Chapter 95: Alliance of Attack and Defense

Meng Li's nephew recounted his years of suffering, and then, under Meng Li's arrangement, went to the back hall to rest.

"So it was the Fang Family's doing. They deserve to die!"

A cold light flashed in his eyes. He then clasped his fists towards Old Beggar and said:

"Thank you, friend, for returning my nephew. My elder brother passed away early, and he is the only child. He went missing some years ago, and I had a hard time finding him."

Old Beggar waved his hand and told Meng Li the location he had forced out of the Fang Family.

He wasn't a soft-hearted person. With Meng Li taking action, there was no need for him to make another trip.

The remnants of the Fang Family were no match for Meng Li.

After discussing this matter, Old Beggar shifted to the main topic.

"It's a minor matter, no need for politeness. To be honest, I came here for the matter of the secret realm quotas."

Meng Li's heart skipped a beat. He already controlled most of the secret realm quotas for himself, and although Old Beggar had returned his nephew, if this involved the quotas, he wouldn't easily yield.

However, it was clear he misunderstood Old Beggar's intentions.

Old Beggar continued:

"Now that the Fang Family has been defeated and their mansion has been occupied by me, I know the Fang Family still has a few secret realm quotas. Would it be possible for you to transfer them to the Three Talismans Sect?"

Meng Li's mood brightened instantly, and he smiled broadly.

As long as it didn't involve the quotas in his possession, he had no interest in such trivial matters.

"Ah, those few quotas from the Fang Family? You can have them."

Old Beggar nodded. This was within his expectations, so he wasn't surprised.

"There is one more thing. The Three Talismans Sect wants to set up a branch in Yongning City, at the address of the Fang Family's large mansion. What do you think?"

When a sect wanted to set up a branch in a county city, the first step was to build a good relationship with the county governor.

If the county governor obstructed or used underhanded methods, most sects would struggle to cope.

Although his strength had recovered and he was not afraid of the county governor, it was better to avoid unnecessary conflicts and maintain peaceful relations.

Meng Li did not answer immediately but fell into contemplation.

Seeing him remain silent for a while, Old Beggar continued:

"As for the secret realm quotas, I can forgo those for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages entirely and only keep the Core Formation ones for myself."

Meng Li was surprised. Having two more quotas was undoubtedly a good thing for him.

However, the establishment of a sect branch in Yongning City was a significant matter, and he hesitated for a moment.

Old Beggar pondered for a moment and suddenly asked:

"Daoist Meng, how is the situation with the beast tides outside the Qi Kingdom?"

Meng Li's heart stirred, and he answered slowly:

"Since the beast tide disaster in Guantong County of the Wei Kingdom, all regions have strengthened their defenses."

"However, the beast tides in the Wei Kingdom have become even more rampant. As of today, they have conquered two more cities."

"A large number of refugees have fled, and many rogue cultivators believe that the Wei Kingdom's royal family must have angered a certain demon emperor, leading to such devastation."

"In this situation, many have fled to other countries, especially the neighboring Han and Zhao Kingdoms, which have taken in a significant number of refugees."

Old Beggar nodded and asked again:

"What is the attitude of the Han and Zhao Kingdoms?"

"Hmph, what attitude could they have? They would be more than happy to see the Wei Kingdom destroyed by the beast tides, so they can take in the Wei Kingdom's people."

Old Beggar stroked his beard and smiled slightly.

"Do you think this beast tide could threaten our Qi Kingdom?"

Meng Li heard this question, thought for a moment, and replied:

"Under a collapsed nest, how can there be intact eggs? Though our Great Qi is distant from the Wei Kingdom, separated by the Han and Zhao Kingdoms, the beast tide is immense. In my view, it's only a matter of time before it reaches us."

"It's laughable that the Zhao and Han Kingdoms are so short-sighted, only concerned with taking in Wei Kingdom's people and small gains, not understanding the principle of 'when the lips are gone, the teeth are cold.'"

Old Beggar shook his head, not agreeing with his view.

"How could such a large country not understand such a simple principle?"

"It's not that they don't understand, but that they are unwilling."

"How many would agree to send their people to protect your territory?"

"If I send troops, you want me to lead the charge while hiding my own interests. What then?"

"What if some countries send more troops and others send fewer?"

"Working without effort, using underhanded methods—there are too many complications, far from as simple as it seems."

Meng Li looked at Old Beggar with surprise and then clasped his fists.

"Friend, your foresight is admirable."

Old Beggar waved his hand and brought the discussion back to the original topic.

"My Yongning County is located at the edge of the Great Qi Kingdom, bordering the Zhao Kingdom."

"If one day, the beast tides appear in Yongning County, what is the plan of the County Governor?"

Meng Li's mind raced with several solutions but dismissed them.

Given the Han and Zhao Kingdoms' attitudes towards the Wei Kingdom, they would likely not provide assistance.

The Great Qi Kingdom would naturally not ignore the situation, but its distance meant it would be ineffective.

Thus, it seemed that self-rescue was the only option.

Yongning County had a Nascent Soul cultivator stationed, and the headquarters of the Divine Talisman Sect was 300 miles southeast. If the Three Talismans Sect were added, it would be equivalent to having three Nascent Soul cultivators.

Such strength was significantly superior to Guantong County in the Wei Kingdom.

Meng Li recalled hearing that the County Governor of Guantong County had perished in the beast tides and had been worried for several days.

Looking at it now, letting Old Beggar's group enter Yongning County was a good choice.

Having realized this, he suddenly understood Old Beggar's intentions and chuckled wryly:

"Daoist, I understand now. I agree to your setting up a branch sect."

"However, we need to make a Heavenly Dao Oath to form an alliance for offense and defense. If the beast tides come, we will resist together!"

Old Beggar laughed heartily and nodded in satisfaction.

"Of course. In the future, I hope Daoist Meng will take care of us."

The group discussed some details and had a hearty meal at the County Governor's Mansion before leaving.

The crowd of onlookers at the gate had not dispersed. Seeing people coming out of the mansion, they quickly gathered around.

Lu An and Old Beggar walked at the front, with the County Governor following behind.

The three chatted and laughed, seeming to have reached some agreement, and were very amiable.

The County Governor saw the large number of rogue cultivators outside and smiled slightly, then announced loudly:

"From today onwards, the Three Talismans Sect will establish a branch in Yongning County City, at the former Fang Family mansion. Anyone interested can sign up. You might have a chance to join the Three Talismans Sect."

The crowd was immediately shocked. The County Governor himself made the announcement—what did that mean?

Was the County Governor not afraid that the Three Talismans Sect would threaten his position?

Regardless of what the County Governor thought, he had acknowledged the status of the Three Talismans Sect, which ignited the enthusiasm of the crowd.

"When does the Three Talismans Sect start recruiting disciples? I want to join!"

"Count me in, count me in!"

"I want to go too!"

…

What Lu An and Old Beggar did not know was that Meng Li agreed to the Three Talismans Sect's entry into Yongning City because the beast tide was far more severe than he had mentioned.

According to daily reports from scouts, the beast tide was now showing signs of spreading to the Han and Zhao Kingdoms.

The Wei Kingdom's situation was not just the loss of three counties; it was essentially on the brink of collapse.

But such confidential news was unknown to outsiders.

As the head of a county, his status and position within the Great Qi Kingdom were top-notch, so he naturally had the right to know about this matter.

It can be said that the beast tide is now imminent!

Lu An and Old Beggar were on their way back to the mansion, but Lu An felt something was off.

"Master, the County Governor agreed so easily to our establishment. I can't shake the feeling that something is wrong."

Old Beggar snorted and said:

"Don't underestimate that old fox. The beast tide is far from as simple as he makes it out to be."

"Oh? Does Master know something?"

Hearing this, Old Beggar's expression also became serious.

"I don't know the specifics of the Wei Kingdom's situation, but I do know that on the demon side, there is an old adversary who has advanced to the late Nascent Soul stage and become a Great Demon Emperor!"