Chapter 1524: Alliance (Part 1)
Inside the Night God Palace, Yang Haoran sat in the main seat. Below him, apart from the Great Night Empire's high-ranking officials, there were also six outsiders.
From the six individuals' attire and the faint power fluctuations subtly emanating from them, their identities could be confirmed. Three of these six were Spiritualists, and three were Talisman Masters from the Talisman Order. Though they appeared to be a single group, their positioning clearly showed they were divided into two factions.
When Yang Haoran was still with the Underworld Division, he had many dealings with Spiritualists, and his hands were stained with their blood; many Spiritualists had died directly or indirectly by his hand. Thus, while he didn't know many Spiritualists personally, there were plenty who knew him.
Of the three Spiritualists standing beneath the imperial platform now, he didn't recognize a single one. For Yang Haoran, this was quite normal, as he hadn't known many Spiritualists to begin with, and ever since his defection from the Underworld Division, he'd had almost no contact with them. Therefore, it wasn't surprising that he didn't recognize these three individuals.
As for the other three Talisman Masters, two of them were completely unfamiliar to Yang Haoran; he was certain he had never seen them before. However, one person Yang Haoran not only recognized, but who was also an old friend: Wang Yiming. At this moment, Yang Haoran's gaze was entirely fixed on Wang Yiming, his eyes filled with surprise, confusion, and most of all, delight!
Regarding the other five, Yang Haoran had merely glanced at them when they entered the hall, not even lingering for a second. Instead, he stared intently at Wang Yiming. This alone showed the intensity of his emotional turmoil at that moment.
Indeed, Yang Haoran's emotions were in great turmoil at that time. He, who rarely experienced such fluctuations, was stirred so deeply, of course, because of Wang Yiming's appearance.
He had first met Wang Yiming when he was a Night Watcher, specifically at Old Master Wu's villa. He still remembered that occasion was to deal with an Evil Spirit. Though many years had passed, the scene was still vivid in his mind. It was then that he met not only Wang Yiming but also Ma Ling.
During the Tongxin Chaos, Wang Yiming was transferred away from Lecheng, and gradually, their contact dwindled. Yang Haoran had initially thought Wang Yiming might have perished in the Tongyin Chaos, but he never expected Wang Yiming to still be alive. Seeing his old friend standing alive and well before him now, how could his internal emotional fluctuations not be intense?
Earlier this morning, Old Master Wu had rushed to visit Yang Haoran, bringing unexpected news: Spiritualist and Talisman Order envoys had arrived at the Great Night Empire, wishing to meet Yang Haoran to discuss a matter of great importance.
For these two forces to risk sending envoys to the Great Night Empire and claim they needed to discuss a major issue with him, Yang Haoran needed only a moment's thought to guess what they wanted to talk about. After all, both the Spiritualists and the Talisman Order held considerable grievances against Yang Haoran. For these two forces to be willing to set aside their animosity, brave the danger to seek him out in person, and discuss a "major issue"—in Yang Haoran's view, there was only one possibility, and it wasn't hard to guess.
However, Yang Haoran initially had no intention of meeting the six immediately. His plan was to let them wait for a few days, which would allow him to secure greater benefits for the Great Night Empire during the subsequent negotiations. Yet, Old Master Wu then informed him that Wang Yiming was among the six. This was completely unforeseen by Yang Haoran, and Wang Yiming's presence changed his mind, prompting him to decide to meet the six immediately.
Yang Haoran did not plan to meet the Spiritualist and Talisman Order envoys privately. He summoned all high-ranking officials of the Great Night Empire. The purpose of this was, on one hand, to show the importance he placed on the six envoys' arrival, and on the other hand, to display the formidable strength of the Great Night Empire before them.
Of course, the former was a secondary, dispensable reason; apart from Wang Yiming, he didn't particularly care about the other five, merely wishing to allow them to save face. The latter was the most important reason.
"Spiritualist envoy Yuan Ji, Talisman Order envoy Wang Yiming, greet the Great Night Emperor."
The Spiritualists' leader was an elder named Yuan Ji, and Wang Yiming was the head of the Talisman Order's delegation. As the two addressed Yang Haoran and bowed, the two individuals behind them also bowed simultaneously.
"Heh, heh, grant them seats."
Yang Haoran smiled faintly, withdrawing his gaze from Wang Yiming before giving the command.
The Great Night Empire's high-ranking officials were quite surprised. They hadn't expected Yang Haoran to show such respect to the six, even granting them seats. However, among the officials, some also recognized Wang Yiming and were aware of his relationship with Yang Haoran. Thus, they weren't surprised by Yang Haoran's actions at this moment and understood why he did so.
Although Yang Haoran truly wished to reminisce with Wang Yiming, after so many years apart, he genuinely wanted to have a good chat with him. However, considering the current setting, he refrained from doing so.
"According to my people's reports, you've traveled a thousand li to reach my Great Night Empire to discuss a matter of great importance with me. Speak, then. What kind of major issue is worth risking so much to come to my Great Night Empire?"
Yang Haoran didn't spell it out directly, but the six individuals understood what he truly meant. When Yang Haoran was a Guardian of the Underworld Division, his hands were stained with the blood of Spiritualists and Talisman Masters from the Talisman Order. It was no exaggeration to say that, at that time, Yang Haoran had accumulated considerable enmity with both the Talisman Order and the Spiritualists. Given this hostile relationship, Yang Haoran would face great risks if he went to their territory. By the same token, if people from these two forces came to the Great Night Empire, they too would face significant danger.
"Our sole purpose in coming to the Great Night Empire this time is to discuss an alliance with the Great Emperor, with our common enemy, the Underworld Division, as our target. As for the risks of this journey, in my opinion, there are indeed some, but not many. Because I believe the Great Emperor will certainly choose to form an alliance, and naturally, he would not harm us. Therefore, the danger of this trip is not great."
Yuan Ji spoke again. He didn't mince words but directly stated their intention to ally against the Underworld Division. Upon hearing Yuan Ji's words, some in the audience frowned, some looked thoughtful, and others displayed disdain.
Yang Haoran's expression remained unchanged, maintaining a faint smile. He appeared calm and composed, suggesting he had long guessed the six's purpose for this visit.
"An alliance to deal with the Underworld Division, heh heh. . ."
Yang Haoran repeated the phrase, then chuckled without speaking further, seemingly having no intention of continuing. His reaction was intriguing.
"The last battle between the Great Night Empire and the Underworld Division spread throughout the entire New Beginning Realm. The Underworld Division was so frightened that they fled in disarray. Although the Underworld Division, for the sake of face, refused to admit it, anyone with eyes could see it was the truth. The Great Night Empire's strength consequently shocked the entire New Beginning Realm. However, in my opinion, while the Great Night Empire's strength is formidable, there is still a considerable gap compared to the Underworld Division. If the Underworld Division were truly determined to conquer the Great Night Empire, it would not be impossible. The Great Night Empire would certainly not be a match for the Underworld Division."
Yang Haoran's expression didn't change, but Yuan Ji's words angered some of the Great Night Empire's high-ranking officials.
"You old fool, what utter nonsense! How much do you know about our Great Night Empire? Are you certain the Underworld Division can definitely conquer us?"
Lu Wu roared, unable to stomach Yuan Ji's words. Not just Yuan Ji—anyone who dared to utter such a thing in his presence would instantly provoke his wrath.
"Does the Great Night Empire have a True God? Although I know the Great Emperor is collecting Power of Faith, the Great Emperor is not a True God. Conversely, the Underworld Division has the Death God, a True God, presiding over it. Once the Death God leaves his seclusion and acts against the Great Night Empire, can the Great Night Empire survive an attack from a True God?"
Facing Lu Wu's fury, Yuan Ji showed no fear. Instead, he brought up the Death God to counter Lu Wu. This question immediately left Lu Wu speechless. Although the anger on his face hadn't subsided, he was at a loss for a retort for a moment.
"Having a True God and not having one makes a huge difference. This is also why we Spiritualists have always been suppressed by the Underworld Division. So, facing the mighty Underworld Division, an alliance is absolutely the best choice. Moreover, our side also has True Gods. Only with the protection of True Gods can we contend with the Underworld Division. I believe the Great Emperor understands this principle."
Yuan Ji spoke, and as he finished, his gaze shifted from Lu Wu and returned to Yang Haoran.
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