Free Web NovelChapter 253: Chapter 183: Let’s Make a Deal
BOOM—
RUMBLE—
Vast surges of Spiritual Power churned without end as a kaleidoscope of magic filled the air. The sounds of battle and shouts of war blended into a single roar.
The enemy was powerful. Among them were two Foundation Establishment Great Perfection Cultivators. Song Xianyun and Song Changsheng each held one back, while the others found their own opponents and locked them in combat.
However, they did all this with the primary goal of ensuring their own safety. As a result, when facing an enemy as ferocious as wolves and tigers, they quickly found themselves on the back foot.
If this continued, and no reinforcements arrived, it was only a matter of time before the enemy broke through their encirclement.
Li Tiancheng glanced at Baiyun Peak, which was as still as a stagnant pond, and his heart filled with anxiety. ’What’s going on? Did something happen to Senior Brother Du? Why isn’t he following the plan?’
Since they were close enough, he immediately took out his Communication Waist Token and sent a message to Du Huating, demanding to know why he hadn’t made a move.
The next moment, Du Huating’s reply made his eyes fly wide. "While the snipe and the clam grapple, the fisherman profits."
In that instant, Li Tiancheng’s question was answered. He stared toward Baiyun Peak in disbelief. He couldn’t comprehend why Du Huating would make such a foolish decision.
At first glance, it seemed like a brilliant idea. Wait for both sides to batter each other to a pulp, then show up to clean up the mess. This would not only weaken the Song and Wang Families but also preserve their own strength to the greatest extent, all while resolving the current crisis.
It was a brilliant plan that killed three birds with one stone.
But the crucial flaw was, why would the Song Clan fight to the death against their opponents?
It was a simple, obvious truth. That was why he couldn’t understand why the normally level-headed Du Huating would make such a decision. It was as if he were a completely different person.
Just then, Song Changsheng’s voice transmission echoed in Li Tiancheng’s mind: "Elder Li, where are your men?"
"Don’t worry, Young Clan Leader Song. The Grand Elder and the others have been tied down and can’t break away for the moment. We just need to hold on a little longer."
Although Li Tiancheng was inwardly displeased, he could only try to play along with Du Huating’s plan.
His method was not particularly brilliant. In fact, it could be summed up in one word: stall.
The battle was currently at a fever pitch, but miraculously, neither side had suffered any casualties. This was almost unbelievable. After all, nearly twenty Foundation Establishment Cultivators were gathered here, yet after fighting for so long, there were zero casualties. No one would believe it if they heard.
There were several reasons for this. First, the Song Clan was holding back, waiting for Du Huating and his men to make their move so they could launch a pincer attack.
This would allow them to achieve the greatest victory with the fewest casualties.
Second, the invaders had their own concerns. The string of constant battles had left them in terrible shape, and they feared being attacked from both the front and rear. Thus, while fighting the Song Clan, they had to devote some of their attention to guarding against the Earth Fire Sect.
Therefore, while the battle appeared intense, in reality, neither side was fighting with their full strength.
But this stalemate was bound to be broken sooner or later. The longer things dragged on, the more disadvantageous it became for the invaders. Eventually, they would have to risk it all.
When that happened, the conflict would intensify, and casualties would inevitably follow.
Once those people had the blood of the Song Clan on their hands, the Songs would never let them leave peacefully. In that way, the goal of the four-party alliance would be achieved.
Upon hearing Li Tiancheng’s reply, Song Changsheng sneered inwardly. ’Just as I thought, these people are unreliable. Good thing I never expected anything from them in the first place.’
’If you’re going to be ruthless, then don’t blame me for being treacherous,’ Song Changsheng thought to himself.
"Fellow Daoist, let’s make a deal."
The white-haired old man faltered for a moment when he heard the message. Once he confirmed it was indeed the young man before him who had sent it, his voice turned grave as he transmitted back, "What are you scheming?"
Song Changsheng replied with a faint smile, "I am Song Changsheng. And you are, Fellow Daoist?"
"So, you’re Song Changsheng. To think you can face me head-on with only a Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivation... the rumors are indeed true. I am Liu Hongye," Liu Hongye replied warily. "What did you mean by your earlier words?"
"Clan Leader Liu, I know of you. Your clan has done business with my Song Clan in the past. We shouldn’t be enemies."
Liu Hongye was so angry he almost laughed. He gritted his teeth and shot back, "We never wanted to be enemies with the Song Clan either! Since entering Ling Province, we haven’t harmed you in the slightest. You are the ones who made an enemy of us!"
"Clan Leader Liu, I know exactly what you want. But that is precisely why I can’t trust you. Your clan is too strong. Simply standing by and watching you occupy the Liuyun Mountain Range goes against the interests of the Song Clan."
"If that’s how it is, then there’s nothing more to say," Liu Hongye flared up in anger. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom
"Don’t be so hasty, Fellow Daoist. Didn’t I say I wanted to make a deal with you?" Song Changsheng chuckled.
When Liu Hongye didn’t reply, Song Changsheng didn’t seem to mind and simply continued, "What do you think of Liuyun Marketplace, Fellow Daoist?
It not only has several Tier Two Spirit Veins, but also a Tier Three Low-Grade Guardian Array. In all of Ling Province, that setup is second only to what my Song Clan possesses. I have the authority to cede it to you, allowing you to establish a foothold in Ling Province."
At these words, Liu Hongye’s eyes went wide. He stared at Song Changsheng’s face and asked in shocked disbelief, "You’ll... you’ll agree to let us establish a foothold in Ling Province?"
Song Changsheng chuckled. "And why not?"
"Why would you do this?" Liu Hongye felt he couldn’t quite follow Song Changsheng’s train of thought.
"It’s simple. The Earth Fire Sect is an enemy to my Song Clan, and you are an enemy of the Earth Fire Sect. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, is it not?"
