Chapter 279

Chapter 279

Above the grand and imposing palace, Yao Ye sat at the center. His tall, lean figure exuded an aura of dominance, and his handsome face was shrouded in a layer of gloom. A powerful presence emanated from him, spreading out like ripples and shaking the entire hall.

Inside the palace, the elders of the Heavenly Fox Clan stood in two rows on either side. Their expressions were cold and stern as sharp gazes clashed, and the chilling tension in the air grew palpable.

The atmosphere brimmed with hostility, as if they were not kin but mortal enemies.

Under the influence of the Ancient Imperial Clan, the Heavenly Fox Clan had gradually fractured into two opposing factions. One was led by Yao Ye, while the other aligned closely with the Ancient Imperial Clan.

The divide was irreconcilable, like fire and water, and their conflict had reached a critical tipping point. The situation felt like an explosive waiting for a spark to ignite it.

“Yao Ye! Today is the day set by the Ancient Imperial Clan! We must give them an answer. Have you made your decision?” A silver-haired elder fixed his gaze on Yao Ye and spoke in a deep, commanding tone.

Unlike the other elders who showed respect for Yao Ye as the clan leader, this elder spoke without a hint of deference, even exuding an air of condescension, as if he were the true head of the clan.

In truth, this elder was once the clan’s patriarch. After exhausting his lifespan, he had entered a dormant state, becoming the clan’s revered Grand Elder. Now awakened once more, he stood firmly in opposition to Yao Ye.

His support allowed the faction favoring the Ancient Imperial Clan to challenge Yao Ye’s leadership. Without him as their figurehead, their influence would have crumbled.

At that moment, all eyes turned to Yao Ye, awaiting his decision. His choice would dictate the future direction of the Heavenly Fox Clan.

Meeting their gazes, Yao Ye’s eyes turned deep and contemplative. After a pause, he asked softly, “Grand Elder, do you still insist on joining the Ancient Imperial Clan?”

The room tensed at his words, and expressions shifted subtly. The Grand Elder’s face darkened, his displeasure evident.

Yao Ye’s question revealed his stance, indicating that he had already made up his mind—not to align with the Ancient Imperial Clan, just as before.

“Of course!” the Grand Elder replied coldly. “Given the current circumstances, joining the Ancient Imperial Alliance is the only way for our Heavenly Fox Clan to survive!”

“If we remain independent, the Ancient Imperial Clan will inevitably sever ties with us. When trouble comes, we will have no allies! Yao Ye, stop clinging to your delusions! The Heavenly Fox Clan has no other choice!”

The Grand Elder’s tone carried the weight of his past authority. He understood Yao Ye’s mindset well—an intent to maintain the clan’s neutrality, staying out of conflicts and alliances.

This strategy had preserved the clan’s safety for years, but the Grand Elder believed the current era made such an approach unfeasible. He saw Yao Ye’s refusal to adapt as obstinate and blind to reality.

“Why must we rely on them? Why do we need their protection?” Yao Ye’s voice was calm but firm as he replied.

“Do you truly not understand the Ancient Imperial Clan’s intentions, Grand Elder? Can they really guarantee the safety of the Heavenly Fox Clan? I doubt it. Besides, who says our clan has no other options?”

His tone sharpened as he continued, “If we must seek allies, we should align with the strongest!”

The elders seated around the hall abruptly rose to their feet, their expressions shifting. Those aligned with the Grand Elder, especially, turned red with anger, their fury akin to a volcano on the brink of eruption.

“Yao Ye, are you determined to become a traitor to the Heavenly Fox Clan?” the Grand Elder roared. “If you refuse the Ancient Imperial Clan, are you truly planning to join the Primordial Holy Land? The Ancient Imperial Clan may be a tiger’s den, but do you think the Primordial Holy Land is any better?”

There was no need for Yao Ye to answer further. His words had already revealed his intentions. He intended to align with the Primordial Holy Land.

“Compared to the Ancient Imperial Clan, the Primordial Holy Land at least shows a semblance of humanity,” Yao Ye said after a moment of contemplation. “If you cannot agree, Grand Elder, you may take those who share your views and join the Ancient Imperial Clan.”

“Betting on both sides will allow the Heavenly Fox Clan to safeguard its survival regardless of which side prevails. This way, we won’t end up like the Golden Crow Clan.”

A burst of violent energy suddenly erupted, and the Grand Elder’s terrifying aura filled the hall. It was as if a deity had descended, his imposing pressure suffocating the room and leaving everyone in awe.

“Yao Ye, how dare you even suggest splitting the clan!” the Grand Elder thundered, his voice shaking the air. He had never expected Yao Ye to propose such a radical solution.

The plan, though controversial, seemed viable. Betting on both sides would indeed ensure the Heavenly Fox Clan’s survival. Regardless of which side triumphed, they would avoid the catastrophic fate of being completely eradicated like the Golden Crow Clan.

“Why is this idea so unacceptable?” Yao Ye sighed lightly and said, “As you mentioned, in this situation, the Heavenly Fox Clan has little chance to protect itself.”

“The Ancient Imperial Clan is aggressive, while the Primordial Holy Land is as powerful as the blazing sun. Neither side is an easy choice to make.”

“With the conflict between the Ancient Imperial Clan and the Primordial Holy Land, if the latter prevails in the future, they may certainly settle scores with the Ancient Imperial Clan.”

“At that point, as the weakest ally of the Ancient Imperial Clan, we would undoubtedly be sacrificed as pawns. And we would have no ability to refuse.”

“If the Ancient Imperial Clan wins, with their history of ruthless methods, do you think they’d overlook everything we’ve done recently? Grand Elder, the Heavenly Fox Clan truly has no other choice!”

“We must split into two factions. No matter which side prevails, the Heavenly Fox Clan will have a path to survival.”

His words brought a heavy silence to the room. No one could deny that this seemed like the most practical solution.

No matter how the future unfolded, regardless of which side sought retribution, their divided allegiance would ensure that at least one faction survived. Unless they committed an unforgivable act, they would likely avoid extermination.

“What if the Human Alliance triumphs?” a sudden voice interjected.

The question stunned everyone into silence for a moment before laughter erupted.

“Don’t be ridiculous! What could the Human Alliance possibly win with?”

“They don’t have a single Heaven-defying prodigy or powerhouse among their so-called Five Immortal Forces.”

“What could they possibly use to achieve victory?” Yao Ye sneered coldly, his disdain palpable. This notion was laughable.

The Human Alliance was vastly inferior to the other two factions in every conceivable way—foundation, talents, and strength. Their defeat seemed inevitable.

“Fool! How could you even consider the Human Alliance as a contender?”

“Indeed, such a thought is utterly absurd. I suspect he hasn’t fully recovered from his seclusion and is still disoriented!”

The other elders could no longer suppress their ridicule. The idea of the Human Alliance winning was preposterous, bordering on offensive. Their mockery quickly silenced the elder who had posed the question. He, too, realized his misstep and chose to hold his tongue.

“Dividing the clan is acceptable!” the Grand Elder finally said, his eyes glinting sharply. “But we will take the Emperor Weapon with us.”

The Grand Elder’s tone carried a sense of finality, his agreement to the plan conditional on taking the clan’s most valuable artifact.

The Emperor Weapon was not only their greatest treasure but also their key to securing a position with whichever faction they joined. Without it, their value diminished significantly.