Chapter 210: Ruthless Hun Tiandi, Cooperation Achieved
"I, of course, understand!"
In the Ancient Clan's Meeting Hall, as Zhukun nodded in affirmation, everyone present, including Gu Yuan and Hun Tiandi, turned their gazes toward him.
Hun Tiandi, in particular, was taken aback. He had never heard Void Swallowing Flame mention the Heavenly Flame Square or the Ancient Emperor's Legacy beneath it.
Sensing Hun Tiandi's questioning gaze, Void Swallowing Flame turned slightly toward him, gave a subtle shake of his head, and gestured for him to hold off his questions until they were alone.
Although Hun Tiandi was displeased, he understood that now was not the time to argue. Any fallout between himself and Void Swallowing Flame at this juncture would render the current discussions meaningless.
Suppressing his dissatisfaction, Hun Tiandi smiled faintly, silently indicating that Void Swallowing Flame should continue speaking.
"Good," Void Swallowing Flame inwardly sighed in relief before turning back to Zhukun with a calm smile. "Since Dragon Emperor Zhukun is aware of the Ancient Emperor's Legacy, things will be simpler.
"I am confident that Xiao Tiance knows nothing about the Ancient Emperor's Legacy. Even if he does, he won't be able to break through the restrictions.
"I once heard the old codger, Tuoshe Ancient Emperor, mention that the restriction he placed on the legacy is unrelated to strength. Only those who share a profound connection with Heavenly Flames can sense and unlock it.
"Xiao Tiance, while incredibly gifted, lacks the type of affinity required. Though I bear a deep seated grudge against him, I must admit his skills are extraordinary.
"But having fought him personally, I can say with certainty there is nothing about him that resonates with the aura of the Heavenly Flames. No matter how strong he is, he cannot obtain the Ancient Emperor's Legacy."
Before Void Swallowing Flame could finish speaking, Yan Jin eagerly interjected: "So, you're saying the Ancient Emperor's Legacy is still in the Ancient Emperor's Cave?"
The same question hung on everyone else's lips, and they all turned toward Void Swallowing Flame.
Meeting their expectant gazes, Void Swallowing Flame confidently nodded. "Correct. It remains within the cave.
"I am so certain because beneath the restriction lies the Essence of Emperor, an essence tied deeply to Heavenly Flames. To ascend to the Dou Di realm, one must destroy their mortal body and reconstruct it using Heavenly Flames.
"Let me be clear while the rankings place me second among the Heavenly Flames, if not for Emperor Flame, I am the true number one.
"The Ancient Emperor's Legacy is inseparable from me, and since I am still here, it's evident that no one has obtained the legacy yet."
At this, Void Swallowing Flame's expression grew resolute, and after a brief moment of contemplation, he took a deep breath and solemnly declared:
"For the sake of defeating the Xiao Clan, I am willing to offer my strength and even sacrifice my freedom for a time to aid whoever among us gains the Ancient Emperor's recognition.
"If we agree to cooperate, regardless of who among us earns the legacy, I will dedicate my full power to helping them break through to the Dou Di realm."
"Woah!"
Void Swallowing Flame's statement stunned everyone in the room. Even Hun Tiandi couldn't hide his astonishment.
They all understood the weight of his words.
Void Swallowing Flame had made it clear without his assistance, even with the Ancient Emperor's recognition, no one could fully harness the legacy's power or ascend to the Dou Di realm.
His willingness to assist anyone present, unconditionally, was a testament to his desperation.
Their gazes turned toward him, greed flickering in their eyes despite Hun Tiandi's watchful presence.
Void Swallowing Flame, however, remained indifferent. He knew exactly what they were thinking but showed no concern. For him, there was no turning back.
"Are you certain? Regardless of who among us gains the Ancient Emperor's recognition, you will help them?" Yan Jin's fiery gaze betrayed his desire.
Void Swallowing Flame replied with an unflinching calm: "I have never gone back on my word. If you, Yan Jin, are the one recognized, I will help you just the same."
"Good. Then the Flame Clan agrees to this cooperation!" Yan Jin said decisively.
Though reluctant, Lei Ying had his reasons for agreeing. "In that case, I too am willing to cooperate."
Gu Yuan, meanwhile, felt slighted. As the leader of the Four Clan Alliance, the fact that Yan Jin and Lei Ying had so readily agreed without his input was a blatant disregard for his authority.
Suppressing his frustration, he maintained his composure. Any opposition at this stage would only weaken their alliance, which was something they could not afford.
Turning to Zhukun, Gu Yuan forced a smile. "Dragon Emperor, what do you think?"
Zhukun hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I agree. I must agree.
"The Xiao Clan's strength, particularly Xiao Tiance's, is unparalleled.
"Though I am a half step Dou Di and pride myself on being no weaker than anyone present, I must admit I am not Xiao Tiance's match.
"I once fought him. His methods are beyond comprehension. If not for the slight favor I once did him, I might not have left that battle alive.
"To stand a chance against him and the Xiao Clan, we must have someone ascend to the Dou Di realm. Otherwise, our combined might is insufficient."
Zhukun's reasoning resonated deeply. The Xiao Clan's overwhelming power Xiao Tiance, Tian Luo, Xiao Qing, and even the terrifying Sky Demon Puppet made victory seem impossible.
Zhukun's words left no room for doubt: without a Dou Di on their side, the alliance had no chance of survival.
With Zhukun's agreement, the Four Clan Alliance and the Soul Clan finally reached a consensus. They would cooperate with Void Swallowing Flame to pursue the Ancient Emperor's Legacy.
Though the deal was sealed, a chilling sense of unease lingered in the room. Each member harbored their own ambitions, their gazes flickering with a dangerous glint.
But don't forget if we go to war with the Xiao Clan, it's fine if things go smoothly. But if we encounter resistance, can the five of us truly remain united? That's difficult to say.
Everyone here might outwardly appear determined to fight the Xiao Clan to the bitter end, but as the saying goes, "One cannot read another's heart." Each person here is a seasoned schemer. No one can guarantee who will have the last laugh.
As Gu Yuan surveyed the expressions on everyone's faces, his mind began to turn. Having absorbed the Golden Emperor Flame, his affinity with Heavenly Flames was undoubtedly enhanced.
He believed he had the best chance of being recognized by the Ancient Emperor's Legacy.
As for Void Swallowing Flame? Gu Yuan dismissed the possibility. If Void Swallowing Flame were truly capable of obtaining the recognition, he would have done so long ago. After all, Void Swallowing Flame had already escaped from the Ancient Emperor's Cave.
Taking these factors into account, Gu Yuan finally nodded. "If that's the case, I agree to cooperate.
"But there's a significant issue. Xiao Tiance is meticulous to the extreme. Among the three prodigies of the Xiao Clan in the past, Xiao Xuan may have outshone Xiao Tiance and Xiao Chen, leaving the world fixated on his brilliance.
"Yet in my view, Xiao Tiance is the most terrifying of the three. He is calm, calculated, and methodical.
"Since taking over as patriarch from Xiao Xuan, the Xiao Clan's rise to dominance is something we've all witnessed. With his personality, having entered the Ancient Emperor's Cave, it's impossible that he didn't leave behind contingencies.
"Especially considering his skill with spiritual arrays it's a thorny issue. Most crucially, as Dragon Emperor mentioned earlier, Xiao Tiance used a spiritual array to unlock the cave's restriction. I don't believe for a second that he left that restriction untouched when he exited the cave."
At this point, Void Swallowing Flame exchanged a glance with Hun Tiandi. The latter waved his hand dismissively and interrupted:
"Gu Yuan, you needn't worry about that.
"If Void could escape the Ancient Emperor's Cave once, he can certainly lead us back inside.
"Moreover, when we came here, we didn't plan to rely on conventional methods to re enter the cave. From what we know, more than half of the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade fragments are already in Xiao Tiance's hands.
"Attempting to wrest them from him is as good as courting death."
"Whoosh!"
Hearing this, Zhukun inwardly sighed in relief. He had intended to raise this concern earlier but had refrained due to the ongoing discussions.
"Hahaha! Since we're all on board, let's discuss the details of our cooperation.
"Hun Tiandi, Void Swallowing Flame, you've come here seeking our collaboration. Why don't you tell us what you have in mind?
"If your plan is to have us draw the Xiao Clan's fire, I must decline. Facing the Xiao Clan head on right now is simply unrealistic."
Zhukun chuckled as he finished, preemptively setting a boundary.
And he wasn't wrong Hun Tiandi and Void Swallowing Flame did intend to use the Four Clan Alliance to stall the Xiao Clan.
However, seeing Zhukun's firm stance, they realized the others would likely share his view. It was only natural for them to prioritize their own interests.
Hun Tiandi let out a hearty laugh, exuding an air of confidence. "Rest assured, Zhukun. I have other plans for delaying the Xiao Clan.
"Before coming here, I had already dispatched soul clan members to disrupt the Central Plains.
"No matter how powerful the Xiao Clan may be, it's impossible for them to eliminate all my operatives scattered across the region in a short period.
"My calculations suggest that it will take the Xiao Clan at least three months to completely eradicate the 'abandoned pieces' I've deployed."
"Three months?"
Everyone gasped, the implications dawning on them. Hun Tiandi's ruthlessness was undeniable. To send the majority of his clan's elites to their deaths showcased not only his savage decisiveness but also the presence of an unyielding determination befitting a true overlord.
Though brutal, such resolve inspired a grudging respect Hun Tiandi was far more reliable than someone like Gu Yuan, who always appeared polite and refined but lacked such sharp edges.
"Impressive, Hun Tiandi. You're someone who can make bold decisions. In this dire situation, with the Xiao Clan's overwhelming might, such resolve is essential.
"If you didn't possess this level of determination, I wouldn't have agreed to cooperate," Zhukun said, nodding appreciatively.
As the Dragon Emperor, Zhukun respected strength and conviction above all. Having survived countless brutal wars, he understood that victory often came to those willing to make the hard choices.
While Gu Yuan, Yan Jin, and Lei Ying exchanged wary glances, they too exhaled in relief.
"Hahaha! Dragon Emperor flatters me," Hun Tiandi said, his laughter sharp and chilling. "This is merely a desperate gamble. Victory means everything, and failure means nothing.
"As the saying goes, history is written by the victors.
"If I fail, I've ensured the survival of some soul clan bloodlines. But if I win, no one will question my methods."
"Well said! The Dou Qi Continent is a place where only the strong thrive. Victory justifies everything," Zhukun agreed, his admiration growing.
"So, Hun Tiandi, what preparations do you need from us?" Zhukun prompted, bringing the conversation back on track.
Hun Tiandi didn't answer immediately but instead turned his gaze toward the others.
After a moment of hesitation, Gu Yuan, Yan Jin, and Lei Ying reluctantly nodded in agreement.
"Since we're cooperating, we'll provide our support," Gu Yuan said.
"Good. In that case, I'll lay it all out.
"I need the four clans to assist in shielding the 'abandoned pieces' I've sent into the Central Plains.
"As long as they aren't completely wiped out, the Xiao Clan will remain occupied.
"However, once those pawns are depleted, I'll need the four clans to step in and further delay the Xiao Clan.
"That balance will be critical. Push too hard, and the Xiao Clan may retaliate viciously. But we also can't let them go unchallenged, or they'll gain too much ground."
(End of Chapter)
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