https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1017-Maintaining-Stability-Requires-Vigilance/13110028/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1019-The-Plot-Deepens-at-Gongqiu/13110030/
Chapter 1018: Seeking Strategies Amidst the Disturbance
Chapter 1018: Seeking Strategies Amidst the Disturbance
Since their retreat from Jinbei Province, the Old Imperial House has been uncharacteristically quiet. This is because, compared to Dashun, they lack both resources and high-level power, putting them on the defensive in a long-term stalemate.
The Old Imperial House lacks the initiative to launch an offensive, and to maintain their current boundaries, they can only resort to disruptive and restraining actions.
Therefore, according to conventional thinking, it's likely they will take similar actions this time. After all, with the advancement of the Skyline Project, more Central Cities will undoubtedly join, which will contribute to the enhancement of Dashun's national power. The Old Imperial House certainly wouldn't want to see that.
Jinbei Province is where the Skyline Project was initiated, so it's not surprising that the Old Imperial House would target this area. The question is, how will they go about it? And how effective can this secret repository or rift be?
Qiao Weiting spoke up, "Let me share my thoughts. I don't know where this rift is, but from a military perspective..."
He tapped on the Boundary Token, and a map of the Three Mountains in Jinbei Province appeared.
"Here, to the north is Zhang Mountain, to the southwest is Jia Mountain, and to the southeast is Xie Mountain, perfectly surrounding Yangzhi City, leaving only a gap to the south."
"If the rift appears in any of the Three Mountains, the Old Imperial House can easily occupy Yangzhi City and the other two mountains, forming an ideal location that's easy to defend and difficult to attack."
The members of the Security Decision Group grew solemn. Yangzhi City has a large population and a certain industrial foundation, with roads connecting it to other counties and a relatively smooth waterway, making transportation very convenient. Moreover, there are many fortress groups left over from the Great Expansion Period among the Three Mountains, making it a natural military stronghold if occupied.
In fact, during the Great Expansion Period, the military built its central command around this area. This place must not fall into the hands of the Old Imperial House.
Liang Guanghai paused for a moment, then said, "If that's the case, could the Old Imperial House's sudden action be related to the recent expansion of the field domain to Yangzhi?"
The group members nodded in agreement. This was highly likely. Once Yangzhi City and the surrounding counties are incorporated into the Skyline Project, information can reach every corner, allowing them to respond promptly.
At this moment, Yao Zhiyi interjected, "It's not just that. Chen Chuan's absence from Jinbei Province for the past six months has also emboldened them. Otherwise, even if the field domain expanded there, they wouldn't dare to act recklessly."
The group members realized that this made sense. The Old Imperial House was clearly aware of the threat posed by the Skyline Project, yet they hadn't taken any action. This was likely due to Chen Chuan's deterrence.
After all, when the three fighters besieged Chen Chuan, the Old Imperial House didn't intervene. Now, they suddenly appear, perhaps for this very reason.
Chen Chuan pondered for a moment and said, "If they've truly decided to take action, they will surely consider all possibilities."
He looked up and added, "Perhaps they've also figured out how to deal with me."
The group members felt a chill in their hearts. If this was the case, the Old Imperial House would undoubtedly commit substantial resources.
Qiao Weiting continued, "Doesn't the Cao family have half of the Lock Key? If we can obtain the suspected location of the secret repository, can we find this place? If we can, we'll eliminate it at the initial stage and put an end to this matter."
Liang Guanghai, an expert in this field, spoke in a deep voice, "Having only half of the Lock Key is useless. Even if it's complete, we still need to know the specific location and entry method of the secret repository. This alone is of no use."
Qiao Weiting thought for a moment and asked, "Can we ask the Cao family for assistance?"
Qi Weizhao spoke up, "Let's not bother the Cao family. The Government Hall has promised them a stable life, and their reporting of this information is already a great contribution. What comes next is our responsibility."
He looked at all the group members and said, "The Government Hall will expedite the expansion of the field domain in Yangzhi and the surrounding towns and will station a military force in Yangzhi City to monitor the surrounding situation. Additionally..." He turned to Chen Chuan, "Chen Chuan's return is currently known only to a select few. Is Chen Chuan willing to make a trip to Yangzhi?"
The group agreed that this was the best course of action. With the Three Mountains under control, even if the rift isn't there, there shouldn't be any major issues if the Old Imperial House makes a move elsewhere.
Chen Chuan considered for a moment and replied, "I have no problem with that. However, I need to contact Yu'an Company through a secret channel under the authority of the Government Hall.
I may need to request two people from them."
Qi Weizhao didn't ask whom he intended to contact and said solemnly, "I'll make the arrangements. I was already planning to contact them."
The other group members nodded in agreement. Yu'an Company is currently the largest state-owned enterprise in Yangzhi, and their cooperation is essential in this matter.
To the north of Yangzhi is Han Valley City's military port, and the railway construction there is managed by Yu'an Company. With their cooperation, they can block the northern route and further strengthen control in that area.
Of course, there's also the possibility that the rift is located elsewhere. Other counties may not have the same favorable geographical conditions, and once a situation arises, the Central City can respond within the shortest possible time.
After the decision was made, they discussed some details and concluded the meeting.
Chen Chuan looked at the dimming screen and suddenly remembered something.
On that day, at the 80th birthday banquet of Old Master Cheng, the old gentleman couldn't help but bring up the matter of his eldest son.
Old Master Cheng's eldest son was exceptionally talented and was highly regarded by his family and elders, so he had developed a somewhat self-centered personality.
Old Master Cheng was a stickler for rules and was quite displeased with his eldest son, so he sent him to Yangzhi, hoping to temper his temperament.
However, this restless son, for some unknown reason, went to Jiaoshan for a visit and subsequently went missing.
The Cheng family organized multiple search parties, but they never found him. Jiaoshan was not suitable for long-term habitation, so they couldn't station people there for an extended period. Still, the Cheng family would visit the place every year.
Given the current situation, Chen Chuan wondered if this had something to do with the secret repository.
He needed to find time to ask about this and also needed to find someone who knew the Jiaoshan environment well.
Fortunately, he knew a few people who fit the bill.
He tapped his Boundary Token and asked, "Is it Shixiong Ren? I'm Chen Chuan. Are you available to talk? I'd like to ask a favor."
In the Confluence Land, on a desolate peak, stood an old Chan Jiao temple, looking somewhat dilapidated but not small in scale. Along the mountain path, one could see devotees clad in hemp cloth, covering their entire bodies, making their way up the mountain while bowing.
From within the temple, the sound of soothing chanting and incantations could be heard, and the scent of incense wafted from the temple's furnace.
Zhao Zhenye walked up the steps, passing by the devotees, and arrived at the temple. Standing before him was a Zen practitioner with his hair tied in a topknot, wearing a patched robe.
His skin appeared loose and flaccid, yet he exuded a vibrant life force, especially with his lively and crystal-clear eyes.
Upon seeing Zhao Zhenye, the Zen practitioner clasped his palms together and greeted him with a bow, saying, "The believer has come again." His voice was gentle yet powerful, bringing peace to one's heart.
Zhao Zhenye nodded and said, "Zen Master, I have paid my respects to all six great venerables. I wonder whom I should pay respects to today?"
Recently, he had been hearing hallucinations and seeing inexplicable visions, which he knew were the result of the energy he had absorbed affecting him. It was also possible that those beings across were trying to convey something to him, and this was unavoidable.
However, the problem was easily solved. Chan Jiao had some powerful chants that could dispel these hallucinations and visions, so he had been visiting daily and gradually suppressing them.
The Zen practitioner listened attentively, and after a while, he smiled and said, "Believer, today, upon hearing the sound of peace, you should go to the Venerable Master Wuguo Miaosheng."
Zhao Zhenye nodded and took a few steps, but he stopped and turned back to ask, "Zen Master, I've listened so many times, and each time I gain something, but why can't I find inner peace?"
The Zen practitioner smiled and said, "That depends on you, believer. Do you want to listen to those heavenly sounds, or do you not?"
Zhao Zhenye pondered this, deep in thought.
The Zen practitioner smiled and said, "If you are unclear and uncertain, afraid and doubtful, it is a knot in your heart. You first had doubts, and then came the various reasons. If you can untie the root cause, these doubts will disappear."
Zhao Zhenye nodded and said, "Thank you, Zen Master."
He entered the temple and approached the statue of the Venerable Master Wuguo Miaosheng. The statue was solemn and serene, with slightly lowered eyelids and a compassionate expression.
He sat down in front of the statue, and after a while, he once again heard a rustling sound. Previously, he had been focused on his cultivation and didn't want to be disturbed by external noises, so he had rejected them. But now, as his merit was nearly full, he no longer resisted. Soon, he began to understand many of the sounds.
However, this sound was only heard by him, and he couldn't provide any feedback. It would continue to exist, but once he understood its meaning, it suddenly became faint and barely audible.
If he resisted it in his mind, the disturbance would only intensify. But now that he knew the truth, he could choose to listen or not.
He looked up at the statue above, seeing the same compassionate expression on the Venerable's face. He stood up, clasped his hands together, and bowed to the statue before leaving the temple.
Outside, the Zen practitioner asked, "Believer, did you gain anything?"
Zhao Zhenye replied, "Thank you, Zen Master. I have gained something."
The Zen practitioner smiled and said, "There's no need for thanks. The world is a sea of suffering, and we are all crossing it. I help you, and you help me."
Zhao Zhenye said, "Zen Master, I will come again."
The Zen practitioner simply clasped his hands in a bow without speaking and watched as Zhao Zhenye descended the mountain.
Zhao Zhenye walked down to the bottom and looked ahead. There, a fully armed group was waiting, clearly an elite force from the Old Imperial House.
Geshou stood to the side, holding a helmet. "Brother Zhao, I've been waiting for you. Shall we depart?"
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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