NOVEL NEXT Chapter 537: Chapter 537: Alliance Achieved!
Chapter 537: Alliance Achieved!
"Xiao Ze greets Ancestor Huoyun." Xiao Ze first greeted Ancestor Huoyun. Seeing the surprised expression on Tang Huo'er's face, he smiled and gave her a respectful bow. "Miss Tang, it's been a long time. I hope you are well."
"Greetings, Chairman Xiao Ze," Tang Huo'er recovered and quickly replied. After all, addressing Xiao Ze, the chairman of the Pill Tower, by his name would be quite impolite.
Ancestor Huoyun, noticing that Tang Huo'er's attention was fully on Xiao Ze, huffed twice in displeasure. "So you're the new chairman of the Pill Tower that everyone's been talking about? As chairman of the Pill Tower, you must have a significant reason for visiting. What brings you to me?"
Ancestor Huoyun's fiery temper and straightforwardness meant he didn't beat around the bush. "Ancestor Huoyun is correct. I am here on behalf of the Pill Tower to seek an alliance with Burnflame Valley to jointly confront the Soul Hall," Xiao Ze said directly, as it was better to be straightforward with someone of Ancestor Huoyun's disposition.
Ancestor Huoyun waved his hand dismissively, somewhat impatiently. "An alliance against the Soul Hall? Although the Soul Hall's actions are loathsome, they haven't provoked Burnflame Valley directly. Who would bother opposing them without cause? Cough, cough..."
After speaking at length, it seemed to aggravate some condition within him, causing Ancestor Huoyun to cough violently. Tang Huo'er quickly patted his back, easing his discomfort somewhat.
Tang Zhen also showed an apologetic smile towards Xiao Ze, as Ancestor Huoyun's fiery personality was as youthful as ever, despite his warning to Xiao Ze to not take it to heart.
"I understand that Burnflame Valley and the Soul Hall currently have no significant conflicts," Xiao Ze continued. "But if the Soul Hall were to truly come into conflict with Burnflame Valley in the future, it might be difficult for the valley to stand against them alone..."
Pausing, Xiao Ze looked at Ancestor Huoyun, whose face had reddened from the coughing. "Of course, I also understand that mere words are hardly convincing. I have achieved some success in my alchemical practice."
"I notice that Ancestor Huoyun seems to be suffering from some old injuries, possibly complications that have accumulated over the years and are now difficult to reverse. I am willing to offer my assistance in removing these afflictions."
Ancestor Huoyun listened to Xiao Ze's well-considered offer. Feeling the reassuring pats from Tang Huo'er and looking at Xiao Ze's handsome face, an odd smile appeared on Ancestor Huoyun's face. "You have extraordinary talent and character. How about this? Marry Tang Huo'er, and I'll agree to the alliance."
Bang! Cough, cough!
Standing behind Ancestor Huoyun, Tang Huo'er, startled by his words, accidentally increased her strength in patting, causing him to cough again. Her heart pounded, and her face turned red as she glared at Ancestor Huoyun, then quickly looked at Xiao Ze.
Tang Zhen was also surprised by the Ancestor's bold suggestion. Though the idea of having Xiao Ze as a son-in-law was appealing, Xiao Ze's accomplishments meant he would be an ideal match.
Xiao Ze was momentarily taken aback, the same joke from Ancestor Huoyun as in the original story? Such jokes might be fine in front of Tang Zhen and Tang Huo'er, but he was here on serious business.
"Cough, Ancestor Huoyun jokes, but I have had little interaction with Miss Tang, even our meetings are countable on one hand," Xiao Ze diplomatically responded. "Moreover, it would be unfair to Miss Tang to use her marriage as a condition for an alliance."
"If Ancestor Huoyun agrees to the alliance, I will do my utmost to alleviate the afflictions in your body."
Realizing Xiao Ze was serious and not swayed by impulse, Ancestor Huoyun knew his whimsical idea of marriage was off the table. A genius like Xiao Ze, who had reached the Dou Saint stage, wouldn't be easily swayed.
"If even the Dou Emperor couldn't change his will, only death would bend it," Ancestor Huoyun thought, watching Tang Huo'er's disappointed expression.
Ancestor Huoyun casually picked up a bright red fruit from the stone table and bit into it hard. "To exchange treatment for an alliance, the offer is quite generous... but what if I just refuse?"
Xiao Ze smiled, "If Ancestor Huoyun does not agree, I am still willing to help remove the afflictions as a goodwill gesture to Burnflame Valley."
Chewing thoughtfully, Ancestor Huoyun paused, then revealed a resigned smile. "I had previously underestimated you. A man of your qualities, after being rejected, would likely have been angered by now."
Knowing the trials Xiao Ze must have faced to grow into his abilities, Ancestor Huoyun might have expected another to walk away impatiently by now.
"So, Ancestor Huoyun means..." Xiao Ze inquired.
"The alliance is agreed. From today, Burnflame Valley and the Pill Tower will stand together. The Soul Hall? It might be time to show them a fight," Ancestor Huoyun declared, a formidable aura emanating from him.
Relieved, Xiao Ze quickly bowed in thanks. "Thank you, Ancestor Huoyun, for agreeing to the alliance. I will now prepare the medicine to remove the afflictions."
Tang Zhen immediately chimed in, "Chairman Xiao Ze, please follow me!" Eager to have Xiao Ze begin treatment, he led the way to a secluded part of Burnflame Valley to start the alchemical process.
In the bamboo forest, Tang Huo'er watched them leave, sitting despondently at the stone table.
Ancestor Huoyun, seeing her gloomy demeanor, shook his head helplessly. "Fire Child, a man like him cannot be compelled to do anything he does not wish to. If he has no interest in you, don't force it."
Tang Huo'er pressed her lips together and managed a weak smile, "It's alright, Grandfather. I am quite content with cultivating. By striving for the pinnacle of cultivation, perhaps one day I can see the view from where Xiao Ze stands now."
Ancestor Huoyun, feeling a bit regretful for voicing his impulsive idea earlier, gently patted her head. "If there's anything else I can't help you with, I'll support you in your cultivation."
"Okay!"
(End of Chapter)
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