Chapter 91: Giving Too Much
"City Lord, to be honest, because of the Clear Sky Sect's betrayal, my old brothers are not easy to convince," Niu Gao said with some hesitation. "I can try my best to persuade them to join White Cloud City, but I can't guarantee success."
"No problem." Ye Cheng waved his hand indifferently and said, "If they agree, that would be ideal. If not, there's no need to force it." After all, his main target was the Yu Clan. The other three clans were just a bonus having them would be good, but if not, it wouldn't matter much.
"Alright, it just so happens that in the next two days, we're having our biennial Four Clan Gathering. If we count the time, they should start arriving soon. City Lord, you might as well stay at my residence for two days and discuss matters with them when they arrive," Niu Gao suggested.
Ye Cheng readily agreed. Sometimes, timing works out perfectly better to wait here than run around chasing them down.
The Arrival of the Min Clan
The next morning, Ye Cheng had just woken up, washed, and finished his morning routine when Niu Gao informed him that the first clan had arrived.
It was the Min Clan, the specialists in speed among the four.
With Ye Cheng's status, it was beneath him to go out and greet them personally. So, he sat at the head seat in the guest hall, waiting for Niu Gao to bring them in.
Before long, Niu Gao led the Min Clan delegation into the hall. They had brought a group of about ten people.
At the forefront was an elderly man tall and slender, but well proportioned. His long white hair cascaded down his back, making him appear even older than Niu Gao.
This was Bai He, the patriarch of the Min Clan.
Despite having "He" (Crane) in his name, the Min Clan's martial soul was not actually a crane. Cranes weren't known for speed.
The Min Clan's martial soul was the Swift Tailed Storm Swallow, the fastest flying bird species in the world. Their pure speed cultivation path was entirely dictated by this soul.
Beside Bai He stood a young girl, around the same age as Zhu Zhuqing.
She was tall and slender, with delicate features and light purple twin ponytails. Though slightly thin, her face was still exquisite despite not having fully matured yet. Once she grew up, she would undoubtedly be a devastating beauty.
Her eyes carried a hint of arrogance, and she clung to Bai He's arm, her gaze flitting around the hall with curiosity and excitement.
As soon as they stepped into the guest hall, they immediately noticed Ye Cheng sitting in the main seat.
Bai He instinctively frowned.
At first, he thought some ignorant junior had taken the head seat.
But when his sharp eyes finally recognized who was sitting there, the words of rebuke he had been about to utter got swallowed right back down his throat.
Ye Cheng hadn't disguised himself.
He sat calmly in his original appearance, his handsome and striking features making him instantly recognizable.
"Ah! You you're Ye Cheng!"
The young girl beside Bai He suddenly exclaimed in shock.
"Xiangxiang, mind your manners!" Bai He scolded immediately, his brows furrowing deeply.
Then, turning toward Ye Cheng, he bowed slightly and said apologetically, "I did not expect Your Excellency to be here. I, Bai He, offer my respects. Please forgive my granddaughter's rudeness."
In front of a Titled Douluo, calling them by name directly was considered disrespectful.
Some strong individuals wouldn't care, but others might see it as a direct insult.
To be safe, Bai He immediately apologized.
"No harm done."
Ye Cheng, sitting at the main seat, didn't mind at all. A name is meant to be called how could that be rude?
Seeing that Ye Cheng wasn't angered, Bai He secretly sighed in relief.
Had Ye Cheng been a temperamental or domineering figure, who knew what kind of trouble his granddaughter's outburst could have caused?
Negotiations Begin
"Hahaha! Old White Bird, why the serious face?" Niu Gao broke the tension, laughing heartily. "Come, take a seat! Let's have a proper introduction!"
Although Bai He still had many doubts, he sat down as invited.
"City Lord, this is Bai He, the patriarch of the Min Clan my sworn brother in life and death!" Niu Gao introduced.
Then he turned to Bai He and smirked.
"And as for this distinguished individual, well... I don't even need to introduce him. I'm sure you recognize him."
Then, in a calm but earth shattering statement, Niu Gao casually dropped the bombshell.
"I have already led the entire Yu Clan to pledge allegiance to the City Lord."
"What?!"
Even though Bai He had already suspected something, hearing Niu Gao personally confirm it still sent a shockwave through him.
"Old Rhino, you actually…" Bai He trailed off, but his meaning was clear.
Niu Gao, knowing his old friend too well, let out a deep sigh.
"Old White Bird, do you really think I made this decision lightly?"
His face turned serious.
"Let's be honest. We both know how things have been for the Four Clans these past years. Under Spirit Hall's suppression, we're barely surviving."
Bai He's expression darkened.
Niu Gao was right.
Of the Four Clans, the Min Clan was struggling the most. Without the support of the other three clans, they would have already perished.
"Old White Bird, do you really think we can keep going like this?"
Niu Gao's words hit hard.
Bai He didn't respond, but in his heart, he knew the answer.
If nothing changed, the Four Clans especially the Min Clan were doomed.
Their numbers would dwindle, their influence would vanish, and eventually, they would fade into history.
This wasn't fearmongering it was inevitable.
"We are weak. We need a protector."
Niu Gao spoke bluntly.
"That's why I joined the City Lord!"
Bai He fell silent.
A part of him envied Niu Gao.
He had found a strong and reliable backer.
Had the Min Clan been given the same opportunity… all their current hardships would be solved instantly.
But just as Bai He was grappling with this realization, Niu Gao dropped another bombshell.
"Of course, Old White Bird, you know I would never forget my brothers.
Since the City Lord is expanding his forces, I recommended the Min Clan as well. You should be thanking me!"
"What?!"
Bai He's eyes widened.
Niu Gao had already paved the way for them?!
At that moment, his composure crumbled completely.
His heart was racing, his breath quickened.
This was an opportunity of a lifetime!
Could the Min Clan truly afford to pass this up?
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