Shennong Dao Master

Chapter 1756 - 7: Full of Doubts, Saint Sinon and the Scholar of the Demonic Path_2

"In the western constellation of the Annihilation Star Corridor, ’Imperial Star Stone’ is produced in abundance. There’s a local power there known as the Rainbow Moon Dynasty. Our expansion provoked the Rainbow Moon Dynasty, and only later did we learn that behind it was the Carlos Family."Zhao Xing asked, "How are the casualties?"

Ji Che sent over the list of casualties, then sighed and said, "I dispatched 2,135 Third Realm cultivators abroad, over 800 of them died this time, and the few dozen who made it back are severely injured, and we’ve lost the territory as well."

Zhao Xing’s face looked grim; the list of the dead included many names he was familiar with.

The original Shangluo Academy, Chu Qianqiu, Zhuang Daren, Dean Qin of Kunyuan Academy, Priest Wei Hong, Ji Bochang...

The list of the injured was also worrying, as Old Chen, Xia Jing, and Ji Si were all severely injured.

Since the Rainbow Moon Dynasty doesn’t belong to the Empire’s forces, poisons forbidden by the Empire are everywhere outside.

Often small countries engage in more reckless behavior, causing many of Great Zhou’s injured to still be in life-threatening conditions.

However, the forces controlled by the Carlos Family meant to launch a surprise attack on a small power like Great Zhou, and having survivors was already quite fortunate.

It was Ji Si who broke through to the Tao Domain Realm amid the crisis, pointing out a path to survival for everyone and escaping what would have been certain death.

"Che, are you worried that this conflict might extend back home?" Zhao Xing perceptively sensed Ji Che’s plea for assistance.

"Yes." Ji Che nodded.

Zhao Xing sighed in his heart.

As the Grand Minister of Agriculture of Great Zhou, after sorting through the situation, he realized that Great Zhou’s issues went beyond mere loss of life and territory.

Even if the Carlos Family doesn’t pursue further action, the losses for Great Zhou this time are significant.

Losing face and territory in the Annihilation Star Corridor not only led to a total loss of Great Zhou’s investments there but also involved hefty penalty fees, since some of Great Zhou’s business orders were related to the Corridor’s outputs.

"Such is the case with small powers; their risk resistance is too weak. A slight mishap, and there’s potential for collapse. It’s really like walking on thin ice."

Yet Zhao Xing quickly regained his composure, as he was now Great Zhou’s last card.

No matter what, he couldn’t show any negative emotions.

Zhao Xing immediately said, "I’ll find a way to handle the domestic penalty fees; I still have some savings, and the territory previously granted by the Beihai Lord can also be pledged to resolve the immediate crisis."

"As for the threat from the Carlos Family, leave it to me to handle."

"All activities of Great Zhou outside the borders should cease for now, return within the borders and wait for my news."

Ji Che’s eyes lit up: "Elder brother, can this really work? Will it affect your development in the Primordial Realm... If it does, Great Zhou can retreat into the Boundary Boat again, we..."

"Of course not." Zhao Xing reassured with a smile, "Rest assured, I was personally taken in as a disciple by a Demigod."

"Che, you need to be a bit more resilient. I can’t easily come out from the Primordial Realm, so everything domestic depends on you."

Ji Che’s expression visibly brightened. He was treading on thin ice, anxious, torn over Great Zhou’s future, and worried that Zhao Xing wouldn’t be able to solve it.

Now, Zhao Xing’s words finally made him feel he’d found support.

"By the way, don’t trouble Lord Qianhua. Let the teacher cultivate well." Zhao Xing added another reminder. "If there’s really an issue with the Fengdu Boundary Star, it should be approached through the Beihai Lord."

"Understood, elder brother, I understand."

"Go ahead."

Closing the Star Mirror, Zhao Xing’s smile slowly faded.

The bluff was made, but implementing it was not as easy as imagined.

On the surface, he’s a disciple taken by the Guluo River, but Guluo River said very clearly from the start that it was only a substitute for teaching, not involving personal matters.

Even if he were truly taken as a disciple, he had just entered the Primordial Realm; how much mentor-disciple bond could there be?

"It’s better to first understand who is responsible for managing the Rainbow Moon Dynasty." Zhao Xing thought. To understand the ins and outs, it’s best to find people from Jing Yan and Star Fire.

Jing Yan understands the internal situation of the Empire, while Star Fire is familiar with the external situation.

Half a day later, at Huai Liu Courtyard.

Jing Yan rushed over urgently with Floating Divine Soldiers.

"Zhao Xing, what happened that you called me so urgently?"

"I ran into some trouble."

Zhao Xing briefly narrated the situation outside the borders.

Jing Yan listened quietly, and after Zhao Xing finished, he said, "Wait a moment, I’ll ask the elders at home, and you contact Star Fire to see what kind of business the so-called Rainbow Moon Dynasty is in. What is the real reason for attacking Great Zhou?"

"The real reason?" Zhao Xing pondered, "You think it’s not a simple conflict?"

Jing Yan shook his head and said, "Of course not. What kind of barren land is the Annihilation Star Corridor? The Carlos Family is in the interstellar shipping business, but they don’t touch just any business."

"Moreover, don’t you find the battle report odd? When Ji Si brought up Liu Tianning’s teacher’s name, they didn’t think to eliminate them completely, but when you were mentioned, they struck with full force."

"Think about it, why would this happen?"

Zhao Xing quickly responded, "Wiping out is intended to conceal something, some unspeakable matters?"

Jing Yan nodded, "You’re too closely involved to see it clearly. Isn’t it obvious? The Empire’s nobles are doing business outside, to seek profit, while declaring their identity in doing so, must involve some interest."

Zhao Xing frowned, "But Great Zhou’s territory was very small, and our people didn’t find anything special."

"Either the people Great Zhou sent to develop it don’t know themselves, or the other side is uncertain and takes precautionary measures to prevent leaks... In any case, let’s not guess wildly for now; contact Star Fire."