Chapter 958: When the Snipe and Clam Fight, the Fisherman Profits

Several days later.

All manner of news concerning the Cangling Dynasty successfully spread to the remaining seven nations!

Upon learning that both Great Qian and Great Qin had perished, every nation erupted in an uproar!

Although deeply moved by the suicides of the King of Qian and Su Xiaofeng, they cared far more about the terrifying power of the Cangling Dynasty!

With the Jiang family of Cangwu as their backer, which nation could possibly stand against them?

Even if they tied them all together, it would not be enough to withstand a single sword strike from that Clan Leader Jiang!

All the monarchs quickly realized this point; thus, seeking self-preservation, they hurriedly dispatched envoys to the Yuehua Imperial Dynasty to seek aid.

Judging by the sharp edge the Jiang family of Cangwu had displayed, looking across the Eastern Domain, only the three great imperial dynasties could contend with them!

If the imperial dynasty refused to assist, only a path of death awaited them!

Yuehua Imperial Dynasty.

Imperial City, Imperial Palace.

As envoys from the seven nations visited, they constantly wept and complained within the precious hall.

The expressions of all the civil and military officials present inevitably grew complex.

Who could have expected that the Jiang family of Cangwu, originally part of the aristocratic faction, would raise armies to swallow up Great Qian and Great Qin, establishing their own dynasty!

Had it been merely an ordinary dynasty, it would have been fine; they would not have taken it to heart.

However, behind the Cangling Dynasty stood Jiang Daoxuan, a powerhouse at the "Imperial Lord" level.

This single point was sufficient to pose a threat to the Yuehua Imperial Dynasty, making them feel as though facing a great enemy.

Under such circumstances, should they truly still send out the Ninth Imperial Princess to establish diplomatic relations with the Jiang family of Cangwu?

Everyone felt extremely uneasy; subconsciously raising their heads, they all looked toward the towering figure seated at the highest point.

No matter what, all decisions required their own Your Majesty to make the final call.

A few breaths later.

Under the gaze of the crowd.

Li Chenglong, seated high upon the throne, slowly opened his eyes and spoke in an extremely calm tone that revealed no joy or anger: "Swallowing two nations to forge a new dynasty? It seems we have all underestimated the ambition of this Clan Leader Jiang..."

A minister cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, now that both nations are destroyed, I fear it will not be long before this Cangling Dynasty unifies all nine nations."

"At that time, the territory of Cangling will border our Yuehua lands, making conflicts and friction highly likely; how should we respond?"

As soon as these words fell, many ministers rose one after another, echoing, "Indeed! Although this Cangling Dynasty is merely a dynasty, it relies on the backing of the Jiang family of Cangwu; it is truly a fierce tiger. When two tigers contend, one must be injured. If the King of Cang develops greed toward our Yuehua, the situation will be perilous."

Li Chenglong waved his hand and casually said, "I am aware of the concerns in your hearts, but judging by Jiang Daoxuan's wisdom, he naturally understands the principle that when the snipe and the clam fight, the fisherman profits."

"If he forcibly starts a war with our Yuehua, it will only greatly deplete the strength of both sides, allowing Chi Yan and Great Jin to slip in through the gaps, doing the work for others..."

Li Chenglong lowered his head slightly, glancing down at the civil and military officials: "Look at this useless appearance of yours; encountering a single matter and becoming so panicked—are these truly the ministers of my Yuehua?"

Having spoken, he gazed into the distance, as if looking across the void at that Jiang clan leader whom he had never met.

"Nine nations? They are nothing but a tiny speck of land; since the Jiang family of Cangwu desires them, what harm is there in me giving them over?"

"Should that Cangling Dynasty truly have a day when it advances to an imperial dynasty, for our Yuehua, it can only be a friend, not an enemy!"

"At that time, I shall naturally set out, personally traveling to Cangwu to forge an alliance with Clan Leader Jiang, jointly striking against Chi Yan and Great Jin, and dividing the Eastern Domain between us!"

At these words, the entire hall fell silent as if cicadas in winter!

It was not until Li Chenglong rose from his throne and spoke in a deep voice: "Have you recently gathered any other news concerning the Jiang family of Cangwu?"

Prime Minister Meng Li whispered in reply, "Reporting to Your Majesty, according to scouts' reports, the Jiang family of Cangwu intends to establish the Cangwu Academy in three days' time..."

Li Chenglong's eyes flashed with light as he gradually formed an idea: "Since that is the case, we must quickly prepare gifts; taking advantage of this opportunity, let the Ninth Imperial Princess represent me in visiting Cangwu to congratulate them on the initial establishment of the academy."

Meng Li responded, "Obeying your command!"

Li Chenglong nodded slightly: "Dismiss the court."

As his words fell, all the officials knelt down in worship, shouting loudly.

Immediately afterward, they began to depart the great hall one by one, from highest to lowest rank.

As everyone departed, only Li Chenglong remained alone.

He sat back upon the throne, his face showing contemplation, muttering: "Clearly content to remain in a corner, rarely walking the world, I originally thought you disliked strife and regarded worldly fame and profit as nothing; yet now, you would actually allow your clansmen to establish a dynasty, causing such a commotion."

"Jiang Daoxuan, I truly find it harder and harder to fathom you..."

Li Chenglong leaned back against the throne, a meaningful smile appearing on the corner of his mouth.

Immediately afterward, he closed his eyes and sank into a brief nap.

At the same time.

Heavenly Sword Sect.

Within an extremely spacious stone cave.

An old man with black hair, clad in gray robes, sat cross-legged upon a stone platform.

Qi surged from the surface of his body, transforming into countless illusory small swords that recklessly destroyed the surrounding stone walls!

Each small sword possessed extreme sharpness, piercing through everything, leaving the stone cave riddled with holes and covered everywhere with shocking sword marks!