Chapter 662 The Celestial Profound Sect’s Bargaining Chip

Yun Yazi nodded and smiled. "That’s right. That’s exactly what Pan Zhongyi is thinking right now. The moment he took over the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, he revealed his ambition by sending messages to every major power, proposing mutual alliances. The other factions are all very tempted. They’ve all prepared their bargaining chips and plan to negotiate with Pan Zhongyi."

Wen Qingye nodded, then looked toward Meng Yiyu and asked dubiously, "How does our Celestial Profound Sect plan to negotiate with the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty? What are our bargaining chips? And what’s our bottom line?"

Seeing Wen Qingye’s gaze on him, Meng Yiyu straightened his back and stood up. "The Celestial Profound Sect’s condition for an alliance is a pledge to advance and retreat as one."

"A pledge to advance and retreat as one?" Wen Qingye’s brow furrowed tightly upon hearing Meng Yiyu’s words.

The Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty was currently a juicy prize that countless surrounding powers were eyeing greedily. This was because they had always remained neutral, holding no major grudges with any faction.

Moreover, the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty’s power was formidable. Not only were they on good terms with the various Ancient Countries, but their own internal strength was also immense.

Rumor had it that the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty even had several reclusive old monsters in its service.

All of these factors constituted a power and influence that no one could afford to ignore.

By contrast, the condition proposed by the Celestial Profound Sect was far too stingy. Wen Qingye didn’t need to guess to know that the other factions would undoubtedly offer far more. Even the Taiyi Pavilion, which prided itself on being the number one Sect, would surely put forth a proposal no less valuable than their own.

’He truly couldn’t understand. Why would the Celestial Profound Sect make such a paltry offer?’

Seeing Wen Qingye frown, Meng Yiyu gave a hollow laugh. "There’s nothing to be done. Henshui and Guanzhong both believe this is sufficient."

Wen Qingye waved his hand dismissively and smiled. "Fine. I’ll do my best to make the alliance between the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty and our Celestial Profound Sect happen."

Yun Yazi, at his side, couldn’t help but add a reminder, "To be honest, we aren’t that invested in securing an alliance with the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty. Our main goal is just to prevent the Taiyi Pavilion and the Sword Sect from allying with them."

If the Taiyi Pavilion and the Sword Sect were to form an alliance with the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty, the Celestial Profound Sect would find itself in direct opposition to them. That was an outcome no one in the Celestial Profound Sect wanted to see.

Wen Qingye fell silent for a moment, his thoughts racing. ’Actually, if this Pan Zhongyi is a reasonable person, an alliance with the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty isn’t out of the question. Besides, getting someone to form an alliance doesn’t necessarily require dangling immediate benefits in front of them.’

"I know how to handle this matter. You can all rest assured."

Hearing Wen Qingye’s words, everyone assumed he had already decided to give up on the alliance and said no more.

Suddenly,

Shao Yifeng slowly rose to his feet. He took a red card from his Sumeru Ring, handed it to Wen Qingye, and said, "Oh, right. I have an invitation here. It’s for the younger generation of the various factions. Since you’re back, Junior Brother, it’s only right that I hand this over to you."

Wen Qingye took the invitation and examined it closely, then shook his head with a laugh. "This Pilot of the Ninth Trading House is really something else. So calculating. Definitely someone who can’t stand a moment of peace."

The invitation was identical to the one Hai Ning had, and it was addressed to Wen Qingye, inviting him to the Ninth Trading House’s auction.

Yun Yazi stroked his beard, nodding in agreement. "Indeed. With so many people gathered here, the Ninth Trading House stands to make a huge profit this time. Still, I’ve heard there will be many extraordinary treasures up for auction."

"It’s not that simple."

Hearing Yun Yazi’s words, Wen Qingye couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile.

"Think about it. So many experts are gathered here. On the surface, all the factions are amicable, but underneath, the currents are turbulent. For the Ninth Trading House to hold an auction at a time like this... I’d say there’s an eighty percent chance they’re up to no good."

Everyone was shocked by Wen Qingye’s words.

Yun Yazi had a sudden realization. "You’re right! The Taiyi Pavilion, the Daoist School of Non-action, the Thousand Nether Valley—all the major powers will be there, gathered in one place. The scene is bound to get heated."

Wen Qingye nodded. "Exactly."

Shao Yifeng’s brows knitted together tightly. "What on earth is the Ninth Trading House planning? First, they created the Ninth Pawnshop, which openly takes contracts for assassinations. Then there’s the Immortal Ascension List, revealing the strength of every expert in the Eastern Profound Domain to the world. And now this... It’s like they’re deliberately trying to muddy the waters in the Eastern Profound Domain!"

Wen Qingye shook his head with a smile. "Who knows what they’re really after?"

Yun Yazi looked at Wen Qingye and asked instinctively, "Then what should we do now?"

By now, the others couldn’t help but see Wen Qingye as their pillar of support. Unconsciously, they had already begun to defer to his lead, as if he were a natural-born leader.

Wen Qingye stood up and smiled. "We’ll adapt to the situation as it unfolds. Forget the Ninth Trading House for now. I expect Pan Zhongyi will make his next move very soon. All we have to do is wait quietly. Don’t overthink it. Let’s just let things play out. Alright, that’s enough talk. You should all go get some rest."

Seeing Wen Qingye rise, the others all stood up as well.

"Let me show you to your quarters," Shao Yifeng said, walking to Wen Qingye’s side with a smile. "Let this be my last official act."

Wen Qingye nodded and followed Shao Yifeng as the two of them headed toward the rear courtyard.

As he led the way, Shao Yifeng said, "By the way, Junior Brother, the auction is still a while away. If you have some free time, you should check out the Eternal Night Riverbank, one of the four great Secret Lands of the Eastern Profound Domain. The scenery is absolutely magnificent."

Wen Qingye nodded and smiled. "Of course. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the Eternal Night Riverbank for a long time."

The Eternal Night Riverbank was the only one of the four great Secret Lands located within the territory of the Human Race. It was renowned throughout the entire Eastern Profound Domain, and it just so happened to be situated in the Great Zhou Imperial Dynasty’s Royal City.

The two chatted as they walked, soon arriving at the quarters assigned to Wen Qingye—the very same place where Shao Yifeng had been living.

Shao Yifeng gazed at his surroundings, his eyes showing a mixture of reluctance and joy. "Well, now that you’re here, I can rest easy. I’ll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning. After two years as an Inspection Disciple here, I actually miss Master quite a bit. Now that this burden is off my shoulders, I finally feel so much lighter. As for you, Junior Brother... your pressure is about to get a lot heavier."

"You can rest assured, Senior Brother," Wen Qingye said, looking at Shao Yifeng with a serious expression.

Shao Yifeng nodded, a hint of a smile in his eyes. "Mm. Master often sends messages via Jade Scroll to tell me about you. I believe in you. Alright, I’ll say no more. You’ve had a long journey, so you should get some rest. I’ll take my leave now and won’t disturb you any further."

With that, Shao Yifeng ambled unsteadily toward the exit.

Wen Qingye watched Shao Yifeng’s retreating figure until he had completely disappeared, only then did he slowly step inside the room.