Chapter 2 Consensus

"What?" Tian voice echoed out, as he looked at the King infuriated. "What do you mean "you and the other young ones"? Are you expecting them to escort the Princess to the Dark Kingdom alone?" He continued clearly against the suggestion.

Not only was he against it but every other Faction Head was as well. Who'd want to send their young geniuses on an escort mission especially during such a turbulent time. But for now they'd see the specifics before passing judgement.

"You'd be correct. Due to the current situation I can't be sure if there are spies lurking within the guards, and the rest of the Elites are required here just in case there's an attack of some sort so the only people who I can trust and are of adequate strength that are available are the 6 Little Ones." The King explained, but they didn't buy it.

Unfortunately before Tian could make a rebuttal Yun spoke up. "I am willing to go on the escort mission. I'll use it as a training opportunity." Yun declared a smile on his face. It was best to train via actual battle so this seemed like the perfect opportunity for him.

"In that case count me in." A boy around Yun's age with short spiky brown hair and yellow eyes declared. This was Xie the personal disciple of the Blood Blade Sect Master. Hearing this Tian and the Blood Blade Sect Master immediately pulled the boys' ears.

"What do you mean training opportunity?"

"Clearly I haven't disciplined you enough with how stupid you are!"

They scolded, the others chuckling at their antics.

"Ouch, let go father!"

"Ai! Ai! Ai! I am sorry Master please stop!"

Under the torture of the legendary ear pull the boys begged for forgiveness. Fortunately for them they were let go soon after but they had already been more than embarrassed.

"Actually I think they should go." Off to the side a man with long fiery red hair and eyes suggested. He had a clean beard and was dressed in crimson robes. This was the Head of the Crimson Ember Clan, Huo.

"What do you mean you think? This is suicidal, if something goes wrong their lives are forfeit." Tian rebutted, it was safe to say that this escort mission would be full of danger, after all threats ranged from wild beasts, to bandits, to even those potential spies.

"Well they have to grow up some day. Frankly they go out on missions for experience all the time, this would just be an extended mission. Not to mention if this alliance isn't formed they may face much worse a year from now." Huo replied seemingly hell bent on the escort mission occurring.

"What are your thoughts?" The King asked looking towards the Head of the Blue Swallow Clan, the Chairman of the Myriad Treasure Pavilion, and the Sect Mistress of the Unfathomable Illusion Sect.

"I am completely against this." The Head of the Blue Swallow Clan shook his head, his blue hair moving along with the motion. His blue eyes looked towards his daughter on his right, there was no way he was going to send her on a dangerous escort mission.

"Hmmm, what's in it for us?" Cai asked his eyes twinkling with greed. Where there was risk there was reward, if the reward was high enough he didn't mind sending his son on the escort mission assuming he wanted to go.

"Well of course there's a reward for their efforts, upon returning I will gift each of them an Energy Crystallization Fruit." The King declared, causing Yun to raise a brow.

Not only was Yun's attention caught but every other genius' was too. An Energy Crystallization Fruit was pivotal to their future growth, it could easily save them a year of cultivation and push them ahead of the others.

This even made Tian reconsider his previous decision. While he was still against the mission, he knew Yun would be even more inclined to participate. 'Why does he want them to participate so badly?' Tian pondered inwardly, but he couldn't figure out the answer.

"In that case I have no qualms, I'll leave it up to Fu." Cai's voice rang out as he gave his opinion. 'An Energy Crystallization Fruit is very expensive, I could possibly triple its value at the Pavilion.' Cai thought greedily as he imagined all the money falling into his pocket.

Fu had a similar idea and spoke out smilingly. "This Fu would be honored to participate in the escort mission."

"Father if he's going there's no way I won't go." Yun said in a voice only Tian could hear.

"....Fine." Tian sighed shaking his head in dismay. Yun was elated, and immediately declared that he'd participate, which led to Xie also being allowed to participate.

At this point 4 of the 6 geniuses were already participating in the escort mission, which only left the decision from the Head of the Blue Swallow Clan and the Sect Mistress of the Unfathomable Illusion Sect.

The Head of the Blue Swallow Clan's daughter then tugged her father's robes before whispering some words to him. After that he reluctantly agreed to her participation. 'Sigh, if she gets hurt I'll never forgive myself.' He thought to himself.

Now there was only the Unfathomable Illusion Sect's decision, throughout this entire time she hadn't spoke a word. "I have no opinion on the matter, my disciple is old enough to decide for herself."

With that all 6 Factions had given the go ahead, and the 6 geniuses of the Kingdom would be escorting the 1st Princess to the Dark Kingdom. It was quite the abnormal situation, but it was reality nonetheless.

Naturally the King had offended some people in the process, but it was a risky move he decided to take all things considered.

Outside the Palace Tian and Yun headed towards their Clan in silence. "When we get back you have to spend this week preparing, if I see you slacking off I'll deny your participation." Tian declared before speeding up towards the Clan leaving Yun in the dust.

"When have I ever been known to be lazy?" Yun muttered trying to catch up to his father.