The discussion hall fell silent, and all eyes turned to a Gu Immortal.
This Gu Immortal appeared young, his features ordinary and unremarkable. In reality, however, he was a key figure among the Chai Clan's Gu Immortals— a confidant and capable right-hand man of the Chai Clan's Grand Elder.
As a Gu Immortal of the Information Path, Chai Youyan gathered his thoughts before speaking calmly: "What I've been considering might differ from everyone else's. These past few days, I've actually been contemplating the person known as Wu Yihai."
"Wu Yong is missing, rumors of his death are spreading. Whether it's true or not, and who is behind it, the Wu Clan is currently led by Wu Yihai. His temperament, the true extent of his sincerity—these are the questions in my mind."
"Wu Yihai's origins are known to us all. But our understanding of him is far too limited. After all, he isn't a Gu Immortal born and raised in the Southern Border."
"Mm, go on," said a glint of interest in the eyes of the Chai Clan's Grand Elder.
Chai Youyan smiled slightly before continuing: "Actually, everyone knows the previous intelligence about Wu Yihai, so there's no need for me to repeat it here. From that intelligence, you might have some idea of this person's temperament and mindset. Let me mention something everyone might have overlooked."
"Oh? Something we overlooked?"
Chai Youyan stroked his nose: "It's the letter. In the letter Wu Yihai sent, he expressed his desire for an alliance with our clan to jointly attack the Ba and Xia Clans. He didn't choose to ally with just the Ba Clan, or separately with the Xia Clan, but instead listed both as opponents."
"The Wu Clan's style has always been overbearing. Isn't that their usual way of doing things?" asked a puzzled Chai Clan Gu Immortal.
"No, no, no. Wu Yihai is different." Chai Youyan shook his head slowly. "This is evident from how he handled Guanghan Peak, and from the agreement he reached with the Mountain Driving Old Freak. His methods are more akin to those of a wandering cultivator. After all, how long has he been part of the Wu Clan?"
"Wu Yihai lacks the Wu Clan's arrogance, but he possesses the shrewdness of a wandering or reclusive cultivator. He is skilled at compromise, and in my view, he has a talent for navigating the Righteous Path."
"Why would he directly list both the Ba and Xia Clans as targets? As someone just said, why not choose one and compromise with the other? Because once we truly ally with the Wu Clan and choose to attack one, how could the other possibly stand by and watch? They would inevitably unite against our clan and the Wu Clan's alliance!"
Hearing this, the Chai Clan Gu Immortals nodded one after another, agreeing with Chai Youyan's point.
The Chai, Ba, and Xia Clans were all concentrated in the heart of the Red Azure River, their relationships extremely complex. If one clan grew powerful, the other two would certainly join forces to resist.
The three formed a balance of power, each restraining the others. This was the very reason the Chai Clan had developed over many years without venturing out.
If the Chai Clan allied with the Wu Clan, it would inevitably disrupt this local balance. How could the Ba and Xia Clans not then unite?
Therefore, in his letter, Fang Yuan had simply listed both as targets. He knew this was bound to happen!
"In that case, Wu Yihai has quite a mature perspective. Since he proposed an alliance with our Chai Clan, he must have made many preparations. The concern that the Wu Clan might play us seems unnecessary," someone remarked.
Chai Youyan nodded: "What I want to point out is that Wu Yihai possesses deep political acumen. Judging from these various behaviors and details, he has significant sincerity for cooperation."
"In fact, our Chai Clan must take action."
"For our clan to develop to this point, suppressing the Ba and Xia Clans has not been easy. It required the efforts of several generations, along with some element of luck."
"If we allow the Ba and Xia Clans to seize more resources and grow their strength, our clan's advantage will be lost."
"Of course, cooperation with the Wu Clan also requires caution."
"How to start the war, and to what extent it should be confined, is for you, the Grand Elder, to decide."
"However, at the very least, we should send a portion of our Gu Immortals to conduct a feint. We can't let the Ba and Xia Clans expand their territories too easily, can we?"
As these words were spoken, the Chai Clan Gu Immortals in the hall nodded in agreement.
Almost simultaneously.
Southern Border, Ten Thousand Snake Mountain, the Chi Clan's stronghold.
The Chi Clan's Grand Elder held a message Gu in his hand, silent in contemplation.
The Chi Clan was located in the westernmost part of the Southern Border, with the Yang Clan to its southeast and the Qiao Clan to its east.
The Chi Clan shared territorial borders with both, but was closer to the Yang Clan, with more contiguous territory.
"Distant alliances, nearby attacks" was a common diplomatic choice.
Therefore, the Chi Clan and the Yang Clan had always had a poor relationship. The Yang Clan's Ghost Hand Mountain, located at the source of the Yellow Dragon River, was rich in resources and strategically defensible. The Yang Clan Gu Immortals primarily cultivated the Soul Path, and their combat strength was outstanding, making them a constant threat to the Chi Clan.
In past dealings, the Yang and Chi Clans had also had numerous conflicts, accumulating historical tensions.
To the Yang Clan's right, following the Yellow Dragon River eastward, was the Wu Clan's territory.
Actually, the Wu Clan and Chi Clan were also neighbors. Although they didn't share a border, the Qiao Clan did border the Chi Clan.
The Qiao Clan had been strongly supported by a past Grand Elder of the Wu Clan. They were stationed in the central part of the western Southern Border, resisting the Ba and Xia Clans to the north, facing the Chi Clan to the west, and even able to pin down the Yang Clan in the far southwest.