Chapter 295
Chapter 295: Why Not?
Wang Jie smiled faintly, but soon his expression turned grave: “This was just the Nine Swords Club. Elder, if the other clubs also come at us, can we withstand them?”
Wu Yuan answered bluntly, “No, we can’t.”
Wang Jie gave a bitter smile: “Then peace is our only choice. Fortunately, the other clubs won’t work together easily. We’ll have to find our way through the chaos.”
“I suspect someone will come to us soon enough.”
Indeed, the next day, someone arrived.
Last night’s battle had displayed Black White Heaven’s formidable strength, making many wary. More importantly, Wang Jie’s true strength—equal to a Six Dao Wanderer—had been revealed, which made it difficult for others to simply capture him.
Since capturing him was no longer feasible, negotiation was their only option.
The visitor was a one-armed man who looked young but had weary, aged eyes. He came accompanied by the purple-eyed woman they’d seen before, along with five other Wandering Star Realm cultivators.
“I am Ke Mu Sheng, from the South Dipper Bridge Pillar Alliance Club.”
This man was a Hundred Star Realm cultivator.
Wu Yuan was surprised: “You’re from the South Dipper Bridge Pillar Alliance?”
Ke Mu Sheng nodded, looking directly at Wu Yuan: “I assume the Big Dipper Bridge Pillar’s only impression of us is Sincere One Dao. Indeed, Sincere One Dao dominates most of the South Dipper Bridge Pillar’s territory, but they’re not the only power there.”
Wu Yuan replied calmly: “We are aware of the South Dipper’s alliance. What brings you here?”
Ke Mu Sheng’s gaze shifted to Wang Jie: “We wish to join hands. With Wang Jie-brother’s abilities, we hope to locate the Red Moon and enter the Nan Clan.”
Wang Jie met Ke Mu Sheng’s gaze without speaking.
Wu Yuan asked carefully: “Just you and us?”
“Naturally not. There’s also the Void Phoenix Club from your Big Dipper Bridge Pillar. I’ve already discussed this with them. A three-party alliance should be enough.”
“Far from enough,” Wu Yuan bluntly countered. “All Four Great Bridge Pillars have sent representatives. Putting aside the others, Three Chan Heaven Club alone is troublesome, not to mention Bu Zou Temple and Reverse Illusion Mountain from the East Dipper Bridge Pillar. Even Sincere One Dao from your South Dipper Bridge Pillar can’t be overlooked. Three clubs alone won’t suffice.”
“Then we’ll expand the alliance further,” Ke Mu Sheng said decisively. “But I have one condition: we must exclude Sincere One Dao.”
Everyone immediately understood his true intention. All that had been said before was merely a preamble. As long as Sincere One Dao was excluded, he was willing to cooperate with anyone—perhaps even everyone.
Before Wu Yuan could respond, someone else arrived at the gates of the Accompanying Lake residence.
What a coincidence.
It was Shao Ling’er, from Sincere One Dao.
Ke Mu Sheng’s brow furrowed deeply as he turned his gaze outside.
Shao Ling’er strolled in cheerfully. Noticing Ke Mu Sheng, she rolled her eyes dramatically: “Why is it everywhere I go, there are annoying pests?”
Ke Mu Sheng brushed off her comment: “Shao Ling’er, are you here to seek an alliance?”
Without ceremony, Shao Ling’er sat directly opposite Ke Mu Sheng: “Yes, I am. What, is there a problem with that?”
Ke Mu Sheng immediately looked to Wu Yuan: “Sincere One Dao is arrogant and ruthless, even disregarding the Armor One Sect. Cooperating with them would be disadvantageous to Black White Heaven. We, however, are different. I hope Brother Wu will carefully consider.”
Shao Ling’er laughed dismissively: “What, being strong is now a crime? Foolish. If you’re looking for allies, wouldn’t you choose the strongest? Who would willingly ally with weaklings?”
“In this room, you’re the weakling,” Ke Mu Sheng replied coldly.
Shao Ling’er arched a delicate brow: “Oh really? Would you like to test that theory?”
Ke Mu Sheng stood up slowly: “Hasn’t Sincere One Dao ever considered the possibility you might not return alive?”
Shao Ling’er scoffed proudly: “You? You’re not capable of that.” Suddenly, she turned her sparkling gaze toward Wang Jie, smiling brilliantly: “Little older brother, what do you think?”
Wang Jie hadn’t expected to be suddenly thrust into the middle of their quarrel.
Ke Mu Sheng also turned his attention toward him.
Deep inside, Wang Jie absolutely did not want to ally with Sincere One Dao. After all, his ultimate goal was defeating Shu Mu Night. However, none here knew about the bitter grudge between him and Shu Mu Night.
“I’ll follow Elder’s decision,” Wang Jie finally replied.
Shao Ling’er’s smile grew even more dazzling: “Fair enough! Then let’s compete openly.” She turned to Wu Yuan: “Big Brother Wu, your thoughts?”
Wu Yuan felt a headache coming on. He had participated in numerous club activities, yet had never encountered such a complicated situation. Black White Heaven Club always kept a low profile. Why were things suddenly so high-profile now?
“Yuan Qiao Qiao from the Nine Swords Club requests an audience!” a bright, clear voice called from outside.
Wu Yuan and Wang Jie simultaneously frowned. Nine Swords Club? Those people had just attacked last night—how did they dare return now?
Even Shao Ling’er seemed astonished: “They truly have thick skin. Don’t these Ancient Sword Pillar Keepers have any shame at all? After attacking someone, they dare return here so quickly?”
Yuan Qiao Qiao’s voice drifted in clearly from outside: “The Ancient Sword Pillar Keepers always act openly and honestly. We fight if we wish to fight, make peace if we wish peace—why not? On the other hand, Sincere One Dao, led by your Star Guardian Shu Mu Night, disguised himself and brazenly stole the Armor One Sect’s bridge-building project. Such shameless behavior—we Ancient Sword Pillar Keepers wouldn’t stoop to it.”
Wang Jie raised an eyebrow—why bring that incident up now?
Shao Ling’er laughed sweetly: “Then who was it, back then, shamelessly begging at our Sincere One Dao’s doorstep for the Tai Su Essence Scripture? Wasn’t it your Ancient Sword Pillar Keepers?”
Ignoring Shao Ling’er’s taunt, the members of the Nine Swords Club walked straight in. After all, greeting was merely a courtesy—who could stop them anyway?
Yuan Qiao Qiao ignored Shao Ling’er’s remarks entirely. Her gaze briefly passed over Wang Jie before settling firmly on Wu Yuan: “We meet again, Brother Wu.”
This time, Nine Swords Club had sent only two members. One was Yuan Qiao Qiao, and the other was Shen Yan.
And Shen Yan’s gaze had never left Wang Jie from the moment he arrived.
Last night had seemed a certain victory, yet who would have imagined that this man could match Pei Lin evenly, causing the entire plan to fail at the final step. Reflecting now, it felt unbelievable that a lock force cultivator could possess such astonishing battle prowess.
Wu Yuan did not mind Yuan Qiao Qiao’s arrival.
Conflict between clubs was utterly normal. Only benefits truly mattered.
“Please, sit,” Wu Yuan nodded.
Yuan Qiao Qiao took her seat and once again fixed her gaze upon Wang Jie, her expression cool and detached as she spoke: “Your sword technique looks very familiar.”
Wang Jie’s eyes flickered. The Yi Sword Technique from Zhong Yi was known to Edge Sect, so naturally, Sword Court knew it too. [It seems this woman has set her sights on me.]
“It’s passable. I learned a few moves from Edge Sect. I participated in the great battle between Yunxi Domain and Twin Wind Line,” Wang Jie explained.
Yuan Qiao Qiao was startled: “You took part in that war?”
Wang Jie smiled lightly: “I was the one who crossed the Twin Wind Line to inform Big Dipper Bridge Pillar, coordinating with the three star refining realm experts inside Yunxi Domain.” Even if he had kept this hidden, others would uncover it soon enough. He believed all the clubs were already investigating him.
Yuan Qiao Qiao stared deeply at Wang Jie, then gave a faint nod: “I see. So, the outcome of the Twin Wind Line battle largely hinged on you. Wang Jie, I’ll remember your name.”
Shao Ling’er suddenly teased: “Why bother remembering my little older brother’s name? Could it be that you wish to marry him?”
Yuan Qiao Qiao looked seriously at Shao Ling’er, replying in a steady voice: “It’s not impossible.”
With just those four words, everyone fell silent, and even Shao Ling’er had no idea how to respond.
Ke Mu Sheng finally broke the silence: “Since we are all gathered here, I assume we share the same goal. Allow me to state clearly first—my Alliance Club refuses any cooperation with Dao One Club. All others, however, are welcome.”
Shao Ling’er rolled her eyes: “Our Dao One Club wouldn’t mind cooperating with anyone,” then added playfully, “including Alliance Club.”
Wu Yuan looked toward Yuan Qiao Qiao.
Yuan Qiao Qiao spoke calmly: “Anything is fine.”
Wang Jie glanced around at everyone present. Even if they agreed among themselves, what about the others? After all, powerful clubs outside far exceeded those gathered here.
Indeed, the next moment, he felt gazes from afar. Hundred-star realm powerhouses—though they hadn’t shown themselves openly, their stance was clear.
Another set of gazes from hundred-star realm cultivators quickly followed, one after another, enveloping the Accompanying Lake Residence until it felt like even water couldn’t seep through.
At the nearby imperial palace, another group had arrived—the Guan Shan Club. Only three had come, and only these three represented their club.
Two hundred-star realm masters, and one at the full-star realm.
If Wang Jie had been present, he would have recognized this full-star realm youth immediately. Si Yao had shown him images of remarkable prodigies before—and this young man was one of them. Notably, he too was bald.
Within the entire Silver Radiance Empire, there were two bald youths Wang Jie recognized.
The Void Phoenix Club stepped out to welcome them.
Their faces were solemn, wary, even tense with unease.
Qing Xiao stood at their front, bowing slightly toward the visitors as he greeted respectfully: “Disciple Qing Xiao greets Senior Brother.”
One of the trio stepped forward, closely examining Qing Xiao, and spoke: “My name is Lan Tui.”
“Greetings, Senior Brother Lan Tui,” Qing Xiao replied politely.
“Void Mountain Range originated from our Bu Zou Guan sect, so there’s no issue calling me senior brother,” Lan Tui said calmly.
Qing Xiao asked cautiously: “Has Senior Brother also come for the Nan Clan matter?”
Lan Tui shook his head: “The Nan Clan is just incidental. I mainly wanted to see the Void Mountain Range. How is everyone faring at Big Dipper Bridge Pillar?”
Qing Xiao responded: “We’re managing. Thank you, Senior Brother, for your concern.”
Lan Tui glanced briefly toward the Ming Huang Hall disciples, meeting eyes with Su Ji Kong for a brief moment, then turned back to Qing Xiao: “If you face any difficulties, find me. The grudges of our elders shouldn’t burden us.” Saying this, he turned and left.
After their departure, Su Su quietly approached Qing Xiao: “Did you notice the bald youth?”
Qing Xiao shook his head, puzzled: “I was focused entirely on speaking with Senior Brother Lan Tui. What bald youth?”
“The full-star realm bald youth standing behind them. He feels… strange,” Su Su murmured, brows knitted in worry. “I don’t know how to explain, just that something’s off.”
She turned toward Su Ji Kong: “Cousin, what about you?”
Su Ji Kong’s expression grew deeply serious: “That youth gives me a sense of unease.”
His words sent ripples of shock through everyone present.
Su Ji Kong was a hundred-star realm expert, even among them a powerhouse. How could he feel unease toward a mere full-star realm cultivator? This was even more incredible than Wang Jie—a full-star realm cultivator—becoming a Six Dao Wanderer.
Su Su’s face darkened further. Indeed, her intuition had been correct. That bald youth was anything but ordinary.
Within the Accompanying Lake Residence, representatives from various clubs had left, yet not completely. Their gazes still lingered.
Wu Yuan and his companions had never experienced such a situation.
Typically, club rivalries meant one or two secret alliances at most. Never before had their Black White Heaven Club become the center of attention for every club present.
Firstly, the Nan Clan matter was crucial—the hidden legacy was one reason, but the greater cause was curiosity. Whoever wiped out the Nan Clan could annihilate every other force at Big Dipper Bridge Pillar, except Armor One Sect, Three Chan Heaven, and Illusion World Sect. Such strength was terrifying.
Secondly, Wang Jie was the single individual most likely to find the Red Moon.
These two reasons placed them squarely at the center.
Wang Jie suddenly spoke up: “Actually, it doesn’t matter who we cooperate with. Whoever finds the Red Moon can uncover the Nan Clan. After all, if I find the Red Moon, it’s not as though only those I allow can enter.”
“They’re seeking cooperation mainly to gain the initiative.”
He smiled softly: “Yet, from the very beginning, the advantage has always been ours.”