Jaz Vixen guided Sifir and Purple Night to the exquisite VIP room. Jaz Vixen reached out to orchestrate the careful cleanup, ensuring the swift removal of the fallen cultivators from the scene. The trio elegantly entered the room, where a stunning purple rose stone table took center stage, surrounded by sumptuous deep red couches integrated into the wall, and the gentle illumination of sunrite stone lights created a warm ambiance.
An opulent sense of anticipation enveloped the atmosphere. The fragrance unfolded with an alluring spice, complemented by a subtle touch of tricolored Rosemary Dew.
"That is the Twin Icy Hot Orchid infused with a subtle touch of three-color Rosemary Dew Nectar. This unique gem of nature soothes the spirit and brings tranquility to the mind. The combination is quite remarkable." Purple Night expressed her enthusiasm with fervor.
"Wow. Never knew Miss Jaz Vixen had this wonderful treasure in the VIP room."
"Little Night, there are many things you don't know about me."
Sifir remains silent.
"Fall Night, I have been curious. What is the relationship between the three big clans?"
"Well, I don't know much of the relationship between the three big clans. Even I am not privy to that kind of information. What I do know is very limited."
"I think you know more than you are willing to tell me, Fall Night. From what I've seen so far, your status isn't low by any means, and since you 're not willing to speak on those matters. Let me switch the topic for a quick second. How many clans does the Midnight Clan have currently?"
"Why are you asking Little Fall so many questions about the Midnight Clan? One might think you are gathering intel on them."
Jaz Vixen was quite curious about Purple Night's line of questioning about the Midnight clan. Even she knows some common information about them.
"The Midnight clan has over 45 clans currently. Before the 2nd Great War, the Midnight clan had over 120 clans. That is not including the subsidiary clans that swore their allegiances to the Midnight Clan either. However, this is all public knowledge."
Purple Night was shocked to hear how many clans there were in the Midnight Clan before the 2nd Great War.
"So you are telling me that last pillar on the right closest to the entranceway with all those crests just belongs to the Midnight clan?"
"The Midnight clan once did, but not now, Purple Night. Hence why their current territory is not as large as the Sunchaser or the Night Clan."
"Fall Night, how do you know all this?"
"Again. This is public knowledge. Any public establishment, bar, or place that the elites frequent can reveal the truth."
Purple Night shook her head. Seeing this, Sifir now knows what is common to him but a big secret to outsiders. Sensing this, Sifir told himself to limit the information about the Midnight Clan or the country itself.
"Little Fall, what part are you from in the Midnight clan?"
"Good question. However, I cannot tell you that, Miss Jaz Vixen. What I can tell you is the Midnight Clan has thirteen branches, with many of their talents traveling to gain experiences."
"Mhmmm... So tell me why your bloodline is so strong. It makes me want to pounce on you a little bit more." Jaz Vixen licks her lips and inches over to smell Sifir's bloodline clearly.
"Fall Night, what else do you know about the Midnight clan?"
"Purple Night, I know that Sunchaser has been taking a neutral stance between the clash of the Night and Midnight clans."
Both Jaz Vixen and Purple Night cast Sifir scornful glares. They were both aware of the situation and sought further information on the inner workings of the Midnight clan.
"What is your relationship between you two?"
"Purple Night is my captain."
"Fall Night is under my command. We have a rule in our unit. Strength speaks."
Sifir savored the warm tea, relishing every sip. Sifir was absolutely thrilled by the rich and robust flavor of the tea. The body of the tea was dense, and the aftertaste was refreshingly cool. Jaz Vixen watched Sifir sip on the tea with pure amusement. Purple Night lifts the lower part of her mask with a burst of excitement.
And she joyfully indulged in the exquisite meat of the Tier 1 ferocious beast called Waltz Buffalo. This ferocious beast is known for its quick temper and wild stampede.
"Why are your masks different?" Jaz Vixen asked with a curious look on her face.
"That is our unit secret. We can't tell you something that is part of our unit." Sifir replied quickly before Purple Night could respond.
"Oh? I see. Something that important must be kept close to the chest, huh, little fall?" Jaz Vixen gazed at Sifir for a moment. She eagerly anticipated Sifir's reply.
"You can say something like that. It seems like you're digging for something, Ms. Jaz Vixen?"
"Who, me? Searching for something…? Honestly, I would prefer if you could find something in between..."
Before Jaz Vixen could complete her sentence, Purple Night placed her hand over Jaz Vixen's mouth.
"I want to inform you that Fall Night is just 6 years old. I understand that he seems older than his actual age. It is essential to maintain a degree of self-control."
Purple Night was dissatisfied with Jaz Vixen's effort to entice the inexperienced cultivator through the same manipulative tactics she had used before.
"Hello, Purple Night! Fall Night is just 6 years old in the realm of magical beasts. In terms of human age, he is 30 years old. I wanted to inquire if Fall Night could retrieve something for me when he departs the city. Should he come back with the necessary information, I am prepared to offer him a reward. I am more than willing to provide him with something that truly values his time and effort."
"Since it is a personal request from you, Jaz Vixen. I cannot deny your request. However, I can only fulfill your request once our mission is complete. Only Fall Night can accept or decline your request."
"I will accept your request. I have a condition."
"What is your condition, Little Fall?
"If this request turns out to be a life-or-death struggle,. I will not continue the mission, and I will not return to the city either."
"That is acceptable. I am requesting your assistance with something, regardless, Little Fall." Jaz Vixen expressed satisfaction upon learning about Sifir's condition. That condition provided Sifir with an opportunity to exit. The request carried significant risks.
_
The Midnight Clan and the Sunchaser Clan share a region where their territories meet. A quaint, hidden pavilion stood quietly in its place. Numerous secluded spots existed along the path from Sunchaser to Midnight, perfect for private encounters. The same principle holds true for the border between the Night and Sunchaser clans. In this manner, Sunchaser managed to maintain its impartial position between the Night and Midnight clans.
The chamber is expansive and elegantly appointed. The room features an elegant and minimalist design, adorned with shades of white, black, and gray, along with a sumptuous chair that has the most exquisite upholstery crafted from Tier 3 spirit beasts. The vision of a distinguished leader welcoming esteemed guests guided the design of this room, imbuing each moment with profound significance. The artisans crafted the table from Nine Cherry Redwood Oak. This collection was a remarkable gem of middle-grade natural treasure. In this opulent chamber, Patriarch Murda, the esteemed leader of the Midnight Clan, reclines gracefully in a chair with his gaze fixed upon the entrance.
"Why would they call me to meet with them at this time?"
"My lord, the only information we have is that Judah, the new matriarch of the Sunchaser, requested this meeting."
"What does that little girl know about the inner workings of a clan that big? Patriarch Murda, we should teach her a lesson!" One elder called out.
"Nonsense! We need to know why they have asked our Lord to come here at this time. Another elder calmly spoke out against the one elder who yelled.
All the elders in the room engaged in a heated debate about their respective actions. Murda was silently thinking about a few things. Occasionally, a minor altercation erupts without much notice.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Lord! Matriarch Judah is here and waiting for you."
"Allowed them to enter."
Patriarch Murda got up from his chair, and the other elders settled down. None of them spoke a word when they saw their patriarch walk to the door to greet the matriarch of Sunchaser.
"It is good to see Matriarch Judah. I didn't think to see Kyri here as well."
"Hello, Patriarch Murda. It is good to see you too."
"Even if I am not the matriarch anymore. You still can't say my name so casually, Murda." Kyri had a slight chill in her tone.
"This way. May I ask why the new matriarch is here and not in her territory?"
The group that followed Judah was Kyri, three elders, and two guards. The escort group was relatively small. However, it is a rather powerful group with Kyri leading the vanguard.
"We are going to get that Patriarch Murda. I came here for two reasons. One is to discuss the Elder, and the other is to forming a new legion under both our elites."
Both parties sat at the table. Judah explained her reason for being here. Everyone was shocked, and that included Murda and Kyri. Neither ever really put something like that in their plans or thoughts.
"Why should I do that?!? The Sunchaser clan is the strongest power currently!"
An elder of the Midnight clan raised their voice in a commanding shout. Before he utters another word, a swift and brutal strike lands on that aged visage. It was none other than Kyri.
Although Kyri did not hold the title of matriarch, her pride was unmistakably evident. Kyri's pride in the Sunchaser clan knew no limits. Patriarch Murda remains silent. Murda was keenly aware that the elder had inadvertently crossed a boundary.
"You are lucky. It was a light punishment. Next time, the consequence will be severe. We maintain a neutral position. That doesn't mean we're soft like ripe fruit." The chilling tone in Kyri's voice got deeper.
"Are we done, or are we finished?" Patriarch Murda looks over at his elders.
"Let's get to the matter at hand. Why did you let Sifir take that mission for the Elder?"
"The Elder requested specifically for a talent like Sifir."
"Is the Elder influence that strong that you, the Midnight Clan, can start to kneel to another power?"
"Matriarch Judah, really? That's quite the title you've got there! I must point out that my wife is the sole individual willing to bend the knee, are you?"
Patriarch Murda spoke with utter contempt. Matriarch Judah's face flushes a deep shade of crimson, clearly flustered. Kyri in the corner couldn't help but chuckle at Patriarch Murda's words.
"I see. From my intel, the Elder has gathered more power and influence among other major clans as well."
"That is correct, Matriarch Judah. Why would I let Sifir go and be a part of that mission? He is one of the top talents, among other reasons that I will not talk about."
"Do you know which clans the Elder has the power in?"
"Yes and no. If I have to guess, it would be the Sadé clan of the Crimson Jags, the Órisis clan of the Golden Tigers, and the Kanyé clan of the Black Lions. There could be more."
"Those are the clans that are the leading force in their respective group. Mhmmm... Very intriguing indeed."
"I know you didn't come here to talk about mere trifles, matriarch Judah?"
"I didn't. It's uncertain when Sifir will come back from his mission. And taking direct actions could start a major conflict that we cannot afford it."
"However, before we proceed to the next topic, let's clarify our current discussion with this. Do you think the Elder got in touch with the guardian?"
The expression of everyone in the room became grave.
The guardian serves as a protector, destined to safeguard the nation or the True Emperor from sudden ambushes. Ligers don't have a legitimate True Emperor. That implies the guardian may be employed to stifle dissent under the pretext of safeguarding the nation or its secrets by the "Elder" of the race.
"No. The Elder should not have gotten in touch with the guardian yet. However, we cannot put it past the Elder means."
"Very troublesome." Kyri had a hideous expression as both Judah and Murda spoke.
"Let's put this conversation on the back burner. And focus on what we can control. We can control is a unit composed of our elite members. Only the leaders of our clans can dispatch this legion."
"Our clans? You're presenting it as if it's already decided!" Patriarch Murda had a frown on his face.
"Well? Isn't it? I am willing to send you 500 cultivators. These cultivators include top talents, mid-grade talents, and budding talents. From my perspective, the legion is already formed. What I want to know is how many talents you are willing to contribute."
Judah had a calm aura around her as she spoke leisurely.
"500 talents is indeed impressive, Matriarch Judah. Has your counsel agreed to this? Probably not, or more like they wouldn't dare."
A small smirk creeps onto Patriarch Murda's face.
"Indeed. However, you are forgetting something, Patriarch Murda. If the legion is already formed, what measures can they take to halt its progress?"
Judah gave the Midnight Clan Patriarch a strange glare.
'I wouldn't allow those idiots to impede my essential preparations.' Judah spoke to herself.
"Hahahaha!!! This is amusing. Kyri, who knew your daughter would be just like you in this regard? This is rich."
"Watch your words, Murda. Just because this little brat gave you face doesn't mean I'll do the same."
"That is fine, Kyri. I was worried that the new Matriarch didn't have the same boldness as you did. At least I know one thing. The Sunchaser has always kept their word. I am right, Kyri?"
"Why are you speaking to me instead of the new Matriarch Judah? Furthermore, may I ask why you are addressing me as though I hold any significant authority?"
Kyri shrugs with a helpless expression.
Judah found the unfolding drama between Murda and Kyri to be entertaining. She harbored a deep disdain for both the Murda and Kyri acts. Those who dare to impede her progress toward her goals will face the consequences of their actions.
"Since we agree on this new legion. I expected you to send word when you were ready with your talents. Additionally, please include Sifir when he returns. Let us go and make other arrangements in the meantime."
Patriarch Murda had an ugly expression on his face after Judah's words fell. It was like she didn't put him, the patriarch of the Midnight Clan, in her eyes. To a certain degree, Judah didn't. However, Patriarch Murda took a step back to realize something. This was all for Sifir, but why?
"Before you go, Matriarch Judah, why are you doing this for Sifir?"
"Imagine if I claimed I was crafting a plan to resurrect the fallen empire while throwing in some new powers for good measure?"
Judah's tone became cold. The inviting smile vanished.
"Are you serious?"
"Definitely not. Why should I, Judah Sunchaser, try to revive a fallen empire? Using its remnants as building blocks, I shall construct a new one. We are leaving."
A small assembly of five made their exit from the room. A hush enveloped the group remaining in the room, their faces reflecting a profound sense of disbelief. No one would have had the audacity to voice those words openly and anticipate that they would carry any significance.
Yet, an unmistakable awareness lingered among them, a shared understanding that the new matriarch was resolute in her intent to move forward, regardless of the shadows or the illumination that surrounded her. Patriarch Murda experienced a shiver that coursed through him.