Ocean Lords: Start Harvesting Double from Dice Rolls Chapter 635 - 321: The Ambition and Methods of Sovereign Lanyun (Part 2)

"Worst case scenario, we'll simply plot for the apex in the subsequent era."

At this juncture, with both sides having revealed their positions, Chongyuan's countenance emanated a serene and detached demeanor as he met Sovereign Lanyun's gaze without a hint of apprehension.

"Plot for the apex in the subsequent era?"

Just then, the Sovereign chuckled heartily, his head shaking slightly, and he softly inquired, "Why delay until the next era?"

"This current era presents your opportune moment to ascend to the peak, Chongyuan!"

"Hmm?"

Chongyuan exhibited surprise, and both of his heads turned toward the Sovereign with a degree of bewilderment.

The sullen, middle-aged visage displayed apprehension and a skeptical mien.

Meanwhile, the countenance of the square-faced individual radiated a sense of intrigued fascination.

Despite inhabiting the same physical form, each incarnation of the same person, the two heads seemed to possess distinct personalities, presenting an exceptionally peculiar spectacle.

"What exactly do you mean?"

Chongyuan's twin heads articulated the identical query, yet one conveyed wariness and antagonism, while the other probed with curiosity.

"Your association with the Peacekeeping Council is exclusively for the purpose of reaching the pinnacle."

Sovereign Lanyun articulated this measuredly, and as his words unfolded, the strange atmospheric phenomena surrounding him gradually dissipated.

In this moment, he seemed to transition from a detached, emotionless emblem of authority into a palpable, personal presence.

Only a faint, chilling smile graced Sovereign Lanyun's lips, his true intentions remaining inscrutable.

Then, his pronouncement drifted down, ethereal and measured:

"Your objective is to attain the apex; if that is indeed your aim, then whether you align with the Peacekeeping Council or with me becomes a matter of minor consequence, provided your aspiration is realized."

Chongyuan’s dual faces contorted in astonishment; even the head marked by vigilance and hostility adopted a contemplative expression.

After a brief pause, the square-faced individual could restrain his curiosity no longer, exclaiming, "Can you facilitate my ascent to the peak? And how precisely?"

"It is exceedingly simple!"

The Sovereign offered a smile, his features now unrestrained by any ethereal radiance, exposed fully as he addressed Chongyuan directly and articulated with clarity:

"Are you not exerting every conceivable effort to compel me to march upon the Duorong Federation?"

"Very well, I shall accede to your desire and muster armies to assault the Duorong Federation."

"Upon the successful subjugation of the Duorong Federation and the annexation of its territories, the dominion of Lanyun Sea Country shall expand threefold, and its populace will burgeon accordingly."

"At that juncture, a greater measure of the era's prosperity will surge forth; I alone cannot wholly encompass it. The extraneous abundance can serve to propel you toward the peak, thereby establishing a singular nation with dual ascensions."

"Essentially, this translates to... you and I joining forces, eliminating the Federation's president, and installing you in his stead!"

"Furthermore, and this is the most critical aspect..."

"Should you pursue the peak through unconventional means, it would invariably contravene the decrees of the Ocean Court."

"However, conflicts originating between Sea Countries fall outside the purview of the Ocean Court's direct jurisdiction. This strategy allows you to circumvent the Ocean Court's oversight, openly and with justifiable honor!"

Absorbing Sovereign Lanyun's discourse.

Chongyuan's core resonated with burgeoning excitement.

What was the underlying reason for his affiliation with the Peacekeeping Council, or more accurately, why did the influential figures within that Council establish such an entity for mutual solidarity?

The rationale stemmed primarily from the fact that the majority of the Peacekeeping Council's members were individuals who necessitated discretion, those possessing clandestine or compromised backgrounds.

Such persons could not endure the scrutiny of the public eye, nor could they operate in an openly honorable fashion.

Any transgression on their part would invariably draw the intervention of the Ocean Court, leading to punitive measures and detainment.

Consequently, they coalesced, actively seeking avenues to undermine the authority of the Ocean Court.

Yet, at this present moment, Sovereign Lanyun presented Chongyuan with a method to bypass direct confrontation with the Ocean Court; how could he not be profoundly moved?

The Ocean Court's mandate primarily concerned external affairs; internal disputes among Sea Countries were predominantly settled through diplomatic mediation.

Intervention by the Ocean Court would only transpire in cases of deliberate civilian massacre or flagrant, unwarranted aggression.

Contemplating this intricate situation, Chongyuan knitted his brows and articulated in a hushed tone, "Without a legitimate pretext, initiating direct warfare would inevitably prompt the Ocean Court's intervention to halt proceedings, would it not?"

"A pretext?"

Sovereign Lanyun offered a knowing smile, his gaze penetrating the palatial structure before him and extending towards the distant coastline.

"Kong Huaao, the principal commander of the Duorong Federation, harboring a deep-seated animosity stemming from protracted friction with Lanyun Sea Country, instigated his subordinate, Fang Yu, to orchestrate a scheme to 'unleash the Sin Domain'."

"The sorcerers emanating from the Sin Domain subsequently commenced rampant destruction, wreaking havoc indiscriminately within the territorial expanse of Lanyun Sea Country."

"Compelled by the overwhelming outcry of the populace, Sovereign Lanyun was left with no alternative but to formally declare war upon the Duorong Federation..."

Sovereign Lanyun concluded with a subtle smile before bringing his hands together in a soft clap.

Instantly, the adjacent door creaked open.

Soon, individuals adorned in traditional mage attire entered the palace with swift steps, offering a respectful bow to Sovereign Lanyun. "Sovereign!"

Sovereign Lanyun's voice echoed softly, "You've arrived at an opportune moment; allow me to introduce General Chongyuan, a high-ranking officer of my Lanyun Sea Country..."

Meanwhile, Chongyuan's eyes widened in disbelief as he gazed upon the sorcerers before him.

This... this is impossible?!

Chongyuan's heart pounded with astonishment.

Could it be that these mages were allied with the Sovereign?

Perhaps the recent chaos in the Sin Domain, which caused devastation within Lanyun Sea Country, was orchestrated by the Sovereign himself?

The Sovereign purportedly manipulated the mages into intruding upon his nation's borders to sow destruction. He then purportedly used this incident as a justification to challenge the Duorong Federation.

This cunning plan not only aimed to ensnare and imprison Kong Huaao, thereby escalating tensions between the two nations, but also to incite public fury. This would further inflame the existing animosity between the citizens of these perpetually warring countries.

Was it his intention from the outset to ignite a war against the Duorong Federation following these events?

Did he perhaps know all along about Chongyuan's prior minor skirmishes in the southern sea but deliberately chose not to acknowledge them?

Could it be that this person had been aware of Chongyuan's true identity all along, merely employing his minor actions as part of a larger scheme?

Now that the moment was perfect, he presented an insurmountable strategy to swiftly gain dominance over both the southern and northern military forces, compelling Chongyuan to fall in line?

Upon this realization, a profound jolt went through Chongyuan's heart, igniting a cascade of apprehension.

Such profound cunning... such impeccable foresight.

Reflecting on this, Chongyuan could not suppress a mixture of awe and trepidation towards Sovereign Lanyun. He offered a slight bow, articulating his earnest pledge:

"I shall dedicate myself wholeheartedly to assisting the Sovereign in securing victory in this war!"

"Exquisite! You truly are a distinguished general of my nation!"

Sovereign Lanyun beamed with delight, unfazed by Chongyuan's pale complexion. He extended his left hand, warmly clasping Chongyuan's in his own.

Simultaneously, his right hand intertwined with that of a formidable mage standing nearby.

Then, he brought their joined hands together, securing a firm grip.

"With Chongyuan and the alliance of all these mages, the Duorong Federation poses no threat to us."

"Should this endeavor prove successful, each of you shall be immortalized as heroes of Lanyun Sea Country, cherished by our citizens and bathed in the resplendent glory of Lanyun!"

"A glorious future awaits!"

...

"Whew..."

While these critical developments, poised to reshape the existing maritime powers, were unfolding discreetly within the halls of power.

Inside the quiet meditation chamber aboard the Salted Fish vessel, docked near the harbor,

Fang Yu released a gentle breath, his gaze lingering on the final remnants of the Essence of Flesh and Blood he had absorbed. A faint smile graced his lips.

"It is complete!"

Fang Yu mused internally.

During this period, Fang Yu had been kept in seclusion within the palace by Sovereign Lanyun.

Any attempts to depart were met with obstructions from