Chapter 169: Returning To The Jade Lotus Palace Camp
Wang Li could sense a flicker of worry in her eyes, a motherly concern for the well-being of her disciples. He understood.
“Then perhaps we can reach a compromise, Palace Mistress,” he proposed, offering a solution. “Bring your male disciples with you but establish a separate camp a few miles away. This way, they remain safe while the female cultivators of your sect can join and form a combined camp with the female members of the Jade Lotus Palace sect.”
This seemed to entirely convince Palace Mistress Gao Ming. A relieved smile softened her features. “Indeed, Elder Wang,” she agreed. “Your solution strikes a perfect balance between our immediate needs and the well-being of all our disciples. We will gladly form an alliance with the Jade Lotus Palace.”
However, there was something she wasn’t revealing. The Azure Peak Sect had become a thorn in her side for quite some time. Recently, she’d uncovered a disturbing truth – Sect Master Deng of the Azure Peak Sect harbored dark ambitions. She’d witnessed firsthand how his male disciples were subtly manipulating and seducing the female cultivators of the Emerald Sea Palace. This exploitation had fueled a growing resentment towards the Azure Peak Sect within her.
However, severing ties altogether hadn’t been an option. The desolate world was a harsh place, and alliances offered a sense of security. But this proposal presented a golden opportunity to break free from the Azure Peak Sect’s influence.
With a newfound determination, Palace Mistress Gao Ming summoned her most trusted elders. A tense silence filled the room as they awaited her instructions. Her gaze swept across their faces, her voice firm as she spoke.
“Elders,” she began, “the time has come for a change. We shall be relocating the Emerald Sea Palace sect to a new location.”
A collective gasp rippled through the room. Relocation was a major undertaking, not to be taken lightly. Murmurs of confusion filled the air.
“But Palace Mistress,” one elder, Elder Hong, a beautiful woman who retained a certain grace, her movements still sprightly and her posture erect, ventured, “why such a sudden decision? What necessitates this move?”
Palace Mistress Gao Ming understood their concern. However, revealing the true reasons could spark unnecessary panic. Only the elders closest to her knew the true reason. Thus, for the other elders, Palace Mistress Goa Ming instead she opted for a carefully crafted explanation.
“We have received intelligence,” she announced, her voice laced with urgency, “suggesting a high concentration of powerful beasts in a region further north. This presents a unique opportunity for our disciples to hone their skills and bolster their kill count.”
The elders exchanged glances. A combined mission expedition did sound logical. The desolate world teemed with ferocious beasts, and eradicating them was an ongoing duty of righteous sects. Moreover, acquiring a high kill count brought prestige and valuable resources.
Another elder, Elder Lan spoke up. “And where exactly is this region located, Palace Mistress?”
Palace Mistress Gao Ming smiled faintly. “It lies not too far from the current location of the Jade Lotus Palace sect. In fact, during this expedition, we could potentially form a temporary alliance with them, sharing resources and information.”
This further solidified the plan in their minds. The Jade Lotus Palace was renowned for its strength and strategic prowess. A temporary alliance could prove highly beneficial.
“That is a wise suggestion, Palace Mistress,” Elder Hong agreed, nodding thoughtfully.
With the elders on board, the next step was disseminating the information to the disciples. Palace Mistress Gao Ming called for an assembly, her voice ringing out across the camp as she addressed all female cultivators.
“My dear disciples,” she began, her face radiating a resolute authority. “We have received word of a perilous region teeming with formidable beasts. This presents a valuable opportunity for you to test your skills and emerge stronger.”
She elaborated on the details of the upcoming mission expedition, omitting the true motives of relocation and the alliance with the Jade Lotus Palace. The announcement was met with a wave of excitement from the disciples. The prospect of facing challenging beasts and acquiring a higher kill count was a thrilling challenge for any cultivator.
The following days were a flurry of activity. Packing supplies, finalizing team formations, and ensuring their weapons were in peak condition – every disciple meticulously prepared for the expedition. Meanwhile, Palace Mistress Gao Ming sent a formal message to the Jade Lotus Palace, expressing the Emerald Sea Palace’s interest in forming a temporary alliance during their mission in the north.
The deception ran smoothly. The Azure Peak Sect remained oblivious to the impending relocation. Their camp bustled with routine activities, unaware that their allies were preparing to sever ties.
The day of departure arrived bright and early. The female disciples, clad in their finest battle attire, lined up before Palace Mistress Gao Ming, their faces etched with anticipation. They weren’t relocating, they believed, merely embarking on a mission.
With a final rallying speech, Palace Mistress Gao Ming led the Emerald Sea Palace sect away from the combined camp, leaving the Azure Peak Sect behind, unknowingly alone. Their journey north was a calculated one, deliberately taking them towards the location of the Jade Lotus Palace.
This was a pivotal moment. The Emerald Sea Palace was on the cusp of a new chapter, one free from the constraints of an unwanted alliance and one that promised a powerful collaboration with their soon-to-be allies, the Jade Lotus Palace sect.
It didn’t take long for the Emerald Sea Palace to reach the Jade Lotus Palace. Mounted on flying swords, boats, and even a few majestic cranes, the disciples traversed the desolate landscape in impressive speed. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, they arrived at their destination.
Meanwhile, the male disciples of the Emerald Sea Palace, under the watchful eye of a designated elder, had set up a separate camp a few miles away. This temporary abode would be their home while the female cultivators joined forces with the Jade Lotus Palace.
Wang Li is the only man in this combined camp, and it was all thanks to his status as the Honorary Elder of the Jade Lotus Palace sect.
As soon as the disciples of the Emerald Sea Palace disembarked, Wang Li sought out the elders of the Jade Lotus Palace. He found them amidst the flurry of activity, their serene faces creased with a hint of concern.
“Greetings, Elders,” Wang Li bowed respectfully. “May I inquire about Palace Mistress Jiu Lan’s whereabouts?”
Elder Yu, a woman known for her sharp wit and even sharper tongue, responded. “Palace Mistress Jiu Lan has unexpectedly embarked on a solo mission, venturing deep into the desolate world to hunt a few Soul Integration Realm Beast Lords.”
Surprise flickered across Wang Li’s face. Hunting Soul Integration Realm Beast Lords was no small feat, even for a cultivator as powerful as Palace Mistress Jiu Lan. However, he quickly regained his composure, masking his concern with a calm nod.
“I see. Thank you for informing me, Elder Yu. In that case, perhaps you and the other elders could assist the Emerald Sea Palace disciples with settling into the camp? Their relocation was rather sudden, and some guidance would be most welcome.”
The female elders readily agreed. The arrival of the Emerald Sea Palace had brought a surge of activity, and assistance was indeed needed. With practiced ease, they directed the disciples, helping them set up tents, establish defensive formations, and integrate their camp seamlessly into the existing Jade Lotus Palace infrastructure.
A flurry of chatter filled the air as the Jade Lotus Palace disciples welcomed their new allies. The Emerald Sea disciples, in turn, were captivated by the serene beauty of their surroundings and the aura of strength emanating from their new companions. This unexpected alliance, born out of necessity, promised a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
While the female disciples were busy with camp arrangements, Wang Li found himself drawn towards a familiar tent. A sense of longing tugged at his heart as he reached out and lifted the flap, his eyes falling on a figure nestled comfortably on the bed within.
Liu Xue, his beloved, lay fast asleep. Her long, cascading blue hair fanned out across the soft bedclothes, framing a face etched with serene peace. The red glow of the setting sun filtering through the tent cast an ethereal light upon her features.
As Wang Li entered, the gentle creak of the tent flap stirred Liu Xue awake. Her eyes fluttered open, and a wave of recognition washed over her face. A smile, as warm as the setting sun, lit up her features.
“Wang Li,” she whispered, her voice laced with a hint of sleepiness. “You’re finally back.”
He chuckled softly, stepping closer and brushing a stray strand of hair from her forehead. “Indeed, I am. The journey was long, but seeing your beautiful face again makes it all worthwhile.”
Their gazes locked, and the world around them seemed to fade away. Passion flared in their eyes, a silent promise spoken without words. As nightfall deepened, their reunion blossomed into a night of fervent intimacy. Wang Li reveled in the touch of her soft skin, the warmth of her body nestled against his.
Liu Xue, her love as fierce as her cultivation talent, surrendered to his touch, her moans echoing softly within the confines of the tent. Through the night, they explored every curve and crevice of each other’s bodies, their love a passionate dance under the watchful gaze of the pale moon.
As dawn broke, casting a gentle light upon the sleeping couple, a sense of contentment settled over them. The night had been a welcome respite from the challenges that lay ahead.
