The Master of Beasts
Chapter 897 - 304: Choices and Departures
"City Lord, what happened back then was my fault, but it was all because of Meng Ze. I assure you, I had no ill intentions towards the Clan Leader!"
"But since it has happened, I can only choose to lead my people and establish our own tribe again!"
"As you said, it will be a subsidiary of the Star Moon Tribe!"
"It seems Elder Bai Li has made his decision. Here's the resources I've allocated for you. You can take a look and sign if there are no issues!"
Bai Li, after receiving an unseen message from Chen Jiuge, showed a hint of disbelief in his eyes. He thought that due to previous events, his share of resources would be less. However, he didn't expect Chen Jiuge to give so much!
"I agree!"
"Good!"
As Bai Li hurriedly left, everyone present couldn't help but feel a bit curious. What exactly had Chen Jiuge offered to make even the old fox Bai Li unable to conceal his expression?
But that curiosity was fleeting. Now, people's interest was more on Feng Cang. The two had ventured into Nine Yang Land together back then, and now Bai Li had chosen to set up a branch. So, what about Feng Cang?
Feng Cang touched his cheek, which bore a long scar. His eyes showed a trace of fear, but more prominently, determination. ๐ป๐โฏโฏ๐ค๐๐๐๐ฐ๐๐๐.๐ธ๐๐ฎ
This scar was left during the attack on the Five Stars Tribe. In that moment, Feng Cang almost thought he was going to die, but the powerful life force of a Spiritual Beast saved him.
This life-and-death crisis made Feng Cang realize that Heavenly Gift Realm was different. In the True Realm, he could relax because of a powerful Saint Master, but not in the Heavenly Gift Realm. Here, he was the strongest existence of the Mountain and Sea Strange Beasts, the new Saint Master!
"My choice is the same as Bai Li's!"
"I also want to say that, although I, Feng Cang, have no great ambition, I have to do this for my people. Back then, I truly did not target the City Lord!"
"I understand. Since Elder Feng Cang has made his decision, let's first take a look at the list!"
After viewing the resource list in his mind, Feng Cang almost thought Chen Jiuge gave him the entire Star Moon Tribe!
Clasping his hands in a gesture of respect, Feng Cang solemnly said, "Thank you, City Lord!"
With Bai Li and Feng Cang leaving, only three people at the meeting had not yet expressed their intentions. More accurately, there were only two forces remaining, with Shuibing and Song Bei representing the Former Heavenly Gate Organization.
"We of the Nightmare Clan shall naturally follow the City Lord!" Meng Li immediately stated their position firmly.
"No need for that!" Chen Jiuge slightly shook his head, knowing that Meng Li was worried about being sacrificed by the remaining allies due to Meng Ze's betrayal.
"City Lord, I, Meng Li, have no abilities. To lead my people to rebuild a tribe is absolutely impossible for me!"
"I am willing to offer all the Native Warriors of the Heavenly Gift Realm under the Nightmare Clan. However, I hope the City Lord can grant us those cultivators in the city who are nearing the end of their life span!"
"Of course, we will adhere to previous rules and buy them at a fair price. If they're unwilling, we shall not force the transaction!" Meng Li said, kneeling on one knee.
In this posture, Meng Li had already positioned himself as a subordinate, giving Chen Jiuge a great deal of face.
"Is that really so?"
It would be untrue to say Chen Jiuge wasn't tempted. The number of Native Warriors under the Nightmare Clan in the Heavenly Gift Realm wasn't small, and Meng Ze had a good eye, as many of those warriors had reached the Warrior King level!
"Every word is heartfelt truth!"
"Good!"
Chen Jiuge did not hesitate further and agreed directly, nodding, "In that case, I'll accept, but of course, the resources belonging to your Nightmare Clan will still be given to you!"
"Do not refuse. You'll need capital for purchasing those on the brink of death in the future, and besides, it's what you deserve!"
"Thank you, City Lord!"
After dealing with Meng Li, only Shuibing and Song Bei remained.
Compared to others, the two had similar identities, status, and strength, leading to a stalemate.
"Since Song Bei isn't speaking, I'll be straightforward!"
"I choose to stay at the Star Moon Tribe, and among the one-sixth of resources, I only need one-third. I'll give the other two-thirds all to you!" Shuibing said, staring straight at Song Bei.
Surprised, Song Bei asked deeply, "Why?"
"There's no reason. Back then, when I sought out Senior Song Bei to form an alliance for protection, it was borrowing your strength. You may not mention it, but I can't do so without expressing something!" Shuibing gently shook his head.
Back then, Song Bei had no real reason to agree to help Shuibing, but for some unknown reason, he did. Now, with their paths diverging, it's time for Shuibing to express something.
"I understand!"
"Since Shuibing is staying, I'll leave!" Song Bei said with a slight nod.
"Hmm!"
With the last resources allocated, Song Bei did not linger. For him, establishing a branch was inevitable.
For Feng Cang and Bai Li, leaving might be a necessity due to past events, but for Song Bei, leaving was a must.
After Jialouluo and Meng Ze, Song Bei was the most promising to break through to the King Level, but Meng Ze's betrayal had significantly set back Song Bei's cultivation. For the sake of the Great Dao, staying in the Star Moon Tribe was simply not an option!
"Senior Shuibing, even for the sake of past favors, there's no need to pay such a hefty price, is there?"
Chen Jiuge couldn't fathom Shuibing's thoughts and could only probe indirectly.
Shuibing's ice-blue eyes showed a hint of mockery: "Isn't this exactly what you, City Lord, desire?"
"After all, I was once controlled by Meng Ze. If I still had a large number of loyal subordinates, wouldn't you, City Lord, be hesitant to employ me?"
Seeing through his thoughts, Chen Jiuge wasn't embarrassed and instead openly nodded, "Indeed, I would not dare. After all, it's not easy to build such an empire, and I wouldn't want any negligence to turn it to dust."
"My cultivation is not as advanced as Song Bei's, let alone Jialouluo's. It's not something I can quickly break through to King Level."
"Song Bei can rely on his strength to seek opportunities outside, but I cannot. My best option is to stay in the Star Moon Tribe. Only here do I have the chance for further advancement!"
"As long as Senior Shuibing doesn't betray the Star Moon Tribe or our alliance, I'll do my best to support you!"
"Hopefully!" Shuibing replied blandly.
Leaning on the Taishi Chair, Chen Jiuge watched Shuibing's departing figure, eyes gleaming with intelligence. After a long while, he asked, "What do you think Shuibing means?"
Xiao Hong paused, surprised, "Clan Leader, are you asking me?"
"Who else would I ask?" Chen Jiuge said somewhat speechlessly.
Xiao Hong hesitated before giving a non-direct answer, "Clan Leader, my cultivation level is too low to understand the nuances of your affairs. However, for the Star Moon Tribe to achieve its current glory, Senior Shuibing's contribution is indispensable."
"Senior Shuibing's abilities are very strong, far beyond mine. With her, the Star Moon Tribe's overall operations can run at double speed!"
"I see, I understand now!" Chen Jiuge nodded slightly.
"Alright, go now. They'll surely cause some disturbances while leaving. Make sure to have people keep an eye on things!"
Given the typical tribal strength in the Heavenly Gift Realm, Feng Cang, Bai Li, and others could only establish a small, moderately weak tribe at best. However, since they're under the Star Moon Tribe's banner, most wouldn't dare act against them casually.
If they cautiously use the Star Moon Tribe's name for trade with surrounding tribes, growing stronger isn't too difficult.
Besides, as Chen Jiuge mentioned, they had supported each other to survive thus far. If they face hardships or seek help from Chen Jiuge and Jialouluo, it's unlikely they'd turn a blind eye. That's why they chose to establish tribes outside.
As for turning hostile, Chen Jiuge deemed it unlikely. At least until the Sorrowful Girl reopens the passageway, they were unlikely to be pushed too hard. In the meanwhile, Chen Jiuge wouldn't push them too far.
Not to mention that behind Bai Li and Feng Cang's tribes are King Level existences, and even Song Bei is very likely to break through to King Level. Chen Jiuge was not about to overstep boundaries.
On the contrary, when fair treatment is given during favorable times, gratitude can be earned. Even a fool knows how to make such deals profitable!
"Xiao Ying, have your people pay more attention to the city's situation these days. I don't want any trouble!"
"Yes, Master!"
The shadow disappeared like ink, giving Chen Jiuge a greater sense of tranquility.