Chapter 489: Indifferent |
Meng Zhang sat high above on the platform, accepting the greetings and salutations from various cultivators below.
This was a grand celebration to mark the official establishment of the Hanhai Alliance. The event was of immense scale, with numerous guests, creating a bustling and lively atmosphere.
Over the years, Niu Dawei had become increasingly astute and capable through various experiences. After receiving Meng Zhang's instructions, he devoted himself wholeheartedly to the formation of the Hanhai Alliance.
Taiyi Sect had a dominant position, leaving no room for resistance among the surrounding sects. Moreover, all cultivation forces in the Endless Sea of Sand were, in name, vassals of the Flying Swan Sect. Transitioning from being a vassal of one Gold Core sect to an ally of another seemed like a significant advancement.
Regardless of the actual situation, from an outsider's perspective, the surrounding cultivation forces were eager and enthusiastic to join the Hanhai Alliance.
After more than two years of preparation, the Hanhai Alliance was officially established just a moment ago.
Prior to this, the Hanhai Alliance had already begun its operations. Key institutions such as the Senate and the Council of Affairs were established, and all cultivation forces that joined the alliance followed its commands.
Today's grand celebration was not just a mere formality; it also held a subtle challenge towards the Flying Swan Sect, which had ruled over the Endless Sea of Sand for many years. The Flying Swan Sect had reluctantly recognized the existence of Taiyi Sect as a Gold Core sect due to external pressures.
However, the current Meng Zhang was not content with this position. Apart from the sect itself, Taiyi Sect had gathered various cultivation forces, aiming to rival the Flying Swan Sect in terms of influence.
Having accepted the respectful greetings of the cultivators below, Meng Zhang was quite satisfied with the effect of the celebration.
As the Sect Master of Taiyi Sect and the only Gold Core Daoist Master in the Hanhai Alliance, Meng Zhang was undoubtedly the rightful candidate for the position of the Alliance's leader. With the authority of a Gold Core Daoist Master, he easily gained the reverence of the cultivators below.
Furthermore, in the past few months, two families and one sect experienced internal upheavals. The old leadership was swept away, and new members were promoted to higher positions. Behind the change of power in these three forces, the shadow of Taiyi Sect could be faintly discerned. Although the reason why Taiyi Sect targeted these three forces was unknown, it had demonstrated its ability to control the life and death of the cultivators within the alliance.
All the cultivation forces within the newly established Hanhai Alliance respected and feared Taiyi Sect, and none dared to disobey its orders.
In addition to the key figures from various cultivation forces within the alliance, there were also many guests from Great Wind City present at the celebration.
Over the years, Taiyi Sect had sent numerous trading caravans to Great Wind City. With the direct route between Taiyi Sect and Great Wind City, their interactions became increasingly frequent.
Because of the close relationship with the Gu Yue Family, especially after Taiyi Sect became a Gold Core sect, the sect's status changed significantly. Many cultivation families in Great Wind City were eager to establish connections with Taiyi Sect.
Though Gu Yue Huaidie couldn't attend the celebration in person, Gu Yue Family sent envoys to extend their congratulations. Along with them came guests from many cultivation families in Great Wind City.
Meng Zhang was naturally delighted with this situation.
Taiyi Sect was no longer a vassal of the Flying Swan Sect and had to engage with external cultivation forces independently. Just like the Flying Swan Sect's ability to sell various cultivation resources from the Endless Sea of Sand to Jiuqu League, Taiyi Sect could also provide these resources to the outside world.
As a newly established Gold Core sect, Taiyi Sect needed to expand its network and open up new trade routes. Thanks to the relationship with Gu Yue Huaidie, Gu Yue Family had provided significant assistance, helping Taiyi Sect avoid many obstacles.
The absence of representatives from Northern Desert Qi Family at this celebration was not surprising. Taiyi Sect and Northern Desert Qi Family had never interacted much, and after their significant defeat in Demon Wind Gobi, Northern Desert Qi Family had retreated and practically isolated themselves from the outside world.
Flying Swan Sect also didn't send envoys to the celebration, which didn't surprise Meng Zhang either. By establishing the Hanhai Alliance, Taiyi Sect had made it clear that they wanted to stand independently from the Flying Swan Sect. As the ruling power in the Endless Sea of Sand, the Flying Swan Sect had already shown remarkable tolerance towards Taiyi Sect's existence. However, the formation of the Hanhai Alliance, which had a somewhat provocative undertone, naturally didn't sit well with them, leading to a visibly frosty attitude.
In reality, the Hanhai Alliance had already been established and operational before this celebration. Flying Swan Sect's response had been cold and indifferent, indicating their dissatisfaction.
Flying Swan Sect proactively severed ties with the Hanhai Alliance and suspended all trade between the two factions. While there had been a complementary aspect to the resources between the two sects, Taiyi Sect's increasing development and talent pool allowed them to achieve self-sufficiency in terms of pills, magic tools, talismans, and other resources. Therefore, the impact of cutting ties with the Flying Swan Sect was minimal.
Taiyi Sect's trade caravans no longer needed to pass through the Flying Swan Sect's territory to reach Great Wind City; they could travel directly. If they needed any specific resources, they could simply purchase them directly from Great Wind City.
As a response, Taiyi Sect ceased its regular flights to Flying Swan Sect's territory and established outposts and patrol teams at the border between the two sects. Interaction between the two territories came to a halt, and any cultivators needing to travel between them had to find their way through the boundaries of both factions.
With the establishment of the Hanhai Alliance, the relationship between Taiyi Sect and the Flying Swan Sect, once temporary allies, had plummeted and reached a freezing point. Nevertheless, the two sides maintained enough restraint and only exhibited a slight hostility. Given their respective situations, neither side wanted to add another enemy at this time. Taiyi Sect had only recently risen, and there was still a significant gap in strength between them and the Flying Swan Sect. The latter was also facing pressure from Fire Cloud Sect and had no desire to invite further trouble.
Both sides might be displeased with each other, but they were keeping sufficient restraint.
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