57: Reach cooperation

Following behind High Priest Sea Song, Linn and his group passed through a somewhat dilapidated but still recognizably peaceful and harmonious village, finally arriving at its center. There stood an ancient tree of colossal size, its trunk so thick that it would likely take more than twenty people to embrace it, and its canopy, like a giant umbrella, covered the sky. Attached to the main trunk and thick branches, a massive treehouse, perfectly integrated with the tree itself, stood majestically. It wasn't merely built; it was more like a natural hall grown from the ancient tree, adorned with vines and flowers, exuding an ancient and mysterious aura of life. This was the core of the Sea God Clan—the Clan Chief's Great House.

Following the winding wooden staircase, everyone entered the treehouse. The interior space was even more spacious than it appeared from the outside, with a dome naturally formed by interwoven branches, and dappled sunlight filtering through the gaps. The air was filled with a faint fragrance of plants and a unique, tranquil scent of the ocean. The furnishings inside were simple yet solemn, decorated with natural wood, polished shells, and deep-sea pearls that emitted a faint glow. In the center was a huge round table, seemingly formed by the natural growth of tree roots.

Everyone took their seats. High Priest Sea Song sat in the main seat, Aivi sat close to her, Linn sat in the guest seat, and Ocean stood solemnly behind Linn. The atmosphere was silent for a moment, with only the faint sound of waves from outside the window and the rustling of wind in the trees.

Linn knew it was time to be frank. He cleared his throat, his gaze calmly fixed on High Priest Sea Song in the main seat, his voice clear and steady: "Respected High Priest, Aivi, I presume you have already learned part of my intention from Aivi. But I wish to formally state my position and demands to you and the Sea God Clan here."

He paused slightly, organizing his words, ensuring every word was clear and accurate: "I, Lynn Star Sea, wish to form an alliance with the Sea God Clan to jointly expel the Minotaur and Orcs, these two Orcs tribes entrenched on Shattered Star Island, and resolve the survival crisis of your noble clan."

High Priest Sea Song listened quietly, her azure eyes like bottomless abysses, showing no emotion. She merely nodded slightly, signaling him to continue.

Linn continued: "In return, and also for the development of my own people, I hope that after successfully expelling the Orcs, we can obtain a piece of land on Shattered Star Island where we are allowed to build our home, with legal rights of residence and development. I solemnly pledge here that I am willing to sign a formal alliance with the Sea God Clan. After the matter is concluded, both parties will clearly delineate territorial boundaries, coexist peacefully, not invade each other, and forge an eternal good neighborly relationship."

His words were direct and frank, not hiding his ambition in the slightest, while also expressing his sincerity for cooperation.

However, High Priest Sea Song did not respond immediately. Her deep gaze fixed on Linn, as if it could penetrate his Soul and see through all disguises. After a long while, she slowly spoke, her voice like a deep-sea current, calm yet carrying immense pressure: "Baron of Star Sea, your proposal sounds fair and very tempting. You saved Aivi and helped her Breakthrough. This kindness, the entire Sea God Clan will remember forever."

Her tone suddenly shifted, carrying a hint of cold sharpness: "But, please forgive my bluntness. Our Sea God Clan has just experienced a near-genocidal disaster brought by outsiders. How can I be sure that after helping us drive away the ferocious Orcs, you and your people will not become the 'next Orcs'? That you will not turn your weapons against us, the original owners? After all, those not of our kind are sure to have different hearts... This ancient saying has been circulating in the Endless Sea for a long time." Her questioning was like a cold dagger, striking at the core, which was also the deepest fear in the hearts of all Sea God Clan members. The atmosphere in the treehouse instantly became heavy. Ocean's brows furrowed slightly, and his hand unconsciously moved closer to the silver spear at his waist.

Linn could feel the sudden tension in Ocean's nerves behind him, but his own expression remained calm. He understood Sea Song's concerns; these were issues any competent leader must consider.

Just then, Aivi stood up anxiously. She grabbed High Priest Sea Song's arm, her sea-blue eyes filled with earnestness and unquestioning trust: "Teacher! Please believe Linn! I lived on his Iron Sand Island for several months, and I saw and felt it with my own eyes! He treats the people in his territory, whether human or other races, with justice and benevolence. He grants Slaves freedom, distributes land, and his army is disciplined and never disturbs the populace! He is absolutely not a cruel and greedy person like the Orcs! I swear in the name of the Sea God, I believe Linn's promise!"

Aivi's words were firm and resounding. Her cheeks, slightly flushed with excitement, and the sparkle in her eyes, were a true reflection of her inner feelings. Her trust stemmed not only from the life-saving grace but also from her observations and experiences over the past six months.

Linn gave Aivi a grateful look, then turned back to High Priest Sea Song, his voice still steady, but with a few more points of calm analysis of reality: "High Priest, Aivi exaggerates. But I understand your concerns, which are only natural. However, please allow me to state a few facts."

He held up two fingers: "First, as Aivi said, my character and governing methods might serve as a slight reference. Second, and more realistic—the comparison of strength." Linn's gaze was utterly frank, "To be honest, with your Sea God Clan plus Aivi, this newly promoted High Gold Rank, my Star Sea Territory's overall strength is currently far below that of the Sea God Clan. If your noble clan hadn't suffered such heavy losses before, I wouldn't even be qualified to sit here and discuss cooperation with you. To be neighbors with a powerful clan that still retains its strength and is familiar with the local environment, and to continue to be hostile, would be extremely unwise, even suicidal, for me. Peaceful coexistence and trade are the choices that align with our long-term interests."

His final words carried an undeniable weight: "And the third point, the most crucial one—does the Sea God Clan currently have any other options?"

These words were like a heavy hammer, striking the hearts of every Sea God Clan member present. Linn's gaze swept over High Priest Sea Song's slightly pale face, and he continued: "Without external aid, can your noble clan, with its current strength, withstand the Orcs' next, perhaps even fiercer, attack? The outcome... is probably self-evident. Cooperating with me still offers a glimmer of hope, even the hope of returning home; refusing to cooperate..." He didn't continue, but the unspoken threat and the cruel reality had already permeated the entire treehouse.

High Priest Sea Song's body trembled slightly. Linn's words, though cruel, pierced her heart, striking at her deepest helplessness and fear. She closed her eyes, as if weighing and struggling. Aivi held her hand tightly, conveying silent support and plea.

Time seemed to stretch for a long while, yet also felt like just an instant. High Priest Sea Song slowly opened her eyes. The complex emotions in her sea-blue eyes finally transformed into a resolute determination. She looked at Linn's clear and firm dark eyes, then at Aivi beside her, whose eyes were full of anticipation. Finally, she took a deep breath, and her sea-blue gemstone staff struck the ground heavily.

"So be it..." She sighed deeply, her voice carrying a hint of weariness, but more of a sense of relief from making a decision. "Aivi's trust, I cannot ignore. The current predicament, I am powerless to reverse alone. Baron of Star Sea, you are right, the Sea God Clan... indeed has no better choice."

She stood up, her gaze becoming sharp and solemn: "I, Hai Ge Ossiana, in the name of the High Priest of the Sea God Clan, agree to form an alliance with you, Baron of Star Sea Linn, to jointly resist the Orcs! But please remember your words today!"

Linn also rose solemnly. He knew this was the most crucial moment. He raised his right hand and, with a clear and solemn voice, faced the dome of the treehouse, as if swearing to a supreme existence in the unseen:

"I, Linn, Baron of Star Sea of the Aolai Kingdom, swear in the name of the god of dawn! Hereby I form an alliance with the Sea God Clan to jointly resist foreign enemies. After this is accomplished, I and my people will live within the mutually designated areas, never actively invade the territory of the Sea God Clan, and never harm the people of the Sea God Clan! May the dawn bear witness, if I violate this oath, may divine punishment descend, and both body and Soul be annihilated!"

His oath echoed within the treehouse, carrying a strange power, as if it truly resonated with some rule. This was a unique phenomenon when making the highest oath in this world, and it could not be faked.

Hearing Linn make such a solemn oath in the name of a god, the last trace of doubt on High Priest Sea Song's face finally dissipated. She looked deeply at Linn and nodded: "Good! The god of dawn bears witness, and the Sea God shall also bear witness to this alliance! From today onwards, the Sea God Clan and the Star Sea Territory are allies!"

She extended her hand, and Linn also extended his hand. Their hands clasped tightly above the round table.