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Danger and Opportunity

The storm came fast --- and left just as quickly.

From the moment Dustin and Margaret returned to Stonia, only a single night had passed.

And in that one night, the entire underground power structure of Stonia had undergone a massive reshuffle.

All forces affiliated with the Temple of the Gods, including its vassals, had been uprooted completely.

Even some hidden experts died without a sound, leaving no trace.

In the presence of Dustin --- a Landed Celestial-level powerhouse --- any disguise or resistance was meaningless. All efforts were futile.

The purge operation, orchestrated by Dustin and Margaret, sent shockwaves not only through foreign factions but also among domestic powers. Fear gripped everyone.

No one had anticipated the outbreak to happen so fast.

Many of the major forces didn’t even catch the slightest hint beforehand.

It was like a bolt of lightning out of a clear sky --- far too sudden.

Currently, with the fight for the Crown Prince position at a critical juncture, the emergence of a powerful and mysterious force made everyone wary.

All at once, factions and intelligence agencies scrambled to uncover the truth.

At this moment, inside a low-key yet lavish mansion…

Li Wenxing sat reading quietly, waiting patiently for news.

Beside him stood a plainly dressed middle-aged man.

This man, named Qian Jin, was not only Li Wenxing’s steward but also acted as his strategist and advisor.

Whenever there was an important matter to be discussed, Li Wenxing would always call on Qian Jin.

“Uncle Qian, I heard that all of the Temple of the Gods’ industries in Stonia have been uprooted overnight by some mysterious force. Even our own businesses were affected. Have you considered where this mysterious force came from?”

After reading for a while, Li Wenxing couldn’t calm his mind and started the conversation.

“Your Highness, things happened too abruptly. Our people haven’t found any clues yet,” Qian Jin replied with a slight bow.

Since receiving the news that morning, the intelligence network in the household had been working at full capacity.

But judging from the power of this mysterious force, uncovering anything would clearly be no easy task.

“Uncle Qian, help me analyze --- do you think this mysterious force’s emergence is a threat or an opportunity?” Li Wenxing asked again.

He disliked unknown variables, and even more so the feeling of losing control.

The struggle against Li Guanglong and Li Juntang was already difficult enough --- any additional pressure could be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

“In my view, while this mysterious force does pose a threat, it’s also an opportunity. If used well, it could actually help Your Highness,” Qian Jin said, keeping his voice calm and steady.

“Oh? Tell me more,” Li Wenxing raised his eyebrows slightly.

“Your Highness, you should know very well that in your competition against the other two princes, we’re at a significant disadvantage. If things continue as they are, your chances of winning are slim --- less than twenty percent.

Most factions have already chosen sides --- those supporting the Second Prince or the Third Prince have made their decisions. It’s difficult to expect any major shifts at this point.

In such a deadlocked situation, turning the tide is near impossible.

But now, the sudden appearance of this mysterious force might just offer us a lifeline.

Anyone capable of taking down all of the Temple of the Gods’ hidden strongholds in Stonia overnight must possess tremendous power --- likely even surpassing ours.

If we can draw them to our side, form an alliance, we’ll have a powerful edge in the fight against the other princes.

Analyzing it from a strategic perspective, this development is actually a favorable one for us.”

Qian Jin spoke calmly and clearly, laying out his thoughts without rush.

After listening, Li Wenxing’s eyes lit up with energy.

That’s right --- he was already in a disadvantageous position. What did he have to lose?

If he played it safe, he’d definitely lose. So why not take a risk and try to carve out a chance at survival?

“Uncle Qian! You’re absolutely right. This is our opportunity --- and we must seize it!” Li Wenxing clenched his fists, eyes burning with resolve.

“Your Highness, even if you wish to contact this mysterious force, you’ll have to wait until we finish our investigation. Otherwise, how do we even reach out to them?” Qian Jin remained calm.

“There’s no time to wait! If we delay, we’ll lose the initiative!” Li Wenxing’s expression turned serious. “Our intelligence network is not stronger than Li Guanglong’s or Li Juntang’s. If I’ve received the news, they surely have as well. By the time we act, it might already be too late!”

Given his current strength and resources, he had no advantage over the other two princes.

In fact, he was at a severe disadvantage.

Which meant he had to act first --- to seize the upper hand!

“Does Your Highness already have a plan in mind?” Qian Jin asked, surprised.

“I wouldn’t call it a brilliant plan,” Li Wenxing said with a squint, “but I do know someone who can help when it comes to information.”

“Who?” Qian Jin pressed.

“My sister, of course. The brilliant and unmatched Princess of Anyang --- Margaret.”

A subtle smile curved at Li Wenxing’s lips. “Others may not know, but I do --- Margaret has always controlled the most powerful intelligence network in Dragonmarsh. And it answers only to the Emperor himself. None of us brothers have access to it.

Whenever something happens in this country, Margaret knows about it before anyone else.

So, if I can find her --- I’ll find out the truth about this mysterious force.” - Ton

Comments

Anonymous said…
Thanks for the update. I think second Prince will suspect Margaret and Dustin.
Anonymous said…
Thanks ton
Anonymous said…
What a great chapter. Thanks for sharing.
Anonymous said…
Thanks for the update, Admin Ton
Anonymous said…
Interesting..
Anonymous said…
Is any of the three princes a good person? All of them worried about power... Could Margaret claim a stronger position? We'll see...
Anonymous said…
Thank you very, very much, Ton!!
Anonymous said…
As you can see, she's in control now. It's a sign that she could and Dustin promised to support her if she's willing. In this case, I don't think she would admit that she's behind what happened in the night.
Anonymous said…
I think that the current emperor would choose Margaret as his successor. We will have empress with Dustin as her confidante.

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