Qiao’s voice fell, and everyone’s brows furrowed.
They could understand the Guangming Hall’s desire to eliminate Ye Cangtian. Previously, at sea, the Guangming Hall had attempted to subdue various smaller factions, but Ye Cangtian had disrupted their efforts.
Therefore, it was normal for them to harbor resentment towards him.
However, the problem arose: the previous operation in Huaxia had been on a much larger scale than this one.
If they couldn’t eliminate Ye Cangtian then, could they do it now?
Without a strong chance of success, they wouldn’t act lightly, even with the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir as an incentive.
It was important to remember that Huaxia was not an easy opponent. Few of the Earth-grade powerhouses who had ventured into Huaxia during the previous operation had left alive.
As he thought, Xue Ye spoke, "Qiao, perhaps the success rate would be higher if we targeted Tang Xinwan, but dealing with Ye Cangtian will likely be very difficult, especially since he is now also an Earth-grade powerhouse."
Qiao immediately understood Xue Ye’s implication.
He mused for a moment and said, "I maintain my stance: as long as we cooperate sincerely, eliminating Ye Cangtian is not a problem. Furthermore, you must understand the difference between this operation and the previous one..."
Qiao briefly compared the two operations.
In the previous operation, the vast majority of participants were from small and medium-sized forces, with only four forces capable of making a significant impact.
However, these four forces were also targeting each other, leading to the failure of the operation.
This time, he had resolved the internal conflicts beforehand, preventing any mutual attrition.
Although no small or medium-sized forces were participating, in Qiao’s view, they wouldn't have played a significant role anyway; their presence or absence made little difference.
"What you say has some merit. Our Ting Feng Lou has decided to participate in this operation!"
Hearing Qiao’s words, Feng Ze was the first to express his agreement.
He was immensely eager for the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir. Now that he had obtained it, he wouldn't give it up, so he would agree to any terms, regardless of the challenges.
On the Tian Wang side, Xue Ye hesitated for a moment before also agreeing.
While he was reluctant to cause trouble in Huaxia, he couldn't refuse this opportunity to help Tian Wang recover its strength.
Zi Long’s gaze turned towards Ye Cangtian, wanting to see if Po Xiao had anything else to say.
Sensing Zi Long’s gaze, Ye Cangtian said, "We have no problem with targeting Tang Xinwan and that Ye Cangtian, but I have a few conditions to propose."
"Please, go ahead."
Qiao’s expression flickered, becoming somewhat displeased.
Frankly, the Guangming Hall had already paid an exorbitant price to deal with Ye Cangtian and Tang Xinwan. The other party was still not satisfied and wanted to put forward more conditions; it was truly incredibly greedy.
However, he had to inquire further, as it wouldn't be worth it if the joint operation was ruined because of this.
It was best to hear what Po Xiao had to say first.
"Firstly, if anyone, in any way, schemes against the Dark Association, the Dark Association will retaliate, even if such a discovery is made after the fact."
"Furthermore, the Guangming Hall shall not show favoritism to such factions. Not only that, but the Guangming Hall must also assist the Dark Association in punishing such factions!"
"Of course, the Dark Association also promises not to initiate any schemes or underhanded tactics!"
Hearing Po Xiao’s words, Qiao slowly nodded. This was merely a cautionary gentleman's agreement, and there was no harm in agreeing.
He thought, and Qiao smiled, saying, "Po Xiao, even if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have emphasized this point."
Feng Ze and Xue Ye exchanged glances after hearing this, then nodded in agreement, their gazes returning to Po Xiao, awaiting further details.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian continued, "Since it is a cooperation with equal rewards, our contributions must also be commensurate, otherwise, it would be unfair."
"What do you mean by that?" Qiao quickly asked.
"It means that the personnel configuration for the operation by each faction should be equal in terms of high-level combatants. Low-level combatants can be disregarded."
"For example, for one Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir, the Dark Association will dispatch only one Earth-grade steward. If you wish to provide more Earth-grade stewards, then the Guangming Hall must increase the price!"
"In other words, our Dark Association will not contribute less than any other faction, nor will we contribute any more than necessary."
Ye Cangtian said this with a slight smile.
Brilliant!
Zi Long inwardly praised Po Xiao’s statement.
This was Po Xiao seeking benefits for the Dark Association.
Zi Long was not entirely clear about the specifics of Ting Feng Lou as a faction, but judging by Feng Ze’s faint aura, he was only a Xuan-grade powerhouse.
Therefore, it was likely that Ting Feng Lou did not have many Earth-grade powerhouses and wouldn't be able to enjoy this particular benefit.
The situation with Tian Wang was even more so. It was common knowledge that Tian Wang was now left with only Xue Ye, the Killing God, which was why he had to come personally this time.
Thus, the only one capable of enjoying this benefit was the Dark Association.
"Po Xiao, what do you mean by that? Are you looking down on me? Or are you looking down on Ting Feng Lou!"
As Zi Long was contemplating this, Feng Ze’s expression immediately darkened.
He slammed the table and glared at Po Xiao, indignantly questioning him.
He and Nan Xi were the only ones present at the Xuan-grade level. Ye Cangtian’s analogy using Earth-grade powerhouses clearly implied that he was not qualified to participate in the operation.
If that were the case, wouldn’t he have to return the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir?
Therefore, he was particularly sensitive to Po Xiao’s words!
"I absolutely did not mean that!"
Ye Cangtian waved his hand and continued, "The Guangming Hall has already paid the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir upfront. As long as you can reach the Earth-grade realm after consuming it, you will naturally meet the conditions.
I doubt any of you would mind an operation that lasts only a few days. Of course, if you fail to break through, then I apologize, but Ting Feng Lou will need to provide another Earth-grade powerhouse!"
Ye Cangtian had clearly targeted Feng Ze with his remarks.
In essence, he was forcing Feng Ze to consume the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir.
Consuming the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir required several days to absorb its medicinal effects. He could use this time to observe what schemes the Guangming Hall was actually planning.
Additionally, Huaxia could also make arrangements more quickly.
On the other side, upon hearing Ye Cangtian’s explanation, Feng Ze’s expression softened.
He had always considered himself one of the outstanding talents of the younger generation in Ting Feng Ge, not necessarily the best, but certainly above average.
With the aid of the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir, he believed that breaking through his bottleneck and reaching the Earth-grade realm was not a pipe dream.
Previously, he had been racking his brain on how to privately consume the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir. After all, for such a precious pill, he couldn't make the decision himself and needed to seek permission from his superiors.
However, with Po Xiao’s current suggestion, it coincidentally provided him with a reason to consume the elixir.
Thinking this, Feng Ze directly stated, "I agree with this proposal."
This...
Hearing Feng Ze's words, Qiao's expression instantly turned grim.
He had expected that all factions, considering the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir and the Dao Comprehension Pill, would exert their utmost efforts to complete the operation.
Especially the Dark Association; with both Po Xiao and Zi Long present, they should at least dispatch two Earth-grade powerhouses.
Yet now, Po Xiao was demanding that the Guangming Hall increase its offer, which was simply too greedy. Did he really think the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir was as common as cabbage?
Looking back, he truly regretted using the Nine Revolutions Golden Elixir to foster cooperation among the four parties; he should have adopted a different approach.
Now, Ting Feng Lou, the only faction that might have opposed, had agreed with Po Xiao’s proposal, effectively cornering him.
He thought, glancing at Po Xiao, "Po Xiao, your proposal is not without merit, but the value of this operation is limited. It is simply unrealistic to ask the Guangming Hall to produce more Nine Revolutions Golden Elixirs."
"In that case, the Dark Association will only send one Earth-grade powerhouse."
Ye Cangtian stated calmly.
As he spoke, he extended his hand, took a small porcelain bottle remaining on the table, and handed it directly to Zi Long.
The spoils from such a mission were certainly meant to be handed over.
"Fine!"
Upon hearing this, Qiao hesitated for a long time before finally squeezing out a word through gritted teeth.