Chapter 376 - 202: I Will Not Enjoy This Glory Alone

Chapter 376: Chapter 202: I Will Not Enjoy This Glory Alone

The moment she spoke, Lu Qingsong and Wangqingshan both jolted, their heads snapping to look at Bai Qing.

She met their gazes with a placid smile, making it clear this was no impulsive remark.

The two of them understood in an instant.

’The Danxia Sect must have reached a tacit understanding with Chen Sheng long ago. They might even have been involved in the planning!’

’This celebration banquet today is just a setup!’

"Clan Leader Wang, Sect Leader Lu."

Chen Sheng’s voice rang out once more:

"For years, the Iron Sword Sect, the Danxia Sect, and the Ning’an Wang Clan have been nominally counted among the six great powers, alongside Golden Spring Temple, Qingfeng Temple, and Luoyun Manor. But I’m sure the three of you understand the reality of that situation better than I do."

"The true hegemons of the Jianghu have only ever been Golden Spring Temple and Qingfeng Temple. Luoyun Manor has also grown increasingly prosperous in recent years. If this continues, the Three Sects’ room to operate and share of resources will only be further squeezed, and you will grow weaker by the day."

Then, Chen Sheng’s tone shifted, a cold glint appearing in his eyes.

"But right now, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. An opportunity not only to halt your decline, but to allow the Three Sects to... restore their prestige and rise to even greater heights!"

Chen Sheng enunciated every word, laying his final bait and trump card on the table:

"Annihilate Luoyun Manor and carve up its vast resources and territories, accumulated over two hundred years. The Government Office will give the Three Sects its full support throughout this process and grant you formal recognition and backing afterward."

"On this matter... I have already reached a consensus with Envoy Nie and Lord Xie."

"The Government Office... is declaring formal war on the Jianghu Sects?!"

Lu Qingsong let out a choked gasp, and Wangqingshan’s face fell, his breathing quickening.

"This isn’t war."

Chen Sheng corrected him, his tone carrying an authority that permitted no argument.

"It is the suppression of rebellion and the purging of outlaws! In recent years, certain powers have grown increasingly reckless, repeatedly challenging the authority of the Government Office and even attempting to place themselves above the law."

"You must all understand that while the six major sects may have their patrons, behind the Government Office... stands the entire Daqian court. And that is the greatest patron in the world!"

Chen Sheng sat down again, leaning slightly forward. His gaze was like a torch, slowly sweeping over Wangqingshan and Lu Qingsong. His voice was grave.

"Very well, I have made my position clear. Now..."

"Who is for it? Who is against it?"

An invisible pressure, heavy as a mountain, settled over the hall.

The expressions on Lu Qingsong’s and Wangqingshan’s faces shifted erratically, their minds in turmoil.

’Profit and risk, the consequences of choosing a side, the future of their sects...’ Countless thoughts collided violently in their minds.

The terms Chen Sheng offered were incredibly tempting, especially the full backing of the Government Office and the partitioning of Luoyun Manor. These points struck at the heart of their long-standing grievance: being subtly suppressed by Golden Spring Temple and Qingfeng Temple.

But the risks were also immense. Failure, or later retribution from Golden Spring Temple and Qingfeng Temple, could mean the utter destruction of their sects’ foundations.

Chen Sheng didn’t press them, just waited in silence.

’He could take down Luoyun Manor with the Government Office’s power alone, but that would certainly provoke a backlash from the other five major sects. The ensuing turmoil throughout Ning’an would be too costly.’

’Only by "winning over one faction to attack another"—by dividing and conquering—could he achieve his objective at the lowest cost.’

’Golden Spring Temple was a mortal enemy. Qingfeng Temple was too aloof and powerful to be swayed.’

’The Danxia Sect already had a cooperative foundation with him from the battle on Wushan Mountain, and the Ning’an Wang Clan had close ties to the court. These two were his primary targets.’

’As for the Iron Sword Sect... since Sect Leader Lu had been tactful enough to remain, he would press the man for a declaration. Even if he couldn’t drag the sect into the water, he had to at least force them into neutrality.’

Time dripped by.

At last, Wangqingshan took a deep breath. A flicker of resolve crossed his eyes as he asked in a low voice:

"Governor Chen, in destroying Luoyun Manor... how certain is the Government Office of success?"

"I never speak of war unless I am absolutely certain of victory."

Chen Sheng’s reply was as sharp as steel.

"Afterward, how will the spoils be divided? And what role would we be expected to play?"

Wangqingshan’s follow-up questions showed he was already moving on to practical negotiations.

"After Luoyun Manor’s fall, the Government Office will take forty percent of all its resources. The remaining sixty percent will be divided among the participating powers based on their contributions."

"As for your roles... the three of you need not participate directly in the assault on Luoyun Manor. You only need to find a way to intercept and delay Golden Spring Temple and Qingfeng Temple at the critical moment."

As long as the six great powers were not a unified force, the Jingwu Bureau’s elites, combined with Chen Sheng’s own strength, had a high chance of success in a surprise attack to uproot Luoyun Manor.

Wangqingshan’s eyes glinted. He tapped his knuckles lightly on the table, weighing his options for a long moment before finally, slowly, nodding.

"If it is as you say... the Ning’an Wang Clan agrees."

"Wang, you..."

Lu Qingsong hadn’t expected Wangqingshan to agree so readily, and his face paled once more.

"Sect Leader Lu,"

Chen Sheng’s gaze shifted to Lu Qingsong. He was smiling, but his eyes were as deep and cold as a winter pool. "The Danxia Sect and the Ning’an Wang Clan have declared their positions. The Iron Sword Sect... won’t disappoint me, I trust?"

A chill ran through Lu Qingsong. He was filled with a deep regret for not having left earlier.

’This was a setup.’

’He had been played!’

’The Danxia Sect was clearly in on it from the beginning. The Ning’an Wang Clan had weighed its options and quickly defected, which meant they must have been prepared for this as well.’

Now, all the pressure was on the Iron Sword Sect.

’If I refuse, I probably won’t be leaving this hall unscathed.’

’But if I agree, I’ll be staking the Iron Sword Sect’s century-old foundation on this massive gamble.’

"Governor Chen,"

Lu Qingsong asked through gritted teeth:

"And if I... were to neither support nor oppose this, and merely wished to stay out of it... what would you do, Governor?"

Chen Sheng’s smile did not waver, and his tone was surprisingly gentle.

"I always respect the choices of others. Even if you were to object, Sect Leader Lu, I would certainly not hold it against the Iron Sword Sect."