# Chapter 2610: A Blade Gripped Firmly in Hand
A hint of a smile curled at the corner of Jiangnan's lips:
(≖⥎≖๑) "There is a method, though it might require a small favor from everyone. Not a big favor, and nothing needs to be sacrificed!"
"A small price for great returns—gaining the power to contend with the Bose Clan, or even the Silicon-based beings!"
"I wonder if everyone is interested?"
Benneymay scratched his head anxiously:
୧(˵¯͒益¯͒) "Stop being so cryptic and just say it already!"
Chong Qianjin's eyes were also filled with anticipation.
The Bose-Silicon war had made them feel a tremendous threat. It was precisely because they lacked a sense of security and sought a way to counter it that they placed their hopes here.
This was also why they had risked their lives to come to this meeting today.
Jiangnan narrowed his eyes: "The key lies with the Netherworld Clan. To be honest, I've already made a trip to the Netherworld Star Domain and persuaded the Netherworld."
"I've also already got the Netherworld Clan to join the Carbon Alliance. As long as—"
Before Jiangnan could finish his words, Noah's expression shifted instantly, and he spoke up:
(ꐦ°᷄益°᷅) "No! Absolutely not! I know what you're about to say, and there's no need to continue."
"We absolutely cannot allow the Netherworld Clan to step out of the Styx Star Domain. This is not the way to deal with the problem; it's the beginning of self-destruction, adding an unnecessary threat to ourselves."
Manti also frowned deeply: "Release the Netherworld Clan? Are you insane? Their abilities are naturally suppressive to all races—Star Devourers are no exception!"
"Under their Styx Force Field, all the races of the Starry Sky are nothing but defenseless lambs waiting to be slaughtered!"
"Keeping them confined to the Styx Star Domain right now is already the most perfect measure. If the cost of devouring the Netherworld Clan weren't so great, I would have preferred they no longer exist in the Starry Sky!"
Even Benneymay spoke in opposition: "The threat of the Netherworld Clan is more direct, and even more helpless to deal with than the Bose or the Silicon-based!"
"A fierce tiger only brings peace of mind when locked in a cage!"
Chong Qianjin fell silent as well. She shared the same view.
Chong Feiyu had been imprisoned in the Styx Prison for over five thousand years without being able to escape. Even if it were her, the result would have been the same.
How could they release another fierce tiger just to counter one form of oppression?
In the end, it would only be themselves who suffered.
Every Star Devourer from the various clans was a shrewd individual, naturally possessing their own judgment.
Yang Jian frowned deeply. The resistance from the various clans toward the Netherworld Clan was no small matter.
But Jiangnan laughed instead: "Everyone, don't rush to refuse. Let me finish speaking, how about it?"
Noah narrowed his eyes: "I don't think there's any need to listen. If this is the bargaining chip you're offering, then this Carbon Alliance is not worth joining."
"Clans like ours cannot gamble the fate of our race on tomorrow. And we won't gamble—we've long passed the stage where we needed to take such risks."
The other Star Devourers also remained firm in their stance.
But Lord Black laughed:
(●¯ิ↼¯ิ) "No... you need to listen. What I say, goes~"
The faces of the Star Devourers darkened, and they immediately felt uneasy. Not listening would mean turning into hand puppets?
Jiangnan grinned: "Indeed! The Netherworld Clan is a threat to all races of the Starry Sky. I understand your concerns."
"But that's from the perspective of an enemy. What about as allies joining hands to move forward together? Think about the benefits of having the Netherworld Clan as allies!"
"Their abilities are extremely suppressive to the Bose Clan. Under the Styx Force Field, even if the Bose Clan has heaven-defying skills, they're nothing but a lump of jelly!"
"The Silicon-based aren't part of the cultivation system, but most of their technological methods rely on energy to drive them. Styx energy naturally suppresses all kinds of energy. Even the Silicon-based will be weakened."
Manti couldn't hold back and wanted to speak, but when Lord Black's gaze swept over, she immediately swallowed her words.
Jiangnan continued: "If the Carbon Alliance wants to have a say in the Starry Sky that's not inferior to the Bose or the Silicon-based, and even stand against the Sacred Law Council, the Netherworld Clan is a necessary condition."
"As you said, right now the Bose and Silicon-based are holding a giant axe, ready to swing it down at any moment. Then we must also hold a sharp blade in our hands!"
"Even if that blade might cut us, there's no denying it's a good blade, isn't it?"
But Benneymay could no longer hold back. Death be damned!
"Indeed! The Netherworld Clan's ability can counter the Silicon-based and the Bose, but to us, it's the same result! If my Gamma Clan enters the Netherworld Clan's territory, we'll become a ball of green photons!"
"I'm afraid this blade will be the first to swing at us, won't it?"
Noah said coldly: "I must say, this idea is terrible. Jiangnan, your thinking is too naive. There is no such thing as a completely trustworthy ally in this world!"
"How can you be sure the Netherworld Clan won't threaten us? No one wants to invite trouble!"
"Compared to releasing another fierce tiger, I'd rather maintain the status quo."
Jiangnan laughed instead: "I'm naive? Everyone! If I were truly naive, humanity wouldn't have come this far!"
"I've been backstabbed by the Silicon-based before. Do you think I'd have no defenses?"
Hearing this, the Star Devourers all had varied expressions. They knew the events of that year very well—some were even direct participants.
If Jiangnan hadn't been shrewd along the way, he would have been ruined by others long ago.
But they never expected Jiangnan to propose releasing the Netherworld Clan.
Jiangnan continued: "I said it before. Your worries are also my worries. Are you afraid the Netherworld Clan will backstab us? I'm even more afraid!"
"Then let me explain why I am so certain the Netherworld Clan will never betray the Carbon Alliance or turn their blade against us."
At this moment, Noah, Manti, and the others quieted down.
"Why? Give us your reasons!"
Jiangnan narrowed his eyes: "First! The Netherworld Clan wants freedom, to step into the Starry Sky, and to obtain Sequence eligibility!"
"If we help the Netherworld Clan come out and obtain Sequence qualification, they will need a backing to maintain that freedom. The only one they can rely on is the Carbon Alliance. Only within this system can they realize their value and have the qualification to remain in the Starry Sky!"
"Otherwise, without value, no one will stand up for the Netherworld Clan. The Silicon-based, the Bose, us, and even all the races of the Starry Sky will spare no effort to drive the Netherworld Clan back to the Styx Star Domain!"
"Everything will return to square one."
After speaking, Jiangnan scanned the room. The expressions of the Star Devourers darkened, obviously acknowledging Jiangnan's reasoning. It did make sense.
But this alone could not guarantee the Netherworld Clan wouldn't betray.
Jiangnan continued: "Second! It comes from my threat. My 2D Blade is a natural counter to the Netherworld Clan. If the Netherworld Clan does anything detrimental to the Alliance's interests..."
"My blade will also cut toward the Netherworld Star Domain. If they don't want to turn into photographs, they should know what to do."
Hearing this, both Noah and Chong Qianjin broke out in goosebumps.
Damn! How did they forget this?
Jiangnan's ability is practically a Netherworld Clan killer!
So this is why he dares to release the Netherworld Clan. He's got a leash ready.
Jiangnan said flatly: "And finally, the last point, which is also everyone's biggest concern—fearing the Netherworld Clan will take this opportunity to grow strong, become powerful, and use their abilities to suppress all the races of the Starry Sky, ushering in the Styx Era and becoming the new king of this Starry Sky."
Noah's gaze flickered. Of course, they were worried. That was the root cause.
If that happened, no one could do anything to the Netherworld Clan.
Within the Styx Force Field, they were the rulers.
Jiangnan licked his lips: "On this point, everyone need not worry. The Netherworld Clan has a fatal flaw."
"Their source of energy all comes from the Styx. Only where the Styx flows can become their territory. And the key to the Styx's expansion lies in the Styx Koi!"
"Where the Styx Koi swims is where the Styx channel extends. Without the Styx Koi to pioneer the river channels, although the Netherworld Clan can walk freely under the Starry Sky, they can never expand their territory for eternity!"
"The Styx Koi is unique. And the control of this Styx Koi is currently in my hands. The Netherworld Clan cannot control it themselves. Now, are you reassured enough?"
Hearing this, Noah and the others' eyes lit up.
Damn! So he's got control of the Styx Koi? No wonder he's so certain the Netherworld Clan won't betray and will serve as the Carbon Alliance's most loyal ally.
If it's really as Jiangnan says, releasing the Netherworld Clan might not be a bad idea.
Indeed, it's a good blade to use against the Bose Clan and the Silicon-based.
Manti's scalp tingled:
(￢﹏￢٥) "You've already done this much? Just how many preparations have you made behind our backs?"
"And how did you convince the Netherworld Clan to hand over control of the Styx Koi to you?"
Jiangnan smiled: "I said from the very beginning that even if the Netherworld Clan is a double-edged sword, I'll make it a good blade firmly gripped in my hand!"
"And handing over control of the Styx Koi is the Netherworld Clan's show of sincerity and their bargaining chip!"
"If even with this, you still dare not act, then everyone... what can you fight for for your own races?"
"Right now, it's a time of upheaval. Every decision you make relates to the future of your race. No matter what decision it is, it's better than doing nothing."
The venue fell silent once more. The Star Devourers were weighing the pros and cons, making difficult decisions.
This was no small matter. Every decision was tied to the fate of their race. They had all come this far by being cautious, walking on thin ice, step by step leading their race to the present day.
No amount of deliberation was too much.
Just then, Chong Qianjin, who had never spoken, finally opened her mouth:
(￢_￢) "Then here's the question. This good blade called the Netherworld Clan—will it be held in the hands of humanity, or in the hands of the Carbon Alliance?"
Hearing this, everyone's gaze fell on Jiangnan.
Jiangnan grinned: "That is indeed a good question..."