Liu Jingtiao looked at Gu Jinlai, who was chatting and laughing with representatives from Yellow Sky Sect, Cold Moon Sect, and Netherworld Sect, including himself, and there was a hint of reflection in his expression.
He had never underestimated Gu Jinlai.
He had been determined to persuade the Lord of Star State, who hailed from Purgatory Sect, to rejoin the Purgatory Sect, in hopes of restoring its former glory and brilliance.
Venerable Daoist Lu Zhanxian feared that Gu Jinlai’s sudden surge in strength, with unclear intentions, might pose a threat to the Purgatory Sect’s rule or challenge his absolute domination over the sect. There was also the possibility...
It had something to do with the death of his disciples Xue Wuqing and Tan Qingquan at the hands of Gu Jinlai.
In such a case, Lu Zhanxian was exceedingly cautious and guarded about Gu Jinlai’s joining.
Venerable Daoist Zhang Liefeng, who always followed Venerable Daoist Lu Zhanxian’s lead, naturally implemented Lu Zhanxian’s will to the fullest extent.
As a result, even though Yellow Sky Sect, Cold Moon Sect, and Netherworld Sect had set aside their pride as top forces and sent envoys to establish friendly relations with Gu Jinlai, Purgatory Sect, which originally had the greatest advantage, was becoming increasingly distant from him.
Having a decisive figure in a sect making decisions is a good thing.
However, if the entire sect’s development eventually turned into a true autocracy, with all developments of the sect hinging on a single thought, unable to tolerate any other voice...
This was no longer a blessing for the sect.
But what could he, Liu Jingtiao, do even if he recognized this issue?
No matter his thoughts, it was undeniable that Lu Zhanxian was the magic stabilizer of Purgatory Sect. Should any rift or conflict arise between them, the entirety of the Purgatory Sect would suffer severe turmoil.
Therefore, even after realizing this, he still had no choice but to remain silent.
This was the only way to maintain the stability of Purgatory Sect.
Gu Jinlai exchanged pleasantries with everyone and soon after, the details of the alliance were settled.
The name of the alliance would be the Tian Nan Alliance.
The main members were Lingxiao City, Yellow Sky Sect, Cold Moon Sect, Purgatory Sect, and Netherworld Sect.
In the future, they would consider absorbing other forces as appropriate.
To the south of Tianhe, there are fifteen states in total.
Apart from Lizhou State, which has little contact with the mainland and the Four Great Mu States completely occupied by devils, there are also the Four Yan States in existence.
Though when combined, the population of these four Yan States is still less than that of Star State, they cover a vast area.
Such vast territories naturally give birth to a wealth of resources.
Under these circumstances, there are not a few experts in the Four Yan States.
Similarly, due to the extensive terrain, every power has enough depth and space. They are unable to unite into a single force due to spatial constraints and reach the scale of top forces; at most, they are comparable to Lizhou State or the Eastern Sea Twelve Islands.
Moreover, since these four states are located to the west of White State, which is occupied by Yellow Spring State, and separated by the uninhabited and fierce beast-infested Black and White Sand Sea,
Gu Jinlai, based in Star State, seldom heard news from the Yan States.
"Ladies and gentlemen, now that we have formed an alliance, it is only natural that we share what we have. Coincidentally, I have heard that each faction has a custom of stockpiling Immortal Essence Gold, and our side is also in need of some, so we are willing to purchase Immortal Essence Gold at a price higher than the market rate. We hope you could facilitate this transaction,"
"Immortal Essence Gold!?"
Upon hearing this, representatives from Netherworld Sect, Cold Moon Sect, and Yellow Sky Sect’s expressions changed simultaneously.
They were different from the Purgatory Sect that had access to first-hand information.
In their speculation, Gu Jinlai was able to take down Jiangzhou State so smoothly because he had the backing of Devas.
In the battle at Dragon Roar City, a Deva had directly intervened, killing Sparrow Sword Immortal Huo Yuqing and many other experts such as Long Xiangtian and Ye Qianqiu, which helped turn the tide for Star State, which was at a disadvantage, thereby securing a victory.
Now that Gu Jinlai mentioned purchasing Immortal Essence Gold...
This was very likely an instruction from the Deva behind him.
Once reaching the level of a Deva, they would typically establish a sect, build a force, and gather wealth from various places to refine Immortal Essence Gold, in preparation for casting a Sacred Body in the future.
For a moment, the representatives looked at each other. Fang Yumian from Cold Moon Sect was the first to speak up, "We do have some Immortal Essence Gold stored in our Cold Moon Sect, but the amount is not significant... If Governor Gu needs it, we at Cold Moon Sect are willing to part with ten portions to demonstrate our sincerity."
Gu Jinlai glanced at Fang Yumian.
The Cold Moon Sect, which held territory in Blue State adjacent to Mu State, also possessed a small gold mine; among the several forces, they should have the most Immortal Essence Gold. Offering ten portions...
It was clear they were doing so merely to save face.
However, Gu Jinlai had anticipated this response, and he nodded, "Cold Moon Sect is considerate."
Seeing this, the other sects followed suit.
"Our Netherworld Sect is also willing to part with ten portions of Immortal Essence Gold to trade with Governor Gu."
"Yellow Sky Sect cannot compare to the wealth of all of you, but we can still manage to produce ten portions of Immortal Essence Gold. Whenever Governor Gu needs to make the transaction, just send someone over."
"I will arrange for enough Immortal Essence Gold to be delivered to Star State Mansion."
The others began to speak up.
After another round of pleasantries, the atmosphere continued to be harmonious and friendly for a day, after which the three parties took their leave one after another.
When the representatives from Yellow Sky Sect, Cold Moon Sect, and Netherworld Sect had left, Liu Jingtiao also knew it was not proper for him to stay on.
But before leaving, he found Gu Jinlai again in the back courtyard.
"Venerable Daoist Gu, the battle at Dragon Sparrow Manor was not because the Purgatory Sect lacked the will to contribute, but at that time, the Purgatory Sect was restrained by the experts of the Netherworld Sect..."
Gu Jinlai looked at Liu Jingtiao, sensing the goodwill from this Supreme Elder.
It was just that he couldn’t clearly discern whether this goodwill was because the Purgatory Sect needed someone to play the ’good cop’, or it was genuine.
"The Purgatory Sect has its own difficulties, and I understand that."
"Venerable Daoist Gu needs Immortal Essence Gold...Is there any other use for it?"
He was clear that there were no Devas behind Gu Jinlai.
Their victory outside Dragon Roar City was due to the trump card they received from the Aries Star Palace.
"I need to forge a War Spiritual Artifact, after all, the more Heavenly Masters gather in Lingxiao City, especially with my presence as a Heavenly Monarch, especially since... I also passed the first trial of the Aries Star Palace. Among Heavenly Monarchs, I count as outstanding. If someone were to spread this information..."
Gu Jinlai shook his head, "Someone will definitely spread this information. When that happens, the Demon Demon Kings of Tianhe and Mu State will likely come directly to Lingxiao City to eliminate me, a Heavenly Monarch with potential."
Liu Jingtiao nodded his head.
To gain benefits, one needed to bear the corresponding responsibilities.
Demons were not wild beasts; they possessed a complete division of labor.
Upon learning that Gu Jinlai had passed the first trial of the Aries Star Palace, the Demon Demon Kings of Tianhe and Mu State would surely not sit idly by.
"I understand, I will try my best to persuade the two Venerable Daoists to transfer more Immortal Essence Gold to Venerable Daoist Gu."
"Thank you, Venerable Daoist Liu."
Gu Jinlai bowed with his hands clasped.
"We are all from the same sect, so we should naturally help each other."
Liu Jingtiao smiled, "I just hope that when the Purgatory Sect encounters difficulties in the future, Venerable Daoist Gu will not stand by idly."
"How could I? I am also a Supreme Elder of the Purgatory Sect. If the Purgatory Sect faces a crisis, it’s my unshirkable duty to do my part."
Gu Jinlai smiled in response.
"That’s good to hear, that’s very good."
Liu Jingtiao didn’t know whether he truly believed those words, but he nodded with a sense of emotion.
After Liu Jingtiao left, Gu Jinlai immediately summoned Xin Tianqi, Cheng Wanli, Gu Chaoyang, Nian Buwang, and others.
"You must have heard about the Tian Nan Alliance. I want you to vigorously promote this alliance and create a calling card for our Star State! A calling card of the Demon Hunter! Also, I will select a group of Demon God Guards to form the Demon Slayer Army, specifically tasked with slaughtering the demons in Star State and even the surrounding states! We must ensure that wherever there are demons, they will appear."
"To vigorously promote this alliance?"
Cheng Wanli was somewhat puzzled, "The state governor must see that this so-called alliance is nothing but a stalling tactic by other powers, especially the Yellow Sky Sect. I suspect they don’t take this alliance seriously at all. They are just waiting for the demons in Champsosaurus Swamp to retreat back to Tianhe. They would thank their lucky stars if they didn’t attack us while we are battling the demons, let alone invest a significant amount of manpower and resources in the fight against demons."
"I know, but... if we can really establish the reputation of Star State for eradicating demons and make known the name of the Demon Slayer Army, it will be critically important for the promotion of our Star State."
Gu Jinlai glanced at Cheng Wanli, "If we publicize the orderliness and equality before the law in Star State, we will inevitably be blocked by local forces. However, if we publicize the eradication of demons, becoming a pioneer in demon extermination, other forces will absolutely be happy to see its success."
Saying this, he hinted, "As far as I know, many forces use the fear that demons bring to ensure their rule by spreading it everywhere. The oppressed people who wish to migrate are quickly exterminated and blamed on demons. Therefore, many cities, though in dire straits, allow their people to at least live, and the populace can only endure."
"Having the identity of an Anti-Demon Pioneer inherently makes it easier to gain local people’s favor."
Cheng Wanli suddenly realized.
"But by doing this, we’re likely to become a thorn in the flesh to the demons, their prime target for attack."
Gu Chaoyang expressed his concerns.
Gu Jinlai spoke calmly, "Especially once the story of my achievement in the Aries Star Palace is fully spread, even if we don’t want to confront the demons, they will continue to infiltrate our Star State. Therefore, the title of Anti-Demon Pioneer is for us to use – only we can and dare to use it."
Hearing Gu Jinlai’s words, Xin Tianqi and the others suddenly remembered - their state governor was the first person to be promoted to Heavenly Monarch in forty years.
"Star Lord Xin, I’ll leave the matters here to you. I’m taking this batch of Immortal Essence Gold back to Lingxiao City."
Gu Jinlai said to Xin Tianqi.
Xin Tianqi nodded firmly.
"The Aries Star Palace’s story may not be spread by us, but others will do it, making us public enemy number one to the demons. Since that’s the case..."
Gu Jinlai paused and said solemnly, "It’s time to raise the torch of Heavenly Monarch high, to let everyone in Qiantian know that the brilliance of the Heavenly Master Path has been ignited on the Earth of Lingxiao, shining brightly, and it will ultimately disperse the gloom and illuminate all corners."