Chapter 156: Want to see me?
Mo Fan smiled slightly at her words. Although the Empress couldn't bring herself to call him 'brother' out of dignity, addressing him as 'elder brother' was a significant step forward.
"Sister Han Su, what do you want me to help you with?" Mo Fan shamelessly pressed further.
Seeing Mo Fan's roguish attitude, the Empress glared at him with her almond-shaped eyes, about to lose her temper. But after thinking for a moment, she held back.
With a cold expression, she said, "Elder brother, please teach me how to counter the Blue Flame Empire."
Mo Fan smiled. It was time to stop; progress step by step was enough. Gradual and subtle influence was his plan.
You can't rush things.
He looked at the Empress and asked a seemingly unrelated question, "How long have you been on the throne?"
The Empress was taken aback and instinctively answered, "I've been on the throne for four hundred and ninety-five years since following my father's will."
Mo Fan nodded. "Then let me ask you, how often does the War for the Sacred occur?"
"Every five hundred years."
"Exactly. It's been four hundred and ninety-five years since the last war. In less than five years, it will happen again. Do you think the Holy Lands will just sit back and watch as the human race tears itself apart, allowing the Blue Flame Empire to easily destroy Tianxuan?" Mo Fan said calmly.
Hearing Mo Fan's words, the Empress suddenly understood. She had been so preoccupied with Wang Hua's affair that she had forgotten that in less than five years, the War for the Sacred would begin.
For the sake of the human race's destiny, the so-called Holy Lands would not just stand by and watch Tianxuan perish.
If the Blue Flame Empire insisted on waging war against Tianxuan, its high-level warriors would certainly suffer losses. Not to mention, with the Empress herself, the Blue Flame Empire would also suffer greatly.
"Should we report to the Holy Lands for mediation?" the Empress asked.
"Mediation is necessary, but not right now. I estimate that the Blue Flame Empire plans to end the war quickly," Mo Fan said, shaking his head.
"After years of infiltrating Tianxuan, gathering information, and understanding Tianxuan's defences and finances, they have a clear picture. Once they deploy their army, they can advance rapidly."
"As for the court officials, most are Wang Hua's confidants or disciples. When Wang Hua calls for surrender, many will follow."
"The four major sects are indecisive and have secret dealings with Blue Flame. At that time, they only need to control you and the other high-level warriors, and Tianxuan will be beyond saving."
"If everything goes smoothly, the war could be decided within ten days. By the time the Holy Lands react, it will be too late. They can only accept the situation and let it be."
Mo Fan's words made the Empress feel a chill. Would the so-called Holy Lands not demand justice for Tianxuan?
"I know what you're thinking. Once the Holy Lands find out, they won't be happy with the Blue Flame Empire. But with the War for the Sacred approaching, they won't risk their own people. They need these secular forces to fight for them," Mo Fan said with a sneer.
"The reason the Holy Lands are called Holy Lands is because they consider themselves above the world. They won't sacrifice themselves for the masses. They only want to maintain their lofty status, receiving tributes and worship from the secular world.
"As long as Blue Flame is willing to continue fighting for them and serve as their tool to rule the human race, why shouldn't they allow the Blue Flame royal family to rule Tianxuan?"
Mo Fan's guess was spot on, as the original setting depicted a blitzkrieg by the Blue Flame Empire.
At that time, Wang Hua had not been exposed and was still in a high position. The Blue Flame Empire's army, with accurate intelligence, won battle after battle. With the four major sects collectively betraying Tianxuan, they advanced rapidly and reached the capital within ten days.
Wang Hua led the surrender, gathering many followers, and opened the city gates at night to let the enemy in. A great battle ensued in the capital.
The Blue Flame Emperor held back the Empress. With a numerical and qualitative superiority in high-level warriors, Tianxuan's strong fighters died in battle, and the capital was drenched in blood.
Tianxuan Empire was destroyed, and the Empress was forced to flee.
Afterwards, the Holy Lands sent envoys to question the Blue Flame Empire, but the Blue Flame Empire appeased them with promises and continued tributes, assuring them of their loyalty.
With no other choice, the Holy Lands accepted the situation, acknowledging the Blue Flame Empire's rule over the unified lands.
Thus, the Tianxuan Empire vanished from existence.
"What should we do?" The Empress grew anxious. In terms of strength, the Tianxuan Empire was utterly unable to contend with the Blue Flame Empire, let alone when the timing, terrain, and support were all against Tianxuan.
Mo Fan raised his hand, gesturing for the Empress to stay calm. He said calmly, "Don't worry. The initiative is no longer with the Blue Flame Empire."
"Their most important agent is now under our control, making them effectively blind. This year, they'll only know what we allow them to know."
"In that case, why not take this opportunity to gain some benefits? Five hundred years ago, Tianxuan weakened due to the Blue Flame Empire. Today, it should grow stronger because of the Blue Flame Empire! We hold Wang Hua, occupying the moral high ground."
"At that point, we can ask the Holy Lands for money, food, and resources! With public opinion on our side, will Blue Flame dare to refuse?"
To be honest, the situation for Tianxuan was indeed dire. The four outer regions were nominally under Tianxuan but did not obey orders and would collectively defect during wartime.
Tianxuan truly controlled only the central region.
It was nearly impossible to resist the rebels and the empire's full force with just one region. Not to mention the ticking time bomb that was Wang Hua in the capital, Tianxuan's downfall seemed inevitable.
Fortunately, Mo Fan, the creator of the original story, could clearly grasp the course of events, giving Tianxuan a chance to survive.
According to Mo Fan's plan, not only would Tianxuan avoid destruction, but it might even profit greatly.
In the War for the Sacred five years later, Tianxuan would have a better chance of success.
The Empress's eyes brightened. Mo Fan's words made a lot of sense, and they were straightforward truths.
It wasn't that she was too foolish to think of it, but she was too involved to see clearly. Though she had a naturally calm disposition, in the face of the threat of national extinction, who could maintain perfect composure to think of a way out?
Only someone like Mo Fan, who knew the past and future, could accurately grasp the development of events, seek a lifeline to turn the tide, and even achieve victory from defeat.
"Thank you for your guidance, elder brother," the Empress expressed her gratitude.
This time, she said it more smoothly, and Mo Fan was greatly pleased. With more practice, she would get used to it.
He waved his hand, smiling, "Helping my sister is only natural, isn't it?"
The Empress silently cursed him for being shameless, maintaining her cold demeanour without a word.
Seeing this, Mo Fan wisely took his leave, "Let's end it here for today."
As Mo Fan's figure slowly faded, the Empress felt a bit hesitant. After two encounters, she couldn't help but feel a reluctant dependence on Mo Fan. She wanted to ask him how to find him in case of future troubles but felt too embarrassed to speak up.
From within the white mist, Mo Fan's clear voice drifted over, "If you want to see me, just enter the dream."
***
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