Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2044: Such a friend

Following their triumphant return to the guest quarters, an event that garnered considerable attention, Ye Zhongming and his companions were visited by Jie Su barely an hour later.

"Aren't you in the midst of cultivation?" Ye Zhongming inquired, sensing something unusual.

Jie Su found himself at a pivotal juncture in advancing a particular ability. Had Ye Zhongming's summons not been of paramount importance, he would have undoubtedly sequestered himself to cultivate.

"It's because of you!" Jie Su responded, a hint of vexation in his tone.

Ye Zhongming offered a noncommittal shrug.

To his surprise, Jie Su looked at Ye Zhongming with hesitation, "You orchestrated this intentionally?"

"You could say that. I found myself with no other recourse," Ye Zhongming replied.

"You've observed the current circumstances. Your clan maintains a negative stance on collaborating with us. Under normal conditions, I would have simply abandoned the endeavor."

Ye Zhongming motioned for Jie Su to be seated, poured him a drink, and then settled beside him.

"For the Su Clan, the ramifications might be negligible; their days would continue as usual. However, for both you and me, the implications would be far too significant."

Upon uttering these words, Ye Zhongming sighed, the earlier extravagance displayed at the Su Clan's commercial hub nowhere to be seen.

"For my part, without the Su Clan's backing, the assaults on the Star-Eye Clan and myself would intensify relentlessly. We possess absolutely no confidence in our ability to withstand them. Severed from the Su Clan's assistance, even the establishment of a planetary hunting ground would yield no comparable benefits. Should we manage to secure a portion of the spoils from the Novice battlefield rewards, we would merely become attractive targets, fattened for others to prey upon. Regardless of whether a genuine opportunity arises, they would descend, taking their cut until the Star-Eye Clan is left bleeding and lifeless."

Jie Su sipped his beverage, remaining silent and simply absorbing Ye Zhongming's words.

"Conversely, whether our Star-Eye Clan reaps substantial rewards from the planetary hunting ground, thereby continuously fortifying ourselves, or secures aid, perhaps even cultivation methods, from the Su Clan, either scenario would ensure the absence of major complications in the immediate future. As you are aware, our most pressing need is time."

Recalling the recent assassination attempt and the precarious future facing the Star-Eye Clan within Darkstrip City, Ye Zhongming felt a surge of apprehension.

The inherent weaknesses of the Star-Eye Clan were not something his accelerated progress could adequately compensate for, even with the formidable backing of the Library Palace. Nevertheless, his primary objective was to resolve their immediate predicaments, a task far from simple.

He had just successfully quelled internal discord within the Star-Eye Clan, yet the matter of external threats remained beyond the solitary capabilities of the Cloud Peak King.

At this juncture, he, and by extension the Star-Eye Clan, desperately required a powerful ally such as the Su Clan.

"The impact on you... is actually more profound," Ye Zhongming stated, placing a hand on Jie Su's shoulder. "I have committed to memory all the information you provided, which is precisely why I'm conveying this."

Jie Su offered a rueful smile, unsurprised by Ye Zhongming's assertion.

"The affiliated races that pledge their loyalty to you are exceedingly weak, not significantly stronger than the Star-Eye Clan. Furthermore, their willingness to commit is akin to that of the Su Clan – both are feeble, or more accurately, non-existent. They typically trail in your wake, striving to fulfill your requirements to the best of their limited abilities."

"However... their collective strength is insufficient to offer you substantial backing. Consider the recent matter concerning the transport starship; they could only muster a mere million Moonspan Gold for you. This... frankly, offers little practical utility."

Pausing briefly, Ye Zhongming added, "At least until your standing within the clan solidifies, their assistance will remain confined to the 'million'-level."

Jie Su could not dispute this assessment. The races aligned with him were not only weak but also hesitant to commit their full resources during critical junctures.

"If the Star-Eye Clan fails to achieve greater strength, relying solely on your own endeavors, can you possibly dismantle the long-standing regulations of the Su Clan? I believe the answer is no. Even if you could, it would likely require many, many years. We simply do not possess such a luxury of time."

"Should this collaboration fall through, the Star-Eye Clan is destined for decline, perhaps even annihilation. Even if White Robe and I manage to survive, we would become adrift, rootless souls incapable of aiding you. This chain reaction would lead to the disintegration of our already tenuous alliance. Yi Sevi would inevitably marry another. All our aspirations would vanish like smoke."

"You might very well find yourself permanently barred from assuming that esteemed position."

At these words, Jie Su irritably downed his drink.

In times of weakness, hope may persist, but its flame is often fragile, easily extinguished by the slightest gust of wind, leaving only despair in its wake.

Jie Su harbored a profound resentment towards his current state of powerlessness, a reality he was, for the moment, unable to alter.

"So, you shelled out a fortune and openly returned with a Raini Grade mechanical war beast, all to draw the attention of the entire Su Clan?"

"I aim to forge possibilities from impossibilities. Whatever I can conceive, I shall execute. It's the sole path to preserving our final sliver of hope," Ye Zhongming declared. "Your clan leader's wavering stance is our sole advantage. You've demonstrated ample capability, showcasing your latent potential and rapidly actualizing it, thus keeping your clan leader perpetually preoccupied with you."

"Then, in my capacity, I must ensure your clan leader recognizes that the Star-Eye Clan and I, much like yourselves, possess immense potential. While others perceive us as a dying race, my presence here, expending nearly ten million Moonspan Gold in a single instance, demands attention. Even your Su Clan will have to regard me with significantly altered perception, won't they?"

Ye Zhongming's voice amplified slightly at this juncture, elucidating the motive behind his earlier ostentatious and substantial expenditure.

Our might may be diminished, yet our wealth remains!

"Furthermore, what a remarkable coincidence. Based on the intelligence you provided, the most formidable among the subordinate races currently backing the Su Clan's primary heir was present at the same appraisal event, poised to acquire a Raini Grade mechanical war beast that was far beyond their immediate capability. It thus became unavoidable to suspect their intentions were to placate that prospective Su Clan leader. And this individual is your direct adversary. From any logical standpoint, I could not permit that person's success. I absolutely could not allow such an asset to fall into the hands of your most significant opponent!"

At this precise moment, a rap sounded upon the door from the exterior. It was Jie Su's aide, entering with a summons: the Su Clan leader had requested an audience with Ye Zhongming.

The Cloud Peak King rose, gazing at Jie Su, and proclaimed, "This is merely the inaugural offering I've prepared to astound the entirety of the Su Clan. I hold several more in reserve. Await their unveiling. Even should I ultimately prove powerless to sway the final verdict, I shall still compel those Su Clan members arrayed against us to question the rectitude of their chosen path."

Jie Su remained in silent contemplation for a beat, then broke into an unexpected smile.

"Has anyone ever informed you that possessing a comrade such as yourself is quite advantageous?"

Ye Zhongming emitted a booming laugh and proceeded out, his steps synchronized with Jie Su's.