The Southern Plains stretched endlessly beyond the Ice Body Palace's defensive perimeter, their frozen grasslands now occupied by the largest military gathering in Azure Dragon Realm's recent history. Wei Liang observed the combined alliance forces from the palace's highest tower, his enhanced perception analyzing their formation composition and technique signatures.
Impressive organization, he acknowledged, studying the coordinated encampment below. Golden Mountain Sect's earth-based fortifications providing defensive foundation, Celestial Body Sect's enhanced warriors serving as shock troops, while auxiliary sects contribute specialized support capabilities. Approximately three thousand cultivators ranging from Foundation Building to Soul Transformation levels.
Zhang Wuji consulted his tactical analysis notes with obvious nervousness. "Senior Wei, intelligence reports indicate the alliance includes representatives from seven major sects. Their combined techniques create overlapping advantages that neutralize individual weaknesses."
Perfect for mass harvesting, Wei Liang thought with predatory satisfaction. Rather than hunting individual targets across multiple regions, they've gathered themselves for convenient consumption. The alliance's coordination will make systematic absorption more efficient.
Three days of preparation had allowed complete integration of Li Tianlong's Celestial Dragon Constitution, the absorbed bloodline techniques harmonizing beautifully with his existing abilities. Fire-ice balance now carried constitutional rebuilding principles, while his blood-avatar capabilities had gained new dimensions through divine beast inheritance integration.
The Seventy-Fourth Demonic Body grows closer, Wei Liang realized as internal energies shifted toward new stability patterns. Each absorbed bloodline tradition provides exponential advancement rather than simple additive enhancement.
Xue Wuming joined them on the observation tower, his Ancient Ice Dragon aura creating visible frost despite the spiritual formations maintaining atmospheric comfort. "Senior Death, the alliance representatives have requested final negotiation before commencing their assault. They're offering safe passage in exchange for voluntary surrender."
Typical face-saving gesture, Wei Liang observed. They want to appear reasonable while preparing for overwhelming force application. However, their negotiation request provides perfect opportunity for close-range demonstration.
"Excellent," Wei Liang replied with false diplomatic enthusiasm. "Direct discussion often resolves conflicts more efficiently than prolonged military confrontation. When and where do they propose meeting?"
Bai Lianhua approached with communication jade slip containing the alliance's formal terms. "Neutral ground at the plain's center, protected by heavenly oath formations that prevent hostile action during negotiation. Maximum three representatives from each side."
Oath formations that prevent hostile action, Wei Liang thought with amusement. They assume traditional combat restrictions apply to conceptual consumption abilities. Their protective measures will prove delightfully inadequate.
"I'll represent our position personally," Wei Liang announced. "Scholar Zhang can provide technical expertise, while Young Master Xue's diplomatic experience would be valuable for proper protocol."
Xue Wuming nodded seriously, his bloodline inheritance including knowledge about formal cultivation diplomacy. "The Ancient Ice Dragon legacy contains protocols for alliance negotiations. I can ensure appropriate ceremonial observance."
Perfect arrangement, Wei Liang concluded. Xue Wuming's participation puts him within harvesting range during the confrontation, while Zhang Wuji's presence provides scholarly documentation of the proceedings.
Two hours later, they approached the negotiation site where the alliance had established formal diplomatic arrangements. Heavenly oath formations created neutral space where traditional cultivation combat was theoretically impossible, their energy patterns designed to prevent spiritual technique activation within the designated area.
The alliance representatives included Zhao Tianshan, Zhao Tianba's father and a Nascent Soul expert whose Golden Mountain techniques had achieved legendary status. Beside him stood Li Tianming, Li Tianlong's elder brother whose Celestial Body cultivation had progressed beyond his deceased sibling's level. The third representative was an elderly woman whose aura suggested Soul Transformation peak with techniques Wei Liang didn't immediately recognize.
High-value targets, Wei Liang assessed as formal greetings were exchanged. Each representative carries decades of accumulated technique mastery. Their combined absorption should provide significant advancement toward the next demonic body ranking.
"Senior Death," Zhao Tianshan began formally, his diplomatic tone carrying undertones of barely controlled fury. "The alliance acknowledges your formidable abilities while seeking resolution that honors all parties' dignity."
Traditional face-saving language, Wei Liang recognized. He wants revenge for his son's death but maintains diplomatic courtesy to preserve alliance unity.
"The alliance's wisdom in seeking peaceful resolution reflects well on your leadership," Wei Liang replied with perfect scholarly politeness. "What specific terms do you propose?"
Li Tianming leaned forward with obvious intensity, his Celestial Body techniques creating subtle pressure despite the oath formation restrictions. "Compensation for our fallen family members. Public acknowledgment of the alliance's authority. Formal submission to Azure Dragon Realm's established power structure."
Unrealistic demands designed to justify upcoming military action, Wei Liang concluded. They want moral authority for the assault they've already planned.
"Interesting proposals," Wei Liang said thoughtfully. "However, I believe more direct resolution might serve everyone's interests better."
Iron Blood Manual—Conceptual Consumption: Oath Formation Bypass!
Wei Liang's blood-avatar abilities activated with modifications specifically designed to circumvent protective formations through conceptual manipulation rather than direct force. The heavenly oath restrictions were bypassed entirely as his absorption field expanded to encompass all three alliance representatives.
"Impossible!" the elderly woman gasped as she felt her cultivation base being systematically drained. "The oath formations prevent hostile action! How are you—"
"Simple explanation," Wei Liang interrupted conversationally as the Heavenly Demon Blood Spear materialized despite the formation restrictions. "Conceptual consumption doesn't qualify as hostile action—it's natural predation."
*Golden Mountain techniques... Celestial Body constitution