Upon hearing the Governor's inquiry, Wang Yu remained composed, his expression unmoved, as if carved from stone.
"The time for action has come," he said coldly. "Bring me a detailed report on the Feng Clan's power currently stationed in this province."
The words struck the Governor like a bolt of lightning.
He had assumed that the presence of both the Wang and Feng young masters signaled some kind of diplomatic exchange perhaps even a pact. But this this was a declaration of escalation.
He opened his mouth to speak, to question, to reason but then his eyes met Wang Yu's. That cold, razor-sharp gaze silenced any words that might have formed. The Governor bowed respectfully and left the chamber without protest, swallowing his doubts as he went to fulfill his task.
By the next morning, the Governor returned to Wang Yu's residence. He brought with him a group of senior ministers and military officials, all of whom bowed in unison before their young master. Maps were unfurled, scrolls opened, and a detailed analysis began.
According to their intelligence, the Feng Clan's forces within the province were formidable:
Over 300 Third Heaven cultivators were active. Nearly 8,000 peak Second Heaven warriors stood ready. And as for First Heaven cultivators—they numbered in the millions, forming a massive, ever-present army.
The Wang Clan's stationed strength was nearly identical in size.
Wang Yu listened silently, absorbing every word. When the report concluded, he asked, "What about the core of the Blazing Sun Province?"
The Governor straightened, his voice respectful and measured. "Young Master, you know as well as I do the core is the most vital element of any province. If our clan's spiritual mark replaces theirs, the will of the world, and even the province itself, will align with the Wang Clan's authority. But "
He hesitated for a moment.
"the Feng Clan guards this secret with their lives. Only their Governor has access to the core. It's hidden. Deep. Well-protected. Not even our most skilled spies have been able to catch a glimpse of it."
Wang Yu showed no surprise. In truth, this was exactly what he had expected. A clan of Feng's stature would never leave their lifeblood exposed.
Still, he asked again, "Which location do you believe has the highest probability of housing the core?"
The Governor replied promptly, "The most likely candidate is their capital city. After that, there's the Flame Lord City under the control of the Flame Lord himself, a peak Third Heaven cultivator. He's considered a rare genius, said to have few equals in his realm."
Wang Yu nodded slowly, his mind working behind those calm eyes. "What of that Feng Clan envoy? Where is he now?"
"He's currently residing in the capital city," the Governor answered.
Wang Yu's gaze sharpened. "To reach their capital, we would need to cross numerous fortified cities, all guarded by powerful Third Heaven cultivators. Deploy one hundred Third Heaven cultivators to the border regions. Send a thousand peak Second Heaven cultivators with them. Begin stirring unrest at the frontier. Create tension but avoid escalation."
A heavy silence followed his command.
The Governor's face darkened subtly. He understood what Wang Yu was doing. This wasn't a declaration of war it was the maintenance of pressure, a controlled flame, not yet allowed to erupt into full-scale conflict.
He wants a stalemate, the Governor thought, his eyes narrowing. He doesn't wish to start a war not yet. He wants the situation to simmer, to remain volatile but contained.
And though he dared not speak his mind, the realization chilled him.
Wang Yu was walking a knife's edge.