Chapter 2827

Chapter 2827: Twenty Years of Preparation

When the Great Confucian Emperor received the news, he summoned Yun Xi, Wang Lanxuan, the Regent, and Lie Xuan. He explained the situation: "The people from the Qilin Realm are currently in Yong State. Yong State is handling them openly but has secretly passed the message to us. What do you think we should do?"

"The Qilin Realm rarely sends people to our world," the Regent said. "They never believed anyone here had the aptitude for their sects. Why are they coming now?"

"That is what surprises me too," the Emperor said. "Even if they don't seek disciples for their sects, this time they are looking for servants."

"I have said before that hierarchy among people depends on strength. It seems the people of the Qilin Realm consider themselves superior and wish to oppress us," Yun Xi said seriously.

"Do you think the Qilin Realm is doing this on purpose?" Lie Xuan asked.

"Perhaps they are testing us," Yun Xi replied. "In the past, Qilin and Azure Dragon ignored our troubles because the Vermilion Bird Realm was chaotic itself. Small battles every three days, larger ones every five. You fought me today, I fought you tomorrow. Even during peace, there were undercurrents. They naturally looked down on us. But now, our Vermilion Bird Realm is too peaceful."

"Are you saying they came because we are too calm, and they want to stir up trouble again?" Wang Lanxuan asked.

Yun Xi nodded. "It is just a guess."

Yun Xi continued calmly, "Think about it. For so many years, when did Qilin or Azure Dragon ever send people? Back then, many wanted to leave for a peaceful place. If they had come then, any country would have gladly sent people, as it would link their nation to the Qilin sects. But they didn't come then. Now that we have almost everything, they arrive. I do not believe they are simply looking for laborers. I don't believe the Qilin Realm has no people of its own."

"According to your words, could there be a conspiracy?" Lie Xuan asked.

"I don't know their specific plot yet," Yun Xi said lightly. "But their appearance means they need pawns or cannon fodder. They are unwilling to use their own Qilin people, so they use ours from the Vermilion Bird Realm. The weak are bullied by the strong."

"What should we do?" the Emperor asked.

"Fight back," Yun Xi said calmly. "We now have many Golden Peak experts in the Vermilion Bird Realm. We can fight back. Not only that, we must fight with style. Afterward, I intend to have them carry a message back: in a few years, I will personally lead people to the Qilin Realm."

"Aren't you afraid they will be angry?" the Emperor asked.

"The strong are respected. If they can destroy me, that is their ability. Otherwise, they can only watch the Vermilion Bird Realm rise," Yun Xi smiled faintly. "Your Majesty, rest assured. No matter how far I go in the future, I will never allow anyone to invade the Vermilion Bird Realm without cause. For the sake of the Vermilion Bird Realm, I will make all necessary preparations."

The Emperor knew Yun Xi well. Since Yun Xi said this, he had already made up his mind. The Emperor believed Yun Xi could achieve it.

"Then I will notify Yong State," Wang Lanxuan said.

Yun Xi shook his head slightly. "No need. I will go there tonight."

"Is there enough time?" Lie Xuan asked.

"There is," Yun Xi smiled lightly. "Practice the cultivation methods I gave you well. You will find I did not lie. If you reach my level, traveling to Yong State will not be a concern regarding time. If everything goes smoothly, I will make a round trip tonight."

Hearing this, the others were stunned but understood that Yun Xi's cultivation was likely beyond their reach.

That night, Yun Xi transformed into a cloud and flew rapidly toward Yong State.

Upon arriving in Yong State, he saw the visitors were staying at the post station. Yun Xi observed them; only two had successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

Compared to them, Yun Xi's cultivation was overwhelmingly superior. In fact, it was exactly so.

When the two experts from the Qilin Realm were subdued like sheep waiting for slaughter, Yun Xi spoke: "I am here for the Vermilion Bird Realm. No one is allowed to scheme against us. However, since you are so eager for our people to go to Qilin, take this message back: In thirty years, I will lead people from the Vermilion Bird Realm to the Qilin Realm. I hope we can get along well then."

These two had arrived with arrogance, but they left looking disgruntled.

No one knew how Yun Xi had done it, nor what he had said to them. They simply left.

Yun Xi only greeted the Prince of Yong, indicating they would depart together in thirty years, and left nothing else.

The Prince of Yong naturally understood the meaning. He returned to the palace and informed the Yong Emperor that the people from the Qilin Realm would not be coming down again.

The false alarm seemed to pass. Only Yun Xi continued his preparations, primarily supervising Wang Lanxuan and the others' cultivation.

Yun Xi said nothing, but Wang Lanxuan and the others were perceptive. Seeing Yun Xi's demeanor, they knew something important was about to happen.

Therefore, they cooperated with Yun Xi, cultivating with absolute diligence.

The seemingly calm days passed quickly. The development of each nation accelerated. In just twenty-five years, the economies of the various countries did not just double or triple; they multiplied countless times. The four nations had clearly become four major powers.

"Done. It is written," Wang Lanxuan said, adjusting the latest list of officials. Most importantly, he had relinquished the position of Grand Secretary. "To be honest, I once thought you would succeed me as Grand Secretary."

Yun Xi smiled lightly. "I thought so too back then. But as the years passed and I saw more, I realized that everything in officialdom was merely an experience for me. At most, it was a starting point, not the end. Our destination is not here."

Wang Lanxuan nodded. "Thirty years are approaching. We must indeed prepare. This five-year buffer is sufficient."

Now that all official positions were adjusted and power handed over, with a five-year buffer to resolve any issues, they could leave in five years without worrying about matters here.