Choice

The Crown Prince opened his eyes again, a seriousness in them as he realized the graveness of the situation. He mulled over the fact that they overlooked such a big play by the opposing side even though there was a good example of how an empire like their own could still suffer from the 'mere kingdoms' since the Cloud Piercing Empire was in a semi-constant state of war without being able to completely re-establish their dominance for quite a long time already.

"But the more grave problem is that they have taken over a large number of sects while you were worried about their taking over the trade and resources"

Wu Long added and Song Minfu nodded.

"That I do know about, but we have plenty of sects that will side with us as well"

"Based on my observations and estimates, they have likely set everything in place for a coup in many of the sects that you think will join your side"