Know Nothing About Politics . . . .
Zuo Wuji expressed his exasperation, "Cha Eun Xiao, it appears you have limited knowledge of the intricacies of national politics. While Ling-Bao Hall's endeavors to serve the kingdom are appreciated, there exists a crucial caveat. When the time comes that Ling-Bao Hall no longer serves the kingdom's interests and, worse yet, becomes a burden, the kingdom will not hesitate to sever ties. Irrespective of Feng Zhiling's capabilities, I am certain of one thing: Feng Zhiling's tenure as the Monarch of Ling-Bao Hall will be short-lived. Wan Zhenghao boasts millennia of experience, and he would never commit such a reckless act."
Cha Eun Xiao listened intently but had little to contest; Zuo Wuji's points were irrefutable.
"Moving on to the current circumstances," Zuo Wuji resumed, "we are dealing with a staggering number of assassins from various kingdoms. It's challenging to categorize them into specific types. However, there is one commonality we can identify: there are over five thousand assassins officially recorded as present in Chen-Xing City right now. Curiously, they seem to vanish upon their entry into the city. In essence, there are more than five thousand hidden assassins within the city."
He continued, "Furthermore, it's important to note that these individuals are here on official assignments. What's even more disconcerting is that there are assassin associations from the martial world and freelance assassins, all shrouded in secrecy, their backgrounds unknown. However, one thing is certain: the number of people entering the city through its gates is twice the usual amount."
He then disclosed the most alarming fact, "But the real shocker lies in the number of arrivals. There are more than a hundred thousand individuals who entered the city and have yet to depart. Their motives and identities are clear to us. Many have come with the specific goal of targeting Ling-Bao Hall, Feng Zhiling, and Wan Zhenghao. However, not all are focused solely on Ling-Bao Hall and its affiliates. As it is the capital of the Kingdom of Chen, it is conceivable that many individuals are interested in the royal family. In fact, they may have set their sights on the entire city."
Cha Eun Xiao understood the predicament but was keen to explore solutions. "I comprehend the situation. It is indeed logical. However, do you have any plans to address these individuals? Or is there anything you require to handle this situation?"
Zuo Wuji replied confidently, "When there is a lock, there must be a key. I am certain that a solution can be devised. What is paramount is the possession of absolute power, sheer strength. Without the means, every strategy remains mere speculation."
Cha Eun Xiao persisted, "Let's say someone could provide the necessary power. What approach would you employ to deal with this situation?"
Zuo Wuji clarified his approach with resolute determination, "That's simple. We offer them what they seek. We employ Ling-Bao Hall, Feng Zhiling, and Wan Zhenghao as bait to lure them out."
"Bait!" Cha Eun Xiao exclaimed, taken aback by the audacity of the plan.
"Zuo Zuo, wouldn't this plan be considered... too extreme? Ling-Bao Hall has contributed significantly to the kingdom's welfare. Deciding to abandon them seems dishonorable," Cha Eun Xiao voiced his reservations.
Zuo Wuji, while empathetic to Cha Eun Xiao's sentiments, offered a stark political perspective, "Xiao Xiao, your understanding of politics is rather limited. Regardless of appearances, when the national interest is at stake, everything can become expendable. The auction has concluded, and the seventy billion is now in the kingdom's royal treasury. What transpires with Ling-Bao Hall and Feng Zhiling is no longer the kingdom's concern. They have been designated as sacrifices. Even if they were used as bait, do you think the king is truly troubled by that? He lacks the right person with the necessary skills to accomplish the mission. That's all there is to it."
Cha Eun Xiao acknowledged the logic but pressed for the details of their plan, "So, what's the strategy for executing this baiting plan?"
Zuo Wuji, concerned about Cha Eun Xiao's willingness to execute the plan, cautioned, "Xiao Xiao, you're not implying that you will undertake this, are you? You do realize that if Feng Zhiling and Wan Zhenghao serve as bait, the likelihood of their survival is rather grim."
Reassuring Zuo Wuji, Cha Eun Xiao replied, "Don't concern yourself with that. Just tell me how to proceed."
He contemplated, "I'm not one to worry about it. Just provide me with the plan."
Zuo Wuji proceeded to detail the elaborate plan, which lit a fire in Cha Eun Xiao's eyes. One after another, Zuo Wuji explained a multitude of interconnected schemes that formed a comprehensive strategy.
Impressed by Zuo Wuji's strategic brilliance, Cha Eun Xiao couldn't help but marvel, "What an astute mind Zuo Wuji possesses. These plans are ingenious."
Zuo Wuji addressed the most challenging aspect of their strategy, "Dealing with those who remain hidden is relatively straightforward when we possess sufficient power. The real obstacle in this scenario is the House of the Chaotic Storms. It serves as the force behind these machinations, exerting control over everyone involved. The House of the Chaotic Storms is the sole entity capable of orchestrating this."
Cha Eun Xiao nodded in agreement, vividly recalling the enigmatic Master Bai. He acknowledged, "Master Bai's influence is truly formidable. Among all the adversaries I've encountered in both of my lives, he is unquestionably the most formidable. His dominance in power, strength, and strategy is unparalleled. Defeating an adversary of his caliber presents an insurmountable challenge."
Zuo Wuji concurred, "It's a regrettable situation. I can't think of any approach that would be effective against the House of the Chaotic Storms. We can only wait for their move and then devise a strategy to defend against it."
Cha Eun Xiao lapsed into contemplative silence, acknowledging the inherent difficulties posed by the House of the Chaotic Storms. Regardless of the meticulous plans they devised, the House of the Chaotic Storms had the capacity to upend everything within seconds and regain control. It was a formidable adversary that defied easy solutions.
Choosing to await their adversary's moves and adapt accordingly seemed the most prudent course of action.
Engaging in direct combat against an overwhelmingly superior enemy would be a reckless endeavor. Their chances of victory were minuscule at best.
The current situation offered a glimmer of hope through the potential for strategic manipulation. They could potentially outwit their adversary through cunning schemes. However, the risks of being outmatched in the realm of strategy loomed ominously.
...
By the time Cha Eun Xiao departed from the House of Zuo, darkness had descended upon the city, and the first signs of illumination began to emerge.
Navigating through an alley, he calmly uttered, "Reveal yourself."
A swift figure materialized before him, revealing a wiry countenance and sharp, piercing eyes.
It was none other than Ning Biluo, renowned as the Land of Han-Yang's preeminent assassin.