The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 382: Wishful Plan

Wishful Plan . . .

Wan Zheng left to attend to the guests, and after only a brief absence, he had already returned with a gleeful expression. He seemed quite content.

"What's brought on this happiness? Is this really the time to be so elated?" Cha Eun Xiao inquired with a furrowed brow. It was a challenging period to be so cheerful.

"They've come to discuss cooperation," Wan Zhenghao responded while rubbing his hands together. His face showed unmistakable satisfaction. "They've proposed that we support each other and face this challenge together. It's a fantastic opportunity, like a gift from the heavens. We were just fretting about finding support, and now the five clans have appeared out of nowhere. It's as though fortune has smiled upon me. I am truly the chosen one."

"Cooperation?" Cha Eun Xiao's brow furrowed as he regarded Wan Zhenghao with curiosity. "In what way? What are their intentions?"

"They want..." Wan Zhenghao explained before trailing off. He chuckled awkwardly and continued, "They simply want to meet you in person. It's..."

Cha Eun Xiao's expression grew serious. "What is their attitude like?"

Wan Zhenghao laughed uncomfortably. "Well, it's nothing out of the ordinary... The Eight Noble Clans are, as usual... It's a positive development for both of us. By working together, we'll both benefit..."

Cha Eun Xiao's countenance darkened.

He understood what Wan Zhenghao meant. The five clans had likely been arrogant and made various demands of Wan Zhenghao. In this perilous moment, Wan Zhenghao had chosen to endure their impositions and meet their requests, as he undoubtedly aimed to navigate the danger at any cost.

While Cha Eun Xiao was aware of Wan Zhenghao's character and didn't hold it against him, he didn't approve of it.

Cha Eun Xiao had discerned the five clans' arrogant behavior toward Wan Zhenghao. They had dared to assert themselves when they had come seeking help. This audacity didn't sit well with him.

"Ning, Liu Changjun, come with me!" Cha Eun Xiao's voice held a resolute tone.

Ning Biluo and Liu Changjun were exhilarated, thinking, "Our master is about to assert his dominance. Whoever dares to threaten our comrades should be prepared to pay the price."

They followed Cha Eun Xiao as he headed for the door.

In the VIP hall, the ten representatives of the five clans were seated comfortably, sipping tea provided by Ling-Bao Hall. They exuded an air of high spirits and self-assuredness.

As they discussed their strategy, they had established a baseline for their plan. Their approach hinged on the initial reaction of Ling-Bao Hall. If Ling-Bao Hall behaved neither humbly nor arrogantly, they would be willing to extend an offer of cooperation, perhaps even sweetening the deal. However, if Ling-Bao Hall appeared conciliatory, they would be inclined to work together on equal footing against their common adversary.

What the five clans hadn't anticipated was the amicable approach taken by Wan Zhenghao. His willingness to lower his position had taken them by surprise. The representatives of the five clans were shrewd individuals who quickly reached a collective conclusion. "Ling-Bao Hall must be in dire straits. Our presence is more than welcome here, offering cooperation."

"This is excellent! It's a great opportunity for us. Perhaps we won't need to invest much in this deal. We might even take something from them as a 'reward' for our assistance. Supreme dan beads are a sure bet. Any treasures will be gladly accepted."

"Furthermore, we can remain within Ling-Bao Hall. Whatever unfolds next, we can allow Ling-Bao Hall to take the lead. Ling-Bao Hall boasts formidable forces. Those guards at the auction were extraordinary."

"And we mustn't make any rash moves in their presence."

As they reveled in their grand strategy, sipping tea, engaging in casual conversation, reclining with their legs crossed, and indulging in daydreams, they felt a sense of relief.

However, Long Tianyun wore a troubled expression. He knew that Ling-Bao Hall wasn't as easy to exploit as it might seem. As the wealthiest organization in the Land of Han-Yang, it should have been overpowered long ago. History showed that only House of the Chaotic Storms and Ling-Bao Hall had endured for millennia, while many others had fallen.

The House of the Chaotic Storms possessed figures like Master Bai, Wan of Clouds, and Xiu of Heavens who safeguarded its interests, making it a nearly impregnable fortress. Ling-Bao Hall, on the other hand, lacked such prominent figures. Those who dared to provoke Ling-Bao Hall might gain an initial advantage, but if they pressed their advantage too far, they would meet their demise. Ling-Bao Hall was even more formidable than the House of the Chaotic Storms.

Long Tianyun recognized that the individual in charge of Ling-Bao Hall wasn't Wan Zhenghao, the portly figure. It was Feng Monarch – Feng Zhiling.

"Monarch Feng is no ordinary figure.

On the day of the auction, he had made a bold move against the House of the Chaotic Storms. It was evident that he possessed a keen intellect. Moreover, his ability to produce supreme dan beads was truly remarkable. The fact that he could produce such a significant quantity of these beads simultaneously was nothing short of incredible. It strongly suggested that he had a unique and powerful background.

Wan Zhenghao was known for his aversion to conflict. He was willing to sacrifice certain things in order to maintain peace. However, the same might not hold true for Feng Monarch.

Long Tianyun was cautious and apprehensive. When Wan Zhenghao returned to the inner room, a sense of foreboding crept over him. His unease grew as they continued chatting and sipping tea.

A distinct sound of approaching footsteps resonated from the inner hall. Long Tianyun's demeanor grew even more solemn as he strained to determine the strength of the approaching individual.

The other nine attendees, all prominent figures from the five clans, ceased their conversations. Their collective greediness did not overshadow their intelligence. It was the reason why their respective clans had entrusted them to represent their interests.

The footsteps drew nearer, and they were somewhat perplexed by what they heard. It seemed that the person approaching was not particularly formidable. Step by step, they could hear the unassuming gait of someone drawing closer..