NOVPUBChapter 926: Chapter 492: The Intent to Form an Alliance (Seeking Monthly Votes)_2 Chapter 926: Chapter 492: The Intent to Form an Alliance (Seeking Monthly Votes)_2 Fully aware of this, Lin Tianming was not optimistic about Zhou Yunxiao’s plan, nor did he believe that things would develop to that extent.
Given the circumstances, the specific outcome of the distribution of interests and the possible contradictions that might arise were likely beyond anyone’s control.
However, no matter what, as long as the Lin Family maintained their bottom line and did not initiate trouble, the situation could not become too disastrous, he thought to himself.
With these thoughts, Lin Tianming’s serious expression gradually relaxed.
“Forget it… we’ll cross the bridge when we get to it and take things one step at a time!” Lin Tianming mumbled to himself, significantly easing the somewhat tense atmosphere.
Hearing Lin Tianming’s words, Lin Shikang also felt much calmer.
Soon after, the three of them chatted casually. Seeing their fatigued expressions, Lin Shikang then said, “Brother Ye, you and Tianming have both had a long journey and are tired, why not rest for a few days?”
...
“After you’ve rejuvenated, we can have a good talk!”
“Um… let’s do as Brother Shikang suggests!” Ye Pinghai clasped his hands in response, then, after greeting Lin Tianming, he headed towards a resting room.
Lin Tianming also did not delay; after exchanging greetings, he too disappeared into the courtyard.
…
Today.
Inside Qingshui Market, the crowds surged in every tavern and even in the public squares of the stall areas.
With the influx of cultivators gathering in Qingshui Market over the past few days, the traffic in the entire market had reached a terrifying level.
Taverns, shops, stall areas, auction events…
There were significant numbers of cultivators in every area, and their conversations invariably revolved around the situation of Wei Kingdom’s major Golden Core forces.
“The Lin Family is not what it once was; this time the high-level gathering for negotiations will surely be an interesting spectacle…”
“It’s a pity for the West River Li Family, with Elder Li fallen in the great battle, the whole Li Family lacks a Golden Core Cultivator to lead them; they are likely to decline…”
“That might not necessarily be the case!”
“After all, the West River Li Family has a legacy of over a thousand years. Even though they’ve lost the old ancestor this time, their established merits are not small.”
“With that, Myriad Medicine Valley and the other major forces might compensate them somewhat; it might even be possible to produce another Golden Core Cultivator. Isn’t that possible?”
…
Almost every cultivator’s conversation entailed the basic situation of Wei Kingdom’s several major Golden Elixir forces.
Some cultivators even openly analyzed sensitive topics, unsettling many of their peers.
Meanwhile, Lin Family Members quietly observed all of this unfold.
The disciples of the other forces were also well-informed, constantly keeping up with what these grassroots cultivators focused on.
However, the various public opinions were too complex, and the cultivators involved were too numerous; the major forces, even if they were aware of this, did not prevent the discussions among cultivators.
Inside a cave dwelling at the center of the market.
Lin Tianming sat together with two others, with Lin Shikang frowning thoughtfully, his expression indecipherable.
Seeing this, Lin Tianming quickly asked, “Third Grandfather, have you summoned us here because something has happened?”
Hearing this question, Lin Shikang finally came back from his contemplation.
With a calm smile, he said, “Nothing much, it’s just that Daoist Chen Maohua from the Yingchuan Chen Family will come to visit us shortly!”
“Daoist Chen Maohua?” Lin Tianming was taken aback for a moment but quickly surmised the likely purpose of Chen Maohua’s visit.
He knew that the current cultivator community of Wei Kingdom, speaking strictly, consisted of only four major Golden Elixir forces, two of which were Great Sects and two were Golden Core Families.
The former need not be mentioned; their inheritance was extremely ancient, and their overall power immensely strong, deeply influencing Wei Kingdom.
The Lin Family and the Chen Clan, however, had only a few hundred years of heritage, and both in overall power and influence in Wei Kingdom, could not compare to Myriad Medicine Valley or Zhenyang Sect.
Even if the two families joined forces, the gap between them and the two great Sects was not small.
“If we delve into the finer details, even if the two great families join forces, I’m afraid they would still not be the match for either Myriad Medicine Valley or Zhenyang Sect’s power.
This is the current situation!
Even Lin Tianming, no matter how arrogant and confident he may be, had to accept this reality.
Under such circumstances, with Chen Maohua’s visit at this time, it’s highly likely his purpose is to form an alliance with the Lin Family, even if it’s just superficial, it could give both parties some peace of mind.
Thinking of this, Lin Tianming slowly said, “Daoist Chen has taken the initiative to visit, so I assume you also wish to befriend the Lin Family, or perhaps form an alliance with us.”
“Hmm… I think that’s very likely the case!”
Lin Shikang smiled satisfactorily, seemingly unsurprised that Lin Tianming had guessed the deeper meaning behind it.
At this moment, Lin Tianming continued, “If that is the case, then how does our Lin Family plan to respond?”
As soon as these words were spoken, Lin Shikang thought for a moment and then said without hesitation.
“Daoist Chen’s initiative to visit, or to seek an alliance, is also a good thing for our Lin Family.”
“After all, the current situation is still unclear, having another ally is much better than having another enemy, right?”
“Third Grandfather makes a good point!”
After complimenting, Lin Tianming continued, “The overall strength of the Chen Clan does not match our Lin Family, and in the future, they cannot compete with us in terms of influence within Wei Kingdom’s Cultivation World.”
“However, overall, when comparing our two great families with the two great sects, we are at a definite disadvantage, so forming an alliance would be more beneficial than harmful for both sides.”
“As long as we understand this, and there are no restrictions or additional conditions, we should agree to this.”
Hearing Lin Tianming’s words, Lin Shikang nodded his head and said, “That’s exactly what I mean!”
“Good… then let’s proceed with that plan!”
Lin Tianming chuckled, his expression calm, his heart undisturbed by any change.
Before long, after the three had waited for a moment, Chen Maohua sent a message saying he was already waiting outside the cave residence.
Lin Shikang quickly took Lin Tianming and another with him to welcome their guest, exhibiting quite an enthusiastic attitude.
After all, Chen Maohua was also an old cultivator in the Mid Stage Golden Core, and the Chen Clan had a legacy of over a thousand years. Even before a Golden Core Stage cultivator had emerged from the Chen Clan, they were among the best of the Foundation Establishing Families in Wei Kingdom, with very deep foundations.
With this, although the Lin Family was now more powerful, they still had to show the most basic respect.
Moreover, as the other party had also come with good intentions, no matter what their state of mind might be, the Lin Family members had to maintain the grace fitting of a Golden Core Family.
The significant attention given by the Lin Family was also a clear signal of goodwill, which greatly relieved Chen Maohua.
Although Lin Tianming had crossed paths with Chen Maohua several times during the previous battle at Myriad Medicine Valley and there had been private intentions to ally, the situation was unclear at that time, and due to the pressure from Golden Sword Sect, it was merely mutual aid in the heat of battle and did not involve such a wide scope for the entire family.
Now, Chen Maohua had also come with purpose and goodwill, his heart was still unsettled, uncertain of the Lin Family’s attitude.
Now, after being entertained by Lin Tianming and the others, Chen Maohua felt reassured.
After exchanging pleasantries, Chen Maohua changed the subject and brought up the main purpose of his visit.
“Three friends, do you know the purpose behind my visit?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Shikang smiled lightly, then shook his head and feigned ignorance.
Although he was aware of the probable purpose, he still did not take up Chen Maohua’s topic, but instead played the fool.
By doing so, he hoped that Chen Maohua would make the proposal himself, so that the Lin Family could secure some initiative.
Seeing Lin Shikang’s reaction, Chen Maohua smiled helplessly, seeming not to mind.
He sighed softly and then said, “The three of you are all wise and have witnessed various situations!”
“Since I’ve come of my own accord, I won’t beat around the bush!”
“I’ll be frank with you, I wish to represent the Chen Clan and form a comprehensive alliance with your noble family, not just a business alliance but an all-round cooperation.”
As Chen Maohua said this, his tone grew heavier, obviously having thought it through in advance, without any hesitation in his heart.
…
