Chapter 478: The Tai Xu Alliance
Afterwards, the bustle became mundane.
After the wedding ceremony, Sang Zhe escorted Zhang Xiaoying to the bridal chamber, while he still needed to head to the front to greet the guests.
After several rounds of toasts, many familiar faces approached to offer their respects.
The leaders of Chi Yu Sect and Fu Yu Palace, who previously had a hostile relationship with the Demon Cult, now wore ingratiating smiles as they raised their cups: “Sang Sihou, congratulations on your marriage and may you have many children!”
Their sects had now allied with the Demon Cult and were bowing and scraping in their compliments to Sang Zhe.
Unexpectedly, the abbot from Ksitigarbha Temple, the one who had been tricked into becoming a monk by Sang Zhe, also came to offer congratulations: “Master Sang, it’s wonderful that you have found a partner; those with deep Buddhist ties are indeed blessed.”
Tang Yubbing’s father and Second Master Tang also came to congratulate, cautiously mentioning: “Young Master Sang, now that the wedding of your proper wife has been arranged, how about considering the marriage of my Yubing as well…”
From the Holy Kingdom, Chancellor Cao and Zhuang You represented the officials and National Master’s office to offer their polite gifts.
Following that came a slew of sects and families, both known and unknown…
Watching Sang Zhe smile broadly as he toasted round after round, Yan Rouwan, who was petting a cat nearby, couldn’t help but remark:
“It really is tough work. I distinctly remember Sang Zhe hating these kinds of scenes.”
“Perhaps… there’s some reason he must do this,” Bai Ming gently shook his head.
After a few rounds of drinking, Sang Zhe suddenly cleared his throat and said loudly:
“Dear guests, thank you for attending my humble wedding banquet.”
Silence fell over the crowd.
It’s customary for the groom to speak, but Sang Zhe’s sudden serious demeanor after several rounds made many in attendance realize something was off.
“Although today should be a day of great joy, it seems inappropriate to say these things… However, opportunities for so many friends across the continent to gather like this may not come again.”
“So I have something I wish to formally announce to everyone here.”
With that, he slowly turned to look behind him.
Then, amidst the astonishment of the crowd, a figure stepped out from within the room.
Some of the cultivators recognized him and gasped.
It was Long Xiao.
“Welcome the Lord of the Demon Clan, Long Xiao!” Sang Zhe smiled, saying, “If I explain this alone, it may not convince everyone.”
“Therefore, this time, it is a joint statement from the Four Great Holy Lands.”
As his words fell, Gu Yingmian from Sword Flower Palace, Qin Xiuyuan from the Holy Kingdom, Hua Jianglian from the Demon Cult, and Long Xiao all stood behind Sang Zhe.
For many cultivators, they might not see even one of them in their lifetimes, yet here stood four at once. Even the slowest of guests began to sense something unusual was unfolding.
“In fact, the mortal realm has been at peace for many years.”
Sang Zhe continued: “Since the First Holy Emperor separated the two races of humans and demons, there have been few disturbances in the world. Even though there are minor conflicts, looking overall, humans and demons have been able to rest and recuperate for quite some time.”
“However, such days may soon come to an end.”
Whispers of uncertainty began to rise in the crowd.
“In the near future, a group of incomprehensibly powerful beings will tear apart the existing order and tranquility, bringing chaos to all living beings.”
“To this day, they are still scheming to find representatives in the mortal realm, tempting them to serve them and further disrupt the worldly order.”
“Time is short, and we cannot afford to leisurely ponder the pros and cons; we must quickly inform all fellow cultivators not to be deceived.” Sang Zhe’s expression grew increasingly solemn.
“Here, we, the Four Great Holy Lands, will jointly issue a declaration to the world.”
Qin Xiuyuan slowly raised his hand, and a gigantic golden dragon banner appeared above everyone’s heads, shining brilliantly.
“From today onward, the Four Great Holy Lands will formally unite as the Tai Xu Alliance. This dragon banner is initiated by the Holy Kingdom’s dragon seal, and we sincerely invite all forces from across the world to join us.”
“The intention behind forming the Tai Xu Alliance is to unite all powers in the mortal realm to face the impending catastrophe of destruction. The Tai Xu Alliance will not interfere with the operations of various powers; joining members need only abide by the following three laws.”
“First, regulate and restrict the members within their forces, prohibiting them from believing in the temptations of any suspected extraterrestrial forces in any way.”
“Second, no turning traitor to extraterrestrial forces; members share both blessings and disasters, and honor and disgrace together.”
“Third, cooperate to find the traces of the Ksitigarbha Immortal Treasure. Once found, it need not be surrendered, but must not be transferred to members outside the alliance.”
As the wording on the dragon banner became clearer to everyone, an email containing information regarding the existence of divine demons was sent to all the guests’ communication devices.
The atmosphere gradually shifted from confusion and shock to hushed discussions and whispers.
Meanwhile, Yan Rouwan, who was watching from the sidelines, exclaimed in surprise: “So that’s what this is about.”
“No wonder Sang Zhe went through so much trouble to host this banquet for cultivators from all factions.”
“However, even if this matter is made public, it’ll be hard for everyone to believe, right? A sudden emergence of the Tai Xu Alliance…”
“Who knows?” Bai Ming shrugged, “With all four holy lands leading, other forces would have a hard time refusing, even if they don’t agree.”
Sure enough, after some hushed conversations, Second Master Tang was the first to ask: “Young Master Sang, may I ask if the Tai Xu Alliance… implies that the Four Great Holy Lands will integrate all forces under one banner?”
“As I said before.”
Sang Zhe smiled lightly: “The Tai Xu Alliance has no interest in the affairs of allies and will not intervene. The Tai Xu Alliance is simply here to deal with our common enemy. The Four Great Holy Lands will supervise each other and won’t interfere with the internal affairs of the allies.”
“In that case,” another voice chimed in: “How should we deal with these so-called extraterrestrial demons?”
“Currently, the only known goal of the demons’ descent is the Ksitigarbha Immortal Treasure.”
Long Xiao explained: “As long as we can gather the Ksitigarbha Immortal Treasure as much as possible, when the demons arrive, we can use it as a bargaining chip to negotiate with them.”
“But from what you say, those extraterrestrial demons are unimaginably powerful, even far surpassing the Ascendant Realm. If they aim to destroy all of us just to obtain the Ksitigarbha Immortal Treasure, shouldn’t we just give it to them?”
“It’s not that we can’t, but that should only be a last resort,” Gu Yingmian shook her head. “Using the Ksitigarbha Immortal Treasure to negotiate with the demons is merely to ensure that the peace of the mortal realm is not disturbed by their descent.”
“If we simply hand over the Ksitigarbha Immortal Treasure at the outset, it would be equivalent to severing our last retreat. We would then have no means to respond to the demons’ rampage.”
“Collecting the Ksitigarbha Immortal Treasure is the key to coping with the demons.”
More whispers broke out among the audience.
But clearly, most people present were seasoned veterans who had navigated the cultivation world for countless years, and many began to understand the reasoning behind the Four Great Holy Lands’ actions.
“One more question.”
Another person spoke up: “Does the Tai Xu Alliance still need an alliance leader? If so, who will take that position?”
“Since the Tai Xu Alliance invites all fellow cultivators, it naturally needs a leader who can win everyone’s heartfelt approval.”
Hua Jianglian said sweetly: “Thus, after unanimous agreement among the Ascendant Realm representatives of our four great holy lands—”
Sang Zhe nodded.
The leader would be Gu Yingmian. This was a decision they all arrived at together.
Originally, the most suitable candidate should have been Li Shanyan, but unfortunately, the old dude had stepped down.
The one who could gain recognition from both humans and demons alike was none other than the Sword Flower Palace Master, whose name had resonated through the world for hundreds of years.
“—The leader will be Sang Zhe, the head of the Demon Cult’s Punishment Department!”
“Hmm hmm, congratulations, Sister Gu—ah?”
Sang Zhe turned around, completely dumbfounded.
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