"Third, we will allow exceptional disciples to visit other sects for exchange and study under certain conditions, broadening their horizons and raising the overall standard of the younger generation. My Cold Jade Valley’s Ice Soul Cold Pool will also be open to our allies on a limited basis."

Leng Qianqiu spoke with methodical clarity, laying out the threat of the Demon Sect and the necessity of an alliance. Her words were sincere, her logic impeccable, every bit the mien of a sect leader. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"This is the cornerstone of my proposal. What do the three of you think?"

On and below the high platform, the crowd couldn’t help but nod in silent approval as they listened to the detailed plan.

The points Leng Qianqiu raised would be of great benefit to any sect, greatly increasing the appeal of the alliance.

A thought struck Chen Qing.

’If they really form this alliance, does that mean I can go to Cold Jade Valley!?’

’In that case, this is a great opportunity.’

He Yuzhou was inwardly alarmed. ’Leng Qianqiu is feigning a retreat in order to advance—a brilliant tactic.’

His expression remained impassive as he clapped his hands and said in praise, "Sect Leader Leng, you have been both thorough and far-sighted. Every point you’ve raised is for the long-term benefit of the alliance and will indeed be a great boon to the Yunlin Martial Arts! The Wutai Sect is in full agreement and wishes to help put these plans into action."

Shi Kaishan also laughed heartily. "Sect Leader Leng is direct and to the point, and every word she said resonated with me! This is what a real, practical alliance looks like, and it’s more than my Xuanjia Sect could ask for! I have no objections!"

He Yueting naturally chimed in, "Qixia Manor concurs and is willing to abide by the framework of this pact."

Qixia Manor was the weakest of the four powers. By joining the alliance, they could shelter under a larger tree, gaining considerable benefits. He Yueting naturally had no reason to refuse.

However, when Shi Kaishan changed the subject and asked the most critical question, the atmosphere instantly grew tense again. "Since the alliance is to be established, commands must come from a single source. I wonder who should serve as the Alliance Leader? And how should we decide?"

He Yuzhou stroked his beard, pondering for a moment before speaking. "Sect Leader Shi is absolutely right. The position of Alliance Leader is of utmost importance; it must be held by someone of virtue and capability. To avoid damaging the harmony between our four sects and creating needless internal friction, I believe it would be most fair and proper for the four of us to vote. The person with the most votes becomes the Alliance Leader. What does everyone think?"

His gaze swept over Leng Qianqiu and He Yueting.

Leng Qianqiu sneered inwardly, but her expression remained impassive. "As this is an alliance, we must of course have rules. If everyone agrees to this method, Cold Jade Valley has no objection."

To outsiders, it seemed that Cold Jade Valley’s momentum had been blunted, and they had now lost the initiative to lead.

"I also agree to a vote," He Yueting immediately spoke up, his tone steady.

He Yuzhou’s eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly.

’Logically, given the marriage alliance between our sects, Qixia Manor should have at least leaned in my favor.’

Shi Kaishan laughed heartily, his voice like a great bell, "Sect Leader He’s words deeply resonate with me! Under his leadership, the Wutai Sect has developed rapidly in recent years with renewed vigor. Sect Leader He is a skilled administrator, highly respected, and his strength is unfathomable."

"In my opinion, the position of Alliance Leader can only belong to Sect Leader He! The Xuanjia Sect’s vote goes to Sect Leader He!"

He was the first to state his position, intending to build momentum.

He Yuzhou felt a little more at ease and said humbly, "Sect Leader Shi, you flatter me. I am unworthy."

After speaking, his gaze naturally turned to He Yueting, awaiting his choice.

Given the marriage alliance and the Wutai Sect’s recent display of might, He Yueting should, by all rights, support him.

The eyes of the entire assembly focused on He Yueting.

He Yueting took a deep breath and slowly began to speak. "Cold Jade Valley is the recognized leader of the Yunlin Martial Arts, with the most profound strength and foundation. Sect Leader Leng has been in charge of Cold Jade Valley for decades, her prestige is renowned, her Cultivation is heaven-reaching, and she is an indispensable pillar of Yunlin’s Righteous Path. Facing the powerful enemy of the Demon Sect, the alliance needs the strongest leader. Therefore, Qixia Manor casts its vote for Sect Leader Leng to serve as the Alliance Leader!"

As soon as these words were spoken, whispers immediately broke out.

"What? Qixia Manor is supporting Cold Jade Valley?"

"Second Master He is... But Senior Brother Yan is his son-in-law!"

Yan Yaoyang whipped his head around, looking at his fiancée, He Lanxin, in disbelief.

He Lanxin also frowned, her eyes filled with confusion. She clearly had no prior knowledge of this decision.

He Yuzhou’s heart sank, and his expression instantly became incredibly grave.

’The thing I feared most has happened!’

’Leng Qianqiu really did come fully prepared. I don’t know what methods she used to persuade—or rather, force—Qixia Manor to switch sides at the last moment!’

Now the vote was a tie, completely upending his plans.

Shi Kaishan remained silent on the side. He had done what he needed to do; now he just had to wait and see how things developed.

A smirk played on Leng Qianqiu’s lips as her gaze shifted to He Yuzhou. "Sect Leader He, it seems this vote won’t produce a result."

He Yuzhou’s thoughts raced. Knowing he had no way out, he said in a deep voice, "Oh? Then what brilliant idea does Sect Leader Leng have?"

"I wouldn’t call it a brilliant idea."

Leng Qianqiu slowly rose, an invisible, icy aura spreading out to envelop the entire high platform. "Since we are choosing an Alliance Leader to command the four sects and fight the Demon Sect, it cannot be decided by reputation alone. Ultimately, it comes down to strength! Only the strongest can command respect and lead the alliance to purge the demonic influence! In my opinion, the two of us should settle this right here, right now, with our own hands."

Her words struck like a thunderclap, once again sending an uproar through the crowd!

The expressions of the Wutai Sect Elders changed drastically, and they began to discuss in low voices.

"Leng Qianqiu has fused two streams of True Astral. Her power is boundless. The Sect Leader..."

"She’s been in seclusion for years; her strength is unfathomable. The Sect Leader has improved, but..."

"This battle is perilous!"

At these words, Chen Qing’s heart leaped, and an unprecedented light flashed in his eyes!

He painstakingly cultivated the Five Elements True Qi and knew well the difficulty and power of fusing True Qi, but he was at a complete loss. Relying on the elixirs Master Li had given him, he could only manage a pseudo-cyclical conversion of "Everlasting Life."

If he could personally witness a full-powered duel between two top masters—especially the secret of Leng Qianqiu’s rumoredly peerless fusion of "Langyue" and "Cold Ice" True Astrals—it would undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him!

This would provide invaluable insight for his future attempts to fuse the Five Elements True Qi!

At this thought, he grew intensely excited and focused his full attention, terrified of missing a single detail.

Facing Leng Qianqiu’s direct challenge, He Yuzhou knew this battle was now unavoidable. It concerned not only the position of Alliance Leader but also the honor of the Wutai Sect.

He let out a great, booming laugh as a boundless momentum erupted from him, soaring to the heavens. "Fine! Since Sect Leader Leng is so inclined, I will risk life and limb to indulge you! Let us settle things right here, right now!"

....