"No past grievances?"
Sima Chengdao suddenly let out a low, hoarse sneer that sounded like the cry of a night owl. "Daoist Friend Liu, let us not speak in riddles.
Do you really think we are unaware of the Zhao Family relocating their branch to Dongxi?
We also know a fair bit about the situation in your Great Liang.
Even though the main lineage of the Zhao Family is still in your Great Liang, their Providence has already aligned with the Xu Family. Their presence makes no difference.
While they are not a true Golden Core Aristocratic Family.
They are still at the absolute pinnacle right below that level.
This shift in Providence is surely enough to make your Great Liang suffer a significant blow to its national fortune, is it not?"
Under his imperial crown, Liu Qiankun imperceptibly furrowed his brows.
The three families had dominated the Land of Imprisonment for over a millennium.
While they did not know everything about one another, they could still guess a thing or two about each other's hidden trump cards.
It was precisely because of this Three-Way Standoff.
That the Land of Imprisonment had generally remained in a state of balance for the past thousand years.
Seeing this, Cao Jiyi seized the opportunity to add, "The chances of the Xu Family surviving this Thousand-Year Great Tribulation are likely much higher than any of our three families!
If they make it through safely while our three families suffer heavy losses.
When that time comes, do you really believe the Xu Family will pass up such a godsent opportunity to settle old scores and swallow our territories to expand their own?"
"Would either of you let such a chance slip by?"
Cao Jiyi continued, "To be frank with you both, if my Cao Clan ever gets the chance to unify this Land of Imprisonment, we absolutely will not show any mercy."
A brief, deathly silence fell over the hall.
They certainly did not believe the Xu Family would be magnanimous!
During the last Great Tribulation.
Had their three families not acted in the exact same manner?
They had used the chaos to eradicate dissidents and strengthen themselves.
If they had not done so, the three families would never have enjoyed five hundred years of prosperity.
After a long moment, Sima Chengdao lifted his eyelids and looked at Cao Jiyi.
A calculating gleam flickered in his eyes. "Daoist Friend Cao, you have talked in a very large circle. You might as well speak plainly about your true goal."
"An alliance of our three families!"
Cao Jiyi leaned forward slightly, enunciating every word clearly. "A truly tight-knit alliance, bound by a Blood Oath, established to resist this Great Tribulation and to jointly crusade against the Xu Family!"
"An alliance?" Sima Chengdao sneered coldly. "Do you expect my Sima Family to abandon Demon-Controlling City, a foundation we have built for nearly a thousand years?
Or are you asking Daoist Friend Liu to discard the vast territories of Great Liang?
Furthermore, in this alliance, who will be the master and who will be the subordinate?
And which family's territory will serve as the base of operations to weather the Thousand-Year Great Tribulation?
Don't tell me you are going to suggest your Great Wei?"
"Not at all."
Cao Jiyi shook his head. "Foundations and cities are nothing but dead objects.
No one knows better than our three families just how tragic and brutal the Thousand-Year Great Tribulation can be.
Despite all the Xu Family's preparations, they likely know very little.
This time, simply preserving our core Heritage and elite forces will be considered a victory.
As for the survival of the Cultivators from other factions and the mortal commoners in the cities, do you truly care about their fates?
If the cities are destroyed, we will simply rebuild them after the tribulation!
No matter how devastating the Great Tribulation becomes, they will inevitably leave behind some seeds to harvest again in the future.
As long as our core strength and Inheritance remain, our three families will not perish!"
Liu Qiankun's gaze was as sharp as a sword, staring directly at Cao Jiyi. "Then, in Daoist Friend Cao's opinion, where is the most appropriate place to gather the forces of our three families?"
Cao Jiyi met his gaze openly and slowly spat out two words: "Great Liang."
Liu Qiankun's pupils constricted slightly.
"Do not be surprised, Daoist Friend Liu," Cao Jiyi continued. "While I do not know the full picture of Great Liang's state-protecting secret, I imagine it is closely tied to the Imperial Dynasty's Fortune.
If my Cao Clan and the Sima Family are willing to temporarily join Great Liang in some form during this Great Tribulation, acknowledging Great Liang as the master.
Pooling the power and Providence of our three families will surely push Great Liang's national fortune to an unprecedented peak in the short term!
By then, relying on the Heritage of your Liu imperial clan, coupled with the full support of my Cao Clan and the Sima Family to hold down one region, we will have at least a forty to fifty percent certainty of surviving the Great Tribulation!
Unless... they go entirely mad and exclusively lay siege to Great Liang.
But that is unrealistic.
After all, their goal is to sweep the Land of Imprisonment clean.
As long as they cannot break through our defenses quickly, they will inevitably leave and move elsewhere to reap their harvest."
He paused for a moment, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes. "If that happens, we can find a way to lure them toward Dongxi!
Even if the Xu Family manages to hold out in the end, their vitality will undoubtedly be severely drained.
Who knows, several of the Xu Family's Newly Advanced Golden Core Cultivators might even perish.
Once the Great Tribulation subsides somewhat, our three families will strike together to annihilate the weakened Xu Clan.
And we will carve up all of their resources!"
"The Heritage allowing the Xu Family to produce Golden Core experts one after another means they either possess a Core Formation Secret Method or have a massive amount of resources to aid in Core Formation."
Cao Jiyi's voice dripped with temptation. "It's impossible for everyone in the Xu Family to achieve Divine Ability Core Formation like Xu Mingwei, right?
If that were truly the case, then our three families might as well just sit quietly and wait for them to slaughter us."
"As for the distribution of resources after destroying the Xu Family,"
He paused briefly, his eyes shifting between Sima Chengdao and Liu Qiankun. "If the cities of my Cao Clan and the Sima Family are destroyed, we will each take an extra half-share.
If only one family's city is destroyed, they will receive an extra full share.
If neither falls, then the three families will split the spoils evenly.
What do the two Daoist Friends think of this proposal?"
Sima Chengdao stroked his beard, his eyes rippling with thought.
After a long while, he suddenly let out a burst of deep laughter. "Daoist Friend Cao, oh, Daoist Friend Cao. You usually look so remarkably dignified and righteous. I never expected that to deal with the Xu Family, you would go so far as to ally with our two families.
It seems the Xu Family has truly pushed you into a corner.
You must have had a premonition that the Xu Family won't spare your Cao Clan during this Great Tribulation, which is why you proposed this, isn't it?"
"So what if I did?" Cao Jiyi had not the slightest intention of hiding it.
"Nothing at all." The corners of Sima Chengdao's lips curled up slightly. "However... this proposal suits my desires perfectly.
All that talk about the greater good of the common people is utter nonsense!
As long as the Dao lineage of my Sima Family is unbroken and our Inheritance continues, who cares if the floods drown the heavens or if Billions of Lives are plunged into misery!
As for the Xu Family, my Sima Family does not wish to see them continue existing either.
Otherwise, my Sima Family will be swallowed up sooner or later.
If not for the fact that the Great Tribulation is already imminent, this old man would truly want to suggest we immediately gather the forces of our three families, march straight to Dongxi, and eradicate the Xu Family right now."
"So, Daoist Friend Sima, you agree?"
"My Sima Family agrees to this alliance!" Sima Chengdao declared.
Immediately after.
The gazes of both men fell upon Liu Qiankun, who had yet to state his position.
Liu Qiankun remained silent. The jade beads on his imperial crown swayed gently, masking the complex expression in his eyes.
As an emperor, he naturally had more to consider.
But Cao Jiyi's analysis had indeed hit the nail on the head.
The threat posed by the Xu Family was very real. They already had at least five Golden Core experts, and there would likely be even more in the future.
Sooner or later, there would be no place for Great Liang to stand in the Land of Imprisonment.
Moreover, the terror of the Great Tribulation was breathing down their necks.
He did not have much confidence in surviving it.
The temporary 'submission' of the Cao and Sima families meant that until the alliance ended, five-sixths of the territory in the Land of Imprisonment would fly Great Liang's flag.
This would bring an absolutely massive influx of Providence.
It could even genuinely elevate Great Liang's state-protecting artifact, the Nine Dragons Seal, to the level of a High-Grade Magic Treasure.
As long as he could properly stabilize it.
Even after the alliance dissolved, the Nine Dragons Seal would remain a true High-Grade Magic Treasure.
There would be no need to forcibly enhance its power by borrowing Providence.
Due to the unique nature of a Fortune Secret Treasure, even as a Mid-stage Golden Core Cultivator, he could draw upon Providence to unleash its full might.
Furthermore.
He was equally curious about the Xu Family's secrets and resources.
He carefully weighed the pros and cons.
After a long time, he slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, his voice returning to the calm and decisive tone of an emperor. "If that is the case, we will do as Daoist Friend Cao says.
Let us swear the Blood Oath.
For the duration of the alliance, Great Wei and Great Jin shall join my Great Liang. Our three families will work together in perfect harmony, never betraying one another.
This covenant shall stand until the Great Tribulation has passed and the Xu Family is destroyed."
A Blood Oath was unlike an Inner Demon Vow or a Dao Heart Oath, which would actively affect one's Cultivation Realm and future path.
It was much more akin to a curse.
If anyone violated the oath, they would suffer a backlash from their own Essence Blood, enduring agonizing pain worse than death.
They would suffer endlessly until their Essence Blood dried up completely and they perished.
Cao Jiyi and Sima Chengdao exchanged a glance and said in unison, "It is only right."
The three men spoke no more.
Each brought their fingers together, gesturing into the air to force out a single drop of their origin Essence Blood, allowing them to float in the center of the hall.
Using their Essence Blood as the catalyst, they forged this offensive and defensive alliance.
Once the Blood Oath was complete, the Essence Blood transformed into three streaks of light that sank back into their respective glabellas.
An invisible binding force permeated the air. Although it wasn't absolutely unbreakable, the price of violation was enough to make even a Golden Core Cultivator flinch in fear.
Liu Qiankun looked at the two and smiled faintly. "Since the covenant is forged, I will take my leave for now. I shall await your public announcements in Great Liang.
As soon as you both announce that Great Wei and Great Jin have been integrated into my Great Liang.
And lead the elites of your two cities to gather at my Great Liang's Imperial City, I will have full confidence in surviving this crisis."
With those words spoken.
Liu Qiankun was the first to leave.
He needed to return to the Imperial City of Great Liang to make the necessary preparations.
After all, if the Cao Family and Sima Family were truly going to bring their massive armies, he had to arrange accommodations and assign their defensive posts.
Although the three families shared the same goal, they each harbored their own calculating thoughts.
Sima Chengdao did not leave immediately.
He looked at Cao Jiyi and chuckled. "I heard that the Lei Family of your Great Wei has grown quite close to the Xu Family. Are you planning to bring them along to Great Liang?"
Cao Jiyi replied with sheer apathy, "The Jiang, Lei, and Lin Families have existed for far too long."
"Daoist Friend Cao is ruthless and merciless indeed!"
Sima Chengdao burst into hearty laughter before saying nothing more. He transformed into a streak of black light and tore through the sky, departing as well.
More than ten days later.
Xu Mingxuan and Mei Yun successfully consolidated their realms and emerged from seclusion.
However, on this very day.
A piece of news swept across the entire world like a hurricane.
Great Wei and Great Jin simultaneously announced that they were setting aside their millennium-old grudges to form a three-nation alliance.
Furthermore, Great Wei and Great Jin had voluntarily and temporarily surrendered their territorial sovereignty to Great Liang, acknowledging Great Liang's emperor, Liu Qiankun, as their common sovereign.
Because this was a deliberate broadcast pushed by the three major powers.
It took less than half a day for the news to spread across all three great territories, even reaching the Immortal Martial Alliance.
In an instant, the world was thrown into an uproar.
Within the borders of Great Wei.
In the Imperial City.
Countless disciples from the Aristocratic Clans engaged in Widespread Discussion.
In the teahouses and taverns of the Marketplace, the Rogue Cultivators could deeply sense the approaching storm, their brows furrowed in worry.
"What exactly is the Cao Family doing? It's one thing to form an alliance, but why merge our territory into Great Liang?"
"Are they trying to turn the entire world into the sovereign soil of Great Liang?"
"That is incorrect. Half of Great Wei's lands still belong to the Immortal Martial Alliance."
"Fellow Daoists, what do you think these three veteran Golden Core Aristocratic Families are plotting to do by allying together?"
Across the various regions of Great Jin.
The demonic cultivators were all shocked upon hearing the news.
However, they did not care too much about it.
But when 'Daoist Wen', Xu Dewen, learned of it, his pupils shrank slightly. 'Is this three-family alliance meant to deal with the Great Tribulation, or is it aimed at my Xu Family?'
Pausing for a moment, he muttered to himself, "It must be both."
"Hmph, as expected, they all harbor the desire to destroy my Xu Family. No wonder Grandfather wanted to test the Heritage of the three families. It is obvious he had long realized that this Great Tribulation would also be the time for the three families and our Xu Clan to settle all scores.
Now it just depends on whose Heritage runs deeper."
He cast his gaze far away in the direction of Dongxi. 'I wonder who among my Xu Family were the ones to achieve Core Formation these three times?
'Was it Second Uncle, Third Uncle, or perhaps Eldest Brother?'
'With Grandfather's help, I imagine they can all achieve Core Formation. However, I am almost there myself. I have grasped ninety percent of the True Intent for the Heavenly Malice Divine Ability. I only need one final shred of enlightenment to achieve Divine Ability Core Formation.
'It is a pity I don't possess True Demonic Qi.
'If I did, I could activate my True Demonic Body and cultivate the Divine Abilities of the True Demon race.'
Xu Dewen's mind buzzed with countless thoughts, but he felt that even if the three families united, they would absolutely be no match for his Xu Family. He soon turned his attention away from the matter.
Compared to the confusion of the Cultivators in Great Wei and the apathy of the demonic cultivators in Great Jin, the Aristocratic Family Cultivators over in Great Liang were absolutely overjoyed.
"Heaven bless Great Liang! His Majesty is divinely martial! A thousand years of strife settled in a single morning!"
"Now that the territories of Great Wei and Great Jin have completely surrendered to Great Liang, the entire world has fallen into the grasp of our Great Liang!"
"Do not forget there is still the Immortal Martial Alliance and the Dongxi Xu Clan!"
"The Cao Family, the Sima Family, and our Great Liang imperial lineage are the most ancient and powerful Aristocratic Clans. Individually, they might not be a match for the Dongxi Xu Clan, which just gained three new Golden Core experts.
But with the three families allied, what is there to fear from the Xu Family?
You shouldn't boost the enemy's morale while crushing our own spirit!"
Across the various commanderies of the Immortal Martial Alliance.
The atmosphere was completely the opposite, feeling as though they had been plunged into a freezing ice cavern.
"The three families have allied, and their borders are now connected. Could it be that they are preparing to strike at our Immortal Martial Alliance?"
"How can our Immortal Martial Alliance possibly resist?"
A group of Elders was entirely consumed by panic.
However, there were also level-headed individuals who analyzed the situation: "The alliance between the Cao Family, Sima Family, and Liu Family is likely tied to the explosive emergence of Golden Core Perfected Beings over in Dongxi these past few months."
"Yes, that should be it. However, the Xu Clan and our Immortal Martial Alliance are Branches from the Same Tree. If the three families eradicate the Xu Family, they certainly wouldn't mind effortlessly wiping out our Immortal Martial Alliance in passing.
That would completely fulfill their grand ambition of total unification!"
"Hurry! Swiftly send someone to the Guangling Branch to inform them of this news."
Panic spread like a plague.
The Immortal Martial Alliance was desperately eager to find out what countermeasures the Dongxi Xu Clan would take regarding this matter.
At the Guangling Branch.
In the Main Hall.
Upon hearing the purpose of the Immortal Martial Alliance Elder's visit, Xu Deheng's expression turned incredibly solemn.
There was even a trace of astonishment lingering in his eyes.
This whole affair had simply happened too abruptly.
He knew full well that an alliance between the three families was no trivial matter. It was completely beyond what he, a Branch Family Head, could decide, and he did not dare to be the slightest bit negligent.
"Elder Liu, This One understands the situation. Please wait here for a moment; I will immediately send a message to Dongxi," Xu Deheng stated solemnly.
Elder Li of the Immortal Martial Alliance hurriedly cupped his fists. "Thank you for your trouble, Clan Head Xu! This matter is as urgent as a flying spark and concerns the very safety of our Immortal Martial Alliance. I hope Dongxi can provide us with a plan of action."
Xu Deheng nodded and immediately transmitted the message back to Dongxi.
Almost at the same time, Xu Chonghui received verified Intelligence regarding the alliance of the three kingdoms through the Xu Clan's hidden spy network. He was utterly horrified.
When he also received the urgent report from Guangling, he immediately replied to Xu Deheng: "I am already aware. I am heading straight to inform the Old Ancestor and convene the Elders to discuss this matter.
Uncle, please inform the Immortal Martial Alliance Elder to return to their headquarters and await our response.
Once our Xu Family reaches a decision, we will naturally let them know."
Xu Deheng relayed the message to Elder Li as requested and saw him off courteously.