The Grand Alliance and a Hidden Agenda

The negotiations were brief. Despite the Gate of Wonders’ strength, they were ultimately no match for the immense cultivator army. The representatives of the various factions quickly departed the Gate of Wonders’ stronghold, their faces alight with satisfaction, evidently pleased with the outcome of the discussions.

“Fellow cultivators, please lend me your ears.” A cultivator, having taken a stand on a high vantage point, addressed the multitude with a resonant shout.

Imbued with true qi, his voice boomed forth like a roll of celestial thunder, quickly commanding silence from the bustling crowd.

“Just over ten li ahead,” he announced, “an independent space, crafted by a mighty expert, awaits. Within it lies a grand treasure hall, brimming with countless priceless artifacts, ready for the taking.” The cultivator, whose face was as flawless as jade, was clad in a light green long robe, beneath which the faint gleam of white armor could be seen.

At his words, the crowd, having just settled into silence, immediately burst into a tumultuous uproar. The green-robed cultivator, unperturbed by the commotion, merely offered a faint smile before continuing, “However—”

The single word ‘however’ was enough to bring the crowd back to a hushed silence.

“A formidable beast of the Dharma Manifestation Realm stands guard before this treasure hall,” he explained. “Only a few days ago, our fellow cultivators from the Gate of Wonders attempted to vanquish it, but met with no success. Esteemed cultivators—” The green-robed man paused, letting his words hang in the air.

“This monstrous beast possesses extraordinary power,” he declared. “It will require the combined strength of every cultivator present to overcome it.”

The crowd erupted into a fervor once more. Every cultivator was practically rubbing their fists together, desperate to charge into the independent space, slay the monstrous beast, and claim the treasures for themselves.

While all who entered the Yinglong Tomb were cultivators below the Dharma Manifestation Realm, and the power disparity between the Dharma Manifestation Realm and the God Concealing stage was vast, the sheer multitude of cultivators present was undeniable. It was said that not even a Dharma Manifestation Realm great demon, or even a true Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator, could withstand the collective assault of so many.

“This location was first discovered by our fellow cultivators from the Gate of Wonders,” he declared. “Once the monstrous beast is successfully vanquished, it is only proper that they be granted the first entry into the treasure hall. Of course, they will also lead the charge in the battle against the beast. Does anyone here have any objections?” Observing the fervent mood of the crowd, the green-robed man’s face lit up with undisguised pleasure.

A faint ripple of unrest passed through the crowd, yet in the end, no one dared to voice an objection.

The Gate of Wonders and its three prominent families already represented some of the most formidable powers within this Yinglong Tomb. The very ability of the other factions to ‘snatch food from the tiger’s jaws’ had relied on their combined strength. With no immediate conflict of interest between the parties, it was only natural that no one wished to antagonize such a potent force.

Moreover, considering that the Gate of Wonders had already made concessions during these negotiations, the other factions simply dared not press them too aggressively.

“Excellent,” he proclaimed. “Now, all cultivators who have achieved the God Concealing stage, please follow me. We shall proceed together to vanquish the monstrous beast. However, those whose cultivation has not yet reached the God Concealing stage are advised to withdraw. The treasure hall presents extreme dangers, making it unsuitable for your entry.”

The crowd instantly erupted into a clamor, a significant number of voices expressing their discontent. However, it wasn’t long before silence descended again.

“What truly excellent tactics,” Chi Qiu murmured, watching the now-quiet crowd with a sigh of admiration.

The directive for Heart Scripture Realm cultivators to withdraw served the interests of all God Concealing stage cultivators. Thus, the green-robed man needed to say little; the protests from the Heart Scripture Realm cultivators were swiftly quelled by the God Concealing stage cultivators in their vicinity.

“That’s Gong Lingfeng from the Gong family,” Su Hanxing explained to Chi Qiu, recognizing the man. “His strength is quite impressive, and his family possesses exceptionally deep roots. The head of the Gong family is even a vassal king within Daqi, wielding immense influence, comparable to a top-tier sect.”

Chi Qiu nodded, observing the God Concealing stage cultivators in the procession gradually making their way towards the Gate of Wonders’ stronghold. She tugged lightly at Su Hanxing’s sleeve. “Let’s go too,” she suggested.

“Alright,” Su Hanxing replied, a smile gracing his lips as he watched Chi Qiu. He allowed her to tug at his sleeve, guiding them both towards the stronghold.

Soon after, the two arrived at the Gate of Wonders’ stronghold. The green-robed man produced a colossal crystal, setting it on the ground. “This stone can verify a cultivator’s realm,” he declared. “Should a God Concealing stage cultivator touch it, the crystal will change color. If a cultivator below that realm touches it, it will remain unchanged. All who seek entry into the treasure hall must touch this stone to confirm their cultivation.”

All the cultivators readily assented. A long, orderly queue formed, and cultivators began to verify their cultivation one by one.

It wasn’t long before Chi Qiu and Su Hanxing approached. Su Hanxing’s brow furrowed faintly as he extended his hand, yet he did not make contact with the crystal. Instead, he channeled his divine soul into his palm, manifesting a portion of his divine soul avatar.

“I prefer not to touch this crystal,” he stated. “Can this still prove my strength?”

Gong Lingfeng’s expression immediately turned pensive. After a moment of careful scrutiny, he finally nodded. “It can certainly prove your strength,” he conceded. “Please, fellow cultivator, you may pass.”

Su Hanxing nodded, taking a step to pass the checkpoint. Just then, he felt a slight tug on his clothing. He turned back to see Chi Qiu’s eyes wide with a pleading look, clearly wanting to speak but unable to voice her concerns.

Su Hanxing paused for a fleeting moment, then grasped Chi Qiu’s unspoken concern. She had likely witnessed his reluctance to touch the crystal, which had made her suspect some hidden trick, prompting her desire to inquire. Yet, with Gong Lingfeng standing so close, she naturally couldn’t voice her thoughts aloud.

Su Hanxing smiled, reaching out to gently pat Chi Qiu’s head. “Don’t worry,” he reassured her.

Chi Qiu gently swatted away Su Hanxing’s hand, then nodded and prepared to place her own hand upon the crystal.

“You two are quite intimate; are you perhaps cultivation partners?” Gong Lingfeng asked, a smile spreading across his face as he observed their interaction. “To capture the heart of such a beautiful God Concealing stage cultivator, Brother, you are truly blessed with good fortune.”

To a scion of a prominent family like him, a female God Concealing stage cultivator was a precious asset, almost on par with a Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivator. Recruiting one into the family would be considered a significant accomplishment.

“Naturally…” Su Hanxing began, a wide smile on his face, as he moved to embrace Chi Qiu.

“No—” Chi Qiu interjected, swiftly sidestepping to avoid Su Hanxing’s arm, then promptly placed her hand upon the crystal.

The crystal instantly erupted with a dazzling golden light.

Seeing the crystal flare with golden light and hearing Chi Qiu deny any relation to Su Hanxing, Gong Lingfeng’s smile broadened further. He chuckled, “Fellow cultivator, your strength is truly extraordinary. This crystal hasn’t emitted such a brilliant light in a very long time.”

Chi Qiu, though not entirely grasping the full implication but sensing its significance, cupped her fist. “Brother Gong, you flatter me,” she replied.

“May I inquire about your esteemed name, fellow cultivator?” Gong Lingfeng asked, moving closer to Chi Qiu with a smile, even though she had already passed the test and he had yet to clear the path.

“Chi Qiu,” she replied without hesitation. She hadn’t changed her appearance, so even if she could conceal her identity for a short time, the Gong family’s influence would eventually uncover her. It seemed better to simply state her true name.

“Chi Qiu… Miss Chi, such a young talent, which sect do you hail from?” Gong Lingfeng pondered quickly, realizing there were no prominent families with the surname Chi. His smile, in turn, deepened.

“I belong to no sect or faction; I am a rogue cultivator,” Chi Qiu stated, shaking her head truthfully.

“Cough, cough—” Su Hanxing interjected. Seeing Chi Qiu so guileless and open with her information, he coughed twice, subtly urging her to move on.

Unfortunately, Chi Qiu failed to grasp Su Hanxing’s subtle hint. She remained obediently in place, not even sparing him a glance.

“To reach such a realm at this age without belonging to any sect or faction is truly admirable,” Gong Lingfeng said, his admiration evident. “My Gong family is considered a formidable power within Dushan Commandery. Miss Chi, would you be willing to join my Gong family as an honored elder? If so, all the treasured artifacts and secret techniques of my family would be at your disposal.” Hearing Chi Qiu claim to be a rogue cultivator, Gong Lingfeng was even more astonished. Though he found it hard to believe inwardly, his expression betrayed no doubt.

Inviting me? Chi Qiu froze, then quickly recalled Su Hanxing’s earlier words about prominent families eager to marry God Concealing stage female cultivators to Dharma Manifestation Realm cultivators for offspring. A shiver of revulsion ran through her, and her gaze towards Gong Lingfeng became slightly distorted.

“Little Chi was a rogue cultivator before, but she has now formally joined a master’s sect,” Su Hanxing interjected, unable to watch any longer. He stepped forward, placing himself between the two, his tone quite serious. “Please allow me to refuse on her behalf.”

“Yes… yes, I have just taken a master. If I were to join another force, my master might be displeased. I appreciate your kind offer, fellow cultivator, but Chi Qiu truly cannot join your Gong family.” Chi Qiu cast a grateful glance at Su Hanxing, then followed his lead in refusing Gong Lingfeng.

“Is that so… No matter, it’s good to make a friend.” Gong Lingfeng’s face clouded with annoyance, but he quickly suppressed it. He offered a casual smile, then finally cleared the path.

“Thank you,” Chi Qiu said, cupping her fist in a bow, then fled the spot as if escaping. Su Hanxing followed closely behind her, casting a meaningful glance at Gong Lingfeng before departing as well.

“Investigate the identities of these two, especially the female cultivator who calls herself Chi Qiu.” Watching their retreating figures, Gong Lingfeng’s lips moved subtly, a wisp of true qi carrying his command into the distance.