A few weeks later...
In the Evergreen Empire, Maximillian was at the headquarters of the Blood Triangle Pirates, where he had been operating since returning to his home state.
After several months in this place, he had gathered great forces on his side, gained the support of noble families in the empire, partnerships with the Flowers Kingdom, and strength among the Cardinals of the Church.
In a way, his plans to become the leader of the Church and start a war of conquest were going very well.
However, Duncan had been making things difficult for him, which was why the conflicts had not yet escalated.
For the time being, Duncan had managed to manage the tensions and prevent the outbreak of war between the South and the West.
But the Supreme Pontiff could not do this forever due to Maximillian's growing influence and his advancing age.
Duncan was not far from the end of his life, so sooner or later, he would have to leave the affairs of the Church to others to decide.
He would go into cultivation to try to advance or would die of old age.
In that case, his actions couldn't last much longer, and Maximillian was quietly biding his time.
While doing this from the headquarters of this organization funded by the Evergreen family, he received news from the Black Plain Empire.
...
"Oh? So young Minos has reached level 79? His cultivation speed is awe-inspiring!" Maximillian commented to the men in the surrounding area, looking mainly at Darren.
Darren, this level 99 sea beast, was still standing next to Maximillian.
Maximillian intended to use this sea beast in his expansion once he got over some issues in the Central Continent. But because of the differences between him and Duncan, he kept this creature by his side for a possible fight against Vico and Willow.
He feared that old Duncan would make a desperate move to finish him off before he went into seclusion and acted to help these historical enemies of the empire and the Church.
So he didn't want to be alone, while Duncan didn't go into seclusion and kept this whale by his side.
"Hmm, I hope you won't regret saving him in the future," Darren said in a low voice, showing its grudges regarding Minos.
Maximillian heard that, but there was no way he could think about the possibility of Minos becoming a problem for him. "Aren't you ashamed of it? We are level 99 Demigods, and you bother with a child?"
"That child grows up too fast..."
"Tsk! You say that because you were humiliated by Minos back there." Maximillian laughed.
For him to worry about Minos' cultivation speed, that youngster would have to be at the 10th stage already. But that was far from happening, and Emperor Stuart was still only an 8th-stage cultivator.
To Maximillian, if one day Minos became a Demigod, which there was no guarantee that would happen, he would already be a God then. So at most, that young emperor would become his subordinate in the northern region!
With this thought that was primarily grounded in the Divine medicine that Duncan would use to try to advance, this man was unconcerned about Minos.
Darren was not taking his words so seriously either, as he really hated Minos as such a young man had managed to trick him and, in a sense, beat him.
"By all means, put Minos aside," Darren said. "I want to know when we will start this fucking war for real. How will we fight if we wait for the Supreme Pontiff to go into seclusion? Don't you intend to deal with him at that time and secure your position?"
Maximillian had already explained what he would do against Duncan to those closest to him.
He then said to the few individuals in the vicinity. "Don't worry. When the Supreme Elder goes into seclusion, it will take him over a decade to begin the crucial part of the advance. That will be the time we will have to act against our enemies.
After that period, I will enter seclusion to become a God."
"And when will that happen? This old man will get in our way as much as possible." Darren said.
The leader of the Blood Triangle Pirates then said. "It probably won't take the Supreme Pontiff long. He cannot delay because of the preparation time for the actual attempt to advance to the 10th stage, or he will have a 100% chance of dying during the advance attempt."
A high-ranking Cardinal then said. "I believe that he will make his decision in less than ten years."
"Good. That's not much to look forward to." Maximillian said in a satisfied tone.
...
While Maximillian was making his plans, Duncan was meeting with his disciple of this generation.
"Forrest, I will not be able to continue to keep the peace in the empire for long. I will have to retire in a few years to begin my seclusion, so you should prepare yourself." The Supreme Pontiff said to that level 92 man while having one of his hands on one of his shoulders.
"What will happen, master?" Forrest asked, full of uncertainty in his heart.
"Sigh... It's complicated. Maximillian can still be considered young and has a lot of power." Duncan took a deep breath, trying to imagine what would be the best path for his disciple and group. "All I can tell you is not to oppose him. But do not participate in any action commanded by him.
If he desires war, let him wage it alone. If I return successfully, I will resolve everything at that time. But if that doesn't happen, you should remain neutral.
If the Black Plain group strengthens, perhaps you and the rest of our group should look for them.
In any case, you should prepare yourself. Difficulties that even I have not faced in my life will arise to threaten you and the rest of the group."
Forrest clenched his fists, feeling pressured by all this calamity he would have to face.
"As the most talented disciple I have had, it will be your duty to lead our group into a new day. No matter how long the darkness lasts, eventually, there will be light again.
That is your duty, Forrest!"
"I will do my best, master!" That man said after clinging to his resolve, believing that one day he would be strong enough to at least try.
Duncan looked pausingly at his pupil, who he believed could one day reach level 100.
'After me, you were the most talented one to come along in the last 20,000 years, Forrest. So don't screw up. Eventually, you'll get your chance!'
