Chapter 2092: Chapter 2129: Everyone’s Choice

Ding Fan followed behind the Tie Family martial artist who was explaining the situation, listening to him say that in this side of the sea, the Tie Family is not afraid of any power except for the Xu Family on Moon Mist Island and the Jiao Family on Moonlight Island.

The Xu Family on Moon Mist Island is a fourth grade family in this area, and the Tie Family has to pay a certain amount of Black Obsidian to them every year, so the Tie Family is considered a subordinate family of the Xu Family.

"Is there any other relationship between the Xu Family on Moon Mist Island and the Jiao Family on Moonlight Island?"

Fourth Elder was somewhat curious and asked the martial artist who was explaining.

Upon hearing the Fourth Elder’s question, the martial artist of the Tie Family explained, "That Lord of Moonlight Island, Jiao Jianhui, is the brother-in-law of Lord of Moon Mist Island, Xu Guotao. Their Jiao Family on Moonlight Island is also a third grade family, but relying on this relationship with the Xu Family, they have always been domineering..."

Everyone understood now, the situation in Tianmu Sea is the same as outside, no difference. Small families rely on big families, and big families rely on those super families. Near the northern line of Tianmu Sea, the biggest family is the Xu Family on Moon Mist Island, the fourth grade family. Below them are third grade forces like Tie Family Island. Those first grade and second grade family forces below them can be ignored.

Everyone chatted as they walked into the island, the island’s forest was vast, the paths were built among towering trees, it looked extremely beautiful;

Everyone followed behind Tie Hualong, walked more than a mile forward, and saw the land ahead become exceptionally wide, forming a huge valley ahead, where countless houses and small buildings stood, stretching far and wide with no end in sight. It seemed more prosperous than the Great Python Mountain area.

Many civilians in the valley saw Tie Hualong and his group, kept a distance and dared not approach, their eyes filled with fear when looking at Tie Hualong, it seemed Tie Hualong was very prestigious here.

Everyone entered a very large castle, outside of which samurais were guarding; there were quite a few maids inside the castle, it was clear Tie Hualong lived quite well here.

Now under the arrangement of the Tie Family people, maids took everyone to wash and change clothes. Tie Hualong specially prepared a grand welcoming banquet for them, the scene was not small, it appeared very particular about the arrival of the Second Elder and his group.

After a good bath, Ding Fan changed out of his battle armor, which he obtained from Liew Bin and was of decent quality. He put it into the Hundred Treasure Bag and donned new robes; the gloom of these days was swept away, it felt very refreshing.

He was led from the guest room to a large hall, where Second Elder and a group of martial artists were seated. Upon careful inspection, those seated in this hall were experts of the Divine Realm Second Level and above, while those Divine Realm First Level martial artists were arranged in other halls, accompanied by people from the Tie Family.

Tie Hualong was very hospitable, his hand did not stop pouring wine, he kept toasting everyone, and the Tie Family’s martial artists also followed suit with enthusiasm, making Second Elder feel very honored.

Ding Fan and Wu Qingxia were similar in age, both sixteen or seventeen, noticeably attracting attention as both were Second Level Divine Realm; frequently, people came to toast them. Ding Fan was not talkative, not good at socializing, so he did not drink much.

Wu Qingxia was different, she refreshed herself and changed out of soft armor into a new gown, appearing brilliant and radiant. Moreover, she was the eldest daughter of the Wu Family. Due to Ding Fan’s instruction for everyone not to mention him being a sect leader, attention naturally focused on Wu Qingxia, many came to toast her, and in just a short time, her face was flushed, her eyes somewhat hazy.

"Miss Qingxia, come come, Haiziao I really admire Miss very much, didn’t expect Miss truly is a woman who doesn’t yield to men. Let me toast Miss Qingxia once more."

This young man was Tie Hualong’s son, Tie Hualong wandered all his life, having just this one son, named SeTie Haijiao; who knows how many times he had raised his cup to Wu Qingxia. Wu Qingxia couldn’t refuse and had no choice but to drink again.

This Tie Haijiao resembled Tie Hualong a lot, also had a sturdy build, not handsome, yet appeared very dignified; his cultivation was also at the mid-stage of Divine Realm Second Level. Due to his special status as Young Island Master, he had quite the presence. However, aside from his eyes, each time he looked at Wu Qingxia, his gaze revealed a trace of greedy mischief.

Though he was quite mindful, Ding Fan didn’t like him, so he kept an eye on him, always noticing the difference in his gaze.

Seeing the banquet proceeding smoothly, Tie Hualong spoke a lot with the Second Elder, learned about their current situation, his expression turned quite serious. After contemplating for a moment, he addressed everyone, "Brother Chuanfeng, all brothers, Miss Qingxia, and this young brother, I, Tie Hualong have something to say to everyone."

Upon hearing his words, the hall quickly quieted down, everyone turned to Tie Hualong. Tie Hualong’s gaze was bright and piercing, passing over everyone’s faces, finally fixing on Second Elder Song Chuanfeng, bowed respectfully, "Fifteen years ago, I, Tie Hualong, was ambushed, had it not been for Brother Chuanfeng’s righteous help, I would’ve perished outside; now Brother Chuanfeng’s sect is in trouble, appreciating me, Tie Hualong, came to the Tie Family’s domain. But there are some things I must say first, so everyone is not displeased."

"Brother Tie, please speak openly, we won’t overthink anything!"

Second Elder nodded at Tie Hualong.

Tie Hualong nodded slightly, addressing everyone, "You all traveled far, if you all just came for leisure, then I, Tie Hualong, have nothing to say, wholeheartedly hosting, making sure everyone enjoys. However, since you’re in distress, seeking help, then some things must be stated upfront."

At this point, Tie Hualong clasped his hands and said to everyone, "If all of you are willing to join the Tie Family, then you will all become my good brothers. Brother Chuanfeng will then be the Second Island Master of the Tie Family, and you will all be elders of my Tie Family. You will not be mistreated." 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Upon hearing Tie Hualong’s words, everyone’s expressions changed except for the Second Elder. Joining the Tie Family meant no more Wu Family or Skeleton Sect. It was essentially an annexation by the Tie Family, and the end of the Skeleton Sect’s hundreds-year history at their hands.

Without waiting for everyone to respond, Tie Hualong continued, "However, if you do not wish to join, I will not force you. You can choose any of the small islands near Tie Family Island, and I will directly give it to you. The Tie Family will not require you to pay tribute, allowing you to be self-sufficient and develop independently."

"However, to the outside world, whether you are the Skeleton Sect or the Wu Family, you must claim to be affiliated with the Tie Family. You must understand that the Tie Family is not solely under my jurisdiction; I have many brothers I need to account for, and I must appease them. Brother Chuanfeng, what do you think of this?"

After finishing his words, Tie Hualong looked at the Second Elder for a response.

"Brother Tie is truly righteous, this matter is beneficial in countless ways and harmless to us. Song Chuanfeng is grateful to you here and now."

The Second Elder clasped his hands toward Tie Hualong, eyes filled with gratitude.

Everyone’s expressions returned to normal. It seemed Tie Hualong was a straightforward man, laying everything out in the open, without playing any underhanded tricks.

Both paths had advantages and disadvantages. However, everyone understood the concept that it’s better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond. The Skeleton Sect, once the dominator of the Great Python Mountain, could not simply join the Tie Family. Thus, the Second Elder, the Fourth Elder, and Elder Wu Ren exchanged glances, and the Second Elder decisively chose to go to a small island to develop independently.

If they joined the Tie Family, the Skeleton Sect would cease to exist, and they would become fully integrated into the Tie Family, making talk of revenge and restoring dominance meaningless.

Upon hearing the Second Elder’s choice, Tie Hualong appeared very magnanimous, readily agreeing, and promised the Second Elder that he would personally accompany him the next day to select an island, which he would then unconditionally offer.

Moreover, Tie Hualong assured the Second Elder that as long as the nearby islands remained under the Tie Family, the Skeleton Sect would never have to pay tribute. Additionally, he declared that any attack on the Liew Family would be considered an attack on the Tie Family, which would not be tolerated.

The Second Elder and others were moved to tears, even Ding Fan secretly nodded. Tie Hualong was a remarkable figure, appearing open and honest, not engaging in deceitful backdoor schemes.

The Second Elder brought everyone here from afar precisely to give the Skeleton Sect a chance to rise again. As long as they had a place to settle, they weren’t afraid of missing future opportunities to rise once more!

Listening to Tie Hualong’s arrangements, the outcome was far better than expected. They chatted for a while, full of hope for the future, before saying goodbye to Tie Hualong. Tie Hualong personally escorted them out of the main hall, watching as they returned to their quarters for rest.

Once the Second Elder and his people left, Tie Haijiao’s expression changed first, and the other leaders also looked at Tie Hualong with bewildered expressions.

Tie Haijiao, very displeased, said to Tie Hualong, "Father, why give them an island? In their current state, what other path do they have but to capitulate to the Tie Family? They don’t even have a Third Level Divine Realm expert, eliminating them would be effortless. Why treat them so well?"

In the eyes of Tie Haijiao and the other elders, the people brought by the Skeleton Sect’s Second Elder were just a small morsel, easily swallowed. The party didn’t have a Third Level Divine Realm Martial Artist, so seizing this golden opportunity seemed wise. What was Tie Hualong thinking?

"Haste makes waste. As long as they take root here, they can’t escape our incorporation. Song Chuanfeng saved my life, and now if I forced my hand, what would people say? If I acted so selfishly, who would come to join our Zhong Family? We present a façade of gratitude, treating them courteously so that word spreads among Martial Artists. More sects will eventually come to us, so look further into the future."

Tie Hualong gazed at his son and brothers, speaking calmly.

The Third Level Divine Realm elders weren’t fools. Listening to Tie Hualong, and reflecting, they understood. One by one, they admired their leader even more. Tie Hualong was right; so long as the Second Elder and his group rooted nearby, they were destined for eventual assimilation by the Tie Family.

Observing Tie Haijiao, still pondering, Tie Hualong said softly, "The Tianmu Sea is not easy to endure. They have neither land nor people, nor resources for survival. What will they use to sustain themselves and such a large group? What will their Martial Artists use for cultivation? Over time, they will naturally surrender."

"Ah, so that’s how it is. Now I understand!"

Tie Haijiao finally grasped the idea. In this region, the nearby small islands were meager and lacked minerals, spiritual materials, herbs, and resources. Without support from the Tie Family, even feeding themselves would become a problem. Even if they exhausted their financial resources, eventually, fishing would be their only option.