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After Ge Long sent Yu Luomian away, he did not stay in the Marshal's Mansion for long.
He dismissed his attendants and took only two trusted bodyguards with him. He rode in an inconspicuous carriage and drove silently to the Tian family mansion in the inner city area of Tiandou City.
Although the Tian family is not a top-tier clan, it has a long history and its mansion occupies a large area, exuding a calm and restrained atmosphere.
Seeing that it was Marshal Ge Long who came in person, the doorman did not dare to be negligent in the slightest and hurriedly and respectfully led him in. At the same time, someone quickly walked inside to pass the message.
Tian Yu, the head of the Tian family, and several elders in charge of the clan, who had received the news, had already hurried to the second gate to welcome them.
Tian Yu is about the same age as Ge Long, with an honest face and capable eyes. Although his soul power cultivation is not as good as Ge Long's, he is also the pillar of the Tian family today, a 76th-level Soul Saint.
"How can the Marshal be free to come here in person today? Please, please come in and serve tea!"
Tianyu's face showed just the right amount of enthusiasm and respect.
Although Ge Long's surname is Ge, the blood of the Tian family flows in his body, and his martial spirit is the Jiaozi inherited by the Tian family. He also holds the high position of the Imperial Marshal and is the greatest reliance and pride of the Tian family.
Ge Long nodded slightly, his expression calm:
"Brother Yu, no need to be so polite. I came here today because I have something important to discuss with the tribe."
He glanced at several elders of the Tian family, his tone calm but with unquestionable weight.
Seeing that Ge Long looked serious, everyone knew that something big must have happened, so they quickly invited him into the heavily guarded meeting room and dismissed all the outsiders.
After sitting down, the servant served fragrant tea and quietly left.
Without further ado, Ge Long told the whole story of his meeting with Yu Luomian at the Marshal's Mansion, as well as the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan's intention to ask the Tian family to mediate relations with the Burning Heaven Clan.
"…That's how it is.
Yu Yuanzhen couldn't bring himself to lose face, but he also didn't want to completely antagonize the now-powerful Burning Heaven Sect, so he wanted to use us to extend an olive branch to Wei Zhenshan in an attempt to ease the relationship."
Ge Long picked up the teacup, blew on it gently, and analyzed in a calm tone.
"His intention is nothing more than to temporarily avoid the spotlight and secure a position for the Tian family, or rather, for me as the 'middleman', to have the best of both worlds."
The hall was silent for a moment.
Tianyu and several elders looked at each other, unable to hide the shock on their faces.
Although their Tian family has some connections with both major sects.
But after all, it is just a Soul Saint family. How can it have the qualifications to get involved in the game of the top three sects?
An elder with white hair and beard could not help but stroke his beard in amazement, his voice trembling with disbelief:
"The Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan... actually gave in? Could a man as proud as Yu Yuanzhen ever come to need my Tian family?"
Another younger elder looked worried:
"Marshal, this matter... is quite risky. The Burning Heaven Sect is currently on the rise, with Wei Zhenshan and Dugu Bo both being Titled Douluo. I've heard that the sect's chief elder is also... unfathomable.
If we intervene rashly, we might end up getting into trouble if we are not careful."
"There are risks, but the opportunities are even greater."
Goron put down his teacup and scanned every tribesman present with his sharp eyes.
"My Tian family has inherited the Jiaozi spirit, which is also a top-level beast spirit. However, throughout the generations, only a few have ever reached the Soul Douluo realm, and earning the title is even more out of reach.
Why? What they lack isn't talent, but resources, opportunities, top-notch meditation techniques and soul skills, and a sufficiently powerful platform!"
His voice gradually rose, with an unquestionable determination:
"In the past, our Tian family could only rely on the empire, or maintain some friendship with major clans like the Blue Lightning Tyrant Clan, making it difficult for us to truly rank among the top.
But now, the situation has changed!"
"The Burning Heaven Sect's reconstruction is unprecedented. Instead of a single family dominating, the sect is formed by the inclusion of the Dugu and Ye families as pillars! What does this indicate?"
Goron's eyes were burning.
"This shows that Wei Zhenshan has a very big ambition, and his ambition is definitely not to defend the interests of one family!
He needs more power, a diverse array of martial spirits and talents to support a truly top-tier sect!"
"This is my Tian family's chance!"
Goron said firmly.
"If we can use this opportunity to establish a connection with the Burning Heaven Sect, or even... if we can get talented members of our Tian family to become their disciples, or even receive some of their resources, then the opportunity for our Tian family to rise will be right before our eyes!"
He paused, his tone turning deep:
"What's more, as the Grand Marshal of the Empire, it is my duty to maintain the balance of power among the sects within the country.
"Your Majesty, although he hasn't stated it explicitly, absolutely does not wish to see the two major sects completely rip each other apart, allowing the Spirit Hall to exploit the situation. My move is beneficial both publicly and privately, and has no harm."
After listening to Gelong's analysis, the hesitation in Tianyu's eyes was gradually replaced by excitement.
He slapped his thigh suddenly:
"The Marshal is absolutely right! We are too narrow-minded! We only worry about the risks, but forget the huge opportunities behind this!
If I can use this opportunity to establish a good relationship with the Burning Heaven Sect, even if it's just to get a little guidance from them, maybe that child Yi'er…"
He was referring to Tian Yi, the most outstanding young man in the Tian family. His martial spirit, Ya Zi, had undergone a benign mutation, and his potential far exceeded that of his peers, so the family had high hopes for him.
Ge Long nodded slightly:
"I've met Tian Yi, he's a promising young man. With a good teacher to guide him, his future is limitless.
This mediation is an excellent entry point."
He stood up, hands behind his back, exuding the decisive aura of a commander of a vast army.
"I agreed to this.
Brother Yu, please select a few steady tribesmen and go with me to the Burning Heaven Sect to pay homage to the mountain later.
Be polite and maintain a neither humble nor arrogant attitude.
We represent not only the Tian family, but also the imperial military's sincerity in easing the situation."
"Yes! I'll get ready right away!"
Tianyu responded excitedly and immediately stood up to make arrangements.
Ge Long watched Tian Yu's departing back, and his gaze once again looked out the window, as if he had penetrated through the numerous houses and saw the Burning Heaven Sect's headquarters, which was constantly expanding and becoming more and more magnificent.
The corners of his mouth curved into a deep arc.
This game of chess has just begun.
And he, Ge Long, and the Tian family behind him, may become a chess piece in this game that no one can ignore, or even... a chess player who can control the situation.
Although it is not a title, he is also the Imperial Marshal and a close confidant of Emperor Xue Ye.
As long as they don't stand on the opposite side and fight to the death, he can still play chess with Yu Yuanzhen, Wei Zhenshan and others on an almost equal footing.
Ge Long was a meticulous person, and he knew that matters involving the three upper sects, the pillars of the empire, could not bypass Emperor Xue Ye.
Even if he had made up his mind, he had to report it first and obtain the emperor's tacit approval or even support before he could be justified and have a basis for action.
He did not go to the Tian family immediately, but tidied up his appearance and went into the palace again to ask for an audience.