Chapter 146: Alliance
When Ji Zichen returned to the village after closing the Gap, he was summoned to the chief's house, accompanied by Lin Chuyu. Inside, Flying Wolf, Yang Guizhi, and Xia Lian faced the Water Wall, which displayed two faces: Kai Zhou Shen and Saint King. Upon seeing this, Ji Zichen couldn't help but exclaim, "How did Saint King get into the Spirit Immortal Realm?"
Saint King replied, "That Prince Huixin wasted the best opportunity." His expression was one of regret as he continued, "They took the outer perimeter, yet they didn't find a way to advance further and capture Fierce Death Valley."
Xia Lian interjected, "Saint King, you saw it too; that Arbitrator is difficult to deal with. The prince might not want to make further sacrifices."
As they discussed the battle, Saint King believed that Prince Huixin's decision to retreat was a mistake. However, he was unaware that the order to retreat did not come from Prince Huixin but from Wei Deputy. At that moment, there was no room for Wei Deputy to make choices; when the Hall of Malevolence Cult was already in full retreat, they should not have halted their attack. If they had seized Fierce Death Valley while they had the chance, even if reinforcements arrived, it would not have been easy for the enemy to reclaim Mountain Valley.
From the beginning of their discussion, Saint King repeatedly asserted that Prince Huixin's forces should have taken Fierce Death Valley decisively.
"Those soldiers fought valiantly; you should have seen it," Ji Zichen interjected politely. "After all, they are flesh and blood. Given the circumstances with the Stone Corpses above and below them, a retreat was warranted."
Yang Guizhi listened to Ji Zichen and realized he had returned. She asked, "What about the rift?"
Flying Wolf did not appreciate Ji Zichen's involvement in everything and preferred not to stand beside him. However, now was not the time to express his feelings.
Ji Zichen smiled slightly. "Of course, everything has been taken care of; otherwise, I wouldn't be back."
Lin Chuyu looked at Kai Zhou Shen and said, "Kai Zhou Shen can foresee things; he knows best whether Brother Ji succeeded or failed."
"You’re right," Kai Zhou Shen replied with a smile. He fully agreed with Lin Chuyu's perspective. "I knew he succeeded long ago."
The closure of the rift was indeed settled; he should focus on matters that were still unresolved. Ji Zichen asked, "I want to know why you want this? I mean, what outcome are you expecting?"
Saint King stated, "Of course I hope to make another trip to Fierce Death Valley." He said sharply, "We must eliminate either the Arbitrator or the Gravel Demon."
No one in the room echoed his sentiment. Although Xia Lian seemed to be thinking about something, she only furrowed her brows without saying anything. She had already discussed this issue before Ji Zichen arrived. Saint King's stance was clear; Xia Lian's earlier attitude indicated that going there would not be easy. Her point was not that reaching Desolate Central Plain was difficult—news of the battles there had likely spread far and wide. Anyone wishing to assist Prince Huixin would be welcomed.
However, they did not have a greater chance of success than before. Flying Wolf's opinion aligned with Xia Lian's; he thought that they were just a village, and their involvement in such a war would have no impact on the overall situation. Therefore, discussing such matters was merely a waste of breath, but he kept his thoughts to himself.
On the other hand, Saint King did not share this view. He believed it was time for everyone to unite. No matter how powerful the Arbitrator was, Saint King thought that even the Arbitrator could not handle a large number of people.
Saint King was not one to disregard etiquette entirely, but this discussion had gone on for too long. He proposed again, "Kai Zhou Shen, forgive me for saying something unpleasant, but please do not avoid the issue any longer!"
Although Kai Zhou Shen participated in the discussion, he had never offered any suggestions throughout. Even during these troubled times, he remained mindful of his identity and knew he could not partake in human decision-making.
Kai Zhou Shen replied, "I am not avoiding anything. You know my difficulties; if I get involved, it would disrupt the laws of the land. I am not afraid; I am merely a Prophet God, not a strategist. I do not understand matters of war, nor am I suited for them."
Saint King scoffed, "What would disrupt the laws of the land? If you are so intent on following those laws, then why are you leading me to the Desolate Central Plain?"
Saint King was referring to Canglin, who was Kai Zhou Shen's spirit. Clearly, Kai Zhou Shen had already violated the laws of the land. Kai Zhou Shen responded, "Canglin is Canglin; I am I. His guidance has nothing to do with me."
Xia Lian understood what Kai Zhou Shen meant. Although he wanted to participate, he did not wish for those above him to know he was personally involved. Xia Lian realized that Saint King also understood Kai Zhou Shen's thoughts; perhaps after all this time, Saint King had developed some emotions that led him to ridicule Kai Zhou Shen.
Xia Lian spoke up, "Saint King, it's not that we don't want to go; rather, do you have any way to deal with the Arbitrator? If there is a feasible plan, everyone will help."
Xia Lian's words silenced Saint King; indeed, he had no good solutions.
Ji Zichen pondered for a moment and said, "That Prince Huixin—before he became the crown prince, I met him. I think he's quite decent. What if we try talking to him? Prince Huixin shares our goals; at this critical moment, acting separately offers no hope of victory. But if we unite, perhaps we still have a chance."
"What can a crown prince do against the Gravel Demon? Unite? Do you think that prince would ally with Gu Diao? In their eyes, we are merely Demon Beasts," Saint King immediately dismissed Ji Zichen's suggestion.
Ji Zichen replied, "While I don't know if he has any means to deal with the Gravel Demon, he is still a crown prince. If we intend to enter Fierce Death Valley, we will need Prince Huixin's assistance; he has soldiers who can hold back those Cult members."
Saint King expressed his displeasure and said, "What difficulty is there in entering Fierce Death Valley? We managed to get in once; we can get in again."
Ji Zichen fell silent, realizing that the Saint King was acting out of impulse.
The Saint King glanced at the expressions of those present and recognized that his words had been a bit too harsh. Looking at Kai Zhou Shen was like gazing at a respected elder who had become somewhat muddled in his old age.
The Saint King's gaze shifted to Ji Zichen. "I know your suggestion is a new path. For humanity, very few can withstand your Five Elements Pearl, if any at all." The Saint King furrowed his brow and continued, "Even if I am hot-headed and agree to unite with Prince Huixin, do you really believe they will genuinely join forces? They do not trust Gu Diao, and Gu Diao does not trust them! Can such a union truly fight side by side?"
"They might very well turn against us," the Saint King stated. "Human greed is a lesson from history; they will only come to seize Gu Diao's possessions and then swiftly retreat to their own lands. Have you forgotten about the incident with Cangda? I have not."
Flying Wolf's face flashed with anger, while Yang Guizhi's expression darkened. The Saint King added, "Humans not only enjoy robbing but also love to fight amongst themselves. Their minds are simple; they are nothing more than a pack of beasts, fiercer than Demon Beasts. This chaos will also affect the Guzhao Clan's actions. If we face the Arbitrator under such disorder, we will truly have no chance of victory."
Hearing the Saint King's reproach towards Ji Zichen, Lin Chuyu couldn't help but retort, "If you insist on fighting alone, that would be self-destructive. Not everyone is inclined to rob. Since you are so powerful, why don't you deal with the Arbitrator yourselves? Brother Ji, let's ignore him."
With tensions running high, further discussion seemed pointless. Yang Guizhi suggested, "I think we should find another time to talk about this. Continuing like this will yield no results."
The Saint King surveyed the crowd for a moment before averting his gaze. Kai Zhou Shen nodded, "This matter isn't urgent."
"Forgive me for talking too much," the Saint King said with evident frustration.
As the Water Wall faded away, Kai Zhou Shen and the Saint King departed.
Ji Zichen sighed. "From what I know about the Saint King, his temper shouldn't be this rash."
Xia Lian replied, "Given the current situation, I can understand him. However, blindly seeking trouble with the Arbitrator is unwise."
Ji Zichen and Yu Ren exited the Stone House along with everyone except Yang Guizhi. Although Flying Wolf did not particularly like Ji Zichen, he agreed with her viewpoint. "Many wars or disputes are lost due to shortsightedness, leading to tragic outcomes. Joining forces with others or different races is key to our victory."
Xia Lian appeared quite surprised; she hadn't expected Flying Wolf to support Ji Zichen. "The Saint King isn't unaware of this principle; his concerns are valid. We know Gu Diao treats us relatively well, but those unfamiliar with Gu Diao will not tolerate them." Xia Lian asserted confidently, "Many people would be unwilling to ally with Gu Diao."
"Flying Wolf" rebutted, "My idea is feasible; it's not like everyone will accept it."
" Ji Zichen " replied, "The combat power of the Guzhao Clan is undeniably stronger than that of a team of elite troops. I believe that once both sides understand each other, many will accept them."
"Xia Lian" glanced at " Ji Zichen " and said, "From what you're saying..." "Xia Lian" murmured, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "Are you planning to go to Qingyang City?"
After pondering for a moment, " Ji Zichen " responded, "I can't help with the Defensive Works you've set up outside, and I'm not familiar with the formations of the Great Palace Kingdom. I think I'll head to Qingyang City first and see if I have any luck. If Prince Huixin is willing to unite with us, that would be great. If not, I won't force him; after all, there's no harm in meeting him."
"Xia Lian" agreed, "That's true."
Seeing that " Ji Zichen " was about to leave, "Lin Chuyu," who had grown tired of staying in the village, eagerly said, "Brother Ji, you must take me with you to Qingyang City!"
"Jizi Che" laughed and said, "Of course you should come with me; I can't leave you behind and trouble others."
"Lin Chuyu" exclaimed happily, "Then it's settled!"
" Ji Zichen " also smiled and said, "It's settled. When have I ever lied to you?"
Noticing their impending departure, "Xia Lian" appeared somewhat reluctant. She asked, "When do you plan to leave?"
" Ji Zichen " replied, "Tomorrow."
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