As Zixin walked through the large halls filled with luxury, he saw four well-dressed people. He didn't bother looking at them because he had no reason to care at the current moment.
After a few more minutes of walking, he entered a huge room. At his very front was a big and round wooden table and five well-made seats. The walls of the room were filled with ancient patterns which made one feel a sense of awe and respect.
There were also five doors, the one he entered from was one of them. He took his seat with no worries of what might happen.
A person entered one of the five doors. Elegant yet spacious white-blue robes draped her petite figure, with various patterns and images depicting scenes of frost and blades, accompanying it were several hair accessories nestled near her neck, making it remain straight and in a specific position that didn't restrict her view or looked disheveled. With expression plain and calm, she appeared wise and knowledgeable, but deep-hidden dislike lurked in her mind that Zixin was unable to notice. The exposed skin of her neck and arms was smooth and flawless like jade, and long snow-white hair reached her waist. Bright blue eyes with a feeling of unfathomable depth to them, she looked at Zixin for a second before she nodded. One of the peculiar details was her pointy long ears slightly poking from the hair, but Zixin wasn't interested and didn't bother to look long at her.
Right after she entered, a new person entered the room. He wore a green robe with a maple leaf pattern in it, making himself seem clean as the cloudless midnight sky filled with bright beautiful shining stars. He wore a simple and small smile which made him seem kind and approachable. He appeared friendly and soothing like the midnight breeze which whispered comforting words to one's lonely soul. His jade white skin was smooth and soft, almost like a true jade itself. His long black hair flowed down his body to his waist almost like a river flowing down. His deep, meaningful black eyes were calm and soothing, making one feel closer to him. He turned to look around, and when he saw Zixin, he bowed lightly; his smile widened slightly as he sat back down once Zixin kindly returned his simple greeting.
Zixin politely smiled back at his greeting. The man sat down as he also waited for the next few people.
A man with slightly dark skin entered the quiet room. His short and rough short brown hair seemed as hardened as a rock yet soft and gentle at the same time. His golden eyes were wise, and battle-hardened, yet one could clearly see a man who loved like no other. He wore a simple and stern expression which made him seem strict and protective. He appeared friendly though it may just be Zixin misinterpreting the man who stood at the other end of the table. He wore a black robe that covered his body and only showed his hands and face. He looked around and sat down, he didn't even bother to greet Zixin first.
Last and finally, a young girl entered the room. This for some odd reasons, caught Zixin's attention far more than anything else. The young girl wore a cheerful smile on her face; she also appeared friendly, just like a child. She wore a simple pink robe that fluttered with her every move. Her soft snow-white skin is as pure as a child's innocence. Her long white hair flowed and reached her slender young waist like river water. Her bright golden eyes shone with unfathomable excitement. Her single furry-filled tail behind her moved with her every step. She also had two white fox-like ears connected to her head that pointed straight up in pure excitement. Her tail had small golden lights flowing around it in unison. Though this looked magical, this wasn't the one thing that caught Zixin's attention. It was her eyes. Her bright golden eyes were beautiful like a child's, but her eyes were filled with an unfathomable amount of wisdom that even Zixin himself couldn't comprehend. She looked around before sitting down.
After she sat down, the center of the table opened and a small hourglass entered their field of vision.
Zixin understood what this meant. This meeting only has an hour before it ends. Whatever agreement is made by then, will be the agreement that all parties will follow through.
Zixin sighed in his heart; he knew one thing was clear as he thought about it: My dear sister had really set me up, huh? What can I do? What should I do? Sigh. Let me see what they want first before anything else huh? Oh right, introduction… I really dislike introducing myself but… it's fine.
Zixin took the initiative and stood up on his own. He slightly bowed at them and spoke. He appeared gentle and wise, almost as though he was a saint incarnate, “It is my pleasure to meet everyone. I shall first introduce myself, I also believe that everyone here will also do the same. Setting this matter aside. My name is Zixin, Zixin of Longevity. One of the twins of Longevity. My sister, Xiu Ying, Xiu Ying of Longevity is the owner and the head of our bloodline. She has control over the Heavenly Palace which was the one found by the adventurers and nobles. As for why she is unable to go…”
Zixin's expression and attitude changed; he seemed to be in great sadness and pain, “She has used our connected ability and has found herself at death’s door. Only able to stay at the Palace until death finally reaches her neck. We have yet to find a way to save her and that is why I wished to use this god sent opportunity to save her life. She is currently always using our Palace’s medicine supply to support her fragile life. I, as her brother, have taken this as our chance. As for why we haven't even tried making our way out of our Land. It is quite simple. We need a person to allow us to leave. I was able to leave due to the help of Flare, Andrew, and Arsher. If for example, I tried to leave on my own without another person's help, I would be unable to. I was severely injured due to it and now have also caught the same illness that my dear sister has. Another thing to remember is that I am unable to send messages outside unless I am sending a message to a person I know who lives outside the Land. But this can only be confirmed to be real by our historical records. I wish to create an Alliance between us all. I want this, and I hope everyone does.”
Zixin bowed down as he sat down, his saddened expression easing slightly.
The jade beauty stood up next. She spoke, appeared calm, and got to the point quite quickly, “My name is Jade. Everyone here already knows that is why I hope that everyone will follow me after my quick and simple introduction. I am the Queen of the Ice Elves. I use a gigantic sword as my weapon but fear not; it is kept in a safe place. I am the user of the ability called Weight of the Worlds.”
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Jade then slowly sat back down as the friendly-looking man stood up.
He spoke, appeared friendly, and followed Jade’s idea, “My name is Zheng Wang. It is my pleasure to meet you, Zixin; I hope we become good friends. I am the King of the Human Race. I am the ability user of the ability called Midnight Wind.”
Zheng Wang smiled at Zixin while he spoke and, when he finished, sat back down.
The dark-skinned man stood up next, he appeared stern as he spoke, “My name is Mason Eisen. I am the Dwarf King and the user of the ability called Metallic Lust.”
He sat back down and glanced at Zixin for a moment before withdrawing it away.
Last and finally, the young girl stood up, she appeared excited as she spoke with a wide smile, “My name is Takechi Aiko. I am only a few hundred years old, only slightly younger than Miss Jade. I am the Moonlit Fox Spirit Queen. I am also the user of the ability called Phantom Love. I hope we get along well, Zixin.”
After she sat back down, Zixin took the initiative and spoke. He appeared to be filled with resolution, “Everyone. I have already stated my objective. I now wish to hear what everyone here wishes. What objective does each of you have? If I could fulfill your objectives, I wish for you to join me in creating the Five Lands Alliance.”
“You already have a name in mind? Not bad. Then, I’ll start first.” Mason spoke as he stared at Zixin with full concentration.
“What I wish for is ores. Yes, even though we Dwarves are born in the Cursed Land of Heat, and we live in mountainous regions where we mine to obtain our materials, we still need more variety. Some places, like the Cursed Land of Frost, would have different ores, and we Dwarves would use said ores to forge weapons or anything we wish for.” Mason explained in a simple yet easy-to-understand manner. He clearly wanted this or he is trying to probe Zixin. Either way, Zixin has no reason to not agree.
“That will be fine by me. As for trading, I wish for something rather simple. Forging techniques. It may be a highly valued secret of the Dwarves, but it is simply a tool to be used. Anything could be traded as long as the benefits are high enough, wouldn't you agree?” Zixin appeared calm at this moment, but one could see that his already deeply dark eyes seemed to grow even darker, as though the abyss had manifested itself in human form.
Mason smiled, he didn't bother to continue this discussion further as he waited to see who would act next.
Unsurprisingly, Jade spoke, she appeared cold as though her demeanor couldn't change, “Then, I wish to trade for rare goods of all kinds, ores included. Though, I wish to confirm one thing. There will be a suitable trade route created right? How long would the estimated time take for it?”
Zixin was unbothered by her constant questions as he spoke, “I doubt there won't be one built after a day. And yes, this will be the trade we all will follow as a basis. The economy will move to follow this."
Jade didn't bother to argue as she had already gotten her objective accomplished.
Zheng Wang spoke up next, his friendly demeanor helping him convey his words, “I really don't have anything I want to trade for. Peace, how about it? I want to keep the peace. I shall give you the information that you need. How about it? Do you want to hear it now?”
Assertive huh? He is trying to take control of the situation… I don't really have a problem with that. Zixin pondered over the situation for a moment before replying.
“That will be good. But I don't wish to hear about it now. We only have so much time, to waste it on such matters which can be told later is a bad decision.”
Zheng Wang smiled and nodded his head in agreement. He seemed happy with this, knowing full well that the Five Lands Alliance was almost certain. He then cast his full focus on someone who would truly decide the outcome. Zixin did so as well. He smiled lightly, though he was struggling as he thought, My facial muscles are already having problems. This is the problem with always being expressionless at all times… I should try to change that. I would need to be able to convince people with my smile and facial expressions. It's a good thing I have a natural talent for lying and acting. Sigh, if only that talent also existed for abilities…
Aiko, who was smiling widely, finally spoke up; her words were shocking, to say the least, “Oh? Is it my turn now? What do I want then? Hmm… Oh, I know! Let's be friends. So, nothing I guess.”
Zixin was internally shocked; this is simply unheard of; at least Zheng Wang wanted peace, but this? Ridiculous. Is she a child? This thought didn't even cross Zixin’s mind. Why? Because he has obtained an instinct for scheming women. Why did he get this? Because of Xiu Ying.
Zixin suppressed the shock as he spoke, appearing friendly, “Nothing? Not even anything? So it's all for friendship? I don't mind this, but aren't you losing too much?”
He tried to probe her and also see her intentions.
“Friendship is a thing, but if we look at everything said so far, mine wouldn't be so outrageous. Who trades for peace?” She was acting like a true child. But even so, Zixin was truly suspicious.
Zheng Wang was the one she was aiming her words at, but he didn't speak. Why should he? She was trying to get information from his reactions. Seeing that Zheng Wang has grown from the last time they met, Aiko stopped playing around so much.
She appeared like a well-defined lady, her eyes seemingly dimming as she stared at Zixin. She spoke, her words filled with intent, “Knowledge, I shall tell you what Zheng Wang can't tell you. That is what you want correct? I seek friendship for a rather selfish reason. I know that everyone in this room is filled with selfishness. My selfish desires tell me to always seek companions who would care for me. That may not be you but I can see a future made through hard work. So, would you kindly agree to my selfish request?”
Zixin was truly shocked, his eyes dimming as he thought, This… Women… What is it with me and finding incredibly hard to read women? I lack luck. Eule, you goddamn liar… sigh, matters aside, she could be lying. But even then, what can I do? This is what I want. Take responsibility huh? That goes against my selfish nature, but I have to…
Zixin smiled; he seemed rather genuine this time, though that could just be him misinterpreting himself.
“Yes, why not? This is a good deal. But, may I ask? What will your Land get out of this? You're the only one who seems to get any benefits from this deal.” Zixin himself was rather curious about her thought process, which is why he asked.
“It is quite simple. With this, I can say that I made friends with the twin of the Queen of the Blessed Land of Isolation. With that, I can also say that I am the main reason and core factor for starting the Alliance and building it immediately from the moment we met. With that, our fame would rise once more. This is also keeping with the historical records of us Moonlit Fox Spirits wanting a peaceful Alliance for all Lands.” She kindly explained and gave out important details which supported her explanation.
“But would everyone here agree with that? Would Miss Jade, Sir Zheng Wang, and Sir Mason Eisen allow it?” Zixin asked, but his intentions were truly just to probe her.
“They won't. Keeping up with the historical records has always been an act we all follow. Ice Elves are cold, Humans are filled with emotions, Dwarves are energetic, and Moonlit Fox Spirits are kind. This is a simple fact we all take for granted. But not you, you were born in the Blessed Land of Isolation. You might know a few things about the different races, but you cannot truly prove those records. Matters aside, history will always repeat itself. So, why not simply follow it and recreate the past as the present?” Her words were wise and contained deep meaning. Zixin couldn't fully comprehend it all in such a short time.
“I suppose. Then, what happens now? Is the Five Lands Alliance formed?”
“No. Publicity must be made. An official Alliance needs publicity. People need to know of our new alliance. That will allow for merchants who wish to sell their goods to the Blessed Land of Isolation, and this will let the economy move on its own. We, of course, would send some people to make sure that the economy would smooth itself out without it needing much help to do so.” Zheng Wang, with his friendly demeanor and calm voice, made it simple to understand.
“Announcement? When would it be held? Shall we plan it now?”
The four nodded in unison.
The time quickly passed by as they continued to plan and converse with each other. Each learns a bit more about each other simply by speech patterns and hand movements.
After the meeting, the four were all mentally exhausted; this also included Zixin.
They all went to their quarters and rested for the night. Zixin also slept like a fallen log.