Chapter 99: In the Next Life, Be More Cautious
Chapter 99: In the Next Life, Be More Cautious
As the Leng Family and the Moro Kingdom spread the news of Chi Yun's message to various forces in the Northern Domain through various means, the entire region was stirred into turmoil!
"Establishing an Empress to rule over the entire Northern Domain!? Although Leng Yanran possesses exceptional talent, her cultivation seems to only have reached the Seventh Layer of the Profound Sky Realm."
"Even the current leaders of the three major sects in the Northern Domain, who possess the strength of the Annihilation Realm, haven't dared to make such a statement!"
"Comrade, mind your words, mind your words! That Fairy Leng annihilate anyone who opposes her. Beware of stirring up trouble!"
"Moreover, the bearer of this message is a formidable individual in the boundless realm. We must exercise caution in the Northern Domain!"
Various factions in the Northern Domain discussed animatedly. Chi Yun had given them three days to express their stance. Yet, on the first day, not a single sect had spoken up.
Jin Ding Sect.
"Sect Master, maybe we shouldn't be the first ones to take a stand. If our sect agrees, won't it undermine the authority we've built in the Northern Domain over the years?"
"Indeed, even if we agree to support Leng Yanran's ascension as Empress, we can pretend to hesitate for a while, let others speak up first. We can act as if we need more time to consider."
"Right, if possible, we might even negotiate further and reduce the annual tax from twenty percent to ten percent," another elder chimed in.
Listening to the cacophony of voices from the elders, Daoist Yang Chun's brows furrowed.
"Silence! Have you forgotten how the Luo Heaven Sect was wiped out? As this Sect Master says, we'll make our stance clear today and proclaim Leng Yanran as the Empress of the Northern Domain!"
Daoist Yang Chun grew annoyed, his stern shout silencing the others. To negotiate, one needed corresponding strength. With Chi Yun in the picture, never mind the mighty Chi Yun in the boundless realm, even Leng Yanran herself could easily wipe out their Jin Ding Sect.
Only those who had witnessed the tragic fate of the Luo Heaven Sect knew the terror that Leng Yanran could unleash.
"Well… very well!"
At Daoist Yang Chun's words, the other elders hesitated to voice objections. After all, the Jin Ding Sect was ultimately under the rule of Daoist Yang Chun.
Despite their dissatisfaction, the elders obediently conveyed the message to the outside world.
"The Jin Ding Sect hereby respects Leng Yanran as Empress and pledges to submit twenty percent of taxes each year in exchange for the Empress's protection!"
As news of the Jin Ding Sect's decision spread, it caused a stir, and many forces were surprised to see one of the Three Great Sects bowing down first. Subsequently, the smaller factions affiliated with the Jin Ding Sect also pledged allegiance to the Empress.
This further led to hesitation among many other smaller forces.
"Po Yuan Temple respectfully supports the Empress and is willing to pay taxes for her protection."
In the afternoon, after the Jin Ding Sect had declared their support, the Abbot of the Po Yuan Temple made a decision, swiftly following suit.
By the end of the second day, two out of the Three Great Sects had declared their acceptance of Leng Yanran as Empress and were willing to pay twenty percent taxes.
As the third day drew to a close, almost half of the Northern Domain's forces had voiced their support for Leng Yanran as Empress. The remaining forces were now waiting to see the decision of the third of the Three Great Sects, the Hong Guang Sect.
As time passed halfway on the third day, the Hong Guang Sect had yet to make a stance. During this period, twenty percent of the sects and even the kingdoms had expressed their willingness to recognize the Empress's position.
Leng Family.
"Senior, now that seventy percent of the Northern Domain's forces have declared their stance, how should we handle the remaining thirty percent?" Leng Zhan entered the hall and softly inquired as Chi Yun rested his eyes.
"Thirty percent? Is there anyone leading them?"
Chi Yun opened his eyes slowly, a trace of displeasure crossing his face. In his view, the Northern Domain's alignment with the Heavenly Dao Pavilion was a divine blessing. Yet, there were still thirty percent who failed to recognize this. If this matter displeased the Pavilion Master, it could lead to dire consequences.
"While there isn't a single leader, the majority of this thirty percent is waiting for the Hong Guang Sect's decision. Currently, only the Hong Guang Sect among the Three Great Sects has not yet made a stance. If this issue is resolved, the other sects will likely follow suit."
Leng Zhan had gathered information and offered his suggestion.
"The Hong Guang Sect, hm… Lead the way, let's see just how many lives these Hong Guang Sect members think they have!"
Chi Yun stood up decisively, taking Leng Zhan along, and soared through the sky towards the Hong Guang Sect!
Hong Guang Sect, Sect Hall.
"Sect Master, we have less than half an hour left. Are we truly not making a declaration?"
"I suggest we announce our agreement soon, lest we face unbearable consequences."
"Master. While twenty percent tax might seem substantial, it is bearable."
Several elders wore worried expressions, urging their Sect Master.
"Fret not, we have half an hour left. As one of the Three Great Sects, the Hong Guang Sect still wields some influence in the Northern Domain. I predict they will come to notify us in person.
"By then, we'll have a chance to negotiate. Even if we can't come to an agreement, we can still submit twenty percent taxes, which will be advantageous for us. Both the Jin Ding Sect and the Po Yuan Temple have shown their cards, revealing signs of weakness. Yet the Hong Guang Sect will stand firm till the end.
"In the future, among the Northern Domain's many forces, the Hong Guang Sect shall stand as the head of the Three Great Sects!"
The Sect Master of the Hong Guang Sect's eyes gleamed with determination as he analyzed the current situation with a calm demeanor. However, the fine beads of sweat on his forehead revealed the underlying tension he felt.
While everyone was waiting in tension.
"Ants, get out!"
A voice of dissatisfaction spread into the ears of everyone in the Hong Guang Sect. Under the roar of the Boundless Realm expert, all the disciples whose cultivation base was lower than the Profound Sky Realm felt dizzy and lost consciousness due to the shock.
"Sh*t! Sect Master, they're here!"
The elders in the hall panicked instantly! But only the Sect Master's eyes lit up!
"Everyone, isn't this opportunity just here? Even if the negotiation fails later, our Hong Guang Sect can still issue a statement to lower our head. Everyone follow me, don't panic!"
The words of the Sect Master fell into the ears of many elders, which indeed made them feel more at ease, but they were still very nervous, and followed the Sect Master out of the hall.
Not long after, everyone had already arrived at the square.
Chi Yun floated above the square, looking down at the group of ants that made him wait in person, with a very dissatisfied expression on his face.
"We has been waiting for a long time. Don't worry, senior, let's have talk with a cup of tea."
Feeling the coercion of the Boundless Realm, the Sect Master wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said respectfully.
"Are you talking to me? What is your identity and what is this old man's identity? This old man is the handyman of the Heavenly Dao Hall. Are you worty to have a talk with this old man?"
When Chi Yun heard the other party's words, he became even more displeased. Originally, if Hong Guang Sect had some difficulties or encountered troubles, he would just let it go.
But from the looks of it, Hong Guang Sect was obviously waiting for him on purpose, how dare ants play tricks on him?
"This matter is my Hong Guang Sect's fault. Don't be angry, senior. We are willing to respect the position of empress. Senior, please sit down…"
Everyone panicked when they heard Chi Yun's words, the Sect Master said bravely, stretched his hand into his bosom, and took out the announcement that had been prepared a long time ago!
"No need, in the next life...be careful."