The Cangyu Islands were also a sizable territory, composed of several thousand islands of varying sizes. The largest among them were comparable in area to Yu Long Island in the Feiyu Sea Region.

These islands not only possessed complete Third Grade Spirit Veins, but were also rich in various unique resources, making them true treasure troves.

If possible, the Longevity Hall naturally wanted to incorporate them into its sphere of influence. Only then could they guarantee the Sect’s future room for growth.

Tang Qiu Yao chuckled. "Perhaps. But if you get your hands on a prime territory like the Cangyu Islands, what do we get out of it?"

Liu Qianlan said, "We can guarantee that half of the annual resource output from the Cangyu Islands will belong to the Ling Family.

Furthermore, in the face of provocations from other Core Formation powers, the Longevity Hall will stand with the Ling Family. How does that sound?"

Ling Qiyue smiled. "If the Longevity Hall were to annex the Cangyu Islands with the Ling Family’s help, wouldn’t that make you the most powerful power in the Chixue Sea Region?"

Compared to the previously fragmented Feiyu Sea Region, the Chixue Sea Region was clearly far more consolidated. The entire sea region’s territory was divided among eleven Core Formation powers.

The smaller clans and minor factions at the Foundation Establishment Level had essentially all been absorbed or annexed by these eleven.

The top few Core Formation powers among them all had Quasi Rank Four and Grade Four Spirit Veins within their territories, but none had yet managed to produce a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Evidently, as soon as a Nascent Soul True Monarch appeared in any of the powers, the unification of the Chixue Sea Region would be inevitable.

By the same token, if the Ling Family were the first to produce a Nascent Soul True Monarch, seizing control of the Chixue Sea Region would also be a natural outcome.

Liu Qianlan’s expression turned grave. "Our Longevity Hall has limited strength and no intention of dominating the Chixue Sea Region. The Feng Family is actually better suited for that position.

From the Ling Family’s perspective, no matter what you wish to do in the future, having an ally like the Longevity Hall is a choice where the pros outweigh the cons, isn’t it?"

With her intellect and foresight, the stunningly beautiful woman had vaguely guessed at the Ling Family Patriarch’s grand ambitions, which was why she gave such a subtle response.

Of course, given that the Ling Family controlled an entire sea region by themselves, the total resources they commanded far surpassed those of the Core Formation powers in the Chixue Sea Region. Certain things were not impossible.

If that day ever truly came, where would the Longevity Hall stand? Would they submit directly?

Ling Qiyue sized Liu Qianlan up for a moment, then smiled faintly.

"It is indeed a bit early to discuss certain things. Very well. Since the Hall Master wishes for an alliance, then as you wish!"

"Sister, does this mean you agree?"

Liu Qianlan was stunned for a moment before joy lit up her face. She had thought she would have to do much more persuading and never expected Ling Qiyue to relent so easily.

Ling Qiyue’s smile quietly turned mysterious. "Having one more ally is better than having one more enemy in the future. Since you, sister, are willing to draw closer to the Ling Family, it wouldn’t be right for me to push you away, would it?"

Liu Qianlan relaxed inwardly. As long as she had a powerful ally in the Ling Family, the pressure from the Cangyu Islands would naturally ease a great deal.

After a moment of hesitation, the female Hall Master said tentatively, "My disciple’s Realm is not yet stable. When war breaks out in the future, I won’t have much energy to look after her properly. How about... I let her stay here on Changqing Continent for a while to focus on her Cultivation in Seclusion? When you have time, Sister, perhaps you could also give her some pointers on her cultivation."

This was a pledge of allegiance. Sending the future successor of the Sect over as a hostage—no act could demonstrate the sincerity of the alliance more clearly than this.

Ling Qiyue nodded. "An excellent idea. I will arrange for her to study the Alchemy Dao with Elder Ling Changxing. You have no objection to that, do you, sister?"

"Of course. There could be no better arrangement."

Liu Qianlan’s expression was overjoyed. It seemed this Female Patriarch understood her intentions perfectly.