Chapter 266: A Major Move?

Chapter 266: A Grand Move?

Elsewhere, within the city of Jinling.

Zhang Tao sat upright in the newly renovated Mechanical Sanctuary, the harsh sunlight pouring down onto the long table before him, while on either side of the table were the multitude of “trusted allies” he had recently promoted.

Over the past month and a half, he had nearly completed a thorough purge of the forces bequeathed by the former Saint.

He replaced the commander of the Guard Brigade, reassigned priests and bishops, and even for the most inconspicuous posts he deliberated and selected with meticulous care.

His purpose was, of course, not to cooperate with the Huaxia army’s control of Jinling.

He merely wished to “reshape” the Mechanical Cult.

To reshape the Mechanical Cult in the manner he believed to be correct.

Glancing at the black‑clad Grand Bishop on his right, Zhang Tao asked:

“Has the material in the Great Library been organized?”

“It has been completely organized, my lord.”

The black‑clad Grand Bishop nodded hastily and then replied:

“At your request, we have prioritized the compilation of all electricity‑related content and cross‑checked it with the knowledge and information we already possess.”

“Most of the material has either been lost or has lost its integrity.”

“Nevertheless, we have managed to salvage a considerable portion of valuable knowledge.”

“Our next step is to reinterpret and re‑analyze this knowledge.”

“The glory of the Holy Trinity shall be restored; we merely need more time.”

“But we have no time left.”

Zhang Tao’s tone grew low.

“The beast tide is imminent, and humanity faces challenges unlike any before.”

“In our battles with the monsters, we are becoming ever more willing yet powerless.”

“Haven’t you heard? The Sanctuary Guard Brigade led by Jin Zhong suffered heavy losses near Jingkou.”

“If not for the timely rescue by the Huaxia army, they would have been annihilated there.”

“We cannot forever rely on the Huaxia army; we must strengthen our own might.”

“The task of reawakening the Soul of Electricity is urgent; I demand each of you give a hundred percent of your loyalty!”

“Yes, my lord.”

The black‑clad Grand Bishop bowed his head in assent, and Zhang Tao exhaled a long breath before continuing:

“Likewise, the siege of Hanshui City has been relieved thanks to the Huaxia army’s aid.”

“They deployed the angels of the Holy Trinity, instantly annihilating those dreadful monsters.”

“When will we possess such power? That is a difficult question to answer.”

“Even if, in the short term, we cannot summon the angels’ might, we must at least have the strength to confront multi‑headed beasts.”

“I have decided to reorganize the Sanctuary Guard Brigade.”

“Everyone present, I hope you understand my intent.”

“This is not a ‘stripping of power’ aimed at any individual, nor is it for my personal greed; it is a necessary change to confront the crisis.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The men on both sides of the long table answered one by one; Zhang Tao gave a slight nod and then said:

“I will abolish all Guard Brigade formations; henceforth, the Protectorate forces will no longer be divided by Sanctuary Guard Brigades.”

“All Guard Brigade soldiers will be merged into a single unit.”

“That unit shall be called the Holy Army.”

“This army will appoint a unified Supreme Commander, and beneath that commander will be legion commanders, each leading a ‘corps’.”

“Every legion commander must obey the Supreme Commander and follow his orders.”

“The Holy Army reports directly to the Sanctuary, while the Supreme Commander answers to the Saint.”

“Of course, if the Saint—namely me—issues a miscommand, the Supreme Commander may raise an objection.”

“In terms of logistics, all resources and manpower required by the Holy Army shall be supplied by the Sanctuary.”

“This means we must revise the traditional tax system.”

“Corps will no longer hold tax‑collecting authority; the taxes of each city will be centralized in the Sanctuary and then redistributed uniformly.”

“This will greatly improve the efficiency of tax collection and allocation—believe me, no one’s interests will be harmed by this.”

“Understood.”

“I comprehend, my lord.”

With Zhang Tao’s words finished, the assembly in the Sanctuary nodded in unison. No one opposed his decree; in fact, this had long been a predetermined strategy.

Their gathering here was merely a “formal” requirement.

Everything had already been sealed; no one could alter it.

Observing their reactions, Zhang Tao’s gaze shifted.

He knew his hard‑line measures would inevitably provoke some backlash.

But that mattered little.

The true “Imperial Guard” had already expanded, and now he possessed enough strength to crush any “rebels” and enough power to carry out the “transformation” he deemed necessary.

The only worry he harbored did not stem from within.

It came from the Huaxia army.

He did not know whether his actions had already drawn their attention.

Nevertheless, he had taken great care.

Under close surveillance, he dared not reveal his true purpose even in meetings convened within the Sanctuary.

Yet he trusted that the truly loyal had already grasped the meaning behind his veiled words.

Do all one can; leave the rest to destiny.

Under the protection of the Holy Trinity, he would not cease his steps here.

With that thought, Zhang Tao rose to his feet.

Then he spoke:

“That will be all.”

“The migrants from the Imperial Capital have arrived outside Jinling.”

“We shall receive them with great hospitality, as thanks for the Huaxia army’s assistance.”

“Now, everyone, attend to your duties.”

“Go and prepare!”

Meanwhile, within the manor of Jinling City.

He Shuo, having listened to the surveillance report transmitted by the drone, clicked his tongue and shook his head, saying:

“This Zhang Tao is truly not simple. I had thought he merely sought to eliminate rivals and consolidate his own power.”

“But now it seems the deeds he intends are far from that simple.”

“What he truly desires is to reforge the central authority of the Mechanical Cult.”

“His first strike fell upon the Sanctum Guard Regiment, a move undeniably ruthless.”

“Yet, to cut so deep and act so swiftly seems a tad premature for the Mechanical Cult as it stands now.”

“Does he not realize this will provoke a backlash?”

“Is he a fool, or has he already prepared himself to bear the consequences?”

When his words fell, Zeng Yi on the opposite side replied:

“I fear it is the latter.”

“From the reports of the scouts we dispatched earlier, Zhang Tao has already tightened his grip on the rumors circulating in Jinling City.”

“Indeed, they themselves are now sowing rumors.”

“Yet at present, the direction of these rumors remains quite vague, revealing little of their true intent.”

“One thing is certain: he aspires to achieve something grand.”

“A grand undertaking?”

He Shuo instinctively echoed the words, then shook his head and said:

“The greatest thing he could possibly do is to turn his back in the midst of battle.”

“Do you think such a possibility exists?”

“The chance of a sudden betrayal is slim, but the chance to profit from the opportunity is not small.”

Zeng Yi’s expression grew solemn as he continued:

“Perhaps we must be ever watchful.”

“Understood.”

He Shuo gave a slight nod, then ordered:

“Send the information back to the base.”

“Also inform the commander that Zhang Tao has already set his plans in motion.”

“As the commander of the Guard Regiment abroad, Jin Zhong will be the first brother to be ‘abandoned.’”

“If we intend to do anything to Jin Zhong, now is the chance!”

(End of Chapter)