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After a pause, Li Xiaogong looked around at everyone, his tone somber, carrying a sincere sense of concern for all of you:

"If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold! This is an eternal truth! Once the Three Gorges are firmly controlled, the Jiangling army can advance up the Yangtze River and directly threaten Badong; the Lingnan Song warlords can go north to exert pressure and threaten southern Sichuan; and the Xiangyang soldiers can go south along the Han River to spy on Hanzhong! At that time, Sichuan will be attacked from three sides, with dangers on both sides, and become an isolated and desperate place!"

"Although the Lord of Duzun Fortress and the Lord of the Song Clan are related by marriage, Song Que has already joined the Heavenly Dao Alliance. Can this relationship still be relied upon under the current opposing camps? The Sichuan Gang has extensive waterways along the Yangtze River tributaries, and they may be able to stop the enemy from integrating the Song Clan's navy, and perhaps also the powerful navy of the Yin Kui Sect with its underwater magic. The Ba Alliance is rooted in the mountains and forests and is familiar with the dangers, but how long can your ancestral homes hold out against the enemy's absolute overwhelming strength and unpredictable Yin Kui methods? How much blood will your clansmen have to pay?"

This series of meticulous and incisive analyses struck Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, and Fan Zhuo's hearts one after another.

Li Xiaogong and Changsun Wuji, one firm and the other gentle, one overt and the other covert, working in harmony, brutally dissected the immense threat that Sichuan was about to face from the south, presenting it to everyone without hindrance or disregard. They not only pointed out the existence of the threat but also clarified the specific predicaments that each party might encounter, hitting the nail on the head.

A deeper silence fell over the secret chamber. Jiao Luofeng's breathing seemed to become a little heavier. He slowly closed his eyes, like a stone statue, with only his slightly trembling gray eyebrows revealing the unease in his heart.

Fan Zhuo's face turned extremely ugly, and his large hand on the table unconsciously clenched into a fist. Clearly, Li Xiaogong's remarks about the possibility of the Sichuan waterway being breached had deeply stung him. Feng Zhen's lean face was taut, and his cunning eyes were fixed on the vermilion area on the map, as if trying to see through it. Fine beads of sweat even glistened on his forehead under the light.

However, in the midst of this almost suffocating silence, a clear, slightly lazy and playful laugh suddenly rang out, like a sharp blade slicing through the solidified curtain.

"Pfft-"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Sina covering her mouth with her hand, laughing so hard she was shaking, as if she had heard the funniest joke in the world.

Sina lowered her slender hand, revealing a radiant and captivating face. Her large, expressive eyes blinked, filled with innocent curiosity. Her gaze was fixed on Li Xiaogong, whose expression was slightly stiff, and Changsun Wuji, whose eyes were deep and penetrating. Her red lips parted slightly, her voice soft and sweet, but the question she posed struck at the very core of their logic:

"Young Master Li, Mr. Changsun, you described the Heavenly Dao Alliance as so powerful, as if they were heavenly soldiers and generals descended to earth. Their military might is invincible, and even figures like Elder Song Que and experts like Sect Master Zhu Yuyan willingly submit to them... It sounds like they are destined by heaven and cannot be stopped."

Sina drawled out the last syllable, her beautiful eyes lingering for a moment on Li Xiaogong's barely maintained smile and Changsun Wuji's suddenly focused gaze before she smiled and said:
"Since that's the case, our Bashu region is small and sparsely populated, with few soldiers and generals. It seems we can't possibly defeat them no matter how we look at it. So why don't we just be pragmatic and join the Heavenly Dao Alliance? Why insist on following your Li clan and fighting to the death against such a powerful opponent? Isn't that like throwing eggs against a rock, courting death? Young Master Li, Mr. Changsun, you are both intelligent and knowledgeable... Tell me, isn't what I'm thinking reasonable?"

Upon hearing this, Jiao Luofeng suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze flashing with a sharp light. For the first time, he looked at Sina without any attempt to hide his feelings. A rare, faint hint of admiration flickered across his usually calm face, before quickly returning to its usual somber expression.

Fan Zhuo suddenly turned to look at Sina, his face full of astonishment. Then, a light of realization flashed in his pupils. Clearly, Sina's question had cut through the threatening cloud that Li Xiaogong and the other man had carefully created, and had brought out the biggest doubt that had been swirling in his mind for a long time but which he had not been able to say!
Feng Zhen's lean face twitched violently, his eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he stared intently at Li Xiaogong and Changsun Wuji, his entire body leaning forward in an oppressive posture, waiting for their answer.

Sina's question directly shattered the logic implied in Li Xiaogong's words that "resistance is the only way to survive," using the simplest and most direct principle of "seeking advantage and avoiding harm" to deliver a fatal blow! Indeed, if the enemy is truly so powerful that it is invincible, then why not choose to join the strong, instead of risking your Li Tang dynasty to become cannon fodder in resisting a powerful foe? This completely contradicts the fundamental principles of survival in chaotic times!

Li Xiaogong's composed smile instantly froze. He clearly hadn't expected that this Yao chieftain, who had always presented herself as beautiful and charming, would be so sharp in her words and so perceptive in her mind, striking at the most vulnerable part of their language system with a single blow!
"Uh……"

Li Xiaogong opened his mouth, uttering a meaningless syllable. The renowned general of the imperial family, who could command thousands of troops with ease, was speechless for a moment.

At the crucial moment, Changsun Wuji once again demonstrated his extraordinary quick wit and composure far beyond his years. His face showed no sign of panic at being exposed; instead, after the initial astonishment, a sincere, appreciative smile appeared on his face, and he even gently clapped his hands, as if applauding Sina's quick thinking.
"Brilliant! Brilliant indeed! Chief Sina is truly insightful and perceptive! This question is spot on, hitting the nail on the head! Well asked!"

His unusual praise caused a slight pause in the tense atmosphere. Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, Fan Zhuo, and even Sina herself looked at him with a hint of doubt.

Changsun Wuji looked at Sina calmly and sincerely, then glanced at Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, and Fan Zhuo, and said slowly, "What Chief Sina said seems reasonable. Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is human nature, and it is also the only way to survive in chaotic times. If the Heavenly Dao Alliance is truly a benevolent and virtuous leader, destined by Heaven, harmonious internally, and with a bright future, then joining it would not be a bad path. I would also advise you all to consider it carefully."

Changsun Wuji abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "However, have you all considered this carefully? What kind of force is the Heavenly Dao Alliance? Its leader, 'Nameless,' remains unknown to this day; his origins and background are still unclear. Whether he is human or ghost is still uncertain! His style of doing things is even more unpredictable, sometimes as powerful as thunder, sometimes disappearing without a trace, leaving no clues. His subordinates are a mixed bag, a bizarre and eccentric group! There are prestigious families like the Song Clan with hundreds of years of history, as well as powerful demonic sects like the Yin Kui Sect, which act eccentrically and disregard morality! Consider this: how can such completely different forces, even with conflicting ideologies, be so quickly and forcibly integrated together?" His voice rose, carrying a provocative skepticism: "Its rise has been as swift as a shooting star, dazzling indeed, but what is its foundation? Where do the people's hearts lie? Its military might is ruthless, its conquests unstoppable, has it ever shown any sign of rest or recuperation, or any attempt to appease the local populace? Its methods of consolidation, if not ruthless and authoritarian, how could it have made proud and arrogant figures like Song Que and Zhu Yuyan submit? This kind of power is like a rootless duckweed forged by force, riddled with internal factions and contradictions! Can the Song Clan and the Yin Kui Faction truly cooperate? Is the Pegasus Ranch willing to merely serve as stable boys? Once it encounters setbacks, or if the mysterious 'Nameless One' makes a slight mistake, or if there is an uneven distribution of internal benefits, this seemingly powerful alliance will crumble and disintegrate in an instant! At that time, those who depend on it will inevitably fall into an abyss, becoming its sacrificial victims in its collapse!"

Changsun Wuji's gaze was intense. He suddenly stood up, no longer looking at the map, but facing the crowd directly. His voice was loud and clear, carrying a majestic and righteous aura:
"In contrast, our Li Tang dynasty is descended from the nobles of Longxi, with generations of officials in high positions. We received the throne from the Sui dynasty, and our rule is legitimate and recognized by all under heaven! Under our rule, the people of Guanzhong are gradually settling down, the laws are being established, and our foundation is deep and solid. We are far superior to any newly rich family that has risen suddenly! Moreover, my elder brother Shimin is leading a mighty army that has fought countless battles, sweeping across the Central Plains, defeating Xue Ju and Liu Wuzhou. The strength of our army is the focus of the world's attention! This is a glorious trend, rising like the sun, and is far from the unpredictable and precarious Heavenly Alliance!"

He pointed to the map again: "Let's talk about the immediate situation. Chief Sina's problem lies precisely here! If Bashu joins the Heavenly Alliance, it will only be a pawn, a springboard, on its way north to the Central Plains and to contend with the Tang Dynasty for supremacy! It might even be cannon fodder used to wear down the Tang Dynasty's forces! At that time, Bashu's food, troops, and wealth will be continuously diverted to satisfy its ever-expanding ambitions! Can the power in your hands and the generational interests of your tribes be preserved? I'm afraid that at that time, we will be the fish on the chopping block!"

"But if you ally with my Li Tang dynasty, it will be different!"

Li Xiaogong finally recovered from his earlier embarrassment. Immediately following Changsun Wuji's words, he stood up abruptly, his gaze sweeping earnestly and sincerely over Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, and Fan Zhuo: "If our Li Tang Dynasty wishes to pacify the world, it must first stabilize the four directions, especially the crucial rear region of Bashu! If Bashu allies with us, not only will it not have to worry about being annexed or exploited, but it will also receive the full support of our Li Tang Dynasty to jointly defend against the powerful enemy in the south! Our Li Tang Dynasty can provide Bashu with much-needed salt, iron, cloth, and even excellent military equipment! We can send capable officials to help you manage internal affairs and consolidate your foundation! At that time, Bashu will not be a vassal of our Li Tang Dynasty, but an equal ally! Brothers who will advance hand in hand! Together we will defend against powerful enemies and share peace!"

Changsun Wuji placed his hands on the table and leaned forward: "Heroes! Bashu belongs to you all! Will you choose to attach yourself to a newly risen power of unknown origin, rife with internal strife, that sees you as easy prey and cannon fodder, and whose future is uncertain, or will you choose a legitimate dynasty with deep roots, willing to form an equal alliance with you, jointly resist foreign aggression, and share peace? Aren't the advantages and disadvantages, the safety and fortune... clear enough?!"

Inside the sealed room, an absolute silence fell once again.

Sina's smile faded, and she lowered her eyes, remaining silent. Her long eyelashes cast faint shadows under her eyelids, and her slender, jade-like fingers unconsciously traced complex patterns on the cold table. Clearly, her mind was racing, weighing the pros and cons of Li Xiaogong and the other person's heated rebuttal.

Jiao Luofeng slowly raised his head, his eyes like deep pools, looking at the emotionally charged Li Xiaogong and the wise Changsun Wuji. He remained silent for a moment before speaking: "Young Master Li, Mr. Changsun, you are eloquent, meticulous, and your analysis is... not without reason."

He paused, tapping his cane lightly on the ground with a dull thud: "But empty words are meaningless. In chaotic times, promises are the most fragile."

Fan Zhuo nodded and said in a deep voice, "That's right! Elder Jiao Luofeng is absolutely right! This alliance is no child's play. It concerns the lives and fortunes of tens of thousands of brothers in the Sichuan Gang, and the future of millions of people in Sichuan! How can Li Tang's sincerity be demonstrated? What exactly is the amount of salt, iron, and military aid that you just mentioned? When will it arrive? How will the authority to send personnel to assist be defined? These are not things that can be decided in just a few words!"

Feng Zhen's eyes flickered, sweeping across the faces of Li Xiaogong, Changsun Wuji, Jiao Luofeng, Fan Zhuo, and Sina one by one, finally settling on Li Xiaogong's face:
"I have taken note of what you two have said, whether it was a warning or a promise, and I will certainly consider it carefully. However, this matter concerns the overall situation of Bashu, and it is not something that I, Fengzhen, alone or the Ba Alliance can decide. It requires discussion with Lord Jie of Duzun Fort, Brother Fan, and all other forces. Today, it is getting late and there is a lot of information, so let's stop here for now."

Li Xiaogong and Changsun Wuji exchanged a glance, both seeing a subtle sense of relaxation and a calm acceptance of "doing one's best" in each other's eyes.

They know that this is all they can do for today. The seeds have been sown, and what remains is to nurture them with time, more concrete actions, and more resources.

The two men bowed respectfully, their posture extremely humble: "That's only right! Chief Fengzhen has considered everything carefully. We will stay in Chengdu for a few days and await your good news. If you have any needs, you may come to the inn at any time."

As soon as the words were spoken, Li Xiaogong and Changsun Wuji returned the greeting with clasped hands. The atmosphere in the secret room was subtle, with everyone having their own thoughts.

The heavy wooden door, which was originally bolted from the outside by Iwasang, slid open silently inward, as if gently pushed open by an invisible hand, without making the slightest friction sound.

Two figures stood silently where the darkness of the stone corridor outside the door intersected with the glow of the butter lamp inside.

A soft laugh reached everyone's ears before the figure appeared. The voice was clear and gentle, neither too loud nor too soft, yet it possessed a peculiar penetrating power, resonating clearly in everyone's ears, as if the speaker were right beside them.
"Oh? I didn't know that the Heavenly Dao Alliance had become a 'retrogressive,' 'internal-strife,' and 'precarious' upstart force. General Li, Mr. Changsun, it is not the behavior of a gentleman to gossip about others behind their backs. Why don't you tell me in detail, if my Heavenly Dao Alliance really has such behavior, we will correct it if we have, and strive to do better if we don't."

The sudden sound, and the wooden door that opened automatically against all reason, caused everyone in the secret room, including Li Xiaogong and Changsun Wuji, to tremble violently and turn pale with horror!
Feng Zhen, Jiao Luofeng, Fan Zhuo, and Sina instantly stood up, their gazes flashing towards the doorway, their faces filled with disbelief and horror. Yan Sang was clearly guarding outside; how could this person have silently slipped past the guards and reached this most crucial secret chamber? His stealth and invisibility skills alone were terrifying!
Li Xiaogong and Changsun Wuji reacted extremely quickly, turning around almost the instant the sound rang out. Their auras instinctively surged, and the several experts disguised as guards accompanying them instantly shifted positions, subtly forming a protective formation in front of them, their eyes filled with suspicion as they gazed into the darkness. (End of Chapter)