Chapter 92: Three Out of Four
Despite having once been deeply betrayed by the power they had pledged allegiance to, Bai He knew the reality of their situation. Without a strong enough backer, the Four Single Attribute Clans would never be able to rise again under the relentless suppression of Spirit Hall.
At this moment, Ye Cheng, still a lone figure in the early stages of building his own faction, was undoubtedly an ideal patron. If they joined now, they would become the founding members of his forces.
Moreover, Niu Gao was highly recommending it, and Bai He trusted this lifelong friend. If Niu Gao was so insistent on persuading the other three clans to join White Cloud City, then clearly, this was an opportunity they would not regret taking.
Thus, Bai He did not hesitate. He ignored the presence of the younger generation, immediately preparing to kneel and swear allegiance just as Niu Gao had done.
Fortunately, Ye Cheng spared him from the embarrassment. Just as Bai He was about to bow, Ye Cheng helped him up and, playing the role of a magnanimous leader, praised him. He said that the Min Clan joining would be like adding wings to a tiger for White Cloud City, making Bai He grin from ear to ear, repeatedly saying Ye Cheng was too kind.
With this, Ye Cheng had successfully recruited two out of the four clans.
The process was smooth, far easier than what Tang San had gone through in the original story. After all, Ye Cheng's conditions were incredibly generous, and his own overwhelming strength was undeniable. Joining someone like him was clearly beneficial, and only a fool would refuse.
Shortly after the Min Clan pledged allegiance, word arrived that another clan had arrived the Po Clan.
Bai He and Niu Gao exchanged worried glances.
They knew all too well what kind of person their old friend was. If he reacted poorly to the recruitment and offended the City Lord, the consequences could be… disastrous.
"No, I need to go talk to him first," Bai He said immediately, standing up and rushing out.
The Po Clan Arrives
A short while later, an elderly man strode into the hall, two young men following behind him.
Judging by how comfortable and familiar he seemed, he must have visited many times before.
As soon as he stepped into the hall, Ye Cheng's gaze locked onto him.
This old man was tall and lean, similar to Bai He in build, but a full head taller. Unlike Bai He's snow white hair, his hair was still jet black. His rosy complexion suggested robust health, but his cold, hawk like gaze gave him a somewhat menacing presence.
Trailing beside him was Bai He, whispering to him in hushed tones no doubt trying to convince him.
"This is the Po Clan's patriarch, Yang Wudi," Niu Gao said, stepping forward to introduce him.
"Old Goat," Niu Gao then turned to Yang Wudi, giving him a meaningful look. "I don't think I need to introduce this man to you, do I?"
The look in Niu Gao's eyes clearly said: Watch your temper! Don't act recklessly! If you offend this man, you'll regret it!
But to everyone's surprise, the normally grim faced Yang Wudi suddenly smiled.
Not only that his expression turned oddly friendly as he greeted Ye Cheng, "Your Excellency, how could I not recognize you?"
His excessively pleasant demeanor left Bai He and Niu Gao utterly confused.
This wasn't normal.
Given Yang Wudi's usual personality, even if he feared Ye Cheng's strength and didn't cause trouble, he definitely wouldn't act this polite.
Something was off.
The man standing before them… was he really Yang Wudi?
The Truth Behind Yang Wudi's Change in Attitude
The reason behind Yang Wudi's unexpected attitude was actually very simple the Future Vision.
In those glimpses of the future, Ye Cheng had utterly humiliated Tang Hao, crippling him by severing one of his arms and legs.
To Yang Wudi, this was the most satisfying thing he had ever seen.
He despised Tang Hao even more than he despised the Clear Sky Sect itself.
Because the root cause of all the Four Clans' suffering could be traced back to Tang Hao's reckless actions.
His relationship with a soul beast, his murder of Spirit Hall's Pope, and his subsequent disappearance had all led to the Four Clans being thrown into chaos.
Because of his mistakes, their clans had suffered immeasurably.
And after all these years, Tang Hao had only become worse bullying the weak, exploiting his strength unfairly.
To Yang Wudi, this was utterly disgraceful.
Thus, when he saw Ye Cheng violently putting Tang Hao in his place, his respect for him soared.
Even though that future hadn't happened yet, it didn't matter Ye Cheng had already won Yang Wudi's admiration.
Moreover, Ye Cheng's overwhelming strength was undeniable.
Even if Yang Wudi had the most unyielding nature, he wasn't a fool. He wouldn't deliberately provoke someone who could crush him effortlessly.
And most importantly before arriving, Bai He had already told him about Ye Cheng's recruitment offer.
So, during the entire walk to the meeting, Yang Wudi had been deep in thought, weighing his options.
By the time he entered the hall and saw Ye Cheng in person, he had already made his decision.
He would join White Cloud City.
Three Out of Four
Ye Cheng had expected some resistance from Yang Wudi, but instead, the man directly kneeled and swore allegiance.
For a brief moment, Ye Cheng was surprised but then he realized…
It actually made perfect sense.
With his strength and resources, how could these people possibly refuse?
And so, just like that three out of the four clans were now under his command.
The Final Clan Arrives
Ye Cheng's main goal had already been achieved.
As for the final clan, the Li Clan, he was not particularly interested in recruiting them.
After all, their forging skills were of little value to him, and their clan leader was a die hard follower of Tang Hao.
Recruiting them would likely be more trouble than it was worth.
However, considering the sentiments of the other three clans, Ye Cheng decided to wait and see.
If the Li Clan could be persuaded as easily as the others, then fine he wouldn't turn away useful subordinates.
Not long after the Po Clan's arrival, the Li Clan finally showed up.
Even before entering the hall, a loud, boisterous voice echoed through the air.
"Hahaha! Old Rhino, I've brought my people to mooch off your food and drink again!"
Hearing this, Niu Gao shook his head with a helpless smile.
"This old ape…"
Bai He and Yang Wudi had similar expressions, all of them knowing exactly who had arrived.
Just from their nicknames for each other, it was clear the Four Clan Leaders were more than just allies; they were brothers.
(End of Chapter)
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