anhong were about to pay and complete the transaction, they heard Xiao Yu's shout of anger and hurriedly ran towards her. After some time practicing, Xiao Yu’s physical condition had improved signific...Chapter 770: Forming an Alliance

Xiao Yu stood in front of the cauldron without leaving, and he didn't relax his spirit either. This was something only Xiao Yu could do after reaching the peak of Qi Refinement; otherwise, it would be almost impossible for a mid-stage cultivator to endure, unless they possessed yin souls like him. It wasn't that one couldn't endure on a cultivation level but rather their spirits would suffer severe depletion.

At ten o'clock in the morning, Xiao Yu finally released a long breath when he placed the last medicinal herb into the pot. The preparation was basically complete; now all that was left was to simmer it.

At this point, this herbal decoction only needed gentle heat for slow simmering. So Xiao Yu left and went towards the conference room with those elders.

The Qi Refinement mid-stage cultivators from those cultivation families had already arrived at the place, waiting in the conference room.

It wasn't just these families that came; even Zhang Tian Shi and Li Shiqing of Longhu Mountain also showed up. Both of them were known to Xiao Yu. Li Shiqing was Zhong Kui's brother’s successor, while Zhang Tian Shi was originally an internal member of the country, but he only had a name on the list.

Zhang Tian Shi hadn't intended to come in the first place; their family wasn’t planning to participate in this alliance. Though the Zhang family could not be considered prestigious lineages or sects, they certainly weren’t small households either. In ancient times, the Zhang Family was even no weaker than those great lineages and sects. Moreover, although there seemed to only be one Qi Refinement mid-stage cultivator on the surface of their family, in reality, they had three mid-stage cultivators behind closed doors, with one being a peak Qi Refiner.

Furthermore, their family possessed many secrets passed down through generations, so they didn't need to rely on anyone or any power. However, unlike other sects, Longhu Mountain was originally their Zhang Family's territory from ancient times; it was also the country’s land. They used to ignore the existence of the imperial court but now that things were different, they still feared the modern government very much. Their family didn't want to disappear for a century like those great lineages and sects did. The Zhang Family had always lived in secular society and was very clear about the country's advanced technology. Hence, he would only have his name listed as part of the state while Longhu Mountain remained their territory.

Put simply, this was a deal where the Zhang Family would handle matters for the government to gain control over Longhu Mountain.

That’s why when Xiao Yu called him to notify him about it, he didn’t want to come but had to. No one understood the strength of these great lineages better than their family.

Their family only had three Qi Refinement mid-stage cultivators, but every single great lineage had a minimum of ten or more. There were even peak Qi Reiners too, after all, the earth qi in the land of heaven and fortune was ten times denser outside.

When Xiao Yu arrived at the conference room with his team, most of those families were already present there.

"Master Xiao (Senior Xiao)...

The moment Xiao Yu stepped into the conference room, both the Blood Flame Battalion's venerables and those from the families stood up to greet him.

In the past, when Xiao Yu was still in the later stage of Qi Refinement, they could be considered equals. But after that night when they learned that he had reached the peak of the Qi Refinement Realm, their statuses were destined to differ.

Xiao Yu is undoubtedly the number one person in the secular world; perhaps even among those major sects, he might be at the very top. The key factor lies in his youth, which gives him a significant advantage.

That night, they were all stunned by Xiao Yu's breakthrough and did not think about what it meant for him to fly with a sword while carrying someone. It was only after returning home and calming down that they recalled this matter, but at that point, it would be inappropriate to bother Xiao Yu.

Moreover, these matters involve personal secrets; thus, it wouldn't be proper to pry too deeply since their relationship hasn't reached a level where such information is shared.

"Welcome everyone to the Blood Flame Battalion!" After taking his seat at the main position, Xiao Yu greeted those present.

Standing atop the main seat and looking down at the seated individuals, Xiao Yu realized that today's turnout was quite impressive. Each family with a Qi Refiner in the later stage had a mid-stage cultivator accompanying them. These later-stage Qi Refiners were only elders within their families, although they could make decisions on anything. However, since each family still has its own headmaster, not just these late-stage Qi Refiners but also the heads of the families have come here today.

"Grandmaster Zhang, I believe your Zhang Family is aware of our intentions for this gathering. How does your family plan to proceed" After speaking, Xiao Yu turned and asked Grandmaster Zhang.

The Dragon Tiger Zhang Family invited Grandmaster Zhang today because he still held a nominal position in the Blood Flame Battalion. Since Xiao Yu decided not to maintain these nominal positions anymore, he directed this question at him. Yesterday, Xiao Yu had already informed Grandmaster Zhang about this matter, but he had yet to respond and said that he would think it over.

"Well... Master Xiao, our Zhang Family has always been against conflict, and there is a significant historical connection between the Zhang Family and those major sects from ancient times. Therefore, we do not plan on forming an alliance or associating with these major sects; instead, we aim to remain neutral. We hope that Dragon Tiger Mountain can continue its current relationship with the nation as stipulated in our agreement. Of course, during national affairs, our family is willing to provide assistance!"

After hearing Xiao Yu's question, Grandmaster Zhang hesitated before giving their family's response.

In truth, this reply was somewhat unreasonable; originally, they held a nominal position within the nation and were allowed autonomous use of Dragon Tiger Mountain. Now, they wish to continue using Dragon Tiger Mountain but cut ties with the nation, except for when the nation encounters difficulties, at which point they may seek help from our family.

If it were in the past, the Zhang family wouldn't have raised such objections. But now that a major sect has emerged, the nation presumably doesn't want to see another powerful ally spring up on its side, hence this stipulation.

In essence, they're using a neutral stance to secure usage rights over Dragon Tiger Mountain. As for how it aids the country—well, that's just empty talk.

Initially, the Venerable Master Zhang was opposed to this, seeing it as taking advantage of a situation. However, the elders of the Zhang family collectively agreed with this move, claiming it to be their only chance to free themselves from the nation’s control. As long as those major sects don't fall, they believed nothing would happen to their family.

The Venerable Master Zhang was utterly helpless regarding this matter, but upon considering that the country now had only one late-stage Qi Refiner in Xiao Yu, he reluctantly agreed.

Today, however, seeing so many people coming to form an alliance and realizing that while none of these families individually were as strong as his family, their combined strength was several times greater than his family’s, the Venerable Master Zhang secretly regretted his decision. A feeling akin to missing out on something important welled up within him, but recalling what the elders had said, he steeled himself and spoke.

In reality, whether it be the Venerable Master Zhang or those families with late-stage Qi Refiners, their patriarchs could only make small decisions. Major matters were generally decided by these late-stage Qi Refining elders.

"Haha, Venerable Master Zhang, considering how much your family has done for the nation, I agree to this on behalf of the Blood Flame Brigade. You may proceed!" Upon hearing what the Venerable Master Zhang had to say, Xiao Yu chuckled and said that, then gestured with his hand towards the door.

“Uh….” Hearing Xiao Yu’s words, the Venerable Master Zhang was momentarily stunned; he hadn’t expected Xiao Yu to agree so readily. This left him speechless with a lot unsaid, leaving him extremely uncomfortable.

But since they wanted to form an alliance and he couldn't really stay here, it could be said that his family had been excluded from this. Although this was what they desired, there was still something amiss about the whole situation. Leaving wasn’t accompanied by any excitement at achieving their goal.

"Shiqing, how do you feel" After the Venerable Master Zhang left, Xiao Yu asked Li Shiqing.

“Thank you, Senior Xiao! The Li family will join!”

Hearing Xiao Yu’s question, Li Shiqing—who was originally planning to refuse—suddenly felt a sense of solemnity emanating from Xiao Yu. This feeling made him feel as if his ancestral elders were still alive, causing him to swallow back the refusal and happily agree instead.

It was only after he agreed that he realized what had happened. Initially, Xiao Yu said they wouldn't get involved since he was the only cultivator in their family. However, when Xiao Yu suddenly called him by his name instead of addressing him as "Master Li" or "Daoist Brother Li," something inexplicable made him agree.

In fact, inviting him and having him join them is also a form of protection for the Li Family. With major sects emerging, their lineages have been disrupted to some extent, but due to Zhong Kui's influence, the Li Family hasn't been affected by the heavenly calamity, and their secret techniques' lineage remains relatively intact. If this isn't discovered, it would be fine, but with knowledge of it, given the Li Family's current strength, they wouldn’t be able to protect these things.

"Since everyone agrees, any agreement won't work for us. Therefore, those who want to form an alliance must take a vow under the Heavenly Dao!" Xiao Yu said after seeing Li Shiqing agree and turned to address the patriarchs and family heads of these clans.

After Xiao Yu's words fell silent, they all started discussing among themselves. Since most of their decision-makers were present here, discussions proceeded smoothly.

"Alright, our Wang Family agrees!"

"Our Zhou Family also agrees..."

About ten minutes later, the clan patriarchs successively stood up to express their agreement. They had already discussed and planned for an alliance upon arrival and made all necessary preparations. Regardless of a Heavenly Dao vow or even just a verbal agreement, they wouldn’t casually break it.

After all, national power is beyond their clans' ability to counteract. If the country were to disappear, this agreement would naturally terminate; breaking such a covenant would be risky as other sects would likely harbor suspicions about them if they did so.

Hence, these clans wouldn’t easily break off from their alliance.

Seeing everyone's approval, Xiao Yu stood up and raised his single finger to take the Heavenly Dao vow, while the rest of the clans also took identical vows upon seeing him.

The core principle of this vow is mutual advancement and retreat without betraying the alliance. The duration of this vow lasts until the day when either the Blood Flame Force ceases to exist or breaks its vow. After all, their oaths are tied with the Blood Flame Force; there's no constraint among these clans themselves. In other words, the Blood Flame Force is the main body, and they're independent individuals. (To be continued)vident that this person wasn't from a wealthy family or a privileged official's son, so the boy had initially not wanted to deal with him. After all, pranking him wouldn’t bring much satisfaction. But...