Chapter 194: Boy, You Have Great Ambitions
Regarding the matter at hand, no one at the table continued to eat, all turning their heads to look at the Old Eastern King.
The Old Eastern King let the high proof alcohol in his blue and white porcelain cup fan the flames, and then, with a spicy, long sigh, he lamented, "It is indeed shameful to admit, I, as the King of the Eastern Border, have not even been able to handle East Pole Island."
Ye Feng couldn't help but sneer inwardly, thinking it was not just East Pole Island you couldn't deal with, but also the Jiangzuo Alliance to the east of the river within your own territory.
Of course, Ye Feng would not say this out loud, after all, it would be a great blow to the Old Eastern King's dignity.
Xiao Chuanqi couldn't help but inquire, "May I ask the Old Eastern King, is East Pole Island indeed so formidable that even the numerous masters of the Eastern Border cannot destroy it?"
The Old Eastern King just sighed, seemingly resolved not to speak anymore.
At that moment, a commander of the Eastern Border across from Xiao Chuanqi spoke up, "This East Pole Island suddenly rose to power three years ago, previously showing no signs of such strength. Once it emerged, it shocked the entire Eastern Border. In just three short years, we have lost count of how many of our luxurious cruise ships have fallen prey to East Pole Island."
"It is almost safe to say that, in these three years, likely no fewer than a hundred people from the Eastern Border have died on East Pole Island. This island specifically targets the wealthy merchants on these cruise ships and has plundered an endless treasure over these three years."
Sima Zhantian clenched his teeth and said, "Then, over these three years, have you of the Eastern Border just watched, with your eyes wide open, as this so-called East Pole Island committed its crimes without making a move against them?"
The chief commander replied, "How could we not make a move? Over these three years, we have launched three sieges against East Pole Island, but each time we returned in defeat, with many soldiers lost. Even among our nine great commanders of the Eastern Border, four have been sacrificed!"
Ye Feng slightly nodded as he listened, finding it odd that there were so few commanders for such a vast Eastern Border. It turned out that four had been sacrificed, and with the Eastern King getting on in years, focusing solely on indulgence, his mind no longer on the affairs of the Eastern Border, it naturally became difficult to attract other masters.
After some thought, Ye Feng asked, "May I ask the Old Eastern King about the general strength of East Pole Island?"
The general strength?" The Old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, fell into contemplation at this point, suggesting that even after more than three years, he still did not know the rough strength of his foe.
The chief commander of the Eastern Border, Song Cheng, said, "The approximate strength of East Pole Island is still not completely clear to us, but there are relevant rumors that East Pole Island has seven Island Masters, each one a master in their own right, and we cannot rule out the presence of an Aperture Opening Martial King!"
The Old Eastern King suddenly stood up, turned to Ye Feng and said, "Younger Brother Ye, I was once sworn brothers with the Old Northern King, but he has been gone for many years, and you have already grown capable enough to stand on your own. Therefore, I think it's fitting to simply address you as Younger Brother Ye now."
Upon hearing this, Ye Feng also stood up, knowing in his heart that since the Old Eastern King had said these words, he was likely about to ask for a favor.
Indeed, the Old Eastern King continued, "Younger Brother Ye, you also know that my health is far from what it used to be, and I practically have no grand ambitions left. In fact, for the past two years, I've been thinking about sending a message to the capital to prepare for my retirement. However, East Pole Island remains a constant thorn in my side.
If I don't get rid of East Pole Island, even if I step down, I fear I won't be able to rest in peace after death."
Ye Feng felt compelled to reply, "Old Eastern King, you're being too harsh on yourself. As the saying goes, 'Even heroes have their time,' and if the Old Eastern King can't eliminate East Pole Island, it shouldn't count as your fault."
"No, as long as I'm still on the throne, it remains my responsibility. I won't lie to you, Younger Brother Ye, in fact, I've been thinking about launching another siege against East Pole Island soon. Haven't I taken people out to sea in the last few days to scout out the enemy?"
The Old Eastern King said this while puffing out his chest, apparently trying to show off some semblance of his former heroic spirit. However, he only succeeded in emphasizing his protruding belly, which looked rather comical and ridiculous.
Everyone knew, of course, that this old fellow's trip to sea was just an excuse to enjoy a good time with a dozen young and beautiful women, rather than gathering intelligence on the enemy. The threat of East Pole Island had even made the Old Eastern King reluctant to venture out too far, lest he be robbed by them.
Sima Zhantian asked solemnly, "Then may I ask the Old Eastern King, did you manage to uncover any clear information about East Pole Island?"
The Old Eastern King was taken aback, he also had just casually mentioned it to provide himself with a way out, and had not expected Sima Zhantian to be so persistent, determined to get to the bottom of it.
Seeing that the Old Eastern King remained silent, Ye Feng had no choice but to break the silence first, "Since the Old Eastern King has already put it this way, do you wish to ask me to take action?"
The Old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, clapped his hands and immediately said with a laugh, "Younger Brother Ye is truly direct and candid. Indeed, it's fortunate that you, Younger Brother Ye, have arrived, and you've brought several skilled companions with you. No matter what, you must help me this time. We'll join forces and obliterate East Pole Island."
Ye Feng nodded and said, "East Pole Island has been wreaking havoc; as a ruler of one of the Realms, it is my unquestionable duty to eliminate harm for the people. However, as you know, I am the Northern Border King, and it would be unreasonable for me to interfere rashly in the affairs of the Eastern Border."
The Old Eastern King furrowed his brow and said, "Then what do you suggest, Younger Brother Ye?"
Ye Feng smiled and replied, "Of course, if I were invited by the Eastern Border, that would be a different matter."
The Old Eastern King said, "Ahem, naturally, I am inviting you, Younger Brother Ye. If you are still not at ease, then I will send a letter to the capital city right away to explain the situation. This way, no one will have an excuse to gossip."
Ye Feng waved his hand and said, "There's no need to send a letter to the capital. At our level, do we still fear idle talk? I'm willing to take action, but I do have a small condition."
"What condition? Just speak, Younger Brother Ye. As long as it's within my power, there's no problem!" said the Old Eastern King, patting his round belly.
Ye Feng spoke earnestly, "After East Pole Island is destroyed, the Eastern Border must agree not to interfere or obstruct the Martial Alliance's construction and promotion in the Eastern Border."
The Old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, was taken aback and after some thought, he asked, "May I inquire, Younger Brother Ye, what is your relationship with the Martial Alliance?"
Ye Feng smiled and said, "You don't need to know its relationship with me. What I want to know is whether the Old Eastern King is willing to agree. In fact, if the Martial Alliance is promoted throughout the entire Eastern Territory of Quan, it will not interfere with the dominion of the King of the Eastern Border. On the contrary, it will enhance the overall strength of the Eastern Border.
When those in the Martial Alliance who have practiced successfully could become the new blood incorporated into the Eastern Border."
However, the Old Eastern King fell silent. He wasn't foolish and had a vague understanding that this Martial Alliance was laying out a grand scheme. Especially since, in the short span of three to four years, the Martial Alliance had almost been established across the vast majority of the Xuanyuan Nation, representing a very terrifying force.
It was imaginable that if the Martial Alliance were to be promoted nationwide, its influence spreading across the entire nation and then infiltrating the Four Realms, the significance would be completely different. Especially concerning the hidden Controller of the Martial Alliance, their power by that time would likely be frighteningly immense.
Of course, the Old Eastern King was unaware that the true Controller behind the Martial Alliance was none other than Ye Feng!
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However, that being said, the nationwide promotion of the Martial Alliance was no easy task. Even if the Martial Alliance was present in all of the nation's major cities, local forces would likely attempt to influence or control it.
When Ye Feng first promoted the Martial Alliance, his original intention wasn't about establishing any power for himself. He did it merely to benefit the masses, improve the physical condition of ordinary people and maintain the local order of the Martial Arts World.
Seeing the Old Eastern King's hesitation, Ye Feng chuckled and said, "Now look at you, Old Eastern King; you're probably only two or three years away from stepping down. Why bother thinking so much about the aftermath?"
Upon hearing this, the Old Eastern King nodded and said, "Indeed, I am about to retire anyway, and I'm too lazy to care about what happens after that!"
"That settles it then. From now on, the Eastern Border will permit the establishment and promotion of the Martial Alliance. Younger Brother Ye, please join us three days from now so that we can utterly eradicate East Pole Island!"
After finishing his statement, the Old Eastern King, Mu Tianye, approached Ye Feng, leaning in to pat him on the back and whispering, "Younger Brother Ye, I only now realize that you have grand ambitions, and you're still so young. Your future is truly boundless."
Upon hearing this, Ye Feng just smiled and shook his head repeatedly.