Published: February 12, 2025
Ye Zhongming and his companions returned to the guesthouse under countless gazes. Just an hour later, Jie Su appeared.
"Weren't you supposed to be cultivating?" Ye Zhongming asked, somewhat confused. Jie Su was at a critical breakthrough in a certain ability; if it weren't for the importance of Ye Zhongming's visit, he would have surely locked himself in his room to cultivate.
"Isn't it because of you!" Jie Su replied somewhat irritably. Ye Zhongming shrugged and said nothing.
Instead, Jie Su paused for a moment, looking at Ye Zhongming, and hesitantly asked, "Did you do this on purpose?"
"Sort of; I didn't have any other choice," Ye Zhongming answered.
"You've seen the current situation. Your clan is against collaborating with us. Normally, I should just give up."
Ye Zhongming invited Jie Su to sit down and poured him a drink before taking a seat beside him.
"For the Su Clan, it may not have much impact; they will continue to live their lives as usual. But for you and me, the impact is enormous."
After saying this, Ye Zhongming sighed, showing none of the boldness he had displayed when spending lavishly in the Su Clan's commercial center earlier.
"For me, without the support of the Su Clan, the attacks against me and the Star-Eye Clan would be even more unrestrained. We have no guarantee of being able to hold on. Without the help of the Su Clan, even if we open the planet hunting grounds, we won't be able to reap the corresponding benefits. Even if we benefit somewhat from the rewards of the novice battlefield, it will ultimately make us look like prey in the eyes of others. Regardless of whether there’s an opportunity, they will come to take a bite, until the Star-Eye Clan is left bloodied and falls."
Jie Su quietly listened, drinking without saying anything.
"On the contrary, whether the Star-Eye Clan gains enormous benefits from the planet hunting grounds to continuously strengthen itself, or receives help from the Su Clan, or even formation assistance, it can ensure that we won't face any major issues in a short period. You know, what we need the most is time."
Thinking of the previous assassination and the uncertain attitude of Dark Strip City toward the Star-Eye Clan, Ye Zhongming felt a tinge of anxiety.
The weakness of the Star-Eye Clan cannot be compensated for by his rapid progress. Even though he now has the Library Palace as a strong support, he first needs to solve their troubles, but that is certainly not an easy task!
Having just resolved the internal troubles of the Star-Eye Clan, the external threat is not something the King of Cloud Summit can decide alone.
Right now, he, or the Star-Eye Clan, truly needs a powerful helper like the Su Clan.
"For you... the impact is actually greater," Ye Zhongming patted Jie Su on the shoulder. "I have memorized all the information you gave me, which is why I say this."
Jie Su smiled wryly, not surprised by what Ye Zhongming said.
"The subservient races that trust you are too weak, not much stronger than the Star-Eye Clan, and their ambition is just as lacking as that of the Su Clan—if not strictly nonexistent. They usually follow behind you, trying to meet your needs as much as possible."
"But... their strength isn't enough to give you powerful support. Take this time when you dealt with the transport spaceship; they could only gather a million years gold for you. That... really isn’t of much use."
After pausing, Ye Zhongming added, "At least until your position in the clan becomes significantly recognized, they can only provide you with 'million' level help."
Jie Su had nothing to deny about this; those races standing beside him were weak, and during critical moments, they would not expend their full effort.
"If the Star-Eye Clan cannot become strong, relying solely on your own efforts, can you break the longstanding rules of the Su Clan? I think not. Even if you could, it would likely take many, many years, and we do not have that patience."
"If this cooperation fails, the Star-Eye Clan is doomed to weaken or even perish. Even if Pao Bai and I survive, we will become drifting reeds, unable to help you. As a chain reaction, our already small alliance will fall apart, Isabella will marry into another family, and all aspirations will turn to bubbles."