The next day, as the warm sunlight gradually enveloped the entire imperial capital, the grand entrance of the Xiao Mansion, located at the heart of the capital, began to welcome the strongest factions in the empire. Many people watched from afar as the sigils of these powerful forces came to a halt before the entrance, sensing that something significant was about to happen in the Jia Ma Empire.
The entire Xiao Mansion was exceptionally fortified today. Any non-clan member moving within its premises would immediately draw the sharp gaze of numerous watchful eyes from the shadows. If even a hint of nefarious intent were to be displayed, it would likely incur an onslaught of attacks.
In the center of the Xiao Mansion, a large council hall stood erect. Within a hundred meters surrounding the hall, numerous guards were stationed, their stern and cold gazes constantly sweeping back and forth. Inside the council hall, the atmosphere was not as heavy as one might have expected. Only a select few were able to enter, but they represented the most formidable powers in the Jia Ma Empire.
At the head of the table, a black-robed youth sat with a smile, occasionally exchanging hushed laughter with Haibodong by his side. To his left, Medusa and Little Ziyan, who remained indifferent and fidgety respectively, drew occasional, furtive glances from the hall’s occupants. Their gazes reflected a clear sense of wariness.
After chatting with Haibodong for a while and observing the arrival of most individuals, Xiao Yan finally turned serious. His gaze slowly swept across the room, pausing on an elder and a young woman at one of the circular tables. He smiled and said, “I did not expect Elder Jia and Princess Yaoye to be here as well. You truly are honored guests.”
At this, Jia Xingtian chuckled and replied, “Given the significance of this event, the royal family naturally wanted to witness it. We wish to see how the second ‘Yunlan Sect’ of the Jia Ma Empire will be established.”
As he spoke, his gaze flickered over Queen Medusa and Little Ziyan, a deep apprehension flashing in his eyes.
Xiao Yan chuckled and slowly rose to his feet, his gaze settling on the whole assembly. As everyone’s whispers quieted under his attentive regard, all eyes converged on him.
“Since everyone has arrived, let us begin discussing the matter at hand.”
Upon hearing this, all present immediately focused their attention. Xiao Yan exhaled softly, not mincing words as he directly stated, “The Yunlan Sect has vanished from the Jia Ma Empire, and with it, Yunshan’s ambitions have been thwarted. However, you must know that our Jia Ma Empire is not highly esteemed in the northwest territories. Even with the Yunlan Sect, we never had much clout in the region. Now, with the dissolution of the Yunlan Sect, despite ridding us of a major threat, our status in the northwest could severely decline. As citizens of the Jia Ma Empire, I assume you would not be pleased with such an outcome.”
The crowd nodded in agreement, their gaze still fixed on Xiao Yan. This situation had long been a reality; their empire’s standing in the northwest had always been low, leading to mistreatment of its citizens. Due to this, the several families’ businesses were restricted to within the empire, unable to expand beyond its borders. Outside the empire, several other kingdoms paid them no heed.
“I am sure you are aware of my intentions. A powerful faction within the empire will elevate its status. With the Yunlan Sect disbanded, I, Xiao Yan, intend to establish a more formidable force!”
Xiao Yan’s gaze suddenly became sharp, his tone grave, “I have gathered you here today to invite you to join this alliance. In the future, your status and gains will far surpass what you currently possess.”
With his words hanging in the air, a moment of silence engulfed the hall. After a while, Mu Chen cleared his throat, and asked, “Do you mean to integrate our families into a single, unified force, Sir Xiao Yan?”
Mu Chen’s words elicited nods from the other families, excluding Haibodong and Ya Fei. Although Xiao Yan’s goal was grand, it seemed that he was asking them to be subordinates, much like the situation with the Yunlan Sect.
“Hehe, allow me to clarify. My brother’s intention is to form an alliance, not to simply place us under his command. This alliance will protect its members, and the rise or fall of one member will affect all. Let’s be frank, the three great families do wield some power in the Jia Ma Empire, but in the northwest, they hold no sway. Once this alliance is formed, your three great families will become stronger than ever before. This is not a one-sided benefit; you will gain what you have been unable to obtain until now.”
Xiao Ding smiled faintly, his explanation calming the audience. They nodded in agreement, seeing no harm in joining such an alliance.
Xiao Yan and Xiao Ding exchanged a glance. The latter smiled and continued, “After the formation of the alliance, a special training ground will be established to cultivate strong fighters. This will be the most important institution within the alliance, providing a continuous supply of new blood. As members, you can recommend your most talented clansmen for training. The techniques and skills they will learn will surpass what your clans can provide. Their future achievements will exceed your expectations.”
This sparked a keen interest among Mu Chen, Nalan Jie, and the others. “Hehe, I wonder, what exactly do we need to contribute to join this alliance?” Nalan Jie asked politely.
“Once you join the alliance, your identity shifts from a clan member to a member of the alliance. You must prioritize the alliance’s interests above all else,” Xiao Ding answered calmly. His simple statement implied a significant sacrifice, and Nalan Jie and the others were momentarily taken aback, hesitation evident on their faces. Joining the alliance would mean the end of their current family structure, and they would have to fully dedicate themselves to the alliance.
“Everyone, the alliance is not exclusive to any one party. It will have a Council of Elders, which will make the highest decisions. Even the leader must follow the council’s rulings. As founders, each family will have a seat in the council, but in the future, securing a position will not be as easy.” Xiao Ding smiled.
Hearing this, Nalan Jie and the others relaxed slightly but still hesitated. Joining the alliance would entail the sacrifice of their entire families.
“Hehe, the Mithril Family has no objections. I will be the first elder of the Council of Elders,” Haibodong interjected, breaking the silence.
The others smirked, knowing that the Mithril Family and the Xiao Family were practically inseparable. Joining the alliance would not be a loss for them.
Amidst the hesitation, a cold gaze swept across the room. Nalan Jie and the others noticed the slight menace in the look, their hearts growing cold. Lifting their heads, they saw Medusa, seated beside Xiao Yan, staring intently at them.
Nalan Jie and the others swallowed hard, their faces paling. It dawned on them that with Xiao Yan’s current power, he could force them to join the alliance. Instead, he chose to persuade and entice them, setting him apart from Yunshan. However, both wielded the power to easily destroy their families, thus holding the upper hand in these discussions.
With a sigh, Mu Chen forced a smile and said, “Since Elder Hai agrees, the Mu Family will also join the alliance. We hope Sir Xiao Yan will treat the Mu Family kindly.”
“Joining the alliance means we are one family. Anyone who dares to harm the Mu Family will face me, Xiao Yan,” he responded gravely.
Seeing two of the three families join, Nalan Jie sighed and agreed, fearing worse consequences if he refused. “If so, the Nalan Family will also join the alliance.”
Relieved, Xiao Ding and Xiao Yan silently breathed a sigh, glad that they did not have to use force.
Xiao Yan’s gaze shifted to Fama, the Guild Head of Alchemists, who had remained silent since the discussions began. “Guild Head Fama, do you have any thoughts on this?”
Fama winced inwardly, realizing he couldn’t escape this discussion. “Friend Xiao Yan, our Alchemist Guild is different from the clans. Many alchemists are free agents, and the guild does not speak for their choices. Therefore…”
Xiao Yan’s eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Fama. Despite knowing the truth in Fama’s words, he had no intention of abandoning the Alchemist Guild. This was the key to his plans, and including these alchemists would significantly boost the alliance’s strength.
Alchemists, regardless, are the most crucial and rare profession in the Dou Qi Continent!
Thus, the Alchemist Guild could not be overlooked—it was paramount!
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