Flashes of information Cain and Amber already know swirled through their minds.
Because of Zi Yan, the duo had knowledge of both Wen Shao and that 5 Divine King inheritance that Jiang Ling didn't directly mention.
Both of which are legitimate reasons on why he would stay completely locked within his chambers. Stepping out was the equivalent of risking his life as he's potentially missing out on a valuable breakthrough.
Cain just wanted to hear it from Jiang Ling's mouth and analyze his sincerity.
With all of his actions up until now, Cain could safely say that Jiang Ling is genuine in all of his eagerness.
Still, it was only natural that neither Cain nor Amber could ever trust Jiang Ling or Wen Dao, at least in the short term.
If the other party is weak, then it becomes highly possible for them to get overly oppressed without any chance of fighting back. Whatever the weak get, would simply be coveted by the higher-ups.
There wasn't any right or wrong, justice or law, but the nature of the God Galaxy society. In a universe where even the most average of humans can attain strength and the ability to soar the skies and break apart mountains, personal strength plays a heavy part in the value of a relationship.
It wasn't as if genuine feelings couldn't develop between cultivators. If it could happen, one should greatly cherish those sentiments.
But bluntly speaking, the reality is that those with lower cultivations simply offer no value to the universe itself. When the environment wants kill, when monsters want to kill, when other human-like species want to kill, it's the powerful that protects and innovates life.
Thus, Cain and Amber know that if they lose even the slightest value in Wen Dao's eyes, their lives will turn frustratingly difficult. Neither of them was that arrogant to claim they can resist the pressure of two Divine Decree Lords.
However, at the same time, it wasn't as the powers of a Divine Ruler were that far off from them. At his full power, Cain had confidence in at least matching the raw power of a Divine Ruler.
Increasing his cultivation would inevitably put him on the same wavelength as a Divine Ruler. It's why Cain decided to ask, "Martial brother Ling, if you don't mind me asking, but what is your Divine Decree Lord cultivation?"
Jiang Ling held a relaxed expression when answering. "Ah, this is actually common knowledge, at least in Holy Intelligence networks. The rankings of Divine Decree Lords need to be continually updated, thus, the surface-level knowledge of the Lords' cultivations is posted up. Lord Wen Dao is a Late Stage Divine Ruler with the Supreme Divine Laws of Sun Fire. Out of most other Divine Rulers, not many can match his intensity of Fire Laws. His brother, Lord Wen Shao, is also a Late Stage Divine Ruler with the Supreme Divine Laws of Black Flame. If the Lords aren't facing each other, they are invincible in the same minor realm. Even great Divine Ruler Elders can barely touch either Decree Lords."
'Supreme Divine Laws?' Cain and Amber curled their brows. They had only briefly glanced over the specifics of Divine Ruler since they were still far away from that realm. But Supreme Divine Laws do ring a bell for them.
"Are Supreme Divine Laws the next step after perfecting normal Divine Laws?" Cain curiously asked.
Jiang Ling nodded. "Indeed. Supreme Divine Laws are the next monumental step in a cultivator's life. Achieving this allows anyone to understand a good chunk of the universe's mysteries and closer to grasping the true power of a Great Dao. The power of Supreme Divine Laws can truly be described as a gateway to a far higher world filled with perfect divine beings. The half-step realm I am in is only giving me a mere taste of such power."
"I see..." No matter what Cain or Amber thought about Wen Dao or the other Divine Decree Lord, they can't deny their cultivation is quite amazing.
It seems the chasm between cultivation realms only depends as one progresses on their Martial road. Putting things in perspective, it was no wonder that Divine Mortals are highly coveted since they are known to skip not just one, but two major realms.
These new thoughts only further strengthen Cain's and Amber's determination for higher cultivation. In the Holy Land filled with other immensely powerful cultivators, they can't lag behind for a second.
After thinking for a moment, the one who spoke next wasn't Cain. Amber suddenly decided to ask, "It really seems that Divine Ruler powerhouses hold so much strength. This just makes me wonder, how much does your Divine Decree Lord value us? Before we get into any deal, isn't it about time we see what value you are offering us? I will also bluntly speak in that other attention are on us and our options are widely varied."
Jiang Ling's tone filled with even more confidence at this point. His smile even broaden as he believed this was the moment. "This will be much easier to explain than anything else. Partnering with us will give you three the most valuable things we Martial cultivators strive for."
Three of Jiang Ling's fingers suddenly raised up at this point. "One, a continuous stream of resources. Under our faction, you will be exempted from having to complete sects'missions and paying rent. Instead, from our treasury, every two weeks, you will gain a hefty sum of Sun Crystal beads and Inner World resources of your picking. Two is backing from both Lord Wen Dao and the Elders connected with him. Not even Lord Wen Shao can try anything as long as you're with us. And outside, even the Star Fire Holy Land needs to give you face no matter the person. Finally, you will have plenty of opportunities with us. Opportunities to grow far stronger thanks to our access to high-level Dao Fields and to form your own connections with Supreme Elders. All we ask for in return is to provide your strength from time to time with tasks Lord Wen Dao may ask of you."
This whole slew of promises certainly sounds pleasing to the ears. Even Cain and Amber felt desires stir. They can skip months of unnecessary work within Cloudsea Holy Land and avoid unnecessary troubles. All for the simple exchange of their strength.
But while it may sound simple and easy, Cain and Amber knew it would be anything but straightforward.
Cain didn't doubt that if they were to disappear from sight or cultivate far too fast, Wen Dao will take it himself to find trouble with them.
A Divine Decree Lord would be the type of person to always be in the known and in control of their subordinates. To unknown variables, a lot of great masters would take Wen Shao's response in wanting to eliminate unknown threats.
If they stay quiet for too long, no matter how charitable Wen Dao seems, it wouldn't be surprising if he wanted to directly know everything about their cultivation.
This is also why Cain believed there was a risk of quickly increasing their cultivation.
After all, Emperor Tier geniuses have a precedence, similar to Divine Mortals, that their cultivation base will improve at rapid speeds while also retaining great prowess.
Case in point as their own cultivation grew to the Great Divine Sea realm with seeming ease. They most likely expect around this level of speed when they fully join their faction.
If Cain and Amber were to develop to a point where no Divine Decree Lord can keep tabs on them, there was a considerable possibility for Wen Dao to become aggressive in order to keep them in control.
A sufficient way to do so would be with seemingly easy tasks anyone can complete.
But these seemingly simple tasks may end up being filled with hidden dangers that Cain and Amber wouldn't be aware of. The duo didn't even need to think that these tasks can put their lives at risk despite Jiang Ling downplaying them so much.
Nothing ever comes simply the more their cultivation increases.
Numerous disadvantages put this partnership in a negative light.
However, Cain and Amber didn't let it overly disturb their moods.
It was faint, but Cain and Amber could tell that their position with Wen Dao is special from his ordinary subordinates.
Nove l B(in).C OM
Never once did Jiang Ling say or implied they will be mere grunts needing to follow Wen Dao's every order. They actually have much freedom and reign in the Holy Land, besides needing to complete whatever task that Wen Day may request of them.
The idea of partnership was the underlying reason the duo decided to seriously contemplate Wen Dao's offer. If not, they would have revised their plan for more agreeable terms.
Since the agreeable terms are already be offering, all that was left was the duo's consent.
Cain transmitted to Amber, 'Your thoughts? I'm confident once we enter the Holy Land, we can easily find ways to break away from Wen Dao and gain a closer connection of support. One that Wen Dao must tread lightly around.'
'You make something that should be nigh-impossible sound so easy, you know that?' Amber nearly snorted in amusement. 'Still, for us, it would be realistically possible. Moreover, our cultivation can only increase with the force of a Holy Land. Above all, you always have the final say in our decisions, so why hesitate anymore?
Internally chuckling since Amber wasn't really wrong, Cain swept his gaze over Jiang Ling with a calm look.
After only a few moments of silence, he plainly said, "These terms are agreeable. I look forward to working with Lord Wen Dao."
"Perfect!" Jiang Ling was greatly psyched. He quickly took out two contact rings, handing them off to Cain as he said, "Here's mine and Lord Wen Dao's direct contact rings. I promise you that you won't regret it!"
Receiving the rings Cain and Amber could consider their goals accomplished. Nobody in the Zhou Family would dare to challenge their position again. Plus, their cultivation is now in a high enough realm where they need the support of a grand Holy Land.
All that was left to do now was wait on Cloudsea's entrance exams.
Feeling a considerable good mood, Cain exchanged more pleasantries with Jiang Ling. Though, in the back of his mind, his hopes ran high to experience the refreshing environment of a Holy Land.