Chapter 347: Sect Conference
After the Heavenly Snake Mansion submitted, Xiao Ze learned the name of the elder he had been interacting with, Tian She Zhu · Lv Xin. "Tian She Zhu" is the title given to each head of the Heavenly Snake Mansion, and Lv Xin was the elder's personal name. From Lv Xin, Xiao Ze also learned about the status of the Heavenly Snake Mansion.
The Heavenly Snake Mansion is located within the Heavenly Snake Empire in the central region of the Northwest Continent. It holds a very high status within the empire and can even covertly control the succession of the empire's rulers. It almost dominated many sects in the Northwest Continent's Sect Conference, nearly becoming the overlord of the continent.
Logically, with such a glorious past, the Heavenly Snake Mansion shouldn't have been the first to submit voluntarily. Xiao Ze directly expressed his confusion about this.
Lv Xin gave a wry smile and sighed, "Lord Alliance Leader, you may not be aware, but although the Heavenly Snake Mansion has had a brilliant past, it is now in decline."
"Especially after the disappearance of the Heavenly Serpent Honored One, the mansion's status has been precarious, on the verge of collapse."
"Disappearance of the Heavenly Serpent Honored One?" Xiao Ze asked, puzzled. In the Northwest Continent, Dou Zun are exceedingly rare; how could one just disappear without a trace?
"Indeed, the Heavenly Serpent Honored One has been traveling the continent for decades with no word back. During this time, the Heavenly Snake Mansion has continuously sent messages to him, but all have vanished without a trace."
Lv Xin discussed this with great distress, as having a Dou Zun was what truly allowed a force to be among the top powers of the Northwest Continent.
"The Heavenly Snake Empire is located in the central region of the Northwest Continent, but it's not the only empire there. Most of the notable powers of the continent are in this central region."
"If these powers realize that the Heavenly Serpent Honored One has disappeared, they would likely devour the mansion completely."
Xiao Ze found Lv Xin's words very reasonable. The Northwest Continent is vast, comparable in size to Central Province. The central region is like the Middle Domain of Central Province, and even the Pill Tower can't control the entire Middle Domain completely.
The area is complex with powers interwoven; any power showing signs of weakness or decline would immediately be devoured.
Xiao Ze suddenly remembered why the Heavenly Snake Mansion's people appeared near the Gama Empire in the original story. It was because of the disappearance of the Heavenly Serpent Honored One that they were desperately seeking to cultivate new talent to prevent the mansion from collapsing.
The Heavenly Snake Mansion found Qing Lin by chance and actively sought her out.
"So, it's the stance shown by the Sky Alliance that made the Heavenly Snake Mansion uneasy?" Xiao Ze couldn't help but ask.
The Heavenly Snake Empire is located to the west of the central region of the Northwest Continent. If the Sky Alliance moved toward the central region, it would be the first to expose the Heavenly Snake Mansion's lack of a Dou Zun.
Lv Xin nodded, "Compared to being devoured by the central region's powers, it's better to submit directly to the Sky Alliance."
Xiao Ze looked at Lv Xin intently; it seemed Lv Xin had submitted to the Sky Alliance out of desperation. But as a power in the central region, the Heavenly Snake Mansion also knew the top powers of the Northwest Continent well.
Perhaps upon realizing the strength of the Sky Alliance, Lv Xin decisively bet on them. His earlier request for Qing Lin to become the leader of the Heavenly Snake Mansion was also a smart move.
It could offer the protection of the owner of the Tri-Flower Serpent Pupil, or they could directly submit to the Sky Alliance to preserve the mansion's power.
Feeling Xiao Ze's gaze, Lv Xin's palm, hidden in his sleeve, clenched tightly as he forced himself to remain calm. His eyes were downcast, avoiding contact with Xiao Ze's.
Xiao Ze thought about it but did not expose Lv Xin's calculations; after all, they were harmless to the Sky Alliance. In fact, adding the power of the Heavenly Snake Mansion significantly boosted the Sky Alliance's force.
"Alright, since the Heavenly Snake Mansion has joined the Sky Alliance, follow our rules. The main task of the Sky Alliance is to eliminate the remnants of the Yunlan Sect."
"I hope the Heavenly Snake Mansion will actively use its strength to locate and eliminate all remnants of the Yunlan Sect."
Lv Xin was startled by this and showed a surprised expression.
"Lord Alliance Leader, is the expansion of the Sky Alliance really just to eliminate the remnants of the Yunlan Sect?" Lv Xin asked, somewhat shocked, seeing Xiao Ze nod, he then gave a bitter smile.
"You may not know, but the rise of the Yunlan Sect also caught the attention of the top powers of the Northwest Continent. However, because of the backing behind them, the top powers did not suppress it."
"Later, as the Sky Alliance rose powerfully, although it claimed to be clearing the remnants of the Yunlan Sect, the top powers did not believe it. They thought the Sky Alliance was exploiting the situation for expansion."
"Thus, the top powers actually hold considerable hostility towards the Sky Alliance."
"If we truly touch their interests, they probably won't care about face and will unite against the Sky Alliance."
Xiao Ze's brows furrowed slightly; he had anticipated the attitude of the Northwest Continent's top powers.
"If you're interested, when the time comes, the Heavenly Snake Mansion can recommend the Sky Alliance to participate in the Sect Conference."
"Why suddenly bring up the Sect Conference?" Xiao Ze wasn't very familiar with it; the original story only mentioned it briefly.
"That comes from the origin of the Sect Conference. It's hosted by the strongest forces in the Northwest Continent, and its purpose isn't exactly benevolent."
"It's ambitious forces wanting to unify all the powers of the Northwest Continent to match the top powers of the Dou Qi Continent."
"If one can defeat all powers at the Sect Conference, they can become the nominal overlord of the Northwest!"
"Then, whether or not those powers are willing, they will nominally fall under the command of the Sky Alliance. If they resist, it gives a legitimate reason to expand."
Hearing Lv Xin's words, Xiao Ze was convinced that having Lv Xin lead the Heavenly Snake Mansion to submit to the Sky Alliance was indeed a smart move!
This man may appear honest and straightforward, but he is actually very cunning and calculating.
Perhaps Lv Xin's decision to lead the Heavenly Snake Mansion in submission to the Sky Alliance was also based on maximizing benefits.
Now advising Xiao Ze to participate in the Sect Conference also followed this pattern.
Such a calculating, deep strategist working for him, Xiao Ze wasn't really opposed.
As long as the interests of the Heavenly Snake Mansion and the Sky Alliance were fully tied together over time, this man could be made to work earnestly for the Sky Alliance!
"Listening to you, I've become quite interested in the Sect Conference."
Xiao Ze's words made a hint of joy flash in Lv Xin's eyes.
"If you're interested, the Heavenly Snake Mansion can nominate the Sky Alliance to participate in the Sect Conference."
"Calculating the time, the next Sect Conference is to be held in three months, and it will take place in the Heavenly Snake Empire!"
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(End of chapter)