Bab 430: Chapter 429: Alliance and Arrangements
"Do you disagree?" The First Elder asked, arching an eyebrow as he noticed Xiao Ming's puzzled expression.
"It's not exactly that I disagree, but it caught me off guard. I understand the need for an alliance, but why should I take on the role of leader? I'm just a junior. We have elders and, not to mention you, the First Elder." Xiao Ming replied. Despite his considerable strength, he was still younger than everyone else present.
The First Elder let out a hearty chuckle and shook his head. "Junior? Sure, in terms of seniority, you're not at the top of the list. But when it comes to strength, it's not something that juniors possess. Among all the old fellows present here, who could even hold a candle to your strength?"
"Hehe~" Hearing these words, Cao Ying couldn't help but stifle a chuckle, covering her mouth, which made Xuan Kong Zi and the others blush with embarrassment.
'Everyone is thinking it; did it really need to be said aloud?' Xuan Kong Zi and the others exchanged glances, all of them sharing a slight sense of helplessness.
Being surpassed by a twenty-two-year-old junior was a bitter pill to swallow.
Without bothering to observe their expressions, the First Elder continued, "Let's not dwell on me. Handling the Hall of Souls' First Tianzun isn't within my capabilities. Besides the Ancestor, your strength stands as the pinnacle within the Pill Tower."
He paused, locking his gaze on Xiao Ming, "You might be young, but your potential is immense, and your reputation in the Central Plains speaks for itself. You've contributed significantly to the Pill Tower. So, in the absence of the Ancestor, who better than you to lead this alliance?"
As Xiao Ming listened, he nodded in agreement. The more the First Elder spoke, the more it seemed like he was indeed suitable for the position of alliance leader.
However, while the title of Alliance Leader sounded appealing, he didn't have much time to take on the role. Being the Alliance Leader meant dealing with various matters that would conflict with his upcoming plans.
But before he could decline, Cao Ying seemed to sense his intent and swiftly moved forward, grabbing his arm. She shot him a meaningful look, silently conveying, "Don't be too hasty to decline!"
Then, her gaze shifted to the First Elder, and she bowed respectfully as she spoke, "I apologize for my interruption, First Elder, but I believe we can all agree that Xiao Ming is not one to be tied down in one place for long. His disinterest in pursuing influence or power is precisely what makes him an exceptional choice for the role of Alliance Leader. A leader without hidden agendas will make other factions feel more at ease. However, it would be counterproductive to restrict him with the obligations of the alliance..."
The First Elder stroked his beard and nodded to Cao Ying. A faint smile graced his lips as he shifted his gaze to Xiao Ming. "Your little wife seems to understand you quite well. Indeed, you are well-suited to serve as the Alliance's public face. As for the mundane matters, you needn't burden yourself; in the days ahead, you can always delegate these tasks to Xuan Kong Zi and the others."
The First Elder had earlier advised Xiao Ming to resign from his role as one of the Eight Great Elders in order to concentrate on cultivation, so he naturally had no qualms about lessening his responsibilities. After all, the First Elder had no intention of allowing his duties as the Alliance Leader to hinder him.
Xuan Kong Zi and the others: "..."
After a brief moment of speechlessness, they eventually nodded in agreement. They would have no problem assisting him with alliance-related matters.
Xiao Ming contemplated the proposition carefully. Indeed, if he could delegate administrative tasks to others, he might be able to maintain his focus on his plans without interruption.
Accepting the position of Alliance Leader seemed more reasonable now.
"Would it be just a titular position then?"
"Not just a titular position. Whenever you decide to handle the alliance affairs, you are welcome to do so," the First Elder chuckled. He merely didn't want to overly affect Xiao Ming's cultivation, but he also didn't want to undermine the authority of the Alliance Leader. If Xiao Ming wanted to fully take over the responsibilities of the position, he had no reason to refuse.
With a nod, Xiao Ming agreed. "In that case, I accept the position of Alliance Leader."
He then inquired, "Who are the targets of this alliance?"
"Sure, let me explain." At the First Elder's signal, Xuan Kong Zi took over the explanation. "The alliance's targets are the Burning Flame Valley, Sound Valley, Flower Sect, and Falling Star Pavilion..."
As Xuan Kong Zi listed the names of various powerful forces in Central Plains, Xiao Ming's eyebrows twitched. It seemed that this Pill Tower alliance was no small matter. Its aim was to encompass all the major forces in the Central Plains.
"As far as we know, most of these forces have encountered troubles recently, and behind these troubles lies the influence of the Hall of Souls," Xuan Kong Zi continued.
"Then how many of these forces have agreed to the alliance?" Xiao Ming inquired.
"About half of them," Xuan Kong Zi replied.
"Half of them?" Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised by the higher-than-expected number.
After all, the matter of this alliance revolved around the Pill Tower, and if it were to be formed, the autonomy of those forces would undoubtedly be affected. This was not something that major powers would readily accept.
The fact that so many had agreed showed the considerable influence the Pill Tower wielded.
"And which forces have not agreed yet?" Xiao Ming inquired.
Xuan Kong Zi replied, "Burning Flame Valley, Flower Sect, and Sound Valley..."
"Wait, even though Huo Yun, the Ancestor of Burning Flame Valley, has already been injured, they haven't agreed?" Xiao Ming was surprised. Given the precarious situation of Burning Flame Valley, wasn't refusing the alliance akin to seeking death?
"They haven't explicitly declined either; they simply haven't replied, so their stance is unclear," Xuan Kong Zi explained.
"Perhaps Huo Yun's condition is critical. It might be worth sending someone to visit them."
Xuan Kong Zi nodded slightly, as he had thought about that as well.
"As for Sound Valley, I can write a letter to them. You can send someone to deliver it; it might have some effect." Xiao Ming proposed.
"..."
The following discussion revolved around various alliance matters. Eventually, the First Elder and the others bid their farewells and left.
...
As the others departed, only Xiao Ming and the girls remained in the courtyard.
With a somewhat downcast expression, Cao Ying rose from her seat, realizing that it was time for her to leave.
It was only natural for Xiao Ming and his partners to desire some quality time together.
With a swift wave of farewell, Cao Ying began to turn around. Yet, just as her curvaceous figure started to move, a pair of strong arms enveloped her from behind.
These arms wrapped around her slender waist, and a voice she knew all too well whispered by her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Leaving so soon, Ying'er?"
Hearing Xiao Ming's teasing words, a slight blush tinged the lobes of her ears, momentarily leaving her at a loss for words.
"Hm? What's the matter? Weren't you the one who linked arms with me earlier? Where's that bold spirit of yours?"
"... The 'Alliance Leader' is joking, wasn't it because a certain someone wanted to reject the First Elder's proposition without a second thought? What an incorrigible person~" Cao Ying retorted with her usual teasing, though a hint of shyness was growing within her. She had never been touched by a man before, so Xiao Ming's arms around her waist were a new sensation for her.
She hadn't expected Xiao Ming to turn the tables on her. Wasn't she the one who usually took the initiative?
"Hehe, you're right. But luckily, I have such a dutiful 'little wife' who stepped in for me..." Xiao Ming's tone carried a trace of mischief as he leaned in closer to her ear, gently brushing aside her red hair to let his breath brush her skin.
"Ahn~" Cao Ying's startled jump was accompanied by a soft, involuntary moan. She quickly realized what had happened and covered her mouth, slightly squirming to break free from his grip. Xiao Ming let her go, and she darted out of the courtyard as fast as she could, her heart racing.
As Xiao Ming observed Cao Ying's hasty departure, a pair of slender jade arms encircled his neck from behind, carrying a familiar orchid fragrance.
Knowing it was Xiao Yi Xian, he reached out to caress her hands as he spoke, a touch bemused, "Of all the ways I expected her to react, that was quite unexpected."
"Hehe, seeing Sister Ying'er react like that is indeed rare," Xiao Yi Xian chuckled. "She usually carries herself with such maturity that I occasionally forget she's younger than me by several years. But when a woman is close to her beloved, her heart is especially vulnerable, and she is no exception."
Xiao Yi Xian, leaning against him as she spoke, paused for a moment before continuing.
"Her response made it quite clear that she holds deep affection for you. I know you like her as well. Do you intend to make her your woman? If so, I won't object."
Hearing this, Qing Lin's eyes widened slightly before returning to their normal state. It didn't particularly bother her if Cao Ying became one of her sisters. In fact, as long as she and Xiao Ming were together, she wouldn't mind if a dozen more "sisters" suddenly emerged.
Xiao Ming turned around to meet Xiao Yi Xian's eyes, which held no trace of unease, only a curious glint.
He leaned in to kiss her soft lips and replied, "Let things progress naturally. If, when we meet again, she still feels the same way, then I'll consider it. For now, you needn't worry about her; I'm sure she'll be well looked after from now on."
Xiao Yi Xian blinked her beautiful eyes upon hearing his words but soon grasped his meaning.
Not only the First Elder and Xuan Kong Zi were present at the previous gathering, but so were all the Elders of the old council. Seeing Cao Ying as one of Xiao Ming's presumed wives, the current Alliance Leader, it was only natural for them to take extra care of her from now on. Her cultivation within the Small Pill Tower would undoubtedly be smoother.
This was Xiao Ming's way of returning the favor for supporting his partner.
With the topic of Cao Ying set aside, Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin picked up on a different nuance in Xiao Ming's words. They exchanged hesitant glances, as if they wanted to say something but were unsure how to broach the subject.
When Xiao Ming noticed their reaction, he raised his hand and established a spatial barrier within the courtyard. He then took Xiao Yi Xian's hand and sat beside Qing Lin, enveloping them both in his arms.
"Is there something on your minds?" he inquired.
Furrowing her brows, Xiao Yi Xian contemplated his recent words. "Are you planning to go out again?"
"Hmm," Xiao Ming nodded.
"Can we accompany you?" Qing Lin and Xiao Yi Xian asked in unison.
In the past, they wouldn't have posed such a question, but with Xiao Ming's rapid growth in strength, they could no longer be of much assistance. Hence, they mustered the courage to ask.
"Not this time..." Xiao Ming shook his head, causing both Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin to feel a twinge of disappointment.
Sensing their subdued expressions, Xiao Ming's tone shifted, "However, I do have a task for both of you."
Upon hearing that they could still be of aid to him, the girls' spirits immediately lifted.
"But before that, you need to take this first..." Xiao Ming waved his sleeve, summoning a crystal-clear white gel onto the nearby table.
"What is this...?" Xiao Yi Xian's pupils widened as she sensed the immense energy contained within the substance.
"This gel is refined from the essence blood of a Dou Saint, combined with various rare herbs. It can aid one of you in breaking through to the Dou Saint realm," Xiao Ming explained. He had barely used this gel due to the Bodhisattva Heart, so assisting someone in breaking through to the Dou Saint realm posed no issue.
"Dou Saint?" Both Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin were stunned upon hearing these words, leaving them momentarily speechless.
Their reaction was understandable; after all, the term "Dou Saint" carried immense weight in the Dou Qi Continent.
Regaining their composure, they exchanged glances before shaking their heads, "No, you should keep this precious item for yourself!"
"If you don't use it, I won't feel comfortable sending you on this mission..."
"How can we be sure you're not trying to trick us into accepting it? We won't accept unless you explain the so-called mission first." Both girls remained unwavering.
They both knew how caring and protective Xiao Ming was, but this item, capable of allowing someone to become a Dou Saint, must be extremely valuable, and Xiao Ming could undoubtedly benefit from it as well. That's why they wanted to turn it down.
Naturally, Xiao Ming understood their thoughts, so he rubbed his forehead before detailing his plan to them.
"Alright, it seems you both no longer want to obey your man. What I'm asking of you, my two rebellious fairies, is that you launch attacks on the branch halls of the Hall of Souls in other regions..."
Essentially, while he handled the Hall of Souls in the Central Plains, Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin would execute surprise assaults on the Hall of Souls' branch halls situated in different regions.
However, Xiao Ming couldn't suppress his concern about their current strength. Although the other regions might not have Dou Saints stationed there, sending Half-Saints was not an improbable scenario.
For them to seize the Soul Essences from the clutches of the Hall of Souls, an increase in strength was imperative.
Upon hearing Xiao Ming's explanation, the two girls hesitated.
"Decision made; let's proceed with this plan," Xiao Ming didn't give them much time to overthink it. He divvied up portions of the Dou Saint gel based on their current strengths.
These portions would enable both women to break through to the high-level Half-Saint stage, with a surplus remaining.
While Xiao Ming could have focused the energy on one of them to cultivate a Dou Saint first, the process of breaking through to that realm took far too long, a luxury he couldn't afford. For now, achieving the high-level Half-Saint stage will suffice for their mission.
After dividing the portions of Dou Saint gel between them, Xiao Ming continued to explain the strategy. Then, recalling something, he asked, "Oh, by the way, Qing Lin, you mentioned wanting to leave earlier, right?"
According to Cao Ying's words, Qing Lin had been very eager to leave.
"I did, but it doesn't matter anymore..." Qing Lin's earlier thoughts had faded in the face of Xiao Ming's return from seclusion and the Dou Saint gel, which would take them months to refine. She rested her head on his neck and briefly summarized the ideas they had devised to increase her cultivation speed.
"Don't concern yourself with those things any longer; leave them to me. As for Zi Yan, I'll pay her a visit after I attend to some matters." Xiao Ming affectionately caressed the pair of beauties' cheeks, causing them to snuggle closer.
Both began to release their inhibitions, knowing that once they entered seclusion, a period of separation from their beloved awaited. Their bodies pressed against his, hands daringly exploring beneath his clothes, tracing the contours of his torso. Breath mingled with breath, each inhalation infused with increasing heat.
Sensing their desires, Xiao Ming scooped up both enchanting figures, and under their shy yet eager gazes, he carried them to his room...
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//Chapters 430 and 431 were left blank for +18 stuff, but I've been working on them for over a month and haven't found the time to complete them yet. I'll make an effort to finish them for the next release, but if I can't, do you guys mind if I skip them for now and release them later? I believe the sequence can be adjusted at a later time, so there shouldn't be much of a problem.
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