https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1204-A-Long-Night-Stirs-the-Storm/13487894/
Chapter 1203: The Empty Mansion and the Hidden Poison
Chapter 1203: The Empty Mansion and the Hidden Poison
Gui Zihan and the others nodded in response to Commander Xie's instructions. Wang Tongshan and Bian Zhijie, however, couldn't help but glance at Chen Chuan.
Kavatuwa Fortress was not without its strength, boasting two fighters on par with those from Changsheng Temple, or Divine Guards. Moreover, they held the advantage of the home ground, with countless rituals set up to protect them. Any Federation attack would require a force several times larger to succeed, as it had in the past.
While they could handle ordinary fighters, in a battle of this caliber, they were clearly outmatched. They could only rely on Chen Chuan to step in.
With Chen Chuan on their side, they felt confident that things would go smoothly. This wasn't blind faith but rather the result of Chen Chuan's proven track record in battle, which had instilled a strong sense of trust in them.
Especially after the last two battles, they believed that the Federation would need to send a true Throne Fighter to stand a chance against him.
Chen Chuan, however, was not thinking about this. The last time they had managed to repel the Federation's attack on Kavatuwa Fortress through a combination of luck and skill, thwarting their plans. If the Federation were to make another move, they would undoubtedly be more cautious and thorough, taking into account the strength of the Dashaun Delegation.
This meant they might mobilize a larger and more formidable force. If he were in the Federation's leadership, he would try to restrict their movements through various means, cutting off the threat at its source.
To achieve this, the Eastern and Western Coasts would need to put aside their differences and work together.
With this in mind, Chen Chuan asked, "Commander Xie, could the Eastern and Western Coasts join forces this time?"
Wang Tongshan and Bian Zhijie were puzzled. The two factions were known for their deep-seated conflicts. Could they really cooperate?
Commander Xie replied solemnly, "Most of the time, they won't, but in certain situations, it's possible. Especially when one side finds it difficult to gain an advantage on its own and there are internal factions willing to push for cooperation."
He paused, "We must consider the broader picture. After the Great Collision, the world will inevitably see a new wave of global cooperation. National strength will be the deciding factor, not just military power, but also resources and heritage. Whoever can gain an edge in this competition will have a better chance at global dominance."
"Every country is now consolidating its resources and seeking its own path forward. Our strongest competitor is the Linax Federation, which controls the world's best unexplored territory and has received vast amounts of technology and wealth from the Eastern Continent and the Yono Continent over the past century."
"Both in potential and strength, they can rival us. As for the Yono people, they might be able to compete if united, but they are currently divided and lagging behind us in the competition."
Commander Xie didn't elaborate on other regions like the Norros Theocracy, the Paraneo Faith Zone, or the Samawoga Continent, which, though powerful, were not on the same level as the Eastern and Western Coasts.
Lu Guangde and He Yishan, the deputy team leaders, picked up on the implications. As experienced political officials, they thought that the two countries didn't necessarily have to compete; they could also cooperate.
If they reached an agreement ensuring mutual respect and non-interference, it would benefit both sides. The First Delegation's negotiations might involve such an agreement.
The two exchanged glances, realizing this was a distinct possibility. Competition could lead to unpredictable outcomes, but cooperation would give them an overwhelming advantage over other nations. Even if one side gained dominance, the other could still wield significant influence, making it a win-win situation.
The more they thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. There was no other reason for the two countries to deliberate so extensively.
Lu Guangde added, "If that's the case, Kavatuwa Fortress becomes even more important. It can hold the Federation back, and even if they cooperate, no one wants to be second in command."
Wang Tongshan was skeptical. He had been with Commander Xie for a long time and understood the First People well.
He sneered, "What good would it do for Kavatuwa Fortress to know? They just want to make peace with the Federation. I think it might be better for them to get a taste of their own medicine."
Bian Zhijie looked at Commander Xie and said, "Indeed, as long as the upper echelons of Kavatuwa Fortress remain unchanged, notifying them won't make a difference."
Commander Xie responded, "If the intelligence is accurate, we should still inform Kavatuwa Fortress. However, they do have an issue that I need to address next."
He gestured, and an assistant handed out a document to everyone.
Chen Chuan read it and learned that an Eastern Coast member of parliament had proposed the integration of Kavatuwa Fortress into the Federation, provided they take the initiative and assume certain responsibilities. Some supported the idea, while others opposed it.
Kavatuwa Fortress, however, was actively seeking to communicate with the Federation's upper echelons through various channels.
Lu Guangde commented, "It seems the Federation has changed its approach."
He Yishan added, "Instead of outright plundering, the Federation wants Kavatuwa Fortress to willingly hand over everything. Soft power can be more deadly."
Wang Tongshan read further and noted that the Federation was demanding Kavatuwa Fortress to dissolve its military, send its fighters to serve in the Federation's army, and pay a large sum of wealth to cover past taxes. They also demanded the surrender of Kavatuwa Fortress's Sacred Tree, among other harsh conditions.
He said, "These conditions are so harsh, Kavatuwa Fortress can't possibly agree to them."
No one spoke for a moment.
Finally, Commander Xie said, "For years, Kavatuwa Fortress has sought to join the Federation. Despite the harsh conditions, they might still agree, as there is room for negotiation."
The negotiations would be conducted by the upper echelons of Kavatuwa Fortress, not the lower ranks. As long as they retained their wealth, they could legally become Federation citizens.
Commander Xie continued, "We cannot ignore this matter. Kavatuwa Fortress is not entirely made up of these people; there are also those who are firmly opposed to the Federation. We need to support and strengthen this faction."
He looked at Lu Guangde and He Yishan, "This needs to be handled quickly. I'm tied up for the next few days, so one of you will need to go there and take care of it."
Lu Guangde and He Yishan immediately agreed to follow his orders.
After addressing the main issues, Commander Xie turned to Gui Zihan, "Group Leader Gui, has the date for the Heavenblade Academy Invitational been set?"
Gui Zihan replied, "Not officially, but it's likely to be in early March."
He had recently led the team to visit Heavenblade Academy, where the idea of an invitational tournament was proposed. The participants would include members of the Dashaun Delegation, as well as representatives from other countries and companies.
This was another form of competition.
Commander Xie said sternly, "Group Leader Gui, I'm entrusting this to you. You have full authority to handle it, and you must win."
Gui Zihan nodded solemnly.
Wang Tongshan and Bian Zhijie looked at Gui Zihan enviously. Since joining the Federation, they had worked with Commander Xie and earned their fair share of credit, but they had mostly been participants, not leaders.
Gui Zihan, on the other hand, had not only been involved in several battles with Chen Chuan but was now taking charge of important tasks. This was a significant step up in his career, and in future political activities, he would be the first to be considered.
After finishing his main points, Commander Xie concluded the meeting without further ado. Everyone rose and left.
Chen Chuan returned to his room, placed the storage sheath given by Commander Xie into the collection pouch of his external implant, and resumed his training.
Two days later, a heavy rain fell on the capital. Around nine in the evening, a man wearing a hat and mask entered a public phone booth.
After inserting coins, he dialed a number, then inserted more coins and dialed again, repeating this process three times. He then gave a code phrase, "Startled Forest Bird Requesting Communication."
After a moment, a voice replied, "Startled Forest Bird, what do you have to report?"
The man said, "Xie Xinmin has an important document that covers recent financial records and the companies and groups supporting Da Shun. It also includes several critical technical documents and rare samples. Some of these are crucial to the Federation and cannot be lost. I also suspect that some of the materials and seeds obtained from the Throat of the Star Spirits, which couldn't be transported back, are stored here."
The voice on the other end realized the value of this information and asked, "Where is the document?"
"It's in the hands of the second target."
The voice responded, "That's a problem."
"It's not impossible", the man countered. "He won't carry it with him at all times."
"Do you know where it's stored?"
"I believe it's kept in his external implant, which is very secure."
"How do you plan to get it?"
"I've observed that the second target hasn't carried his external implant on recent outings. If he goes out again, I'll have a good chance to retrieve it."
The man glanced outside, observing the passersby, "There's an opportunity coming up..."
...
...
(End of Chapter)
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