Ye Tian, hearing this, couldn't help but feel curious and asked, "Someone is bullying the Heavenly Alliance, who is it?"
Lu Wu replied, "Those who were considered insignificant by the Heavenly Alliance back then now dare to challenge us. For ten years, we have been waiting for the appearance of a new leader."
Ye Tian mused, "Even without a leader, the Heavenly Alliance's overall strength is still immense. How could they be easily bullied? This matter seems rather strange."
Ren Ping sighed softly, "What's so strange about it? Without the leader, many of the big figures within the Heavenly Alliance are at odds with each other. Some have simply declared themselves kings, ruling their own territories. It's no exaggeration to say that if you single out any of these self-proclaimed kings, no one would dare provoke them."
Ye Tian frowned, "So, the situation in the Heavenly Alliance is more complicated than I anticipated. Is the first step to consolidate the Heavenly Alliance?"
Ren Ping continued, "Leader, in fact, all these independent big figures want to be the leader, but they don't respect each other. Among these big figures, the most powerful is the Tang Sect."
Ye Tian looked at Tang Feng, "Aren't you, Brother Tang, one of the sect leaders?"
Tang Feng chuckled, "Leader, although I am from the Tang Sect, I only represent a very small portion of the Tang Sect's people. The true big figure of the Tang Sect is my uncle, known as Thousand-Hand Buddha, Tang Tianyin."
Ren Ping added, "Indeed. Tang Feng is currently just an empty shell, with few people he can command. But when the leader was around, the Tang Sect was one of the strongest forces under the Heavenly Alliance. However, after the leader's departure, the Tang Sect no longer wished to remain within the Heavenly Alliance. In recent years, the Tang Sect has developed very rapidly, with almost all the provinces in the southwest under their control. They even have significant influence over several southern kingdoms, supporting local warlords to act on their behalf."
Ye Tian remarked, "The Tang Sect is indeed very strong. But the stronger it gets, the less it wants to return to the Heavenly Alliance."
Tang Feng then asked, "Leader, Old Ren mentioned that you know how to refine pills?"
Ye Tian smiled, "I know a little."
Tang Feng beamed, "My uncle greatly admires those who can refine pills and seeks the path to immortality through it. Unfortunately, his talent is limited, so he is often deceived by fake alchemists. Since you understand the art of pill refining, this is an excellent point of entry."
Ye Tian nodded, "If there's an opportunity, I can try to connect with him."
Ren Ping urged, "Leader, everyone present is willing to support you, but our strength is still too thin. If we can gain the support of the Tang Sect, then we will be halfway to success."
Ye Tian agreed, "Yes, after some time, I can make a trip to the Tang Sect."
Tang Feng chuckled, "I'll accompany you then, Leader. Our Tang Sect is full of beautiful women, you know."
Ye Tian shifted the focus, "Let's talk about the present matter. Old Ren, when do we depart?"
Ren Ping glanced at the time, "No rush, we'll wait for someone first."
Ye Tian inquired, "Who?"
Ren Ping explained, "Leader, back then, you had a strategist by your side named Zhuge Shenji. This person's wisdom was extraordinary, and his strategies were unparalleled in the world. The Heavenly Alliance's growth owes much to his contributions. But ever since you were harmed, Zhuge Shenji refused to come out of seclusion. This time, I almost exhausted my tongue to persuade him to make this visit."
Ye Tian surmised, "He's here to assess whether I, as the leader, am qualified, isn't he?"
Ren Ping smiled, "I know your capabilities best. As long as Zhuge Shenji's eyes are not blind, he will surely be convinced by you."
"Who says my eyes are blind?" Suddenly, a voice echoed from outside the door.
Ren Ping's eyes lit up, "He's here!"
The door was pushed open, and a gaunt middle-aged man dressed in very ordinary clothes walked in. His steps were light, as if he were afraid of damaging the floor. As he walked, his gaze swept around, finally settling on Ye Tian.
"Is this the new leader you've chosen? I didn't expect him to be so young."
Ren Ping smiled, "Indeed, he is the new leader! Sir, we have been waiting for you for a long time."
Zhuge Shenji gave a slight bow, "My apologies for keeping everyone waiting."
Then, he bowed to Ye Tian again, "Greetings, Mr. Ye."
Ren Ping raised an eyebrow, "Sir, you address him as Mr. Ye instead of Leader. Do you not approve of our choice?"
Zhuge Shenji stated calmly, "Whether I approve or not, what use is it? It is the big figures from various regions who must be convinced."
Ren Ping sneered, "Sir, there's no need to beat around the bush, just say it directly."
Zhuge Shenji chuckled, "I don't want to say anything..."
Ye Tian interjected, "You indeed don't need to voice your thoughts. For a dying person, whatever they say is meaningless."