Chapter 589: Wait for People to Come

Zong Ge asked Zi Di, “Now that things have come to this, what do you think we should do next?”

The current situation was that the Imperial Secret Spy Agency had taken control of the Wisteria shop. The shop's flying messaging unit was definitely unusable now.

Not only that, but it would be best to avoid using the Wisteria flying messaging units around the periphery of Ice Sculpture Island as well.

The Imperial Secret Spy Agency was vast in scale and likely had arrangements in place elsewhere as well.

Zi Di said, "The Bai Zhen Clan posted a hefty bounty through the Imperial Bounty Hunter Guild. I've considered that we might pose as bounty hunters and contact the Bai Zhen Clan through the guild."

“Unfortunately, there are no branches of the Bounty Hunter Guild within the Ice Sculpture Kingdom.”

Zong Ge nodded slightly. “There used to be one, but over forty years ago, a rebellion led the Ice Sculpture Kingdom to completely ban all Imperial Bounty Hunter Guild branches.”

Zi Di was well aware of this fact. When they first arrived on Ice Sculpture Island, they had purchased a large amount of intelligence.

That rebellion over forty years ago was a major focus in the intelligence reports. It was also a crucial piece of information for outsiders to understand the Ice Sculpture Kingdom.

Zi Di continued, “Therefore, to leave Ice Sculpture Island, we must sail a considerable distance to find a Bounty Hunter Guild branch on another island.”

“Alternatively, we could seek aid from the Imperial Navy.”

“The Bai Zhen Clan once mobilized their connections to have the Imperial Navy search for Zhen Jin and me.”

“But relying on the Imperial Navy isn't safe.”

“The Bai Zhen Clan's current situation is precarious. If news of our contact with the navy reaches their political enemies first, it could bring immense trouble upon us.”

At this point, Zi Di paused, her gaze sharpening as she stared at the alchemy communication device before her. She ventured cautiously, “Ultimately, what we lack most is influence.”

“If we could find a pivotal figure capable of communicating with the Empire's high command, we could bypass the Bai Zhen Clan entirely.”

“But none of us possess connections reaching that level.”

Such influence was no ordinary matter.

It required someone with influence within the Sheng Ming Empire, someone possessing sufficient power and resources to protect the survivors' group.

Before the Wisteria Merchant Alliance was reorganized, Zi Di's father had barely managed to find such a person.

But after her father's death, though Zi Di took over, the merchant alliance she inherited lay in utter ruin, reduced to less than one percent of its former size.

Zi Di's words were a probe into Zong Ge.

From previous clues, Zong Ge's bloodline seemed extraordinary, and his background appeared exceptional.

A merchant's daughter, raised in such circles, could judge a person's social standing and commercial value.

Zi Di concluded: Though a half beastman, among the survivors, Zong Ge was most likely to have access to the Empire's upper echelons.

Hearing Zi Di's words, Zong Ge fell into a prolonged silence.

Seeing no response from the other end of the communication device for an extended period, Zi Di continued, “Beyond these two avenues, there is a third option, one I personally believe best suits our current circumstances.”

“We can await the Ice Sculpture National Ceremony.”

“The Ice Sculpture Kingdom must have issued invitations in advance. During the ceremony, the Empire will undoubtedly dispatch high-ranking officials.”

“It's highly likely naval commanders will be among them.”

“We can attempt to make contact with them.”

Although Zi Di had nearly been ambushed by the Imperial Secret Spy Agency, firstly, the spies hadn't yet connected the necromancer with the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps. Second, the Empire itself was rife with factions and complex internal politics.

Zi Di: “Though the business plan succeeded, it only completes the first phase.”

“What follows remains crucial, it hinges on people.”

"This is an excellent opportunity. Elsewhere, we wouldn't draw attention."

"But here, dueling culture is rampant. Commander previously slew Teng Dong Lang, making us unrivaled in prestige. Our alliance with the Li Jian Clan and ties to Snow Bird Harbor City Lord bolster our standing in negotiations with the Empire's high command."

“We can stir even greater waves in the market, demonstrate our strength, and build leverage for future talks with the Empire's leaders.”

Previously, the survivors primarily sought to contact the Bai Zhen Clan. But with events unfolding this way, Zi Di adapted her strategy to the situation.

Since reaching out externally proved troublesome and costly, it would be wiser to wait for the Empire's high command to approach them.

Zong Ge pondered for a moment: “This approach is sound.”

“The Empire and the Ice Sculpture Kingdom have always placed great importance on maintaining their connection.”

"The Emperor even entrusted the young Thirteenth Prince to the Ice Sculpture Royal Family for upbringing. For a powerful nation to voluntarily offer a hostage prince to a weaker one is an exceedingly rare occurrence."

"It was only a few years ago that the Thirteenth Prince formally returned to the Empire for the first time to pay his respects to his father, the Emperor."

"This National Ceremony marks the Thirteenth Prince's return, and he must be accompanied by high-ranking officials from the Empire."

“Reflecting now, the Emperor's entrusting of the hostage to the Ice Sculpture Kingdom was likely preparation for the current campaign on the Wilderness Continent.”

After Zong Ge's reflection, he formally reached an agreement with Zi Di.

They chose to remain in the Ice Sculpture Capital, awaiting the national ceremony and the arrival of the Empire's high-ranking officials.

The core plan was set; now came the details.

Zong Ge: “Given that, I've decided to resume the mercenaries' military training.”

“Especially naval training, it's crucial.”

“The vast ocean separates the Sheng Ming Continent from the Wilderness Continent. Naval warfare will undoubtedly be a major theme in future conflicts.”

Zi Di frowned: "Funding is no longer an issue. But is this safe?"

At Snow Bird Harbor's docks, the mercenaries had protection from the mage tower and others. But leaving port for training might give the enemy an opening.

Zong Ge stood firm on his suggestion: “We need a fallback, Miss Zi Di.”

“We must plan for future retreats.”

“Especially for us, facing two hostile factions, it's extremely dangerous.”

"The Deep Sea Monster Fish was taken by the commander and hasn't returned yet. If we ever need to escape Ice Sculpture Island, our main reliance will be our sea vessels and subordinates."

“Of course, this is only one escape route.”

“We could follow Da Dou's approach and build some secret teleportation devices.”

Zi Di opened her mouth to speak, but Zong Ge cut her off: “I understand your point.”

“True, their military training will inevitably take them far from the dock.”

“Should the enemy strike, this entire group could be wiped out.”

“But we must proceed regardless.”

“Because this is the right thing to do!”

“We cannot halt our path of self-strengthening merely because danger looms!”

A bone-chilling cold seeped from Zong Ge's voice.

“Moreover, based on my understanding of the enemy, it's unlikely they'll target the branch directly.”