The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 385: Wrong!

Wrong! . . .

Cha Eun Xiao greeted Long Tianyun\'s introductions with a humble smile, nodding and acknowledging each figure as they were introduced. After the formalities, he wasted no time and got straight to the point.

"Wan informed me that you\'re here for cooperation," Cha Eun Xiao remarked, bypassing any niceties. It was a direct approach, and even the astute Long Tianyun felt taken aback by the bluntness of Feng Monarch\'s inquiry.

Long Tianyun cleared his throat, regaining his composure. He introduced the other representatives one by one, subtly stalling for time while he considered how best to approach the negotiation.

Feng Monarch, in stark contrast, remained seated casually, but his eyes were alert, darting respectfully from one individual to another as they were introduced. Despite their stature in their respective clans, the representatives couldn\'t help but feel the weight of his gaze.

When the introductions were completed, Long Tianyun began presenting the reason for their visit. He highlighted the unfavorable circumstances and pointed out the mutual benefits of an alliance.

Feng Monarch displayed his usual calm demeanor but couldn\'t resist a mildly mocking tone as he responded, "Oh, you believe?"

He emphasized the word "you" and looked directly at Long Tianyun. Long Tianyun maintained his composure and replied affirmatively, stating that he believed in the potential for a beneficial alliance.

As Cha Eun Xiao fell into deep thought, he tapped the chair absentmindedly, and a silence enveloped the room, with all eyes fixed on him. In contrast, an elder from the Dongfang Clan grew impatient. However, it wasn\'t Feng Monarch who irritated him, but rather Long Tianyun\'s handling of the situation.

The elder from the Dongfang Clan reacted to Feng Monarch\'s seemingly dismissive tone. He couldn\'t tolerate any implication that they were irrelevant in the negotiation. Thus, he chuckled awkwardly and chimed in, "Yes, indeed. We all recognize that, in such dire circumstances, Ling-Bao Hall\'s support is crucial. However, it\'s equally true that Ling-Bao Hall stands to benefit from this alliance. It\'s a mutually advantageous proposition. We are seeking to safeguard our own interests, and by working in unity, we improve our collective standing. The logic is clear."

Yet, Long Tianyun was well aware that things had taken an unfortunate turn. He cast an internal curse at the elder, thinking, "When we needed you to speak sensibly, you remained silent. But now, you suddenly appear to make things complicated."

This older man believed he was expressing a reasonable perspective, but his words could introduce complications that had been entirely avoidable. Long Tianyun had discerned the concealed meaning behind Feng Monarch\'s "You believe" comment.

His expectations were soon met as Feng Monarch responded, his tone conveying indifference. "So, working together equals mutual success, and failing to do so means we both suffer losses."

The connotation was clear, and the elder from the Dongfang Clan wasn\'t oblivious to it. Annoyed by Feng Monarch\'s seeming indifference, he raised his voice, asserting, "The situation is crystal clear. I can\'t believe Feng Monarch is unaware of it."

But Feng Monarch didn\'t respond with irritation. He simply replied, "I genuinely don\'t understand. Please, enlighten me."

The elder from the Dongfang Clan seized this opportunity to elaborate. "The eight noble clans are undeniably in a precarious situation. It\'s a fact we don\'t shy away from. We\'re confronting two formidable sects, and while they are powerful, they are not invincible. Despite the challenging predicament, there\'s still room for optimism. However, when it comes to Ling-Bao Hall..."

Cha Eun Xiao maintained his inscrutable smile that masked a hint of coldness. "Oh, what about Ling-Bao Hall?"

The elder continued, his tone gradually growing haughty. "The situation with Ling-Bao Hall is plain to see. It\'s even more dire than our own. Ling-Bao Hall has drawn the ire of neighboring nations, with bounties placed on your members\' heads. Armies, assassins, and cultivators are converging upon you. The capital is in chaos, and any number of unsolvable problems could emerge at any moment."

In this way, the elder emphasized their dependence on Ling-Bao Hall\'s support, underlining that Ling-Bao Hall faced a more dire predicament. However, he did so with a certain arrogance, seizing the high ground in the negotiation.

With unwavering confidence, Cha Eun Xiao responded, "So, Ling-Bao Hall finds itself besieged from all sides, and its current strength is as fragile as an egg. It appears that you might need this alliance more than we do."

Cha Eun Xiao\'s gaze remained fixed as he spoke, his voice exuding indifference. "Oh, so that\'s your true stance."

"That\'s correct. To my knowledge, Ling-Bao Hall faces formidable adversaries, numbering around thirty thousand. Confronted with such a force, Ling-Bao Hall is undoubtedly ill-equipped to contend. Thus, the party in greater need of assistance is Ling-Bao Hall."

Cha Eun Xiao lifted his head, his eyes locking onto the older man. "Incorrect!"

"Wrong?" The elderly man furrowed his brow. "Explain, please.".