The Rise of the Black Plain

Chapter 2799  The Results of Almost 5 Decades (3)

"No, I can manage these issues, given sufficient time," Tiolos responded after careful consideration.

The challenges weren't so insurmountable that he'd need to invoke Minos' intervention. While he might not match Minos' efficiency in handling such matters, Tiolos was confident in his own methods. He believed he could potentially achieve even better results than his white-haired, seraph-winged colleague.

'Minos' involvement would likely spark conflict,' Tiolos mused. 'I, however, can leverage the influence generated by his display of power to navigate the political landscape. I can certainly reach accords with our rivals by demonstrating our current strength.'

He noted Minos' approving gaze with satisfaction.

Minos discerned the confidence in Tiolos' eyes, recognizing his reluctance to resort to the guild's ultimate weapon. In a way, Minos' notorious reputation had prompted this reaction, but he felt no shame. His methods, while aggressive, were undeniably effective.

However, Minos was eager to witness results beyond his own handiwork. He didn't press the issue, instead steering the conversation towards the guild's progress. "Take the time you need to address these issues in Hilltop City. We'll leave these six individuals to assist you. Just exercise prudence in their deployment.

Now then, you mentioned the guild's growth. I'm keen to hear more about our expansion."

Tiolos glanced at the six level 124 Supremes, surprised by Minos' willingness to leave such formidable cultivators behind. Typically, powerhouses of this caliber were stationed at headquarters to safeguard against the myriad enemy forces that proliferated in Uzira.

'Minos always has an ace up his sleeve,' Tiolos reflected, a mixture of excitement and anxiety quickening his pulse. 'These six are likely just the tip of the iceberg in terms of his current resources.' He found himself both curious and apprehensive about the future implications of this group's return.

"Well, the sect has flourished as well as circumstances allow," Tiolos began. "We've adhered to our recruitment strategies, bringing our current membership to 2,000. Of those, 1,500 are outer members. We've already seen our first local recruits advance to become Junior Officers among the outer ranks, with the more seasoned members now holding Intermediate Officer positions.

"In terms of power distribution, over 90% of our current roster comprises Sovereigns. However, we've attracted a handful of low-level Supremes to our ranks. They're all currently stationed at our hidden outpost."

Tiolos paused, allowing Minos to absorb this information. The guild's growth was impressive, but he knew that in the grand scheme of Uzira's power dynamics, they were still a relatively minor player. The addition of Minos and his group, however, could shift that balance.

"Regarding our veteran members," Tiolos continued, "I'm pleased to report that we haven't lost anyone, if that's a concern. While none have made significant advancements over the years, they're all diligently honing their skills. Despite the opportunities this continent offers, our limitations have made substantial improvements within mere decades challenging."

Abby, her interest piqued, asked, "What about the broader situation in Hilltop City? You mentioned some friction with local forces. Is there more to the story?"

Tiolos nodded, his expression brightening. "Indeed, we've made considerable strides locally, as evidenced by our expanded outpost. We've invested in advanced space formations, bolstered our local influence, and begun exercising some of our previously dormant rights."

He paused, allowing a hint of pride to color his voice. "In essence, the guild is experiencing growth across all fronts locally—size, influence, and power. I project that within a few more decades, possibly sooner than anticipated, we'll possess bargaining power comparable to that of Hilltop City's leading factions."

Tiolos' eyes gleamed with satisfaction. His cultivation journey in Oqia had largely been a solitary endeavor. The opportunity to collaborate with Minos' group and build something of significance held immense value for him.

"That's encouraging news," Minos remarked, his tone reflecting genuine pleasure at the group's development.

It had been his mission to develop the Armhands outpost in Uzira. Now, all indicators suggested that even without his direct intervention, the guild was on track to establish itself as one of Hilltop City's formidable powers. He recognized that his most significant contributions to the guild's future lay in resurrecting the old First Elder and aiding Mylecent on her journey.

Ruth inquired, "Have we received any news from Oqia?"

Tiolos shook his head. "Not yet. However, we've laid the groundwork for future communication. Soon, we'll be able to transmit message fragments to the continent.

Given the complexities involved, it may take five to ten years for a complete message cycle—sending and receiving a reply. Nevertheless, this is the best we can achieve under current circumstances."

The ability to exchange information without dispatching personnel back and forth between continents represented a significant advancement, one that justified the investment in this communication model.

Minos nodded approvingly. "That's promising. However, the time is approaching for one of our groups to return to Oqia to proceed with our plans."

Tiolos' eyes narrowed, surprise evident in his expression. "I thought we'd only initiate that phase once the black liquid had facilitated the development of a Celestial."

"That was the original plan," Minos conceded, his tone grave. "But circumstances cause a change.

There are complications related to our augmented strength that you may not fully comprehend, but their repercussions demand immediate attention.

We must speed up our plans and set aside that requirement. Transforming an undead into a Celestial is a formidable challenge, even given our current capabilities. We face the risk that the worst consequences of what I've alluded to may manifest before we achieve such a feat."

Abby could easily master Celestial-level corpses in Hell, especially with Minos' assistance. However, Uzira's environment had weakened her, limiting her to the 12th stage in her current condition.

Tiolos exhaled deeply, resignation evident in his voice. "Sigh! If you're prepared to take this risk, then I'm on board." His agreement came reluctantly.

Minos rose from his seat, his wives following suit. "That concludes our discussion for now. We'll remain in the city for a couple of days to gather more intelligence about Mylecent's situation and continental developments. Afterwards, we'll proceed to the guild's hidden outpost."

His gaze fixed on Tiolos, emphasizing his next words. "Prepare for the plans I've outlined. They'll begin unfolding within months at the latest."

"Understood," Tiolos nodded. "I'll do my utmost from here in Hilltop City."

Minos and his women departed from the guild's local post, leaving behind their six level 124 Supremes to acclimate to their temporary post.

These Hell Lifelings possessed longevity comparable to ordinary living beings of their level, negating the need for specialized preservation methods like black coffins. They could seamlessly integrate as ordinary cultivators.

Before leaving, Minos issued a clear directive to the Supremes: obey Tiolos in his absence. With that, he set off to find a place to rest for the day.

The group's recent journey had been arduous, and they now required time to process the information that would naturally come to them over the next few days. They retired to rest in each other's company, knowing that soon they would need to resume their complex machinations.Nôv(el)B\\jnn