Chapter 1204 Lost Expectations

"Okay, do you have any other suggestions?"

Qing Lietian nodded in agreement and asked again.

"In my opinion, we can also give Daxuantian priority in some future cooperation projects, such as the exploration of newly discovered secret realms or the trading of rare materials."

Another elder added.

"If we can use these projects to bind Daxuantian, at least before these projects are fully developed, no force will dare to touch the bad luck of our Qinjian Villa."

When Qing Lietian heard this, a glint of approval flashed in his eyes. He tapped the table lightly, as if weighing the pros and cons of each proposal.

"These suggestions are all good and can minimize the losses of our Qinjian Villa."

"But before that, we need a detailed plan and someone who can represent the villa in negotiations with Daxuantian."

The elders nodded one after another and began to discuss the specific plans and candidates.

Amidst the discussion, an elder suddenly made a suggestion.

"Everyone, I heard that Junior Brother Zhou Yiqiao had a very pleasant conversation with Xu Hanchang and Luo Chen a few days ago. Perhaps we can let him be the envoy of my Qinjian Villa to communicate with Daxuantian."

As soon as these words were spoken, the meeting room suddenly became quiet, and the elders began to whisper to each other, discussing the feasibility of this proposal.

"Junior Brother Zhou has outstanding talent and has had contact with Xu Hanchang and Luo Chen. He is indeed a good candidate."

An elder nodded in agreement.

"Yes, if he can take on this important task, it will be the best outcome for our villa."

Another elder echoed.

However, Qing Jimeng, who had been silent all this time, snorted coldly at this moment, breaking the harmonious atmosphere in the meeting room.

"How ridiculous! They used Zhou Yiqiao to purge the Great Elder's faction before, and then erased his achievements after they were done with him. Now that they need help, they think of him again?"

There was a hint of sarcasm in Qing Jimeng's tone, and he obviously disagreed with the elders' proposal.

Qing Lietian frowned. As Qing Jimeng's father, he naturally understood his daughter's attitude towards Zhou Yiqiao.

But in such an occasion, Qing Jimeng's words and actions were obviously inappropriate.

"Jimeng, please be aware of your status. These are your elders, so don't be rude."

There was a hint of blame in Qing Lietian's tone and his expression was very ugly.

Qing Jimeng's expression eased a little when she heard this. She also knew that she had been a little too extreme, so she quickly bowed slightly to the elders present to express her apologies.

"My elders, Ji Meng has spoken out of turn."

Although her voice was still cold, it no longer had the sharp edge it had just had.

Then, Qing Jimeng turned to Qing Lietian and continued.

"Father, I just feel that although Zhou Yiqiao has made great contributions to the villa, he is only half a disciple of Qinjian Villa after all. Is it inappropriate to let him negotiate with Daxuantian?"

Qing Lietian nodded, and swept his deep gaze over the elders present, as if he was weighing Qing Jimeng's concerns against the urgency of the current situation.

"What Ji Meng said makes sense. Zhou Yiqiao's identity is indeed somewhat sensitive. We need to consider it further."

The meeting hall fell silent again, and the elders began to reconsider other candidates.

Finally, after some discussion, the elders decided that a senior elder would lead the team, with Zhou Yiqiao as an assistant, to meet with Luo Chen and Xu Hanchang to discuss future cooperation.

And the look that had been asked of Zhou Yiqiao naturally fell on Qing Jimeng's head.

At sunset, Qing Jimeng appeared outside Zhou Yiqiao's residence with her maid Liu Rushui.

The afterglow of the setting sun shone on her, adding a touch of softness to this cold woman.

She raised her hand gently, signaling Liu Rushui to stop, and then she slowly walked into the yard, her steps light, as if she didn't want to disturb anyone.

In the courtyard, Zhou Yiqiao was sitting quietly under an old plum tree, playing with an ancient jade pendant in his hand, with a hint of thought between his brows.

He didn't seem to notice Qing Jimeng's arrival until she coughed lightly, then he looked up leisurely with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"Miss, why are you here?"

Qing Jimeng took a few steps closer and stood in front of Zhou Yiqiao. He looked at him with complicated eyes and spoke after a long while.

"I came here to ask for something."

Zhou Yiqiao smiled slightly, put down the jade pendant in his hand, stood up and said.

"Why should we talk about it between the young lady and me? You can just say it."

When Qing Jimeng heard this, she felt a surge of guilt in her heart, but she immediately suppressed it.

"Zhou Yiqiao, the villa wants to deepen cooperation with Daxuantian. After discussion, the elders decided that a senior elder will lead the team, and you will serve as an assistant to discuss this matter with Senior Brother Xu and Crown Prince Luochen."

Although Qing Jimeng's voice was soft, every word was clear.

She paused, as if observing Zhou Yiqiao's reaction, and continued.

"I know you have a grudge against the villa, so I won't let you make this trip in vain."

"If the cooperation between Qinjian Villa and Daxuantian is successful, there must be a team of cultivators from Qinjian Villa going to Daxuantian to serve, so as to announce to the world our intention of forming an alliance with Daxuantian."

"And I am willing to petition my father and the Council of Elders in my personal capacity to obtain an important position for you in the Great Xuantian as recognition and compensation for your past contributions."

"By then, you will not only be able to leave Qinjian Villa and get rid of your identity as a proton, but you will also be able to go to the Great Xuantian that the Tianchen Realm cultivators dream of, and obtain better cultivation resources."

There was a rare excitement in Qing Jimeng's words. After she finished speaking, her beautiful eyes stared at Zhou Yiqiao, as if she wanted to see a hint of heartbeat on Zhou Yiqiao's face.

When Zhou Yiqiao heard this, his expression did not show much emotion immediately. Instead, he stared at Qing Jimeng quietly. His deep eyes seemed to be able to see into the deepest secrets of people's hearts.

After a moment, he smiled gently, and there was relief and a subtle warmth in that smile.

"I appreciate the young lady's kindness."

"Regarding the cooperation with Daxuantian, I am naturally willing to do my part. After all, this is not only related to Qinjian Villa, but also to Zhou's personal destiny."

"As for the position, I will not force you. If Miss can give Qinjian Villa a corresponding reward to me, that would naturally be the best reward."

"If not, then just consider it as Zhou repaying Qinjian Villa for its cultivation over the years."

Zhou Yiqiao's words were clear and logical, but they sounded very unpleasant to Qing Jimeng's ears.

She knew that the reason why Zhou Yiqiao was so calm was that he was obviously extremely disappointed with Qinjian Villa, and might even have stopped having any expectations.

But she had no other choice.

Helpless, she could only force a smile and assume that Zhou Yiqiao had agreed to her request.

"Tomorrow is the day to form an alliance with Senior Brother Xu and the others. Please prepare yourself. The elders will come to see you tomorrow."

After saying this, she asked Liu Rushui to put down the spiritual object in her hand and turned to leave Zhou Yiqiao's residence.