Hei Alliance

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Zhao Tribe - Two weeks ago 

In his study, the Zhao tribe leader placed down a document with a sigh, weariness etched into his face. Sunlight filtered through the window, highlighting the lines and age on his fifty-year-old face—a testament to the strain of leadership.

Hei tribe's large-scale expedition and the invitation from Dong Fang Yu Liang had divided the tribe into two bitter factions. One side urged an alliance with Dong Fang, hoping to mend their generations-old feud. The other side preferred joining Hei tribe, a powerful force, albeit one that might use them as expendable soldiers.

These two factions argued endlessly; one side urged aligning with the Dong Fang tribe to resolve their generations-old grudges, while the other saw an alliance with the much stronger Hei tribe as a safer choice.

But could siding with the Dong Fang tribe truly erase the deep-seated hatred that had accumulated through countless feuds? The Zhao tribe leader could not say for certain.

On the other hand, aligning with the Hei tribe brought its own risks. Their headquarters remained in the Cao Fu region, While Yu Tian's tyrants, represented by Hei tribe, already held powerful Alliance. And as latecomers, the Zhao tribe would inevitably face the brunt of the battles. Would they even receive fair treatment or just be used as cannon fodder?

Caught between these choices, Zhao tribe leader was deeply conflicted. His days were filled with tense arguments among the elders. He had to remain vigilant against Dong Fang Yu Liang's schemes while trying to hold together his divided tribe. Each day drained him more.

With a weary sigh, he leaned back in his chair, watching particles of dust floating in a sunbeam. In their aimless drifting, he saw himself—hesitant, swayed by the slightest breeze, unsure whether he'd rise or fall.

Just then, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside his study, interrupting his thoughts.

The Zhao tribe leader's brows furrowed. "What's the matter?" he called.

Two elders entered, both beaming in rare agreement. "Leader! Good news—the Hei tribe has sent a letter."

Puzzled but hopeful, the Zhao tribe leader took the letter, wondering what had managed to unite these two opposing elders. As he read, his expression softened into relief. Written by none other than Tai Bai Yun Sheng himself, the letter guaranteed fair treatment and explicitly promised that the Zhao tribe would not be treated as expendable.

The Zhao tribe leader allowed himself a small smile. "I didn't expect old Sir Tai Bai to side with the Hei tribe."

"Yes, but it solves everything," one elder said excitedly.

"Now we can join the Hei tribe with confidence," said the other. "With Sir Tai Bai on our side, we won't be thrown into the meat grinder!"

The room buzzed with new optimism. Just as the elders were about to celebrate, a loud voice came from outside.

A guard hurried in, face flushed. "Lord tribe leader, the young miss slipped on the stairs and hit her head while running here."

The Zhao tribe leader shot up in concern. "My little darling! How bad is it? Quickly, bring her here!"

---

Hei Tribe

Meanwhile, in the Hei tribe's camp, an attendant rushed in, his voice filled with urgency. "Leader, the Zhao tribe has arrived to join us!"

Hei Lou Lan smiled broadly. "Excellent news! And it's thanks to you, Sir Tai Bai."

Seeing Fang Yuan's faintly puzzled expression, Hei Lou Lan added, "Sir Tai Bai personally suggested inviting more tribes to strengthen our forces and even put his reputation on the line for their protection."

Fang Yuan nodded, concealing his amusement, though his thoughts raced. "Is this my luck, or perhaps Hong Yun's… or is it fate itself at work?"

Fang Yuan's eyes glinted with a quiet intensity as he thought to himself, "One thing's certain—the future has changed because of me."

"But I didn't expect Old Bai to go that far," Fang Yuan thought, a hint of surprise flickering in his otherwise impassive gaze. "Is he truly doing all this for me... or is it for his precious Purple Master?"

A faint smile played at Fang Yuan's lips. Regardless of Tai Bai's motives, his efforts were proving invaluable.

As the gathering ended, Fang Yuan and Tai Bai made their way outside. At the entrance, the Zhao tribe leader and his elders stood, waiting to meet Hei Lou Lan. Upon spotting Tai Bai, they bowed deeply.

"Sir Tai Bai, thank you," the Zhao leader said sincerely. "Because of you, we have found a safe place for our people."

Tai Bai extended a hand to help him rise. "You are welcome. And hmm," he gestured to Fang Yuan, "this is my senior brother. You may call him Black Shadow."

The Zhao tribe respectfully greeted Fang Yuan. "Greetings, Sir Black Shadow."

Fang Yuan gave a slight nod in acknowledgment before turning to Tai Bai. "Come, we have matters to attend to," he said, moving with calculated grace that hinted at the unseen depths of his plan.

---

In the camp, Fang Yuan sat with his somewhat dim-witted disciple, Hong Yun, along with Tai Bai Yun Sheng.

"Hong Yun, this is your Uncle Tai Bai," Fang Yuan introduced.

Hong Yun smiled foolishly. "Greetings, Uncle Tai!"

Tai Bai chuckled warmly. "Haha, it seems I now have a nephew! How are you finding things here, Hong Yun?"

"Everyone is so kind and treats me really well," Hong Yun replied, his face lighting up.

Fang Yuan inwardly scoffed at this. He knew too well why people were showing such kindness to his disciple; they sought to gain information by being friendly to the young follower of a peak Rank 5 Gu master. "As if I'd tell my foolish disciple anything crucial," he thought with amusement.

"Hong Yun, why don't you go out and make some friends your age?" Fang Yuan said, dismissing him with a wave.

Once Hong Yun had left, Fang Yuan turned to Tai Bai, ensuring there were no one spying around and using a subtle barrier to block any prying eyes or ears. "Junior brother, I need to thank you. Without your efforts, I wouldn't have gotten into the Hei Alliance so smoothly."

Tai Bai shook his head. "There's no need, Senior Brother. It's the least I could do for our master's sake."

Fang Yuan smiled, retrieving something from his aperture. "Regardless, I still owe you something."

But Tai Bai's face twisted in frustration. "Brother, do you mean to insult me? I didn't do this expecting a reward; I did it for our master!"

Fang Yuan held up a hand, still smiling. "I know, but this is something you need. I had planned to give it to you anyway."

He revealed a fifteen-year Lifespan Gu, offering it to Tai Bai.

Tai Bai's eyes widened in shock. "This…?"

"I know your lifespan is running low, so I prepared this for you," Fang Yuan said, smiling. "After all, I wouldn't want my junior brother to die simply because he ran out of time."

Taking the Lifespan Gu with a grateful expression, Tai Bai nodded deeply. "Thank you, Senior Brother."

"No need for thanks between us," Fang Yuan assured him. "Once I complete our master's plans, I'll seek out more Lifespan Gu for you."

With their spirits lifted by the mood, the two turned their discussion to the Imperial Court contest and how to safely enter the Imperial Court Blessed Land.

"An amazing plan," Tai Bai marveled as Fang Yuan explained his tactics. "You've truly accounted for every detail."

"I've set some tricks in motion and will use my identity to its fullest," Fang Yuan replied. "Your reputation, however, will be useful in promising support to tribes who join the Hei Alliance. Forget about any reservations—pledge them aid as freely as needed."

With a sigh, Tai Bai nodded. "Alright, I'll do as you say." He stood, preparing to leave. His quarters were adjacent to Fang Yuan's, and he glanced back before departing, respect and newfound resolve clear in his eyes.

---

Fang Yuan sat alone, deep in thought, reflecting on his plans, especially his recent actions with Tai Bai. "I hadn't intended to give him any Lifespan Gu before," he mused. "Originally, I wanted to push him to become immortal and refine the two Immortal Gu I desire like the plot."

He sighed. "But no plan survives the unexpected." His gaze drifted toward the distant figure of Tai Bai.

"My true intentions were to use him thoroughly, with plenty of options afterward. I could have enslaved him, or simply killed him to swallow his blessed land."

"But now, things were different. With the awakening of one of the Ten Extreme Physiques, everything had shifted." Fang Yuan checked his aperture, noting the rapid change.

"My aptitude has surged from 98% to 99%."

Fang Yuan's gaze sharpened. "It's a good thing I'm immortal," he thought, "I don't have to fear the burden on my mortal aperture or risk it exploding. I've methods to delay any complications, but I need to wrap up this Imperial Court contest quickly."

Next his mind focused on the incomplete recipe of Change Form Immortal Gu he had. "If I can refine it, the effects on my Familiar Face killer move could be transformative," he mused, confidence rising.

A sense of calm, calculating confidence settled over him as he issued a command to his A.I. Chip. "Set the completion of the Change Form Immortal Gu recipe as the top priority."

The A.I. Chip responded promptly:

[Beep! Mission order updated. Priority set to: Completing the Change Form Immortal Gu recipe. Secondary missions: improving Familiar Face killer move and analyzing optimal strategies against fake wills and special wills…]

Fang Yuan's gaze returned to Tai Bai, his expression unreadable. "Old man, I've already decided your fate."

"Every step is a piece in a much larger game."

A final, chilling thought solidified his resolve. "I will kill you in the blessed land."

...