The sword immortal thought it through.
Even if his attack failed, he could just blame the new faction.
He could say he had sent a delegation for diplomacy, but the negotiations had broken down.
Then things escalated into open conflict.
That way, he would have more room to maneuver and could wash his hands of the result.
As for the order, he planned to push the responsibility onto one of his sons.
Many sects and families had already started sending people to that area, so his actions would not look strange.
"Alright, that is a good idea. We will do that," he said.
Meanwhile, back at Blood Spire Citadel, the situation grew tense.
Many groups of cultivators were now staying inside the Citadel.
Some of them had even rented homes for several years.
The air felt heavy, since conflict could break out at any time.
Emily and Luca walked down a street.
They had just arrived in the city.
"These people, I am sure every single one of them has ulterior motives," Luca said.
