"No, I can manage these issues, given sufficient ti," Tiolos responded after careful consideration.
The challenges weren't so insurmountable that he'd need to invoke Minos' intervention. While he might not match Minos' efficiency in handling such matters, Tiolos was confident in his own thods. He believed he could potentially achieve even better results than his white-haired, seraph-winged colleague.
'Minos' involvent would likely spark conflict,' Tiolos mused. 'I, however, can leverage the influence generated by his display of power to navigate the political landscape. I can certainly reach accords with our rivals by demonstrating our current strength.'
He noted Minos' approving gaze with satisfaction.
Minos discerned the confidence in Tiolos' eyes, recognizing his reluctance to resort to the guild's ultimate weapon. In a way, Minos' notorious reputation had prompted this reaction, but he felt no sha. His thods, while aggressive, were undeniably effective.
However, Minos was eager to witness results beyond his own handiwork. He didn't press the issue, instead steering the conversation towards the guild's progress. "Take the ti you need to address these issues in Hilltop City. We'll leave these six individuals to assist you. Just exercise prudence in their deploynt.
Now then, you ntioned the guild's growth. I'm keen to hear more about our expansion."
Tiolos glanced at the six level 124 Supres, surprised by Minos' willingness to leave such formidable cultivators behind. Typically, powerhouses of this caliber were stationed at headquarters to safeguard against the myriad enemy forces that proliferated in Uzira.
'Minos always has an ace up his sleeve,' Tiolos reflected, a mixture of excitent and anxiety quickening his pulse. 'These six are likely just the tip of the iceberg in terms of his current resources.' He found himself both curious and apprehensive about the future implications of this group's return.
"Well, the sect has flourished as well as circumstances allow," Tiolos began. "We've adhered to our recruitnt strategies, bringing our current mbership to 2,000. Of those, 1,500 are outer mbers. We've already seen our first local recruits advance to beco Junior Officers among the outer ranks, with the more seasoned mbers now holding Interdiate Officer positions.
"In terms of power distribution, over 90% of our current roster comprises Sovereigns. However, we've attracted a handful of low-level Supres to our ranks. They're all currently stationed at our hidden outpost."
Tiolos paused, allowing Minos to absorb this information. The guild's growth was impressive, but he knew that in the grand sche of Uzira's power dynamics, they were still a relatively minor player. The addition of Minos and his group, however, could shift that balance.
"Regarding our veteran mbers," Tiolos continued, "I'm pleased to report that we haven't lost anyone, if that's a concern. While none have made significant advancents over the years, they're all diligently honing their skills. Despite the opportunities this continent offers, our limitations have made substantial improvents within re decades challenging."
Abby, her interest piqued, asked, "What about the broader situation in Hilltop City? You ntioned so friction with local forces. Is there more to the story?"
Tiolos nodded, his expression brightening. "Indeed, we've made considerable strides locally, as evidenced by our expanded outpost. We've invested in advanced space formations, bolstered our local influence, and begun exercising so of our previously dormant rights."
He paused, allowing a hint of pride to color his voice. "In essence, the guild is experiencing growth across all fronts locally—size, influence, and power. I project that within a few more decades, possibly sooner than anticipated, we'll possess bargaining power comparable to that of Hilltop City's leading factions."
Tiolos' eyes glead with satisfaction. His cultivation journey in Oqia had largely been a solitary endeavor. The opportunity to collaborate with Minos' group and build sothing of significance held imnse value for him.
"That's encouraging news," Minos remarked, his tone reflecting genuine pleasure at the group's developnt.
It had been his mission to develop the Armhands outpost in Uzira. Now, all indicators suggested that even without his direct intervention, the guild was on track to establish itself as one of Hilltop City's formidable powers. He recognized that his most significant contributions to the guild's future lay in resurrecting the old First Elder and aiding Mylecent on her journey.
Ruth inquired, "Have we received any news from Oqia?"
Tiolos shook his head. "Not yet. However, we've laid the groundwork for future communication. Soon, we'll be able to transmit ssage fragnts to the continent.
Given the complexities involved, it may take five to ten years for a complete ssage cycle—sending and receiving a reply. Nevertheless, this is the best we can achieve under current circumstances."
The ability to exchange information without dispatching personnel back and forth between continents represented a significant advancent, one that justified the investnt in this communication model.
Minos nodded approvingly. "That's promising. However, the ti is approaching for one of our groups to return to Oqia to proceed with our plans."
Tiolos' eyes narrowed, surprise evident in his expression. "I thought we'd only initiate that phase once the black liquid had facilitated the developnt of a Celestial."
"That was the original plan," Minos conceded, his tone grave. "But circumstances cause a change.
There are complications related to our augnted strength that you may not fully comprehend, but their repercussions demand imdiate attention.
We must speed up our plans and set aside that requirent. Transforming an undead into a Celestial is a formidable challenge, even given our current capabilities. We face the risk that the worst consequences of what I've alluded to may manifest before we achieve such a feat."
Abby could easily master Celestial-level corpses in Hell, especially with Minos' assistance. However, Uzira's environnt had weakened her, limiting her to the 12th stage in her current condition.
Tiolos exhaled deeply, resignation evident in his voice. "Sigh! If you're prepared to take this risk, then I'm on board." His agreent ca reluctantly.
Minos rose from his seat, his wives following suit. "That concludes our discussion for now. We'll remain in the city for a couple of days to gather more intelligence about Mylecent's situation and continental developnts. Afterwards, we'll proceed to the guild's hidden outpost."
His gaze fixed on Tiolos, emphasizing his next words. "Prepare for the plans I've outlined. They'll begin unfolding within months at the latest."
"Understood," Tiolos nodded. "I'll do my utmost from here in Hilltop City."
Minos and his won departed from the guild's local post, leaving behind their six level 124 Supres to acclimate to their temporary post.
These Hell Lifelings possessed longevity comparable to ordinary living beings of their level, negating the need for specialized preservation thods like black coffins. They could seamlessly integrate as ordinary cultivators.
Before leaving, Minos issued a clear directive to the Supres: obey Tiolos in his absence. With that, he set off to find a place to rest for the day.
The group's recent journey had been arduous, and they now required ti to process the information that would naturally co to them over the next few days. They retired to rest in each other's company, knowing that soon they would need to resu their complex machinations.
Reviews
All reviews (0)