The night fell upon the Hall of Gathering Heroes.
The Hall of Gathering Heroes had been booked by the major families, with guards stationed at the entrance. One had to hold an invitation to enter.
However, Ye Cangtian and Lan Yue chose a different path.
Leveraging their exceptional skills, the two decided to infiltrate the Hall of Gathering Heroes.
After all, they lacked invitations, and whether they wore masks or showed their true faces, it would likely cause a stir. Thus, this was the best method of entry.
Once inside, they concealed themselves in a corner.
Time ticked by, and in the blink of an eye, the entire second floor of the Hall of Gathering Heroes was packed.
Every influential family in Xiyin City was represented.
These individuals were primarily family heads or heirs, holding significant authority within their clans.
Not long after, Ye Cangtian spotted a familiar figure within his line of sight.
This person was none other than Chu Yuanji of the Chu family, accompanied by a middle-aged man.
They walked in, conversing, though Chu Yuanji's expression was somewhat peculiar, appearing more like a forced smile than a genuine one.
"Ahem!"
"Thank you all for attending despite your busy schedules. Young Master and Kong Yi offer our salutations."
Arriving at the center, Chu Yuanji cleared his throat. Once the hall quieted down, he offered a perfunctory bow.
So, this was Kong Yi!
As Ye Cangtian watched Kong Yi bow alongside Chu Yuanji, his gaze flickered. He had been in Xiyin City for a few days and was somewhat familiar with the local families.
This Kong Yi was the head of the Kong family, his status comparable to Chu Changying.
He also realized that this so-called meeting was organized by the Kong and Chu families to entice the various families to pledge allegiance to the Bright Hall faction.
With this thought, Ye Cangtian inwardly chuckled. He hadn't expected such an unexpected bonus!
"Everyone, you are aware of the current situation."
"Although the Dark Association still controls the Dark Relics, they cannot withstand the formidable advance of the Bright Hall. Even Hong Mo, the heralded first Earth-rank executive, has been defeated…"
"From this perspective, the decline of the Dark Association is merely a matter of time."
"Furthermore, with Kong Ling ascending to power and vigorously purging dissidents, discontent is rife across the regions, with many forming alliances and poised to revolt!"
"Are you truly willing to be buried along with such a Dark Association?"
As Chu Yuanji's words echoed through the hall, everyone's expressions grew solemn.
They knew very well that these were facts, devoid of any fabrication, not even exaggerated.
The Dark Association indeed faced numerous problems, internal strife and external threats, and was not far from its demise.
These families, naturally, were unwilling to be buried with it; they had to secure a fallback for themselves.
"Fourth Young Master, the Chu family is one of the foremost families in Xiyin City. May I ask how the Chu family plans to navigate these difficulties? Can you show us a path to survival?"
"Fourth Young Master, we have always followed the Chu family's lead. We cannot be forgotten at this time!"
…
As these voices rose, a triumphant smile bloomed on Chu Yuanji's face.
Everything was proceeding more smoothly than expected. By simply laying bare the current reality, these families had panicked. It seemed getting them to join the Bright faction would not be difficult!
With that thought, he spoke with a smile, "It's quite simple not to be buried with the Dark Association; all you need to do is choose a more powerful patron than the Dark Association!"
"Precisely!"
As the words fell, Kong Yi stepped forward and declared, "Let's not beat around the bush. Aligning with the Bright Hall is your best option now!"
This…
At this statement, everyone's faces showed hesitation.
The Bright Hall was strong, and the Dark Association was riddled with flaws, but as it stood, the Dark Relics were still in the Dark Association's possession!
Even if the Dark Association were to be annihilated, the remaining stragglers would still be beyond the resistance of these families. After all, a starved camel is still larger than a horse.
"Hmph!"
Seeing the obvious hesitation from those before him, Chu Yuanji snorted coldly.
He inwardly wished he could kick Kong Yi away.
This Kong Yi was simply a brute.
His previous approach was to let everyone slowly consider the Bright Hall, a more gradual process with less resistance.
Moreover, they would realize they had no other choice but to pledge allegiance to the Bright Hall.
But Kong Yi's abrupt mention of the Bright Hall caught everyone off guard, making them naturally overthink.
With this in mind, Chu Yuanji quickly stepped forward, saying, "The Dark Association is beyond saving; following them leads only to death!
If you choose the Bright Hall now, when the Bright Hall governs the Dark Relics, each of you will be a meritorious official, reaping considerable benefits!"
He paused, then Chu Yuanji looked at Kong Yi with a hint of helplessness.
In his opinion, these elixirs could have been saved.
At the same time, the Bright Hall would further affirm their capabilities, but unfortunately, it was all ruined by Kong Yi's haste.
Two Nine Revolutions Golden Pills?
Upon hearing this, the eyes of all the families lit up.
If they could obtain two Nine Revolutions Golden Pills, there was a chance for two Earth-rank powerhouses to emerge within their families.
With that, they would have a certain degree of resistance even when facing retaliation from the Dark Association.
Moreover, with these two Nine Revolutions Golden Pills, they could lead their families to glory!
In an instant, everyone from the families began to waver!
Seeing this, a faint smile reappeared on Chu Yuanji's face. He clapped his hands.
The next moment, two subordinates carried a table forward, upon which sat ink, brushes, paper, and inkstone.
Chu Yuanji gestured towards the table and said calmly, "The documents for pledging allegiance to the Bright Hall have been prepared. The Chu and Kong families have already signed. Now, all you need to do is write your names…"
Meanwhile, from the shadows, Lan Yue watched as one influential figure after another stepped forward to sign. Her gaze swept towards Ye Cangtian beside her.
Her flickering eyes clearly conveyed, "Aren't you going to act yet?"
Both Kong Yi and Chu Yuanji had declared their families' allegiance to the Bright Hall, making their betrayal evident. It was clearly time to act!
But Ye Cangtian showed no intention of revealing himself. What was the reason?
On the other side, sensing Lan Yue's gaze, Ye Cangtian slowly shook his head and made a few simple gestures.
The meaning was simple: it wasn't time yet. It wouldn't be too late to act after everyone had signed the documents.
Seeing Ye Cangtian's gestures, Lan Yue became even more curious. Did Ye Cangtian intend to deal with all these families present? That would be too much trouble!
It would be far better to interrupt the families' signing now and, through certain means, ensure their compliance.
Though she thought this, since Ye Cangtian hadn't acted, Lan Yue could only restrain herself.
"Excellent!"
"Once signed, we are all family. Henceforth, we shall sail in the same boat and forge glory together!"
"Simultaneously, to celebrate this joyous occasion, I have prepared a banquet. I invite everyone to proceed…"
In the blink of an eye, everyone had signed on behalf of their families.
Chu Yuanji wasted no more words, gesturing for them to move on to a simple celebration.
However, just as they turned to head towards the banquet hall, two figures appeared at the entrance, blocking their path.
They were a man and a woman, their faces adorned with golden masks.
It was precisely these golden masks that sent a chill down everyone's spines, their clothes instantly drenched in cold sweat.
These represented Earth-rank executives of the Dark Association, and more specifically, Dawn and Lan Yue. Dawn, in particular, was a legendary powerhouse.
Now that they had been caught by these individuals, everyone instantly panicked.
It was important to note that while their families possessed some strength, most did not even have a single Earth-rank expert.
Now that their actions were exposed, how could they withstand the retaliation of the Dark Association?