Of course, it wasn't just him alone.

This idea was discussed together with Hou Yuduan, who was currently in Wangchuan Road.

Sikong Yue must be regretting now!

Back then in Yongdu, she deliberately tossed the Divine Seal to him, thinking that under the pincers of Great Jin and the alliance, he'd have no choice but to open the Divine Treasury, involving her to resolve the situation. Unexpectedly, it has now become a tool to manipulate Great Jin.

He could even turn the tables and escape her control!

Hou Yuxiao looked at Sikong Yue directly. Even though he knew his strength was far from hers, at this moment, enjoying the privilege of speaking on equal terms with her, he felt an unprecedented sense of elation.

Unfortunately, this woman had too many schemes.

Otherwise, just her face alone would be hard for anyone to dislike.

"You will obediently open the Divine Treasury..."

Sikong Yue was silent for a moment, then suddenly gave a slight smile. Confidently finishing her sentence, she paused, raised her head to look directly at Hou Yuxiao, observing his indifferent expression, and continued: "Moreover, in thirty days."

He'll definitely open the Divine Treasury, and within thirty days?

Hou Yuxiao displayed a faint sneer, not choosing to refute Sikong Yue further. In truth, up to now, whether in strength or strategy, or even in mind, he didn't consider himself stronger than Sikong Yue, but regarding the matter of opening the Divine Seal, he had complete confidence.

The Divine Seal was his tool for controlling Great Jin and also his means to counter Sikong Yue. Until he had enough self-preservation capabilities, no matter what happened, he wouldn't open it. If necessary, he could guard the Divine Seal with Jiang Yuyun for a lifetime.

Without this seal, he was left only with Shendu as his bargaining chip. Relying solely on Shendu would earn him the support of the alliance. Great Jin wouldn't dread him, nor would he hold any value for Sikong Yue, making navigation among the three parties impossible.

It's unthinkable for him to act recklessly with something so important.

Thirty days later, him obediently opening the Divine Treasury —

No matter what happens, it's impossible!

Nonetheless, though thinking this inwardly, he wouldn't intentionally anger Sikong Yue.

The confidence he regained from Sikong Yue today was plenty good enough.

Continuing to irritate her would just be asking for a beating!

It appeared that Sikong Yue understood that continuing to speak with Hou Yuxiao was futile.

Sikong Yue vanished, disappearing directly from the hall.

Without a ripple of energy, she vanished completely, which made the previously calm Hou Yuxiao suddenly appear quite solemn.

The strength of this woman was dauntingly powerful.

Reflecting upon their first meeting in Zhaoyang County twelve years ago, through all the interactions over the years, this woman seemed to always emerge stronger in unimaginable proportions. In Nanjiang Wuxingtian, she helped Great Jin defeat Ni Han, and at the New Moon Festival, she effortlessly vanquished Long Yu...

Hou Yuxiao's expression grew a bit somber; he abruptly turned and looked at Jiang Yuyun.

"A word of advice to the Great Emperor, don't get too close to Chu Kuangren and Lu Kangping. Moreover, in the currently crowded and chaotic Shendu, some are approaching the Great Emperor with ulterior motives. Be cautious and discerning to avoid falling into their trap and ruining great matters in Shendu!"

Hearing the warning in Hou Yuxiao's tone, a surge of fiery anger surged in Jiang Yuyun's heart. Under his dragon robe, his fists clenched slightly, but after a moment of consideration, he slowly relaxed, bowing his head and softly said, "The defense of Shendu depends on the State Preceptor. As for those with ulterior motives, the Emperor is aware. Please rest assured, State Preceptor!"

Having said that, without getting a response after a long time, Jiang Yuyun looked up, only to find the entire hall empty. Unable to conceal the fury on his face, he stood and slammed his hand on the table before him, shattering it.

"Ah... To disgrace the Emperor so, I must kill you, kill you!"

In reality, even these words, Jiang Yuyun only dared to utter in his heart. The Yu Divine Palace was less than ten miles from the National Teacher's Mansion; he knew that every move, even every word, was likely observed by Hou Yuxiao.

......

New Yu Era 1333, the first of March

The number of loose cultivators and factions pledging allegiance to Great Yu in Shendu is growing.

It is understandable. From the start, many believed that the revival of Great Yu was a mere fleeting moment, with the current Great Jin being strong and powerful. Many thought that even if the Sixteenth Prince recaptured Shendu, it would only be temporary, as Great Jin would eventually strike back.

Hou Clan's two million Red Flame Army had left them with only one hundred and thirty thousand in Shendu.

One hundred and thirty thousand — that's a small number, less than a tenth of Great Jin's forces.

However, as time gradually passed, Shendu remained intact, and Great Jin had made no significant military movements, showing no sign of reclaiming Shendu. In this way, people's confidence in the restored Great Yu was further solidified.

As a result, the number of loose cultivators and factions pledging allegiance increased.

Throughout February, six Heavenly-level factions pledged their allegiance, along with fourteen Earth-level factions. Additionally, there were over ninety recognized factions, making a total of over one hundred and ten factions. Coupled with loose cultivators from various states, those pledging loyalty to Great Yu amounted to a staggering fifteen million, as recorded by Hou Clan.

Bear in mind, this encompasses over fifteen million martial artists!

Moreover, they are martial artists able to traverse mountains and waterways to arrive at Shendu from across The World.