Chapter 277

The Heavenly Fox Clan’s initiative to reach out didn’t surprise anyone. It was an anticipated development. If they wished to avoid becoming cannon fodder for the ancient imperial clans, their only options were to join the Primordial Holy Land Alliance or the human alliance led by the Ye Clan.

However, compared to the Primordial Holy Land, the human alliance was significantly weaker.

The Third Ancestor remarked, “The Heavenly Fox Clan has finally set aside their long-held beliefs. But then again, they had little choice.”

“In the current climate, staying neutral is no longer an option. Even if they choose not to participate, the tides of the grand era will inevitably pull them in.”

“Besides,” he continued, “it’s unlikely the Heavenly Fox Clan truly wishes to isolate itself completely from the world. If they did, they would have already sealed themselves away, hidden deep in the wilderness, rather than remaining involved in current affairs.”

Jiang Chen chuckled. “Given the current situation, even if they wanted to retreat, no one would allow it. The ancient imperial clans have suffered tremendous losses and are desperate to unite to face future challenges.”

“Whether it’s us humans or the looming threat of the forbidden zones, these concerns have forced the ancient imperial clans to abandon their fragmented state and consolidate their strength.”

“But,” he added with a sly smile, “we should wait and see what the Heavenly Fox Clan’s intentions truly are. They may not genuinely want to join us.”

Hearing this, Dongfang Mingyue’s expression turned slightly cold. “If the Heavenly Fox Clan is sincere, we will welcome them. But if they think to use us as their tool, they will pay a hefty price.”

“We won’t even need to intervene—after being provoked for so long, the ancient imperial clans will make them understand the consequences.”

“I’ll test their sincerity myself,” Dongfang Mingyue continued.

As of now, the situation was still unclear. If the Heavenly Fox Clan was genuinely interested in joining, the Primordial Holy Land was open to accepting them, whether for their Emperor Weapon or their heritage, including the Heavenly Fox Empress.

However, if they lacked sincerity, there would be no place for them. Even if the Heavenly Fox Empress were to awaken in the future, she would understand the decision.

—

*In a Celestial Void—

Two radiant figures emerged, their divine light ascending into the sky and forming imposing silhouettes. Their auras were as deep as the sea, suppressing everything in the surrounding space.

“Primordial Holy Master, it has been a long time!” Yao Ye greeted, bowing respectfully. “It has been eight centuries since we last met. Back then, you were only a Quasi-Saint, but now you stand at the very pinnacle of the Nine Heavens Realm, known and feared by all.”

With the future of his clan at stake, Yao Ye naturally adopted a humble demeanor, avoiding anything that might displease the Holy Master.

“Clan Leader Yao Ye flatters me!” the Holy Master replied. “But you are no less impressive. The world knows Huang Tian is a Quasi-Emperor, but few realize that you, too, have reached this realm. If the outside world learned of this, it would leave them speechless!”

Yao Ye’s achievements were indeed remarkable, and the Holy Master did not hesitate to offer praise. In their era, few had managed to reach the Quasi-Emperor realm, making it a rare and commendable accomplishment.

“Quasi-Emperor… In past eras, it would have been a title worth celebrating,” Yao Ye said with a wry smile, shaking his head. “But now, it’s hardly noteworthy.”

The changing times had diminished the significance of his realm. What once symbolized invincibility now held little weight, especially for someone at the first level of Quasi-Emperor.

The emergence of countless powerful figures, including those with perfected physiques and advanced cultivation, had rendered such titles almost irrelevant.

“Today, I invited you here to discuss something important,” Yao Ye began. “As you may already know, our clan wishes to join the Primordial Holy Land Alliance. May I know if the Primordial Holy Land is willing to accept us?”

He paused briefly, then added with a bitter smile, “The Holy Master must also be aware that the ancient imperial clans are growing increasingly oppressive.“

“Our clan has fractured under the pressure, and I have always disapproved of the ancient imperial clans’ methods. If we were to join them, we would undoubtedly become their pawns, mere cannon fodder for their schemes.”

“Recent events have only worsened relations between our clan and the ancient imperial clans. If we were to join their alliance now, our position would be precarious at best.”

“Hence, we hope to align ourselves with the Primordial Holy Land. Of course, we understand that the differences between our races make this a difficult proposition.”

Yao Ye’s tone was cautious, reflecting his uncertainty. Even though the Holy Son had previously shown goodwill, the Primordial Holy Land had never officially stated their stance. Whether they would agree was entirely up to them.

“We have no objections,” Dongfang Mingyue replied.

Hearing this, Yao Ye breathed a sigh of relief. However, the Holy Master’s next words made him tense once more.

“We welcome the Heavenly Fox Clan,” the Holy Master said, “but I have heard that your clan is divided, with two opposing factions. I need to know—who currently controls the Emperor Weapon?”

Accepting the Heavenly Fox Clan was contingent on who held the Emperor Weapon.

“That won’t be a problem,” Yao Ye said with a bitter smile. “To be honest, the internal divisions within our clan are beyond repair.”

“That said,” he continued, “since we’ve chosen to align with you, we won’t bring those factions into your alliance. We have no intention of burdening the Primordial Holy Land with unnecessary complications. All we ask is that you accept those of us who wish to join.”

The divisions within the Heavenly Fox Clan were severe, with no hope of resolution. Yao Ye understood that bringing his entire clan into the alliance was impossible.

Certain elders were particularly troublesome, and Yao Ye had decided to leave them behind, taking only those willing to follow him.

“As for the rest,” Yao Ye added, “they can make their own choices. If they wish to follow the other faction, so be it.”

“Do you need us to handle the opposing faction?” Dongfang Mingyue asked.

Since the Heavenly Fox Clan was splitting, disputes over the division of treasures and the ownership of their miniature world were inevitable.

These were critical assets that both sides would fiercely contest. With the opposing faction backed by the ancient imperial clans, it was unlikely they would allow Yao Ye to take full control.

The miniature world and the Emperor Weapon were the most coveted treasures, and the ancient imperial clans had no intention of letting them slip away. Whether the Heavenly Fox Clan itself remained intact was secondary—the Emperor Weapon was their primary goal.

“Yes, we’ll need your help,” Yao Ye responded decisively. “The opposing faction, with the support of the ancient imperial clans, won’t let us take the miniature world and the Emperor Weapon without a fight. They will undoubtedly interfere, and even threaten us.”

“In this case, we’ll need the assistance of the Primordial Holy Land.”

In essence, the Heavenly Fox Clan was dividing itself, and no single side could overpower the other. With the ancient imperial clans backing the opposing faction, Yao Ye’s group faced significant challenges in securing these critical resources.

“This is no problem,” Dongfang Mingyue replied with a nod.

By accepting Yao Ye’s group, the Primordial Holy Land was effectively declaring opposition to the ancient imperial clans. This would inevitably lead to clashes, but the power and deterrence of the Emperor Weapon were too significant to ignore. Such a prize justified their involvement.

Soon, the details of the cooperation were finalized. Yao Ye and his loyalists would join the Primordial Holy Land.

In turn, the Primordial Holy Land would act as their protector, ensuring that they successfully claimed the Heavenly Fox Clan’s treasures and shielded them from interference—particularly from the ancient imperial clans.