Chen Chuan took the telegram and looked it over. Delegation Leader Xie had cabled to inform him that the delegation's affairs in the Federation capital were nearly concluded, and they would soon depart the capital to rendezvous with him in Kawatua.
Upon learning this, he realized their diplomatic visit to the Federation was drawing to a close. Soon, it would be time to consider the return journey.
That meant, as stated at the beginning, he had only a month or two left.
His collection of intelligence on the Primitive Sect was still underway. Aside from his current channels, he also planned to acquire information through the Wansong Commission Company.
This firm operated strictly on a paid-service basis. Moreover, the Primitive Sect was already targeting him, so he had no fear of them discovering an investigation; nor could they ever deduce from such inquiries that he intended to strike straight into their headquarters.
Having formed his plan, once the celebration ceremony at the ball stadium concluded, he had the telegraph operator send a dispatch to the personnel stationed in Serranocha State, instructing them to commission a Great Shun firm to query the Wansong Commission Company under his name.
A response soon arrived from the Fang Song Commission Company. Due to the high demands of this request, the company could provide the intelligence, but it would require a little time—roughly ten days. They asked that he wait patiently, noting that the final fee would depend on the level of detail in the gathered intelligence.
Chen Chuan nodded upon receiving the reply. If reliable intelligence on the Primitive Sect could be secured in about ten days, that was remarkably efficient. All he had to do was wait.
Five days after receiving the telegram, the Second Delegation, having concluded their visit to the Federation capital, returned to Arcana State under Delegation Leader Xie's lead. Bathed in the early morning sunlight, they arrived in Kawatua aboard an airship.
Most members of the Second Delegation were thus reunited here.
During their greetings, Delegation Leader Xie gripped Chen Chuan's hand firmly and said solemnly, "Kawatua is the final mission our Second Delegation must see through. At a time like this, Section Chief Chen, I must stand alongside you to ensure it is done right."
Chen Chuan nodded.
Delegation Leader Xie and the delegation members settled in under arrangements made by Kawatua's upper echelon. After a brief rest, they emerged to attend a grand welcoming banquet hosted for them by Kawatua.
Lately, Kawatua's leadership had been actively publicizing that Great Shun would always stand by them. Seeing two more Great Shun martial artists arrive, the populace grew even more confident in their ability to resist a Federation offensive.
A vast crowd gathered outside the banquet hall to express gratitude for Great Shun's support, presenting gifts and heartfelt blessings.
Many delegation members had visited several times before, but this welcome was undeniably the most passionate.
After the banquet ended, Delegation Leader Xie said to Chen Chuan, "Section Chief Chen, do you have time to take a walk with me?"
Sensing that Delegation Leader Xie had something to discuss, Chen Chuan readily agreed.
Delegation Leader Xie walked out with him, gazing at the magnificent Life Plateau beyond, and asked, "Section Chief Chen, have you toured the plateau before?"
Chen Chuan replied, "I haven't had the chance to look around properly."
Delegation Leader Xie smiled. "Then why don't we take an airship to view it this time?"
Chen Chuan saw no reason to object.
After speaking with the aides and greeting the Kawatuan hosts, the two were guided outward. Before long, they reached the base of a mooring tower.
An airship distinctive to Kawatua's style was waiting there.
Most of the airships Kawatua previously possessed had been purchased. Under the guidance of technical specialists from the Great Shun delegation, however, they had completed their very first independently constructed airship just a few days ago.
Crucially, all the materials were sourced entirely from Kawatua. Though their craftsmanship was not yet fully mature and many areas still called for improvement, it signified that Kawatua could build its own airships in the future without relying entirely on outside help.
And the vessel they were boarding today was that very airship, the *Yuantu*.
The two boarded the vessel, and after a brief wait, the airship slowly ascended into the sky. Once they reached a certain altitude, they looked out to both sides, taking in a clear view of the splendid city and the grand, imposing temple.
Delegation Leader Xie was in high spirits as he looked down at Kawatua. Chen Chuan felt equally pleased. Both shared a sense of accomplishment in Kawatua's current flourishing state; after all, it had been achieved through their efforts and participation.
The airship departed Kawatua and entered the Life Plateau. Below, herds of wild bison unique to Arcana State could be seen galloping across the expanse, kicking up billowing clouds of dust in a magnificent spectacle.
Yet this herd of bison on the Life Plateau was likely the last remaining in Yingzhou. All others had long since been systematically hunted down or used as sacrificial offerings.
Delegation Leader Xie looked at the herd, reminded of the First People's plight. "The Life Plateau is the final land left to the First People," he said. "As long as they hold this ground, they can ensure their survival and prevent their people from going extinct."
Chen Chuan shifted his gaze toward Ikus in the sky. "Let us hope so."
Delegation Leader Xie said, "On my way here, I observed considerable quantities of materiel and personnel being moved toward Arcana State, along with signs of troop mobilization. But with the Federation making such a high-profile display, it is very likely just posturing. In truth, they probably don't want to move against Kawatua right now."
Chen Chuan nodded. "I noticed that as well. Over the past few days, they have constantly leaked reports about how many forces are gathering and massing here, practically without pause. It gives a distinct impression of bluffing."
This was likely meant simply to exert pressure on Kawatua. It had achieved some effect; even with the delegation present, that tension was not so easily dispelled.
Even so, Kawatua's current leadership was capable, parrying each move adroitly. If both sides were likened to martial artists, Kawatua had transformed from a passive, battered target into a strong contender with mental fortitude, capable of proactive adaptation.
Delegation Leader Xie remarked, "Since we are departing soon, they certainly want to wait until after we leave before striking at Kawatua. Even so, I believe the timing might be pushed back even further—perhaps delayed until next year."
Chen Chuan raised an eyebrow. "Is there a reason for that?"
Seeming to recall something, he asked, "Does it have to do with the recent negotiations?"
Delegation Leader Xie nodded. "The primary negotiations have essentially concluded. What remains is merely minor details. The formal report will soon be submitted to the Executive Administration, so I can share some background with you now, Section Chief Chen."
Chen Chuan turned his eyes to him. For Great Shun and the Federation to spend so much time negotiating, something of supreme importance had to be at stake.
He had entertained various speculations before, none of which felt entirely certain. Now he could hear the truth firsthand.
Delegation Leader Xie gazed out into the vast sky and spoke slowly. "For these negotiations, Great Shun came at the Federation's invitation. The Federation's aim was to persuade us to abandon our support and exchanges with the Tianji Sect.
"Because they intend to concentrate their high-level forces to reclaim one of the five grand states—Bayende-Weishu State. And at the same time, destroy the Tianji Sect."
Those words hit like a thunderclap.
Chen Chuan's eyes narrowed. "Destroy the Tianji Sect?"
"Yes."
Delegation Leader Xie said in a deep voice, "To face the increasingly imminent Great Impact, the Federation must do everything possible to pool all available resources and power.
"Of the five grand states of the Ying Continent, only two were originally under Federation control.
"Fifteen years ago, the Chancellor of the time formally incorporated Heti-Aymon State, which originally belonged to the Old Faith, into the Federation's domain, making it Federation territory in every real sense.
"That was the Old Faith's last stronghold on the Ying Continent. Yet before taking that step, they spent a full twenty years preparing, ultimately achieving the transfer and cession of power without a single outbreak of conflict.
"Now, after fifteen years of preparation, they are ready to move against the Tianji Sect."
He paused briefly. "With these states remaining outside its grasp, the Federation has never been able to govern them effectively, nor fully utilize their rich resources and populations.
"From the Federation's viewpoint, these states naturally belong to them. But the powers occupying them do not agree. Thus, over all these years, both sides have engaged in continuous negotiations and maneuvering.
"And once our Great Shun successfully pushed forward the Skyline Project, the Federation grew even more anxious. They are now eager to accelerate the integration and control over these states, which led to this planned operation."
Chen Chuan considered this, then asked, "The Tianji Sect should possess higher-level power, shouldn't they? If power at that level clashes, it would be no different from a major war. Setting aside whether the Federation can endure such losses, under the current broader situation and consensus, is that even permissible?"
This was entirely different from what happened fifteen years ago. Back then, the Federation had waged a comprehensive political offensive. More importantly, through decades of effort, over seventy percent of Heti-Aymon State's population had converted to the New Faith, and the vast majority were Yono immigrants, meaning no armed conflict occurred.
It could be said that it aligned with the wishes of most people in the state.
Yet the Tianji Sect was different. The vast majority of its population were of Eastern Continent descent, and nearly all were adherents of the Tianji Sect. How could they willingly submit to the Federation? Resorting to hardline measures would inevitably lead to war.
Even setting that aside, Weishu State was an essential nexus on the Ring of the World. If a battle between both sides caused that link to collapse, it would be no trivial matter—it could very well trigger the Great Impact prematurely.
Delegation Leader Xie said, "Section Chief Chen, you visited the Tianji Sect before, so you should know they are currently conducting a ten-year grand ceremony."
Chen Chuan nodded. "Yes."
Delegation Leader Xie continued, "According to the intelligence the Federation obtained from inside the Tianji Sect, that is merely a cover story for the outside world. The truth is, they are holding the reordering of the Tianji esoteric ritual, which occurs once every sixty years.
"Every sixty years, this ritual must be performed to ensure the smooth operation of the Tianji Sect's most crucial esoteric ritual.
"Because the ritual involves connections with the other world, Heavenly Master Lu of the Tianji Sect will travel to the other world at that time, leaving the Tianji Palace in the care of the four Real Men. And among those four Real Men—"
He paused. "One of them is willing to cooperate with the Federation. It is said that the detailed internal intelligence and reports from the Tianji Sect this time were provided by that very person."
Chapter 1278