213: alliance

However, hearing that Li Xingyan was still alive, Li Xiangyun breathed a sigh of relief and bowed solemnly to Bai Ze: "Senior, I am deeply grateful for this information."

Although he guessed that Li Xingyan should be fine according to the script, this was not a novel after all, so who could say for sure?

Bai Ze waved his hand, his smile deepening a few shades: "I said all this just to make you understand that you are not alone. I invited you here today for another important matter."

His gaze suddenly sharpened, as if it could penetrate Li Xiangyun's Physical Body and reach deep into his Divine Soul: "You are only a little over two hundred years old, yet you have already Cultivated to the Nascent Soul Late Stage. This Aptitude is truly rare in the entire Cangming Realm."

What's even more remarkable is that you possess both Yin-Yang Life-Death Dao Intent and the Law of Ice, and you even control the Netherworld Darkfire—such Opportunity and strength are enough to make you stand out among your peers."

Li Xiangyun's heart trembled. The other party knew his Cultivated Dao Intent, Law, and even the Netherworld Darkfire like the back of his hand. This level of insight was truly terrifying. He forced himself to remain calm: "Senior, you flatter me."

"I never speak empty words." Bai Ze leaned forward slightly, a meaningful glint in his eyes, "With your potential, your future achievements are limitless. And today, I want to form an alliance with you."

"An alliance?" Li Xiangyun was stunned. Why would this mysterious existence proactively propose an alliance with him?

Bai Ze placed the teacup back on the stone table, his fingertips gently caressing the rim of the cup. His gaze drifted towards the hazy mountain shadows in the distance outside the pavilion, his tone carrying a hint of remoteness: "Do you know that this Great Zhou Dynasty, along with the Misty Swamp here, was originally one territory in ancient times?"

Li Xiangyun frowned slightly. Although he had heard Cang Lanzi mention it, he still shook his head and said: "Junior does not know."

"This place was once the core of Yunmeng Marsh." Bai Ze slowly explained, his voice imbued with a sense of vicissitude, "At that time, Yunmeng Marsh spanned thousands of miles, its Spiritual Qi was so dense it couldn't dissipate, rare treasures and exotic beasts were everywhere, and it was also a place of Cultivation for many ancient powerful beings.

It's just a pity that a great battle in ancient times turned this place into a battlefield, and it was ultimately sealed by a powerful being with an supreme Restriction, which is how it became the fragmented appearance it has today."

"And now," Bai Ze's tone shifted, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes, "that Restriction is on the verge of collapsing."

Within a few years, or even sooner, the Restriction will completely disappear.

At that time, Spiritual Qi will revive like a tide, dormant ancient resources and Secret Realms will reappear, and Yunmeng Marsh will restore its former pattern."

He looked up at Li Xiangyun: "Could those ancient forces lurking outside, and the newly emerging Sect, sit still with such a treasure?"

Once the Restriction disappears, they will surely swarm in, vying for resources and seizing the initiative. At that time, this place will undoubtedly be plunged into a bloodbath."

Li Xiangyun instantly understood that such a major change in the world was enough to drive any force mad.

Bai Ze's gaze fell on him, carrying a hint of approval: "I chose to ally with you, firstly, because I value your Aptitude."

A Nascent Soul at over two hundred years old, possessing Yin-Yang Life-Death Dao Intent, the Law of Ice, and the Netherworld Darkfire—such Aptitude is enough to secure a place in the coming chaos.

Secondly," he paused, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, "I also admire Cang Lanzi's foresight. A Disciple chosen by him and taught his Dao lineage is certainly no ordinary person.

Allied with you, it is both an alliance with potential and an Opportunity to forge a good relationship with the power behind Cang Lanzi."

These words were so candid they were almost blunt, yet they made Li Xiangyun's heart tighten. The other party not only saw through his Foundation but also clearly understood the future situation. This breadth of vision and planning far exceeded his imagination.

Li Xiangyun was silent for a moment, his fingertips unconsciously caressing the cool surface of the cup. Bai Ze's strength was unfathomable, and with him proactively proposing an alliance, Li Xiangyun had no grounds to refuse.

What's more, the Li Family's Foundation was currently in the Misty Swamp. Ultimately, this territory was the other party's domain. If they were to truly fall out, the Li Family would have no room to resist.

More importantly, forming an alliance was not entirely without benefit to him. With Yunmeng Marsh on the verge of revival and chaos about to erupt, having an existence like Bai Ze as an ally would at least give the Li Family more confidence in the impending storm.

Having understood this, he took a deep breath, looked up at Bai Ze, his expression now calm: "Senior's sincerity is profound. Junior has no reason to refuse. It is an honor for Junior and the Li Family to be able to form an alliance with Senior."

A hint of understanding flashed in Bai Ze's eyes, and he smiled faintly: "You are a sensible person."

"However," Li Xiangyun's tone shifted, becoming serious, "Junior has an impertinent request, and I hope Senior will grant it."

"Oh?" Bai Ze raised an eyebrow, motioning for him to continue.

"Junior needs a sufficiently large territory," Li Xiangyun stated directly, "Senior also knows that the Li Family is currently rooted in the Misty Swamp. For the Family to develop, it cannot do without territorial support.

Junior's path of Cultivation is closely linked to the rise and fall of the Family. The stronger the Family's strength, the further Junior can go—and the size of the territory is inherently a part of the Family's strength."

He did not mention the connection between the System and prosperity value, only choosing the most easily understood reason.

Upon hearing this, Bai Ze gently tapped the stone table with his fingertip, as if in thought. After a moment, he looked up at Li Xiangyun, a playful glint in his eyes: "How large a territory do you want?"

"The bigger the better," Li Xiangyun said without hesitation, "It's best if it can encompass the Li Family's current settlement and extend outwards to a sufficiently vast area, enough for the Family to thrive and develop its influence on this Foundation."

He knew that only with a sufficiently large territory could it accommodate more clansmen and resources, allowing the Family's strength to rapidly increase, and only then could the System continuously generate prosperity value.

This was not just for the Family, but also for himself, to gain more confidence in the upcoming changes.

Bai Ze's fingertip paused on the stone table for a moment, then he chuckled lightly: "You certainly dare to ask. However, since it's an alliance, this much sincerity should be shown."

He raised his hand and pointed into the Void Realm, and a faint cyan Spiritual Qi condensed in mid-air, slowly outlining the contour of a vast region.

It clearly included the Li Family's current settlement and extended tens of thousands of miles in all directions, encompassing several areas deep within the swamp where the Spiritual Qi was exceptionally dense.

"This area, from now on, will be under the jurisdiction of the Li Family." Bai Ze withdrew his hand, and the Spiritual Qi dissipated, "Is that enough for your Li Family to thrive?"

Li Xiangyun looked at the territory, which far exceeded his expectations, and his heart filled with joy. He quickly stood up and cupped his hands: "Many thanks, Senior!"