Chapter 468: Joining the Alliance

Zi Yan then pointed to the white-haired elder beside Zhu Xun, dressed in blue robes, and continued with her introductions, "This is Zhu Zhen, Elder Zhu Zhen is also an initial eight-star Dou Saint."

Zhu Zhen had a stern countenance, his eyes exuding a faintly chilling intent. It was unclear if this was his natural demeanor or if witnessing Zi Yan's intimacy with Xiao Ming had triggered it.

He merely nodded faintly at Xiao Ming and didn't say much.

Finally, Zi Yan introduced, "This is Zhu Dui. He's an intermediate seven-star Dou Saint. I couldn't have easily unified the Ancient Dragon Clan Tribe this time without the contributions of these three elders."

Zhu Dui had a rugged appearance and was surprisingly the most enthusiastic among the three.

"We are aware of the events from these years. Young Friend, we thank you for lending a helping hand to our Ancient Void Dragon Tribe. We don't know how much longer it would have taken for our tribe to achieve unification again without you."

Zhu Xun, Zhu Zhen, and Zhu Dui – three high-star Dou Saints. Only the Hun Clan and the Gu Clan could compete in terms of strength and heritage...

Even Xiao Ming was astounded by the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe's current strength.

"I have a deep bond with Zi Yan. I'm glad I could assist her; there's no need for these words of gratitude," Xiao Ming replied with a smile.

Zhu Dui smiled and nodded appreciatively at Xiao Ming.

"Hehe, your assistance to our tribe has earned our respect. Furthermore, achieving the intermediate three-star Dou Saint realm at such a young age demonstrates your exceptional talent. Rest assured, the relationship between you and the Dragon Emperor Zi Yan won't face opposition within our Ancient Void Dragon Tribe."

As the conversation turned to Xiao Ming's cultivation realm, satisfaction appeared on the faces of the three elders. They easily discerned Xiao Ming's achievements, and reaching a three-star Dou Saint realm at his age was an accomplishment that even today's Ancient Clans couldn't match. He was undeniably a perfect match for Zi Yan and her position as Dragon Emperor.

After hearing Zhu Dui's words, Zi Yan's excitement became palpable. She gently clenched Xiao Ming's arm before looking at him with hopeful anticipation.

Xiao Ming, on the other hand, was a bit speechless. A relationship between him and Zi Yan? He understood what Zhu Dui was implying.

He had always treated Zi Yan like a little sister. This was due to how much she resembled a child, not only physically but also mentally.

Therefore, although Zi Yan sometimes used to cause trouble, he did not take it to heart.

Zi Yan was not like Qing Lin, who had matured at an early age and understood the dynamics of male-female relationships. Zi Yan's childlike mindset would endure as long as she hadn't fully grown up. In such circumstances, how could he even consider a romantic relationship?

But now… as Xiao Ming turned his gaze towards the mature and regal Zi Yan at his side, he nodded decisively.

"I appreciate the Elders' consideration. From now on, I will take responsibility for Zi Yan."

His experiences with Medusa and the recent ones with Cao Ying had taught Xiao Ming that some matters were best not overanalyzed. He'd even glimpsed Zi Yan's naked body on several occasions, and with their deep affection for each other, taking responsibility for her felt like a natural course of action.

Zi Yan's face lit up with joy as she heard Xiao Ming's firm response. In her heart, she secretly thought, 'He he, Xiao Ming really has a thing for the well-endowed. Now that I've grown up, he can't resist me anymore! Sister Yi Xian, Sister Medusa, and even Sister Linlin got ahead of me even though I was the first. Looks like I need to pay him a late-night visit, hehe~'

With this thought, Zi Yan felt a surge of elation, her expression revealing a charmingly mischievous look.

The three elders shook their heads when they noticed her reaction and left.

It was impossible for Xiao Ming not to rub his forehead. He knew Zi Yan all too well. No matter how he looked at it, she seemed to be planning something mischievous.

Clearly, while Zi Yan had indeed matured quite a bit, her habits hadn't changed much.

They didn't linger outside the palace; instead, they went directly inside. Although the palace was primarily used for official purposes, a resting area had been set up as well.

Seated in the rest area, the two had a lengthy conversation, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of each other's experiences over the years.

When Zi Yan learned about the conflicts between the Heavenly Court led by Xiao Ming and the Hall of Souls, she immediately patted her ample bosom, indicating that she would protect him.

Anyone with the guts to intimidate him? Just let her know, and she would lead her forces to wipe out the other party. 

She even asked him if he wanted to set off right away to destroy them. 

In her words, she showed a disdainful attitude toward the Hall of Souls.

Zi Yan did indeed have the ability to back up such claims. When the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe was at its peak, even the Hun Clan wouldn't pose a threat. Even though the tribe wasn't at its zenith currently, an underling force of the Hun Clan like the Hall of Souls didn't hold the qualifications to challenge them.

However, Xiao Ming directly suppressed Zi Yan's idea. 

It was true that with the assistance of the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe, the threat posed by the Hall of Souls was diminished. 

Yet, the influence of the Hall of Souls was beyond what the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe could compare to. He didn't want a situation where the Hun Clan would feel humiliated and secretly retaliate against Zi Yan and her group. 

Although the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe was located in the void and remained secretive, if something were to happen, it would be as difficult for news to spread.

Hence, Xiao Ming merely requested that the Ancient Void Dragon Tribe join the Heavenly Court Alliance. 

Of course, Zi Yan wouldn't refuse such a request. She immediately waved her slender hand, agreeing to it and stating that Elder Zhu Zhen would be sent to sit in Holy Pill City as a representative.

Once these matters were settled, Xiao Ming lightly touched his storage ring and took out a fruit. 

This fruit was about the size of a palm, with a combination of golden and purple colors. If one were to carefully observe it, one could discover that the golden half was twisting and turning, appearing just like a shrunk version of an Ancient Void Dragon. The other purple half depicted a dancing Phoenix with spread wings.

"Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit!" Seeing this fruit, Zi Yan couldn't help but stand up, her expression profoundly surprised. 

She was extremely familiar with this item. After consuming one herself, her cultivation had directly jumped from Dou Venerate to a four-star Dou Saint. And the fruit before Xiao Ming right now was almost identical to the one she had obtained previously. It could even be said to be exactly the same!

"Xiao Ming, where did you find this?"

"Getting this fruit was quite a stroke of luck, but I didn't come across any Ancient Void Dragon corpse." 

Xiao Ming, of course, couldn't reveal the details of the simulation, so he could only respond in this manner. 

Zi Yan didn't press for further details either. 

She trusted Xiao Ming. For such significant matters, if he could share, he would certainly tell her. If he hadn't mentioned it, there probably wasn't much to be said. Moreover, if there were no Ancient Void Dragon corpse, there wasn't much point in pressing the matter further.

"Have you thought about how to handle this fruit?"

The Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit was a real treasure for any Ancient Void Dragon, but Zi Yan didn't just reach out for it. Instead, she inquired how Xiao Ming intended to arrange it.

"I initially intended to give it directly to you, but now I need to enhance my strength. The power within the Dragon Phoenix Origin Fruit is abundant, so I want us to absorb it together."

"After absorbing this fruit, the two of us should experience a tremendous boost in strength." Xiao Ming honestly conveyed his thoughts.

"Is that so..."