Chapter 628 - 628: Betting on Both Sides

Ever since the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect suffered the attack from the Spirit Hall ten thousand years ago, its original headquarters had been destroyed, forcing the sect to relocate to the Star Luo Empire.

Due to Ning Rongrong's legacy, the sect was later renamed the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect.

However, to this day, no other soul master with the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Martial Soul had appeared.

As a result, the current name of the sect was somewhat misleading.

Inside the ancient and elegantly decorated council hall, the elders of the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect were engaged in a heated debate over the request for aid that their young sect master, Ning Tian, had brought back from Shrek Academy.

Historically, the sect had always maintained a good relationship with Shrek Academy.

Logically speaking, they should fully support the academy in resisting the Sun-Moon Empire.

However, Shrek Academy had been on the decline, to the point that they were now seeking assistance from others.

Meanwhile, the Sun-Moon Empire was thriving so much so that they had managed to conquer the Heavenly Soul Empire in record time.

Some elders believed that fully supporting Shrek Academy was not a wise choice.

From the current situation, the Sun-Moon Empire had a much greater chance of victory.

If Shrek Academy lost the war and the sect had placed its bets on a sinking ship, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would suffer enormous losses or worse, face total destruction.

It would be wiser to pledge allegiance to the Sun-Moon Empire while there was still time.

However, other elders still had faith in Shrek Academy, convinced that the academy had yet to reveal its full strength.

They believed this request for aid was merely a test to see whether the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect would remain a steadfast ally.

The debate grew so intense that the elders' faces turned red as they argued.

Their voices, amplified with soul power, rumbled like thunder throughout the hall, causing Ning Tian's eardrums to ache.

She frowned, instinctively looking toward her father, hoping he would put an end to the chaos.

She had not expected today's discussion to escalate to the point where the elders were using soul power to amplify their voices almost as if the louder one spoke, the more valid their argument became.

Given her cultivation level, the elders' soul-powered shouting was overwhelming.

If not for the expensive, high-grade soundproofing soul barriers from the Sun-Moon Empire's Mingde Hall, which automatically activated during meetings, the entire mountain would have heard the debate.

At the head of the hall, Ning Tian's father, Sect Master Ning XiuJie , noticed her gaze.

He let out a few deliberate coughs, imbuing them with soul power to ensure he would be heard over the commotion.

The elders immediately fell silent, turning their attention to him.

"Enough arguing."

His steady voice echoed through the hall as he swept his gaze across the room.

"I understand that everyone is thinking of the sect's best interests.

But whether we side with Shrek Academy or the Sun-Moon Empire, neither option is entirely secure.

The Sun-Moon Empire may currently have the upper hand, but Shrek Academy has ten thousand years of accumulated strength.

No one knows what hidden cards they may still hold."

He paused before continuing, "Therefore, I believe our best course of action is to bet on both sides.

That way, if one side falls and suffers retribution, the other will survive, allowing the sect to endure and one day, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect will rise again in glory!"

The elders exchanged thoughtful glances.

Soon, they all nodded in agreement.

The survival of the sect was paramount.

With war sweeping across the continent, even the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect could not remain isolated.

If they bet on only one side, victory would be rewarding but defeat would be catastrophic.

"Father, I'll go assist the Sun-Moon Empire!" Ning Tian volunteered immediately.

"I've already established a business relationship with Huo Yuhao and Mingde Hall for purchasing soul tools.

This connection will make it easier to communicate with them."

She had no qualms about supporting the Sun-Moon Empire.

Both the sect and the academy were important to her.

But as the young sect master, she had benefited from the sect's resources.

If she had to choose between the sect's interests and Shrek Academy's, she would prioritize the sect without hesitation.

After all, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was her true home.

Ning XiuJie nodded approvingly.

"Good. Ning Tian, take three elders and one Guardian Douluo with you to Mingde Hall in the Sun-Moon Empire.

Buy more soul tools, strengthen our ties, and discuss how we can assist them in unifying the continent."

He was quite satisfied with the performance of the Sun-Moon Empire's soul tools, which were far superior to those from Shrek Academy.

Additionally, Mingde Hall had honored their talent-training agreement, helping the sect train new soul engineers.

Though these students had yet to return, they sent regular progress reports.

As far as Ning XiuJie was concerned, Mingde Hall had proven to be a trustworthy partner.

"Father, just wait for my good news!" Ning Tian grinned.

Ning XiuJie then continued, "To maintain good relations with Elder Mu, I will personally lead three elders to Shrek Academy.

However, while I am away, the sect must bolster its defenses."

He began outlining a comprehensive plan, and the elders listened attentively.

As time passed, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect officially set its "betting on both sides" strategy into motion.

Sun-Moon Empire, Imperial Palace

Sunlight glistened off the glazed roof tiles like rivers of golden light.

Palace maids went about their duties, their faces beaming with joy.

The reason was simple the Sun-Moon Empire had won a major victory.

They had not only dealt devastating blows to Star Luo Empire and Shrek Academy but had also conquered the Heavenly Soul Empire.

This news spread like wildfire throughout the Sun-Moon Empire, filling its citizens with pride.

Even beggars in the empire stood a little taller, emboldened by their nation's triumphs.

On the imperial court, the war faction had gained complete dominance.

The once-minority pacifist faction had all but disappeared.

Most had "wished the pacifists good luck" and taken their talents to the war faction instead.

In short, they had abandoned their previous stance and switched sides.

The truth was, the so-called pacifists were never actually peace-loving.

They had simply feared that the Sun-Moon Empire would not stand a chance against Shrek Academy and the three Douluo nations.

After all, the empire had suffered a devastating defeat four thousand years ago.

If they started another war and lost again, the enemy would not give them another chance to rise.

But now that the war was progressing exceptionally well, most of the former pacifists had conveniently changed their tune.

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 30 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Albino1