653 Sneaky Dao Child

“Should we approach the three sects beforehand?” Le Ji’an asked.

Qin Huai was firm in his response. “No, not yet. People can be unpredictable. Unless it’s our last option, we shouldn’t approach them. If we can keep them in the dark for a bit longer, our negotiating position will be stronger.”

Le Ji’an agreed. From their past experiences, they knew how alliances could shift when interests were at stake. Being cautious was just wise.

They quickly sorted out the pressing issues. Their primary focus was on bolstering their power to protect Qingzhou effectively.

Qin Huai added, “Also, keep an eye on the Sacred Heart Sect.”

Le Ji’an responded, “Definitely.”

Xu Tong chimed in, “Remember how Prince Qing Cang once took the blame for the alliance master? Why not align ourselves with the imperial city?”

Both Fang Huo and Le Ji’an seemed to like the idea. “That’s a thought.”

Fang Huo, in a playful tone, said, “The Black Water River Warrior is unpredictable!”

Xu Tong, slightly embarrassed, added, “We don’t need more unpredictable players. Besides, Prince Qing Cang’s sneaky moves are not to be ignored.”

Qin Huai interjected, “Speaking of the imperial capital, that young emperor poses potential problems.”

The group listened intently as Qin Huai detailed the events in the spirit world.

Fang Huo was skeptical. “Could the emperor know about the alliance master’s background? Even the six royal clans missed it.”

Le Ji’an thought otherwise. “It’s possible. The dragon clan, while weakened, still has a knowledgeable ancestor alive. He might know more than we assume.”

They all agreed that while the ancestor was alive, the imperial family was untouchable. They concluded it was best to focus on their preparations and accept whatever fate brought them.

After finalizing the battle details, each returned to their individual tasks. Wang Gang and Xiong Yujie took the beast trailing pearls and the blood beasts towards Qingzhou.

As they left, Qin Huai waited momentarily before saying, “Come out.”

All was silent for a moment. Then, from the east, a familiar figure emerged from behind a tree.

“How did you sense me, Brother Qin? Even the seasoned ones couldn’t have detected me from this distance,” the man revealed himself as Zhang Youji, now known by another title, Hidden Thunder Heavenly Master.

This new alias came after the battle in Pingwang county’s secret realm. His capability to critically wound a grand elder of the eight royal families showed that his strength was formidable. “You could defeat anyone below the king realm,” he remarked.

Zhang Youji continued, observing his friend, “It seems you’re on the brink of reaching the king realm.”

Qin Huai sidestepped the remark, “Why are you here?”

Zhang Youji sighed. “Your concerns earlier were valid. There’s unrest among the three sects.”

Qin Huai’s gaze sharpened. “Tell me more.”

Zhang Youji hesitated slightly but then said, “The sects are still accommodating towards Xiang Mingfeng and his group, but this might be temporary.” He added, “There’s a perception, given the Qingzhou Alliance’s dominance, that there might be a power behind you, possibly even stronger than the Sacred Heart Sect.”

Qin Huai cut to the chase, “And their intentions?”

“One group thinks we should first tackle the six royal clans and the Sacred Heart Sect. Another believes we should first secure internal stability, either by allying with or eliminating potential threats.”

Qin Huai’s demeanor didn’t waver. “Your stance, Dao Child?”

Zhang Youji smiled ruefully. “Had I malicious intentions, I wouldn’t be here discussing this with you. We’re comrades, having faced dangers and defeated kings side by side. I’ve kept our bond a secret, and even got support from the True Path Sect’s master during my Qingzhou visit.”

Qin Huai nodded. “Your trust means everything. If others challenge us, they can’t fault me for defending our cause.”

Zhang Youji laughed, realizing he might’ve been overly cautious. “Your resolve is commendable, Brother Qin. I’ll say no more.”

At that moment, a crane gracefully descended from the sky, settling next to Zhang Youji. On its back was a book.

“This crane is from my True Path Sect, known for delivering messages. It’s extremely fast and almost human in its understanding,” Zhang Youji explained.