This left onlookers dumbfounded.
"Actually, it's just one bloodline."
Drawing on past-life mories, Ye Zhongming recalled rumors of a bloodline with multiple manifestations—each appearing entirely distinct.
Such a bloodline was exceedingly rare. Who'd have thought Wu Xiu possessed it?
The three forms showcased: one with extre defense, one with blinding speed, and another with semi-transparency and short-range teleportation.
Switching forms mid-battle for optimal combat efficiency—this bloodline was enviable indeed.
Another point: the Cannibal Chain was a comrcial entity. Wu Xiu was wealthy—exceptionally so.
She'd spent generously on guardian beasts earlier. Now, in battle, she used six potions and disposable scrolls without hesitation.
Any discerning eye could see Wu Xiu hadn't even gone all out before securing victory.
With Star No. 4 occupied, the Cannibal Chain completed their second-round move.
Next up: Great Arica.
Governor Spade didn't act imdiately. Instead, he waited, then suddenly addressed the Won Guard.
"Ella."
Ella was the white female leader of the Won Guard.
"Speak."
The disgust in Ella's eyes for Spade far surpassed what she'd shown Ye Zhongming monts ago.
"If elimination is inevitable, choosing the thod that yields additional benefits is the wisest course."
Ella smirked derisively. "No need for pretty words when asking soone to risk their life."
Spade chuckled but didn't waste breath.
"Join us. If I win the Mountain King Crown, upon returning, the Won Guard gets:
One gold-grade equipnt
Five seven-star evolution potions
Ten grade-eight magic crystals
A batch of silver-grade gear (500 weapons, 500 armor pieces)"
"Too little. And I don't trust you." Ella barely hesitated before responding.
Spade smiled. "It's generous, given your slim hopes. Aiding us secures these rewards—a sound deal. As for trust..." He gestured around. "Everyone here hears us. I may not be a saint, but I've my pride."
The Won Guard fell into palpable silence.
Ye Zhongming frowned. He'd anticipated alliances, but not this soon. He'd expected them in later rounds, when desperation or sudden advantage would forge stronger bonds.
Now? Too early. The situation wasn't clear enough.
"chanical Genius, how about an alliance?"
Without waiting for the Won Guard's reply, Spade pivoted to the chanical Genius.
"You see, these Easterners tead up early, while we've been fighting alone. That's why they still have three factions standing. On our turf, this is shaful."
"Let's wipe them out first, then compete fairly among ourselves?"
As if fearing the eccentric chanical Genius might refuse, Spade spoke faster, his tone more earnest than when addressing the Won Guard.
"This favors you. Your star count is among the highest. Eliminate these Easterners, and you'll be uncontested, right?"
Clearly tempted, the normally defiant chanical Genius didn't imdiately reject the offer.
"The thod is fair: we just pressure the Easterners. Whether it's the Cannibal Chain, Cloud Peak, or even that old man with few stars—if I take one of theirs, you take another. Fair, no?"
"As for the Won Guard, you need only play support. If you also seize their stars, I'll compensate accordingly."
Spade's chubby face wore a smile, though none could see it beneath his hood.
"Stars remain individual property. When passing each other's, we pay tolls."
"Share cards—not unlimitedly, but equivalently. Use cards as paynt when crossing each other's stars to facilitate exchange."
"Once we crush these Easterners, even losers in our internal competition can surrender. No extermination, and we'll protect their interests as much as possible."
Spade laid out nurous terms—so for the chanical Genius, so for the Won Guard—all incredibly enticing.
For the Won Guard, with their dim hopes, aiding Spade ant not just survival but tangible rewards—a pragmatic choice.
The chanical Genius also had reasons to cooperate. As the current star count leader, eliminating Cloud Peak would leave him dominant. Dealing with Great Arica would be far easier than facing Cloud Peak.
"Add two more seven-star potions, and we'll ally," Ella said.
"A level nine demon crystal. One, and we'll ally," the chanical Genius countered.
Spade paused, then burst into laughter.
"You're both insatiable... but deal!"
In that instant, the balance of power flipped. Cloud Peak, once advantaged, beca the primary target—with even the Cannibal Chain caught in the crossfire.
The Eastern alliance's edge vanished against the united Western factions.
Now, the initiative was theirs.
Ye Zhongming swiftly scanned the current star sequence and ownership. He knew: the final showdown had arrived prematurely!
Victory or defeat would likely be decided in the coming rounds—no need to wait for ten!
Then, a voice drifted from a Bright Star, further worsening Cloud Peak and the Cannibal Chain's predicant.
Gyanendra—silent till now, with only eight stars left—finally spoke.
"I'll join your alliance too."
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