"Hm?"
Jin Shui's brows lifted slightly, clear surprise appearing on his face as waves surged through his heart.
Drunken Fragrance Pavilion had been the first to take a firm stand and sincerely submit. Now, the deeply established Li Family, one of Sin Domain's foremost powers, was also seeking an audience with the Dao Venerable to declare its allegiance?
In such a short time, two of Sin Domain's five peak factions had successively sided with Jin Shui Treasure Pavilion and the Dao Venerable!
The shift in the balance of power had happened far faster than he had expected!
Though turmoil raged within him, Jin Shui remained outwardly composed. Pretending not to understand the deeper meaning, he continued probing calmly.
"What do you mean, Fellow Daoist? Could it be that the Li Family has some other intention?"
Zhang Feng's gaze narrowed slightly as he swept his eyes across the surroundings, still wary.
Understanding his concern, Jin Shui immediately reassured him in a calm voice. "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. This private room has been sealed with top-tier Great Dao restrictions. It blocks all probing from the heavens and shields against all Divine Sense. No one outside can eavesdrop or spy on us. Speak freely."
Only after receiving that assurance did Zhang Feng finally lower his guard. His expression turned solemn as he revealed the Li Family's final choice, each word grave and deliberate.
"Fellow Daoist Jin Shui, I was sent here by the family head not for any ordinary business cooperation of the past.
"My Li Family wishes to forge the deepest possible alliance with Jin Shui Treasure Pavilion—to share fortune and misfortune, to advance and retreat as one. Would Fellow Daoist be willing to accept us?"
There were no unnecessary embellishments in those few words, yet they conveyed the Li Family's resolve