Wang Jian caught a glimpse of her reaction from the corner of his eye and couldn't help but feel gratified. It was an indescribable feeling whenever he witnessed someone so flabbergasted by his cleverness.
"…So, what do you say to this alliance, Fen Gen?" Wang Jian inquired.
"It seems good for me. But what do you get out of this alliance?" Fen Gen asked.
"…I get to ask you to conduct tasks for me. There are some tasks that your clan is perfect for. I am sure you know what tasks I am talking about," Wang Jian stated with a sly grin.
Fen Gen nodded calmly and spoke, "Very well, I agree to this alliance."
"Good," Wang Jian spoke.
Wang Jian's lips curled into a sly smile, "Since we are now allies, let me offer you another valuable piece of advice. After our alliance is made known, you should pay Lin Feng a visit before he has the chance to come to you. Of course, you cannot make this move too hastily. Wait a few days before making your appearance."
Fen Gen was visibly pleased with Wang Jian's second suggestion, and his earlier misgivings about the alliance had vanished.
"Alright. That's all I came to say. I will now take my leave," Wang Jian spoke.
"You can visit anytime you want. We are officially in an alliance," Fen Gen spoke with a grin.
With a nod, Wang Jian left the hall with Kang Huian following him closely.
As Wang Jian left, Fen Gen's grin morphed into a puzzled expression. He was truly confused at this point.
In this meeting, Fen Gen could glean that Wang Jian genuinely wanted him to have Lin Feng's support. If so, then who could have written that letter? And how did it reach his daughter?
These became mysteries that Fen Gen had no answers to.
Fen Gen, however, didn't pay these mysteries much heed as he gathered the elders and informed them of this news.
He also began preparations to broadcast this news in the entire Zhenguan Region. He wanted Lin Feng to hear this news quickly.
In the meantime, Lin Feng and Han Xifeng were confined to the Miracle Angel Tribe's lair, with no other options available.
After leaving the Crimson Mammoth Tribe's lair, they weighed various courses of action, but Han Xifeng remained deeply concerned for her tribe's well-being.
Having lost so many powerful cultivators, the tribe was vulnerable to any new threats that might arise.
Thus, the two of them arrived at the tribe's lair, ruminating on how best to proceed.
"Perhaps I could stealthily infiltrate Wang Jian's grand estate and have a clandestine meeting with them," Lin Feng suggested, his voice laced with uncertainty.
Han Xifeng quickly dissented, "Wang Jian's abode is safeguarded by a plethora of sentinels and detectors. The instant you enter their radar, you'll be exposed. You won't have a chance to converse with them."
Lin Feng sighed, "You are right. Blast! What options do I have?"
"For now, it's best we wait for an opportunity," Han Xifeng suggested.
Lin Feng clenched his fists upon hearing that advice, but what other option did he have? Suddenly, he recalled that command seal Jin Meixiang had given him.
Lin Feng had a feeling that Jin Meixiang must belong to an important clan, or else she couldn't have entered this restricted region and then left it.
'Maybe I can use it to leave this region as well.'
The guards over the restricted area could let him pass if he showed them this command seal.
'It will be easy to defeat that bastard Wang Jian if I get sister Mei's assistance,' Lin Feng thought.
However, he didn't take this decision till now because he knew that it would be impossible to convince Han Xifeng to leave her tribe and this region.
'Darn it! I can only wait for an opportunity!'
The sun rose and set, the stars twinkled in the sky, and the cool breeze rustled the leaves of the trees around him. Before he knew it, two days had already passed.
On this particular day, Han Xifeng took a trip to the village market to acquire the essential supplies for her tribe.
While strolling through the village, she came across a rumour concerning the Night Dagger Clan's association with Wang Jian.
As she heard this news, Han Xifeng's eyes grew inflamed with anger, yet there was also a hint of exhilaration in her gaze, as she felt that this information might provoke Lin Feng into taking decisive action. Something that would potentially bring harm to the Night Dagger Clan.
She quickly rushed back to the tribe. Unknown to her, some shadowy figures had seen her. In fact, these people made sure she came across this news.
After completing their task, they rushed to inform their master of this news.
~~
"Brother Feng. I came across terrible news. The Night Dagger Clan has joined hands with Wang Jian!" Han Xifeng spoke.
"…What?!" Lin Feng bellowed in shock.
Meanwhile, the other members of the Miracle Angel Tribe gritted their teeth in anger.
"I knew that tribe was up to no good! They even formed an alliance with our holy son's hated enemy!" One of the Miracle Angel Tribe members spoke in frustration.
"Hmph. Their greed knows no bounds. To think they would even betray the holy son's trust like that."
Meanwhile, Lin Feng couldn't help but clench his fists in anger, "Damnit. Just what is going on?!"
Han Xifeng observed his reaction and couldn't help but frown. She thought he would be angry enough to immediately go and destroy the Night Dagger Clan.
"…Didn't I mention it to you earlier? Shuying must have also given herself away to Wang Jian. This alliance could be a prelude to their relationship announcement," Han Xifeng spoke.
"Shut it!" Lin Feng shouted instinctively.
"…I-I apologize. I didn't meet to hurt your feelings," Han Xifeng sobbed as she spoke.
Lin Feng's heart softened as he saw her sobbing. He spoke, "I wasn't angry at you, my dear. It's just that I can't believe Shuying would betray me."
"…But then what is this alliance? Why wouldn't Shuying be opposed to it?!" Han Xifeng asked indignantly.
"I don't know. But my intuition says that she isn't a part of this," Lin Feng responded softly.
"Alright. If you say so," Han Xifeng rolled her eyes as she left the lair.
If she remained with Lin Feng any longer, Han Xifeng would explode and reveal her true thoughts. She needed to regain her composure and consider the situation logically.
Han Xifeng decided to take a leisurely walk through the Mellow Magnolia Woods, keeping close to her tribe's lair.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the trees, asking a sinister question, "Do you thirst for retribution?"