NOVEL NEXT Chapter 553: Chapter 553: Working Together
Chapter 553: Working Together
Xiao Ze raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
Although Xiao Yan knew about the ancient clans and understood that he was a descendant of the Xiao Clan, he had yet to connect with the Gu Clan. Thus, after arriving at the Ancient Realm Platform, he naturally headed towards its central area.
"I'll talk to him myself later and inform him about Hun Yu," Xiao Ze said.
Xun'er nodded, showing her concern for the Xiao family members now that she was part of Xiao Ze's circle. However, seeing that Xiao Ze had a plan, she didn't press the matter further.
"Since Hun Yu has formed an alliance to break through the beast horde, let's see how deep the waters are in the depths of the Barbaric Ancient Realm," Xiao Ze remarked casually. He wasn't particularly eager for the Bodhi Heart from the Bodhi Ancient Tree. Thus, he could afford to be more laid-back and was ready to leave at any time, unlike other cultivators who desperately needed the Bodhi Heart or Bodhi Seed to reach the pinnacle of their strength. Without these items, they might never break through to the highest levels of cultivation.
For most, the chance to achieve greater power and longevity was worth risking their lives, even if the beast horde was extremely dangerous. They wouldn't hesitate.
The members of the Gu Clan had no objections. With a Dou Saint backing them, they felt secure. If a Dou Saint couldn't handle it, then participating wouldn't make a difference.
After finalizing their plan, everyone dispersed to continue their cultivation, preparing for the competition for the Bodhi Ancient Tree's treasures. Xiao Ze, meanwhile, used the Root of Origin to contact Xiao Yan.
At the center of the Ancient Realm Platform, Xiao Yan was meditating when he sensed a fluctuation from his storage ring. Curious, he probed the ring with his consciousness and retrieved a dragon-shaped jade token embedded with a small golden tree. A message flowed into his mind:
"Third Brother, I have arrived at the Ancient Realm Platform and learned about the situation. The person leading the alliance is Hun Yu from the Hun Clan."
"Although he seems gentle and refined, he is not to be trusted. His intention in forming the alliance is likely to use the lives of many cultivators to pave his way into the deeper parts of the Barbaric Ancient Realm."
"This journey is extremely dangerous. Third Brother, would you like to join me instead?"
After receiving the message, Xiao Yan opened his eyes. After a moment of hesitation, he replied:
"Fourth Brother, don't worry. I've seen many deceptions and have a good sense of them. I won't be easily tricked."
"Besides, just as Hun Yu wants to use other cultivators to break through the beast horde, those cultivators have the same idea."
After receiving Xiao Yan's response, Xiao Ze shook his head slightly but did not insist. He knew Xiao Yan's character—unless the gap in power was insurmountable, he wouldn't give up easily or seek help.
Given Xiao Yan's current strength, Xiao Ze wasn't too worried. As long as Xiao Yan wasn't trapped in the beast horde, he could escape any critical danger.
Soon after, a commotion spread through the crowd as news of the alliance's decision to attempt breaking through the beast horde reached everyone. Cultivators from all around the platform gathered at its center.
In the Gu Clan's camp, surrounded by a soul force barrier that kept others from noticing them, Xiao Ze looked towards the center, his powerful soul force allowing him to perceive everything happening there.
At the forefront of the alliance stood a man with shoulder-length hair and a jade-like complexion, exuding a gentle and scholarly aura. Those unaware of his true nature might find him likable at first glance.
Hun Yu, with a refined smile, spoke loudly, "Everyone, the current situation is clear. The Bodhi Ancient Tree is deep within the Barbaric Ancient Realm, but we face an endless army of fierce beasts blocking our way."
"I'm sure many of you have tried and found that no single force here can break through the beast horde alone."
His clear voice and persuasive tone garnered nods of agreement from many present.
"Our only chance is to form an alliance. By combining our strengths, we can pierce through the beast horde and reach the Bodhi Ancient Tree."
"In this alliance, there are no ranks, and no one commands anyone. Our goal is the same—to get through the beast horde. Therefore, no one will be used!"
At this, Xiao Ze couldn't help but smile. Hun Yu's scheming was impressive, allowing him to lie convincingly.
"Of course, if you don't believe me, you can stay here. But after enduring so much to get this far, are you really willing to give up now?"
His final words resonated with the crowd. They had faced countless dangers to get this far and were unwilling to leave empty-handed. Other factions watched, deep in thought.
As silence fell, a voice suddenly broke the tension. It was Jiu Feng, the next leader of the Sky Demon Phoenix Clan, with his unique, colorfully gleaming eyes exuding a strange pressure.
"Hun Yu is right. My Sky Demon Phoenix Clan has come this far and won't give up without seeing the Bodhi Ancient Tree. We will join the alliance!"
"Thank you, Jiu Feng," Hun Yu said, smiling and bowing slightly.
Seeing the powerful Sky Demon Phoenix Clan join, others quickly followed suit, seeing a better chance to break through the beast horde with their help.
"We'll join the alliance too!"
"I've lost people for this; I'm not giving up now!"
"Exactly. It's better to take a chance than to leave with nothing after losing so much."
With everyone chiming in, the alliance was solidified.
Outside the Ancient Realm Platform, Xiao Ze shook his head. Hun Yu and Jiu Feng had skillfully rallied the hesitant, ensuring they joined the alliance and became stepping stones for Hun Yu's path into the depths of the Barbaric Ancient Realm.
(End of Chapter)
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