CHAPTER 1356: CHAPTER 1347: OUT OF OPTIONS

"It’s like this..." For the next while, Xiao Yifei explained the situation outside. He spoke with increasing urgency, expressing the difficulties and anxieties, and how they were incapable of defeating their foes, which led him to devise this desperate plan.

"Oh?" The woman chuckled softly, then said with apparent disinterest, "This is your problem in the outside world. What does it have to do with my Ancient World?" In just a few words, Xiao Yifei understood her intent; she simply didn’t want to meddle in these affairs.

"This..." Xiao Yifei thought for a moment; indeed, it was logical. Matters of the outside world should be self-governing. Their Ancient World has always been detached from worldly changes, existing in isolation on this peaceful land, focusing on cultivation.

"We are of the same race, why make distinctions between us?" "Since seeking help is futile," Xiao Yifei began to play the sympathy card, "I heard the Ancient World bears the responsibility of protecting nations. Now, at this difficult moment, I implore the Empress to lend a helping hand."

"Hehe," the woman chuckled softly, "The duty of protection rests with the Seven Ancient Clans. They have turned to dust and have nothing to do with my Martial Emperor Hall."

For a moment, Xiao Yifei was at a loss for words. Indeed, in this light, they had a point. As a new legitimate power, it represented the dissolution of all past structures. Thus, they had every reason to remain indifferent to the outside world, both emotionally and rationally, it was a voluntary matter.

"Then please, on the basis of being the same lineage, lend a hand..." Left with no choice, Xiao Yifei continued to plead.

"I saw you earlier, Mr. Xiao, gliding over the lake without stirring a ripple. Surely, your kung fu is extraordinary," the woman didn’t respond directly to his request. Instead, she turned to him with a smile, "With such high-level kung fu, can you still not stand against your many enemies?"

"...Xiao Yifei didn’t respond directly but nodded with a wry smile, "I do not possess an invincible body, nor the might to single-handedly defeat a thousand warriors. My cultivation level is merely a bit higher, but it’s difficult to fend off many foes alone. If I could battle them myself, why would I come to the Empress seeking aid?"

"Hmm." The woman smiled and replied, "That too, makes sense."

For quite some time, neither spoke. Xiao Yifei had requests he wanted to express, but facing rejection, he couldn’t continue his pleading. He prepared himself mentally for the worst-case scenario. If the Ancient World couldn’t assist, they would have to rely on themselves. He even resolved to fight to the death if necessary!

"Sir, no need to worry," Suddenly, the woman poured him more tea with a smile and said, "Since it concerns matters of national importance, I, as a mere woman, cannot make the decision. I shall inform the Empress, and perhaps her approval can be secured..."

"Are you serious?" Xiao Yifei’s eyes suddenly brightened, as if he’d glimpsed hope.

"Hmm..." The woman pondered for a moment and then said slowly, "Of course, matters between nations should be deliberated by higher authorities, shouldn’t they?"

"Issues of national importance, concerning survival, should indeed be discussed by the Emperor, to convey sincerity," the woman added with a smile, sipping her tea gently, savoring it.

Xiao Yifei, being so astute, immediately understood her meaning. She represented the Empress’s viewpoint, while he represented his homeland’s stance. Perhaps they could discuss it, but neither had the final decision-making power. The importance of this matter required those who could decide to deliberate, after which suitable conditions and demands could be proposed as compensation.

Their implication was that Muyun should come to discuss this matter directly, not only as a matter of sincerity but also so that he could meet with the Empress and make the final decision, ensuring that the negotiated terms could be unanimously agreed upon.

"Alright, I will definitely convey this matter." Xiao Yifei smiled, finishing his tea in one gulp, "Good tea." The tea was delightful, the people were pleasant, and the issue was addressed appropriately.

"Thank you for your hospitality." Since the matter was concluded, Xiao Yifei didn’t wish to linger even a moment longer; the urgent war at the frontline necessitated that he hasten to convey this news to Muyun.

"Hmm, take care, sir." The woman bowed, watching as Xiao Yifei’s figure gradually receded, then she turned lightly and moved toward a path leading to the rear garden. At the end of the path sat a quaint little pavilion; seemingly unremarkable on the outside but this was the cultivation place of the Emperor of the Ancient World, the top of this world was cultivating inside!

"Is the negotiation complete?" A delicate voice came from within, sounding no more than twenty-something years of age. Who would have imagined that the eternal Emperor would be a relatively young woman?

"Your Majesty," the woman hurriedly knelt down, speaking in an extremely respectful tone, "I acted according to Your Majesty’s instructions."

"Alright, you may withdraw." The woman within expressed no great authority; her gentle tone revealed no hint of emotion, neither authoritative nor emotional, as if worldly matters were not within her notice.

"Yes." The woman paid her respects, swiftly withdrawing, leaving behind only a silent sigh from the woman inside the scented pavilion.

Having left the Imperial Palace, Xiao Yifei hurriedly retreated in the direction he’d come. He didn’t even bid goodbye to Elder Zhang, rushing directly towards the path that led from the Ancient World to the outside world, thinking he would return to chat with Elder Zhang once the battle settled down.

This "encounter" was relatively successful. Although it was somewhat bumpy at the start, in the end, this woman didn’t outright reject him but pointed out a path, indicating potential room for discussion between the two sides.

"Hmm?" While on his way, Xiao Yifei suddenly noticed a figure. Just then, that figure resembled the Xiao Family’s former number one, Xiao Jukun, but when he looked again, the somewhat familiar figure abruptly disappeared.

"What’s going on? Wasn’t the Xiao Family annihilated? Could there be survivors?" Xiao Yifei was puzzled. He had heard passersby mention the situation, and by rights, with the Empress’s power, eradicating a major clan would be straightforward enough. How could there be any fish that slipped through the net?

"Perhaps I was mistaken..." Xiao Yifei laughed self-deprecatingly, "It must be that I’ve been involved in too many meetings lately, and my mind is jumbled, even mistaking imaginary people..." He hesitated no longer, hastening towards the exit of the Ancient World. Yet, what he didn’t notice was that, from a hidden spot, someone had their eyes locked onto him, with a gaze full of resentment.

Upon reaching the sealed exit, Xiao Yifei plunged straight through. Having traversed it several times now, this feeling was becoming like coming home, presenting no challenge.

Once again dizzy, the outside scene emerged before his eyes, and he returned to the small village of the Guardian Clan. But this time, unexpectedly, Ci Xin was standing outside, waiting for him.