The Crown Prince opened his eyes again, a seriousness in them as he realized the graveness of the situation. He mulled over the fact that they overlooked such a big play by the opposing side even though there was a good example of how an empire like their own could still suffer from the ‘mere kingdoms’ since the Cloud Piercing Empire was in a semi-constant state of war without being able to completely re-establish their dominance for quite a long time already.

“But the more grave problem is that they have taken over a large number of sects while you were worried about their taking over the trade and resources”

Wu Long added and Song Minfu nodded.

“That I do know about, but we have plenty of sects that will side with us as well”

“Based on my observations and estimates, they have likely set everything in place for a coup in many of the sects that you think will join your side”

Wu Long shrugged and the Crown Prince nodded since he did not exclude such an outcome.

“But even if they could overwhelm us and our Imperial Ancestor, how can they match our Grand Ancestor, the genuine Azure Eagle?”

Song Lingfei asked, since she knew her father’s calmness was in part due to the existence of that figure. The logic of sufficient numbers being capable of overwhelming even powerful figures of course did not apply universally, and a difference in a Great Realm was one factor which determined such outcomes. And it was the backing of this figure that largely set them apart from the Cloud Piercing Empire.

A Seven Profound Realms expert could take on armies upon armies of Nine Mortal Realms practitioners, and still come out on top. Of course, there was a limit to that as well, but in this case, as long as the Azure Eagle Empire had the backing of their Grand Ancestor, they did not fear even the entire continent uniting against them.

“I cannot be certain but it might be the reason they have not started moving in full yet. However, the fact they are readying for a strike regardless means that they do have a plan. Not to mention that, although not as powerful, the ones scheming are also in the Seven Profound Realms. We cannot assume they are just that stupid to not think of your Grand Ancestor, right?”

Wu Long shrugged and both Song Minfu and Song Lingfei nodded, as assuming the opponent’s stupidity was the most foolish way to strategize.

“But if they are capable of dealing with the Grand Ancestor, would it not mean that joining you would be futile, as there would be no side which can oppose them?”

The Crown Prince slightly frowned as the situation Wu Long was describing was dire to say the least, and joining the side of a small sect did not seem like a way to mitigate that. 𝑖𝘦.𝘤𝑜𝘮

“I may not be able to stand a chance, using normal means, against a Seven Profound Realm practitioner at the moment, which is why I am not getting rid of the problem right away, and am using the fact they cannot make a move due to your Grand Ancestor and other factors to my advantage. But that too is only to an extent, as I do have extreme methods if push comes to shove. For now, the plan is to just stably raise my strength to the level when I do not have to take drastic means to deal with the situation at hand”

Wu Long calmly explained as the two opposite of him expressed astonishment at the extent of his confidence. It did seem like he was prepared to face the worst outcome of his assumptions and still believed that he had a chance to come out on top.

“And what if we do come with you, do you not think that the halo of Imperial protection around those people in the Fantian Kingdom you were in contact before and that princess in Tingren Kingdom would crumble and they would become immediate casualties in this conflict?” .

The princess looked at her father with surprise as she did not expect him to so quickly take a vaguely positive stance to Wu Long’s proposal, even if she agreed with that choice.

“You do not have to worry about the people in Fantian Kingdom, as there are already people there that are more than capable of protecting them, and will be departing there shortly after moving the trading company, and as for the Tingren Kingdom… that would be true if you immediately announce your new status, but if this trip were to be taken purely for the princess’ treatment…”

Wu Long’s words trailed off but the vague meaning was clear, that they were not obligated to shout what their intentions were, and the best way was to retain their status of the Imperial Family members as long as it lasted.

“… and this way you would also be able to take an escort of your trusted people with you”

He then added and Song Minfu immediately understood that Wu Long was not only giving the two of them a way out, but a way to save trusted subordinates. There was also a hint for a certain Imperial Guard Captain to be brought along in that statement, which the Crown Prince picked up on.

“Can I give you the answer tomorrow?”

The Crown Prince finally sighed as this was a big decision, and required at least some thinking and consulting with his daughter before giving an answer.

“Of course”

Wu Long nodded, understanding the sheer weight of his offer and its implications. He was effectively proposing for Song Minfu to abandon his status as the closest to inheriting the throne, and join Wu Long’s side.

They could also did not know whether he was capable of what he was saying he was. However, they could assess the relatively reasonable analysis he made, and the choice would then become between an unknown future on his side, or the almost certain demise in case they did not take his offer, so he was not worried about the outcome of their deliberations.

But if even then, they did not take his hand, there was little he could do. He gave them a choice and it was their prerogative which option they picked.

Updated from .𝘤𝘰