Chapter 448: Alliance Matters

As soon as the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint spoke, Xiao Ming discerned his intentions and quietly stepped aside.

Now, observing that the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint was indeed seeking his benefit, Xiao Ming's favorable impression of him grew.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration; the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint truly lived up to his reputation as a cunning old fox who had lived for who knew how many years.

The core lotus seed of the Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus was unquestionably the expected reward for him in this case, where he had aided the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple.

The proposal was all the more logical because it was made by the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint himself. Nobody's reputation would be harmed by declining, and the likelihood of success would significantly increase. If others were to agree, it could further elevate his favorable impression.

Xiao Ming looked at Xiong Ba and the others, waiting for them to agree or disagree.

The corners of Xiong Ba's and the others' mouths twitched, and they struggled internally.

Agreeing would undoubtedly be a bitter pill for them to swallow; after all, the value of the core lotus seed of the Eleven-Grade Triple-Born Lotus was exceedingly high.

However, if they declined, Xiao Ming was right there, and he had indeed rendered significant help. It wouldn't be appropriate to turn down the proposal, especially since it originated from the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint. With the leader's approval, opposing it might appear unsuitable.

Observing their shifting expressions, Xiao Ming pondered for a moment before speaking.

"If you're willing to hand over all three lotus seeds to me, I can assist in refining three Ninth-Grade Treasure Pills for you."

"Mr. Xiao Ming is a Grandmaster Alchemist?" Xiong Ba and the others were taken aback.

"Hmm," Xiao Ming calmly nodded.

"In that case, we agree."

The isolation of the Fallen Spirit Ice Source from the outside world meant that there were few alchemists, especially Grandmaster Alchemists. Ninth-Grade Treasure Pills certainly held an allure for them.

While Treasure Pills might not match the value of the Eleven-Grade Triple-Born Lotus core lotus seeds, they still carried significant appeal.

Of course, before the pills could be refined, they would need to gather the necessary medicinal materials. However, this wasn't a major obstacle.

Once the matter was settled, the group dispersed.

…

The next day.

Nine-Tailed Fox Saint, accompanied by Xiao Ming, ruptured the space and arrived in a small realm.

While hovering alongside the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint, Xiao Ming noticed how dense the energy of heaven and earth was within this small realm.

The ice attribute energy almost turned into mist, and as he looked down, he discovered that beneath the thick mist wasn't solid land, but an endless expanse of lakes.

Upon the lakes grew countless white lotus flowers.

"So, these are all Snow Leaf White Lotuses? Quite the grand gesture." Xiao Ming sighed, having seen many high-grade Snow Leaf White Lotuses just moments ago.

To be able to cultivate a Dou Saint, the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple's heritage was not bad at all.

"Actually, it's not only Snow Leaf White Lotuses; there are other items as well," the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint explained with a smile. Given the vastness of the small world, it couldn't possibly contain only Snow Leaf White Lotuses.

Xiao Ming nodded, not delving further, and pointed towards a black dot not far away.

"Should we head there now?"

"Yes, that's where we cultivate the Snow Leaf White Lotuses."

The Nine-Tailed Fox Saint nodded, then led Xiao Ming towards the black dot.

The black dot was actually a ring-shaped island, neither big nor small, with a hollow center. A pool of water lay in the middle of the island.

Xiao Ming landed at the edge and noticed a three-meter-sized Triple-Born Lotus in the center of the pool. Intense energy fluctuations radiated from it.

He suddenly realized that the pool of water beneath it was formed by the gathering of energy from heaven and earth.

Though it held no significant effect on him at his current level, it still made his eyelids twitch and left him momentarily at a loss for words.

These energy-infused waters were no ordinary substance.

The Nine-Tailed Fox Saint appeared entirely accustomed to the scene before them. He flew onto the lotus flower directly and then returned.

He extended three infant fist-sized lotus seeds towards Xiao Ming. The immense energy contained within them was tangible. For his current self, they were undoubtedly precious treasures.

"These are the three core lotus seeds." The Nine-Tailed Fox Saint smiled, "Accept them."

In truth, the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint held a deep trust in Xiao Ming and wasn't afraid that he would covet the Snow Leaf White Lotuses.

Compared to the lotus seeds, the value of the lotus flowers was even greater.

Xiao Ming took out a high-quality cold jade box and placed the three lotus seeds inside before storing it in his storage ring.

He then noticed that the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint still held a lotus seed in his hand, though its energy was far inferior to the three he had just been given.

Noticing Xiao Ming's gaze, the Nine-Tailed Fox Saint grinned and raised the lotus seed.

"This is the prize for the Saintess who will be chosen in the Wind and Snow Ceremony."

"Ah, so it's for Hu Yu," Xiao Ming nodded in understanding.

The Nine-Tailed Fox Saint did not refute and the two then left the small realm.

Upon emerging, Xiao Ming intended to take his leave, but after some thought, he said, "Although the crisis brought by the Elder of the Hun Clan has been resolved for now, it's only temporary. There's a chance that the Hun Clan might send even stronger Elders in the future. Your Wind and Snow Sacred Temple is secluded, and you might not be a match for them."

The Nine-Tailed Fox Saint found Xiao Ming's words reasonable. The strength of the Hun Clan was beyond what they could withstand.

Nobody knew if Hun Shang was the only Hun Clan member who knew about the Eleven-Grade Snow Leaf White Lotus.

"Do you have a strategy, Alliance Leader Xiao?"

Xiao Ming smiled faintly in response.

"Why doesn't the Fox Saint lead the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple to join our Heavenly Court? Keep in mind that our Heavenly Court was established to counter the Hall of Souls' influence. If the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple join us, we can create a spatial channel to help each other."

"Well..." The Nine-Tailed Fox Saint contemplated, not immediately agreeing.

Xiao Ming wasn't surprised. Forming an alliance was a serious matter, involving the restructuring and allocation of power, which concerned everyone within the influence.

The Nine-Tailed Fox Saint would surely need to discuss this matter upon returning.

In reality, it was due to the perceived pressure from the Hun Clan that the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple even considered joining the Heavenly Court. Otherwise, such a secluded force wouldn't have any interest.

If possible, Xiao Ming even wanted to invite all the other powers in the Fallen Spirit Ice Source to join the Heavenly Court, but that was clearly impossible.

Why would others give up their autonomy and obey commands for no apparent reason, sacrificing their carefree existence?

Truth be told, while magical beast clans in the Fallen Spirit Ice Source might not be as formidable as the three major magical beast tribes on their own, their combined strength was still considerable.

For the Hun Clan, they were a precious supplement. Who knows, perhaps the Hun Clan might attempt to annihilate their clans someday.

But Xiao Ming didn't have any proof for this; it was just his speculation. Even so, it might still be a good tactic to use intimidation to persuade other races to join the Heavenly Court.

"Take your time to consider, Fox Saint. If you agree, you can directly come to the Holy Pill City to discuss the details. Farewell!" Xiao Ming cupped his fists and took his leave.

...

After leaving the Wind and Snow Sacred Temple, Xiao Ming crossed the Wind and Snow Plains and soon arrived at the edge of the Fallen Spirit Abyss.

He then initiated his own search plan.

Initially, Xiao Ming employed his soul power to scan directly. However, after two months of searching, he found nothing.

After some thought, it made sense. Which of these heavenly treasures wasn't safely hidden? If they were that easily found, would they still be available to him?

Later, Xiao Ming changed his strategy and directly intimidated local magical beasts familiar with the area to aid in the search. Efficiency significantly improved, and soon, there were results.