Chapter 501 - 442: Tieyuan Alliance

Chapter 501: Chapter 442: Tieyuan Alliance

"Even if one is merely a Foundation Establishment Feather Scholar, they still possess a lifespan of four hundred years. Thus, with three hundred and seventy years remaining, what sort of unprecedented feats can you accomplish?"

"Sect Leader Lu is indeed a heroic figure and has saved my life. I wish to arrange an alliance through marriage with my disciple, hence the two families can become allies. What do you think?"

Alliance?

Lu Qian was taken aback. Master Cangfeng, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke in a deep voice: "Fairy Ye, no matter what, the Shuangye Alliance is ultimately a subordinate of the Mingyu Sword Sect. Such a statement oversteps boundaries."

"It’s only in name," Ye Xiao replied, still calm. "Besides, I didn’t say I want to sever ties with the Mingyu Sword Sect. Fellow Daoist Li has shown goodwill over the years, and I am naturally aware. Today, as we speak candidly, if you want my Huanggen Sect to ally with the Mingyu Sword Sect, it also requires meeting one condition."

"Grant the Yunshan Sect independent status, and we three factions shall ally."

Master Cangfeng narrowed his eyes, while Lu Qian’s thoughts raced, quickly grasping Ye Xiao’s intentions.

Ye Xiao was not acting benevolently. Even if she were offering Lu Qian and the Yunshan Sect benefits, her actions were ultimately for her own interests.

Though she constantly mentions the "life-saving grace," for the master of a county, repaying such a favor can be done in various ways, not necessarily to this extent.

She has always worried that Huanggen Sect, being solitary, might be gradually devoured after allying with the Mingyu Sword Sect, thus she seeks to bring in a power for balance!

This power must neither surpass Huanggen Sect nor be too weak; the strategy involves bringing a third party to balance the top, crucial for the survival of the second.

What could be more suitable than the Yunshan Sect?

With solid foundation and promising future, liberating the Yunshan Sect and Shuangye Alliance from Mingyu Sword Sect’s subordination effectively weakens the latter’s power, while Lu Qian, to maintain this independence, would naturally draw closer to Huanggen Sect.

With Shuangye Alliance assisting north and south, Ye Xiao is confident in ensuring Huanggen Sect’s interests.

Similarly, for Lu Qian, this proposal is very tempting. It not only grants the Yunshan Sect and Shuangye Alliance true independence and equal standing in terms of justice and righteousness but also provides complete freedom in decision-making. Moreover, besides support from the Mingyu Sword Sect, they can obtain aid from Huanggen Sect.

He need not worry that, post-independence, the Mingyu Sword Sect would ignore their appeals. With an oath for mutual defense and cooperation, and with the seizing of Mingjian Mountain already being Master Cangfeng’s intention, he will certainly not sit idly by during Xuanguang Sect’s aggression.

Additionally, with two Golden Core allies, the current situation can be instantly transformed, with prior defense plans needing complete revision.

For Master Cangfeng and the Mingyu Sword Sect, allowing Shuangye Alliance’s independence to truly become an ally results in minimal losses aside from nominal sacrifices like a subordinate sect and an annual tribute of three thousand Spirit Stones.

After all, the two factions are already effectively cooperating; Shuangye Alliance holds semi-independent status, and Master Cangfeng cannot forcibly command Lu Qian.

If the three factions ally, the Mingyu Sword Sect can gain further assistance from Huanggen Sect, naturally benefiting its plans significantly.

Alternatively, if Master Cangfeng disagrees, not only could a smooth alliance with Huanggen Sect fail, but it would also arouse dissatisfaction within Lu Qian.

This is a remarkably subtle, hard-to-refuse open strategy!

Lu Qian gave a deep glance at the smiling strategist, this Fairy Ye, who reigns over Tieyuan; truly, she’s no simple character. Anyone who underestimates her as a brute would suffer.

Master Cangfeng remained silent momentarily, then suddenly smiled, turning to Lu Qian: "What does Lu Qian think?"

Agreeing to the three factions’ alliance seems to bruise dignity a bit; it’s subtly uncomfortable.

Lu Qian respectfully bowed: "I may not know much, but Zhenren’s rescue in battle is remembered deeply in the alliance’s hearts. Regardless of the circumstances, Shuangye Alliance desires to attach its tail, always following, executing Zhenren’s orders without reservation, assisting in achieving your goals."

Master Cangfeng gazed at Lu Qian for a while and then burst into hearty laughter: "What a sly Lu Qian indeed. Since that is the case, what opposition should I have?"

Ye Xiao also smiled brightly, and the three rose in unity, moving into a quiet chamber to discuss the alliance covenant and the next strategic plans.

The proposal of matching Lu Qian with Shen Jialuo was suddenly set aside, as were several Foundation Establishment figures in the grand hall, as Shen Jialuo pondered her master’s true intentions, unsure what kind of agreement might ultimately be reached with Sect Leader Lu.

She stood barefoot on the carpet, feeling anxious and somewhat desolate, sighed gently.

Inside the quiet room, the framework for the alliance covenant was quickly drafted, with minor disputes over details, but with mutual sincerity, the process advanced smoothly.

Generally, the covenant encompassed military, economic, and diplomatic aspects. However, it remained relatively loose in structure, with strong member independence, unlike the nearly unified Shuangye Alliance.

This meant that mutual assistance would be primarily driven by interest. Despite being termed allies, expecting them to act at a loss is unrealistic.

Binding by interest is the solid foundation, thus the Mingyu Sword Sect will allocate ten percent of Shuangye Alliance’s shares, allowing Huanggen Sect to purchase holdings, while Yunshan Sect will plan and execute creating a new marketplace in Tieyuan County.

"Tieyuan County, being barren, yields little besides ore and Artifact Refining business, so this marketplace will differ from others, not a conventional shopping mart."

"It will be a city of entertainment, a place that never sleeps!"

Lu Qian spoke confidently, while Ye Xiao’s eyes shone increasingly brightly.

"Fairy Ye’s Traveling Palace on Spirit Flying Shunji Divine Ship is a good concept, but the entertainment model is still far too outdated."

"Within the order’s framework, we must let every customer entering the marketplace, as long as they have Spirit Stones, experience utmost enjoyment and freedom."

"In other words, within rules, let them go wild!"

Ye Xiao clapped vigorously, applauding loudly. Such an idea truly resonated with her; solely for this, allying with Lu Qian is absolutely worthwhile.

"Setting aside societal conventions, removing the shackles of morality, letting animalistic desires magnify endlessly, consuming everyone’s soul. Before extracting the last Spirit Stone, let them drown here."

Tieyuan County, vast and sparsely populated, can be manipulated freely. A desolate black-brown land, a crazy wasteland city; here, the next money bag is about to be born.

Master Cangfeng listened quietly, while admiration rose within, yet he also felt an emerging urgency.

Having lost Yan Beixing, which Mingyu Sword Sect young hero now could compare to Lu Qian?

He is too young, youthful enough for envy, representing boundless future possibilities.

Despite being able to suppress him now, the young generation in his sect is mostly mediocre, very few are courageous and wise, causing worry.

Reflecting on this, the admirable and beloved Xiao Tianci entered his thoughts, followed by a sigh.

Even in terms of competitiveness, solely on Sword Dao talent, few young disciples within Mingyu Sword Sect could surpass Xiao Tianci.

How does the Yunshan Sect have so many prominent figures?

In the future, our sect must invest more in nurturing disciples.

The cost for constructing this unique marketplace will be entirely funded by Huanggen Sect, with specific proportion of shares among the three factions to be discussed post-design.

Of course, Lu Qian’s most urgent task now is not constructing a marketplace. Everything must await after repelling the imminent total assault from Xuanguang Sect.

No, this time it’s not just to repel Xuanguang Sect.

With the three-way alliance secured, Lu Qian’s previous battle plans can now be vastly overturned and restructured.

Lu Qian and Master Cangfeng exchanged glances, knowing their thoughts aligned, a notion surfaced uncontrollably.

This campaign marks the final showdown!