CHAPTER 990: CHAPTER 467: RUMORS

After seeing off Dukes Xunlei and Chenhui, Noshan immediately received Bu Sheng and Konstantin.

These two were once the Great Emperors of the Divine Grace Plane, and compared to the previous two, Noshan’s attitude was even more respectful.

"Please, have a seat," Noshan rose to greet them, personally serving tea and water.

"Lord Noshan, no need for formalities," Bu Sheng emerged from his psychological shadow and now holds a position in the Star Sea, co-leading the jurisdiction department with Konstantin.

"I wonder if there is some matter that Lord Noshan wishes to entrust us with?" Konstantin inquired.

Noshan nodded and returned to his seat, saying, "Recently, it seems rumors about the Plum Mountain assembly are spreading within Lin’an. Are you two aware of this?"

Upon hearing this, Konstantin and Bu Sheng exchanged glances, and then Konstantin replied, "Yes, the news came suddenly and has been spreading very quickly, as if someone is deliberately disseminating it. Moreover, the news contains unfavorable information against us. I have already arranged for a news blockade, but the effect is not ideal. We’ve been in Lin’an for a short time, unable to monitor every area effectively to enforce the blockade, and also......"

Konstantin paused, finding some words hard to say.

Noshan discerned Konstantin’s difficulty and smiled, saying, "Lord Konstantin, feel free to speak; we all serve the Star Lord, who will treat us fairly."

"Alright." Konstantin continued, "We deliberately traced the source of the rumors, which seemed to originate from the realm controlled by Marshal Yang Lin of the King of Dependence. Some high-ranking Yang family members are involved, and we cannot easily apprehend or question them. Hence, we have focused primarily on blocking the rumor, but as I mentioned, the results are not satisfactory."

After hearing Konstantin, Noshan nodded and then subtly looked at Bu Sheng: "Lord Bu Sheng, what’s your take on this?"

Bu Sheng, having once been a Great Emperor and standing out among the many Princes of the Snowy Region, wasn’t lacking in stratagems. From the moment they were summoned, Bu Sheng had already guessed Noshan’s purpose for inviting them and immediately spoke, "I believe this is a psychological tactic by the four major forces inviting the Plum Mountain assembly against us. The rumors tied to it include the notion of us in the Star Sea being spies in the Eighteen Realms and suggest that once a leader is chosen at the Plum Mountain assembly, they will wage war on us. This rumor is eroding the citizens’ trust in the Star Sea within Lin’an World. If not controlled promptly, even with the support of Marshal Yang of the King of Dependence, it will be hard for us to sustain harmonious relations between the Star Sea and Lin’an’s local residents."

"So, what do you think we should do next?" In the presence of two former Great Emperors, Noshan refrained from prescribing solutions, not because he hadn’t thought of any, but because handling such matters was their responsibility, and overstepping could breed resentment.

Seeing Noshan’s inquiry, Konstantin didn’t hesitate for a moment and directly replied, "Currently, there are two approaches."

"Oh?" Duke Noshan nodded, "Please elaborate."

From such a swift, decisive response, it was evident that the two former Great Emperors had already discussed their strategies. Compared to Dukes Xunlei and Chenhui, Bu Sheng and Konstantin were indeed more reliable and concerned about the comfort of the Star Sea.

"First, quickly identify the source of the rumor, then post announcements to refute the information. Doing this might offend Marshal Yang, given our leads point to within the Yang family’s military leadership as the most likely origin."

"As for the second approach, utilize a mollifying method, continuing efforts to block the rumor without alarming the Yang family. Meanwhile, partition existing realms, gradually separating Lin’an residents from our Star Sea stationed forces into different realms, thereby minimizing distrust and upheaval’s impact on our Star Sea garrison."

After listening to Konstantin’s two approaches, which were quite standard, Noshan didn’t immediately comment, turning instead to Bu Sheng for further insight: "Does Lord Bu Sheng have any additional thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, Bu Sheng nodded: "Not only the management of the rumor’s origin and resolution, but I also believe the rumor has spread within our Star Sea garrison. Although the troops show no visible unrest due to their absolute trust in the Star Sea, if someone with ill intent has planted a seed within the Military Department, when it matures, that seed will certainly bloom, shaking the military morale of our five divisions, the Lin’an Division and our Star Sky Alliance division being the most affected."

Hearing Bu Sheng’s analysis, Noshan sighed: "Lord Bu Sheng speaks truly, and this is exactly my greatest concern. These rumors couldn’t possibly have failed to reach the military. Even if no one in our military currently pays much heed, should the Constant Domain Alliance’s army advance, the negative ramifications of these rumors will certainly blossom in the hearts of our soldiers, causing doubts and even fear. Such a venomous scheme must be entirely suppressed, and every effort made to minimize its impact."

Though Noshan and Lu Hong had agreed to participate in the Plum Mountain assembly, aiming for the position of leader of the Constant Domain Alliance, Noshan knew well that this was only an attempt. They leverage the Golden World’s reputation, but its face value holds little deterrence in the Constant Domain, and Lu Hong wouldn’t risk fully exposing his Heavenly God lineage. Doing so would be utterly compromising.

Therefore, putting every effort into responding to the forthcoming campaign of the Constant Domain Alliance is of utmost priority.

The negative news exploding at this moment undoubtedly deals the heaviest blow to the entire Star Sea. If not handled well and Lin’an becomes unstable, then the plan to use Lin’an World as a base for a prolonged war with the Constant Domain will suffer considerably in execution. An unstable rear diminishes confidence at the front.

"By the way," Konstantin spoke again, "the number of scavengers and adventurers entering Lin’an has begun increasing, and once inside, they hide immediately. Although daily numbers are fewer than a thousand, this persistent influx without exit might signify enemy infiltration with planted spies, and if battles erupt at the front, these rear spies could cause chaos, putting the Star Sea in a very unfavorable position."

Upon hearing Konstantin, Noshan frowned even more tightly, inquiring, "Have you monitored these incoming scavengers and adventurers?"

Konstantin nodded: "Half of them are already under surveillance. Those hiding in the shadows, avoiding open appearances, have been dealt with accordingly. But, over half of these spies have entered the realm governed by Marshal Yang, and we cannot inspect or handle them. Thus, whether addressing the rumors or these enemy infiltrators, bypassing the King of Dependence Yang Lin is unavoidable. This matter is urgent, and I hope Lord Noshan can mediate with Marshal Yang to help us eliminate these threats."

After Konstantin’s account, Bu Sheng solemnly asked: "And if Yang Lin is behind this operation, what then?"

"If it is Yang Lin’s doing, our Star Sea would not have a Fifth Division anymore." Noshan’s stance on this issue was clear and decisive.

"Good!"

Bu Sheng and Konstantin nodded in agreement, then saluted: "We look forward to the good news Lord Noshan will bring."

Noshan also nodded, rising to see off the two former Great Emperors: "I will communicate with the Star Lord immediately about this matter. You two needn’t wait long and can return to arrange and deploy strategies now."

"As you command!"