Ye Tian smiled and asked, "You know?"
Hei Long chuckled, "Sir, you employed formidable tactics, first securing the Tang Sect, then making the King of the Southwest submit, and subsequently leading the Ling Gu Sect. Such methods and strength, your reputation has long spread throughout the land; it's difficult for us not to know."
Ye Tian stated, "Then I won't beat around the bush. I can help you resolve the restrictions, but you two must also join the Heavenly Alliance."
Hei Long and Li Qingmei exchanged glances. Compared to the sinister and formidable strategist, Ye Tian was undoubtedly a partner they greatly desired. Even a superior-subordinate relationship was something they would eagerly seek.
"We are willing!" the two said in unison.
Ye Tian nodded, "Ice Phoenix, I heard you control the North American Qi Tian Hui. What is the current situation of the Qi Tian Hui?"
Bing Feng replied, "The Qi Tian Hui is a relatively loose organization, but we have a small internal body called the Tong Xin Alliance. The Qi Tian Hui has hundreds of thousands of members, but the Tong Xin Alliance only has over a hundred. These hundred-plus individuals are spread across various sectors, including some indigenous North Americans. Our combined strength gives us significant influence in North America."
Ye Tian inquired, "What does the Tong Xin Alliance rely on for income?"
Bing Feng explained, "There are two avenues. Firstly, we pool everyone's money, which makes it easier to generate profits. The fund we established yields an average annual profit rate of about seventeen percent. Secondly, everyone utilizes their respective resources and information to conduct business domestically and internationally, which also brings in substantial income. Of course, the most crucial aspect is mutual assistance and support, preventing us from being bullied."
Ye Tian then turned to Hei Long, "And you?"
Hei Long responded, "Leader. I am stationed in the west, managing dozens of companies under my name, controlling over a hundred coal mines, as well as exploration rights. Additionally, I own over a dozen ranches and a large amount of real estate."
Ye Tian remarked, "You all possess considerable strength, which is why the strategist feels threatened. He knows that sooner or later, you will break free from his control."
Li Qingmei added, "Actually, if it weren't for his restrictions, we would have turned against him long ago."
"What about the other Four Dragons and Eight Phoenixes?" he asked.
Li Qingmei replied, "The Five Dragons and Nine Phoenixes all harbor aspirations for independence."
Ye Tian said, "I will resolve your restrictions first. After that, you can try to contact the others. If they are willing to cooperate, they can come to me."
Li Qingmei and Hei Long exchanged a look and nodded vigorously.
With his Earth Immortal abilities, breaking mere restrictions was incredibly easy for Ye Tian. It took less than half an hour for the two to feel completely relieved and refreshed.
With the task accomplished, the two rose and bowed to Ye Tian, "Many thanks, Leader!"
Ye Tian instructed, "You may each return. If the strategist causes you trouble, inform me, and I will confront him."
Li Qingmei cautioned, "Leader, the strategist's strength is rumored to have reached the half-step Earth Immortal realm."
Ye Tian sneered, "There is no such thing as half-step Earth Immortal. An Earth Immortal is an Earth Immortal; if you are not an Earth Immortal, you are not."
Hei Long then said, "Leader, I heard from my third brother that he knows you."
The third brother Hei Long referred to was Long San, known as Master Long, Ye Jinlong. Ye Tian had previously refined a Golden Jade Body Tempering Pill for him, and they had interacted.
He confirmed, "Yes, we know each other."
Hei Long smiled, "Then this matter will be easier to handle. Tonight, I will bring Third Brother and Second Brother to visit you, Leader!"
Second Brother, referring to Chi Long from the south, Ye Tian asked, "Have you contacted Chi Long?"
Hei Long replied, "Second Brother is the wealthiest among us, with immense assets. He actually wishes to leave the Long family the most. Knowing you can resolve the restrictions, he naturally came first."
Li Qingmei added, "Among the Nine Phoenixes, Blue Phoenix, who is responsible for Europe, and Ling Feng, who oversees Japan, are both in the country. I will also bring them to meet you tonight."
Ye Tian mused, "With the Five Dragons and Nine Phoenixes gathering in such numbers, that strategist will likely sense something."
Hei Long declared, "Previously, we were leaderless. Now that we have you, Leader, as our backing, we are no longer afraid of him!"