Chapter 741: Who Planted These Golden Life Flowers?
“Slander? Elder Zhang, are you joking? I, the person involved, am standing right in front of you. The notice issued by my Father Emperor has presented sufficient evidence, both testimonial and material. How can you have the nerve to call it slander?” Jin Xue said with a bitter laugh, enraged.
“This elder cares not what testimonial or material evidence you have. If the Immortal Alliance says it is slander, then it is slander, unless you first prove your innocence with your death!”
Elder Zhang’s tone grew increasingly forceful, and he nonchalantly picked up the tea on the table and took a sip.
“You…”
Jin Xue, unable to restrain herself, was about to lose her temper when her father stopped her.
“Elder Zhang, are you threatening us?” Jin Ze stood up from his dragon throne.
“Indeed, this is a threat!” Elder Zhang admitted without hesitation and then presented his demand: “Alliance Leader Lu has ordered me to command you to issue a statement within three days clarifying that the Immortal Alliance was mistaken, that this matter has nothing to do with the Immortal Alliance, and to sincerely apologize to the Immortal Alliance!”
“Command? My father is the emperor of the mortal world. What right does your Alliance Leader have to command him?” Jin Xue questioned excitedly.
“With strength. As a cultivator, you should know that in the Cultivation Continent, strength is paramount,” Elder Zhang said with a dismissive smile.
“Well said, ‘strength is paramount.’ You claim to be the court of the Cultivation World, so when did you become like bandits, valuing the law of the jungle?” Jin Ze rebuked.
“That’s precisely why we are the court of the Cultivation World, not the court of the mortal world. We don’t need to reason with ordinary emperors like you,” Elder Zhang said shamelessly.
“And if I refuse? What do you intend to do? Kill me?” Jin Ze asked, suppressing his anger.
“They wouldn’t dare. The entire Cultivation Continent knows about this now. If anything were to happen to us, it would be an admission of guilt by the Immortal Alliance. I wonder how they would have the face to call themselves the court of the Cultivation World then!” Jin Xue reminded him, filled with righteous indignation.
“As expected of a princess of a nation, you are indeed thoughtful,” Elder Zhang praised insincerely, then added, “However, it is a pity that to deal with trash like you, the Immortal Alliance does not need to resort to tactics that damage us more than the enemy.”
“Oh? Then how does the Immortal Alliance plan to deal with us?” Jin Ze inquired curiously.
“The Alliance Leader said that if you do not rectify your grave mistake beyond the deadline, then all the Immortal Sects within the Peaceful Kingdom will move out. If there are wandering ghosts causing trouble, who will be able to save the common people of this land?” Elder Zhang said mockingly.
Jin Ze’s expression changed drastically. He hadn’t expected the other party to be so insidious, targeting his vital interests.
“Elder Zhang, the relocation of an entire sect is no small matter. At best, it shakes the foundation; at worst, it leads to the sect’s closure. Even the Immortal Alliance cannot possibly force them to do so, can they?” Jin Xue reminded him.
“It doesn’t matter. For sects that obediently follow the Immortal Alliance’s command, we will naturally provide some compensation. As for those rebels, they can forget about obtaining any resources from the Immortal Alliance in the future!” Elder Zhang said with confidence, then asked flippantly, “Princess, you are also a cultivator. You should know that most of the resources in the current Cultivation World come from the Tencel Valley Treasure Land, right? And who holds the Tencel Valley Treasure Land? Tell me loudly!”
Jin Xue’s expression changed dramatically, and she lost all ability to retort, her pretty face turning red with suppressed anger.
“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue!” Elder Zhang sneered, then finished the tea in his cup. “Thank you for the hospitality. Remember what this elder said: you only have three days to consider. Once the deadline passes, the Peaceful Kingdom will become a living hell!”
After threatening the father and daughter, Elder Zhang left grandly.
“Father Emperor, what should we do now?” Jin Xue was completely flustered.
“This Immortal Alliance is truly despicable! They are actually using the common people of the entire Peaceful Kingdom to threaten me.” Jin Ze’s face showed intense struggle. Torn between the people of the entire kingdom and seeking justice for his daughter, he didn’t know what to do.
Jin Xue also saw her father’s predicament and didn’t dare to force him. She could only walk out of the study with a heavy heart.
On almost the same day, all the countries and sects that exposed the Immortal Alliance’s wicked acts received similar threats, plunging them all into a dilemma. Should they swallow their pride for the sake of the greater good, or should they confront the Immortal Alliance head-on?
Jin Xue returned and pondered for a long time. Suddenly, she thought of Qi Huang’s all-powerful miniature clone and immediately contacted her using the Thousand Li Sound Transmission Device.
Qi Huang was initially quite shocked but quickly resigned herself. After all, the Immortal Alliance had already done so many wicked deeds, so it was within reason that they would do something like this.
After a moment of thought, Qi Huang asked, “How many Immortal Sects are there in your Peaceful Kingdom? And how long do you estimate it would take for them all to relocate?”
“There are several hundred Immortal Sects in our Peaceful Kingdom, and it would take at least ten to eight years for them all to move,” Jin Xue calculated briefly, noting that relocating sects was not like moving houses.
“Ten to eight years? Then what are you afraid of!” Qi Huang’s eyes lit up. “I’ll give you two options. First, accept the Immortal Alliance’s terms and step down from the situation, preserving your own safety. After all, weren’t you only trying to save your lives in the first place? You’ve achieved your goal now and can ensure the safety of your people!”
“Mm!” Jin Xue subconsciously responded, then curiously asked, “And the second option?”
“As for the second option, if you cannot swallow this insult, you can also confront the Immortal Alliance head-on. Since those sects need ten to eight years to move, at least you won’t have to fear wandering ghosts causing trouble during that time,” Qi Huang continued.
“Then what happens after ten to eight years? Once we provoke the Immortal Alliance, we will have to rely on ourselves,” Jin Xue asked anxiously.
“Don’t worry. Within ten years, I will definitely eradicate the Immortal Alliance and gain control of the Tencel Valley Treasure Land. By then, those sects will no longer be threatened by them,” Qi Huang guaranteed with great confidence, then added, “Of course, if you don’t believe me, I won’t force you.”
“Of course, I believe you, but…” Jin Xue hesitated to speak.
“Are you afraid that after the Immortal Sects in your country are threatened by the Immortal Alliance, they won’t dare to exorcise evil spirits for the common people, right?” Qi Huang immediately realized.
“Yes. Although they cannot move immediately, they may not dare to defy the Immortal Alliance’s wishes,” Jin Xue worriedly said.
“This is precisely what I wanted to tell you. While money can make the world go round, I cannot guarantee how many cultivators have the courage to do so. If you are determined to vent your anger, you must bear this risk,” Qi Huang explained the situation clearly, as she didn’t want this woman to blame her if something happened in the future.
“No, I absolutely cannot put the common people in danger just to vent my anger,” Jin Xue said without hesitation.
“So? Have you made your decision?” Qi Huang smiled, knowing that Jin Xue, as a princess of a nation, would never be so selfish.
“Yes, I’ve decided to accept the Immortal Alliance’s surrender offer and have my father issue a statement to clarify the matter,” Jin Xue said firmly.
“Since that’s the case, I won’t force you,” Qi Huang agreed, as her initial goal was just to ensure these people could survive. These people were able to survive, and incidentally, damage the Immortal Alliance’s reputation. Since the goal had been achieved, why should she seek more trouble? She hadn’t expected them to bow down to the Immortal Alliance. If they were determined to confront the Immortal Alliance head-on, she would risk exposure.
“However, don’t be discouraged. I keep my word. Within ten years, you will see the Immortal Alliance disappear from this continent,” Qi Huang comforted her once more.
Next, Tang Yuning and Ouyang Yi also successively sought help through the Thousand Li Sound Transmission Device. Qi Huang repeated the same words to them. For the sake of their citizens, both Tang Yuning and Ouyang Yi chose to compromise, which was not unworthy of being princesses of a nation.
A few days later, the relevant countries and sects successively issued statements announcing reconciliation with the Immortal Alliance. On the surface, it appeared to be a compromise, but in reality, it was due to their strength; surviving was already a miracle.
As for the Immortal Alliance, although they appeared to have gained the upper hand, their reputation and prestige had been severely damaged, and the losses were immeasurable.
Half a year passed in a flash. Qi Huang’s four Golden Life Flowers had grown to be as tall as a person. This matter could no longer be hidden and soon spread like wildfire. After all, such a thing had only existed in legends before, so many people, both inside and outside the sect, came to witness the spectacle.
Qi Huang knew that this matter would be exposed sooner or later, so she was not flustered. After all, she had the backing of her powerful strength and had made arrangements in advance.
The Immortal Alliance soon couldn’t sit still and immediately sent Elder Zuo to understand the situation. Qin Quan, that old fellow, played the friendly role as usual, warmly welcoming Elder Zuo into the HongHua Sect.
However, Elder Zuo showed no leniency and led a group of disciples straight to the backyard of the Cheng family.
“Who planted these Golden Life Flowers? I need an explanation!” Elder Zuo pointed at the four Golden Life Flower seeds and questioned them with a bluster and bluff demeanor.
