147 Uniting the west Rough Draf (2/2)

”Good,” said Kang with a smile. ”I applied my space domain, shrinking the space around the coin, achieving the same result of destroying the coin, but more efficiently, avoiding the black energy that would have erupted in the process otherwise.

Keep that concept in mind and always try to use your domain instead of physical attacks when possible.”

Hartley inhaled and then nodded, pointers from Kang was something he always appreciated, after a while he retrieved two fresh mugs and poured more wine.

Kang took the new cup with glee, gulping down another mouthful of wine. He licked his lips then started to speak again.

”The basic five elements that dominate the xiantian realm are no longer the building blocks of power in the saint realm. A saint can hide all elemental fluctuations, becoming no different from a mortal. Only revealing their true capabilities when unleashing their domain.

Domains can be varied and unusual, from sword domains to illusion domains or domains which can grant someone control over fierce beasts, they can all be very deadly if you are caught off guard.”

Both men sipped their wine as Kang brought the conversation back to current affairs.

”Now, I suspect you will be getting a visit from the Patriarch of the House of Smiths soon.

There are alliances formed among saints, some more powerful than others. I can't explain the intricacies right now, but in times of turmoil these alliances are what protects the country from hostile saints of other regions.

Tell Patriarch Zhang of your relation to me if you need a shield, he should back off for the time being, at least until he gathers more information.”

The pair finished another six bottles of wine and engaged in conversation for hours before Kang bade goodbye, stumbling out of the manor with a flushed face.

After Kang left Hartley couldn't stop smiling, black energy was a scary proposition for the other saints, but not for him, he embraced it, his future development wouldn't be hindered by trying to avoid black energy, with black energy as an aid, there was no reason for him to lounge in the lower layers of the saint realm, giving him all the advantages to dominate the saint realm.

***

The next morning Hartley stepped onto the cobblestone streets of the western hills, the snow had already been cleared and shovelled to the side.

Warmly dressed citizens went about their daily routines busying themselves with their tasks.

Immediately the place was abuzz with chatter and excitement, people recognized Hartley and Zhi Ruo as the entourage moved along the street.

Nowadays the western hills was a lively place regardless of the season. A constant traffic of people flooded by, most offering a respectful bow and an enthusiastic greeting as they passed.

A team of miners could be seen carting coal from the back mountain along the paved roads, heading towards the storehouses behind the manor.

Not so long ago this would have been an impossible sight during winter, now mining production has increased massively all year round, netting the western hills a drastic increase in revenue.

The wintery sunshine bounced and glistened off the white snow-capped mountains in the background. Hartley looked around at the buildings and paved roads, proud to see all the improvements in the structures and lives of the western hills' citizens.

The security team trailed a few meters as the entourage wondered the roads, looming at a distance behind, dressed uniformly in white fur coats and equipped with gloves and silver long swords.

”It's time to take over the west,” Hartley said to Qin Li and Zhi Ruo as they came to a stop bringing a halt to the procession. They all exchanged incredulous stares with Hartley, witnessing the quiet intensity in his eyes.

”Are they just going to sit and watch us take the west?” Qin Li asked curiously with seriousness plastered to his expression.

Hartley smiled and answered.

”While the two princes are busy consolidating their own positions, we will secure the western region and become the third power in the capital, taking full advantage of the chaos raging across the capital with perfect timing.”

”What happens when they retaliate?” Zhi Ruo asked, more relaxed with the situation.

”I don't think we need to worry about that Ruo, by the time news trickles out, the two princes will be unwilling to weaken their own position against each other by compromising lives and resources fighting against us in the west.

That would give one prince an opportunity to sit by and watch both of us weaken ourselves, then pounce on the weakest opposition to strengthen even more.

The prince who don't engage with us in conflict would gain too big of an advantage. Besides, we are still allies of Prince Jian in principle.

That leaves us with an opportunity to build our own platform, especially when word gets out that we have the backing of a saint.”

Hartley smiled confidently as the group began moving through the streets of the western hills again.

***

Over the next days the elite forces of the western hills could be seen going out into the neighbouring territories armed to the teeth.

With eight xiantian experts based in the western hills, plus the secret grenade-like orbs provided by Alrick, it was relatively easy to subdue the small nobles dotted around, for the more troublesome nobles of repute, Qin Li and Zhi Ruo would join the assault.

The western hills put on a crushing display of power, nobles in the area could either have their forces decimated and be expelled from their own territory in these times of chaos, or they could swear allegiance to the lord of the western hills, paying taxes and subjecting their troops to his command, to be called upon whenever needed.

Under the command of Fu Qian the elites would lead the conquered troops to other territories and repeat the process, swelling in numbers after each victory.

Even the disgruntled nobles of the fertile flat lands had to begrudgingly acquiesce to the rule of Hartley. The consequences were too devastating and it was impossible to seek help.

Those who resisted were ruthlessly dealt with, noble houses with hundreds of years of tradition in the west, disappeared from sight over night.

Some of the minor nobles relished the opportunity to serve in high ranking positions under the rule of the lord of the western hills. Hartley's reputation was second to none in the west, this shook up the status quo almost inspiring a mini civil war.

Many minor nobles saw this take-over by Hartley as an opportunity for a promotion to a higher standing in the region, joining willingly to suppress the more established nobles.