Chapter 136: Xia Bingling’s Celebratory Banquet
“Today,” Xia Bingling continued, her voice ringing with authority, “I stand before you not just as the Matriarch of the Xia Family, but as the architect of a groundbreaking alliance – the Three Peaks Alliance!”
A collective gasp rippled through the guests. An alliance between prominent families was not unheard of, but one of this scale, involving three established names, sent shockwaves through the room. All eyes darted towards Wang Li and Song Jingyan, the heads of the respective families involved.
“This alliance,” Xia Bingling elaborated, “will see the Xia Family, the Wang Family, and the Song Family join hands, merging our territories, resources, and personnel into a single, formidable force.”
Murmurs broke out, a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. The implications of such an alliance were vast. It could reshape the political landscape of the cultivation world, potentially influencing power dynamics and trade routes.
Suddenly, all eyes turned towards Wang Li and Song Jingyan. The guests held their breaths, waiting for their reaction. Would they accept this unexpected proposal?
A slow smile spread across Wang Li’s face. He stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. “The Wang Family,” he declared confidently, “fully embraces the creation of the Three Peaks Alliance. We believe that by combining our strengths, we can usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for the cultivation world.”
A murmur of approval rippled through the crowd. Wang Li’s acceptance was a crucial piece of the puzzle.
Song Jingyan, her crimson dress ablaze under the afternoon sun, followed suit. “The Song Family,” she announced in a voice as smooth as silk, “is honored to stand alongside the Xia and Wang Families in this endeavor. We believe that unity is key to safeguarding the righteous path and fending off demonic threats.”
Her words elicited another wave of approval. With all three families on board, the Three Peaks Alliance became a reality.
However, amidst the general excitement, some guests couldn’t help but notice the underlying current of power dynamics. Xia Bingling, having just ascended to the Soul Integration Realm, was clearly the driving force behind the alliance. Her newfound power undoubtedly influenced the decisions of the other two families.
But the guests kept their reservations to themselves. The potential benefits of the alliance were too great to ignore. An alliance of this caliber promised increased security, greater influence in trade negotiations, and a unified front against demonic sects.
The banquet continued, now with an added layer of intrigue. Discussions buzzed around the creation of the Three Peaks Alliance. Guests speculated on its impact on the cultivation world, its potential influence on trade routes, and the power dynamics it might create.
Later that evening, as the festivities began to wind down, a select few guests lingered behind, seeking private audiences with Xia Bingling, Wang Li, and Song Jingyan. They expressed their support for the alliance and offered their insights on its structure and operation.
Jiu Lan, the Palace Mistress of the Jade Lotus Palace, approached Xia Bingling. Her gaze held a hint of admiration. “Congratulations, Matriarch Xia,” she said, her voice soft yet firm. “The Soul Integration Realm is a remarkable achievement, and the Three Peaks Alliance is a bold vision. I assure you, the Jade Lotus Palace stands ready to support your endeavors.”
Xia Bingling offered a gracious smile. “Thank you, Palace Mistress Jiu Lan. Your support means a great deal to the Three Peaks Alliance. We believe that strong cooperation between sects and families is key to maintaining peace and stability in the cultivation world.”
Meanwhile, Sect Master Deng of the Azure Peak Sect engaged in a lively conversation with Wang Li. Deng, a seasoned leader known for his pragmatism, expressed his cautious optimism about the alliance. “The Three Peaks Alliance has the potential to be a force for good, Patriarch Wang,” he remarked, stroking his long white beard thoughtfully. “However, it is crucial to ensure a fair and balanced power structure to avoid internal conflict.”
Wang Li nodded in agreement. “Your concerns are valid, Sect Master Deng. We will ensure that the governing council of the alliance operates transparently and fairly, giving due representation to each family.”
Across the room, Song Jingyan received a delegation from the Golden Bell Temple. The stern-faced Elder Wu, a renowned figure within the Temple, voiced his reservations. “The Three Peaks Alliance could disrupt the existing balance of power,” he cautioned, his voice gravelly. “The Golden Bell Temple will be watching its development with keen interest.”
Song Jingyan remained undaunted. “The Three Peaks Alliance,” she countered calmly, “does not seek to disrupt the balance, Elder Wu. Instead, it aims to create a more unified front against the growing threat of demonic sects.”
Her words resonated with the Elder. The recent attacks by the Iron Hammer Sect had indeed served as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows.
As the night deepened, the private audiences concluded.
~~
The revelry of the banquet faded behind heavy doors as the leaders of the newly formed Three Peaks Alliance gathered in Xia Bingling’s chamber. The playful air of the celebration gave way to a more serious atmosphere. Xia Bingling, radiating an aura of power, sat at the head of the table, her gaze locked on Song Jingyan.
“Matriarch Song,” Xia Bingling began, her voice calm yet firm, “there’s a matter we must discuss before the night deepens.”
Song Jingyan, a flicker of curiosity sparking in her crimson eyes, leaned back in her chair. “Speak your mind, Matriarch Xia. We are allies now, bound by a common purpose.”
Xia Bingling met her gaze unflinchingly. “Indeed. However, for the Three Peaks Alliance to function seamlessly, there needs to be a clear hierarchy. While I will be the figurehead, the leader in the public eye…”
She paused, letting the weight of her words hang heavy in the air. Song Jingyan’s brows furrowed, a hint of unease creeping into her features.
“The true leader,” Xia Bingling continued, her voice dropping to a low murmur, “will be Patriarch Wang Li.”
Song Jingyan’s lips parted in surprise. This revelation shattered her preconceived notions. While Xia Bingling marrying her daughter to Wang Li solidified ties between the families, Song Jingyan had assumed the Matriarch sought greater control over the Wang family through the marriage. Now, it seemed Xia Bingling was content to relinquish the reins.
“But why?” Song Jingyan blurted out, curiosity battling with a hint of suspicion. “The Xia Family boasts the strongest foundation of the three, and your ascension to the Soul Integration Realm solidified your power. It seems an unusual choice, Matriarch Xia.”
A ghost of a smile played on Xia Bingling’s lips. “Leadership is not always about overt power,” she replied enigmatically. “Wang Li possesses a strategic mind and a keen understanding of the cultivation world. His leadership will ensure the Three Peaks Alliance flourishes.”
Song Jingyan studied the two of them, a silent conversation passing between them. While Xia Bingling’s words held merit, Song Jingyan couldn’t shake the feeling there was more to the story. However, questioning further would only sow discord.
Wang Li, who had been silent until now, cleared his throat. “Matriarch Song, I assure you, the Three Peaks Alliance will operate with transparency and fairness. Matriarch Xia’s wisdom and guidance will be invaluable in our decision-making.”
Song Jingyan nodded calmly at his words, signifying her trust in him.
“Furthermore,” Wang Li continued, changing the subject, “the alliance will require a central base of operations. A location where the combined resources of our families can be managed efficiently.”
“A joint residence, perhaps?” Song Jingyan suggested, a hint of curiosity returning to her voice.
Wang Li’s lips curved into a satisfied smirk. “Indeed. A grand estate, strategically placed for control of our territories. There, we can live and strategize together, ensuring seamless communication and swift decision-making. We will pool resources and begin construction immediately. Delays are not an option.”
Both Matriarchs, cowed by the steely glint in his eyes, offered their full agreement. A central location for coordinating efforts made perfect sense. It would foster unity and eliminate communication delays.
The conversation shifted to more practical matters.
“Excellent,” Wang Li continued, a glint of ambition flashing in his eyes. “While we establish this new home, I believe our first act should be to cripple the Iron Hammer Sect. We recently… interrogated… some of their captured members.” He exchanged a knowing glance with Xia Bingling, who pursed her lips tightly.
Song Jingyan, intrigued, leaned forward. “The Iron Hammer Sect?” she echoed, a thrill coursing through her. Targeting a demonic sect was a brilliant way to showcase the alliance’s strength and intentions.
“Indeed,” Wang Li continued, his tone hardening. “We have uncovered their hidden warehouses and key trade routes. Striking these targets will disrupt their resources and send a clear message – the Three Peaks Alliance will not tolerate demonic incursions.”
Song Jingyan and Xia Bingling shared a resolute nod. Dismantling the Iron Hammer Sect was a task too tempting to resist. It would not only cripple the demonic sect but also serve as a powerful display of unity for the newly formed alliance.
After a lengthy discussion regarding logistics and resource allocation, Wang Li and Song Jingyan rose to leave.
Walking down the moonlit corridors, Song Jingyan spoke, her voice laced with a hint of barely concealed jealousy. “Congratulations, Patriarch Wang. You’ve secured yourself a powerful alliance and a beautiful wife in Xia Qingwu.”
Wang Li, catching the envious glint in her eyes, couldn’t help but smirk. He reached out, his hand brushing against the soft curve of Song Jingyan’s backside.
Song Jingyan gasped, her breath hitching as a jolt of startled pleasure shot through her. “Wang Li!” she hissed, a playful yet nervous edge to her voice. “Not here! We’re still in the Xia Family manor. What if someone sees?”
Wang Li chuckled, the sound low and devoid of humor. “Perhaps you need reminding of the thrill of a little risk, Song Jingyan,” he purred, his hand lingering on her flesh.
Song Jingyan’s lips tingled with a delicious mix of fear and excitement. “Later,” she whispered, her voice breathless. “Once we’re back in my room…”
Wang Li leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. “I can’t wait,” he murmured, his voice husky with desire.
The hallway outside Xia Bingling’s chamber echoed with the sound of their retreating footsteps, a mix of ambition and unspoken desire hanging heavy in the air.
