READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 24: A New Fate
"Xinrou, what do you think their next move will be?" Qian Jiuqiu asked after a long pause.
Qian Xinrou pondered for a moment and said, "Perhaps they are seeking allies."
"Recently, I heard that the Jiang Dynasty killed the vice hall master of the Evil Moon Hall and two elders of Burning Sky Island. These three powers are now at odds, but the Jiang Dynasty has displayed a level of strength that is both deep and mysterious."
"If that's the case, Xuanyuan Mountain might be cooperating with the Evil Moon Hall and Sky Burning Peak for mutual benefit."
"They could help Xuanyuan Mountain destroy our Qian Clan and seize the second Sun-Moon Key. In return, Xuanyuan Mountain would assist them in taking down the Jiang Dynasty. That would explain why Xuanyuan Mountain has only surrounded us but not attacked; they're waiting for reinforcements."
The Qian Clan elders, hearing Qian Xinrou's analysis, were struck with realization.
"If that's the case, then we're in real trouble," Qian Yeyan, the Qian Clan's patriarch, admitted gravely.
"Rouer, do you have any solutions for this crisis?" he asked.
"If Xuanyuan Mountain is indeed allied with the Evil Moon Hall and Burning Sky Island, then our only solution is to find allies ourselves," Qian Xinrou suggested.
"Find allies…"
"But where can we find them?" Qian Jiuqiu asked, frustrated.
Approaching major powers would risk exposing the Sun-Moon Key, which could lead to betrayal. Smaller factions, on the other hand, wouldn't be strong enough to help.
"The Jiang Dynasty," Qian Xinrou said decisively.
"Father, if we're seeking an ally, the Jiang Dynasty is the best choice. If we fall, they'll be next. The principle of mutual dependence should be clear to Emperor Jiang HuanYu."
After considering her suggestion, Qian Jiuqiu nodded. "Very well. Third Elder, take the secret passage and head to the Jiang Dynasty immediately. If they ask for conditions, as long as they're not excessive, agree to them!"
"Understood!"
With that, the third elder used the secret passage to make his way to the Jiang Dynasty's capital.
Deep within the Northern Domain, at the border of Wan Shou Forest:
"You've gone too far, Wan Shou Forest! If you're not willing to trade, return the Five-Grade Enlightenment Pill to me!"
Left Prime Minister Zuo Xuanqi was thrown out of the forest, blood dripping from his lips. His organs were rattled, and his injuries were severe.
Fuming with anger, he glared at the forest, his face red with rage.
"Heh, what's this? Considering you're Heaven-level, we gave you some face," sneered a towering black bear as it emerged from the forest.
Standing over thirty meters tall, its immense presence radiated a chilling bestial aura. The beast's strength was evident in its Heaven-3rd Heaven cultivation.
"If you know what's good for you, leave now. Otherwise, I'll crush your legs!"
The black bear, one of Wan Shou Forest's leaders, looked down on Zuo Xuanqi with disdain.
Zuo Xuanqi clenched his fists tightly, seething with humiliation.
He had come to Wan Shou Forest under Jiang HuanYu's orders to exchange the Five-Grade Enlightenment Pill for the rare Night Moon Crystal. Initially, the forest's leaders treated him with respect, recognizing his Heaven leader status.
But after seeing the pill, greed overtook the Bear King, one of Wan Shou Forest's three rulers. Refusing to trade, they seized the pill and threw Zuo Xuanqi out.
In a desperate attempt to reason, Zuo Xuanqi was struck by the Bear King's subordinate, leaving him heavily injured and humiliated.
"Fine!" Zuo Xuanqi spat through gritted teeth.
"Wan Shou Forest, your actions today will not be forgotten. You will regret this!"
"Hahaha!" The black bear guffawed.
"Regret? By your Jiang Dynasty? That's the funniest thing I've heard all year!"
"Now leave! This isn't a place for beggars. If you linger, I'll make sure you can't walk away!"
The bear's massive paw slammed the ground, its sheer power capable of flattening mountains.
Left with no choice, Zuo Xuanqi turned and left, his heart burning with resolve. The humiliation he suffered today would be repaid in full.
Unbeknownst to the bear, its actions had set Wan Shou Forest on a path toward destruction.
Back in the Jiang Dynasty's palace, a day later:
Ding!
Detected a Destiny's Daughter: Qian Xinrou of the Qian Clan. Destiny Value: 93. Divine Wisdom Body (Unawakened), low-level qualification.
Suggestion: Accept her as a concubine. Nurture her, and her awakened Divine Wisdom Divine Body will bring you unimaginable benefits.
Hearing the system's notification, Jiang HuanYu raised his eyebrows.
Another Destiny's Daughter?
The Qian Clan's Qian Xinrou?
The name triggered faint memories. She was the eldest daughter of the Qian Clan, often described as a beauty without peer but with no talent for cultivation. At her current age, she was still in the Qi Gathering realm.
However, her grace, intelligence, and demeanor had earned her many admirers despite her low cultivation.
Jiang HuanYu pondered the system's suggestion.
Although Qian Xinrou's lack of cultivation talent was widely known, her destiny value of 93 surpassed even Harmony Sect's Saintess Han Wanxiang and was only two points lower than Xiao Qingli.
"Interesting," Jiang HuanYu murmured, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Looks like the Qian Clan's fate is about to intertwine with mine."