Li Lei was startled. He looked up at the Nine Li Ancestor, his eyes full of confusion.
"Ancestor, the Ruthless lineage?" he said hesitantly. "Those people have always acted alone and never associated with any faction. If we rashly go to them, I'm afraid..."
"They will see you," the Nine Li Ancestor interrupted, his tone certain.
Li Lei was even more puzzled. "Why do you say that, Ancestor?"
With his hands behind his back, the Nine Li Ancestor slowly walked to the hall entrance. Gazing at the pale waning moon on the horizon, he spoke in a distant voice.
"Because the Ruthless lineage also bears an irreconcilable hatred for Chu Yang and Ye Fan."
"In the battle of the Qin Mountains, the killing trap they laid came to nothing, and they lost countless people. That Hua Yunfei even lost all face in that battle."
"Given the Ruthless lineage's nature, they will never let this go."
Li Lei nodded thoughtfully.
He recalled the battle in the Qin Mountains—the Ruthless lineage had indeed been one of the main forces behind that encirclement.
If they could join forces with them, their chances of dealing with Chu Yang and Ye Fan would undoubtedly rise greatly.
"But Ancestor, regarding the previous alliance..." he said worriedly. "Didn't all those factions withdraw? Though the Ruthless lineage never stated its position clearly, I fear they also..."
"That was then; this is now." The Nine Li Ancestor turned around, a sharp gleam flashing through his eyes. "The previous alliance failed because we chose the wrong point of attack."
"Though Ye Fan is Chu Yang's close friend, he is only one person. His whereabouts are uncertain, making him difficult to track down. What is more, that Big Black Dog is always at his side, adding many variables."
"But the Ruthless