Sage Qingwei saw matters with perfect clarity. The Tenmon Sect had no true intention of peace. This so-called negotiation was nothing more than a delay tactic. They required time to fortify their defenses and expand their forces. If the Daoist Order were lulled by this talk of peace, pinning their hopes upon negotiations, then they might well hesitate in launching their next offensive, as they would seek victory without battle, thereby missing their best opportunity to strike.0

Yet the Daoist Order’s own intent was equally clear. They sought to claim the mantle of righteousness. The Tenmon Sect could play its own game, while the Daoist Order played its own. Each of them would take what they needed.0

For the Daoist Order, quelling a rebellion was not difficult. The challenge lay in winning the people’s hearts, in ensuring that all of Fenglin would turn their allegiance once the war was over. So it did not matter if their enemy built fortifications for another three more months.0

Tsu Castle, being one of Ise Province’s strongholds, was filled with shrines. But negotiations between the Daoist Order and the Tenmon Sect could not be held within a shrine. Fortunately,...0