Chapter 213: Alliance (Five Thousand)

"Take over Yun Lan Sect?!!!" Xiao Ding was utterly stunned.

Shimo City is not far from Yun Lan Sect, separated by several cities, nowhere near as distant as the Black Horn Region is from Jia Ma Sheng Cheng, but even a Dou Wang needs to fly for a full day and night to reach it.

So Xiao Ding and the others still believed Yun Shan had just broken through to Dou Zong; in Xiao Ding and Xiao Li's minds, Yun Lan Sect remained the strongest sect in the Jia Ma Empire, at its zenith.

Now they suddenly received a letter from their third brother, instructing them to bring their father, the senior elders of the Xiao Clan, and promising disciples to Yun Lan Sect.

Xiao Ding snatched the letter from Xiao Li's hand and read it quickly.

The entire letter was simple: it stated the Xiao Clan had formed an alliance with Yun Lan Sect—and that the Xiao Clan was the dominant party, officially taking over Yun Lan Sect!

It ordered the two brothers to go to Wutan City and bring their father to Yun Lan Sect.

Xiao Ding and Xiao Li exchanged a glance, both seeing shock in each other's eyes.

"What is our third brother planning?"

"I don't know, but it's definitely not simple."

At this moment, within the Imperial Palace of the Jia Ma Royal Family, Princess Yao Ye hosted a banquet, inviting Xiao Yan, Yun Yun, and Nalan Yanran to the palace.

After finishing his meal, Xiao Yan wiped his mouth and smiled: "Master Jia, Princess Yao Ye, long time no see. What is the purpose of your invitation today?"

Xiao Yan was clearly asking a question he already knew the answer to.

Jia Xingtian chuckled and said: "Naturally, to congratulate you."

"Oh? Master Jia, why this sudden praise? Congratulations on what?" Xiao Yan blinked innocently.

Princess Yao Ye gave Xiao Yan an exasperated glare—this man loved playing innocent, acting like a green tea—and said: "Master Xiao Yan, I won't beat around the bush. As a member of the Jia Ma Imperial Family, I wish to know the future development direction of your 'Yan Alliance,' formed by the Xiao Clan and Yun Lan Sect."

Xiao Yan had a deep connection with Mei Du Sha—they feared another Yun Lan Sect might arise!

Xiao Yan smiled and said: "Princess Yao Ye misunderstands. Although the Yan Alliance bears my name, its relationship is equal—no one dominates another. We are neither a nation nor an organization, and there is no such thing as a future development plan."

"Not an organization? What do you mean by that, Master Xiao Yan?" Princess Yao Ye asked, puzzled.

Xiao Yan smiled, cleared his throat, stood up slowly, and gazed at everyone present: "Our Yan Alliance is a voluntary alliance based on the Yan Alliance Covenant, resolving any disputes peacefully and without harming peace, security, or justice, ensuring all alliance members are protected from threats across the Northwest Earth Domain's various factions and nations."

"The Yan Alliance operates on a collective defense model."

"If any external organization or individual attacks one member of the Yan Alliance, it is considered an attack on all members. Should such an attack occur, all alliance members shall unite in self-defense and launch severe, fierce retaliation and other necessary actions against the aggressor."

⊙▽⊙???

Hearing Xiao Yan's resolute declaration and the specific terms of the Yan Alliance Covenant, not only did Princess Yao Ye and Jia Xingtian sit there stunned, mouths agape, but even Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran tilted their heads in confusion, utterly baffled.

You didn't mention any of this before!?!

"Uh… so it means…" Jia Xingtian's mind was spinning.

"It means the Yan Alliance differs from other alliances—we do not interfere in each other's affairs, have no political or economic ties, each remains exactly as it is; but if any member is attacked by an external force, all members are obligated to defend them and launch collective retaliation." Xiao Yan's gaze sharpened.

Princess Yao Ye frowned—she had assumed Xiao Yan intended to seize control of Yun Lan Sect, but now it seemed he wasn't doing that at all.

A flicker of light passed through Princess Yao Ye's eyes as she asked: "Master Xiao Yan, your Yan Alliance truly will not interfere in the internal affairs of its members?"

Xiao Yan smiled and said: "The Yan Alliance is merely a voluntary alliance of collective defense, formed solely to resist external hostile forces."

"Princess Yao Ye knows that Yun Lan Sect suffered a catastrophic blow due to a mysterious force—this alliance is to prevent such a disaster from happening again."

"But once you join, you cannot withdraw at will. If a powerful enemy appears and everyone scatters like monkeys fleeing a fallen tree, this alliance would be meaningless."

Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Princess Yao Ye fell into deep thought.

Xiao Yan's words carried hidden meaning!

Xiao Yan felt he had said enough. He picked up the napkin, wiped his mouth, and smiled: "Thank you, Princess Yao Ye, for this splendid feast. I won't overstay—I still have matters to discuss with Sect Master Yun Yun regarding the Yan Alliance, so I'll return to Yun Lan Sect now."

Princess Yao Ye stared deeply at Xiao Yan's back until he and Yun Yun had left, then said: "I am certain that although Yun Yun remains Sect Master, all decisions within Yun Lan Sect are now led by Xiao Yan."

"I thought so too—Yun Yun's shocked expression just now was proof enough. Throughout the meal, she didn't utter a single word." Jia Xingtian knew Yun Yun was naturally reserved and quiet, but the scene had clearly resembled Xiao Yan as the leader.

"Master Jia, what do you think of this Yan Alliance?" Princess Yao Ye's gaze sharpened, her voice low.

Jia Xingtian sighed and shook his head: "No matter what, dissolving Yun Lan Sect completely is now impossible."

Because Yun Shan was dead, most Elders perished in battle, even Sixth-Rank Alchemist Gu He had left; rumors spread that Yun Lan Sect had sacrificed commoners, causing most of its disciples to flee and its reputation to plummet.

This gave the Jia Ma Empire an opportunity to send troops and dissolve Yun Lan Sect.

But now Xiao Yan's intervention has made the internal situation within the empire strangely complicated.

Previously, the undisputed hegemon of the Jia Ma Empire was unquestionably Yun Lan Sect. Now that Yun Lan Sect has collapsed, its cultivation methods, Dou Techniques, resources, and even Yun Lan Mountain—the precious cultivation ground—have drawn the envy and greed of many factions.

Naturally, the Jia Ma Royal Family was the most eager, and its iron cavalry had already begun subtly surrounding Yun Lan Mountain, long viewing Yun Lan Sect as a thorn in their side.

Princess Yao Ye had even heard rumors that some sects in the Northwest Earth Domain planned to band together and rob Yun Lan Sect.

Then—shortly after Yun Shan's death—the Xiao Clan's Young Clan Leader, Xiao Yan, publicly announced the alliance between the Xiao Clan and Yun Lan Sect!

This stunned the Jia Ma Royal Family and all factions planning to strike at Yun Lan Sect, leaving them utterly confused about Xiao Yan's intentions.

That's why Princess Yao Ye had urgently invited Xiao Yan and Yun Yun to dinner—to probe the situation.

"And if I'm not mistaken, Xiao Yan explained all this not only to make us halt all actions against Yun Lan Sect, but also to invite the Jia Ma Royal Family to join this Yan Alliance." Princess Yao Ye rubbed her forehead—these days she had monitored Yun Lan Sect's every move; for years, the royal family had feared and dreaded this colossal power looming near the capital, and now that an opportunity to crush it had arisen, they would never give it a chance to recover.

"Xiao Yan is giving us a guarantee that we need not fear the Xiao Clan rising up to overthrow the Jia Ma Royal Family's rule."

Xiao Yan's rise was inevitable—and to the Jia Ma Royal Family, that was a threat. But now, by proposing the Yan Alliance Covenant, he is saying: as long as the Jia Ma Royal Family joins as a member, both Yun Lan Sect and the Xiao Clan will forever recognize the Jia Ma Royal Family as the legitimate rulers of the Jia Ma Empire, with no interference in each other's affairs.

This was extremely important to the Jia Ma Royal Family.

"So you mean we should join his Yan Alliance?" Jia Xingtian blinked in surprise.

"There is no other option. Xiao Yan is not merely a prodigy in pill alchemy—he is also exceptionally skilled in strategy, and most terrifyingly, his cultivation talent matches his alchemical talent."

"Our Jia Ma Royal Family's past assistance to Xiao Yan was more like a transaction—unlike the Miter Clan, we never truly helped him much. If Xiao Yan truly grows powerful enough, even if he himself has no intention of overthrowing us, his clan might not share his restraint." Princess Yao Ye nodded helplessly—though Xiao Yan had used clever tactics, the fact remained: he had stood against Yun Lan Sect with Yun Shan at its helm.

He had no shortage of powerful allies. If we angered him, he could simply send out Mei Du Sha—how many strong experts in this capital could stand against her? Could we kill Xiao Yan now?

Since force won't work, we have no choice but to go soft.

Frowning, Jia Xingtian tapped his fingers lightly on the table. After a moment, he sighed: "Fine, let's try it your way. I hope this kid truly means it—that this is merely a collective defense alliance to resist other factions."

Seeing Jia Xingtian nod, Princess Yao Ye smiled faintly, paused, then suddenly said: "Actually, Yun Lan Sect's decline brings serious drawbacks to our Jia Ma Empire. Without Yun Lan Sect, we won't even qualify to attend the Northwest Earth Domain's Sect Assembly—perhaps Chu Yun Empire will then launch a full-scale invasion against us."

Internal troubles and external threats—losing Yun Lan Sect isn't entirely beneficial.

Throughout the Northwest Region, sects and empires stand side by side, and the Sect Grand Meeting is held every five years by some of the strongest factions in the region.

Their purpose is far from benevolent—they are ambitious individuals seeking to unify all factions in the Northwest Region and become an entity worthy of rivaling the top powers on the continent.

"Originally, with Yun Shan as a Dou Zong, Yun Lan Sect should have risen to first-tier status and stood on equal footing with Chu Yun Empire. I only hope Xiao Yan's name can intimidate Chu Yun Empire—otherwise, war may break out." Yao Ye pressed her temples; governing a nation was too difficult, with too many factors to balance.

Jia Xingtian frowned and said, "The two Dou Huangs recently spotted in Yan City have been identified as members of the Tian She Mansion. Tian She Nation lies at the center of the Northwest Region; once, the Tian She Mansion's Sect Master nearly defeated all other sect leaders at the Sect Grand Meeting to become the dominant force of the Northwest, but was thwarted by Lei Dian Sect. Now, with the rising power of Tian Xin Empire, joining the Yan Alliance might not be a bad decision."

"Yes, if our Jia Ma Empire cannot present any formidable faction or powerful cultivator, our standing in the Northwest Region will only grow weaker over time. If other empires move against us, it will be troublesome," Yao Ye sighed.

Jia Xingtian nodded slightly, his gaze flickering for a moment before he said gravely, "It seems we must rely on Xiao Yan. Very well—I'll give this boy a chance this time!"

"Grandfather won't be disappointed," Yao Ye smiled.

"Oh? You have so much faith in him?" Seeing Yao Ye's unwavering trust in Xiao Yan, Jia Xingtian's eyes widened with peculiar amusement. He scanned her lovely face, then suddenly laughed, "Yao Ye, are you perhaps smitten with that boy?"

"Grandfather, what are you talking about?!" Hearing Jia Xingtian's words, Yao Ye's cheeks flushed crimson, and she pouted in protest.

"That boy has the most terrifying talent I've ever seen in decades, and his appearance isn't bad either. His cold, stern nature makes him an excellent match. If you truly like him, Grandfather can help you propose. If our families could form a marital alliance, I could rest easy." Jia Xingtian stroked his beard with a smile, as if noticing nothing of Yao Ye's blushing cheeks.

"Don't even think about it. That guy already has a beauty like Medusa Queen beside him—even if you wanted to marry Yao Ye off, he might not even want her." Yao Ye rolled her eyes and shook her head helplessly.

Hearing this, Jia Xingtian furrowed his brows. Xiao Yan's romantic luck was indeed absurd—he could barely count the number of women around him.

Meanwhile, back at Yun Lan Sect, Xiao Yan naturally had no idea Yao Ye and Jia Xingtian were discussing him like this—he was currently trying to persuade Medusa Queen.

"You want my Snake Empire to join your Yan Alliance?" Medusa Queen's beautiful serpent eyes glanced sideways at Xiao Yan, her lips curling into a cold smile.

This man was growing increasingly delusional.

Xiao Yan grinned, rubbed his nose, and nodded. "Our Yan Alliance won't interfere with the internal affairs of your Snake Empire."

Medusa slowly rose, her figure as alluring as ever, and offered a seductive smile. "If Yun Lan Sect were still what it once was, I might consider it. But your so-called collective defense? In truth, it's just relying on me alone."

Seeing his scheme exposed, Xiao Yan wasn't embarrassed. He continued, "Don't say that. Think about it—I'm already a Five-Grade High-Level Alchemist, destined to become a Dou Zong, even a Dou Zun. Forming this alliance now is a guaranteed win. Besides, even a rotten ship has three pounds of nails. Yun Yun is a Four-Star Dou Huang, and Nalan Yanran has inherited Yun Potian's legacy. And Hai Lao's Miter Clan has deep ties with me."

"Although it's not confirmed yet, I believe the Jia Ma Royal Family will be willing to join the Yan Alliance."

"Then no one will dare attack your Snake Empire. Peace will follow."

Medusa glanced at Xiao Yan, thought for a moment, then said, "Heh. My Snake Empire has waged endless wars with humans—we bear an indelible blood feud. Even if I agreed, the other snake tribes wouldn't."

Seeing Medusa hesitate, Xiao Yan said nothing and pulled out a map, pointing at the Snake Empire. "From what I know, four empires border your Snake Empire: besides Jia Ma Empire, there are Chu Yun Empire, Mu Lan Empire, and Luo Yan Empire. Aren't these three the ones that most frequently attack your people?"

The reason is simple: among the four, Jia Ma Empire is the weakest. Once, Jia Ma Empire had no Dou Zong at all. Had it not been for your Snake Empire standing between them, those three empires would have swallowed Jia Ma long ago.

"What are you getting at?"

"Join the Yan Alliance, and your Snake Empire loses one enemy but gains three allies. If those three empires attack you again, we are obligated to aid you—and even help you counterattack. Then, you can settle the score however you wish." Xiao Yan dropped his bombshell.

Medusa frowned. She could not deny that Xiao Yan's words were highly tempting.

As a ruler, Medusa knew better than anyone how dire her Snake Empire's situation had become—otherwise, she would never have risked her evolution.

Seeing Medusa swayed, Xiao Yan pointed to Yun Lan Sect's location, tracing a circle with his finger. "To show sincerity, I've discussed this with Sect Master Yun Yun. If your Snake Empire joins the Yan Alliance, this entire mountain range of Yun Lan Mountain will be yours."

!!!!?

Medusa's beautiful eyes narrowed as she stared at the vast mountain range Xiao Yan's finger had indicated.

"I know your people live in the desert only out of necessity. Though this mountain range isn't large, it can still accommodate nearly half your tribe. You, as Queen, surely know the value of this land once held by Yun Lan Sect." Xiao Yan's smile was devilish.

For a moment, it was unclear who truly possessed innate charm—Xiao Yan's words made Medusa's breathing quicken and her heart pound.

Snakes are cold-blooded; they prefer dark, damp, secluded places thick with trees. Though some snake species favor dry deserts, they are extremely rare.

The Snake People settled in the desert only because they had no choice. When Xiao Yan first visited the Snake Empire's palace, it was an oasis—and Medusa's own chamber was filled with plants.

When Medusa first saw Yun Lan Mountain's splendor, her envy was unmistakable—Xiao Yan noticed it instantly.

He guessed she longed for a forested, wetland territory.

And now, Xiao Yan held exactly such a condition in his hands.

"You truly mean to give me this mountain range, so my subordinates can live here?" Medusa's beautiful eyes fixed on Xiao Yan, her tone serious.

There was a second meaning to her words: despite everything, there were still fundamental problems between snakes and humans. Allowing snakes to settle here was like inviting wolves inside—even if those wolves weren't evil, the risk remained.

Xiao Yan spoke calmly. "As long as you, Medusa Queen, can control your subordinates, this forest is yours."

Yun Lan Sect was a massive prize—not just for its accumulated Dou Techniques, Cultivation Methods, and resources, but for its land as well.

Now that Yun Lan Sect was abandoned, it gave Xiao Yan the opportunity.

Xiao Yan could never let go of this prize. For the Xiao Clan to rise, Yun Lan Sect was perfect.

(End of Chapter)