As Elder Long spoke, he fell silent, lost in thought.
After a brief pause, he looked back at Ye Cangtian and said, "Kid, your plan is indeed good.
But it doesn't completely solve the problem. Even if you open the Four Seals, someone will still come to snatch them!"
Elder Long's meaning was simple: the Four Seals not only opened the gate to the Heavenly Realm but also possessed other special abilities.
Once one controlled the Four Seals, their personal combat power would be greatly enhanced, so someone would surely risk their lives to seize them.
"Yes, that's correct."
Ye Cangtian nodded, admitting the point.
Although opening the gate to the Heavenly Realm was the top priority compared to the abilities of the Four Seals, some people would indeed remain ambitious!
However, Ye Cangtian believed he could handle all of this.
Firstly, for the top powers, even with the abilities of the Four Seals, their status wouldn't be significantly elevated unless they could unify the ruins.
But this was impossible. The Four Seals mainly enhanced individual abilities, and unifying all the factions in the ruins was beyond the reach of any single person.
Secondly, the weaker factions wouldn't dare to covet the Four Seals because they lacked the strength to seize them.
Finally, there were the middle-tier factions. They might have ambitions and the strength to contend with the Hidden Group, but it wouldn't be difficult for the Hidden Group to deal with them.
Don't forget, now that he had opened the Four Seals, many factions would eagerly serve the Hidden Group. At that time, blocking these ambitious factions would naturally not be difficult.
Listening to Ye Cangtian's explanation, Elder Long slowly nodded and said, "To make numerous factions work for the Hidden Group because of the Four Seals, have you considered whether the top powers would agree?"
"Whether they agree or not, they will have to."
Ye Cangtian said calmly.
To enter the gate of the Heavenly Realm, there would definitely be factions willing to serve the Hidden Group, and their numbers should be considerable.
Then, with these factions plus the Hidden Group, it would not be a problem to contend with the top powers, let alone the fact that the Hidden Group had the Dragon Riding Villa behind them.
Besides the Dragon Riding Villa, the Blazing Fire Academy and the Swift Wind Tower also had good relationships with the Hidden Group and should stand on their side.
Thus, among the current top powers, only the Misty Rain Pavilion and the Flying Cloud Pavilion would openly object.
If they didn't want a war to break out in the ruins and their own factions to fall from grace, they should restrain themselves.
Upon hearing this, Elder Long slowly nodded in agreement.
Three top powers facing two top powers was already a significant advantage.
Coupled with the Hidden Group, there was virtually no possibility of defeat.
Even if the Flying Cloud Pavilion and the Misty Rain Pavilion didn't worry about a war breaking out, they had to consider it.
If they were to be overthrown and still not obtain the Four Seals, they would have to question whether it was worth it.
Thinking this, Elder Long looked at Ye Cangtian and asked, "Who are you planning to bring with you this time? Do you need this old man to provide backup?"
Hearing this, a warmth flowed through Ye Cangtian's heart, but he shook his head and said, "Elder Long, I appreciate your kind offer, but I should be able to handle it. You should stay and guard Dragon City!"
Upon hearing this, Elder Long slowly nodded and said, "Kid, be careful. Don't be reckless in such matters."
Ye Cangtian nodded, acknowledging his words, and after chatting with Elder Long for a while longer, he left the Great River.
...
Hidden Group Inn.
In the luxurious suite, Daoist Yu Xing summoned Wen Shen to his side.
He gazed at Wen Shen for a moment and slowly said, "You went to the Hidden Group today, and it's over so quickly. How was your mission completed?"
"Ah? Master, how did you know?"
Hearing the other party's words, Wen Shen was slightly startled and then inquired.
Hmph!
Daoist Yu Xing let out a cold snort and said grimly, "You ruined my good deed, do you know that? After you went to the Hidden Group, Ye Cangtian went to the Great River!"
Mentioning this, Yu Xing was filled with anger. If Ye Cangtian hadn't arrived, he would definitely have been able to test Elder Long's true condition.
Hmm?
Upon hearing this, Wen Shen's eyes darted around, and he quickly asked, "Master, did you fight with Ye Cangtian? How is his strength?"
"His strength is average, still too young. Among Heavenly Rank experts, he's only in the lower-middle tier, incomparable to veteran Heavenly Rank experts!"
Yu Xing gave his assessment of Ye Cangtian, then his expression turned serious as he said, "Speak, what's the situation on your end."
Heh heh.
Hearing Yu Xing's evaluation of Ye Cangtian, a faint smile appeared on Wen Shen's face.
Although Ye Cangtian was a Heavenly Rank expert, his strength was nothing special.
If he really had to deal with him, Wen Shen believed it wouldn't be difficult, as long as he could invite some Heavenly Rank experts to assist.
Wen Shen believed he had the connections for this.
Thinking this, Wen Shen looked at Yu Xing and said, "Reporting to Master, Ye Cangtian has not agreed to participate in the Summit Conference, but he said he would consider it. I think there's a high possibility he will agree..."
Upon hearing this, Yu Xing slowly nodded. He had some confidence in his disciple's abilities.
Now that his disciple said there was a high possibility of the Hidden Group participating, it was practically certain. If so, he didn't need to do anything more.
Thinking this, he said, "Now that this matter is settled, I will return to the Misty Rain Pavilion first. After you receive the Hidden Group's reply, you can return on your own."
"Alright, Master, have a safe journey."
Wen Shen replied. He knew his master was busy preparing to welcome various factions, and time was tight.
As for himself in Dragon City, there would be no further conflict with Ye Cangtian, so he wouldn't need Yu Xing to back him up.
Meanwhile, at the Hidden Group headquarters.
In the Clear Wind Hall, a group of people had also gathered.
Lan Yue, Qiang Wei, Yao Bao'er, the Grim Reaper Squad, and the two girls Xue Qi and Bing Yao were all present.
Among them, only Lan Yue vaguely guessed Ye Cangtian's intentions, her face showing a hint of worry.
The others looked at Ye Cangtian, awaiting his words.
Ye Cangtian scanned them and said calmly, "I have decided to accept the invitation from the Misty Rain Pavilion and attend the Summit Conference."
As expected, Lan Yue muttered to herself. Ye Cangtian had finally made such a decision.
The members of the Grim Reaper Squad said nothing. They had already learned the outcome from listening to Ye Cangtian and Elder Long earlier in the day.
Only Xue Qi, Bing Yao, and Yao Bao'er appeared somewhat bewildered; they hadn't heard of the Summit Conference before.
However, the three girls didn't ask, as they knew Ye Cangtian wouldn't have called them here just to inform them of this matter.
Indeed, seeing everyone's silence, Ye Cangtian spoke directly, "I don't plan to bring too many people to the Summit Conference. A few people accompanying me will suffice."
What.
Upon hearing this, Lan Yue immediately became anxious and hurriedly said, "How can just a few people be enough? So many factions will be gathered, and it will be difficult for just a few people to even gather information."
"More people are meaningless."
Ye Cangtian looked at Lan Yue and continued, "It's about quality, not quantity. Too many people are likely to be targeted, causing unnecessary losses."
"That won't do either. If there are too few people, others will target you even more!"
Lan Yue spoke directly, stating she absolutely would not agree to Ye Cangtian bringing such a small group.
She knew that such a small number of people would be seen as a heaven-sent opportunity by the opposing factions, and they would attack Ye Cangtian regardless of the cost.
Even if Ye Cangtian was strong, he might not be able to withstand all the open attacks and hidden daggers.
Seeing Lan Yue's gloomy expression, Ye Cangtian smiled slightly and said, "Senior Sister, when have you ever seen me do something I wasn't sure of? Don't forget, our Hidden Group is not fighting alone!"
Hmm?
Upon hearing this, Lan Yue's eyes darted around.
Ye Cangtian was indeed meticulous, and recently, thanks to Ye Cangtian, the Hidden Group's relationship with the Swift Wind Tower and the Blazing Fire Academy had significantly improved.
With the assistance of the Swift Wind Tower and the Blazing Fire Academy, coupled with the Dragon Riding Villa, the Hidden Group indeed didn't need to bring many people.
Thinking this, Lan Yue breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Then who do you plan to bring with you?"
As she spoke, most people's gazes fell on Ye Cangtian. Only Qiang Wei remained aloof, seemingly indifferent to this matter.
Ye Cangtian's gaze swept over everyone, and after a moment of silence, he slowly said, "To keep it simple, the entire Grim Reaper Squad!"
At these words, Tai Shan, Ci Dao, and Wu Ying Jian immediately cheered. They had thought they wouldn't have a chance, especially since their strength was the lowest.
Upon hearing this, they became as excited as children.