Chapter 2595
This isn't just noticing something anymore; this is knowing something, right?
After all, these few ancestors of theirs had been arguing nonstop over whether to side with the Human Race or the Sea God.
In the end, it was the Spirit Ancestor who personally stepped forward to settle the matter.
Now Huang Lao openly speaks up like this, and at such a critical juncture—who could believe it's a coincidence?
The few Heavenly Spirit Tribe elders stared at each other, and though they tried hard to control their expressions and movements, the panic in their eyes could not be hidden.
But Huang Lao didn't notice these; his words actually meant something very simple.
All along, though the Heavenly Spirit Tribe has been on good terms with the Human Race, they have consistently maintained a friendly posture toward humanity.
But this is because the Heavenly Spirit Tribe's own strength is inherently weak.
Not only toward the Human Race, but toward other extraterrestrial races as well, the Heavenly Spirit Tribe's attitude has always been the same.
There's no way around it; being weak, to survive in this constantly strife-ridden Beyond the Heavens, one must seek to please all sides and act with duplicity.
When facing a powerful race, you must lower your head.
Therefore, although the Heavenly Spirit Tribe has had a decent relationship with the Human Race, they have never submitted to humanity, becoming a vassal and enjoying human protection.
The two sides are more like a cooperative relationship.
And right now, the Heavenly Spirit Tribe's Sea God is a supreme ingredient, and it has already been tampered with by everyone to this extent.
If exposed later, it would certainly look bad, but if the Heavenly Spirit Tribe were to submit to the Human Race, then none of these things would exist.
By then, the Heavenly Spirit Tribe wouldn't worship the Sea God either—what would it matter to us humans if we ate a bit?
Precisely for this reason, Huang Lao made this suggestion, and the Heavenly Spirit Tribe's submission would not be a bad thing for humanity.
Leaving other matters aside, has the issue of that heavenly pool been resolved?
By then, if Ye Zhangqing wants to let people into the heavenly pool, it would be much easier—just take a few slots, a matter of a single sentence.
Thinking this, Huang Lao spoke up while the iron was hot.
"These years, Beyond the Heavens has become increasingly chaotic, especially those Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demons, pressing ever closer upon you—even the fairy crystal mine at your doorstep has been seized."
"After so long, the Sea God hasn't done anything to help you; in the end, it was we humans who reclaimed it. In my view, you Heavenly Spirit Tribe would be better off turning to us humans rather than worshipping some Sea God—at least you'd be safe and have nothing to worry about."
Huang Lao coaxed them gently, but the more he spoke, the stranger the feelings grew in those Heavenly Spirit Tribe elders' hearts—this isn't right; could it really have been exposed?
But the problem is, if it were exposed, wouldn't the Human Race have already taken them down? How could they still be here chatting?
Unsure how far things have progressed, those Heavenly Spirit Tribe elders dare not speak rashly.
In the end, they could only brush it off by saying they would consider it.
However, after this incident, those Heavenly Spirit Tribe elders naturally dared not linger any longer.
Even though they still drooled with desire, the few of them soon took their leave and departed.
Watching the backs of those Heavenly Spirit Tribe elders as they left, Huang Lao showed little change in expression.
At most, it was just an attempt; whether it succeeded or not didn't matter.
If it works, great; if not, it's fine either way—after all, we haven't invested anything.
Huang Lao's mood was calm, but those Heavenly Spirit Tribe elders were frightened into a cold sweat.
This is a classic case of a guilty conscience, having something to hide.
After leaving Ye Zhangqing's place, those Heavenly Spirit Tribe elders did not return to their lodgings; instead, they went straight to the main hall for discussion.
After sealing the entire main hall tightly and confirming no one else was present, a Heavenly Spirit Tribe elder finally spoke.
"What do you all think of this matter?"
"I don't think it could have been exposed, after all we haven't done anything extra."
"If it hasn't been exposed, why would the Human Race say such things? This clearly indicates they already know something."
"But if they really knew, why hasn't the Human Race taken action? Why bother chatting with us here?"
"I suspect they know a little, but not much, and lack evidence, so they're merely probing."
"This…………………………"
The few Heavenly Spirit Tribe elders guessed at it, one speaking after another.
Finally, they thought the Human Race might have learned a bit, but without evidence, only suspicion—so Huang Lao's earlier words were probably just a probe.
If they reveal a flaw, that would confirm the speculation.
Several of them found this explanation fairly convincing, and it was the only one that made sense.
But even so, it still left the elders feeling heavy-hearted.
Not only has the plan failed, but now the Human Race suspects us—what are we to do next?
Should we continue to obey the Sea God's orders and sacrifice these human cultivators?
You must know, this choice at present—if mistaken, would be a catastrophe for the Heavenly Spirit Tribe.
Just as the several elders remained silent, hearts heavy, the elder who had been the most lively earlier let out a cold chuckle and said.
"What's there to panic about? In my view, this is actually a great opportunity."
"Huh???"
"What do you mean by that?"
"It's simple: the Human Race now suspects us, so why not feign allegiance to them, gain their trust, and after contacting the Sea God, it would be more convenient for us to act?"
"Then, when we want to trick the Human Race onto the altar, it will be even easier."
"This…………………"
Upon hearing this, the other elders were stunned; the idea sounded not bad and seemed likely to succeed, though the risk was equally great.
Once exposed, it would be utter ruin.
At the same moment, as these words fell, Ling Yunyi's grandfather immediately spoke up in opposition.
"I disagree; you're playing with fire. Do you know what fate awaits our Heavenly Spirit Tribe if we fail?"
"Ha, why would it fail? This is currently the best choice, or do you still want to rely on the Human Race? Don't forget, this matter was personally decided by the Spirit Ancestor."
"You............"
"As soon as the Spirit Ancestor is mentioned, even Ling Yunyi's grandfather loses his temper; there's nothing to be done—who let the Heavenly Spirit Tribe have the Spirit Ancestor as the greatest?"
"These old ancestors of theirs can only submit to the Spirit Ancestor."
"Seeing Ling Yunyi's grandfather fall silent, this Heavenly Spirit Tribe elder smiled confidently, believing this to be the best plan."
"Anyway, their plan is to first temporarily stabilize the Human Race, then quickly get in touch with the Sea God."
"What method could stabilize the Human Race better than feigned surrender?"
"Moreover, it not only stabilizes the Human Race but also fully gains its trust, making future actions more convenient."
"Although there is some risk, under the persuasion of this elder, the other elders one by one nodded and agreed."
"Only Ling Yunyi's grandfather couldn't help but curse."
"You're utterly shameless—when eating before, who the hell was eating with tears streaming down? While eating someone else's food, you also want to smash their pot; you're truly a despicable villain."
"Hmph, watch your language—eating is eating, business is business; how can they be mixed together?"
End of Chapter
