Chapter 664 - 664: Ancestral Source Blood
Chapter 664 - 664: Ancestral Source Blood
“How many kings are in these six royal clans?” Qin Huai questioned, echoing his concern about the strength of these families that seemed inexhaustible.
The Purple Flame King began explaining, “Fiendish demons have lifespans much longer than humans. The visceral prefecture realm experts of these families live for a thousand years, while kings survive for one and a half. And after forsaking our true forms, our longevity diminished. Once, we could have lived for two to three thousand years.”
He continued, “With such vast lifespans, the number of kings among us has naturally multiplied. But many chose to hide when they realized attaining true emperor was hopeless, hoping to delay their death.
The Purple Flame King paused for a moment, his eyes drifting slightly. “Each clan boasts about four to five kings, except for the stronger ones like the white tiger and black tortoise clans, which have five each.”
This meant, Qin Huai mused, that there were about thirty kings in total — a daunting number. Yet, the top tier of this hierarchy were the leaders of various sects, cultivating their domains to the pinnacle of the Spiritual Altar Realm.
Qin Huai then turned his attention to the three sects, which, as the Purple Flame King admitted, posed a significant challenge. “Despite the multiple onslaughts over ten thousand years, the royal clans have never triumphed over these sects, thanks to their unique territorial advantages and spell formations.
Moreover, internal conflicts and shifting allegiances within the six royal clans had led them to adopt a more passive strategy against the sects: a waiting game.
Qin Huai said, “Endure the sects to death.”
Yet, despite such vast periods, it was the Sacred Heart Sect that emerged as the top force in Great You, all within mere decades. The balance had shifted slightly with Qin Huai’s defeat of the White-robed King and the Beast King, but the cult’s potential remained menacing.
Pondering over these revelations, Purple Flame King inquired, “Alliance Master, what’s our next move?”
“Wait,” responded Qin Huai with unwavering certainty.
The Purple Flame King blinked in surprise. He had expected an aggressive strategy. With the combined strength of him, Prince Qing Cang, the formidable Alliance Master, and the elite of the Qingzhou Alliance, seizing the moment seemed the logical step.
However, Qin Huai’s decision emphasized his vision of not just immediate power but a more calculated approach for a sustainable future.
At this pivotal moment, Qin Huai recognized that all he needed to do was make a proclamation. He could rally the world’s heroes. Once initiated, their momentum would rush across the entirety of Great You with unprecedented speed.
“Stockpile resources and slowly rise to power,” he mused. “Time is on our side. Patience is key.”
He had a blueprint etched in his mind. Launching a hasty offensive would only thrust them into the spotlight of critique. The three sects had refrained from assisting him in the past and would certainly not extend their aid if he acted arrogantly.
Moreover, with the looming threat of the Sacred Heart Sect, the fledgling Celestial Guardians and the Qingzhou Alliance needed ample time to mature. If he could secure a few more years, Qingzhou would be an unassailable fortress.
“But…” the Purple Flame King began to object, but Qin Huai interjected, emphasizing the prolonged turmoil the Great You had witnessed.
“Great You needs healing. The people yearn for a peaceful existence. It’s not always about having a dominant ruler. Sometimes, what’s needed is fairness and stability.”
Qin Huai reflected on his personal experiences. Despite being relentlessly pursued by troubles, he craved nothing more than tranquility. Yet, he found himself in constant peril, embodying the struggles of the common people. To him, the descendants of the influential kings seemed consumed by their insatiable thirst for power, often neglecting the welfare of the ordinary citizens.
“I want to announce to the world through the imperial city that Qingzhou harbors no grudges, disdains conflict, and seeks harmony,” Qin Huai firmly stated.
The Purple Flame King was taken aback. The brightest mind he had ever encountered, a once-in-a-millennium genius, didn’t aspire to conquer the world.
Focusing on the task at hand, Qin Huai addressed Gou Jie, who had discreetly joined them. “Brother Gou, make preparations as discussed.”
“Understood!” Gou Jie bowed slightly before disappearing.
Gou Jie, though initially startled by Qin Huai’s non-aggressive stance, soon realized the profound implications. By prioritizing peace over power, Qin Huai aimed straight for the hearts of the people.
Once this sentiment spread, it would undoubtedly draw those who valued peace and stability. While exceptional talent and combat prowess would remain as assets, they’d take a backseat to the primary mission: winning the trust and support of the masses. In this subtle shift in priorities, lay a world of difference.
“True contenders are those who remain above the fray. That’s why they are unmatched,” Gou Jie mused, his steps growing lighter.
The Purple Flame King sighed. “I just don’t understand the depth of Alliance Master’s intentions.”
To the six royal clans, power was everything. Their life’s ambition revolved around attaining unparalleled strength and ensuring their lineage’s survival. The Purple Flame King couldn’t fathom Qin Huai’s wish for stability.
“Understanding isn’t always necessary,” Qin Huai remarked, presenting his Origin Energy. “What do you think of this item?”
The Purple Flame King’s eyes widened at the sight of the blood-red orb in Qin
Huai’s hand. “This aura… It’s the ancestral source blood!”
Qin Huai was pleased with the Purple Flame King’s reaction. When he first acquired the two orbs, he felt their exceptional nature, akin to the legendary Kun Peng clan’s use of the blood sea to transform.
“How did you come across such a treasure?” the Purple Flame King exclaimed. “This is the primordial essence of the eight beasts. For the royal clans, consuming this could awaken ancestral memories buried deep within.”
The Purple Flame King was enthralled by the relic, despite realizing it didn’t belong to his phoenix clan but rather to the white tiger clan. A glimmer of hope arose, pondering if Qin Huai could procure other such potent items.
“Can I use this?” Qin Huai asked.
“You mean… use this as a bargaining chip to get the six royal clans to join Qingzhou?” the Purple Flame King questioned, a hint of skepticism lacing his voice.
Qin Huai nodded. “It might not sway them completely, but there’s a chance for them to stand by and watch or go easy on us.”
Revealing the ancestral source blood’s existence would undoubtedly send shockwaves through the six royal clans, possibly even prompting their kings to personally intervene.
However, current dynamics in Qingzhou didn’t render them particularly vulnerable to such upheavals. Still, using the ancestral source blood might shift the scales, potentially swaying allegiances.
“Let me handle this, ” the Purple Flame King offered, feeling a personal stake. If he could rally others to defect from the six royal clans and side with Qingzhou, history might view his actions in a kinder light.
Motivated by this prospect, his mind raced, formulating potential strategies….