"The most important thing is Mount Tai."
Once those words were spoken, everyone present fell silent. They lowered their heads, none choosing to respond immediately. It seemed as though a private calculation was hidden in everyone's heart.
As for what it was, only they themselves knew.
"You're right. Mount Tai is of paramount importance; slaying Lu Yuan is merely incidental. However, when the time comes, as for that item, I believe the capable should possess it." At this moment, the Ji Clan Third Ancestor spoke. Though a smile played across his face, it carried an aura of majesty.
Those words made it clear that the cooperation between the two sides was only temporary. Once a critical juncture arrived and the issue of dividing the spoils arose, their only recourse would be an outright battle. This was completely normal. Except in cases of true subjugation and vassalage, alliances between great clans of the star sectors were essentially fragile, shattering at the slightest impact—just like the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan now. In the past, they never would have chosen to cooperate. Both were powerful entities ranked in the top ten, possessing numerous experts and terrifying foundations; neither was weaker than the other in that regard.
Yet precisely because of Lu Yuan's emergence, the two sides had come together, knowing full well that this man was troublesome. Moreover, with the Jiang clan backing him, dealing with him without cooperation would indeed be difficult.
At the very least, neither side was willing to offend the Jiang clan alone.
"Of course. Brother Ji, please rest assured on that point," the old man of the Eternal Clan spoke as well, also with a smile on his face.
To him, certain things naturally belonged to whoever was most capable. Thus, there was nothing to argue about.
Soon, however, he spoke again: "Aside from that item, there is Mount Tai. This mountain range is heavily documented in ancient records and is of supreme importance. If one can occupy it, the chances of obtaining that wisp of great era providence will be all the higher.
"When the time comes, after Lu Yuan is slain and that so-called Heavenly Court is wiped out, who shall take control of Mount Tai?"
This was another sharp question, yet it had to be brought into the open.
After all, if matters were not settled, how could they cooperate with peace of mind afterward? What if a conflict broke out between the two sides along the way?
One had to know that they were not the only great cosmic clans descending. There were several other entities of the same tier; if anything went wrong, someone would take advantage of the opening.
Mount Tai in particular had countless eyes fixed upon it.
"Shared governance, with neither side in the lead. How about that?" Hearing this question, the Ji Clan Third Ancestor immediately responded. Although he had not notified the clan of this, he possessed full authority to decide, and the Ji clan had never intended to occupy Mount Tai alone.
The place was too special; no one would let it go, and even the Ji clan's reputation could not intimidate everyone.
But with a partner, things would be different. Of course, that also depended on what the Eternal Clan thought.
If the other party did not agree, there would be nothing left to discuss, and the matter would require long-term planning.
"That aligns with our clan master's thoughts.
"Then once we seize Mount Tai, we shall control it together," the old man of the Eternal Clan agreed without hesitation upon hearing this.
As time passed, the situation in this world was growing increasingly chaotic, making it difficult for a single faction to keep things under control. Having an ally would make matters vastly easier. As for the Bliss Star Sector, outside rumors claimed it was a three-way alliance, yet here they did not touch upon certain extremely sensitive topics.
Neither the Ji clan nor the Eternal Clan exchanged glances over this matter, for there was no need. The other party had already made it clear that they were only interested in Lu Yuan and cared nothing for the rest.
"In that case, it is settled. The capable shall possess that item.
"As for Mount Tai, both sides will manage it together." The Ji Clan Third Ancestor stood up, a smile on his face.
"Good. Then when do we make our move? Given Lu Yuan's talent, we cannot afford to wait too long. Otherwise, he will truly become a grave menace," the elder of the Eternal Clan said.
Both sides now took Lu Yuan very seriously. There was simply no helping it; his growth was far too swift. Fortunately, the influence of the Severance of Heaven and Earth had completely vanished, allowing stronger individuals to descend.
Otherwise, if they were merely at the same realm or one realm higher, they would truly be helpless to resolve anything.
"No rush," the Ji Clan Third Ancestor said with a nod. "Jiang Huanyun is too strong. The two of us can only manage to barely suppress him. If the Jiang clan has further hidden cards, things will become very difficult. Therefore, we must await word from the Bliss Star Sector. Those bald donkeys possess the most profound and wondrous methods. Only with them joining in can we truly ensure nothing goes awry."
Even he had to acknowledge the might of the Bliss Star Sector. It was recognized across the entire star sector.
Yet upon hearing these words, the people of the Eternal Clan looked somewhat displeased. The reason was quite simple.
Back then, they had suffered a massive loss at the hands of the Bliss Star Sector. It was the first time the Eternal Star Sector had ever encountered such a thing.
Considered a humiliating disgrace, it was essentially a taboo, something never spoken of under normal circumstances. But there was nothing to be done; the Bliss Star Sector was simply too powerful, and going to war with them would trigger a catastrophic disaster.
Furthermore, the one speaking of it now was the Ji clan. Thus, the people of the Eternal Star Sector held their tongues.
"Very well. Then we shall wait until they are ready," the old man finally said.
Shortly after, the two sides discussed a few more details before going their separate ways.
The next time they reunited would be the moment they moved against Lu Yuan.
Meanwhile, on Mount Tai.
The forces of the Heavenly Court were cultivating just as before. Zhu Qingyu and the other members of the younger generation were absent, out patrolling the five super cities, which also served as training for themselves.
It could be said that all the structural frameworks of the Heavenly Court were now established, with everyone fulfilling their duties. Every time Jiang Huanyun witnessed this, he could not help but sigh in admiration. He knew full well that under such conditions, the Heavenly Court would sooner or later grow into a formidable force, perhaps even restoring the glory of ancient times.
Of course, exactly how far it could go remained unknown.
Elsewhere, inside a room, Lu Yuan sat quietly in cross-legged meditation.
At this moment, beyond his golden blood energy, a certain peculiar aura swirled around him. His entire being carried an ethereal, transcendent presence that defied explanation.
A closer look would reveal an incomparably vast power dwelling within his body, one that would be terrifying should it erupt.
"After completely refining the two cauldrons, the power of providence seems to have had quite an effect on me," Lu Yuan murmured softly as he opened his eyes, a look of wonder flitting through them.
He could sense his cultivation realm steadily rising. The speed appeared slow, but that was only in isolation.
Compared to others in the same realm, it was utterly frightening. Under normal circumstances, after entering the Immortal Realm, making further progress required vast amounts of time. Yet right now, Lu Yuan did not seem to need that at all!
Chapter 382