The following day, the highest-level trilateral meeting commenced.
Representatives of the three major powers appeared simultaneously in a hall formed of shimmering magical energy.
They were:
Regent Prince Carlos of the Sunset Empire.
Emperor Frelio XVI of the Thunder Empire.
Chairman Fontentina, the head of the Azure Water Federation's highest council.
The entire meeting hall was constructed within the void, and the participants' forms were projected using meticulously crafted magical energy.
These projections were all subjected to stringent security measures, ensuring that their facial expressions and appearances remained concealed from each other. As a result, it was impossible to discern any information or thoughts through mental or spiritual means.
However, their genders, body shapes, and ages were still distinguishable.
Regent Prince Carlos of the Sunset Empire, a seemingly unremarkable and stooped elderly man, held a long staff and appeared somewhat somber.
Fontentina, the Chairman of the Azure Water Federation, resembled a merfolk with a face covered by a mask, making it impossible to discern her exact age.
As for Emperor Frelio XVI of the Thunder Empire, he looked remarkably young, seemingly in his early thirties, emanating a distinguished and heroic presence befitting a man in his prime.
Without hesitation, Regent Prince Carlos questioned, "Frelio, by allowing your southern legion to enter the Chaos Forest, are you intending to upset the balance among the three powers?"
Fontentina chimed in, "Indeed, according to the agreement, none of the three powers are permitted to enter the Chaos Forest in any way. Your Duke Bachor has overstepped the boundary this time."
Emperor Frelio XVI remained composed and replied, "There is a reason why Duke Bachor decided to take action in the Chaos Forest. There is indeed a force attempting to disrupt the balance, but that force does not originate from us."
"Based on the latest intelligence from the southern region, the Chaos Forest has been conquered and ruled by an astonishingly powerful Demon King. They have openly established the Chaos Federation, uniting almost all tribes and factions."
Prince Carlos's expression changed slightly, "Is that so?"
Although his intelligence network was not as swift as that of the Thunder Empire, Frelio had no reason to deceive him. After all, such significant events were easily verifiable and almost impossible to conceal from the two major powers.
Fontentina appeared puzzled, "Regarding this new group of Demon Kings, the Chaos Federation, we have conducted investigations. While their potential is astounding, most of them are currently weak and small. How could they possibly rule over the Chaos Forest?"
"But they have indeed accomplished it."
"That's the issue."
Frelio said, "This Demon King not only effortlessly rules over the Chaos Forest but has also successfully incorporated major tribes and city forces. Their current strength rivals that of one of the allied kingdoms in your Azure Water Federation."
Upon hearing this, both Prince Carlos and Chairman Fontentina fell silent.
Emperor Frelio XVI continued, "One of our legions stationed at the southern border was completely annihilated within a few days. Isn't this enough to warrant our attention?"
"I suggest that we simultaneously launch an attack and crush this Demon King to prevent future calamities," he proposed.
Prince Carlos scoffed disdainfully, "Just a mere Demon King, and merely a Chaos Forest. How could it pose a significant threat? Joining forces against such an insignificant character seems too exaggerated."
He was not entirely wrong.
The Chaos Forest, at its core, was nothing more than a strategic buffer zone for the three major powers. If they truly wanted to act, they could easily crush the region, but the gains would not justify the effort.
Moreover, to join forces against a rising Demon King in the Chaos Forest, regardless of whether they could trust each other, was impractical given the current size of the Chaos Federation. It was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
However, Chairman Fontentina pointed out, "Nevertheless, the existence of the Chaos Federation will eventually disrupt the balance of the buffer zone, and we cannot simply sit idly by."
From a geopolitical perspective, the Chaos Forest must remain chaotic and fragmented. Only then would it serve its purpose as a buffer zone. If the entire region were unified with a common will, it could easily tilt towards one side, such as joining the Azure Water Federation or being absorbed by the two empires.
Once this occurred, the delicate balance among the three major powers would be shattered instantly. Any subsequent conflict could escalate into all-out warfare.
Emperor Frelio XVI could not help but smile.
He understood the current situations of the Azure Water Federation and the Sunset Empire better than anyone. The Azure Water Federation was primarily defensive and lacked the inclination for aggressive actions. However, internal divisions and increasing conflicts among its factions and regions made it unlikely for them to mobilize their forces for the sake of the Chaos Federation and a mere Demon King.
As for the Sunset Empire, the old emperor was in a senile state, on the verge of passing away. The current Regent Prince Carlos was an ambitious individual, solely focused on seizing supreme power amid the declining imperial family. He would not divert his attention for such a trivial border matter.
Therefore, Emperor Frelio XVI proposed, "In that case, let us entrust this matter to Duke Bachor and his southern frontier forces. With the strength of Bachor Duchy and the army, eradicating this Demon King will be a walk in the park."
Chairman Fontentina remained silent for a moment before saying, "The Thunder Empire must abide by the agreement and cannot linger in the Chaos Forest or leave any traces behind."
Prince Carlos also nodded, "We will closely monitor the situation in the Chaos Forest!"
Emperor Frelio reassured them, "You can rest assured about that."
He sneered inwardly. When the strategic vital area of the Chaos Forest was in their hands, how they handled it would be entirely based on the Empire's interests. With the current internal divisions and chaos in the Azure Water Federation and the Sunset Empire, how could they possibly stop the Thunder Empire's plans?
Speaking of which, Emperor Frelio had to thank the Demon King of the Chaos Forest. Without this Demon King creating this federation of his, how could the Empire have such a justifiable and well-known reason to openly intervene and conquer? This approach was more reliable than their previous clandestine machinations and covert control.
The trilateral meeting concluded, and the three magical projections vanished. The entire void conference hall collapsed and disappeared.
The consensus reached in this meeting was that the Azure Water Federation and the Sunset Empire both agreed to allow the forces led by the Bachor Duchy in the empire's southern frontier to enter the Chaos Forest.
However, it was strictly stipulated that the other three duchies and the Guardian Grand Dukes themselves, as well as the empire's main forces were not allowed to intervene in this matter, a condition that Emperor Frelio XVI readily accepted.
The Thunder Empire had already achieved its objectives. Even if the Chaos Federation managed to unify the entire Chaos Forest, it would still be no more than a medium-sized kingdom in comparison to the dozens of such forces present in the Azure Water Federation. These colossal empire-level powers considered it no challenge at all.
Duke Bachor himself was a top-notch ruler, and the Bachor family was renowned for having numerous formidable individuals who could lead the nobility in the entire southern frontier of the empire. Their strength was more than sufficient for this mission.
Aside from this, the empire issued bounties to various Hero guilds. The reward for killing the Demon King of the Chaos Federation was exceedingly generous, granting the achiever the hereditary title of Earl in the Thunder Empire and a staggering sum of one billion universal gold coins.
With such a lucrative reward, it was certain that brave and skilled Heroes would be enticed to accept the challenge. Slaying a powerful Demon King was already an extraordinarily attractive and rewarding feat for any Hero. It meant instant fame, the prestigious title of nobility within the empire, substantial rewards, and a significant boost to their own strength.
The news of the birth of such a super Demon King in the Chaos Forest would undoubtedly stir Heroes from all corners of the land. After all, defeating this formidable foe not only promised glory and rewards but also the esteemed status of an imperial noble, along with an immense surge in power and an unparalleled leap in status!
...
At this moment, in the capital city of the Chaos Federation, Darkness City, the grand conference and celebration had come to an end. Finally, Zhang Nu had the time to meet with Han Kexin in person.
With a smile, Zhang Nu spoke, "I apologize for being so busy these past few days, but fortunately, everything has progressed smoothly."
Han Kexin did not want to dwell on her feelings any longer. Her confidence had been severely shaken in the past two days. After a moment of contemplation, she asked, "Creating a new power, declaring sovereignty - these are risky actions. Are you prepared for the consequences?"
Hearing her question, Zhang Nu was taken aback. Han Kexin must have done some research on the Chaos Forest and the surrounding three major powers in the past two days.
"Rest assured," he reassured her, "I know what I'm doing. My main goal in establishing the Chaos Federation is to completely rule over this region and obtain the corresponding super treasure chest."
As for the consequences?
Of course, he had considered them.
However, with his current personal strength and the strength of his forces, Zhang Nu was not too worried that the three major powers would have a significant impact on him. To his knowledge, the chances of the Sunset Empire and the Azure Water Federation voluntarily invading the Chaos Forest were negligible. Only the Thunder Empire had the motive and capability.
But for the Thunder Empire to pose a serious threat, they would have to go all out, which was highly unlikely. Even if the emperor had such an intention, the other two major powers would resist it.
So, all in all, there were risks and pressures, but they were all within manageable limits.
Han Kexin nodded, "Since that's the case, I won't comment too much. I know your merfolk underling, Shui Yao. I've learned about her family's situation in Holy Tides City."
"If you don't mind, I can help you gradually gain control of Holy Tides City."
"Of course, as a reward, I would like the right to conduct business activities in Pale Moon Kingdom and the Azure Water Federation."
"What do you think?"
Control Holy Tides City?
Zhang Nu was surprised. Holy Tides City was the second-largest city in Pale Moon Kingdom, just below the capital city. It served as the country's primary commercial center and was an important northern port for the Azure Water Federation. If he could gain control of this city, it would bring significant benefits to Zhang Nu. However, achieving such control would not come easy.
Currently, Zhang Nu's main focus was on dealing with the northern empire and developing his territories. In the south, he was more focused on market penetration and conducting business. In the short to medium term, he did not have any other plans for this region.
Zhang Nu asked, "Are you confident?"
Han Kexin replied, "In terms of raw power, I may not be on par with you, but I have some methods that you don't possess."
Zhang Nu considered her words and thought it might be worth a try.
Han Kexin seemed very excited about it and immediately went back to prepare.
Once Zhang Nu had some free time, he opened the player interface and claimed the "Chaos Forest Exclusive Treasure Chest!". This was the big reward for ruling over the entire Chaos Forest region, and the rewards should be better than those from the Malevolent King's tomb.
With anticipation, Zhang Nu opened the treasure chest.