Ling Tian Sword God

”It’s too early to talk about these matters.”

Ling Chen pondered for a moment but couldn’t come up with an answer. He then shook his head. There was no point in worrying about things that hadn’t happened yet. When the time came, everything might fall into place.

”Sister Yunxin must have sent you here for more than just this matter,” Ling Chen said, looking at Lian Ji before him. Based on his understanding of Xia Yunxin, if it were merely a greeting, she wouldn’t have dispatched Lian Ji all this way.

”Indeed, Yunxin had me come here for another matter: to discuss plans for dealing with Shentu Yan.” Lian Ji’s expression immediately turned serious. Shentu Yan had become the public enemy of the Martial World. He had destroyed two major Righteous Path sects and was rapidly expanding the influence of the Divine Intent Sect. Not only Ling Chen but also the Saint Witch Religion was under immense pressure. Once Shentu Yan wiped out the Righteous Martial World, his next target would be the Demon Way.

Ling Chen nodded. ”I’ve already asked Senior Sister Feiyue to go to the Myriad Dao Sect to discuss establishing the Righteous and Devil Alliance.”

”The Righteous and Devil Alliance?” Lian Ji looked surprised.

”Indeed. The Righteous and Demon Paths will join forces, putting aside their sectarian views to establish an alliance against Shentu Yan,” Ling Chen continued. ”Currently, no single power in the world can deal with Shentu Yan alone. He has at least a hundred Top Sky Apex Strong serving him. After eradicating Sky Void Palace, Chiyu Mountain Manor, and dozens of small and medium-sized sects, that number has likely increased. Only by establishing a grand alliance and absorbing the strength of all factions can we hope to deal with Shentu Yan. This alliance will include the Cyan Robe Association, the Black Market, the Saint Witch Religion, the Myriad Dao Sect, as well as the remnants of sects like Sky Void Palace and Chiyu Mountain Manor.”

Lian Ji pondered and nodded. ”Forming an alliance is feasible. However, once it’s established, who will lead it? Will the Myriad Dao Sect agree to you becoming the Alliance Leader?”

”The Myriad Dao Sect suffered heavy losses last time, losing significant power and even a Great Elder. Their hatred for Shentu Yan must be profound, so joining the alliance shouldn’t be an issue,” Ling Chen replied without hesitation. ”As for whether they’ll agree to me being the Alliance Leader, if they have a better candidate, I won’t insist on taking the position.”

”No, you must be the Alliance Leader. No one else will do,” Lian Ji said, shaking her head.

”Why?” Ling Chen looked puzzled.

”The reason is simple.” A glint flashed in Lian Ji’s beautiful eyes. ”Firstly, Saint Child, you are the de facto leader of three major powers: the Cyan Robe Association, the Black Market, and the Saint Witch Religion. Combined, these three represent arguably the strongest force in the entire Martial World. If you don’t become the Alliance Leader, the members of these three powers will not be convinced. Secondly, Shentu Yan is currently at the peak of his power, seemingly invincible in the Martial World. You are the only one who might have a chance to defeat him. Although you are not his match now, once you break through to the Sky Apex Realm, Shentu Yan may not necessarily be able to defeat you. Thirdly, if you don’t become the Alliance Leader, the position will inevitably go to someone from the Myriad Dao Sect. We of the Saint Witch Religion would absolutely not take orders from a leader from one of those righteous sects. Don’t even think about it.”

After speaking, Lian Ji gazed at Ling Chen and said with a reassuring smile, ”With these three points, do you still think you can refuse the position of Alliance Leader? In truth, Saint Child, you need not worry too much about this role. Once our decisive battle with Shentu Yan concludes, the alliance will naturally disband. This position of Alliance Leader will not bind you.”

Lian Ji knew Ling Chen’s concern: he worried that becoming the Alliance Leader would restrict his freedom. Her final words undoubtedly dispelled this apprehension.

Ling Chen nodded. ”Your analysis is indeed reasonable. In that case, I will strive for the position of Alliance Leader. Later, I’ll send a message by carrier pigeon to Senior Sister Feiyue, instructing her to include this condition in the negotiations with the Myriad Dao Sect.”

Lian Ji nodded lightly. ”That’s a relief. After the Myriad Beasts Sect is completely eradicated, Yunxin will personally come to Green Cloud Mountain. You two can discuss the specific details then.”

”Are there any difficulties in wiping out the Myriad Beasts Sect?” Ling Chen asked.

”None. Since the death of the Elder of Myriad Beasts, the sect has fallen into disarray. Its senior members have either fled or surrendered, so it can no longer pose a significant threat. Its destruction is just a matter of time,” Lian Ji replied.

Upon hearing this, Ling Chen nodded. The threat from the Myriad Beasts Sect was removed; only Shentu Yan remained. This old fox, who had lain dormant for many years, had finally become the greatest menace to the entire Martial World.

After reporting some recent developments within the Saint Witch Religion to Ling Chen, Lian Ji departed Green Cloud Mountain and returned to her sect.

After seeing Lian Ji off, Ling Chen was about to return to his room when he suddenly noticed several familiar figures in his line of sight.

The figure at the forefront was an exceptionally pure and beautiful girl dressed in black. Her lovely face could leave an indelible impression on anyone in an instant.

”Ling Yin?” Ling Chen was stunned for a moment, but upon recognizing the girl, his face lit up with joy.

”Brother Ling Chen!” The moment she saw Ling Chen, Ling Yin’s beautiful eyes brightened. She ran towards him like a joyful sparrow and threw herself into his arms.

”Alright, you’re not a child anymore. Why do you still like to burrow into people’s arms?” Ling Chen gently pushed Ling Yin’s delicate frame from his embrace, a doting expression on his face.

”I just missed you so much,” Ling Yin said, her large eyes slightly red. ”Who told you not to come to the Divine Intent Sect to get me for so long? Did you completely forget about me?”

”That’s not true.” Ling Chen gave a wry smile. ”Since leaving the Divine Intent Sect, I’ve been leading a displaced life, constantly in danger. I only recently found some stability, but then other matters tied me down. Otherwise, I would have come for you much sooner.”

Patting Ling Yin’s head, Ling Chen looked at the three figures behind her: Xiao Muyu, Shangguan Qiushui, and Nie Wu Xiang.

”Senior Sister Muyu, Senior Sister Qiushui, Brother Nie, you’re all here.” Seeing the three of them, Ling Chen felt a joyful sense of reunion with old acquaintances. However, he looked around and saw no one else, which surprised him slightly. ”Where are Elder Xie Chan and Purple Cloud Master? Why aren’t they with you?”

Hearing this, Xiao Muyu and the others looked downcast. In low voices, they murmured, ”Elder Xie Chan and Purple Cloud Master... are both dead.”

”Dead?” Ling Chen was shocked, his expression turning solemn. It seemed that something terrible had happened at the Divine Intent Sect while he hadn’t been paying attention.