Chapter 256: Hou Clan's Leapfrog Development
As Hou Yuxiao asked this question, Grandmaster True Qi also emanated from his body, enveloping everyone, especially focusing on Li Sanyun, Bai Yunfan, and Nie Xinchuan.
Although he was only a Peak Grandmaster in the First Manifestation Stage, standing on the mountaintop at this moment, with his True Qi roaring around him and his blue robe fluttering slightly in the wind, combined with his sharp and authoritative gaze, everyone naturally lowered their heads slightly, not daring to meet his gaze.
Bai Yunfan and the other two, being in high positions and possessing higher cultivation, had seen their fair share of important figures and did not simply submit to Hou Yuxiao's intimidation like the others. Upon hearing Hou Yuxiao's question, they first exchanged looks, then fell silent.
The reactions of the others did not surprise or concern Hou Yuxiao; his gaze had always been fixed on Bai Yunfan and the other two at the forefront, quietly waiting for their response.
At this moment, the Blood Demon's true form had already risen in the city, confirming his previous speculation—the two hundred thousand souls in the Prefectural City, even the two hundred thousand lives that were the target of Maiden Hong, meant that the Medicine Dust Sect, Bai Clan, and Hongdao Gang, totaling over five thousand martial artists and their family members reaching more than twenty thousand people, had all been saved thanks entirely to him.
He had an obligation to these three individuals, an undeniable fact, and seizing this opportunity to propose the unification of the three families could not be more appropriate.
Of course, these were all genuinely third-tier forces; expecting to subdue them effortlessly with a favor was unlikely, so the Grandmaster Realm aura he emanated over the three was a fitting threat.
Carrot and stick—that is the way to command; throughout history, the strongest method of winning people over has ever been a balance of grace and might!
The scene before him was one Hou Yuxiao had planned countless times in his mind before this night.
Thinking it feasible to take control of Tongling relying solely on Moxuzi was unrealistic—even if Lian Ningxue and Zhang Yuning were added to the mix, because no matter how significant their backgrounds or how powerful they were, to the Hou Clan, they were merely external assistance. Taking control of Tongling couldn't depend on these individuals; in other words, they wouldn't genuinely help the Hou Clan to become the rulers of Tongling.
Playing both sides or switching allegiances at the last moment were all part of schemes and strategems—though they could display temporary courage, they could hardly ascend to elegance, being only expedient measures. However, vying for Tongling in the times ahead was pivotal; it all hinged on his strength and the strength of the Hou Clan, a fact Hou Yuxiao was always clear about.
At present, everyone's focus was on the Blood Demon, but Hou Yuxiao knew that he was not the only one interested in claiming Tongling; Leiyin Temple and even those from Xuzhou still lurking in the shadows were fierce competitors.
In fact, whether it be Leiyin Temple or forces from Xuzhou such as Wanjian Holy Sect and Bailu Academy, compared to these giant forces, the small Hou Clan couldn't even be considered a grasshopper, let alone contend with them for Tongling amid this chaos.
But Hou Yuxiao, indeed, saw opportunity in danger!
Leiyin Temple's interest in taking over Tongling was to tear a breach into Yongzhou and subsequently launch an assault on Rakshasa Holy Sect, with the grand ambition of shedding its Quasi-Holy Land status to become a true Holy Land.
As for their plans, Hou Yuxiao could not comment, but he was certain that such ambition from Leiyin Temple would not be accepted by any of the existing Holy Lands in the world, without a doubt.
The current ten Holy Lands were still on guard against each other, so how could they permit a new Holy Land to emerge and stir the pot?
From the reaction when Moxuzi accepted his allegiance, it was clear that even Ziqing Holy Sect, currently allied with Leiyin Temple, did not want them taking over Tongling, let alone the other Holy Lands!
Zhang Yuning was backed by Great Yu Holy Dynasty, Lian Ningxue by Haoran Holy Sect, Moxuzi by Ziqing Holy Sect, and Master Yuan Kong by Leiyin Temple; the four had originally come together to Tongling ostensibly for a demon-slaying mission. In reality, all did not wish for the forces from Xuzhou to succeed in taking over Tongling.
Even before the Blood Demon could be eliminated, Leiyin Temple had already revealed their ambition to take control of Tongling. Regardless of Master Fanyin's position, the factions from the other three Righteous Holy Lands certainly wouldn't let Master Yuan Kong succeed easily.
From Hou Yuxiao's perspective, behind the five great experts were four major Holy Lands: their primary purpose was to eliminate the Blood Demon to prevent Xuzhou from having an excuse to overstep. But during this process, they wouldn't mind the Blood Demon depleting the strength of Rakshasa Demon Religion, as could be seen from the battle situation between the six great experts and the Blood Demon near Shili Slope.
When Master Yuan Kong revealed his intention to take control of Tongling, Moxuzi, Lian Ningxue, and Zhang Yuning certainly began guarding against Leiyin Temple.
The three Holy Sects and Leiyin Temple united to prevent Xuzhou, while the three Holy Sects secretly joined forces against Leiyin Temple, who aimed to take over Tongling. On one hand, Rakshasa Holy Sect had to deal with the Blood Demon, and on the other, keep an eye on any sudden moves from Xuzhou.
In this way, the seven forces, including the six Holy Sects plus Leiyin Temple, inadvertently formed a delicate balance, each engaged in a strategic gamble.
This was the opportunity for the Hou Clan!
The upper echelons' power and background were considerable, and taking control of Tongling couldn't naturally be achieved by any single individual. The recent chaos in the Prefectural City, particularly the foolish act at the East Gate by Ding Peng, was surely already known to the six great experts.
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