Jumin Jing looked at the emperor with curiosity and asked, "Your Majesty, after all that talk about 'bandits,' who exactly are you talking about?"
Ethan Fang, always cautious, answered, "I’m not sure either. My big brother never mentioned it to me."
The four of them fell silent, none of them commenting.
Ethan Fang stood up and knelt before them.
Lucia Lu hurried to help him up, but he insisted on kneeling, saying, "You Immortal Masters are certainly powerful, but honestly, compared to my big brother Baxa, there’s still a gap."
Although we managed to drive off their vanguard Flying Riders this time, I suspect they’ll return in just a few days. The Blackwind Array probably won’t hold for long.
When the time comes, you should all just leave and focus on saving yourselves!
For everything you’ve done for Silver Clementine Kingdom, I can only repay you in my next life!
He bowed his head to the ground in gratitude.
When he straightened up, he continued, "Hundred Blossoms Paradise was once a Flower Fairy utopia, but now it’s become a living hell!"
My big brother Baxa is free-spirited, upright, and always stands up for justice! He’s never harmed any living being.
Immortal Masters, all I ask is that if you have any connections, please help us clear our names! Ask the Divine Clan in heaven to investigate and uncover the truth!
Lucia Lu was silent for a moment before replying, "We’ll do our best."
...
After clarifying the truth, the four immortals gathered again to discuss their next move.
Snow Yuan was indignant. "If what this emperor says is true, those people are just despicable! Isn’t anyone going to step in?"
She pulled out a talisman paper and muttered, "Whose territory is the Southern Mystic Empire? I need to ask my Divine Father—ugh! This lousy place, even communication talismans don’t work! It’s like we’re deaf and mute to the heavens!"
She asked the other three, "Does anyone know? Whose turf is the Southern Mystic Empire?"
Lucia Lu shook her head.
Sean Shaw stayed silent.
Jumin Jing kept darting glances between Sean Shaw and Snow Yuan, but didn’t say a word.
"The Blackwind Array can hold them off for a few days," Sean Shaw said. "For now, the only way to save Silver Clementine Kingdom is to find powerful outside help."
"Where would we find outside help?" Snow Yuan asked.
"What accusation did they stick on Silver Clementine?"
"Colluding with the enemy! With the Southern Mystic Empire’s archrival, the Heavenly Moon Empire," Snow Yuan replied.
"The Heavenly Moon Empire is ruled by a female sovereign and protected by the Phoenix Clan," Sean explained. "Silver Clementine sits right at the border of Heavenly Moon and Southern Mystic. If the Heavenly Moon Empire steps in, Silver Clementine Kingdom will be saved."
"But why would they go to war with Southern Mystic Empire over a tiny third-tier vassal?" Jumin Jing asked. "What’s in it for her—clementines?"
"That’s why we need skilled persuaders to lobby them," Sean Shaw said.
"That won’t be easy. Who could convince them?" Snow Yuan shook her head.
Sean thought for a moment. "Snow Yuan, go to Cangwu and find one of your uncle’s Divine Attendants below Immortal rank—see if any of them have connections at the Heavenly Moon court who can help us sway the Empress."
One of Snow Yuan’s uncles is the husband of the Cangwu Phoenix Clan Chief.
Snow Yuan nodded.
Sean looked at Lucia Lu. "Lucia, you’ll be in charge of guarding the Blackwind Array."
He’d already taught the Blackwind Array formation to all three of them.
Lucia Lu nodded.
Sean turned to Jumin Jing. "Jumin, I’ll need you to come with me to the Heavenly Moon Empire. We—"
"Ah! A persuader... I-I can’t do it... I really can’t!" Jumin Jing waved his hands frantically. "Can’t you just go alone?"
Sean replied, "I need someone to cooperate."