Chapter 100: Tree Falls, Monkeys Scatter

The Eighth Prince came up with an idea to further gain Xu Yang's good graces and to make amends for his past slight against the Tianlan Sect.

He walked to the center of the battlefield and, addressing the leaders of all the major sects who had come to compete, said, "Everyone, with the fall of the Tianwu Sect today, it signifies that the once-foremost sect of Tianwu Commandery has completely become history.

Similarly, the entire commandery needs a new leader to guide everyone towards new development. I would like to hear your opinions: Which sect leader do you believe is suitable to lead Tianwu Commandery?"

As soon as the Eighth Prince finished speaking, all the sect leaders present already had an answer in mind. Among them, Dongfang Tianyu, the leader of the Sifang Gate, was the first to step forward and speak.

"Responding to the Eighth Prince, I believe that currently, the Tianlan Sect is undoubtedly the foremost sect in Tianwu Commandery!"

"Oh? Tell me your reasons!"

Dongfang Tianyu smiled and said, "The reason is simple: The Tianlan Sect has the longest legacy in the entire commandery. Although it was somewhat in decline for a period, now Xu Yang has emerged, and his strength is evident to all. Moreover, under the leadership of its current sect master, Ling Qingshu, the Tianlan Sect has recently been gradually restoring its peak strength. I believe that with the Tianlan Sect leading us in our collective development, the entire Tianwu Commandery will undoubtedly reach new heights of strength!"

Dongfang Tianyu's words immediately garnered praise from everyone present.

Naturally, he had also spoken the very words the Eighth Prince most wanted to hear.

One had to admit, his flattery was masterful.

"Tianlan Sect! Tianlan Sect!"

A deafening roar of cheers erupted. Ling Qingshu looked around, a feeling of unease rising within her. She didn't know if this atmosphere was good or bad for the Tianlan Sect, but she knew one thing: with Xu Yang present, no one would dare to provoke the Tianlan Sect easily anymore.

Xu Yang gently waved his hand, and all the cheers immediately quieted down.

"Everyone, you are too kind. Our Tianlan Sect has no intention of dominating or ruling. However, I believe that today you all understand our bottom line. If anyone dares to cross our line again or tries to exert power over the Tianlan Sect, then be prepared for destruction."

Xu Yang's words were neither humble nor overbearing, yet full of deterrence. They instantly left a deep impression of the Tianlan Sect in everyone's hearts.

"Three Princes, I believe we should move to a different location to speak."

"Please!"

The Third Prince simply waved his hand, and a golden dragon swiftly descended from mid-air. This was the Golden Dragon Carriage, exclusive to the nobility of the Great Xia Dynasty. It served the same function as the spirit ships commonly used by cultivators, but its interior facilities were far more luxurious than ordinary spirit ships.

Before leaving, Xu Yang gave Ling Qingshu an order, telling her to take her subordinates and accompany the other sects to the Tianwu Sect's headquarters.

Xu Yang's intention in doing so was simple: to make it clear to all other sects who the true leader of Tianwu Commandery would be from now on.

"Ancestor, rest assured, I know what to do!"

After receiving the order, Ling Qingshu immediately disappeared from her spot.

Then, Xu Yang and Huang Tian accompanied the three princes into the Golden Dragon Carriage.

"My heavens! As expected of the princes' exclusive carriage, this Golden Dragon Carriage truly is extraordinary!"

The Third Prince glanced at Huang Tian and smiled, saying, "If Your Excellency likes it, I can arrange a special one for you."

Huang Tian laughed heartily and shook his head. "Let's forget about it; I'm not of that rank. If you truly want to arrange one, it should be for Xu Yang; I wouldn't have any use for it."

Though Old Man Huang Tian was usually carefree, he truly had no desire for such external possessions anymore.

The Third Prince ordered the finest Snowtop Silver Dew tea to be prepared for Huang Tian and Xu Yang, and two days later, he invited them to be seated.

"Your Excellency Xu Yang, we have already witnessed your strength. What the Great Xia Dynasty lacks most are top talents like you. Tell us, what conditions do you require for a long-term cooperation with us?"

The Third Prince went straight to the point. He was always a decisive and straightforward person who disliked beating around the bush. This direct manner of speaking also allowed him to stand out among the three princes and immediately capture Xu Yang's attention.

Xu Yang chuckled, naturally not playing coy either.

"Forgive my directness, but if what you need is merely a subservient vassal, then I apologize, I would find that very difficult to do. However, if you merely wish to cooperate with me, there are many ways to do so. I will express my sincerity, but the dynasty must also provide sufficient benefits to the Tianlan Sect."

The three princes exchanged glances. They all understood Xu Yang's meaning.

"Tell us, if it is within our authority, we will certainly not refuse!"

Xu Yang calmly nodded. "I require three conditions. If you can meet them, then I will agree to your request for cooperation on behalf of the Tianlan Sect."

"First, I need a cultivation cave. It must have ten-thousand-year profound ice and Nine Heavens Lotus Spring water!"

The Third Prince smiled slightly. "May I know its purpose?"

Xu Yang had no intention of concealing this.

"To be honest, Third Prince, I want to revive someone. This person is my disciple and is very important to me. I must bring her back to life. Furthermore, this matter also concerns the future fate of the entire Tianlan Sect. You must understand that only when the Tianlan Sect reaches a higher level can the Great Xia Dynasty benefit."

The Third Prince nodded gently. "No problem, I agree. However, it will require one week to prepare. I will certainly fulfill this promise within a week."

Xu Yang nodded. "Then I thank the Third Prince."

"My second condition is this: The Tianlan Sect will officially be incorporated under the jurisdiction of the Great Xia Dynasty, but all cultivation sects throughout the dynasty must obey the unified command of the Tianlan Sect. All forces within this jurisdiction must defer to our Tianlan Sect. Once we issue an order, all sects within that scope must strictly execute it. I require a token or decree to ensure that my commands carry sufficient weight."

"No problem, we can meet this condition as well. However, there's a prerequisite: if you make them do anything that violates the Great Xia Dynasty's laws, then you must bear the corresponding consequences."

"Naturally."

In fact, Xu Yang proposed this condition to further solidify the Tianlan Sect's status within the Great Xia Dynasty. With the dynasty's imperial authority as a shield, he would have no worries even if he left Daqi Province in the future.

Xu Yang was doing this to pave the way for Ling Qingshu.

As for the third requirement, Xu Yang did not give an immediate answer. He merely stated that the Great Xia Dynasty owed the Tianlan Sect a favor, and if the need arose in the future, the dynasty simply had to honor it.

The three princes agreed to Xu Yang's requests one by one. This accommodating attitude greatly pleased Xu Yang. However, Xu Yang also knew that their unified attitude surely implied they had ulterior motives concerning him.

"Alright, my conditions have been presented. As a basis for an equal exchange, I will also agree to do three things for you. Each of the three princes can make one request of me. As long as it is within my ability, I will certainly fulfill it."