Yunlan Mountain.
Today, the sect was livelier than ever. "Bustling" was an understatement — "boiling with speculation" described it better.
For today, a matter concerning the very future of the Jia Ma Empire was to be decided — a choice that would determine whether the great powers of the empire would endure or fade.
Outside the great hall, the current Sect Master of Yunlan Sect personally received the arriving guests — all of whom were the leaders of the most influential factions within the empire.
Jia Xingtian arrived with Princess Yao Ye. Hai Bodong came with Miteer Tengshan. Association Head Fa Ma brought his deputy, Qie Mi'er. Mu Chen and Nalan Jie came together.
Once everyone was seated, Nalan Yanran — whom Liu Xi had brought to preside over the meeting — stood calmly and spoke: "Thank you, uncles and elders, for coming today. As invited by Master Liu, we are gathered here at Yunlan Mountain to discuss the unification of all major powers of the Jia Ma Empire. Master Liu should be arriving shortly."
A warm voice drifted from the entrance. "Hehe, I'm pleased to see that none of you are absent."
A figure in a cyan robe, handsome and refined, stepped into the hall — Liu Xi. Behind him followed Yun Yun, dressed in a moon-white gown, her demeanor radiant and strikingly graceful — though her charm now carried a subtle softness that hadn't been there before.
Everyone present was experienced enough to understand immediately what had happened between them. A silent wave of unease rippled through the room.
'Ah… don't tell me Liu Xi will favor Yunlan Sect because of this?'
Even Nalan Yanran, standing at the side, had already guessed just how her teacher had been "persuaded" to agree.
Still, no one dared show displeasure. No one wanted to test Liu Xi's patience.
Jia Xingtian broke the silence with a courteous smile. "Since you wish to unite the Jia Ma Empire's factions, young friend, there must be a structure. We can't have a vague alliance that only causes internal strife later."
His words spoke for everyone. All eyes turned to Liu Xi, each waiting for a satisfying answer.
'We're putting everything on the line here,' they thought. 'If we're going to follow you, at least make sure there's something in it for us.'
Liu Xi swept his gaze across the hall and frowned slightly. "Hmm? Gu He isn't here? I was hoping to give him a seat of honor."
Nalan Yanran replied evenly, "Elder Gu He said his dreams have faded. He no longer wishes to involve himself in worldly affairs and wants to devote his life to studying alchemy."
"I see." Liu Xi nodded lightly. "Then I'll write him a letter later — perhaps he can still serve as an honorary Alchemy Elder."
With that, he smiled faintly, then raised his left hand toward Yun Yun, signaling for her to place hers atop it.
He intended to officially acknowledge Yun Yun's role in front of everyone — to make her position legitimate.
Under so many watching eyes, Yun Yun felt both embarrassed and moved. After a brief pause, she gently laid her slender jade-like hand atop his.
Together, hand in hand, they walked to the head of the hall. Turning, Liu Xi and Yun Yun sat side by side before the assembly, meeting the mixed gazes directed their way.
Liu Xi smiled calmly. "The reason I'm doing all this is simple."
"In the Central Plains, I've witnessed countless powerful factions. It's not as peaceful or prosperous as it looks — there are undercurrents everywhere, waiting for the right moment to erupt into chaos."
"The Jia Ma Empire's power is too weak and too fragmented. I can't bear to see it remain that way."
"So, I intend to form an alliance — to unite every faction of our empire under one banner. Together, we can face the future as one."
"The first step is to consolidate all of Jia Ma's power. With that foundation, we'll expand outward until none in the Northwest Region can oppose us."
"The second step — once our strength is established — is to decide whether we remain kings of the Northwest or carve a foothold in the Central Plains itself."
"The Central Plains is rich in heritage and resources, enough for our descendants to prosper endlessly."
His words, lofty and idealistic, drew only mild reactions — polite nods and faint smiles. Liu Xi didn't mind. Speeches about unity and vision rarely moved men who lived by profit.
What mattered was power — and how it would be divided.
He continued, his tone firm. "The alliance will have one Alliance Leader — myself — and one Vice Leader, to assist and act in my stead when necessary."
"Beneath them, ten Elders will form the core of authority. Major decisions about the alliance's direction will be discussed and voted upon by these ten Elders and the Leader together."
"Each Elder will hold one vote, with the Leader possessing veto power. The Vice Leader will normally not vote, but may assume full authority in my absence."
Now the room stirred. Everyone's attention sharpened. This was the real matter.
The terms, to their surprise, were not overly harsh. The Alliance Leader's power wasn't absolute — the Elders could collectively balance him. Yet his veto ensured he couldn't be sidelined. The Vice Leader's role depended entirely on the Leader's trust — flexible but uncertain.
Hai Bodong chuckled. "Young friend, you're actually limiting your own authority. I thought you'd make yourself a dictator."
Liu Xi smiled faintly, his gaze deep and steady, as if seeing far beyond the present. "To be honest, I've no desire for power. I only wish to strengthen the Jia Ma Empire — because the future will not be peaceful."
"Well spoken!" Jia Xingtian praised sincerely. "Then how do you propose we assign the Elder seats?"
"I'll serve as Alliance Leader," Liu Xi said. "Yun Yun will be Vice Leader. When I'm away, she will exercise my authority."
"You can rest assured — Yun Yun will act with fairness and impartiality. There will be no favoritism or corruption under her watch."
Yun Yun nodded slightly, her natural poise and grace radiating the commanding air of a true leader. The others could only smile and nod — whether out of genuine agreement or silent resignation.
"As for the ten Elder seats," Liu Xi went on, "each faction will take one for now: Yunlan Sect's Sect Master Nalan Yanran, Jia Ma Royal Family's Elder Jia, Alchemist Association's Association Head Fa Ma, Miteer Family's Elder Hai, Nalan Family's Patriarch Nalan Jie, Mu Family's Patriarch Mu Chen…"
"The remaining four seats will be reserved to attract other forces to join the alliance. The first council will last ten years — after that, merit will decide. The capable will rise, the unworthy will fall, regardless of origin or title."
"Furthermore, once this alliance is established, all previous identities will be dissolved. Yunlan Sect, the Jia Ma Royal Family, the Alchemist Association, and every major clan will disband and merge into the alliance."
"The alliance will be divided into departments — the Alchemy Division, External Affairs Division, Rewards and Punishment Division, Law Enforcement Team, Battle Division, and Education Division."
"After the merger, everyone will be reassigned according to their abilities. Old titles will no longer matter. From then on, we will all be allies under one banner, brothers and sisters in arms."
"Finally, we will draft our Alliance Charter. From the Leader to the lowest member, all will act in accordance with its rules. None may abuse their authority."
The atmosphere grew solemn. Whether or not they liked it, no one dared object. Resistance was futile — integration was the only path forward.
Fa Ma smiled and asked, "Nephew, what shall this alliance be called?"
Liu Xi thought for a moment, then said, "Above us is Heaven, below us is Earth. I wish for the Jia Ma Empire to rise and strive ever upward. Let's call it the Heavenly Alliance."
And just like that, the matter was settled.
It wasn't the most vital thing in the world, but against the Hall of Souls, such an alliance was necessary.
(End of Chapter)
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