“The one before us must be the Fire Cloud Ancestor of the Burning Flame Valley, indeed, what formidable strength.” Xiao Yan also gazed at the old man with a head full of fiery red hair with a rather serious expression. In his senses, this elder’s strength had reached the level of a one-star Dou Sheng, and was even higher than his own.
A mid-stage one-star Dou Sheng!
The Burning Flame Valley, which possessed a genuine Dou Sheng, had surprisingly remained among the ranks of the three valleys for so many years. According to their strength, they were clearly capable of being compared to the former Heavenly Tomb Sect and Flower Sect; it was just that they had not revealed it.
“Old Pharmacist, never thought you hadn’t died, you old rascal,” The Fire Cloud Ancestor laughed loudly in the sky, bringing Tang Zhen and Tang Huoer behind him as they slowly descended. He looked at the Elder Chen, and exclaimed.
“Actually, you old rascal reached the Dou Sheng level,” Pharmacist Elder smiled, it was clear that he and the Fire Cloud Ancestor knew each other in the past.
“Oh, in order to break through to the Dou Sheng level, I almost risked my life. Compared to that boy behind you, I am a person whose luck ran out,” The Fire Cloud Ancestor pursed his lips, then turned his gaze to Xiao Yan and said.
“Junior Xiao Yan, meeting the Fire Cloud Ancestor, Tang Valley Chief.” Xiao Yan bowed and said with a smile.
“You are that Xiao Yan? Indeed, you’re a talented individual, and quite suitable for my Huo’er.”
The Fire Cloud Ancestor carefully examined Xiao Yan, nodding in a rather satisfied manner.
“You—”
Behind him, Tang Huoer’s face turned bright red when she heard that the Fire Cloud Ancestor was talking like that in public. However, due to giving the old man some face in public, she only gritted her silver teeth and stared fiercely at the figure in front of her.
Xiao Yan was also made to feel somewhat awkward by the Fire Cloud Ancestor’s words, only able to shake his head and chuckle bitterly without taking over the conversation.
“Dan Ta’s people have arrived too…”
When Xiao Yan was feeling helpless about the hearty manner of the Fire Cloud Ancestor, his mind suddenly trembled. His gaze turned to the entrance of Star Realm, where the space faintly undulated, and several figures mysteriously appeared on the mountain peak. It was Great Elder and Xuan Kongzi and the two others.
“Eh? Lin Old Fiend, you old immortal actually came as well?” Upon seeing the great elder of Dan Ta appear, a look of surprise appeared on the face of the Fire Cloud Ancestor.
“Why, can only you, Fire Cloud Old Fiend, come?” Hearing this, the Great Elder also smiled faintly.
“Hehe, since everyone has arrived, let us proceed inside to discuss the matters of the alliance.”
Seeing everyone gathered, the Pharmacist Elder chuckled and turned toward the main hall of Falling Star Pavilion, flying rapidly there. Those behind him followed closely.
Inside the main hall, in a large hall, everyone took their seats and sat separately. They chatted freely for a while before gradually beginning the topic.
“We are honored by your presence. Today, you have personally come to our Falling Star Pavilion. As for the matter at hand, everyone is already clear.”
The Pharmacist Elder swept his gaze across the hall, speaking evenly: “Everyone knows the actions of the Hall of Souls over the years. Dan Ta suffered the most losses, many alchemists perished at the hands of the Hall of Souls. For years, the erosion of the Flower Sect by the Heavenly Tomb Sect, there was always the shadow of the Hall of Souls behind it. As for the Fire Cloud Old Patriarch, there was a conflict with the Hall of Souls, but in the end, it was only because of the fear of its strength that things were tolerated.”
The Pharmacist Elder clearly understood the grievances between the three forces and the Hall of Souls. Some longstanding feuds were such that even Xiao Yan had never heard of them.
“Recently, the Heavenly Tomb Sect, along with several parties, formed the ‘Dark River Alliance’ intending to destroy our Falling Star Pavilion. There too, lay the shadow of the Hall of Souls. Moreover, since Old Man and I are fundamentally incompatible with the Hall of Souls, in this alliance, we share a common enemy.”
Hearing the Pharmacist Elder’s words, everyone in the room subtly nodded, clearly agreeing with his words.
“The alliance is feasible, but I still want to know if after the formation of the alliance, there won’t be issues of meddling in internal affairs of other sects, right?”
Flame globes spun in the hands of the Fire Cloud Patriarch as he spoke slowly.
“In the alliance, there is no distinction of rank. All parties are equal and thus have no authority to interfere in the internal matters of other sects.”
The Pharmacist Elder replied solemnly.
Upon hearing this, everyone’s expressions relaxed slightly. The primary concern regarding the alliance was such interference, leading to potential rifts and failure of the alliance.
“For this alliance, there are no strict restrictions; we only wish for us, the various forces, to form an offensive and defensive pact. When one party is in trouble, all come to support. We all understand that individually, no one can withstand the power of the Soul Temple. Therefore, we must ally.”
Xiao Yan, seeing the current state of the crowd, understood their thoughts and spoke gravely.
“Such an alliance is indeed feasible.”
The Grand Elder of the Small Pill Tower nodded slowly.
“However, since it is an alliance, there will naturally be a leader. Otherwise, reaching a consensus would be impossible. And who should take the position of the leader?”
The woman clad in green palace robes, known as Fairy Qing, from the Flower Sect, spoke indifferently.
Upon hearing these words, the hall fell into a brief silence. This was a rather sensitive and important question.
“Since the idea of the alliance originated from us, if we were to suggest the leader now, it might lead to suspicion. Thus, the position of the leader should be decided by the three of you. As long as the candidate is appropriate, we will agree.”
The Pharmacist Elder pondered for a moment, then spoke.
Seeing the Pharmacist Elder drop the idea, the other three paused for a moment, then felt somewhat embarrassed. Especially Fairy Qing, a look of apology appeared on her face. Her intention was not for the Pharmacist Elder to speak and clarify anything.
“Haha, everyone need not worry. Besides the establishment of a leader, the other three powers can claim three vice-leader positions. If the three vice-leaders reach a consensus, even the leader’s decision can be overturned. Thus, everyone need not worry about the leader imposing any orders unilaterally.”
Xiao Yan smiled and explained.
“The position of the leader must be held by someone strong and respected by all. I am unsuitable for this. Though the Fire Cloud Old Patriarch is strong, his temper makes him prone to rash actions, making him unfit for the role either.”
Fairy Qing hesitated for a moment, then spoke slowly.
Hearing this, the Fire Cloud Old Patriarch rolled his eyes but did not argue. He despised administrative duties and had handed over the management of the Burning Flame Valley long ago.
“Therefore, the most suitable candidates are two individuals: the venerable Mr. Lin from the Small Pill Tower, and Pharmacist Chen. They both possess immense strength and considerable influence in the Central Plains. Thus, the leader should be chosen from among these two.”
Fairy Qing continued.
Hearing this, the Great Elder of the Small Pill Tower was taken aback but then shook his head with a wry smile.
“The senior Lin is too old, his blood has cooled. If the alliance needs to defend a territory, I can take responsibility. But for an energetic force, I, the old rascal, cannot afford to be the leader, or else the atmosphere will become stagnant. So, it is better for Pharmacist Chen to take the position.”
Fairy Qing smiled and turned to the Pharmacist Elder: “If so, you cannot refuse anymore.”
With a forced smile, the Pharmacist Elder hesitated briefly before agreeing, “Since everyone trusts me, I shall assume the role temporarily. Once a more suitable candidate appears, I will pass on the position…”
Seeing the position of the leader once again fall on the Pharmacist Elder, Xiao Yan smiled and whispered, “Now that the leader is chosen, we should decide on the name of the alliance. An alliance needs a name to give a sense of belonging. What do you all think is an appropriate name?”
“Choosing a name requires grandeur; anything too small will be laughable.”
The Fire Cloud Old Patriarch, appearing interested in naming, proposed, “How about ‘Majestic Justness Mansion’?”
Hearing this, Xiao Yan’s mouth twitched slightly. That name…
* * *cough* Since our opponent is the Soul Temple, while they use ‘Soul’ for their mansion, we will name ours ‘Heavenly Abode,’ signifying that we surpass them.”
The Grand Elder coughed and, after a pause, suggested, “Naming it after the boundless heavens, the ‘Heavenly Abode,’ works well.”
“That is also fine.”
The Grand Elder nodded and smiled.
Seeing everyone’s approval, the Pharmacist Elder smiled and said, “Since there are no objections, let’s call our alliance the ‘Celestial Mansion.’ Naming it after the heavens does exude a greater air of grandeur and dominance over the Soul Temple…”
“With the alliance established, let us toast to the newly formed ‘Celestial Mansion Alliance!'”
Xiao Yan raised his wine cup and toasted to the group, but before he could finish, his expression suddenly turned cold. His icy gaze shot to the center of the hall, where the space began to slowly distort. A thick black fog seeped out. Simultaneously, a detached, emotionless voice echoed throughout the hall:
“Celestial Mansion? It is indeed domineering, but I wonder if you all will live to enjoy it…”
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