The Sims: I Open the Immortal Path for All Beings

Chapter 1961: Chapter 1906–1907: Postwar Analysis, Shrouded in Suspicion (Part 2)

Is it that a Taoist Monarch does not care about being deceived?

Not so, it’s because the benefits are large enough, enough to make a Taoist Monarch compromise.

For those newly ascended Tao Lords, their compromise in drawing in the Heterodox Alliance is nothing more than favoring someone like Zhao Baiyang, seeing that in the upcoming situation, Zhao Baiyang and the Heterodox Alliance could be used by them, to break rules and create opportunities.

Now that the Heterodox Alliance has already done so, beginning to contend with the Buddhism School, why should they still take such a roundabout way when simply continuing to let it be is enough.

As for being deceived, those are trifles, not really a concern.

The Buddhism School, as a world overlord, is indeed powerful, but the benefits they hold are considerable; if one could truly make the Buddhism School bleed, even the Taoist Monarchs would find the many exposed benefits drool-worthy.

“Being able to be utilized is proof of our value. This is a good piece of news—at least, we won’t be abandoned so soon. Isn’t this the situation we initially wanted?” Tie Qianshan said to ease the tense atmosphere.

They originally thought all this was due to their efforts, their willingness to sacrifice, to battle against the Buddhism School.

But now with such speculation, it indeed feels frustrating as if being led by the nose.

Granted, even without being guided like this, they would still do so, but the significance of both is different.

However, just as initially thought, the reason for resisting was to prove their worth, only this way can they garner support, which counts as rather favorable news.

“Regrettably, this time, the Jade Emperor’s side did not suffer any losses.” The Vajra Sect Leader said somewhat regretfully.

Among these few, he was most dissatisfied with the Jade Emperor’s side, because of the entanglements with the Great Ming royalty, while others somewhat benefited, only he suffered losses in dealings.

It was because of the destruction of the Vajra Sect that he joined Zhao Baiyang. Even if this future is not bad, if the Vajra Sect still existed, his influence might be greater.

They coordinated externally, with shared interests, but within the Heterodox Alliance, their speaking rights and influence varied.

No doubt Zhao Baiyang had the most influence, due not only to his strong foundation but also because he had taken in so many from the Yin Department, forming the basis of the Heterodox Alliance.

The influence and speaking rights of Tie Qianshan, Xue Wuheng, and Zi Tianxiong were comparable, but Tie Qianshan, being an early joiner and closest to Zhao Baiyang, would host the alliance affairs in Zhao Baiyang’s absence.

As for the Vajra Sect Leader, undoubtedly, he had the weakest influence due mostly to his previous lower realm, and because he brought fewer strongmen from the Vajra Sect, leading to occupying fewer shares in the Heterodox Alliance.

The cause of his substantial losses mainly stemmed from the strongmen of Great Ming, hence his understandable dissatisfaction with the Jade Emperor’s side.

“Not only did they not suffer losses, possibly the Jade Emperor gained quite a bit this time.” Tie Qianshan sneered coldly.

“Watch the tigers fight from the mountain, but due to this, they also offended the Buddhism School, making the alliance nominally exist, with gains and losses.” Xue Wuheng pondered aloud.

Indeed, this time their launching against the Buddhism School’s territory gave more development time to the Jade Emperor’s side, but this caused a rift between the two sides, causing the alliance to implode. The weight of gains and losses remains unknown, perceived distinctly by each party.

Tie Qianshan sneered: “Not so! Do you know who one of the major suppliers is during our massive elixir purchase?”

The others looked surprised: “Could it be the Jade Emperor?”

“Indeed!” Tie Qianshan nodded affirmatively: “Though we are acquiring through the Bai Xiaosheng Organization, we need to know the source of some suppliers to guard against hidden threats.”

This battle consumed many resources from the Heterodox Alliance, besides purchasing sixth-generation warships and mature technology, the most resource drain was on elixirs.

Granted, though the warship purchase cost resources, the premium is singularly high, enough upon acquisition.

Whereas various elixir consumptions remain a bottomless pit, consuming resources drastically, even with amassed resources from the Heterodox Alliance, sustaining the ongoing war is challenging.

Especially due to strategic reasons, after giving up several sub-branch worlds, they lost many raw material sources, hence urgently requiring elixirs, they had to resort to the Bai Xiaosheng Organization for purchases.

Although these elixirs differ in sensitivity from the warships, the demand is so high that normal immortal sects cannot supply sufficiently; only numerous top immortal sects truly provide continuous supplies.

Only these top immortal sects have the foundation and reserves to output, as some elixirs, though not high in value, require lengthy refinement time to produce.

Bai Xiaosheng, whether intentionally or not, once ’accidentally’ revealed during transactions that these elixirs were resold from someone under the Jade Emperor’s command, reassuring Tie Qianshan of their safety, promising guarantees.

On hearing this, even the normally composed Tie Qianshan was a bit shocked beyond control.

Though aware some forces do not mind selling materials to adversaries to gain resources, tricks not unfamiliar to the Heterodox Alliance.

Yet, never forget that the Jade Emperor’s faction is now contending with the Heterodox Alliance, occupying sub-branch worlds; though the alliance has ignited warfare in the Buddhism School realm, avoiding sensitive zones of the Jade Emperor’s side temporarily.

But selling elixirs brazenly to enemies, supporting continued battles, do they not fear the alliance’s greater ambitions kindling warfare on their territory?

“Could it be the Jade Emperor’s subordinates are this corrupt? Daring to supply opponents for profits!” The Vajra Sect Leader was greatly astonished.

His understanding of corrupt officials in the Great Ming Divine Dynasty stems from experiences; he had encountered many during the Vajra Sect days, fostering such corruption expanded their presence.

But no conflicts existed earlier; mutually beneficial resource exchanges were expected, yet never anticipated they dare feed their foes like this.

“Heh, indeed shrewd!” Xue Wuheng immediately grasped underlying reasons, sneering coldly.

Zi Tianxiong frowned: “You mean the other side did it deliberately?”

“Exactly, intentional!” Tie Qianshan sighed: “At first, I thought the Jade Emperor’s subordinates were disgracefully corrupt, the Jade Emperor a gilded craft cloaking rottenness. But on closer thoughts, it’s a deliberate show to us, aiming to make us continue opposing the Buddhism School, bleeding them dry.”

Tie Qianshan conjectured, though minor corrupt officials might exist among the Jade Emperor’s ranks, such audacity is unlikely. If only to sell materials, why be blatant, even deliberate, to let him know?