I Have a Sword

An You stood respectfully, saying nothing.

Nalan Jia suddenly asked, "My father manipulated Ao Zhen?"

An You replied, "Ao Zhen has secret ties with Clan Leader Nalan, but the Heavenly Dragon Clan's actions this time have nothing to do with the Nalan Clan. Not to mention Clan Leader Nalan, even you and I had no idea that the Academy Master would return to the Guanxuan Universe in disguise.

"The Heavenly Dragon Clan intended to groom a talent from the demon race to infiltrate the Demon Dao Department and ultimately control it.

"However, they hadn't expected to encounter the Academy Master. That said, Clan Leader Nalan is indeed making moves behind the scenes. Many clans are acting as his eyes and ears.

"Of course, there are many of their spies within the Nalan Clan, too."

Nalan Jia remained silent for a long time before asking, "Did you inform Ye Guan about this?"

An You nodded. "Yes, the Academy Master himself has instructed me to investigate this in secret, so I immediately informed him about the results."

"Let's return to Little Guan City." Nalan Jia nodded slightly. She then turned around and left.

***

Nalan Jia was sitting at the main seat in the main hall of the Nalan Clan.

Clan Leader Nalan Ming was sitting next to her side.

At the moment, only both of them were in the main hall.

Nalan Jia's expression was cold, and her years in power allowed her to exude an invisible but overwhelming aura of authority.

"You found out?" asked Nalan Ming.

Nalan Jia nodded.

Nalan Ming shook his head with a faint smile. "An You is indeed capable."

"Why?"

"Little Jia, you are the Pavilion Master of the Immortal Treasures Pavilion, the Mistress of the Guanxuan Universe, but are you certain that your position is secure? You—"

Boom!

Nalan Jia slammed her hand on the table, shattering it.

Nalan Ming's words were caught in his throat.

Nalan Jia's face was as cold as ice. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Father, do you really think that without the Heavenly Dragon Clan and Lady Qianqian, the Nalan Clan can rest easy just because I'm here? ȑâꞐȮʙЕᶊ

"You're gravely mistaken. Lady Cirou and Lady Cishu from the True Universe, those figures from the Tianxing Civilization, and Lady Zhou Fan are far more capable than I could ever hope to be.

"I only became the Pavilion Master and the Mistress of Guanxuan Universe because I knew Ye Guan earlier than anyone else. If it weren't for that, would I really be the ruler of the Immortal Treasures Pavilion and the Guanxuan Committee?

"Father, the last time I came here, I warned you that the waters of the Academy run deep, and there are many eyes fixed on our Nalan Clan. I thought you understood, but it's clear that you haven't restrained your ambitions at all."

Nalan Ming replied, "Little Jia, you lack nothing. Over the years, although you've supported the Nalan Clan, you've done so in limited amounts to avoid suspicion. You can wholeheartedly act in Ye Guan's interests, but I have to think about the Nalan Clan.

"I know I lack experience, and my perspective isn't broad enough, but have you not realized how humble our Nalan Clan has been in front of the Heavenly Dragon Clan all these years?

"Have you not realized how oppressive and domineering they've been before us?

"You don't want us to be dragged into this whirlpool, but do you not understand that the moment you became the Pavilion Master of the Immortal Treasures Pavilion and the Mistress of the Guanxuan Universe, our Nalan Clan is already inside that whirlpool?

"It's like in the secular world, when there's already a crown prince, and the emperor suddenly favors another prince. Even if that prince doesn't want to be part of the power struggle, can he and his maternal clan truly stay out of it?

"You, Ye Guan, and Lady Qianqian don't have much desire for power because you two already hold the greatest power. But what about us? Little Jia, you can't expect everyone to be like you.

"With each new ruler comes new ministers. If the next Academy Master isn't your child, the Nalan Clan's situation will only worsen. Look at the Sword Master. After he left, how many clans associated with him—besides the Gu Clan and the Yue Clan—managed to thrive?

"I am your father, but I'm also the Clan Leader of the Nalan Clan. I have to think about the clan's future."

Nalan Jia replied softly, "Father, you must understand one thing. The Nalan Clan was originally a small clan with shallow foundations.

"If I were to support the clan wholeheartedly, it would grow strong, but have you ever considered the fact that it would also inflate the clan's ambitions, ultimately inviting disaster upon us?

"And just because Mother-in-law handed the Immortal Treasures Pavilion to me doesn't mean that she's completely uninvolved. You must understand that behind Ye Guan, there's also the Yang Family, as well as top-tier experts and advisors.

"Just because they're not actively involved does not mean they're unaware of what's going on. Do you really think they don't know about what the Nalan Clan or the Heavenly Dragon Clan has been doing?

"And Lady Qianqian—she and Ye Guan are one. Do you really think they've truly broken ties with each other? Ye Guan isn't that heartless.

"Lady Qianqian has gone through life and death with him for so many years, and she holds a very special place in his heart. Father, you're oversimplifying things."

Nalan Ming looked at her, emotionless. "So, what do you plan to do with me now?"

Nalan Jia shook her head. "I won't deal with you."

Nalan Ming frowned slightly.

Nalan Jia slowly stood up and said softly, "Father, so much has happened in the Guanxuan Universe recently, and they all made me realize that no matter how hard I try, I'm not capable of managing the Immortal Treasures Pavilion or the Guanxuan Universe.

"With that in mind, I submitted my resignation to Mother-in-law and handed over the Immortal Treasures Pavilion to Lady Zhou Fan. As for the Guanxuan Committee, it will now be jointly managed by Lady Zhou Fan and Lady Cirou."

"Little Jia!" Nalan Ming exclaimed. He stood up abruptly, looking at Nalan Jia in disbelief, and his voice trembled as he stammered, "Y-you can't do this!"

Nalan Jia shook her head. "I don't have the capability, so why should I occupy the position? Lady Zhou Fan and the others are far more capable and suitable than me."

With that, a complex light flashed in Nalan Jia's eyes before she turned around and walked outside.

Left all alone, Nalan Ming's face was pale as a sheet of paper.

***

Little Guan City, Guanxuan Committee.

The Guanxuan Committee had nine members, but only some of them had actual military authority. This was a deliberate arrangement made by Ye Guan and Nalan Jia.

The Guanxuan Committee members already held immense power. If they also had powerful armed forces, it could lead to significant issues.

It wasn't like they were afraid of rebellion, but they were worried that those with military power could develop ambitions. After all, each committee member essentially represented a faction, and giving them military authority meant that they would have too much power.

Princess Xin and Empress Yue held military power, but they operated externally and had only voting rights in the Guanxuan Committee.

They were wise enough to avoid involving themselves in the affairs of the Committee, understanding that they already wielded great power. If they were to interfere in the affairs of the Committee, they would only be inviting trouble.

Today, the Committee members were present, including Princess Xin, Empress Yue, and the newly appointed member, Zhen Nanxue of the Zhen Clan.

Ye Guan was sitting at the head of the table, while Nalan Jia was absent.

Ye Guan glanced at the individuals before him, the most powerful figures in the Guanxuan Universe. With a smile, he said, "I don't think I've ever had the chance to sit down and chat with all of you like this."

Hearing that, everyone laughed. It was true. Ever since Ye Guan became the Academy Master, he had been away most of the time and rarely returned to the Guanxuan Universe.

Ye Guan's expression turned serious. "I've gathered everyone here today to discuss how we should govern the Guanxuan Universe. I'd like to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to speak your mind."

Princess Xin smiled and asked, "Academy Master, can we really speak freely?"

Ye Guan nodded. "Of course."

Princess Xin said, "We all understand your intention in establishing order. That kind of order is possible, but I have two thoughts about it. Firstly, haste makes waste. Nothing can be accomplished overnight, and the same goes for this new order.

"If we were to rush this, we would only run into problems. After all, for millions of years, the constant law has always been 'the strong are revered, and strength is everything.'

"In other words, if we were to suddenly force everyone to follow the Guanxuan Laws, they would feel uncomfortable and resist."

"Please continue," Ye Guan said.

Princess Xin continued, "We are still made up of various clans, sects, and families. Of course, this is unavoidable. After all, when people at the bottom rise, their clans will naturally rise with them.

"New clans emerge more often than not. Furthermore, whether it is an aristocratic clan or a family of a commoner, the reason they strive for greatness isn't just for self-improvement but to bring honor to their families and help them rise in status as well."

Silence descended upon the hall.

Ye Guan nodded slightly. "Princess Xin makes a good point."

Princess Xin smiled. "Then I'll continue."

"Please, go ahead."

"My second point is that we must never overlook human nature. We must remember that even though everyone is united for the sake of development, their ultimate goal is always profits.

"Only when there's profit will people be motivated. Any clan or sect will inevitably have great ambitions. Of course, we can't allow them to achieve their ambitions by any means necessary, but if we can make use of their ambitions, they can be very easy to manage."

"I agree with Princess Xin," Li Banzhi chimed in, "They're an important part of this Academy. Moreover, there are countless clans, families and sects within the entire Guanxuan Universe.

"If we can manage them well and obtain their help, we would be at a huge advantage."

Princess Xin glanced at Li Banzhi and smiled faintly. Although she knew Li Banzhi, they never had that many interactions, as she spent most of her time outside the Guanxuan Universe.

The quiet Empress Yue added, "As for how to manage these clans and sects, I have an idea—our civilization is large, and our focus shouldn't be limited to the Guanxuan Universe alone.

"For example, we have the Wanzhou Martial Contest, so why can't we have a martial contest among the universes that are part of our civilization?

"How about we gather the geniuses and prodigies and let them fight? Of course, they must all be from the same tier. We could offer generous rewards to them.

"For example, we could reward both the top contestants and their clans.

"The best way to manage them is by making use of their interests. As long as the profits are good enough, they will willingly follow our rules. Of course, this is just a general idea. If the Academy Master thinks that this is feasible, I can draft a more detailed plan later."

"Indeed." Ye Guan nodded. "I had been overlooking this point. Everyone is striving to improve their quality of life. Without profits, why would they follow us? These martial contests are one way to distribute rewards, but it's not enough.

"Empress Yue, go ahead and prepare a detailed plan for the Committee. Once you're done, you can present them to me or Little Jia."

Empress Yue smiled. "Understood."

Princess Xin chimed in, "Actually, the bigger challenge ahead will be the other civilizations outside. Sects, families, and clans are small forces compared to entire civilizations. Not only are they enormous, but they also had countless sects, families, and clans."

Princess Xin glanced at Zhen Nanxue and smiled. "Lady Zhen Nanxue, you should have more insight than me on this."

Zhen Nanxue replied, "The Academy Master already has a solution—regional governance. Each civilization will remain independent. They can interact with us, but there isn't going to be any intermingling, which will eliminate possible conflicts.

"However, where there are people, there will be conflict. Civilizations will inevitably clash. Advanced civilizations will always look down on less developed ones, and when they encounter each other, conflict is inevitable.

"With that in mind, I suggest implementing restrictions. For instance, without any special reason, high-tier civilizations should be prohibited from entering low-tier civilizations.

"If they must descend upon a low-tier civilization, they must be restricted. Suppressing their cultivation base is a good idea. Additionally, the Guanxuan Universe should establish a special group of Guardians to maintain order between the civilizations."

"That should work." Ye Guan nodded. "As for these Guardians…"

Zhen Nanxue said, "They must be strong enough to suppress all civilizations, and they must be impartial. They shouldn't interfere in the internal affairs or the development of those civilizations.

"Otherwise, the consequences are disastrous."

Ye Guan pondered for a moment before nodding. "What you said makes sense. We can do that. As for the Guardians, I will personally appoint them."

Zhen Nanxue smiled. "Alright."

Ye Guan glanced around the group and said, "Princess Xin is right. Haste makes waste. Establishing order cannot be rushed, but we cannot delay it as well. The Committee will convene every six months.

"We need to communicate and talk more. Princess Xin and Empress Yue, don't hold back. If you prove yourself before me, I'm willing to grant you more authority."

Princess Xin smiled sweetly. "Since you said so, Academy Master…"

"If you're capable and can sincerely help me establish my order, I'll offer you greater privileges and power, but I hope you don't lose yourselves in the process," Ye Guan remarked.

He knew that if he wanted to motivate others to work hard, the best way to do so wasn't to make empty promises or preach equality. It was to offer sufficient rewards. Only then would people work hard for you—and do so willingly.

Just like in the secular world, if a boss were to keep making empty promises, who would stay motivated? On the contrary, if a boss was generous and a visionary, who wouldn't want to follow them wholeheartedly?

After several hours of discussion, the meeting concluded, and everyone left.

Princess Xin and Empress Yue were walking side by side. They had once been sworn enemies, but their hatred for each other faded away upon becoming a part of the Guanxuan Universe. Still, they pretended to be at odds—for self-preservation, of course.

Princess Xin smiled and said, "Honestly, I'm surprised."

"The matter with the Heavenly Dragon Clan?" asked Empress Yue.

Princess Xin nodded. The Heavenly Dragon Clan had grown astonishingly fast to the point that even the established families and clans had to give way to them.

Who would dare to offend them? After all, Ao Qianqian had been fighting next to Ye Guan for many years now. Their bond was undoubtedly as strong as the bond between him and Lady Nalan.

If Ao Qianqian gave birth to a child, it would be impossible to predict the next Academy Master, which was why the Heavenly Dragon Clan dared to be so fearless.

Empress Yue said softly, "I was surprised, too. But now it's clear that the Academy Master is actually serious about establishing a new order."

Princess Xin nodded. "He has grown up."

The incident served as a wake-up call for both of them. For the sake of the new order, Ye Guan was willing to annihilate the Heavenly Dragon Clan. What family or sect would dare to act recklessly after that?

The sheer ruthlessness of his actions left them wary. After all, the Heavenly Dragon Clan was true royalty and were practically part of Ye Guan's family.

Princess Xin added, "There's also a positive side to this. At least the Academy Master's intentions are clear. If someone can truly get things done, he's willing to grant them more power.

"His ambitions are not limited to just the Guanxuan Universe Region as well; he has his sights on the entire vast expanse. We can go much further if we follow him."

"Indeed." Empress Yue nodded. "It's such a shame for Lady Qianqian, though. She is an outstanding dragon, yet her clan dragged her down. Sigh…"

Princess Xin agreed. "Lady Qianqian must be deeply hurt, but the bond between her and the Academy Master is something that ordinary people can never comprehend."

Princess Xin smiled faintly and shook her head. "We shouldn't gossip about the Academy Master's personal life. Let's go."

With that, they both disappeared into thin air.

***

An You finally visited Ye Guan. When Ye Guan heard the news about how Nalan Jia had given up her position in the Immortal Treasures Pavilion and the Guanxuan Committee, he was silent for a long time.

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