"Dean Shui, as far as I know, your Skywater Academy still remains independent of Heaven Dou's major factions?"
Dean Shui paused slightly, unsure why Lin Ye had suddenly raised the subject, then nodded. "That's right. Skywater Academy has always maintained a relatively neutral stance."
Lin Ye calmly laid out his demand. "I can help Shui Bing'er quickly find the most suitable Soul Beast for her fifth Soul Ring, and guarantee that its age exceeds twelve thousand years, surpassing the theoretical limit."
"But..."
"Once it's done, Skywater Academy must form an alliance with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, protecting and supporting each other, advancing and retreating together."
At those words, everyone's expression changed!
The Skywater dean's face instantly grew solemn.
An alliance with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?
This meant tying Skywater Academy firmly to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's war chariot, abandoning the relative neutrality it had maintained for thirty or forty years and becoming embroiled in any future conflicts between factions-especially a confrontation with Spirit Hall!
"Young friend Lin Ye, this is no small matter. It concerns the very foundations of Skywater Academy..."
Shui Bing'er's heart clenched. She had never expected this to be Lin Ye's condition!
Lin Ye did not press her, merely watching her calmly.
The wind and snow seemed to grow louder.
After a fierce internal struggle, the Skywater dean finally nodded slowly.
"Very well! Young friend Lin Ye, Skywater Academy accepts your condition. So long as you help Bing'er obtain a suitable and powerful fifth Soul Ring, I swear on my honor as dean that Skywater Academy will enter a formal alliance with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect from this day onward, as closely bound as lips and teeth!"
"It's a deal." A faint smile appeared on Lin Ye's face.
"Thank