Situ Xiuneng quickly raised his hand to stop Wen Ping, speaking in a tone that immediately lost the oppressive feel it had before and entered Wen Pingâs framework, asking, "Sect Leader Wen, our Hundred Sects Alliance can offer you many things!"
Wen Pingâs framework was simple: it required Situ Xiuneng to face him equally or adopt a humble posture!
Seeking peace requires a peaceful attitude!
Because itâs not his Immortal Sect that brought up the notion of seeking peace, itâs their Hundred Sects Alliance!
Honestly speaking, he doesnât hold much hatred towards the Hundred Sects Alliance. As long as the Hundred Sects Alliance doesnât provoke him, he certainly wonât go looking for trouble with the Hundred Sects Alliance. So for this peace talks, Wen Ping was somewhat looking forward to it. Coexisting peacefully is a lifestyle everyone desires, and Wen Ping now wants to develop the sect and desires peace even more because only with peace can he manage the sect effectively.
Wen Ping didnât rush to sit down but said, "But my Immortal Sect lacks nothing now. Moreover, Iâve emptied the Dragon God Sectâs Treasure Vault, so I lack nothing now either."
Situ Xiuneng replied, "But you lack a title!"
Only then did Wen Ping sit down, showing genuine interest in the word title. However, at this moment, he certainly couldnât appear interested in it. He couldnât expose too much curiosity about these two words in his speech, or else, with Situ Xiunengâs nature, he might start to think he holds the dominant position and begin to apply pressure.
The best tactic at this time is to keep the language concise!
Wen Ping said, "Continue."
Situ Xiuneng said, "Without a legitimate title, even if all forces within the system are afraid of the Immortal Sectâs might, they wonât engage in deeper cooperation and interaction with the Immortal Sect. We can hand over the leadership of East Lake, Bright Mirror Lake, Zimo Lake, etc., completely to the Immortal Sect, allowing the Immortal Sect to have a legitimate title to establish in these Three Lakes, thus enabling the Immortal Sect to truly become a giant influence. This way, many forces will look up to the Immortal Sect, truly bringing it substantial benefits and advantages."
"Is that all?"
Wen Ping showed an indifferent expression that indicated no interest.
Situ Xiuneng hastily said, "If you donât like the Hundred Sects Alliance at the Three Lakes Land, you can withdraw it. If you donât mind, the Hundred Sects Alliance branch can continue to establish here, with all Chiefs appointed by Elders of the Immortal Sect. This is the consensus after discussions among many Silver Level Chiefs, aiming to offer the greatest benefits to the Immortal Sect, hoping that you can let go of past enmity with the Hundred Sects Alliance."
Wen Pingâs attitude left Situ Xiuneng with no choice but to throw out the most attractive "offer" that was supposed to be saved for last. He believed the Immortal Sect wouldnât turn down this attractive deal. Why do sects, families, or academies seek strength? Isnât it just to gain absolute authority, absolute domination, and deeper cooperation with the Hundred Sects Alliance?
Initially, Bright Mirror Lake and these places had absolute authority belonging to the Hundred Sects Alliance, but now the Hundred Sects Alliance is handing it all over to the Immortal Sect. This is a treatment that only top Four-star Giant Influences would receive.
Even the Dragon God Sect doesnât possess it!
On the contrary, like the Dragon God Sect, the Hundred Sects Alliance would secretly send Upper Realm of Mountain Suppression to monitor it.
It can be said that the treatment of the Immortal Sect within the Hundred Sects Alliance is unprecedented.
Upon hearing Situ Xiunengâs words, undeniably, Wen Ping was indeed tempted.
Returning from the Dragon God Sect, he was considering rapidly strengthening the Immortal Sect, not just for himself but also for his parents.
If he obtained what the Hundred Sects Alliance was offering, and the resources from all four lakes were concentrated in the Immortal Sect, it was unimaginable how quickly it could develop.
However, Wen Ping remained rational.
Could the Hundred Sects Alliance be that foolish?
The answer is clearly impossible.
Wen Ping asked, "Compared to what the Hundred Sects Alliance is offering, Iâm more curious about why your Hundred Sects Alliance wants to give me so much. Simply because the Immortal Sect destroyed the Dragon God Sect and doesnât want further conflict, leading to unnecessary losses, Iâm afraid thatâs not enough to warrant such offerings, right?"
Situ Xiuneng responded, "Sect Leader Wen is correct. Besides not wanting further conflict with your sect and avoiding losses of Upper Realm of Mountain Suppression experts, the Hundred Sects Alliance has other considerations. Based on the opinions of many Silver Level Chiefs, the Hundred Sects Alliance can offer the utmost freedom and authority to the Immortal Sect, but likewise, the Immortal Sect must provide the greatest returns and assistance to the Immortal Sect."
"Speak!"
Faced with Wen Pingâs previous strong attitude, Situ Xiuneng knew he had already lost the dominant position and couldnât say anything to regain it; he could only follow Wen Pingâs response, "Itâs simple. The Hundred Sects Alliance requires Sect Leader Wen to create the Vortex Map, and from this point onwards, Sect Leader Wenâs Vortex Map will only be supplied to the highest echelons of the Hundred Sects Alliance! Youâll receive plenty of White Crystal. Meanwhile, the Hundred Sects Alliance also wants to send people into the Immortal Sect for cultivation and learning. Of course, this is merely to better integrate the Immortal Sect into the Hundred Sects Alliance."
"Heh heh..."
Wen Ping thought that the Hundred Sects Alliance truly has a well-played scheme.
However, for Wen Ping, selling the Vortex Map to anyone is the same, it doesnât matter. If he doesnât favor the Hundred Sects Alliance, he can set the price higher; if they canât afford it, itâs none of his concern. However, people from the Hundred Sects Alliance wanting to come in to study and cultivate is definitely unacceptableâbecause those individuals are ultimately people sent by the Hundred Sects Alliance, not from his Immortal Sect.
Thereâs a saying: People not of our group must have different hearts!
Moreover, those who come are people with different intentions, the Immortal Sect absolutely cannot accept them.
Just as Wen Ping hesitated and contemplated, the systemâs voice came through, "Remind the host that the current sect leaderâs Fame Level is only level 2, thus unable to possess the rights to acquire vassals, nor can autonomously develop territory. Territory development must be done by upgrading the Main Hall. If wanting to acquire vassal forces, fame must be enhanced to level 4, and most importantlyâa Super Sectâs vassal forces cannot be ordinary. At present, thereâs no force in the Three Lakes Land that meets the standards!"
The systemâs message was clear: the benefits the Hundred Sects Alliance offered, Wen Ping simply couldnât accept.
Wen Ping nodded lightly, muttering to himself, "Understood."
Wen Ping had already heard the system say this when he surrendered in Cloud Sea City.
As for having such a large area of land as the Three Lakes, the system didnât mention it, and Wen Ping was actually not interested either, because he currently lacked the ability to transform such a vast territory.
If it cannot be transformed, what use is it?
At this moment, Situ Xiuneng saw Wen Pingâs silence and guessed that Wen Ping might be pondering. He began to recall what he had said and tried to find possible reasons for refusal. After reviewing it several times, he felt that the things he offered and the things the Hundred Sects Alliance wanted were all benefits without any harm to the Immortal Sect. That special Vortex Mapâitâs not like the Hundred Sects Alliance wouldnât pay for it.
As for the conditions for entering the Immortal Sect for cultivation, Situ Xiuneng also felt it unlikely to be a reason for refusal. After all, the Immortal Sect could easily just teach some basics and avoid transmitting secret techniques to the Hundred Sects Allianceâs people.
Thinking of this, Situ Xiuneng breathed deeply and confidently.
Then, Wen Ping spoke, "Chief Situ, the benefits you offer, as far as the land of the Three Lakes goes, I am truly uninterested. How about exchanging it?"
"Exchange!"
Situ Xiuneng was taken aback, and then his heart suddenly filled with anger.
Refusal and agreementâhe had considered both possibilities, but he had never imagined Wen Ping would suggest an exchange.
Is this an insult to the Hundred Sects Alliance?
The Hundred Sects Alliance put forth its most valuable offerings, things other powers could only dream of obtaining, and yet he disregarded them, suggesting an exchange.
Situ Xiuneng suppressed the anger in his heart and asked, "I wonder what Sect Leader Wen wishes to exchange for?"
"White Crystal!"
Upon hearing this request, Situ Xiunengâs anger turned to laughter; it seemed that Wen Ping didnât dismiss the offer entirely. He then laughed and asked, "I wonder how much White Crystal Sect Leader Wen wants?"
Heâs the first to want White Crystal without wanting power or land.
Interesting!
Is Wen Ping foolish or simply ignorant?
Controlling the Three Lakes land would continuously funnel White Crystal into the pocket, the longer the time, the greater the profits.
Yet Wen Ping only focused on short-term gains.
Is he that desperate for White Crystal?
Wen Ping was unaware of Situ Xiunengâs thoughts and pondered the answer to his last question: how much should he ask for? Ultimately, Wen Ping did not name an exact figure. "This depends on how the Hundred Sects Alliance views my Immortal Sect and what amount they feel is worth offering."
Situ Xiuneng responded with a smile, "As for White Crystal, I donât have much, but this would need to be discussed with my superiors and have them send it over. However, given that Sect Leader Wen is relinquishing control of the Three Lakes land, our Hundred Sects Alliance certainly wonât give a small amount. But whether it will be 30,000 or 50,000 must be decided after consultation among several Silver Level Chiefs. Sect Leader Wen, it may take some time."
"No rush, Iâll wait."
Wen Ping was immediately pleased upon hearing the numbers 30,000 and 50,000. Waiting wouldnât put him at a disadvantage; instead, he would receive White Crystal later, so why wouldnât he agree to wait?
However, there is one point that needs emphasizing. "Chief Situ, as for your proposed requirement, to send the Hundred Sects Allianceâs people here for cultivation in the Immortal Sect, I refuse it. Like me, you can suggest a substitute requirement."
"Alright."
Situ Xiuneng nodded, as this was not a mandatory condition in the negotiations. He believed that the other Silver Level Chiefs were only suggesting this to foster better relations between the Hundred Sects Alliance and the Immortal Sect. Since Wen Ping was unwilling, he would discuss it again with the other Silver Level Chiefs to propose an alternative condition. Negotiations are inherently a process, never completed in a single meeting. Moreover, his visit today wasnât with the goal of reaching a solid agreement, but rather to uncover the identity of the mysterious ally supporting the Immortal Sect.
However, he didnât manage to see any of the other members of the Immortal Sect during this visit, nor did he meet the person standing behind the Immortal Sect, which left him somewhat unsatisfied.
Fortunately, there are still many chances in the future!
As long as he stayed in Cangwu City, he would eventually have an opportunity to see clearly.
Meanwhile, three people were wandering at the foot of the mountain, pacing back and forth countless times.
The trio was none other than Luan Yue, Hei Shan, and Hei Yu.
The ascent of Xia Jin and Situ Xiuneng made the three extremely anxious, circling the mountain of the Immortal Sect several times to no avail, wanting only to see the Red-eyed Giant Ape that had mocked them before, and to have him deliver a message. Bainian Xiang was the Sect Leaderâs daughter, and if she were really spotted by Situ Xiuneng and Bainian Xiang, it would indeed cause a major issue.
However, no matter how many times they circled, the Red-eyed Giant Ape never showed itself.
Helplessly, Luan Yue said to the other two beside her, "Letâs break into the Maze Array, if that guy notices, heâll surely come to mock us again."
"This..."
Hei Yu said hesitantly.
The Maze Array is so dangerous, unpredictable, how can we recklessly barge in?