Zhang Jian’s eyes held a cold smile.
Want to snatch a marriage alliance from Madam Zhang? Then he might as well go and steal theirs first.
First, cut off their arm.
...
Ancient Qian Province, Five Elements Mountain
Five Elements Mountain is also an ancient divine mountain, rumored to have been formed by the Innate Dao with the essence of the Five Elements and the workings of creation.
The Five Elements Immortal Sect, occupying this place, was once incredibly powerful.
During the Middle Ages, more than one high-tier Immortal emerged from their ranks, but disaster struck, leading to the downfall of many strong figures or forcing them to flee, and the sect faced near extinction.
In the Five Elements Celestial King Hall, several grand figures gathered in the grand hall.
Seated at the head was a powerful True Immortal of the Five Elements Immortal Sect, De Yang Ancestor.
Beside him were Houyang Ancestor, Qi Yang Ancestor, and Nine Elements Ancestor, three Primordial Spirit True Monarchs.
Next was Wan Yang True Monarch, the sect leader.
A sect’s Dao lineage capable of fostering five Primordial Spirit True Monarchs speaks volumes to the Five Elements Immortal Sect’s power, surpassing other sects.
However, the other Primordial Spirit True Monarchs were somewhat worried about Wan Yang True Monarch’s decisions.
De Yang Ancestor supported the decision, though.
Wan Yang True Monarch’s eyes glinted fiercely as he spoke.
"The intent of the Tongshan Dao Lineage is now clear. They aim to dominate the Divine Land, which would end our path of ascension. Who knows how long the Tongshan Dao Lineage intends to rule? Once they do, achieving an Immortal Body will remain an illusion. Are we willing to live under Tongshan Dao Lineage’s thumb, constantly on edge?"
Houyang Ancestor’s eyes flickered with a strange light.
After becoming a Primordial Spirit True Monarch, one’s lifespan is long, so waiting is possible. The concern is being dragged into service by Tongshan Dao Lineage as mere pawns, which would be troublesome.
Nonetheless, deep down, Houyang Ancestor also supported Wan Yang True Monarch.
Still, he said, "But the Ji Family might not be kind either. Even if we want to ally with them, would they necessarily agree?"
Houyang Ancestor secretly worried about becoming a chess piece for the Ji Family.
The Five Elements Immortal Sect seeks Ji Family’s involvement as a strong ally, but they undoubtedly have their own motives.
Wan Yang True Monarch appeared middle-aged, with an average build.
His face was fair with slight facial hair, his attire was simple, and he was quite handsome. He smiled slightly upon hearing these words.
"It’s not just the Ji Family. Other Saint King’s Families, True Immortal Clans, and even the ancient deities from the Barbaric Region don’t want to see Tongshan Dao Lineage monopolize East Suspended Divine Continent. All major factions are hastily forming alliances, seeking warmth through unity!"
"The Ji Family has produced more than one Saint King and is a giant among the Eight Great Saint King Families. If our Five Elements Immortal Sect can secure their support, it would be enough to deter Tongshan Dao Lineage!"
"As for the conditions, I’ve already negotiated them. Ji Yao from the Ji Family has taken a liking to Bingyun. They’ve offered that if Bingyun joins the Ji Family, they will naturally have a reason to protect the Five Elements Immortal Sect!"
"Bingyun?"
Hearing these words from Wan Yang True Monarch, the True Monarchs in the hall all had gloomy expressions, their eyes filled with anger.
In the past thousand years, Meng Bingyun was the most outstanding talent of the Five Elements Immortal Sect, possessing a special Innate Dao Body. Within two hundred years of cultivation, she had already reached the realm of the Yin Spirit Venerable.
She was an exceptional True Seed of the Five Elements Immortal Sect, perfectly aligned with the sect’s cultivation techniques.
"The Ji Family’s appetite is not small, using a mere concubine’s son to marry my sect’s Immortal Seed; it’s somewhat outrageous!"
The usually silent Qi Yang Ancestor’s eyes flashed with thunderous anger.
Meng Bingyun was the favorite disciple under his tutelage.
To take Meng Bingyun away would be to take a piece of his heart.
"Sect Leader, I cannot agree to this!"
"Senior brother, this concerns the sect’s millennia-long strategy. Please, consider the bigger picture!"
Wan Yang True Monarch, seeing Qi Yang Ancestor about to explode, quickly wore a sincere expression.
"Senior brother Qi Yang, I understand. Bingyun is like a daughter to you, brought up closely under your guidance. But the sect’s survival hinges on the Ji Family’s support. Bingyun is your kin, but she’s also the future of our sect. Unless absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t entertain such thoughts!"
The other two Primordial Spirit True Monarchs silently observed.
Qi Yang Ancestor’s face was icy as he faintly glanced at Wan Yang True Monarch.
"Junior brother, but listen—Ji Yao is merely a concubine’s child under the Ji Family Patriarch. Even if his maternal clan is influential, he’s not the legitimate heir and has limited resources. He may not treat Bingyun well, and this action might be seen as demeaning our sect. If anything happens to our sect, would he even keep his promise?"
Qi Yang Ancestor’s eyes became cold as he looked at Wan Yang True Monarch, who was frowning.
"Junior brother, letting Bingyun marry is not impossible, but it should at least be to a young hero, not a mediocre concubine’s son!"
"This..."
Wan Yang True Monarch’s eyes flickered with a strange light; he couldn’t exactly reveal that he had already accepted the benefits from the other party, so he was about to persuade further.
Just then, a leisurely voice echoed from the depths of the void.
"True Monarch Qi Yang is exactly right. Why waste your talents to flatter the Ji Family, when it’s likely they don’t appreciate your offerings? Instead, cozy up to our Tongshan Dao Lineage’s warmth. Our Great Xia Dynasty is newly established, and the Palace of the Imperial Harem also needs people. In my opinion, why not join our Great Xia’s imperial court?!"
The cool voice carried a bit of mockery.
As these words were spoken, all five individuals in the hall rose. De Yang Ancestor’s eyes gazed towards the depths of the void, his voice solemn.