Chapter 2100: Ancient Covenant

Qin Sang ignored Zai Zhen. Controlling his Azure Phoenix manifestation, he gazed at the horizon. The dark gold short spear, after delivering a single strike, recoiled and disappeared from Qin Sang's sight. He didn't see the opponent, but he could sense a faint, lingering presence there, and there seemed to be more than one master.

The opponent was clearly well-prepared, and Qin Sang had to reassess the current situation.

Min Zhuo's ability to summon so many allies exceeded Qin Sang's expectations. After all, the Changyou clan previously didn't even have a second-level Void Realm master, and Min Zhuo was not a powerful leader. Yet he possessed such extensive connections, which showed that the smaller tribes of the Yi Ren race should not be underestimated.

For countless years, they had resided in the Mist Sea, isolated from the world. Internally, intricate connections had formed, weaving a fine net. It was hard to tell what kind of relationships lay behind the tribes.

However, Qin Sang also noticed that the attitude of the dark gold short spear's owner was quite intriguing. They only intervened to help Min Zhuo when he was in trouble, but after a single strike, they disengaged, stopping short of further action.

Was the opponent remaining hidden to exert pressure and wait for an opportunity? Or did they see his strength, find him difficult to deal with, and not wish to incur his enmity?

Given the Changyou clan's foundation, it wasn't difficult for Min Zhuo to summon allies, but Qin Sang didn't believe these masters would willingly serve Min Zhuo.

While the Azure Spirit Qi was indeed valuable, it was useless to cultivators at the Void Refinement stage. Even if Min Zhuo was willing to share it, his opponents would incur the wrath of two formidable enemies, which they might not be willing to do.

Furthermore, Li Yufu had previously mentioned that when the Azure Spirit Qi was first discovered, its quantity was abundant, but later, they obtained less and less. It was unclear whether this was due to the ongoing conflict between the two sides, or if the Azure Spirit Qi was inherently limited, causing less of it to dissipate.

With a formidable enemy at hand, they had never had the chance to investigate further.

If the Azure Spirit Qi was indeed diminishing, it would be insufficient to satisfy the desires of powerful clans, and its value would be greatly reduced.

Thinking of this, Qin Sang made his Azure Phoenix manifestation withdraw its gaze and looked at Zai Zhen, asking, "May I know this fellow Daoist's name?"

Zai Zhen extended his hand, recalled the Three Sufferings Ring, and held it backhanded. "Zai Zhen, of the Yonghe clan!"

"So you are the clan leader of the Yonghe clan, my apologies for the disrespect."

Qin Sang's tone was flat, conveying little respect.

The Azure Phoenix manifestation's wings slowly folded. The surrounding thunder and lightning gradually subsided, flashing lightning was absorbed into its phoenix wings, with tiny lightning threads flickering among its green feathers.

Seeing his actions, Si Lu and Min Zhuo also ceased their actions.

Water and fire began to separate. The Red-feathered Demonic Bird greedily swallowed the fire, burped, and flapped its wings, then flew to the Azure Phoenix manifestation's side, while the white marten disappeared again.

Min Zhuo successively recalled his jade bowl and eight-sided jade screen. His mind still reeling, he had almost felt that he was about to be pierced by the Azure Phoenix's lightning talons.

The two sides stood in a standoff across the distance.

The Azure Phoenix manifestation's gaze again fell upon Min Zhuo.

His gaze was not as sharp as before, but whether he looked at Zai Zhen or Min Zhuo, it caused the other party's nerves to tense, giving them the illusion of being targeted by a peerless fierce beast.

"Is your current action intended to be a fight to the death with this Daoist?"

The Azure Phoenix manifestation's eyes slightly narrowed. Its tone suddenly turned cold, becoming instantly murderous.

Min Zhuo's face twitched. Facing the opponent directly, he realized that Zai Zhen's previous description had been somewhat conservative.

Being questioned directly, he instinctively wanted to look at Zai Zhen. Fortunately, he remembered Zai Zhen's previous instructions. He said stiffly, "Above the ancestors of all clans, this region has been the territory of my Changyou clan since ancient times, yet it has been occupied by you invaders. In the past, my cultivation was insufficient, and I could only endure humiliation. Now I ask Brother Zai to help me drive out the invaders; this is only right and proper! As long as you move out, we naturally will not trouble you, and past grievances can be settled!"

Zai Zhen chimed in, "Are you two fellow Daoists going to ignore the Ancient Alliance, bully the weak with your strength, and seize the territory of another clan?"

The Azure Phoenix manifestation and the Red-feathered Demonic Bird exchanged glances. Both Qin Sang and Si Lu could tell that Min Zhuo's tone was blusterous but internally weak.

This proved Qin Sang's judgment was correct; those masters were, at most, merely providing support.

Qin Sang, through his Azure Phoenix manifestation, let out a cold laugh. "Bullying the weak with strength? Clan Leader Min just slaughtered countless younger generations of my demon race; *that* is bullying the weak! This debt, this Daoist will surely remember!"

Si Lu also controlled his companion beast to speak. "Since Clan Leader Zai mentioned the Ancient Alliance, I clearly remember that the Ancient Alliance forbids forcing others to move away from their ancestral lands. This sea area is the territory of the Changyou clan, but it can also be the home where others have resided since the time of their ancestors, and there is abundant evidence to prove this!"

"Nonsense!"

Min Zhuo was exasperated.

Zai Zhen calmly found a loophole in Si Lu's words and questioned, "They are foreign races, not of our kind, and logically are not protected by the Ancient Alliance; your statement, fellow Daoist, is indefensible. Furthermore, you are a member of the Siyou clan, not one of our superior clans; your interference in this matter is unjustified and improper. If you remain unyielding, we will certainly report you to the superior clans in the future and see how you handle yourself!"

Si Lu chuckled, completely unmoved. "Clan Leader Zai, have you perhaps forgotten a few stipulations in the Ancient Alliance? I have already decided to establish a Daoist ground here, and Fellow Daoist Qin, as the master of this place and my guard, has long decided to ally with me and become my subordinate clan. Why can I not intervene?"

"Absurd! These foreign races are not of our kind; how can they be called subordinate clans!"

Min Zhuo couldn't help but roar. The contents of the Ancient Alliance quickly flashed through his mind, and he found that several clauses were surprisingly well-suited to the current situation.

First, the Ancient Alliance stipulated among all clans that if distressed individuals from other tribes came seeking refuge and a place to settle, as long as their requests were reasonable and did not harm the host's interests, they were not to be expelled on the grounds of not being of their kind.

This was to prevent clans from isolating themselves, which could deepen divides and even lead to mutual animosity.

Second, any tribe had the right to choose a superior clan and become allied with them. If they already had a superior clan, they must first sever ties with their original superior clan, provided there was a reasonable cause, such as being heavily oppressed by the superior clan.

This protected the rights of smaller tribes, but in reality, it was very difficult to leave a superior clan; it required reporting to the Winged clan and other superior clans for joint evaluation.

The Storm Realm originally had no superior clan, so by allying with this Siyou clan master, they didn't need to seek permission from the Vermilion Ape clan.

The territories of the various superior clans of the Yi Ren race were separated by mist tides, but they were not completely isolated. Each superior clan's territory was only an approximate range. Subduing a subordinate clan within another's territory sounded incredible, but it wasn't unheard of, as long as the subordinate clan could withstand the other party's pressure.

Due to the Ancient Alliance and the deterrent of the Sacred Land, wars of extermination between clans were rare. Without fear of annihilation, there were always daring individuals willing to take risks.

The Storm Realm did not belong to the Yi Ren race, but the Ancient Alliance did not seem to strictly limit its scope to the Yi Ren race. Perhaps the ancestors who drafted the alliance had not foreseen that other races would dare to establish Daoist grounds in the Mist Sea.

Even if by a long shot the Storm Realm could not legitimately become a subordinate clan, as long as Si Lu was willing, he could claim the Storm Realm was his subordinate, which would be exploiting a loophole.

This was a strategy devised by Qin Sang and Si Lu after discussion: to use the Ancient Alliance to transform the conflict between the Storm Realm and the Changyou clan from an adversarial conflict between the Yi Ren race and an external race into an internal conflict within the Yi Ren race.

The only concern was that pushing Si Lu to the forefront might expose his identity.

Qin Sang had considered this long ago.

This was the territory of the Vermilion Ape clan. Even if Si Lu's enemies discovered his identity, the Vermilion Ape clan would not tolerate a Siyou clan army entering their territory; at most, they would send some masters.

Si Lu's identity being exposed, the Siyou clan and Vermilion Ape clan negotiating—all of this would take time, and time was precisely what Qin Sang lacked.

As long as the Thunder Altar could be completed, he would not fear even if Siyou clan masters came seeking revenge!

Qin Sang had kept Si Lu because he had already anticipated such a situation might arise. As for Si Lu's enemies, Qin Sang had not asked for details, but he could guess the general situation, and the two had an unspoken understanding.

The enemy shifting from the Changyou clan to the more powerful Siyou clan seemed like Qin Sang was bringing trouble upon himself, but for his Daoist ground, and for the beings of the Storm Realm to survive here, it was a necessary choice.

Qin Sang was not confident he could keep all the allies Min Zhuo had summoned.

Even if Qin Sang had the ability to kill them all, the consequences would be more than they could bear.

They could hold out for a while, but not forever.

But from another perspective, the Siyou clan's internal politics were complex, and Si Lu's enemies did not represent the entire Siyou clan. If he helped Si Lu eliminate his enemies, assisted him in returning to the Siyou clan, and regained power, it would be like gaining a powerful ally within the Yi Ren race!

For Si Lu, having a top-tier expert like Qin Sang assist him was naturally an invaluable advantage.

The two immediately reached an agreement.

However, the success of their plan depended on gaining the approval of the Vermilion Ape clan.

The opponent clearly knew this as well. Zai Zhen scoffed, "Allied? Subordinate clan? Have you asked if the Vermilion Ape clan agrees?"

The Red-feathered Demonic Bird raised its head and said proudly, "I will personally seek approval from the Vermilion Ape clan! This is a matter between our superior clans, so there's no need for you to concern yourself, fellow Daoist."

"You!"

The other party was clearly disrespecting his status. Rage burned in Zai Zhen's eyes, and he said angrily, "It seems you are determined to protect them!"

"You are welcome to try to make a move!"

The Red-feathered Demonic Bird retorted, showing no quarter.

Qin Sang also supported Si Lu. His Azure Phoenix manifestation spread its wings wide, and thunder boomed in the sky.

Zai Zhen's expression shifted slightly. He turned to Min Zhuo. "Brother Min, what is your intention?"

Min Zhuo's face was grim, and he gave the Azure Phoenix manifestation a deep look. "As long as you are willing to take your people and leave this place, other matters are open for discussion. I can also appropriately compensate for the demon cultivators who died by my hand earlier, considering it an explanation to both of you. Otherwise, we will certainly have another confrontation with you two in the future!"

Min Zhuo's words carried a hidden meaning, which Qin Sang understood to refer to the Azure Spirit Qi. It seemed Min Zhuo, seeing the situation was not in his favor, already had thoughts of seeking peace, which was exactly what Qin Sang wanted.

Zai Zhen secretly frowned. Min Zhuo's statements differed slightly from what he had been instructed. However, since their primary objective for this trip was largely achieved, he did not press the matter further.

After speaking, Min Zhuo waved his hand. "Let's go!"

Water mist rose beneath their feet, and their figures slowly receded.

The Azure Phoenix manifestation's eyes flashed fiercely, eager to engage. The Red-feathered Demonic Bird flew close and whispered something, seemingly advising Qin Sang to temporarily hold his tongue.

Since Qin Sang had 'allied' with Si Lu, he naturally followed his advice and coldly watched Min Zhuo and Zai Zhen retreat.

As they moved out of the Azure Phoenix manifestation's sight, Min Zhuo and Zai Zhen both felt their minds relax. Although they were the ones who set the trap, they were the ones under the most pressure.

Zai Zhen's expression shifted slightly. He cupped his hands towards the calm sea surface and said, "Many thanks for your assistance, fellow Daoist!"

The sea surface rippled slightly, and the presence instantly dissipated. The other party had quietly departed.

Min Zhuo stared at the sea surface, unable to ascertain how many people were hidden there. He murmured, "Which fellow Daoist was that, I wonder?"

Zai Zhen shook his head, offering no explanation. He said, "Let us leave quickly as well. If the other party pursues us, just the two of us would likely face dire consequences."

They immediately activated their escape light and fled westward.

Min Zhuo had too many questions. He had originally thought that Zai Zhen brought so many masters to lure the opponent out and surround them, but instead, they simply enacted this scene and then retreated.

Was it because they found the opponent's strength far exceeded their estimates and thus dared not make a move? Min Zhuo was truly bewildered. Was there really enmity between them?

"Brother Zai, what should we do next?" Min Zhuo couldn't help but press further.

The threat from the Storm Realm persisted, and it was more formidable than before.

What worried him most was that the next time the turbid qi receded and both sides contended for the Azure Spirit Qi, if that powerful demon cultivator personally intervened, they would very likely discover the Daiyu Immortal Mountain, and he had no strength to contend with the other party at all.

Circling back and forth, Min Zhuo realized he had no other choice but to place his hopes on Zai Zhen and the individual behind him to eliminate the opponent.

Zai Zhen wore a relaxed smile on his face, as if he had completed a certain task. He hummed in acknowledgment and said, "Brother Min, you can recall the North Sea army now. There's no need to provoke them further for the time being."

Brother Min clearly didn't want to know just this.

Zai Zhen thought for a moment and decided to reveal some information. "I cannot fully grasp the intentions of that individual. Brother Min, you might as well return and wait for news. They will certainly be of great use later. Rest assured, Brother Min, since that individual has set their sights on them, the opponent will surely have nowhere to escape..."

Meanwhile, the Azure Phoenix manifestation and the Red-feathered Demonic Bird gazed at the horizon for a long time. Their true forms quietly appeared behind them.

"It seems Min Zhuo's purpose on this trip was to gauge our strength," Si Lu said.

Min Zhuo chose to retreat this time, but that didn't mean he would give up. His next arrival might be for negotiation, or he might gather more masters; it depended on Min Zhuo's choice.

However, given the Changyou clan's foundation, inviting top-tier experts was no easy feat. They could at least enjoy a period of peace.

What they needed to do now was to find every possible way to buy time.

The main altar and the three sub-altars were nearing completion, and most of the minor troublemakers in the Storm Realm had been exposed. The next step was to consolidate the Storm Realm and fully focus on constructing the altars.

The Azure Phoenix manifestation transformed into a beam of green light and merged into his body. Qin Sang said, "I'll trouble you, fellow Daoist, to make a trip to the Vermilion Ape clan and explain this matter."

Si Lu nodded, his expression solemn. This trip was crucial, as the Vermilion Ape clan's attitude determined the success or failure of their plan.