Chapter 76 Meeting Of Tribe Representatives
In preparation for the momentous meeting, Wang Jian summoned the representatives and heiresses of the three tribes, along with a few other influential figures, to gather in the grand hall of his sprawling mansion. The chamber was so vast that one could easily get lost in its opulence.
As the meeting began, Elder Lianhua of the Miracle Angel Tribe was seated on a regular chair set linearly, while Han Xifeng, also representing the same tribe, was seated on the pedestal near Wang Jian.
For the Night Dagger Clan, Fen Shuying was the sole representative of the clan.
And for the Crimson Mammoth Tribe, Kang Fu held the honour of representing his people, despite the distressed gaze of his daughter.
At the center of it all, towering over the rest, was Wang Jian's throne, with Su Xian and Fen Shuying perched on a lower level. A step below them was Kang Huian and Han Xifeng, while the rest of the attendees were arranged in rows of chairs extending all the way to the entrance of the hall.
Wang Jian rose to his feet, his expression serious as he addressed the gathering, "I have called upon this meeting to share some extraordinary news with you all. The Emperor has finally agreed to revoke my exile and allow me to return to the mainland."
There were gasps of disbelief and surprise from all those in attendance. No one had ever heard of anyone being allowed to leave the Zhenguan Region once they had been exiled. It was an unprecedented event that had never been recorded in any of the tribes' sacred texts.
Wang Jian's eyes flicked over the crowd, gauging their reactions before continuing, "But that is not all. I have a proposal for all of you, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is to accompany me and leave the Zhenguan Region!"
"What's the catch?" Elder Lianhua inquired with a serious tone.
"The catch is that you all sign the blood contract, which will ally us together," Wang Jian declared.
Wang Jian's attendants appeared and presented each representative with a contract. The agreement contained several provisions, specifically:
Firstly, each tribe must prioritize Wang Jian's instructions above everything else upon their return to the mainland.
Secondly, for five years after their return, they couldn't form alliances with other factions.
Thirdly, the heiress of each tribe would become the de facto leader of their respective tribe.
In exchange, Wang Jian promised to provide them with accommodation, shelter, essential resources to become stronger, help them achieve greater prestige, and a personal territory in the Everlasting Mystic Region.
While this offer was a far cry from their past glory, it was still a considerable deal.
The three representatives of the tribes had varied reactions upon hearing the conditions presented by Wang Jian.
Fen Shuying was the first to express her agreement to the terms. Without even reading the contract, she swiftly put her signature on it. Her love and unwavering trust in Wang Jian were the reasons behind her quick decision.
On the other hand, Han Xifeng and Elder Lianhua wore serious expressions on their faces. They exchanged meaningful glances and took some time before finally making up their minds.
However, before they could convey their decision, a loud ripping sound reverberated across the hall. It was Kang Fu who dramatically tore the contract into shreds, indicating his disagreement with Wang Jian's offer.
Wang Jian maintained his composure even after Kang Fu's impolite act. "May I know why you refused my proposal? What would be your terms for a contract that would satisfy you?" he inquired.
"My tribe will never form an alliance with you!" Kang Fu replied derisively.
Wang Jian fixed his gaze on him, his eyes glinting dangerously.
Kang Huian quickly caught sight of the menacing look in Wang Jian's eyes and bowed nervously, imploring him, "Please forgive my father, Your Highness. He speaks without thinking. I can speak to him and—"
"Silence!" Wang Jian interrupted, his voice cold and commanding.
Kang Huian obediently sat back down, her demeanour meek and fearful.
Su Xian, Fen Shuying, and Han Xifeng watched with growing unease as Wang Jian's anger simmered beneath the surface.
"Are you absolutely certain you will not sign the contract, Kang Fu?" Wang Jian asked, his tone laced with warning.
Kang Fu, however, remained stubborn, his face set in a sneer. "You cannot intimidate me, Wang Jian. I will never sign your blood contract. You can try all you want."
Wang Jian's gaze turned even icier as he heard this. He remained silent for a moment, seemingly considering his options.
Wang Jian's eyes blazed with anger as he heard Kang Fu's response. Without a word, he stepped forward and delivered a devastating blow to Kang Fu's chest. The force of the strike sent Kang Fu reeling back, blood gushing from his mouth as he struggled to remain standing.
Kang Huian screamed in terror as she watched her father fall, rushing to his side and cradling his head in her lap. "Father! What have you done?" she cried, tears streaming down her face.
Wang Jian's expression remained cold and emotionless as he turned to the nearest servant. "Take him to the dungeon," he ordered, his voice devoid of any feeling.
All the people in the hall looked on in shock and horror, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.
"Your Highness, what have you done?" Elder Lianhua gasped, her voice trembling.
Wang Jian turned to face them, his eyes were hard and unyielding.
"He was given a choice, and he chose to reject our offer," he said, his voice like ice. "He made his bed, and now he must lie in it."
The three representatives exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to say or do in the face of Wang Jian's cold and ruthless actions.
"I have no patience for such stubbornness. If you seek changes, make your demands. But do not think you can flaunt your arrogance here without facing the consequences," Wang Jian declared, his tone as cold as ice.
He then turned his gaze towards Kang Huian and continued, "I spared your father's life only because of you. But he is now crippled and unable to lead your tribe. By the law of succession, the mantle falls on you."
"Now the decision is yours. Will you sign the contract?" He asked with a sinister grin on his face.