Chapter 1339: Traditional Values Must Not Be Lost

For Haitang, it was undoubtedly a difficult decision: should she consolidate their current achievements and comfortably settle for second place, or redouble their efforts, try to advance further, and strive for first? She also knew her choice would impact the development of their realm for the next fifty years.

However difficult, a decision ultimately had to be made.

After only a brief pause, she declared, "Let's go for the fourth spirit orb!"

They already possessed three orbs, and currently, only six spirit orbs had appeared in the Black Abyss. This meant they still had three more opportunities!

With some luck, they might just manage to snatch one.

Most importantly, the Eastern faction had never had such a favorable opportunity in all these years. If they missed this chance, who knew when they would next be able to contend for first place.

Although Haitang was a woman, she was wholeheartedly committed to her realm.

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Eastern faction agreed. They clearly favored making another attempt, their thoughts mirroring Haitang's. Of course, this was also due to Lu Ye's recent display of immense strength.

Instantly killing a Mid-Constellation cultivator with a single strike, even if the opponent had been careless, indicated that Lu Ye's strength was likely comparable to a Late-Constellation cultivator. This almost equalized the difference at that level with the other two factions. Therefore, even if their overall strength was still less than the others, the disparity was no longer as significant.

Trying was worthwhile; even if they failed, there would be no significant loss.

As the Eastern faction made their decision, a figure swiftly flew through the Black Abyss. It was Ye Chaoqun from the Western faction. However, he did not fly towards his own camp; instead, he headed for the Southern camp, his intentions unclear.

A moment later, he halted as a stream of light approached from ahead; it was the nine cultivators from the Southern faction.

From a distance, the Southern faction clearly saw Ye Chaoqun's figure, and by observing the spiritual energy fluctuations around him, they easily recognized his identity.

If they were in the midst of contending for a spirit orb, the Southern faction would undoubtedly attack without hesitation, first surrounding and eliminating Ye Chaoqun.

However, since no new spirit orbs had emerged, the Southern faction harbored no intent to kill. Furthermore, Ye Chaoqun's demeanor clearly suggested he wasn't there for a confrontation.

After a brief contemplation, the Late-Constellation cultivator from the Southern faction instructed his group to wait in place, then he, alone, moved out of their formation to meet Ye Chaoqun.

A moment later, he stopped a few miles from Ye Chaoqun, cupped his fist slightly, and announced, "Duan Xiuchen!"

Ye Chaoqun returned the gesture and introduced himself as well.

Duan Xiuchen gazed meaningfully at Ye Chaoqun. "Brother Ye, what brings you here?"

Ye Chaoqun replied concisely, "An alliance!"

Duan Xiuchen exclaimed in great surprise, his expression slightly exaggerated. "And who might this enemy be?"

"The Eastern faction, of course!"

Duan Xiuchen looked puzzled. "Brother Ye wishes to form an alliance with me to confront the Eastern faction? Did I hear that correctly?"

Ye Chaoqun naturally understood Duan Xiuchen's thoughts. Had it not been for the recent battle, he too would not have taken seriously any sudden offer of alliance from the Southern faction.

How could such a weak Eastern faction possibly require an alliance of the other two? Either faction could easily crush them on their own.

Yet, in reality, only by having experienced the recent battle could one truly understand that the seemingly fragile Eastern faction was not as straightforward as it appeared. A formidable, dangerous entity was hidden within their nine-person lineup!

"Precisely!" Ye Chaoqun nodded.

Duan Xiuchen burst into laughter. "Impossible, absolutely impossible! Our Southern faction and the Eastern faction share an extremely solid alliance. The Eastern faction is our close friend, our kin, our sworn brother. How could we turn against them simply because of a few words from your Western faction? If word of this spread, wouldn't people say our Southern faction is untrustworthy and acts like scoundrels!"

Setting aside other points, the Southern and Eastern factions had cooperated quite successfully before, with each securing a spirit orb, much to the Western faction's frustration.

Thus, Duan Xiuchen believed their alliance with the Eastern faction could continue.

Conversely, Ye Chaoqun's arrival was baffling. He seemed to come alone, appearing sincere, yet who knew what schemes he was concocting? He might even be attempting to sabotage the alliance between the Southern and Eastern factions.

Given these considerations, Duan Xiuchen could not casually agree to Ye Chaoqun's proposal.

Throughout all past martial arts practices, the three factions of the minor race had to contend with both bravery and cunning within the Black Abyss. The strategic alliances and maneuvers among them severely tested the wisdom of each leader.

Ye Chaoqun sighed. "The Eastern faction already possesses three orbs!"

Duan Xiuchen retorted, "I was just about to ask you, what exactly is the Western faction doing? How did you let the Eastern faction snatch that spirit orb?"

Earlier, when the Western faction disengaged from their skirmish and raced towards the newly manifested spirit orb, the Southern faction had assumed the orb would fall into Western hands. To their utter surprise, the final outcome was completely unexpected: the orb showed no signs of moving towards the Western camp; instead, it steadily gravitated towards the Eastern camp.

It was now clearly secured there.

Ye Chaoqun did not answer directly but instead asked, "Daoist Duan, what do you think of the strength of my six Western cultivators?"

He didn't mention nine people, only six, clearly referring to the lineup they had when they last separated from the Southern faction.

Duan Xiuchen replied seriously, "Very strong. If your six had continued to engage us, our Southern faction would have had no choice but to trade lives to send you all back to your camp."

At that time, the spirit orb was closer to the Southern camp, making a life-for-life trade advantageous for the Southern faction. In fact, Duan Xiuchen had been prepared to execute this plan, but the sudden appearance of the sixth spirit orb and the retreat of the six Western cultivators prevented its implementation.

Ye Chaoqun stated, "But my six were utterly decimated by the Eastern faction. Had I not seen the grim situation and fled quickly, I would likely have been reborn as well."

Duan Xiuchen's expression was one of shock. "Is that true?"

"Absolutely true!"

"Impossible!" Duan Xiuchen's face was etched with disbelief. He was well aware of the capabilities of those six Western cultivators—one Late-stage, two Mid-stage, and three Early-stage. Although outnumbered, they should have had no issue dealing with the Eastern faction. How could they have been so thoroughly defeated?

Furthermore, could the Eastern faction possibly possess such capability? That's preposterous!

This Ye Chaoqun was clearly spouting nonsense!

Knowing that Duan Xiuchen still harbored doubts, Ye Chaoqun calmly stated, "That spirit orb is now in the Eastern camp. Do you think our Western faction would have simply given up if we still had the strength to fight?"

This was indeed a point that could not be overlooked. While it was entirely possible for Ye Chaoqun to attempt to deceive and sow discord with words, no member of the minor race would likely be willing to sacrifice a spirit orb to achieve such a goal.

Duan Xiuchen, filled with suspicion, asked, "Were you truly completely wiped out by the Eastern faction?"

Ye Chaoqun, slightly annoyed, retorted, "How many times must I repeat such a humiliating fact, Daoist?"

Duan Xiuchen finally ascertained that the other party was not deceiving him. Yet, he still couldn't fathom how the Eastern faction had managed it.

A realization struck him: "Did they conceal their cultivation levels?"

Ye Chaoqun shook his head. "Their cultivation levels are precisely as they appear: one Mid-stage and eight Early-stage."

"Then did they set up formations in advance and leverage their power?"

"In the direct confrontation, no external forces were used!"

Duan Xiuchen, greatly angered, exclaimed, "I am speaking to you sincerely, Daoist. Do not try to deceive me!"

Ye Chaoqun sighed again. "Among the Eastern faction, there is an external helper who is not of our minor race. Although he only possesses Early-Constellation cultivation, he wields Late-Constellation strength. One of our Western Mid-Constellation cultivators was killed by him with a single strike. With this, Daoist, you should understand why our Western faction suffered such a crushing defeat."

"Early-Constellation cultivation, Late-Constellation strength... the fellow with the saber?" Duan Xiuchen strained to recall, and Lu Ye's face immediately came to mind. He remembered that it was this person who had approached him earlier to form the alliance between their two factions. Even then, he had suspected this individual was not of the minor race, and now it was confirmed.

He exclaimed indignantly, "The Eastern faction is truly shameless for bringing in an external helper!"

For the minor race, it was impossible for an Early-stage cultivator to possess Late-stage strength due to the limitations of their cultivation system. However, if they were from an external race, it would be comprehensible, especially humans, from whom extraordinary individuals often emerged.

Ye Chaoqun stated, "The Eastern faction has been weak for many years and lacks a large number of Constellation realm cultivators, so occasionally inviting one or two external helpers is not unheard of. Regardless of that, the crucial point now is to re-evaluate the Eastern faction's strength and the threat they present."

Earlier, upon leaving the Eastern faction's area, Ye Chaoqun had contemplated concealing the true situation, hoping the uninformed Southern faction would clash with the Eastern faction, allowing the Western faction to capitalize.

However, after careful consideration, he realized this approach was unreliable, especially since the Southern and Eastern factions had already cooperated once. If his plot failed, these two might join forces again to target the Western faction, which would only exacerbate their difficulties.

Therefore, after much deliberation, he concluded that allying with the Southern faction was the best course of action.

This was why he had specifically sought out the Southern faction and laid all the facts before them.

Duan Xiuchen burst into laughter. "My Southern allies are so formidable, and we share a history of cooperation. Why would I not join forces with them again, but instead come to collude with your Western faction?"

Ye Chaoqun reiterated, "Because the Eastern faction already has three orbs!"

Duan Xiuchen's laughter ceased, and his expression became serious. "Continue!"

Ye Chaoqun, knowing that Duan Xiuchen was already considering his proposal, struck while the iron was hot. "In this martial arts practice, the Eastern faction appears to be the weakest, not just by a small margin compared to our two factions. Yet, they now possess three orbs. In contrast, the Southern faction has two, and my Western faction has only one. If this continues, the Eastern faction will, at minimum, secure second place. Then, which of our two factions will take first, and who will fall to last? We might end up fighting each other to the death, potentially allowing the Eastern faction to benefit from our struggle. If they truly seize the opportunity to claim first place, what honor would our Southern and Western factions have? Furthermore, once we exit the Black Abyss and face the inquiries of the Sun-Illuminated Martial Uncles, how will we explain ourselves? Will we say that our powerful lineup couldn't defeat a team led by a Mid-stage cultivator from the Eastern faction? Some explanations are simply too humiliating to give."

"Daoist Ye, are you implying..."

Ye Chaoqun stated, "Historically, it has always been our two factions vying for first and second place. Since the Eastern faction has maintained third place for so many years, let them continue to do so! We cannot abandon such a well-established tradition."

Duan Xiuchen raised an eyebrow. "But the Eastern faction already possesses three orbs!"

Ye Chaoqun calmly replied, "It's not as if we can't reclaim them..."