Chapter 183

Following these words, a peerless figure appeared in the main hall of the Purple Firmament Tiangong.

The representatives of the various sects present were very curious: who had the guts to publicly defy Venerable Zunzhe Youhen, a powerful master of this era?

More people could tell from this person's tone that he was likely the new Emperor of the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

Because in this region, there were really not many who dared to refer to themselves as "Zhen" (We).

In fact, some people present recognized Li Chen, having seen him near the Immortal Ancient Linghu.

Seeing Li Chen arrive, they indeed breathed a sigh of relief.

This was also the reason why they firmly supported the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

Among them were True Person Chiyuan and Ascetic Shangren Qingxu.

To be honest, if they hadn't met Li Chen beforehand and known of his power, their attitudes wouldn't have been so firm; they might have been considering which side had more benefits, or which side was more beneficial to themselves.

Just as Venerable Zunzhe Youhen said, sects had always been high and mighty, developing for their own interests.

Of course, for a sect like Venerable Zunzhe Youhen's that didn't belong to any country, considerations were indeed more casual.

Seeing someone walk over, the face of Venerable Zunzhe Youhen hidden in the void of his cloak seemed to fluctuate slightly.

Because the aura exuded by this person seemed no lower than his own.

He glanced at True Person Chiyuan and Ascetic Shangren Qingxu, likely expressing: how could an outsider come here?

Since the two had no intention of answering him, Venerable Zunzhe Youhen spoke to Li Chen, "May I ask why Your Excellency has come here?"

His language was neither humble nor arrogant, reflecting the integrity of a sect member.

But it wasn't overly arrogant either; this was the attitude toward a powerhouse.

The response to him was not Li Chen's words, but a terrifying energy.

Boom!

The aura on Li Chen's body burst forth, directly forcing Venerable Zunzhe Youhen back several steps.

If one could see his face, it would certainly be filled with shock.

Li Chen was here to discipline him, not to negotiate with him; there was no need to be so polite.

After a brief discipline, Li Chen sat down in the main seat without any hesitation.

He ignored Venerable Zunzhe Youhen and faced the hundreds of sect representatives present.

"Everyone, today We are plotting a path of survival for you all."

Li Chen's voice echoed throughout the palace, his aura magnificent.

This statement was very euphemistic, but those present understood it.

This Emperor was saying: those who submit to Me will prosper, those who oppose Me will perish!

If you don't want to die, you must listen to Me.

It was just that he didn't say it so absolutely, using this tone instead.

At this moment, those who were sensible had already stood out.

A He He Zongzhu who had once seen Li Chen at the Immortal Ancient Linghu immediately stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "May Your Majesty please clarify."

His reaction satisfied Li Chen; this was the benefit of taking the initiative to be a shill, allowing Li Chen to remember him.

Li Chen never arranged shills, because he knew that as long as he was strong enough, sycophants would always appear by his side.

Using his words, Li Chen stated in the hall that the May Tian Ce Dynasty was going to war with the Sassanid Dynasty, and anyone who dared to help the Sassanid Dynasty would be executed.

But if they helped the May Tian Ce Dynasty, they would be rewarded according to their merits.

After Li Chen finished speaking, the scene began to buzz with discussion again, but this time their expressions were much better.

Because most of the sect masters were native to the May Tian Ce Dynasty, and they were actually willing to help the May Tian Ce Dynasty if they could also gain benefits.

To help a foreign race occupy their own homeland—honestly, they all felt it was absurd. Who could do such a thing? Sect members had their pride.

Seeing that the atmosphere had reached this point, the two old actors, True Person Chiyuan and Ascetic Shangren Qingxu, began to show off their acting skills.

True Person Chiyuan said with an honored expression, "As a member of the May Tian Ce Dynasty, our Chensha Dao Sect will certainly help Your Majesty pacify the Sassanid Dynasty!"

Ascetic Shangren Qingxu flicked his horsetail whisk and said, "The prosperity of the May Tian Ce Dynasty is also what our sect desires."

Seeing them both express their stance, many sect representatives immediately stood up to express their agreement.

In just this short while, over a hundred sects in the entire hall expressed their willingness to help the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

Because Li Chen was able to force Venerable Zunzhe Youhen back, his strength was self-evident; they were all following the crowd. The major sects held the sovereignty, and since the Chensha Dao Sect and Jade Void Immortal Mansion had expressed their stance, they certainly wouldn't disobey.

To put it bluntly, even if they didn't want to listen to the imperial court's orders, they wouldn't say it at this time.

Now everyone's eyes were on Venerable Zunzhe Youhen, wanting to see his attitude, as he was the only one who hadn't expressed his stance.

Venerable Zunzhe Youhen was also a powerhouse of this era, so he naturally wouldn't compromise so easily, or rather, he wanted some benefits, so he said, "Your Majesty, our sect doesn't necessarily have to stand on the side of the Sassanid Dynasty. If Your Majesty's conditions are good, the Grand Void Gate is willing to serve Your Majesty."

Li Chen understood; he was the type who wouldn't get up early without profit.

Venerable Zunzhe Youhen's words meant that if you gave him more benefits, more than the Sassanid Dynasty, then he would naturally listen to Li Chen.

Hearing this, Li Chen looked at him and said coldly, "If you serve Me, how about I spare your life?"

As soon as the words fell, a ripple appeared in the void under Venerable Zunzhe Youhen's cloak; he hadn't expected Li Chen to be so direct and tough.

This wasn't a benefit; this was a threat! A naked threat!

But Li Chen didn't see it that way, because he hated traitors the most. If you betray others to be My dog, I will naturally let bygones be bygones.

Giving you the chance to be My dog is already My mercy, and you still dare to ask Me for benefits? You've got some nerve!

If you agree today, I'll spare your life; if you don't agree, don't think about leaving this place!

Venerable Zunzhe Youhen never expected that he had just wanted to threaten True Person Chiyuan and Ascetic Shangren Qingxu, only to be threatened by Li Chen instead.

He glanced around, especially at the other two Sage Realm powerhouses of the Purple Firmament Tiangong.

How could he not understand that these people had colluded.

If there wasn't absolute certainty, Li Chen certainly wouldn't have said these words.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall had become unusually serious.

The sect representatives were all wondering: was Venerable Zunzhe Youhen going to challenge Li Chen's bottom line?

The cultivation world was like this: whoever won had the higher say. Previously, Venerable Zunzhe Youhen had huge power in this place, which was also brought by his own strength; people in the cultivation world only respected the strong.

After weighing the pros and cons, Venerable Zunzhe Youhen finally spoke, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness. "The Grand Void Gate is willing to serve Your Majesty, but the premise is that Your Majesty must guarantee that the inheritance of the Grand Void Gate will not be affected."

The first part of this sentence was Venerable Zunzhe Youhen's attitude, and the second part was to save some face.

Hearing Venerable Zunzhe Youhen finally express his stance, a satisfied smile appeared on Li Chen's face. "That is natural. We have given Our word, and We will keep it. As long as you are truly loyal, the May Tian Ce Dynasty will never treat you unfairly."

With this, the atmosphere in the hall finally eased.

The sect representatives stepped forward one after another to congratulate and pledge loyalty to Li Chen.

Those sect masters who were seeing Li Chen for the first time also ran up to greet him, striving to become familiar.

An Emperor in the Sage Realm, and at such a level—truly a rare encounter in a thousand years!

If Li Chen could become a Sage Lord of a generation, they would have something to brag about in the future.

Venerable Zunzhe Youhen, however, quietly left the Yunluo Mountain Range with his people.

The subsequent arrangements for various details and the distribution of tasks would appear in the major cities nearby.

Li Chen, like a leader on an inspection tour, shook hands with these sect masters.

After the assembly ended, True Person Chiyuan came to Li Chen's side and said, "Your Majesty, I don't think the He He Zongzhu of the Grand Void Gate will act as he said."

True Person Chiyuan was very familiar with Venerable Zunzhe Youhen; he felt that Venerable Zunzhe Youhen's compromise this time was temporary, aimed only at getting away. What he would do after returning, and whether he would listen to the imperial court, was hard to say.

Since they were now considered part of the May Tian Ce Dynasty's camp, True Person Chiyuan had to make some things clear.

"Rest assured, in a while We will arrange tasks for him. If he doesn't listen, We will destroy the Grand Void Gate before attacking the Sassanid Dynasty!"

Hearing Li Chen say this, True Person Chiyuan felt much more at ease.

Li Chen had seen plenty of fence-sitters; human hearts are unpredictable.

As long as I possess absolute strength, they will be absolutely loyal.

Li Chen said this also to make True Person Chiyuan more loyal.

Things were just as True Person Chiyuan expected. As Venerable Zunzhe Youhen's party left the Yunluo Mountain Range, an Elder said with a serious face, "He He Zongzhu, are we just going to listen to that Emperor?"

Clearly, he wasn't very convinced, or rather, he was somewhat annoyed.

Venerable Zunzhe Youhen thought to himself: if you had the guts, you should have fought just now, why say that here?

Now that they hadn't gained any benefits and had to help the May Tian Ce Dynasty, he felt it wasn't very likely. Even if there was some indignation, Venerable Zunzhe Youhen said to calm the people below, "Since the Emperor of the May Tian Ce Dynasty said so, they might have the certainty to win. We only need to stand on the winning side; as for who wins, it doesn't matter."

This sentence calmed the dissatisfaction in the Elders' hearts.

Because they had first contacted that Sage Realm powerhouse of the Sassanid Dynasty, and according to his account, the May Tian Ce Dynasty was beset by internal and external troubles, so the Sassanid Dynasty was definitely going to win this time.

Since it was a sure win, the Grand Void Gate certainly had to gain some benefits.

But then again, what if the Sassanid Dynasty didn't win?

Wouldn't helping them bring a lot of trouble?

The reason sects were previously above the mortal world was because they had top-tier powerhouses sitting in command.

But the Emperors of the May Tian Ce Dynasty and the Sassanid Dynasty were both in the Sage Realm. Venerable Zunzhe Youhen didn't know the Empress's strength, but he had indeed seen Li Chen's.

In fact, once one entered the Grand Void Gate, one no longer considered which country one belonged to; everyone was just for profit.

The Grand Void Gate actually wanted to be mercenaries, helping whoever paid more.

But what Li Chen wanted were dogs; only when they were obedient would he give them bones.

The reason the Elders of the Grand Void Gate supported the Sassanid Dynasty was actually because the Sassanid Dynasty had a better attitude.

!

Li Chen was too authoritarian, so the Grand Void Gate could only submit on the surface.

Venerable Zunzhe Youhen also had a headache; after returning this time, the news would certainly spread.

After all, there were many people present, covering almost all the major sects in the western part of the May Tian Ce Dynasty.

If the people of the Sassanid Dynasty found out, they would likely come to the Grand Void Gate again to ask Venerable Zunzhe Youhen for his stance.

He had already accepted the Sassanid Dynasty's benefits; he couldn't go back on his word—a man without credibility cannot stand.

Venerable Zunzhe Youhen was wondering how he could resolve the current predicament.

Just as Venerable Zunzhe Youhen had predicted, the news of the Purple Firmament Tiangong cooperating with the May Tian Ce Dynasty spread, causing a huge shock in the cultivation world.

Especially the Misty Immortal Alliance in the eastern part of the May Tian Ce Dynasty; they felt a huge crisis.

As the gathering place for the oldest forces in the May Tian Ce Dynasty, there were many hidden sects in the Misty Immortal Alliance.

In their view, if nothing unexpected happened, Li Chen's next target would be them.

The Misty Immortal Alliance also urgently convened an assembly; the main hall of the Misty Mountain Range was also gathered with representatives from thousands of sects.

The scale of this assembly was very large, with many people attending.

Even the Alliance Master of the Misty Immortal Alliance could only stand obediently to the side.

Perhaps many sect representatives were curious: wasn't he the Alliance Master? Didn't he preside over the assembly?

But core members knew that the so-called Alliance Master was just a puppet, and behind him were hidden sects.

The foundation possessed by true hidden sects could not be countered by ordinary sect forces.

Take the Alliance Master of the Misty Immortal Alliance, for example; he was just a manager created by hidden sects. Since people from hidden sects appeared this time, he could only stand to the side.

There were actually many forces in the May Tian Ce Dynasty that called themselves hidden sects; if one often mixed in the May Tian Ce Dynasty's cultivation world, one would certainly have heard of or seen them.

But the only forces truly worthy of this title had one standard: they would produce a Sage Realm powerhouse in every generation!

True hidden forces possessed powerful bloodlines or unknown inheritances.

Xiao Ming and Xu Xu Zifeng, these Sons of Destiny, were already powerful enough, but compared to Lin Xun of the Ancient Sects and Winged Feather of the Ancient Imperial Clan, they were still a cut below.

When Lin Xun and Winged Feather were recruiting the new Sage Realm powerhouse of the Wu family in Huju City, they had guaranteed that they could break through to the Sage Realm and even reach the supreme realm.

Both of them were God-child level figures, with countless halos on their bodies.

In the eyes of the Sons of Destiny, they were targets that needed to be surpassed.

The appearance of such God-children essentially meant the beginning of a Golden Age.

Lin Xun and Winged Feather appearing in Huju City at the same time had already caused a sensation.

Even the Sage Realm Wu Wu Laoyezi of the Wu family had to give these hidden forces some face.

Unfortunately, their luck was a bit poor; just after coming out of the mountains to show off, they ran into the biggest boss of the current world, Li Chen, who slapped their halos away with two big slaps.

This was also the main reason why their appearance didn't cause a huge impact.

The Sage Realm powerhouse who appeared in the Misty Immortal Alliance hall was indeed a powerhouse from a hidden sect.

His appearance immediately made the representatives of the major sects present feel excited, especially those at the peak of the Heavenly Abyss Realm, who were incomparably eager to break through to the Sage Realm.

If they could be appreciated by a hidden sect, perhaps they could get a chance to break through!

Thinking of this, how could they not be excited?

In the corner of the hall, an arrogant figure was observing everything around him.

He was the Second Prince Li Xian, who had defected to the Misty Immortal Alliance after his failed attack on Li Chen.

Li Xian had hidden his name, changed his appearance, and assumed a new identity.

He had only managed to mix into this place with the help of a major sect he had a good relationship with in the past.

If not for this, he was a wanted criminal of the May Tian Ce Dynasty; what if some blind person betrayed him?

Besides, he had performed excellently in various Sword Assemblies in the past and had offended people from other alliances, so he was also afraid of being recognized.

And he was right: Li Xian's only chance to turn the tables now was to find a way to enter a hidden sect.

Then, intensify the conflict between the hidden sect and Li Chen.

Li Xian felt that as long as he found someone with strength comparable to Li Chen, that person would naturally not compromise with Li Chen.

Coupled with Li Chen's arrogant attitude, a conflict was bound to happen sooner or later.

The problem was how to mix in now—that was the key.

Around that Sage Realm powerhouse of the hidden sect, there were many people currying favor, and he didn't have any advantages.

After thinking for a while, Li Xian's eyes suddenly lit up.

He discovered that in the hidden sect's team, there was actually a woman with a figure similar to his master's wife, Lady Lady Youlan.

Just by standing there, she exuded a kind of maternal radiance.

As for currying favor with powerhouses of the current world, Li Xian wasn't very good at it, but as for currying favor with these older sect women, Li Xian was very skilled.

In the past, in order to get his master's wife to teach him more techniques and give him more resources, Li Xian had researched older sect women; he knew very well what items they liked, what kind of people they wanted to see, and what kind of words they liked to hear.

The scene before him made Li Xian feel that heaven would not cut off all paths; he had finally found an opportunity.

This woman should have a high status in the hidden sect; perhaps with her help, he could mix into the sect by acting pitiful.

Thinking of this, Li Xian quietly began to take action.

While Li Xian was developing, the situation in the May Tian Ce Dynasty had also undergone many changes in the past few days.

After several days of fierce fighting, the May Tian Ce Dynasty's Northern Army had captured several cities of the Ice Bear Tribe, their momentum like a rainbow.

In these battles, Princess Li Ling, with the help of Chen Xuannan, had gained a large amount of military merit.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies, Guo Guo Po Yun, hadn't been happy for long before hearing news from the palace that Li Chen had declared war on the Sassanid Dynasty.

This left him somewhat speechless; in the past, generals were afraid of having no battles to fight, but now, was it never-ending?

In the south of the May Tian Ce Dynasty, the Third Prince Li Yu's army had joined forces with the Second Group Army and began to attack the Prince of Prince Zhennan.

This left the Prince of Prince Zhennan stunned: how come you attacked me before I even made a move?

But the Prince of Prince Zhennan was also well-prepared; the armies of the southern countries had assembled, and powerhouses from the major southern sacred lands had also come to assist.

In his view, Li Yu doing this was no different from seeking death!

You want to be the Prince of Prince Zhennan? Take a look at how many years I have dominated the south!

At the same time, Li Chen and Wu Wu Nanzhi were following the stunningly beautiful young girl Wang Wang Yueyao toward the Wang family in Shanyin City.

In order to investigate the situation of the remnants of the previous dynasty, neither of them had revealed their identities.

Wang Wang Yueyao had few friends, and she now liked chatting with Wu Wu Nanzhi very much.

In her view, Wu Wu Nanzhi was like a big sister—intellectual and beautiful.

During their conversation, she even teased Li Chen, saying that Li Chen being able to marry Wu Wu Nanzhi was a blessing cultivated over several lifetimes.

Li Chen acknowledged this, which made Wu Wu Nanzhi feel a little proud, thinking: You finally remember my good points; it wasn't in vain that I scouted women for you everywhere.

After traveling for a while, the three of them finally arrived in Shanyin City.

But before entering this place, a look of difficulty appeared on Wang Wang Yueyao's face, as if she had remembered something unhappy.

(End of chapter)