Stronger by Killing

Chapter 347 - 272: Martial World Split Three Ways and Secret of the Grotto Heaven (12,000-Word Mega - )

Hearing Qin You’s question, Gu Zhan was momentarily taken aback, and after a brief pause, he chuckled lightly, "There was never any hope, so how could there be any disappointment?"

Upon hearing this,

Qin You was taken aback instead. He was silent for a long time before finally responding, "It seems I asked poorly and forgot that you’re just in your early twenties, only having memories for a dozen years, coinciding with the most chaotic of times."

Gu Zhan nodded slightly and said, "Director Qin, I’m not one to beat around the bush. Just say what you need to say. If it’s about grand principles, then there’s no point. You’re aware of my circumstances; it’s not something I can discuss."

With a resigned smile, Qin You said, "Originally, I hadn’t planned on meeting you because you’re too outstanding. Every time I hear about you, I feel a pang of regret for missing out on an exceptional talent. Coming to see you would only make me regret it more.

As expected, upon our first meeting, I regretted it immensely. If you were merely a martial arts prodigy, I might not have regretted as much, but you’re different. At first glance, I could see an invincible aura about you,

which is a belief and spirit in a person that’s very hard to cultivate. Everyone with such spirit achieves entirely different accomplishments in various environments. If you had come under my tutelage, guided within the Astronomical Bureau’s environment, you certainly could have helped the Court pacify the universe and establish monumental achievements!

But I missed the opportunity, leading you to wander into the Martial World, all because of a moment’s hesitation on my part. The Court lost a great talent, and the Martial World gained a ruler. Whether this is a blessing or a curse is hard to determine, and the regret in my heart has increased manifold."

Gu Zhan did not comment but instead asked, "What was the reason that made you decide to meet me?"

Qin You pointed at the letter in Gu Zhan’s hand and said, "Because of the meeting with Rong Yichu, he suggested I come to find you."

Gu Zhan narrowed his eyes slightly but remained silent.

Qin You continued, "Rong Yichu suggested that we collaborate. After his analysis, I think it’s feasible."

"How do we collaborate?" Gu Zhan asked.

Qin You placed his fingers on the car window and said flatly, "I will assist you in becoming the true leader of the Yunxi Martial World."

After a moment of contemplation, Qin You continued, "I truly wish to cooperate with you, so I’ll be frank. The Court won’t abandon Yunxi, and I need not explain this as you should already understand."

Gu Zhan nodded.

This point was clear not just to him, but to all observant people; otherwise, today’s negotiations wouldn’t have been so protracted.

Qin You said, "However, the Court currently has no time to reclaim Yunxi, and Yunxi, having lost the constraints of the Cyan Gorge Covenant, is sure to face a great upheaval next.

The Righteous Dao Martial Arts of Yunxi appears harmonious, but there are significant underlying conflicts. Thirty-plus years of stable development have led to explosive growth in the power of various forces. However, Yunxi remains the same size, with fixed resources. As the forces grow stronger, resources become ever more limited, and the friction among the forces has already reached an uncontrollable point.

The only reason they’ve maintained restraint is due to the constraints of the Cyan Gorge Covenant, forcing them to unite against a common threat. No single force could tear apart the Cyan Gorge Covenant alone, but now, it’s become a mere scrap of paper.

Yunxi’s Righteous Dao Martial Arts has lost a common enemy, leaving everyone unrestrained, and long-simmering conflicts between the factions are bound to erupt."

Gu Zhan said gravely, "This should be good news for the Court, right? The more chaotic Yunxi becomes, the better the opportunity for the Court to meddle and take control."

"Alas," Qin You sighed and said, "The reasoning is sound, but you know the current state of the Court. With Beiwei and Southern Jin eyeing us, and border conflicts unending, the Court is already stretched thin. And just at this moment, trouble comes in droves, with the White Lotus Sect in Yunzhou taking the opportunity to rebel.

In all honesty, the Court’s treasury is depleted, even with repeated cost-cutting in the Imperial Palace; still, the military resources in Yunzhou are insufficient, and no one can predict how long it will take to quell the White Lotus Sect’s turmoil."

Gu Zhan asked puzzled, "What does this have to do with the Yunxi Martial World’s turmoil?"

"Naturally, there is a significant connection," Qin You said gravely, "If the Court were free of internal and external troubles, then Yunxi’s chaos would be favorable. My Astronomical Bureau could seize the opportunity to reclaim Yunxi.

But the current situation is different; the Court is too preoccupied to meddle in Yunxi, while the chaos in Yunxi won’t wait for my Astronomical Bureau to intervene.

Currently, Yunxi seems complicated with forces entrenched, but for my Astronomical Bureau, there are only two major forces: the Demon Dao Moon Worship Sect and the Righteous Dao Sword King City."

Gu Zhan looked intently at Qin You and said, "So you mean that if Yunxi becomes turbulent, in the aftermath, only Sword King City and the Moon Worship Sect will remain?"

"That’s more or less what I mean," Qin You said slowly, "Regardless of any unforeseen events, the ultimate outcome is obvious. Without the constraint of the Cyan Gorge Covenant, a new battle between Righteous and Demon forces is inevitable, and at this time, the Moon Worship Sect and Sword King City, the top forces among the Eight Great Sects, are bound to clash.

And other forces, whether the top Righteous Dao forces or top Demon Dao forces, have no choice in this situation. They will either be crushed to dust by these two great forces or submit under their command. No matter the outcome, Yunxi will be divided in two."