277: Alliances and Undercurrents

The Ancient Clan Grand Assembly finally concluded, following Li Ao's near-miraculous display of strength, in an atmosphere tinged with shock and suppression.

When the final sparring match ended and the presiding Elder announced the conclusion of the assembly, many people involuntarily let out a sigh of relief, as if they had cast off an invisible burden.

Li Ao's existence was like an insurmountable primordial sacred mountain, looming over the hearts of all the young Geniuses, both showing them the infinite possibilities of the path ahead and making them feel their own insignificance.

Although the assembly had ended, the aftershocks remained.

That night, deep within the Gu Yuan Hall, in a quiet chamber.

Gu Yuan, Gu Xun'er, and several core Elders of the Ancient Clan sat opposite Li Ao.

The soft glow of night-luminescent pearls illuminated the room, yet the atmosphere was even more solemn than during the day's assembly.

"Regarding today's assembly, many thanks to young friend Li Ao for stepping in, allowing those ignorant little ones in our clan to witness what it truly means that there is always someone better." Gu Yuan smiled, personally pouring a cup of the Ancient Clan's specialty spirit tea for Li Ao, his attitude even more amiable than before.

"Clan Chief, you are too kind; this Junior merely happened to be present." Li Ao took the teacup and took a light sip. The tea was clear and fragrant, containing pure energy that warmed his belly; it was clearly no ordinary item.

"Young friend, you are too modest." Gu Yuan withdrew his smile and said solemnly, "After today's events, there is no longer any doubt within the clan regarding your strength. The matter I mentioned earlier about uniting the various clans to resist the Hun Clan can now be officially put on the agenda."

An Elder with white hair and beard and a composed aura chimed in, "In recent years, the Hall of Souls has become increasingly rampant. Its claws have not only permeated the Northern Region of Central State but are also secretly coveting the various clans. According to our clan's secret reports, on the eve of the Spirit Clan's destruction, a mysterious powerhouse carrying a Hall of Souls token was spotted on the outskirts of the Spirit Realm. Although the Stone Clan managed to preserve itself, it suffered significant losses and its vitality was greatly damaged, leaving it with deep hatred for the Hun Clan."

Another Elder added, "As for the Yan Clan, because most of their clansmen have fierce temperaments, their conflicts with the Hall of Souls are the most direct and frequent, and their hostility toward the Hall of Souls is not small. It goes without saying for the Medicine Clan; with this connection to you, young friend, and the Hall of Souls' coveting of their nirvana source core, their stance is already clear. The Thunder Clan has always been detached, but if the Hun Clan's ambition endangers the entire continent, I imagine they will not sit idly by. As for the Yan Clan... we still need to test them."

Li Ao listened quietly, calculating quickly in his heart. The Ancient Clan's intelligence network was indeed powerful, and their grasp of the situation was extremely clear.

"I wonder how the Ancient Clan intends to unite them?" Li Ao asked.

Gu Yuan pondered, "This matter cannot be rushed; it must be done step by step. The primary task is to solidify the existing connections with the Medicine Clan and the Stone Clan. Secondly, I intend to send envoys to the Yan Clan to explain the pros and cons. As for the Thunder Clan... perhaps we can invite them to participate under the guise of an 'assembly' or a 'trade', and slowly make contact."

He looked at Li Ao, his gaze deep, "And you, young friend, are the key to connecting all parties. You are not one of the eight clans, yet you have a close relationship with the Medicine Clan, have gained the recognition of our Ancient Clan, and are in a life-and-death struggle with the Hall of Souls. Your stance is neutral yet firm; if you come forward to mediate, the resistance will be much smaller."

Li Ao understood Gu Yuan's plan. This was to push him to the forefront, making him an executor and one of the spokespersons for the Ancient Clan's Alliance plan. This move could leverage his strength and reputation, while also placing the Ancient Clan in a more transcendent position to some extent, allowing them to advance or retreat freely.

"This Junior is duty-bound." Li Ao did not refuse; this was one of his goals anyway, "It is just that I am now attracting too much attention, and the Ruins Hall has just been established. I fear the Hall of Souls will take advantage of my absence to strike at the Ruins Hall."

"Young friend, you need not worry about this." Gu Yuan smiled indifferently, his tone carrying absolute confidence, "Since you are an ally of our Ancient Clan, the Ancient Clan will naturally not stand idly by regarding the Ruins Hall. I will dispatch two Elders, leading a team of elite Black Annihilation Army, to be stationed near the Ruins Hall, ostensibly for exchange, but actually for defense. If the Hall of Souls dares to launch another major invasion, it will mean formal war with our Ancient Clan. I doubt they have the guts."

Two Ancient Clan Elders personally leading the Black Annihilation Army to assist in defense! This level of support was not insignificant. Clearly, the value Li Ao displayed today was enough for the Ancient Clan to make such a heavy bet.

"Many thanks, Clan Chief!" Li Ao cupped his hands in thanks. With this protective talisman from the Ancient Clan, the safety of the Ruins Hall was temporarily secure, and he could operate outside with peace of mind.

"In addition," Gu Yuan took out an ancient-looking cyan token from his sleeve. On the front of the token was engraved the character "Gu", and on the back were complex cloud patterns, "This is the highest-level Guest Elder token of our Ancient Clan. Holding this token, you can mobilize a portion of the Ancient Clan's intelligence network and resources, and in emergencies, you can also seek aid from the Ancient Clan's affiliated forces in various places. I gift this to you, young friend, for use in times of need."

A Guest Elder token! This was a step further than the previous "friendly relationship", almost incorporating Li Ao into the periphery of the Ancient Clan's system, granting him extremely high authority and trust.

Li Ao solemnly accepted the token, "Clan Chief, your kindness is deeply appreciated; this Junior will remember it."

"We are all our own people, no need to be polite." Gu Yuan waved his hand, "Regarding the specific steps to unite the various clans, Xun'er will discuss them with you later. She is meticulous and quite familiar with the situations of the various clans, so she can advise you."

Hearing this, Gu Xun'er gave Li Ao a graceful smile, her eyes clear.

With the grand plan for cooperation finalized, the atmosphere became much more relaxed. After discussing some details, Li Ao took his leave.

Gu Xun'er personally saw him out of the hall.

The moonlight was like water, spilling onto the quiet mountain paths of the Ancient World. The two walked side by side, the atmosphere somewhat subtle.

"Today... thank you, Hall Master Li, for coming to the rescue of Brother Xiao Yan." Gu Xun'er spoke softly, breaking the silence.

"Xiao Yan is my Junior Brother, so it is only right." Li Ao said indifferently, "Besides, he won respect using his own strength, not by relying on me."

Gu Xun'er turned her head to look at him. His profile under the moonlight was well-defined, carrying a kind of calm and powerful charm. She suddenly asked, "Hall Master Li seems to have a deep understanding of the Hun Clan?"

Li Ao's footsteps paused slightly, and he glanced at her, "Miss Xun'er, why do you say that?"

"It's just a feeling." Gu Xun'er's gaze was distant, "When Father and the Elders speak of the Hun Clan, it is mostly based on intelligence and speculation. But in your words, Hall Master Li, the vigilance and hostility toward the Hun Clan seem... to stem from a deeper understanding, as if you have long since perceived their essence and ambition."

Li Ao felt a slight chill in his heart; this woman was indeed ice-snow smart and had keen perception. Naturally, he would not reveal his foresight as a transmigrator, only saying, "Perhaps it is because I have clashed with them more often, so the feeling is more direct. The Hall of Souls acts in a way that is devoid of humanity, and what the Hun Clan behind them is plotting is definitely not as simple as just dominating the continent."

Gu Xun'er nodded thoughtfully and did not continue to press the matter. She changed the subject, "Regarding uniting the various clans, where does Hall Master Li intend to start?"

"The Medicine Clan has the closest relationship with me, so that is naturally the first stop." Li Ao already had a plan, "It just so happens that I need to return to the Ruins Hall to make some arrangements, and then I will go to the Medicine Clan. As for the Stone Clan, perhaps I can ask the Medicine Clan or the Ancient Clan to introduce me. As for the Yan Clan..."

He remembered the people from Burning Flame Valley he encountered outside the Fentian Valley Ruins, as well as the greed and ultimate fate of that Red-haired Elder, and shook his head, "The people of the Yan Clan have fiery and direct temperaments. Rather than being circuitous, it is better to find an Opportunity to be frank and open. Perhaps a 'fair' trade or contest is more persuasive than any words."

Gu Xun'er's beautiful eyes lit up, "Hall Master Li's words make sense. The Yan Clan worships power and respects the strong. With your current strength, Hall Master Li, if you can demonstrate power sufficient to make them take you seriously, then talking about cooperation will yield twice the result with half the effort." She paused, then added, "Xun'er has gained some insights in her cultivation recently and also wishes to travel outside. If Hall Master Li does not mind, may I accompany you when you go to the Yan Clan? It would be good to have someone to look out for each other."

Li Ao looked at her, naturally understanding that this "looking out for each other" was more of a gesture from the Ancient Clan regarding his trip, and also a tighter binding. He pondered slightly, then nodded in agreement, "Having Miss Xun'er accompany me is naturally for the best."

Seeing Li Ao to the door of the guest courtyard, Gu Xun'er stopped and smiled charmingly, "Then it is settled. Hall Master Li, rest early. How about we set off in three days?"

"Good."

Watching Gu Xun'er's graceful figure depart, Li Ao's gaze narrowed slightly. The Alliance with the Ancient Clan had already entered a substantive stage. Every step from here on needed to be more cautious.

Returning to the guest courtyard, Xiao Yan, Medusa, and Xiao Yi Xian were all waiting for him.

"Senior Brother, the Ancient Clan..." Xiao Yan stopped mid-sentence.

"It is fine, it is a good thing." Li Ao simply explained the matter of cooperation, omitting the details, "Next, I will go to the Medicine Clan first, and then to the Yan Clan. Xiao Yan, your cultivation has reached a Bottleneck, and the realm of Half-Saint cannot be achieved through closed-door cultivation alone; it requires Opportunity and insight."

He took out a Jade Slip and a blood-colored token, "This Jade Slip contains information about an ancient Secret Realm, located at the boundary between Central State and the Beast Region, called the 'Ten Thousand Beast Blood Pool'. It has miraculous effects on tempering the Physical Body and stimulating the Bloodline, and may help you break through. This token is the key to opening it. You can go with Qing Lin; she possesses the Triple Jade-Green Snake Flower Pupils, which may be convenient for operating in the Beast Region." After bringing Qing Lin out of the Jia Ma Empire, he had arranged for her to Cultivate in the Ruins Hall, and her strength had now reached the Dou Zong Rank.

Xiao Yan accepted them, his eyes showing emotion and determination, "Many thanks, Senior Brother! Xiao Yan will definitely not let you down!"

He then looked at Medusa and Xiao Yi Xian, "Shasha, Xian'er, you will accompany me. Shasha, your Bloodline might find an Opportunity to advance further in the Yan Clan. Xian'er, your Chaos Poison Body also needs more diverse energy to be honed."

The two women naturally had no objections.

With arrangements made, everyone returned to their respective rooms to adjust their breathing.

Li Ao sat quietly in the room, his mind sinking into his Sea of Consciousness. After absorbing the Origin of the soul of the heavenly tomb, the fragment of the "nirvana ancient talisman" had been restored to a greater degree, and the information it transmitted was more extensive. Among it, it seemed to faintly point to a certain ancient land related to fire, perhaps... related to the Yan Clan?

As he was pondering, he suddenly frowned, his gaze piercing through the walls, looking toward a certain direction outside the Ancient World.

Just a moment ago, a faint mark of the Power of Gui Xu that he had left near the Ruins Hall was triggered. Although it was very slight and flashed away, there was indeed a strange power carrying a cold, Soul-like aura that had been spying on the outskirts of the Ruins Hall.

The Hall of Souls... indeed, their evil heart does not die. Moreover, their actions were faster than expected.

It seems the itinerary to the Medicine Clan and the Yan Clan needs to be accelerated. Before the Hall of Souls' next major action, the framework of the Alliance must be initially established.

The night deepened, and the Ancient World was silent. But beneath this tranquility, the undercurrents of various forces had already begun to surge and accelerate.

Far away in the Northern Region of Central State, deep within a hidden branch of the Hall of Souls.

On a huge blood-colored altar, runes flickered, filled with a strong aura of blood and the wailing of Souls. Several figures shrouded in thick black mist sat around the altar.

"...The Ancient Clan Grand Assembly has concluded, and the strength Li Ao displayed far exceeds our estimates. Physical Body Achieving Sainthood, Two-Star Dou Sheng cultivation, and his Dao is strange, suppressing our Hall's Cultivation Technique." A hoarse voice reported, carrying deep dread.

"The Ancient Clan... actually publicly expressed support for him, and even sent Elders to assist in defending the Ruins Hall." Another cold voice sounded, "It seems that old fellow Gu Yuan has made up his mind to oppose our Hun Clan."

In the center of the altar, a figure that seemed to be composed of pure shadow slowly spoke, its voice like a cold wind from the Nine Netherworlds, causing the surrounding temperature to plummet, "No matter. Alliance? Hmph, a bunch of so-called ancient clans with different ulterior motives and decayed Legacies, what kind of climate can they achieve? Our Hun Clan's ten-thousand-year plan, how can they stop it?"

"Hall Master, then what's next..."

The shadow figure was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Since the Ancient Clan wants to intervene, then let this pool of water become even muddier. Pass down the order to activate the 'dark pieces' and find some 'fun' for the Ancient Clan. Also, this person Li Ao... his growth is too fast and his potential is too great; he has seriously threatened the Sacred Clan's plan. Notify the clan that the 'Hunt' level is raised to... the highest."

He paused, and two points of scarlet light seemed to light up in the shadows, "Isn't he going to unite the various clans? Then let him go. Just in time, we can clear out those troublesome fellows... all at once. Notify the pawns in the Yan Clan and the Thunder Clan that they can start 'preheating'."

"Yes!" The surrounding shadows responded in unison, their voices filled with fanaticism and killing intent.

On the altar, the blood light became even more intense, and countless twisted Soul faces struggled and wailed within it, reflecting the eeriness and terror of this underground space.

A greater storm targeting Li Ao, the emerging Alliance, and even the entire pattern of the continent, was quietly brewing in the deepest parts of the Hall of Souls and the Hun Clan.

At this moment, Li Ao, in the guest courtyard of the Ancient World, slowly opened his eyes, a chaotic light flashing and vanishing in his pupils.

He opened his palm, and a barely perceptible gray aura lingered on his palm. That was the remnant of the cold Soul aura that had triggered his mark earlier, which was being slowly obliterated by the Power of Gui Xu.

"Mere buffoons." He whispered to himself, a cold chill in his eyes.

Three days later, in front of the dedicated spatial passage from the Ancient World to the Medicine Clan.

Li Ao, Medusa, Xiao Yi Xian, Gu Xun'er, and two Ancient Clan Elders ordered to accompany them (named Gu Ling and Gu Hai, both of One-Star Dou Sheng cultivation) gathered together.

Xiao Yan and Qing Lin had already departed yesterday, heading to the Beast Region.

"Hall Master Li, please." Gu Xun'er had changed into a light cyan outfit convenient for action today, looking heroic and spirited, adding a few more points of charm.

Li Ao nodded, took one last look at the vast sky of the Ancient World, and stepped into the passage flickering with spatial fluctuations first.

A new journey, officially begins.

Target: Medicine Clan! Next, pointing the sword at the Yan Clan!