Godlike: Double Penetration of the Starry Sky! A brutal beating of Ge Xiaolun at the start.

A glint of light flashed in Long Wen's eyes: "Just as I thought! Who exactly is it?"

Ye Lan shook her head: "It's not clear yet, but what's certain is that the other party's methods are sophisticated and well hidden."

727 Longwen gritted his teeth: "No matter who it is, if they dare to ruin my plans, I will never let them get away with it!"

With the help of the intelligence provided by Ye Lan, Long Wen began to follow the clues and finally found the forces that were secretly sabotaging them.

Outside a secluded warehouse, Long Wen, Zhou Li, and Ye Lan lurked in the shadows, observing everything that happened inside. They could see several furtive figures discussing something.

"Hmph, as long as we ruin Longwen's alliance plan, we'll have completed the task our master assigned us," a hoarse voice said.

“That’s right, we’ve really put that kid through the wringer these past few days. Let’s see what other tricks he can pull.” Another person chimed in, letting out a smug laugh.

Long Wen could no longer contain himself and rushed in, shouting, "You despicable scoundrels, today is your death day!"

The people in the warehouse panicked and drew their weapons. Long Wen was fearless. He quickly mobilized the elemental power within his body, swung his longsword, and a sharp sword aura slashed towards the enemy.

Zhou Li followed closely behind, her dagger flashing like a venomous snake, targeting the enemy's vitals. Ye Lan, on the other hand, moved nimbly around, occasionally launching hidden weapons to assist Long Wen and Zhou Li in their battle.

In an instant, shouts of battle erupted within the warehouse, accompanied by the flashing of swords. Long Wen, relying on his superior martial arts and elemental manipulation skills, gradually gained the upper hand. He seized an opening and stabbed an enemy in the chest with his sword; the man screamed in agony and collapsed dead.

"Speak! Who ordered you to do this?" Long Wen glared angrily, pointing his sword at the remaining enemies.

The enemy trembled with fear, stammering out the name of the mastermind behind it all. Long Wen was shocked; he hadn't expected it to be him...

After dealing with these sabotaging forces, the situation in Liyue Harbor eased somewhat. Some forces that had previously rejected Longwen began to reconsider his plans, but remained hesitant and apprehensive.

Longwen knew that force alone was not enough; he had to demonstrate his sincerity and capabilities. Therefore, he hosted a banquet at the largest restaurant in Liyue Harbor, inviting representatives from various factions.

At the banquet, Long Wen stood up, bowed to everyone, and then unfolded a huge map, which detailed the alliance's plans, resource allocation, and defense layout.

"Distinguished seniors and colleagues, I have invited you all here today to help you better understand the alliance I have proposed. Currently, we are facing numerous crises, and only through cooperation can we overcome these difficulties. This alliance is not for my personal gain, but for everyone's common benefit. I, Long Wen, hereby swear that I will do everything in my power to ensure everyone's safety and interests." Long Wen's words were earnest, his eyes resolute, and his tone firm.

As the crowd looked at the map and listened to Long Wen's explanation, a hint of wavering gradually appeared in their eyes. Although they weren't completely convinced, their attitudes had at least changed somewhat.

Chapter 210 Taking Strong Measures

Long Wen was secretly delighted, knowing he was one step closer to forming an alliance. However, before he could even catch his breath, a messenger rushed in with shocking news: Inazuma City strongly opposed his alliance plan, even threatening to take strong measures if he continued.

The blazing sun beat down on the earth, yet Inazuma Castle still exuded a cold and imposing aura under its intense heat. The castle tower soared into the clouds, its majestic structure resembling a giant overlooking all living beings, radiating an oppressive aura that dared not be met with direct gaze.

Long Wen and Zhou Li walked side by side, stepping through the gates of the Sky Keep. Their figures appeared somewhat small within the magnificent building, yet their resolute bearing made them exceptionally striking. Long Wen, clad in a black robe that fluttered slightly, stood tall and straight, his eyes filled with unwavering determination as he strode into the hall. Zhou Li followed closely behind, her red dress exuding a cold and captivating beauty. The sword in her hand jingled softly, producing a subtle sound, like the prelude to an impending challenge.

Inside the hall, the light was dim, and the atmosphere was so heavy it felt like a tangible fog, making it difficult to breathe. General Raiden sat on the highest throne, clad in magnificent robes whose patterns resembled flowing lightning, signifying her supreme status. Her face was cold and stern, her eyes like icy stars; a mere glance was enough to inspire awe. The Eighth Divine Child stood to one side, dressed in a priestess's robes, her figure graceful, her eyes cunning and intelligent, a faint smile playing on her lips, making her thoughts unfathomable.

Long Wen and Zhou Li stepped forward and bowed respectfully. Before they could speak, General Lei Dian spoke first, her voice resounding like a great bell throughout the hall: "Outsiders, what brings you here today? Daozhi City never participates in external conflicts, nor does it have any intention of forming alliances with others." Her tone left no room for argument, like an insurmountable wall standing before Long Wen.

Long Wen raised his head slightly, his gaze fixed firmly on General Lei Dian, and said sincerely, "General, the continent of Teyvat is facing an unprecedented crisis. The Abyss Order is stirring, wreaking havoc everywhere and devouring peace in every corner. If we act independently, we will be defeated one by one sooner or later. Only by forming an alliance and integrating the strength of all parties can we resist them and protect our common home." His voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the hall, every word filled with sincerity and urgency.

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Yae no Miko listened with great interest, gently playing with the crimson hydrangea in her hand, but did not express her opinion. However, her eyes grew deeper, as if she was considering the truth or falsehood of Long Wen's words.

.... .. .... .

Long Wen felt immense pressure. He knew that if he couldn't persuade Inazuma City, the alliance plan would fail. His palms were slightly sweaty, and he unconsciously clenched his fists. The surrounding air seemed to thicken with tension, and each breath felt heavy.

Just then, some conservative forces in Inazuma City could no longer contain themselves. An elderly man dressed in traditional clothing stepped forward, his eyes wide with anger, and pointed at Long Wen, shouting, "You outsider, don't spread rumors here! Inazuma City has its own rules and traditions, how can they be changed because of your words? You are clearly trying to disrupt our order, your intentions are sinister!"

Chapter 211 Everyone echoed

The atmosphere in the hall became tense, and other conservative forces echoed their sentiments, glaring angrily at Long Wen, as if they were about to fight at the slightest provocation.

Long Wen was in a predicament. He had to deal with the sudden attack while also trying to persuade General Lei Dian and the Eightfold Divine Child. Seeing this, Zhou Li stood beside Long Wen without hesitation. She slightly turned to the side, holding her sword horizontally in front of her chest, her eyes sweeping firmly over the crowd. The meaning of "727" was clear: If you want to touch Long Wen, you'll have to get past me first. Her presence was like a solid support, giving Long Wen strength and filling him with warmth.

Long Wen took a deep breath, calmed himself, and looked intently at the old man, saying, "Senior, I certainly respect the traditions and order you speak of. But do you still remember the origins of Inazuma City? In ancient times, the ancestors of Inazuma expanded this land, didn't they also rely on unity and cooperation, and struggle against all kinds of hardships and dangers, to build the prosperity we enjoy today? How is today's crisis any different from the past? If we remain stagnant, we will only repeat the same mistakes." His words were clear and logical, like a sharp blade, directly piercing the old man's argument.

Upon hearing this, the old man paused slightly, his face flushing and paling in turns, momentarily speechless. The other conservative figures exchanged bewildered glances, unsure how to respond. The atmosphere became extremely tense, as if a single spark could ignite the oppressive tension.

Seeing this, Yae no Miko's eyes flashed with admiration. She smiled gently, breaking the awkward silence: "Oh, little fellow, quite interesting. Your words have certainly impressed me." With that, she walked gracefully towards Long Wen, her gaze sweeping over him before turning to General Lei Dian. "General," she said, "I think what Long Wen said isn't entirely without merit. If we don't make changes to the current situation, it might truly be dangerous."

General Thunder frowned slightly. She pondered for a moment, then her gaze fell on Long Wen again, as if trying to see through him: "Even so, how can you guarantee that this alliance can truly function? The various forces are intertwined, and if we are not careful, it will fall into internal strife."

Long Wen was overjoyed, knowing that things had taken a turn for the better. He quickly said, "General, I have had in-depth exchanges with forces in Liyue, Mondstadt and other places. Everyone is well aware of the seriousness of this crisis and is willing to put aside their prejudices and work together... As long as Inazuma Castle joins us, we can formulate a detailed strategy, share resources and information, and jointly deal with the Abyss Order."

Yae no Miko chimed in, "General, why not give it a try? This Longwen has the courage to come and the wisdom to deal with it, so his plan must be pretty good too."

General Raiden pondered for a while, then slowly nodded: "Alright, in that case, Inazuma Castle will join the alliance."

These words caused a stir in the hall. Long Wen was filled with excitement; he knew he had finally succeeded in forming an alliance, with at least three major powers involved. Those forces that had previously distrusted him and spoken ill of him now had to look at him with new respect. 3.5.

Standing amidst the glory of victory, before Long Wen could even react, Zhou Li excitedly threw herself into his arms. Tears welled in her eyes, her joy overflowing: "Long Wen, we did it!" Long Wen hugged Zhou Li tightly; he could feel her heartbeat. At that moment, their love, having withstood so many trials, grew even stronger.

Chapter 212 Empty

As dawn broke through the stained-glass windows, bathing the Mondstadt Cathedral in a dreamlike glow, this solemn and majestic place was bathed in light. The cathedral's dome soared high, and the angels and deities on the frescoes seemed to whisper and sing in the interplay of light and shadow, witnessing the historic meeting about to unfold. The benches were neatly arranged, yet empty, except for a long, ancient table in the center of the hall, around which Alliance members had gathered for the first time.

Long Wen, dressed in a sharp, tailored outfit, stood tall and straight, his eyes gleaming. He entered the church full of anticipation, hoping this meeting would help him finalize a perfect plan to deal with potential crises and protect the continent they cherished. Zhou Li followed closely behind, her long, moon-white dress trailing on the ground. Her cold, beautiful face held a hint of seriousness. She gently took Long Wen's arm, seemingly offering silent support.

As soon as everyone was seated, Long Wen cleared his throat, about to speak, but Jean stood up first. As the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Mondstadt, her white cloak billowed in the wind, her golden braids cascading over her shoulders, her face resolute and responsible. "Gentlemen," Jean said, "this crisis is imminent, but the safety of Mondstadt is of paramount importance. We must act cautiously and conservatively, and must not act rashly, lest we endanger the people of the city." Jean's clear and resonant voice echoed in the church, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

Before she could finish speaking, a stern and cold gaze shot over like a piercing glare. Everyone turned to look and saw General Lei Dian sitting upright in her chair, her purple eyes like frozen frost. She spoke slowly, her voice like the clash of ice shards, cold and firm: "Hmph, the army of Inazuma City has its own command structure. How could it easily obey the orders of outsiders? If we are to cooperate, we must first clarify our responsibilities and not lose our composure."

Instantly, the atmosphere became as tense as a taut bowstring. Long Wen frowned, keenly sensing the extremely difficult situation. He glanced around, noticing the varied expressions on everyone's faces—some pensive, others subtly displeased—a tense atmosphere spreading rapidly among them like a dark cloud. Diluc, arms crossed, leaned back in his chair, his black trench coat accentuating his cold and mysterious features. He raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze sweeping over the Eightfold Divine Child, his eyes scrutinizing.

"Yae no Miko, I've heard that Narukami Taisha has been making frequent moves lately. What exactly are you planning to do here at the Alliance? Do you perhaps have your own agenda?" Diluc's voice was deep, yet it shattered the brief silence like a heavy hammer. Yae no Miko sat opposite him, her pink hair flowing smoothly down, her eyes curved in a half-smile. She gently toyed with the ema in her hand, responding leisurely, "Oh dear, Uncle Diluc, you're being too suspicious, aren't you? Narukami Taisha is wholeheartedly devoted to Inazuma and this continent; how could we have such thoughts? But you, the owner of Dawn Winery, secretly protecting Mondstadt, are now suspicious of your allies. That's not very honorable." 727's words carried a subtle provocation, like a cunning fox teasing its opponent.

Zhou Li stood to the side, biting her lower lip lightly, her eyes filled with anxiety. She knew that if the argument escalated, the alliance would be in grave danger, and she quickly looked at Long Wen, her eyes pleading for help. At this moment, the air seemed to freeze, and everyone's breathing could be clearly heard. The tense atmosphere permeated every inch of the church.

Long Wen took a deep breath, abruptly stood up, and surveyed the crowd with a resolute gaze. "Everyone, please hear me out!" His voice was steady and powerful, like a resounding bell, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

Chapter 213 An Urgent Matter

“Admittedly, each of our factions has its own interests. Mondstadt seeks stability, while the Inazuma Army values ​​autonomy. But what we are facing now is a potential crisis for the entire Teyvat continent!” He said, pacing back and forth and gesturing forcefully with his hands.

"Commander Jean, Mondstadt's prudence ensures a solid foundation and provides rear support for a protracted war; General Raiden, Inazuma's army is disciplined and highly skilled, a sharp blade in battle; Yae no Kami, Narukami Shrine's intelligence network provides valuable insights for decision-making; Mr. Diluc, your connections and resources can be invaluable in critical moments." Long Wen pointed out the advantages of each party, his words earnest and his gaze sincere, like a ray of light shining into everyone's hearts, slightly easing the tense atmosphere.

Listening to Long Wen's analysis, everyone fell into deep thought. Qin nodded slightly, her determination softening somewhat; General Raiden's purple eyes narrowed slightly, as if weighing the pros and cons; Diluc loosened his arms from his chest, his expression calming down; Yae no Miko also put away his playful laughter and sat up straight.

Seeing an opportunity, Long Wen continued, "Only by joining hands and leveraging our respective strengths can we overcome these difficult times. If we allow suspicion and internal strife to fester, we'll be playing right into the enemy's hands!" His words were firm and resounding. In that instant, everyone re-evaluated their place within the alliance. Those forces that had previously harbored suspicion towards Long Wen now looked at him with a newfound respect. Long Wen stood tall, his confidence seemingly innate. At that moment, he appeared to be in control, the pillar of the alliance.

As the meeting drew to a close, although some reservations remained, a preliminary consensus was generally reached. Just as everyone was preparing to leave, Mona quietly approached Longwen. She wore the mysterious black robes of an astrologer, a pointed hat, and her purple eyes, while arrogant, couldn't hide a hint of embarrassment, as her astrological tools were often slow to be replenished due to financial constraints.

“Longwen,” Mona said in a low voice, her expression grave, “I just consulted the stars and divined the future. There is a huge crisis lurking within the Alliance… This is no ordinary dispute, and the future is likely to be fraught with difficulties.” Upon hearing this, Longwen’s heart tightened, and his gaze towards Mona was filled with doubt and worry. But with so many people around, he could only nod slightly to indicate that he understood.

Outside the church, the sun shone brightly, but Long Wen felt as if a huge stone was pressing down on his heart. He knew that the road ahead for this alliance was destined to be fraught with difficulties, and he had to do everything in his power to protect this hard-won cooperation and the countless lives behind it. Zhou Li seemed to sense his worries, gently took his hand, and said softly, "No matter what, we'll be together." Long Wen glanced at her, returned her grip, drew strength from her warm palm, and stepped into the unknown challenges ahead.

Just as they stepped out of the church, a sudden change occurred. A chilling gust of wind howled past, stirring up sand and gravel, and everyone instinctively raised their hands to shield themselves. In an instant, several dark figures pounced from all directions like ghosts, moving with incredible speed, heading straight for the alliance members.

Long Wen reacted with lightning speed, instantly drawing his sword. The blade gleamed coldly, reflecting his stern face. "Beware of a trap!" he shouted, his figure flashing as he met a dark figure. The dark figure, wielding a sharp blade, aimed a vicious thrust at Long Wen's neck. Long Wen dodged to the side, then retaliated with a backhand strike, imbued with the power of rock element, stabbing fiercely into the opponent's chest. The dark figure let out a scream and vanished in a wisp of black smoke.

Zhou Li swiftly drew her long whip, its tip gleaming with an icy blue light. Her beautiful eyes flashed with murderous intent as she seized the opportunity, whipping the whip sharply. An icy shard shot out like an arrow, striking a dark figure directly in the leg. The figure stumbled, instantly losing his balance.

Chapter 214 The Bloodshed Begins

Jean commanded the Mondstadt Knights to quickly form a sword formation, with shields in front and spears standing tall, to defend against the attack of the shadowy figure.

General Thunder's purple eyes sharpened, and her hands swiftly formed hand seals. In an instant, purple lightning gathered in her palms, forming a dazzling bolt of lightning. With a wave of her hand, the lightning bolt, like an angry dragon emerging from the sea, struck directly at a group of dark figures. The figures vanished under the lightning, crackling and popping. The Eightfold Divine Child, however, remained calm. A talisman flashed in his hand, and a pink light bloomed, confusing the figures and causing them to fight amongst themselves.

Diluc moved with agility, his trench coat fluttering in the wind. He wielded his greatsword, which crackled with intense heat; with each swing, a wave of fire swept out, incinerating any approaching shadows. Night Orchid moved with the lightness of a phantom, darting across the battlefield. Her dagger gleamed coldly, targeting the vital points of the shadows; wherever she passed, a mass of figures fell.

Although Mona wasn't skilled in close combat, she used astrology from the rear to provide early warning for everyone. Her eyes were closed, and she muttered incantations. After a moment, she shouted, "A powerful dark figure is attacking from the three o'clock direction!" Upon hearing this, everyone quickly adjusted their positions and worked together to defend themselves.

After a fierce battle, the shadowy figure gradually dissipated, but everyone looked somewhat disheveled. Long Wen, panting heavily, looked at everyone, his heart filled with mixed emotions. This sudden battle had not only tested the alliance's teamwork but also reignited latent conflicts.

"It seems the enemy has become aware of our alliance. Everyone must be careful in the days to come," Long Wen said solemnly. The group nodded, each with their own thoughts, and began their journey home. They knew that this test for the alliance had only just begun.

Back at their base, Long Wen gathered everyone to review the battle. "Today's attack was clearly well-prepared. The enemy knew our whereabouts and strength. We must guard against internal leaks." Long Wen's gaze swept over everyone, his expression grave.

Jean frowned and said, "I will thoroughly investigate the Mondstadt Knights to ensure no spies have infiltrated." General Thunder nodded slightly, "The Inazuma City army will also conduct its own investigation. If any traitors are found, they will not be tolerated." Everyone expressed their support, but once the seeds of suspicion are sown, how can they be easily eradicated?

Long Wen was filled with worry, but he could only force himself to stay alert: "Everyone, rest first. We'll discuss the next steps later." The others dispersed, and Long Wen sat alone in the room, gazing at the night outside the window, pondering Mona's divination results and the future of the Alliance. Zhou Li gently entered, draped a coat over him, and said softly, "Don't worry too much, there will always be a way." Long Wen grasped her hand and smiled bitterly, "I hope so." Outside the window, the night was deep, as if foreshadowing the darkness and uncertainty of the Alliance's future, with only a few scattered stars offering a glimmer of hope.

The morning sun cast its light into the magnificent council hall of the Alliance headquarters, the interplay of light and shadow unable to dispel the heavy gloom that hung in the air. Long Wen strode into the hall with agile movements and steady steps, his eyes deep and sharp, like a cheetah darting through the night, not missing a single suspicious sign. Just moments before, Mona had solemnly revealed to him the lurking crisis within the Alliance, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that had left Long Wen's heart unsettled for a long time.

The atmosphere in the council chamber was tense. Jean, the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Mondstadt, stood tall and straight, her signature white cloak billowing in the wind, exuding a dashing and heroic air.

Chapter 215 Hidden Edge

She frowned, crossed her arms, and stared intently ahead, arguing with Ye Lan. Ye Lan, a mysterious agent hidden in the shadows of Liyue Harbor, wore a fitted purple cheongsam that accentuated her graceful figure. A faint, enigmatic smile graced her face, but her bright eyes held a sharp edge beneath their glint.

"Commander Jean, this trade agreement concerns the common interests of Mondstadt and Liyue. We must act cautiously and not make hasty decisions based solely on past experience." Jean's voice was clear and powerful, echoing in the empty council hall, each word carrying an undeniable determination.

Yelan slightly raised her chin, her fingers gently twirling a strand of hair by her ear, and softly replied, "Commander Qin, I understand your concerns, but Liyue Harbor also has its own difficulties. Some rules are not easily broken." Her tone seemed gentle, but it carried a hidden strength, making the surrounding air even more tense.

Long Wen quietly approached, listening intently to the two women's argument, secretly thinking: This seemingly ordinary trade dispute is probably not so simple. His gaze shifted back and forth between Qin and Ye Lan, trying to glean more useful information from their subtle expressions and words. Qin's cheeks were slightly flushed, clearly due to emotional agitation; she gestured frequently to emphasize her points. Ye Lan, on the other hand, maintained her elegant demeanor, a mysterious smile playing on her lips, yet her eyes grew increasingly profound, as if concealing endless secrets.

"Please wait a moment, gentlemen," Long Wen finally spoke, breaking the brief silence. He stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and bowed to the two men. "I have heard of this matter and am deeply concerned. This trade conflict has a long history, and if it is not properly resolved, it may affect the foundation of the alliance. May I also inquire about the details?" His voice was calm and sincere, attempting to ease the tense atmosphere.

Upon hearing this, Qin and Yelan simultaneously turned their gazes to Long Wen. Qin nodded slightly, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes: "Brother Long Wen, you've come at the right time. This is a long story..."

While Long Wen was fully engrossed in investigating the trade conflicts within the alliance, Zhou Li found herself in a predicament within her family. Inside the Zhou Li family's council hall, the atmosphere was oppressively suffocating. Elder Yao Guang sat in the main seat, his face cold and his gaze piercing, staring intently at Zhou Li standing below, as if trying to see right through her.

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“Zhou Li, you have become too close to Long Wen and have been involved in many affairs of this alliance, which has violated the family rules. The family is giving you one last chance: leave him and stay away from the alliance. Otherwise, you will be expelled from the family!” Yao Guang’s voice was deep and authoritative, echoing in the hall like a great bell. Every word struck Zhou Li’s heart heavily.