Chapter 20: Forming an Alliance

The Third Generation Disciples of each sect have basically already gone to the side they intend to support; furthermore, the demon fox has already been summoned into the imperial palace by King Zhou in the identity of the Jizhou Marquis's daughter. The Western Marquis proclaimed himself Emperor, founded the nation of Zhou, and took the title King Wen of Zhou. The Eastern Earl also proclaimed himself Emperor, founded the nation of Wu, and took the title King Wuxiang.

Because it is a three-way struggle for hegemony, their respective strengths are not much different, so neither side finds it easy to make the first move, resulting in a stalemate for several years.

Tongtian summoned Kong Xuan to Biyou Palace. He had clearly come to regard Kong Xuan as his military strategist.

"The current situation is a three-way stalemate; no one wants to make the first move for fear that others will take the opportunity to launch a sneak attack. What should be done about this?" Tongtian looked at Kong Xuan and asked.

Kong Xuan thought in silence for a while.

"With the current three-way stalemate, continuing like this is certainly not a solution. There is only one way now," Kong Xuan said solemnly.

"Oh? What way? I knew that summoning you would surely bring a solution. Tell me your plan," Tongtian said happily upon hearing Kong Xuan's words.

"The only way now is to find one side to form an alliance with, strive to gain an ally, and then contend with the other side," Kong Xuan said.

"Mm, this is a good plan, but which side should we form an alliance with?" Tongtian asked again.

"Buddhism is a good choice; it has two Saints. However, the Three Pure Ones have always prided themselves on being the orthodox lineage of Pangu and view others as heterodox paths. Therefore, if we form an alliance with Buddhism, the Eldest Grandmaster will certainly help the Second Grandmaster. Moreover, once victory is achieved, we would face two Saints, which would be very passive. That is not worth attempting. Therefore, I suggest forming an alliance with the Chan Sect, and it must be done quickly, otherwise it would be disastrous if the other two sides form an alliance first." Kong Xuan fully displayed his doctoral-level expertise; as the saying goes, a hooligan is not scary, what is scary is a hooligan with an education.

"Mm, this is a good plan. Let's do it this way. You go and discuss the alliance with Guangchengzi of the Chan Sect later. We Saints cannot show our faces; it can only be you who comes forward. You are the disciple Grandmaster values most, so you go," Tongtian said.

"Yes, Grandmaster. You can rest assured with me handling this. I will go now." After speaking, Kong Xuan flew out of Jinao Island and flew toward Kunlun Mountain.

"Please report that the fourth disciple under Tongtian has come to pay a visit," Kong Xuan said to the gatekeeping disciple upon arriving at Kunlun Mountain.

"Very well, please wait here for a moment while I go to report," the gatekeeping disciple said respectfully. Who doesn't know the fourth disciple under Tongtian now? He has successively defeated the first disciples of the Chan Sect and Human Teachings, and defeated Chiyou in the Battle of the Deer Pasture; his prestige is illustrious.

After a while, Guangchengzi walked over, cupped his hands at Kong Xuan, and said: "So it is Junior Brother Kong Xuan. I do not know what advice you bring by coming here." Hearing the gatekeeping disciple report that Kong Xuan had come to visit, Guangchengzi was very puzzled; after all, the three sects are currently in a state of hostility, and he did not know what business he could have coming at this time.

"My coming here this time is mainly to discuss some matters with you, Senior Brother," Kong Xuan said.

"I do not know what matter you have, Junior Brother? Come, let us go inside to talk." As he spoke, he led Kong Xuan toward the main hall inside Kunlun Mountain.

"You should be aware of the current situation, Senior Brother. The Chan Sect, Jie Sect, and Buddhism stand like a tripod; no one will make the first move, and we are in a mutual stalemate. Continuing like this is not good for any of the three sects," Kong Xuan said after walking into the hall and sitting down.

"Mm, I know. I do not know what you mean by coming here, Junior Brother?" Guangchengzi asked suspiciously.

"My coming this time is mainly because my Jie Sect wishes to form an alliance with the Chan Sect to jointly resist Buddhism. Buddhism has two Saints, while the Jie Sect and Chan Sect each have one. Although the Saints have an agreement not to take action, I fear that this matter cannot be taken as certain," Kong Xuan said.

"An alliance? But if the two sects form an alliance, who will be in charge?" Guangchengzi asked, feeling tempted.

"When the two sects form an alliance, of course each will still manage its own affairs, but we must work with one heart to resist Buddhism and not harbor ulterior motives. Otherwise, if the two sects start infighting before even fighting Buddhism, it will be of no benefit to either sect. I do not know what your opinion is on this proposal, Senior Brother?" Kong Xuan said solemnly.

"About that... what if we defeat Buddhism?" Guangchengzi asked the key question.

"If the two sects defeat Buddhism, we must give the other side one year of time, and then the two sects will continue..." Kong Xuan said.

"This matter is of great importance. I will go and discuss it with Grandmaster. Please wait a moment, Junior Brother." After speaking, Guangchengzi walked into Yuxu Palace.

"Guangchengzi, do you have any important matter for coming to see your master?" The one speaking was none other than Yuanshi Tianzun. Yuanshi Tianzun is a steady person and also one of the Saints who loves to scheme against others.

"Grandmaster, the fourth disciple of the Jie Sect, Kong Xuan, has just come to pay a visit," Guangchengzi said respectfully.

"Oh? What did he come for?" Yuanshi Tianzun said expressionlessly.

"Reporting to Grandmaster, he came mainly to represent the Jie Sect in forming an alliance with the Chan Sect to jointly deal with Buddhism," Guangchengzi replied.

"Mm, agree to it. I was just preparing to send you to find the Jie Sect to form an alliance; I did not expect them to come first. We must set a firm agreement; there must be no infighting," Yuanshi said.

"Yes, Grandmaster. This disciple takes his leave." Guangchengzi bowed and backed out of Yuxu Palace.

"I have kept you waiting, Junior Brother Kong Xuan. I have already discussed it with my master," Guangchengzi said to Kong Xuan.

"Oh? I do not know what the Grandmaster's intention is?" Kong Xuan asked.

"Grandmaster agrees to the alliance between the two sects; after all, the two sects originate from the same lineage," Guangchengzi said.

"Mm, very well. I will go back and send someone to find Shen Gongbao so he can discuss it with Jiang Ziya. I will take my leave first," Kong Xuan said.

"Very well, go slowly, Junior Brother," Guangchengzi said.

After Kong Xuan returned to Jinao Island and told Tongtian that the alliance had been successful, he sent a disciple to notify Shen Gongbao to discuss the alliance with Jiang Ziya, then returned to Dongying Island to continue his cultivation. With the Great Calamity at hand, one should increase their strength as much as possible.

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