Hearing Wei Wuming's further question, Ming Qi replied without hesitation, "My position represents only mine. You have no right to constrain my friends for any reason."
This condition wasn't too much of a stretch, so Wei Wuming naturally nodded in agreement.
"Do you have any other requests?"
Ming Qi pondered for a moment, then finally said, "One thing must be confirmed: our relationship is one of cooperation, not subordination."
At this point, Wei Wuming hesitated.
If it were a partnership, then any requests he made to Ming Qi should be made in a consultative tone, not a commanding one. This was crucial. Failure to ensure this would significantly hinder any subsequent actions.
Furthermore, Wei Wuming's fundamental enemy wasn't the Tianzui Camp, but the almighty gods of heaven and earth. Therefore, no mistakes were allowed in his future actions. Even the slightest misstep could lead to disastrous consequences.
Seeing Wei Wuming's hesitation, Ming Qi sneered. He was already a Martial Emperor, and given time, he would surely reach the Divine Realm. How could he allow himself to be ordered around?
"Since you lack sincerity, I will not see you off."
Ming Qi immediately ordered him to leave. This wasn't a necessary negotiation, nor was it a necessary collaboration. The main reason he agreed to negotiate with Wei Wuming on this matter was because of Mo Changli and Wei Silong.
Mo Changli and Wei Silong had shared his hardships for many years, and Ming Qi had a close relationship with Mo Changli. However, Ming Qi was ultimately at a disadvantage in this matter, so even with Mo Changli's presence, he couldn't show weakness. Otherwise, if Wei Wuming seized the opportunity, he would be in turmoil.
Wei Wuming pondered for a moment, then finally nodded. "Well, Changli and Longmei are both your friends, and I won't ask you to do anything that would be difficult. I only ask one thing: wherever our Celestial Clan engages in a major battle, you must appear and suppress the Divine Punishment with your artifact. As for other matters, I won't interfere."
"Okay, it's a deal!"
At this point, Ming Qi said nothing more. The Celestial Clan's only fear is the suppression of Divine Punishment. With it, they can't even unleash half their strength. Once suppressed, their combat effectiveness will multiply. A Martial Emperor cultivator like him would be essential in any battle.
After the agreement was reached, Wei Wuming didn't linger long in Baiqi Mountain. Instead, he handed Ming Qi a Golden Celestial Clan Order and departed.
Before leaving, Mo Changli wanted to speak a few more words with Ming Qi, but Wei Wuming and Wei Xingbai were present, so she couldn't offer much. She reluctantly followed them. However, she knew they would still have time to meet again, and that there would undoubtedly be many battles ahead, and Ming Qi would undoubtedly be among the Celestial Clan's forces.
When Ming Qi and Wei Wuming were conversing earlier, the others stayed away, waiting quietly at a distance. Even Zong Feng didn't approach to inquire about the matter.
"Brother Ming, these individuals possess profound cultivation. I wonder where they came from?"
After Wei Wuming and the others had left, Zong Feng approached to inquire.
"They are members of the Celestial Clan who long ago committed crimes against the heavens and were punished by divine retribution, their natural powers forever suppressed."
"Celestial Clan members?"
Zong Feng was secretly shocked upon hearing this. Although he came from an ancient, barbaric clan, he was well-versed in ancient history. He knew that the Celestial Clan members were messengers who once patrolled the heavens on behalf of the gods of heaven and earth, possessing unique talents and terrifying combat abilities.
"Yes, the Celestial Clan members now believe their opportunity has arrived, and they wish to join forces with the Heavenly Sin Camp to challenge divine authority."
Ming Qi made no secret of this to Zong Feng. The Celestial Clan members' recent appearance must have had no other motive.
Hearing this, Zong Feng frowned. This matter was not as simple as it sounded. Challenging the gods of heaven and earth was far more elusive and difficult than confronting the Heavenly Sin Camp.
"Are they here to ask you to join them?"
Zong Feng asked.
Ming Qi nodded and said, "Yes, I've had many connections with two Celestials. They're my best friends. Furthermore, I possess an item that can suppress divine punishment, which is why they asked for my help."
After hearing Ming Qi's simple account, Zong Feng still frowned. Ming Qi's words seemed simple, but there was a great danger hidden within.
"Brother Ming, the outcome of this is unpredictable. Have you promised them?"
"I have, but don't worry. This matter won't implicate you. This is my decision alone. Besides, I alone can control that object. They won't dare do anything to me. With me in check, even if the Celestial Clan becomes powerful, you can stay safe."
Ming Qi thought Zong Feng was worried that his actions would implicate them all. Unexpectedly, Zong Feng glared at him. "Brother Ming, what are you talking about? We are friends and brothers. Since I, Zong Feng, am here today, I will go with you, even if it means facing danger. Why are you so eager to distance yourself from me?"
Ming Qi smiled wryly and said, "This matter is truly unpredictable. I don't want you to get too involved."
Zong Feng waved his hand, indicating complete indifference. "If Tianhuang is destroyed, how can we survive? Whether it's the Tianzui Camp or the Celestial Clan, as long as Tianhuang is preserved and their attention is diverted, what's the point of cooperating with them?"
Ming Qi nodded helplessly. He had considered telling Zong Feng about his plan to build a passage to another world, but after some thought, he decided not to mention it for now. After all, it was no easy task. He could wait until he had considered it thoroughly.
The Celestial Clan were stationed at the foot of Qiankun Mountain. This was what Wei Wuming had told him before he left, and he urged him to rush there as soon as possible. However, Ming Qi had his own plans. His side lacked a powerful leader, so he awaited the return of the Ancient God Lord. By then, with at least one Ancient God at the helm, no one in the Celestial Clan would dare underestimate his side.
A few days later, Xing Yun finally refined the divine weapon he had spoken of.
The divine weapon's appearance was truly extraordinary. The entire Baiqi region trembled with fear, even drawing a thunderbolt. However, with so many experts nearby, they escaped unscathed.
After the thunder dissipated, Ming Qi finally had the heart to examine the divine weapon Xing Yun had painstakingly crafted. It was a staff-like weapon, the color of the stars, over three feet long. A purple aura swirled at the tip, revealing a purple star.
"What does this staff hold?"
Watching Xing Yun examine it lovingly, Ming Qi couldn't help but ask curiously.
Xing Yun, hailing from the Great Star World, was no less knowledgeable and insightful than anyone else. To have condensed such a staff, it must have had a rich history.
"This item is called the Purple Star Scepter. It commands the stars, unrestricted by airspace. It can freely call upon the power of the stars, anywhere and at any time. When necessary, it can even transform into a divine star beast to join the battle."
Xing Yun gave a brief introduction, but from what she said, it seemed the Purple Star Scepter held much greater power.
"That's good. With this divine weapon, you'll feel more secure in future battles," Ming Qi said with a smile.
"If you want to use it, I can lend it to you!" Xing Yun said with a smile, and she actually handed the artifact she had been coveting to Ming Qi.
"Don't!"
Ming Qi's face immediately fell, knowing Xing Yun was serious.
Half a month later, the Ancient God Lord returned, accompanied by another barbarian who looked young but exuded a powerful aura.