy involving numerous nations and races is nearly impossible to conceal. Our intelligence department would have detected any such plotting."

A heated debate ensued, with the advisors expressing differing opinions. The one advocating the conspiracy theory presented arguments to support his claim, pointing out the peculiar alignment of events. However, those opposing the theory emphasized the implausibility of coordinating so many entities without detection.

Amidst the escalating tension, Emperor Qin Lei intervened. His voice resonated with authority as he commanded, "Enough! We shall not waste time on speculative arguments. Let us focus on developing a plan to counter our adversaries. What insights do you have for our defence?"

The advisors shifted their attention to strategic considerations. General Zhang Wei proposed reinforcing the borders with designated defensive groups, each led by a seasoned general at the peak of the Emperor Rank. He outlined the deployment of the Crimson Blade Guard, Thunderbolt Legion, and Azure Sky Battalion to key positions, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts.

Minister Li Wei suggested forming alliances with neutral nations to divert attention and potentially gain allies against the aggressors. He recommended dispatching emissaries to negotiate diplomatic resolutions and garner support.

General Jiang Shou focused on the internal front, urging the mobilization of local militias and recruitment of powerful mercenaries to bolster the Great Qin Empire's strength. He named renowned generals like Lin Qian and Yu Feng as leaders of these mercenary groups.

Emperor Qin Lei listened attentively, absorbing the diverse perspectives. He then issued decisive orders to implement the proposed defensive measures. The Crimson Blade Guard, Thunderbolt Legion, and Azure Sky Battalion were dispatched under the command of Generals Lin Qian, Yu Feng, and Wang Hao, respectively.

Diplomatic emissaries set out to neutral nations, seeking solidarity against the common threat. Internal security was fortified with the activation of local militias and the recruitment of mercenaries.

Amidst the bustling activities of mobilization across the Great Qin Empire, orders from Emperor Qin Lei reached not only the military but also the Noble Families, the Array Association, the Alchemy Association, and the various Sects. Their mandate was clear - utilize all available resources to protect the empire from the impending threats.

In the bustling headquarters of the Nine Yin Sect, Sect Mistress Nine Yin Saintess coordinated with her disciples and elders to execute Emperor Qin Lei's orders. The atmosphere was tense yet determined as the sect mobilized its resources for the imminent conflict.

Amidst the organized chaos, Shun Gordon, a prominent disciple of the Nine Yin Sect, approached the Nine Yin Saintess with urgency in his eyes. The Sect Mistress, recognizing his formidable analytical skills, welcomed him to her private chamber to discuss the unfolding situation.

Nine Yin Saintess, her silver hair cascading down her shoulders, regarded Shun Gordon with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "What news do you bring, Shun? Your expression suggests something significant."

Shun Gordon nodded solemnly. "Mistress, the situation is more intricate than we thought. The forces aligning against us aren't acting independently. They are coordinated."

The Nine Yin Saintess raised an eyebrow. "Coordinated? How can that be? Explain yourself."

Shun Gordon took a deep breath before elaborating, "I've been discreetly investigating these recent developments. My suspicions arose when I detected collusion between a demon race member and a human operative concealing the truth about the Bewitching Droplet Divine Goddess's killers."

The Nine Yin Saintess leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Continue."

Shun Gordon continued, "My investigation led me to an organization named the SIS. It operates in every nation on Frascoia Continent, except the Empire of Qian Guo and the Great Qin Empire. The SIS monitors and manipulates talented warriors and politicians, keeping track of their dark deeds."

He paused for emphasis before revealing, "Financially, the SIS is backed by another organization – the Misty Flower Pavilion. The leader of the Misty Flower Pavilion is known to us all: Yrellea, the Heavenly Poison Empress."

Nine Yin Saintess absorbed the information, her expression transitioning from curiosity to disbelief. "Yrellea? That's unexpected. Where is she now?"

Shun Gordon sighed, "Mistress, her current whereabouts are unknown. Yrellea possesses an ability to conceal herself effectively. Finding her, if she doesn't want to be found, is nearly impossible."

The Sect Mistress processed the revelation, her mind racing with implications. "So, the SIS and Misty Flower Pavilion are pulling the strings behind these attacks. What is their endgame?"

Shun Gordon responded, "That remains unclear. The SIS's leader is still unknown, and their motives are concealed. However, if I have to guess, they wanted to concentrate all our battle forces on the borders. This is the true nature of their scheme I believe."

Deep in thought, Nine Yin Saintess pondered the implications of this revelation. "This complicates matters further. We must inform Emperor Qin Lei about this immediately."

"That's right," Shun spoke.

As the Nine Yin Sect grappled with this startling information, the wheels of conspiracy turned, revealing hidden layers of manipulation and intrigue that threatened the very foundations of the Great Qin Empire.

As the wheels of conspiracy turned, the foundations of the Great Qin Empire were dealt a significant blow. The news of the demise of a Saint Ranked warrior, ostensibly at the hands of a counterpart from the Empire of Qian Guo, reverberated through the capital. However, the reality behind this incident was far more sinister, with Noah being the true culprit behind the targeted assassination.

The official information masked the true nature of the attack, and Noah, the mastermind orchestrating this clandestine assault, was ready to escalate the conflict. Through the Mystical Spiritual Connection Ring linking him to his comrades, he issued a decisive command, "It's time for us to attack the capital!"