Chapter 1073: Being Upfront
"We'll gain a better picture of the situation in the Central Region once we establish our foothold in the Divine Tortoise Tribe," Chief Sul-Dahki stated.
Shortly after, Chief Sul-Dahki's statement received multiple nods of agreement from the other leaders.
"Although the Divine Tortoise Tribe deployed a large force to the east, we still can't underestimate the Divine Tortoise Tribe. It is much easier to defend against the Divine Tortoise Tribe's attacks than attack them," Chief Siwu-Tahk stated.
"That's right," Alliance Leader Sur-Khan nodded and said, "The Divine Tortoise Tribe is known for their strong defense. We need to consider our plan carefully before we—"
Alliance Leader Sur-Khan was suddenly interrupted by a warrior barging into the tent.
"What are you doing? Can't you see we are in the middle of a meeting? If you don't have anything important to say, be prepared to be punished," Chief Sar-Rakshi scolded.
"Please forgive me for being abrupt, Chief Sar-Rakshi," the warrior quickly apologized before saying, "However, there's something Alliance Leader and everyone should see outside immediately."
After Alliance Leader Sur-Khan and the other tribe leaders listened to the warrior, they furrowed their brows.
Considering what the warrior had said, the warrior was clearly not the messenger that they were waiting to receive news on the Central Region's situation.
In that case, what could have happened in the Golden Suanni Tribe that it was important enough for the warrior to interrupt their high-level meeting?
"Let us head out and see the situation," Alliance Leader Sur-Khan calmly stated before turning to the warrior. "Han-Guhri was your name, wasn't it? I remember you. You were more sensible than this. Why don't you tell me what is going on along the way?"
"Please forgive me, Alliance Leader," Warrior Han-Guhri apologized again before saying, "Lord Tailchaser instructed me to call Alliance Leader and the other chiefs over quickly."
"Lord Tailchaser did?" Alliance Leader Sur-Khan uttered with surprise.
At the same time, Chief Siwu-Tahk and the other chiefs in the alliance also expressed their surprise upon hearing it was under Lord Tailchaser's instruction.
Lord Tailchaser was the only Paragon-level Golden Suanni in the Golden Suanni Tribe, but he was also the strongest being in the entire western alliance.
Lord Tailchaser was not far from becoming a Mid Paragon, and his strength was already comparable to a Low-rank Battle God.
After Alliance Leader Sur-Khan and the other chiefs left the tent and followed Warrior Han-Guhri, they gradually picked up the commotion ahead in the direction of the western jungle.
Before long, they spotted Lord Tailchaser's huge figure towering over the crowd of warriors and tribesmen gathered near the western edge of the tribe.
"Lord Tailchaser, you called for us? What is the matter?" Alliance Leader Sur-Khan politely inquired, appearing subservient to the Early Paragon-level Golden Suanni.
Without Lord Tailchaser's backing, the Golden Suanni Tribe wouldn't have been able to stand tall and unite the western tribes.
"See for yourself, and tell me what we should do about them."
Lord Tailchaser casually directed Alliance Leader Sur-Khan and the others' attention ahead to the barren plain between the Golden Suanni Tribe and the outskirts of the western jungle.
"This…"
…
Meanwhile, Leon patiently stood on the barren plain before the Golden Suanni Tribe with Rainshine, Nightingale, Cindertail, and Goldenstride.
"Why do we need to wait here for them, my Lord? If you give the word, I will subjugate the entire tribe immediately!" Goldenstride declared.
"No need," Leon waved his hand dismissively.
"It's only proper etiquette to wait for the owners to welcome us in when we visit their homes. Besides, we are not here to promote violence. If everything proceeds peacefully and according to plan, they will be on our side."
"What if it doesn't, and they choose to be hostile against us, my Lord?" Goldenstride inquired.
Leon paused for a moment before he nonchalantly replied, "Then you can proceed to subjugate with force."
"Until then, rein in your aura. We don't want to intimidate them. We still need to see whether the western tribes have reasonable leaders."
"Understood, my Lord," Goldenstride complied.
A short while later, Leon noticed the Paragon-level Golden Suanni in the Golden Suanni Tribe started to approach his group with several Battle Kings. Of course, they were also armed and wary.
"Good day, men," Leon casually greeted before asking, "I wonder to whom I am speaking? Which one of you is the Golden Suanni Tribe's chief?"
"It is I, Sur-Khan," Alliance Leader Sur-Khan stepped forward before adding, "I am also the leader of the western alliance. Now, may I ask who you are and why have you come to our tribe, sir?"
Towards the end of Alliance Leader Sur-Khan's question, he showed clear humbleness in learning Leon's identity. He didn't dare jump to conclusions.
After all, Leon had two Golden Suannis on his side that was of similar size to Lord Tailchaser.
Alliance Leader Sur-Khan and the others weren't sure if Leon was related to the Golden Suanni Clan. Even Lord Tailshaser stayed silent and allowed Alliance Leader Sur-Khan to do all the talking.
"I am the alliance leader of the southern tribes, Leonhardt. And I have come seeking to unite the western tribes under my banner, peacefully, of course," Leon stated straightforwardly with a friendly smile.
"What?" Alliance Leader Sur-Khan was immediately taken aback. Astonishment was written all over his face.
The other chiefs were also surprised by Leon's claim. But after they recovered, they quickly spread out and surrounded Leon's group with their weapons pointed.
Shortly after, the chiefs signaled the warriors in the Golden Suanni Tribe over for reinforcements and strengthened their security.
Leon's companions all snorted at the unwelcoming attitudes they received.
"Can we use force now, my Lord?" Goldenstride asked.
"Not yet," Leon calmly raised a hand to halt his own people from making a move. Each of them could easily lay waste to the Golden Suanni Tribe if they wanted to.
Nevertheless, Alliance Leader Sur-Khan also raised his hand to stop everyone on his side from arbitrarily making decisions on their own.
"You are the alliance leader of the southern tribes?" Alliance Leader Sur-Khan sought Leon's confirmation with a solemn look.