Back in the heart of the Blazing Sun Province, where the light never dimmed and even shadows dared not linger too long, Feng Ming stood atop a high terrace, eyes scanning the horizon as if seeking answers in the shimmering waves of heat.
He stood still, yet his mind raced quantumplating, analyzing, thinking several steps ahead as any seasoned cultivator of his level would.
"To break through the next minor realm even with the bloodline of the Ancient Saint Clan coursing through my veins, I would need at least a hundred, maybe two hundred years in seclusion," he mused, his gaze narrowing. "But now I'm shackled to this cursed province, forced to play guardian. There's no time. No peace. And worst of all "
His fists clenched slightly at the thought.
"That old man he definitely sent strong cultivators as cannon fodder, no doubt peak third heaven. He wants to test me, to force me into revealing my trump cards. But what if I don't have any? If I'm drawn into a battle formation without an ace to play, I'll die."
As if summoned by his thoughts, a young figure approached swiftly Boa Ling, one of his trusted subordinates. The boy bowed low, his voice urgent.
"Young Master, there's a problem at the border."
Feng Ming's expression darkened like a cloud blocking the sun. "Speak. What's the situation?"
Boa Ling straightened, tension written across his brow. "Hundreds of third heaven cultivators have begun waging small skirmishes along our border. They strike swiftly, destroy our outer fortresses, then retreat. It's a clear provocation."
A slow, radiant smile crept across Feng Ming's lips unexpected, almost eerie.
"So,the Wang Clan doesn't want direct confrontation after all," he thought. "He's probing. Testing. Even he's wary. This could work to my advantage."
Turning to Boa Ling, Feng Ming's tone shifted to cold precision. "Reinforce the border with our own third heaven cultivators. Counterattack. Capture some of their smaller cities but not the major ones. When the Wang Clan sends defenders, fight them. Hold the cities if you can. But if the tide turns, retreat without hesitation."
Boa Ling bowed once more and disappeared down the stairs, leaving only the echo of his footsteps behind.
Feng Ming turned his gaze back to the horizon.
"He's afraid," he thought. "Good. Let's deepen that fear."
He folded his arms behind his back, his golden robes rustling softly in the heated breeze.
"By targeting the Wang Clan's smaller cities, I make my intent clear I'm not here to play for a stalemate. I want a war. But at the same time, I leave him room to breathe.I don't force his hand into a do-or-die. If he's wise, he'll understand this gesture."
And with that, the winds shifted slightly, carrying the scent of distant battle.
Feng Ming closed his eyes.
"Now, I wait."