Chapter 384: Subjugation and the Journey to Beicang Continent
"So that's how it is. I didn't expect you to be such a pitiable person. Among the eighty thousand characters in the world, only 'love' moves the heart."
Inside the reception hall of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce's headquarters, everyone fell silent as Xiao Tiance spoke.
The group quickly realized that Xiao Tiance's statement was laying the groundwork for solidifying Tong Sihai's loyalty. After all, while Tong Sihai had been subdued through sheer force, this kind of submission was inherently unstable.
Today, Tong Sihai could kneel to Xiao Tiance out of fear for his life. But what about tomorrow? If someone else came along with strength comparable to Xiao Tiance's, would Tong Sihai betray them just as easily to save his own skin?
Xiao Xuan and the others, having followed Xiao Tiance for many years, were well aware of his nature. They understood that securing loyalty required more than brute strength it required striking at the heart.
Sure enough, Tong Sihai's mind began replaying scenes from his life: meeting Huo Yue Rou, falling in love, and ultimately being separated. The memories stirred his longing even more.
From his seat of honor, Xiao Tiance silently observed Tong Sihai's expressions. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he mused to himself:
**"Everyone has a weakness. No matter how formidable Tong Sihai's past may seem, fear of death was enough to make him kneel today. But a weakness is good it makes people easier to control.
Once I establish my own two superpowers, his betrayal will no longer be a concern. Bringing Tong Sihai under my banner means gaining a first rate faction with significant influence in the Great Thousand World. Excellent."**
With his decision made, Xiao Tiance finally spoke:
"Tong Sihai, follow me with peace of mind. Within twenty years, I promise you will fulfill your heart's desire."
"T Twenty years?" Tong Sihai stammered, his eyes wide with shock.
To him, twenty years was a fleeting moment compared to the centuries he had already waited. If Xiao Tiance had said two hundred years, he would have accepted it just as willingly.
"Yes, twenty years. I'll make it happen. Of course, you're free to doubt me," Xiao Tiance said calmly, raising an eyebrow.
Before he could finish his sentence, Tong Sihai dropped to his knees again, bowing deeply.
"I believe you, Lord Tiance! From this day forward, my life belongs to you!"
Satisfied, Xiao Tiance gestured for Tong Sihai to rise, using a gentle stream of spiritual energy to lift him to his feet.
"Good. Belief is all I need," Xiao Tiance said with a smile.
Later that evening, Tong Sihai hosted a banquet in Xiao Tiance's honor, inviting the top experts under his command to pay their respects. The Four Seas Chamber of Commerce's strength became evident; it was a force to be reckoned with.
Although the experts were visibly respectful toward Xiao Tiance, their unwavering loyalty to Tong Sihai was equally clear. Xiao Tiance didn't mind there would be plenty of time to cultivate their allegiance.
With Tianluo Hall and the Luoshen Clan already under his banner, and promising developments expected soon from the Soul Lost Continent, Xiao Tiance's ambition to establish a superpower was becoming increasingly attainable. The addition of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce was a significant step forward.
"Let's go!"
After the banquet, Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan, Xiao Tianming, and Gu Xun'er departed, resuming their journey to reunite with their allies. Meanwhile, Mu Ling was tasked with staying behind at the Four Seas Chamber to oversee operations and monitor Tong Sihai's sincerity.
This arrangement also ensured someone was close to Huaien, in case stronger adversaries appeared. Though Xiao Tiance had entrusted Huaien with a Heavenfiend Puppet, he knew additional support might be necessary.
As a recently ascended Heavenly Sovereign, Xiao Tiance was not yet invincible. But few dared to provoke him now.
Within the Four Seas Chamber
As soon as Xiao Tiance's group was out of range, Tong Sihai remained calm, but his three Earth Sovereign subordinates surrounded Mu Ling with cold expressions.
"What's the meaning of this?" Mu Ling asked coldly, his spiritual aura flaring.
Before he could act, Tong Sihai's stern voice rang out:
"Stand down!"
"President " the three subordinates protested, their frustration evident.
Turning to face them, Tong Sihai glared and said, "From this moment on, no one is to show any disrespect to Lord Mu Ling."
"President, now that Xiao Tiance has left, we have an opportunity to reclaim what we lost! This is our chance to restore our dignity!" one of the subordinates argued, his voice low and urgent.
"Silence!" Tong Sihai roared, his face livid.
He understood their perspective they believed his submission was temporary, a calculated move to wait for Xiao Tiance's departure before taking revenge.
But Tong Sihai had a broader view. Xiao Tiance's promise was his life's greatest hope. Even without that, today's events had proven that without the strength of a Heavenly Sovereign, they were nothing but ants in a storm.
Turning back to Mu Ling, Tong Sihai bowed deeply.
"Lord Mu Ling, please forgive their foolishness. They were blinded by emotion. I hope you can overlook this incident."
Mu Ling, recognizing the sincerity of Tong Sihai's submission, withdrew his aura and offered a faint smile.
"This time, I'll let it slide. But if it happens again, I will personally report it to Lord Tiance. You know what that means."
"Yes, yes. Rest assured, there will be no next time," Tong Sihai promised, visibly relieved as Mu Ling walked away.
Once Mu Ling was gone, Tong Sihai's anger faded. He sighed heavily and turned to his subordinates.
"I know you acted out of loyalty to me. But understand this what Xiao Tiance promised me is worth far more than my pride. Until that promise is fulfilled, there will be no rebellion. Do you understand?"
The three Earth Sovereigns looked at each other, reluctant but ultimately nodding in agreement.
"Good. Let's focus on rebuilding and strengthening the Chamber. The days ahead will be demanding, but we'll emerge stronger."
Meanwhile
Xiao Tiance and his group advanced swiftly toward their next destination. High above the ground, his eyes gleamed with determination.
"The path to becoming a superpower is laid out before us. Let's keep moving forward."
**"However, I hope today's events won't happen again. If they do, I really won't be able to protect you.
Lord Tiance is immensely powerful and is destined to become a renowned figure in the Great Thousand World. Our submission to him won't lead to any loss.
Moreover, you know me. When I founded the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce, it was all for the purpose of bringing your sister in law Yue Rou back. Since Lord Tiance has promised to make it happen within twenty years, why not wait patiently?"**
Since there were no outsiders present, Tong Sihai's words were spoken without reservation. The three subordinates exchanged glances before bowing in unison.
**"Big Brother, since you've put it that way, we have no objections.
But... the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce is your life's work. Are you really planning to completely submit?"**
**"Heh, it's just a worldly possession. You know I've never cared much about such things. Otherwise, I wouldn't have spent so many years sending treasures to the Huo Clan.
Actually, upon reflection, our submission to Lord Tiance might not be a bad thing. With a Heavenly Sovereign backing us, even the superpowers won't dare to touch us."**
Tong Sihai's smile swept over his three companions as he continued:
**"Bai Yi, Xing Yu, and Ah Mo, I owe you all my thanks for these years.
If you don't wish to continue following me, you may leave. I've prepared abundant resources for each of you, enough to ensure you'll never lack for anything in your lifetimes. Consider it a gesture of goodwill as brothers and sisters part ways."**
"Big Brother, we're not leaving."
"That's right we're not leaving!"
**"Big Brother, you need people by your side now more than ever. If we were to abandon you, we wouldn't deserve to be called human!
You saved all three of us when we were at death's door. Without your resources and guidance, we wouldn't be where we are today. So wherever you are, that's where we'll be. At most, we promise not to stir up trouble anymore."**
Bai Yi, Xing Yu, and Ah Mo all spoke earnestly, their sincerity evident in their expressions.
Seeing this, Tong Sihai chuckled.
**"Heh, in that case, follow my lead.
And don't think I feel wronged I don't. As long as I can be reunited with your sister in law in this lifetime, I'll have no regrets."**
The three sighed deeply at these words but ultimately chose not to say anything more.
In the void above, Xiao Tiance, Xiao Xuan, and Gu Xun'er had been observing the scene.
Xiao Tiance broke the silence with a chuckle.
"Heh, who would've thought Tong Sihai was such a romantic?"
**"Tiance, since Mu Ling's safety is no longer a concern, let's move on.
Once we've reunited with Zi Yan, Min'er, Ling Yun, and Medusa, it'll be time to focus on establishing our new power,"** Xiao Xuan suggested.
"Mm, you're right, Brother Xuan. Let's depart. From the Merchant Continent to Beicang Continent isn't far we'll be there within half a month at most."
With that, the group vanished into the distance.
Beicang Continent, Beicang Spirit Academy
"Old man, I'm so bored! You've kept me locked up here for so long. Aren't you afraid my teacher will tear your wings off when he finds out?"
Zi Yan glared at the elderly figure before her, clearly annoyed.
Not long after arriving in the Great Thousand World, she had been saved by this old man. However, after bringing her to Beicang Spirit Academy, he had given her the best food and accommodations but refused to let her leave.
As a Taixu Ancient Dragon, Zi Yan could tell this old man wasn't human either. His bloodline was extraordinarily powerful, able to resist her own bloodline suppression with only slight discomfort.
What annoyed her most was that she couldn't beat him in a fight.
This old man, as fans of The Great Ruler would recognize, was none other than Beiming Longkun, the guardian beast of Beicang Spirit Academy and the strongest figure on the Beicang Continent.
For now, at least.
Beiming Longkun's current strength was at the late eighth grade Sovereign level. Meanwhile, the academy's principal had already reached the late ninth grade Sovereign level, leaving the question of whether Beiming Longkun's role as a guardian beast was voluntary or coerced unanswered.
**"Girl, keeping you here wasn't my idea.
Although I brought you to Beicang Spirit Academy, it was the principal who decided to keep you here. Your exceptional talent caught his eye he wants you to join me as one of the academy's guardian beasts."**
Beiming Longkun's tone was calm, almost indifferent.
**"Hmph! A guardian beast? I don't care about that.
I was only separated from my teacher and the others by accident. Once they find me, even this so called Beicang Spirit Academy will be nothing more than rubble!"** Zi Yan retorted, her frustration evident.
**"Heh, the Beicang Spirit Academy is no small place. It's one of the most prestigious institutions in the Great Thousand World.
Each year, it produces countless strong individuals. Becoming its guardian beast wouldn't be an insult to you,"** Beiming Longkun replied with a faint smile.
Zi Yan waved her hand dismissively.
"Save your breath. That old man locked me and you in here because you saved me. Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to tear you apart."
Despite her threats, Beiming Longkun remained unfazed. He knew that Zi Yan hadn't fully converted her energy into spiritual power yet. If she had, even he might not be her match.
To prevent such an event, the academy's principal had set up a spirit isolation array to keep her confined.
Meanwhile, Xiao Tiance and his group arrived on the Beicang Continent.
**"Lord Tiance, this is our final stop.
Reports indicate that Beiming Longkun of Beicang Spirit Academy brought Miss Zi Yan to the academy. Shortly after, her locator jade stopped transmitting."**
Chen Yunqiao bowed respectfully as he delivered his report.
Xiao Tiance nodded, analyzing the situation.
**"It's likely the result of the spirit isolation array.
As long as we're sure Zi Yan is still at Beicang Spirit Academy, we'll head there directly."**
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