Chapter 356: Azure Dragon Alliance

"Daoist Friend Xu, if a Nascent Soul stage cultivator like myself joins the alliance, what rights would I enjoy?"

Mo Wentian asked curiously.

"Any Nascent Soul stage cultivator who joins the alliance will naturally become a Grand Elder. While the position holds no formal administrative power, the sheer strength of a Nascent Soul cultivator is the ultimate authority in itself.

As long as you do not kill alliance disciples or elders without cause, you are free to lightly punish anyone who dares disrespect a Grand Elder.

Who would dare question it?"

Xu Chuan smiled at Mo Wentian. "In the Cultivation World, after all, strength reigns supreme. This is a standard that holds true no matter where you go.

Of course, joining the alliance naturally comes with benefits.

You will have the right to open a grotto-residence for cultivation on a main peak with a fourth-tier spirit vein. This privilege is reserved exclusively for Grand Elders and elders at Golden Core Perfection who are preparing for Nascent Soul Formation.

At the same time, Grand Elders can issue missions, tasking alliance disciples or elders with gathering specific materials. As for the rewards, the alliance will distribute them accordingly.

In return, the obligation of a Grand Elder is to guard the sect. If a foreign Nascent Soul enemy invades, you must step forward to face them.

Simply put, it is a relationship of mutual provision and protection.

After all, any Nascent Soul stage cultivator could easily establish a major faction of their own given a little time.

If you cannot be bothered to cultivate your own faction, you can simply join the Azure Dragon Alliance, and our alliance will take responsibility for providing a set amount of cultivation resources.

This is a matter of Mutual Benefit and Assistance."

Hearing this, Mo Wentian nodded slightly. He looked across at Moyue, who was almost dozing off, and asked, "Daoist Friend Moyue, will you be joining the Azure Dragon Alliance?"

"Whether I join or not, what does it have to do with you?" Moyue retorted. "However, even if you don't join, do you really think you can avoid lifting a finger if foreign enemies invade Heavenly Azure Prefecture?

After all, this is a super alliance comprising all the factions in Heavenly Azure Prefecture, and your Mo Family is part of it."

Mo Wentian froze for a moment.

However, he quickly realized that Moyue's words made perfect sense.

By stepping forward to establish this alliance, Xu Chuan was undoubtedly binding all the major and minor factions of Heavenly Azure Prefecture together.

They would share blessings and shoulder hardships together.

No matter how these various factions shifted and changed, unless Heavenly Azure Prefecture was entirely wiped clean of Golden Core aristocratic families, the Azure Dragon Alliance would continue to exist.

"Daoist Friend Moyue's insight is truly profound. I am thoroughly impressed."

"Don't try to cozy up to me!"

Moyue seemed to harbor a bit of disdain for Mo Wentian.

This was primarily due to a series of actions Mo Wentian had taken in the past.

He had successfully achieved Nascent Soul Formation with Xu Chuan's help, yet when competing for the position of Lord of Sky Cang Prefecture, he had repeatedly tripped them up in secret.

In the end, he had still shamelessly come crawling back to beg for an alliance.

Although Xu Chuan had extorted him a little in return, Moyue still couldn't stand the sight of him.

If it weren't for the fact that Heavenly Azure Prefecture needed a Nascent Soul stage cultivator like Mo Wentian to hold the fort, Moyue would have picked a fight with him long ago!

Of course, if Mo Wentian dared to betray the Xu Family again in the future, Xu Chuan naturally wouldn't spare the Mo Family a second time.

By then, the Xu Family might have even produced their very own Nascent Soul cultivator.

Mo Wentian smiled awkwardly and turned to Xu Chuan. "It is indeed a bit strenuous for the Mo Family's cultivation resources to support me. In that case, I shall join the Azure Dragon Alliance and become a Grand Elder.

Is Daoist Friend Xu willing to accept me?"

"You are more than welcome," Xu Chuan replied with a faint smile, before asking the room, "Does anyone else have any objections?"

"If the alliance possesses resources for Nascent Soul Formation, will they be distributed to those in need?" Elder Yang asked.

Xu Chuan nodded. "Naturally. If there are multiple candidates, it will be decided by a vote. However, those from aristocratic families who have not officially joined the alliance will not be eligible for such benefits.

After all, as I stated earlier, the alliance is the alliance, and the aristocratic families are the aristocratic families.

That being said, anyone who advances to the Golden Core or Nascent Soul stage using alliance resources must swear an oath never to leave the alliance, let alone betray it.

Fellow Daoist friends, behind every benefit lies a clearly marked price. Do not harbor any misguided ulterior motives."

Cang Fengyan asked, "Xu Clan Head, from what you're saying, does that mean one can withdraw after joining the alliance?"

"Indeed," Xu Chuan nodded with a slight smile. "The alliance is a coalition of all aristocratic families, and rogue cultivators are also welcome to join. Aside from those bound by the aforementioned conditions...

If someone feels that staying in the alliance is no longer beneficial to them, they may withdraw after returning a portion of the resources they have consumed."

"Then can an entire aristocratic family withdraw? Would the resources they contributed be refunded?"

"They can withdraw, but the resources will not be refunded. The contributions from the families are meant to stabilize the overall environment of Heavenly Azure Prefecture, and every family benefits from this stability.

However, if a family withdraws, rejoining won't be quite so easy.

Unless you plan to leave Heavenly Azure Prefecture entirely, I advise against entertaining such thoughts lightly.

Otherwise, I cannot predict what kind of unfortunate accidents might occur."

Many of the smaller families felt a chill run down their spines.

In all likelihood, they would be eaten alive and stripped to the bone.

"Are there any other questions?" Xu Chuan asked once more.

This time, no one responded.

"Excellent. In that case, let us begin the elections for the peak masters and vice peak masters of the Seven Peaks.

First is the peak master of Jiaomu Peak. A peak master must possess at least late-stage Golden Core cultivation or equivalent combat prowess. If no one meets the criteria, the position can remain temporarily vacant. Anyone is welcome to volunteer."

"I would like to give it a try," Cang Fengheng suddenly spoke up.

Xu Chuan looked at him and said, "Your Cang Family has multiple Golden Core cultivators. If you become the peak master of Jiaomu Peak, Daoist Friend Cang, you will automatically become an elder of the Azure Dragon Alliance."

"I was already an elder of the Heavenly Azure Sect. Naturally, I have no objections."

Xu Chuan nodded slightly and scanned the others. "Are there any other Daoist friends who wish to run for the position?"

For a moment, no one spoke.

However, this was to be expected. There were only so many late-stage Golden Core cultivators in Heavenly Azure Prefecture, and they were primarily concentrated in the four major factions: the Heavenly Azure Sect, Lei Family, Mo Family, and Cang Family.

Take the Xu Family, for example. They boasted late-stage Golden Core combat prowess, but they didn't actually have a single cultivator at the late-stage of Golden Core.

As the Heavenly Azure Sect was the predecessor of the Azure Dragon Alliance, its original elders were naturally willing to become elders of the new alliance. However, the other three families couldn't possibly allow all their late-stage Golden Core experts to join.

After all, while the alliance was composed of the aristocratic families, it also operated independently of them.

"In that case, the position of Jiaomu Peak's master will be held by Daoist Friend Cang Fengheng. I hope you will nurture many outstanding disciples."

"Next is Kangjin Peak..."

Fifteen minutes later.

The masters of the Seven Peaks were finalized.

They were: Cang Fengheng for Jiaomu Peak, Bai Yan for Kangjin Peak, Yang Qi for Ditu Peak, Liu Yunshan for Fangri Peak, Mo Wenshang for Xinyue Peak, Lei Wuji for Weihuo Peak, and Zhao Huai for Jishui Peak.

"As for the vice peak masters, you may each recruit alliance elders on your own. We won't hold individual elections for them right now."

"Next is the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall. Who is willing to take on this role?"

"I am willing," Zhao Huai declared.

He was originally an elder of the Heavenly Azure Sect's Punishment Hall.

"Does anyone have any objections?"

Lei Wuji's eyes flickered. "The Punishment Hall oversees discipline and law. It is a highly crucial part of the Azure Dragon Alliance, and the position of Hall Master holds immense authority..."

"I would also like to try my hand at it."

Zhao Huai's expression shifted slightly.

"Is there anyone else who wishes to take the role? The Punishment Hall requires one Hall Master and two Vice Hall Masters. These are not like the vice peak masters; even the Hall Master has no right to appoint them. They must be jointly elected by the Council of Elders."

Mo Wentian silently sent a telepathic message to Mo Wenshang.

Mo Wenshang spoke up, "Despite my lack of talent, I would also like to serve as a Vice Hall Master of the Punishment Hall."

"Then Elder Lei shall serve as the Hall Master of the Punishment Hall, while Elder Zhao and Elder Mo will serve as Vice Hall Masters. Does anyone have any objections?"

"We have no objections."

"As for the Four Halls of Pills, Artifacts, Formations, and Talismans, they will be headed by Elder Yao Chen, Elder Chihuo, Elder Cang Fengheng, and Elder Li Yan, respectively. The Vice Hall Masters can be appointed by the four of you from among elders who excel in these arts.

However, their proficiency in alchemy, artificing, formations, or talismans must not be lower than the third-tier.

If there are no suitable candidates, the positions can remain temporarily vacant.

These positions are not meant for the abuse of power. If a recommended candidate or an appointed deacon violates the laws of the Azure Dragon Alliance, the person who recommended or appointed them will also be punished.

This rule applies across the board, whether it be the Seven Peaks, the Punishment Hall, or the Political Affairs Hall."

Hearing this, everyone's hearts trembled.

"Next is the Political Affairs Hall. The positions of Alliance Leader and Vice Alliance Leader are of grave importance. Who is willing to take charge?"

As his words fell, a brief silence settled over the grand hall.

Then, Cang Fengyan's voice rang out. "Despite my lack of talent, I would like to take on the position of Alliance Leader. Would that be acceptable?"

"Daoist Friend Cang, you are at Golden Core Perfection and the Patriarch of the Cang Family. Are you truly willing to accept this role?" Xu Chuan said mildly. "The authority of the Alliance Leader is second only to the First Elder, but the workload is far more demanding.

Do you really have the time to manage it?"

"I am preparing to step down as the Patriarch of the Cang Family. I have already selected a successor, so Xu Clan Head need not worry. From now on, I will dedicate myself entirely to my duties as the Alliance Leader."

The predecessor of the Azure Dragon Alliance was the Heavenly Azure Sect. The Cang Family had once ruled the Heavenly Azure Sect, and the position of Sect Master had long been firmly in their grasp.

But ever since the rise of the Xi Family, they had been excluded from that seat of power for over a thousand years.

Thanks to the Cang Family's vast network of connections, the Xi Family hadn't dared to exterminate them completely. Still, within the Heavenly Azure Sect, they had never held true administrative power again.

Now, this was their opportunity to set everything back on the right track.

"Since Daoist Friend Cang has put it that way, there is naturally no one here more suitable than you. The position of Alliance Leader of the Azure Dragon Alliance belongs to you."

Xu Chuan smiled, a slight ripple in his gaze. "As for the Vice Alliance Leaders, those positions will go to Elder Yang Qi and Elder Bai Yan."

"Does anyone have any objections?"

"Xu Clan Head's proposal is sound. I agree," Lei Wuji voiced his support.

"I also agree with Daoist Friend Xu's suggestion," Mo Wentian echoed.

The rest of the crowd had no objections either.

"Finally, there is the position of First Elder." Xu Chuan smiled as his gaze swept across the hall. "Who do you all think should take on the role of First Elder?"

This was the time to show their loyalty, wasn't it?

"Xu Clan Head drove away the Xi Family, the parasites of our Heavenly Azure Prefecture, and even slew their Nascent Soul Ancestor. You are truly the only one worthy of the First Elder position!" Chen Changge declared.

"Xu Clan Head is fully deserving," Lei Wuji added.

"I second the motion!"

"I also agree!"

"Since everyone is so enthusiastic, it would be impolite for me to refuse the position of First Elder."

"We greet the First Elder!" Chen Changge stood up, cupping his hands in a deep bow.

The others quickly followed suit.

"We greet the First Elder!"

"We greet the First Elder!"

"You are all too polite, Elders." Xu Chuan waved his hand, gesturing for them to sit back down. "Currently, the Azure Dragon Alliance is like a newly hatched dragon. Many of its rules are not yet perfected.

This will require the united effort of all the elders to finalize.

Additionally, there are the laws and regulations. We must clearly write down, article by article, what is permissible and what is forbidden.

Then there is the matter of monthly resources for disciples of various levels. The resource distribution for deacons, ordinary elders, and elders with administrative power will also require a detailed charter.

Until all these matters are resolved, every elder is to remain here at the Heavenly Azure Sect."

"We will strictly obey the First Elder's commands."

In the blink of an eye, three days and nights passed.

The group of Golden Core cultivators worked to the point of forgetting to eat and sleep, establishing detailed rules and regulations, reward and punishment systems, contribution point systems, and deployment protocols for guarding various towns and cities.

During this time, whenever a proposed rule touched upon the core interests of the aristocratic families, lengthy debates would ensue as everyone eagerly voiced their opinions.

Ultimately, Xu Chuan always had the final say.

By the time it was over.

Even the numerous Golden Core cultivators felt a wave of exhaustion.

However, many present were deeply curious. Surprisingly, Xu Chuan was the only member of the Xu Family to join the Azure Dragon Alliance as its First Elder. Not a single other member of his clan had joined.

It was as if they didn't care about the alliance in the slightest.

Otherwise, given Xu Mingxian's mastery of formations, Xu Deling's artificing skills and combat prowess, as well as the abilities of Ye Fan and Xu Deyue, they could have easily secured positions as peak masters.

Furthermore, if they had simply asked, no one would have dared to compete with them.

"The Azure Dragon Alliance is now officially established. From this day forward, Heavenly Azure Prefecture will be renamed Azure Dragon Prefecture. Remember to spread this news to every corner of the prefecture.

In addition, elders who have been appointed to positions have three days to handle and hand over their clan affairs. Afterward, you are to report to the Azure Dragon Alliance to assume your roles and get the alliance running smoothly.

As for the other elders, you may either stay with your clans or come to the Azure Dragon Alliance to open a grotto-residence for cultivation.

One month from now.

We will commence the Azure Dragon Alliance's very first disciple recruitment.

Regarding the content of the trials, the masters of the Seven Peaks will devise a testing charter. The recruitment will take place in the four major cities: Cloudstream, Jade Bamboo, White Cloud, and Heavenly Azure."

"Yes, First Elder," everyone replied, cupping their hands in respect.

Bai Yan suddenly spoke up. "First Elder, since the Heavenly Azure Sect has been reformed into the Azure Dragon Alliance, I believe its directly governed city, Heavenly Azure City, would be better renamed as Azure Dragon City."

"Acceptable," Xu Chuan replied mildly.

"Furthermore, the position of City Lord was previously held by me. Should we now nominate an alliance elder to take over as City Lord?"

Xu Chuan pondered for a moment. "Since it is a directly governed city, there is no need for other aristocratic families to interfere. The position will be held in rotation by the Cang Family, the Liu Family, and your Bai Family.

Each term will last for three years.

The first term will go to the Cang Family, the next to the Liu Family, and the one after that to your Bai Family."

"Thank you, First Elder," Cang Fengheng, Liu Yunshan, and Bai Yan said in unison, cupping their hands.

The clan territories of all three families were located within the Azure Dragon Mountain Range. Now that they held a permanent rotation for the City Lord position of Azure Dragon City, they would naturally need to arrange for a portion of their clansmen to develop and settle down in the city.

After all, this was an excellent opportunity to expand and strengthen their families.

The Shangguan, Dongfang, and other Golden Core aristocratic families residing in Azure Dragon City all revealed envious expressions.

"Let's go."

Xu Chuan soared into the sky. Xu Mingxian, Xu Deling, Moyue, Chen Changge, and the rest of the Golden Core aristocratic families from Cloudstream City swiftly followed behind him.

Along the way, Xu Deling asked curiously, "Grandfather, why didn't you call the Heavenly Plume Sect over as well?"

"You will find out soon enough," Xu Chuan replied with a mysterious smile.

Hearing this, Xu Deling immediately stopped pressing for answers.

Once they left.

The Golden Core cultivators from the remaining aristocratic families also began to depart one by one.

Those who remained were the original elders of the Heavenly Azure Sect. As they watched the streaks of light fade into the distance, their hearts were filled with a myriad of complex emotions.

Just three days ago, they had been fraught with anxiety, entirely unsure of Xu Chuan's true motive for inviting all the factions. Now, the heavy stone weighing on their hearts had completely disappeared.

Elder Bai Yan sighed, "It seems there's a reason why the Xu Family was able to develop so rapidly. With an unparalleled genius like the First Elder managing the family, how could they not prosper?"

"Indeed," Yang Qi agreed, stroking his beard with a sigh. "The Xu Family is far more suited to governing the Heavenly Azure Sect and the Heavenly Azure Prefecture than the Xi Family ever was."

"Elder Yang, you should change how you address them now. It's the Azure Dragon Alliance and the Azure Dragon Prefecture," Zhao Huai gently corrected with a smile. "The old era has come to an end. We are now in the era of the Azure Dragon!"

Pausing for a moment, he continued, "The First Elder's magnanimity is far beyond what an ordinary person could ever hope to match. Our Heavenly Azure Sect targeted him on numerous occasions in the past, yet he has not sought to make trouble for us.

Instead, he founded this Azure Dragon Alliance, genuinely uniting all the factions of the Azure Dragon Prefecture.

There may still be disputes and conflicts within the Azure Dragon Prefecture in the future, but with the Azure Dragon Alliance standing tall above it all, there will never be true chaos. If the Greedy Wolf Prefecture tries to invade again, they are destined to eat dirt!"

"Exactly! The good days are still ahead of us. Who knows, perhaps in a few decades or a century, the heritage of our Azure Dragon Prefecture will rank among the top of the Eight Prefectures of the Northwest."