Chapter 183
The dust from the panicked retreat of the Blackstone Orcs had not yet fully settled, and the clearing of the Shadow Moon Tribe was utterly silent.
All the Night Elves' gazes were fixed on the lone human male standing there, his robes fluttering gently in the breeze, their eyes filled with unprecedented shock and awe.
Grom Blackstone, the fearsome chieftain of the Blackstone Tribe whose strength ranked among the best in the surrounding region, couldn't withstand a single move from Li Qingxuan! What a terrifying gap in power!
Queen Aister took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in her heart, and stepped forward first.
Her exquisite visage bore solemnity and a hint of indescribable complex emotion as she bowed deeply to Li Qingxuan, the highest courtesy the Night Elves extend to honored guests and the mighty.
"Lord Li Qingxuan, great kindness needs no thanks. Had you not intervened today, my Shadow Moon Tribe would likely have faced a bloody battle, with losses immeasurable."
The three elders—Moon Shadow, Star Radiance, and Charming Shadow—followed closely behind, performing respectful salutations.
At this moment they were utterly convinced, harboring no doubt; before absolute power, all reserve and hesitation appeared pale and impotent.
Li Qingxuan accepted the salute with composure, saying calmly, "Your Majesty and honored elders need not stand on ceremony; it was but a trifling effort, and moreover these orcs disturb the peace—they ought to be cleared away."
His gaze swept over the Night Elves still immersed in shock around him, then settled on Queen Aister: "The immediate trouble is now eased; I wonder, Your Majesty, what you have decided regarding my proposal from yesterday."
Queen Aister exchanged a look with the three elders, seeing the same resolve in each other's eyes.
After what just transpired, they understood that this man before them possessed the power to alter the tribe's fate.
Rather than struggle to survive in this peril‑filled forest, constantly threatened by orcs or other forces, it would be better to attach oneself to a true stronghold.
"Lord Li Qingxuan," Queen Aister said, her silver eyes locking onto his, voice clear and firm, "After this event, the entire Shadow Moon Tribe has witnessed your might. We wish to forge the closest covenant with you and with Guangtan Fortress. From this day forward, the Shadow Moon Tribe is willing to take you as our lord, heed your summons, hoping only that you will shelter our people and grant us the respect and room to develop we deserve."
This is an unequivocal declaration of submission, not mere cooperation.
What they admire is the great strength and future potential embodied by Li Qingxuan himself and the fortress behind him.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed Li Qingxuan's eyes as he nodded: "Your Majesty understands the greater good. I, Li Qingxuan, hereby pledge that after the Shadow Moon Tribe joins, it will not be a vassal but an important component of my domain. You will retain considerable autonomy; your traditions and culture will be respected. I will provide you safe refuge, ample supplies, and lead you in this apocalypse toward a stronger future."
His promise rang true, dispelling the last lingering doubt in the hearts of the Night Elves present, replacing it with a sense of reassurance and anticipation at having found a mighty reliance.
"If so, the covenant is sealed," Li Qingxuan said, extending his hand.
Queen Aister hesitated slightly, then likewise extended her delicate jade hand, lightly grasping Li Qingxuan's. This moment marked the formal allegiance of the Night Elf Shadow Moon Tribe to Li Qingxuan's command.
The Alliance Covenant is settled; next come the specific arrangements.
Li Qingxuan looked at the surrounding elf village built among the trees and put forward a key suggestion: "Your Majesty Queen, elders, since we have become one, perhaps the tribe's station should be reconsidered."
He pointed toward the outside of the forest, the direction of Guangtan Fortress: "Although this place is hidden, it is relatively far from my fortress; if something happens, support would be inconvenient. Moreover, forest resources are limited, long-term development restricted. I suggest relocating the Shadow Moon Tribe entirely to the vicinity of my Guangtan Fortress."
"Relocation?" Moonshadow Elder frowned slightly, "Lord, our tribe has lived here for generations, intimately tied to this forest; to leave suddenly, I fear..."
Moonshadow Elder's concerns I understand. Li Qingxuan interrupted, "It's not that I want you to abandon the forest. Near my fortress there are also extensive woodlands, environment not inferior to here. After relocation, you can still maintain your original way of life; moreover, I can allocate a special area as your new homeland for you to plan and build. More importantly, being near the fortress ensures greater safety, resources can be mutually exchanged, whether dealing with threats like the Blackstone Tribe or future development, it is more advantageous."
Queen Aister pondered for a moment, looking at Li Qingxuan: "Lord has considered thoroughly. However, the entire relocation is a massive undertaking; the tribe has many elderly, weak, women, and children; there are risks along the way..."
Safety need not be worried. Li Qingxuan said via the passage, "I will personally escort. As for the specific arrangements and site selection for the relocation, we can send people to return with me to the fortress first to survey and determine. Once the new homeland is preliminarily built, we can then proceed with the move."
The conditions he offered are most sincere, not only personally guaranteeing safety but also granting a high degree of autonomy.
Star Radiance Elder nodded: "If it is truly as the Lord said, near the fortress there are also suitable woodlands; relocation would indeed be beneficial over harmful. We can escape the long-term harassment of the Blackstone Tribe and also gain a more stable development environment."
Enchanting Shadow Elder also chuckled: "Indeed, being near the Lord's fortress makes it easier for the sisters to see the Lord in the future."
Her words provoked a murmur of ambiguous laughter, and the atmosphere relaxed considerably.
Queen Aister finally made a decision: "Good! Just follow the Lord's words. Xila, Ailina, you are most familiar with the forest; accompany the Lord back to Guangtan Fortress first to survey the site. Moonshadow Elder, Star Radiance Elder, you are responsible for organizing the tribe and beginning preparations for the relocation."
"Yes! Your Majesty!" the named individuals replied in unison.
The situation is settled. Li Qingxuan successfully subdued the Shadow Moon Tribe and promoted its relocation plan.
This not only greatly enhanced Guangtan Fortress's long-range reconnaissance and jungle combat capabilities, but also brought the fortress a stable alien ally, of extraordinary significance.
Queen Aister turned her head to look at Li Qingxuan, her eyes carrying a hint of gratitude and trust: "Lord, I entrust the rest to you. This relocation is a major turning point for our tribe; I hope you will devote yourself to it."
Li Qingxuan smiled faintly, his gaze firm: "Your Majesty Queen, rest assured, since I have made the promise, I will surely give my all."
Wait until tomorrow I take Xila and Ailina back, confirm the site information, then subsequent matters can be gradually advanced.
Xila and Ailina exchanged a glance, their eyes full of excitement and anticipation, and they said in unison: "Your Majesty Queen, Lord, we will surely not fail our mission and will bring back a suitable site as soon as possible."
Having said that, the two packed their belongings, preparing to set out tomorrow with Li Qingxuan on the journey back to Guangtan Fortress.
The surrounding Night Elves watched this scene, their hearts filled with both anticipation for the future and reluctance to leave their homeland, but they knew this is the necessary path for the tribe toward a stronger future.
At this moment, the Shadow Moon Tribe, under the organization of the Moonshadow Elder and the Star Radiance Elder, began orderly preparations for the relocation, the whole tribe immersed in an atmosphere both busy and full of hope.
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End of Chapter
