Silence fell over the room as everyone stared at the ancient black book on the table. All the elites present were taken aback. They didn't expect Ye Guan to readily agree to the request.

For a moment, they found themselves at a loss, unaccustomed to such an easy negotiation.

Zhen Nanxue, especially, had a whirlwind of emotions. She never imagined that Ye Guan would be so amenable, which was quite ironic, considering the lengths that the God Clan and the Ancient Wilderness had gone to obtain that very journal. It amused her.

If they learned how easy he was to negotiate with, their reactions would surely be priceless.

Turning to Zhen Tian, Ye Guan chuckled. "Don’t you want to take a look?"

Zhen Tian met Ye Guan's gaze, a hint of complexity flashing in his eyes. "Young Master Ye, I must admit, you've caught me off guard."

Ye Guan smiled knowingly, opting to remain silent.

Zhen Tian's gaze shifted to the book on the table, yet he made no move to claim it.

Ye Guan couldn't help but feel puzzled by his reluctance.

After a period of silence, Zhen Tian shook his head and pushed the book back toward Ye Guan, which only further deepened Ye Guan's confusion.

It wasn't just Ye Guan; the clan elders were just as perplexed.

Zhen Tian looked at Ye Guan, a smile playing on his lips. "Young Master Ye, my clan does not seek handouts. We recognize your gesture and intent. How about we instead join forces against the Ancient Wilderness and the God Clan? Should we emerge victorious, we can borrow the journal for a look then. Do we have a deal?"

The sudden proposal sent ripples of shock through the elders.

We'll oppose the Ancient Wilderness and the God Clan together?

This is akin to gambling everything!

How can our leader suddenly become so impulsive?

"Clan Leader, this..."

Zhen Tian glanced at the elder who tried to speak, instantly silencing him.

None of the elders dared speak further. However, their discontent became evidently etched on their expressions instead.

This was more than just a gamble—this was a leap into the unknown.

The God Clan and the Ancient Wilderness were quite powerful. This move could obliterate their clan.

Ye Guan had already agreed to lend them the book for free.

Nevertheless, their leader persisted.

Some among the clan were unhappy, but Zhen Tian remained composed, acknowledging the curiosity and dissent among his people without offering an explanation.

Meanwhile, Ye Guan expressed his surprise. "Are you sure about this?"

"Absolutely."

"Why?"

"Do we really need a reason?"

"Not necessarily, but this is no small matter. I hope you've thought this through, Clan Leader Zhen Tian."

"As far as I know, Shen Wu from the God Clan is already on their way with their troops to find Young Master Ye. And, within half an hour at most, they'll reach the outskirts of our clan. If Young Master Ye agrees to our cooperation, we can first test our strength by dealing with the God Clan’s forces."

Ye Guan fixed his gaze on Zhen Tian, remaining silent.

After a moment, Ye Guan smiled, "I see no reason to refuse."

"Then let's have a fruitful cooperation."

With that said, he turned to Zhen Nanxue at the side, "Take Young Master Ye to the side hall for a brief rest, and prepare for the battle."

Zhen Nanxue nodded slightly and looked at Ye Guan, "Young Master Ye, please."

"Alright."

With that, he stood up and followed Zhen Nanxue out.

As soon as Ye Guan and Zhen Nanxue left, an elder with white hair suddenly spoke up, "Clan Leader, why is this?"

The other elites of the clan turned to Zhen Tian, their expressions filled with confusion and puzzlement.

"Just because something's free doesn't mean we can truly have it."

"Why not?"

"Of course, we can have it, but what about the reputation of our clan?"

Silence fell among the crowd.

Indeed, it was taking advantage of Ye Guan. Although it was a bit shameless, but everyone felt it was harmless.

Zhen Tian continued, "For an ordinary person, if we seize such an advantage, it's just that. But this Young Master Ye is not an ordinary person. If our clan chooses to be shameless and seize this advantage, our standing in his eyes will greatly diminish..."

The white-haired elder spoke with a deep voice, "Clan Leader, you say he's not an ordinary person, how do you know?"

"Doesn't he know the value of that journal? Yet, he's willing to lend it to us for a look..."

The white-haired elder became even more puzzled, "What's the problem with that?"

The other elders were equally perplexed.

Zhen Tian sighed softly, "The core of the problem lies in his attitude towards that journal. From start to finish, he never regarded it as anything significant... There are only two reasons for this: either ignorance, not knowing its value and hence not attaching importance to it; or knowing its value, but its value to him is insignificant… Add to that his past behavior, and I conclude that the force behind him is definitely very, very terrifying."

The white-haired elder and the others fell silent.

Hearing Zhen Tian's words, they suddenly realized that indeed, from start to finish, Ye Guan never considered the journal to be of much importance.

What kind of person and family could achieve this?

"And have you not noticed? This person is so young, yet when he arrived at our clan, he showed no signs of fear when facing us... Such a person has seen the world. In other words, he must have encountered forces stronger than our clan... Or perhaps, that force is his own family."

The white-haired elder spoke with a deep voice, "Clan Leader, what you say makes sense, but there's a question: apart from our three families and the Primordial Spirit Land, are there even more powerful forces in this universe? He obviously doesn't come from the God Clan, the Primordial Spirit Land, or the Ancient Wilderness..."

The others also looked at Zhen Tian one after another.

Are there even more powerful forces in this universe than their few families?

If there were, they couldn't possibly be unaware.

Zhen Tian suddenly asked, "Does the universe have boundaries?"

The crowd was taken aback.

"There are no boundaries. Since the time of our ancestors, our Zhen Clan has been exploring the universe, discovering new worlds... But despite all these years, after conquering so many galaxies, have we truly reached the universe's end?"

A heavy silence filled the air.

"When our ancestors departed, they left behind a saying. Do you all remember?"

The white-haired elder spoke in a deep voice, "There are those beyond you, and those beyond the heavens."

"Their message was clear. It is to remind our Zhen Clan never to grow complacent and to always be vigilant against arrogance and overconfidence..."

In truth, over the years, apart from the God Clan and the Ancient Wilderness, the Zhen Clan had never considered any other forces significant. They recognized Ye Guan's uniqueness, but deep down, they hadn't elevated him to their own clan's level. They also couldn't fathom any force stronger than their three families and the Primordial Spirit Land.

How could there be?

Hence, many still found Zhen Tian's decision somewhat reckless.

At that moment, Zhen Tian pressed on, "I know it's risky, but I've decided to give it a try."

The white-haired elder questioned, "Why?"

"What's your impression of this Young Master Ye?"

The white-haired elder and others seemed puzzled.

Zhen Tian elaborated, "Just consider him as a person."

The white-haired elder spoke thoughtfully, "He seems fine. If his actions are genuine..."

Suddenly, a realization dawned upon him, and his expression turned serious.

No hidden agenda!

If Ye Guan's actions held no ulterior motives, what did that imply? As Zhen Tian suggested, perhaps the journal held little value to him, or maybe his family didn't regard it highly. And it seemed certain that Ye Guan hadn't even thought about relying on the Zhen Clan.

In essence, to Ye Guan, the Zhen Clan might be... inconsequential.

This realization swept through the room, leaving many in disbelief.

Could the Zhen Clan truly be seen that way?

If this young man truly thought so, wouldn't it be sheer arrogance?

Zhen Tian scanned the room, his expression complex. "He's unafraid of the Ancient Wilderness, dares to confront the God Clan, and doesn't shy away from us... If we don't extend goodwill but try to seize... I doubt he'd be intimidated..."

"As I contemplate this, it's quite remarkable. I hope I'm overanalyzing, but reality suggests otherwise. This young man is even more formidable than we imagined. Perhaps, that's why the First God chose him – because from the outset, they knew the journal would be safe in his hands."

The white-haired elder interjected, "But such a gamble... What if his backing isn't as formidable..."

"What's your assessment of this young man? Ignoring his background..."

"He's a prodigy, surpassing even our brightest talents."

Zhen Tian nodded. "If Nanxue and he could unite..."

His words stunned everyone in the hall.

Goodness gracious?

Clan Leader, are you thinking that far ahead?