Chapter 1345: Huangfu Rui's Purpose

It is customary not to offend someone who greets you with a smile or offers you a gift.

All visitors were treated as guests, and despite any past grievances, everyone maintained a harmonious atmosphere outwardly.

Once all the guests had arrived, Wang Qingshan commenced his sermon as planned. For low-level cultivators, such an opportunity was rare, so they listened with exceptional attention, afraid of missing even a single word.

More than an hour later, Wang Qingshan concluded his sermon and began chatting with the Nascent Soul cultivators in attendance. Wang Qingling and other members of the Wang family also started conversing with the guests.

"Fellow Daoist Wang, I heard that a few years ago, the demon race sent people to retaliate against your Wang family. Was it really the demon race who did it?" Li Jiong suddenly spoke, his tone tinged with suspicion.

The Wang family didn't want to escalate the matter and had blamed the demon race. However, if the Sun Moon Palace genuinely wished to investigate, they would undoubtedly discover the truth.

Wang Changsheng glanced at Dai Ren, who maintained a normal expression.

He had already informed Dai Ren of the situation: Yellow Dragon Island had provoked the Wang family first, and the Wang family had merely retaliated defensively. Although Dai Ren supported the Wang family, he also didn't wish for the Wang family to escalate the situation, which could implicate the Ten Thousand Swords Sect.

"Precisely, but unfortunately, we couldn't capture anyone alive," Wang Changsheng admitted readily. He assumed Li Jiong wasn't here to demand an explanation; otherwise, he wouldn't have come at this time.

"Humans and demons have been mortal enemies since ancient times. The Green Lotus Immortals previously eliminated several Nascent Soul-stage demons, so it's only natural for the demon race to seek revenge. Even if humans act as accomplices and serve the demon race, they deserve death." Dai Ren stated unequivocally, settling the matter.

If Li Jiong didn't deny it in front of so many people, it would be tantamount to tacitly agreeing.

"If it was indeed the work of the demon race, they certainly deserve death. The demon race is indeed somewhat restless. We humans should work together and not fight amongst ourselves; otherwise, we would be giving the demon race an opportunity and would be sinners against humanity. Fellow Daoist Wang, Fellow Daoist Dai, don't you agree?" Li Jiong said with a half-smile, emphasizing his words when he mentioned "fighting amongst ourselves." He neither affirmed Wang Changsheng's and Dai Ren's statements nor explicitly denied them. His implication was that he didn't want Wang Changsheng to escalate the matter, subtly warning him not to target forces associated with the Sun Moon Palace. The Sun Moon Palace had shown the Wang family great respect by sending Li Jiong to Wang Qingshan's Nascent Soul Ceremony. If the Wang family did not understand how to act, they should not blame the Sun Moon Palace for resorting to less courteous means later, after initial civility.

"If others don't offend me, I won't offend them. If the demon race retaliates against us, we can retaliate against them," Dai Ren said meaningfully. The "demon race" in his words referred to the Sun Moon Palace; if the Sun Moon Palace targeted the Wang family over Yellow Dragon Island, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect would certainly not stand idly by. It was a clear "an eye for an eye" philosophy.

"That's true, but it's better to resolve enmities than to create them. Fellow Daoist Wang, you've already killed those sent by the demon race for revenge, and that's that. The two Palace Masters hope you won't act impulsively. The demon race should not cause further trouble. Sometimes, stepping back opens up vast possibilities; it's not always necessary to fight to the death. After a major war, we should still do business with the demon race as usual." Li Jiong said with a half-smile. Outsiders were completely bewildered by his words, but Wang Changsheng and Dai Ren understood perfectly. It seemed the Sun Moon Palace had investigated the truth and wished neither to escalate the matter nor for the Wang family to press their advantage.

"Fellow Daoist Li is right; cooperation for mutual benefit is key, there's no need to fight to the death," Wang Changsheng heartily agreed. The Wang family's strength was still relatively weak, and although they had inherited many valuable traditions, what they needed most was time to cultivate more Core Formation cultivators. Only then would the Wang family be better prepared to cope, even if conflicts arose in the future.

"Haha, with Fellow Daoist Wang's words, I am relieved. I'd like to propose a toast to you with this cup of wine." Li Jiong gave a hearty laugh, raised his cup, and toasted Wang Changsheng, who promptly returned the toast.

The cultivators clinked cups and chatted casually.

Three hours later, the Nascent Soul Ceremony concluded. Wang Mengfen arranged accommodations for Li Jiong and the others, who temporarily stayed on Green Lotus Island.

At Green Lotus Peak, Wang Changsheng, Wang Ruyan, and Dai Ren sat in a stone pavilion, drinking tea and chatting. The Ten Thousand Swords Sect had sent many precious gifts, which certainly wasn't out of pure goodwill.

After a few minutes of small talk, Dai Ren got straight to the point: "Fellow Daoist Wang, I heard you possess a Five Dragons Token. Did your family members enter the Five Dragons Secret Realm?"

"Precisely. Fellow Daoist Dai, please speak your mind," Wang Changsheng said calmly, thinking to himself, "As expected, there's an ulterior motive. What's bound to come will come."

"It's nothing. We, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, are not interested in what you acquired. However, we want you to understand that without our support, you wouldn't have been able to secure such a large territory in the Five Dragons Sea. With the Ten Thousand Swords Sect backing you, even if the Sun Moon Palace retaliates against your Wang family over Yellow Dragon Island, we will not stand idly by." Dai Ren heavily emphasized the word "backing," reminding the Green Lotus Immortals that the Ten Thousand Swords Sect was the Wang family's true supporter and they should not forget their roots.

"Naturally, if your esteemed sect ever needs our assistance, we will certainly do our best," Wang Ruyan said somewhat ambiguously. While the Ten Thousand Swords Sect was the Wang family's patron, it didn't mean the Wang family would blindly follow orders, especially if it meant certain death.

"Your word is enough. When we need your help, we will contact you. Li Jiong, that old fellow, came to offer congratulations in person; this was a gesture of civility before potential force. For now, do not cause trouble for the Lu family. Matters involving the Sun Moon Palace must be handled with extreme caution. We do support your Wang family, but it depends on the circumstances." The Ten Thousand Swords Sect did not want the Wang family to cause frequent trouble and bring unnecessary problems to them.

"Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Dai, we know what to do," Wang Changsheng readily agreed. He planned to enter secluded cultivation for a period and naturally wouldn't proactively seek trouble.

"That's good then. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't stay any longer. Farewell."

After seeing Dai Ren off, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan went to Huangfu Rui's residence. Huangfu Rui's personal visit was unexpected for both Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Huangfu Rui stated his intention: "Fellow Daoist Wang, I wish to arrange a marriage alliance with your Wang family. What are your thoughts on this?"

The Huangfu family had discovered a treasure in the Fallen Immortal Ice Plain. For various reasons, a fourth-tier ice-attribute flood dragon was required to retrieve it. If the Huangfu family and the Wang family became in-laws, they might be able to borrow Wang Qingling's Ice Wind Flood Dragon to retrieve the treasure. If not, cooperation was also an option.

"A marriage alliance?" Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan were slightly taken aback. To be honest, the Huangfu family and the Wang family had little prior connection, with only a handful of interactions. Huangfu Rui's sudden proposal for a marriage alliance was truly unexpected.

"Let me be frank! We discovered a treasure in the Fallen Immortal Ice Plain, and we need your niece's flood dragon to help retrieve it. This matter would be beneficial for both our families," Huangfu Rui said sincerely. He knew that if he didn't explain clearly, the Wang family might not agree. Beyond the treasure retrieval, the Wang family possessed an extensive network of connections, with forces from all corners attending the ceremony. A marriage alliance with the Wang family would also be advantageous for the Huangfu family. While the Huangfu family had numerous in-laws, only those with significant strength truly earned their regard. For the Huangfu family, powerful in-laws were considered true in-laws, while weaker ones were merely distant relatives—this was their guiding principle.

Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan appeared thoughtful, weighing the pros and cons of the proposal.

"Fellow Daoist Huangfu, do you intend to acquire Qingling's Ice Wind Flood Dragon?"

Huangfu Rui shook his head and said, "Of course not. Since we would be in-laws, we could cooperate to retrieve the treasure."