When Will This Divide Be Broken?

The theft of the Spirit Grain was not publicized on a large scale.

This outcome stemmed partly from the collective opinion of the sects that had attended the previous meeting, and partly from Ye Xiu's own considerations.

Ye Xiu had actually intended to use this opportunity to conduct another round of selection. The relationship between the people of Heyang City and the Alliance only appeared close; in truth, there was not much genuine unity between them.

In the eyes of the many sects, the interests of everyone in Heyang City were intertwined. If Heyang City were destroyed and those independent cultivators scattered in all directions, it would surely cause great chaos.

But that did not mean the Alliance's control had reached the point where its every command was obeyed without question.

Cultivators were the most unruly of all. Even in Blue Star's ancient times, tales of heroes using martial prowess to defy the law had emerged without end. Much less in this world of cultivation, where everyone possessed the power to change their own fate.

When everyone's interests aligned, the independent cultivators were willing to abide by Heyang City's rules for the sake of their own interests. This was their struggle for personal benefit, but it was also a matter of weighing gains against losses.

By following Heyang City's rules, they could ensure that their interests were not diminished too severely. The price they paid for a peaceful life here was merely some insignificant taxes.

Those clearly stated taxes were far, far less than the tributes demanded by the great sects before.

So, if they followed Heyang City's rules, what did it matter if the Alliance's attitude was somewhat unpleasant?

The tangible benefits were falling squarely into their own hands.

But what if they had to give more?

In Ye