Let them offer their loyalty!

Thus, Huang Shangzong could not help but furrow his brow in deep thought.

He pondered what forces in Dongye State and New State could manage such a feat.

Yet, due to his blind spot in this matter, no matter how hard Huang Shangzong thought, he couldn't figure it out.

It was only when Qiu Tu was about to hang up the phone that Huang Shangzong's expression suddenly grew serious.

At that moment, Qiu Tu had already guessed that Huang Shangzong had developed some suspicions.

However, just as Qiu Tu dared not speak it aloud, Huang Shangzong also certainly wouldn't directly mention Old Pang's name.

Thus, under this strange atmosphere, the two of them hung up the phone.

Afterwards, Qiu Tu and Yanyan spent time next door playing Jenga; Yanyan deliberately left the door open for Xue'er, enticing her…

Originally, Qiu Tu thought that with the misunderstanding between him and Huang Shangzong cleared up, he could quietly wait for the enemy to make their move, proceeding step by step.

But when Huang Shangzong unexpectedly deviated from the plan, pretending as if he hadn't coordinated with Qiu Tu and directly brought troops to confront him, Qiu Tu realized… Huang Shangzong had a breakthrough.

Chances were, the man had spent last night deeply reflecting and eventually reported the matter to Elder Tang or Old Rao.

And after deliberating amongst themselves, it was likely that Elder Tang and Old Rao discovered some opportunity and decided to initiate their strategic plan.

Huang Shangzong bringing troops forward this time was, in all likelihood, at their behest.

Moreover… the purpose was definitely not to apprehend Old Pang, but rather to "defile himself."

The reason is simple: despite everything, Old Pang's strength isn't particularly formidable, merely Fourth Order or Peak Fourth Rank.

If truly required to take down Old Pang, Qiu Tu alone would suffice; Huang Shangzong wouldn't be necessary at all.

Old Pang's power to intimidate the leadership of Sanctuary lies not in his own capabilities, but in his authority and influence.

He doesn't represent merely himself but, rather, a vast network of officials he has cultivated—those intricately intertwined with him within the "Academic Faction."

These officials have taken root and flourished across the Planning Area regions and various departments of Sanctuary, exerting considerable influence.

Some even wield control over military forces in certain cities and states.

If anything were to happen to Old Pang, it could potentially trigger unrest.

Even if Sanctuary managed to suppress the chaos, it might still face a period of intense upheaval.

Thus, cutting off Old Pang's core supporters, reclaiming the "Academic Faction's" military power, and smoothly transitioning this situation would undoubtedly be the foremost priority for Sanctuary's top leaders.

As for Huang Shangzong…

He is very likely being groomed as the "Academic Faction's" new leader by Sanctuary's top decision-makers.

The matter involving Old Pang is monumental; several high-ranking figures within the "Academic Faction" are likely to be implicated and apprehended alongside him.

At such a time, the previously suppressed but untainted Huang Shangzong becomes the optimal candidate for elevating within the "Academic Faction's" hierarchy.

—Although he has been removed from the Speaker's position, he still retains his seat as a Supreme Council Member.

When the timing is right… he could emerge to seamlessly take over this faction.

Of course… because of this severe blow, the "Academic Faction" may never return to its peak state, possibly losing even its claim to the Deputy Speaker position in the Supreme Council.

However, Sanctuary never intended to support an energizing revival of the "Academic Faction"; stability and smooth transition are all they desire…

This realization is precisely why Qiu Tu cooperated tacitly with Huang Shangzong's performance.

And it's why Huang Shangzong, upon brushing past Qiu Tu, expressed a quiet "thank you."

This thank you carried dual meanings: an apology for endangering Xue'er's safety, as well as gratitude for Qiu Tu's cooperation in today's political theater…

Having sifted through the drama orchestrated by Old Rao, Elder Tang, and Huang Shangzong, Qiu Tu regained his focus and picked up a dossier on the table.

Old Rao and Elder Tang had appointed Old Pang to concurrently serve as guardian of the Two States, evidently to deliberately elevate him and lower his guard.

If so… then their primary objective must lie in another personnel deployment.

As this thought surfaced, Qiu Tu instinctively grabbed the dossier on the table, studying the profile of Pei Jing, the newly assigned Speaker of New State.

As expected by Qiu Tu.

Pei Jing is a significant figure within the "Academic Faction," a direct disciple of Old Pang, and the Deputy Speaker responsible for "Military System" management in Beiyun State.

In the past, Pei Jing had competed with Huang Shangzong for a Supreme Council Member seat representing the "Academic Faction," but narrowly lost.

Subsequently, the "Academic Faction" arranged for Pei Jing to gather experience in Beiyun State, where he gradually seized control of the military forces in the region, emerging as the "Academic Faction's" most influential member over its armies.

Later, when Dongye State's territory was being planned, Old Pang once again recommended Pei Jing for the Speaker position, but Pei Jing failed, while Huang Shangzong succeeded in claiming the position.

Since Huang Shangzong was also a high-ranking member within the "Academic Faction," Old Pang had no choice but to swallow his frustrations quietly.

This likely became one of the reasons behind Old Pang's dislike of Huang Shangzong…

And now, Old Pang has finally seen his ambitions realized—not only controlling two states but also placing Pei Jing as New State's Speaker.

One could say that Old Pang's direct lineage of influence has surged greatly!—That is, if it were a time of peace…

Old Pang, for all his meticulous plotting, failed to account for Elder Tang and Old Rao's growing suspicion, nor did he foresee Qiu Tu supplying critical evidence and intelligence.

At such moments, conflicts between factions escalate to a no-holds-barred struggle for survival.

In times of turmoil, military power reigns supreme.

Though Pei Jing has taken up the Speaker role, he has lost control over Beiyun State's military forces.

And while Old Pang may serve as guardian of the Two States, Dongye State's military power resides with Ye Mingfeng, and New State's with Tang Feifei…

'Now, Old Pang is like rootless Fuping, no longer anchored…'

'The only question that remains is when Elder Tang and Old Rao will eliminate the other high-ranking members of the "Academic Faction" and minimize their influence across all departments.'

'At that point… it will be the end for Old Pang.'