Chapter 472 (1)
The words of the First Holy Lord stirred the emotions of the many powerful cultivators present, filling them with a sense of melancholy.
The previously tense and confrontational atmosphere suddenly eased.
Those below the Golden Core Realm did not perceive the change.
But the powerful cultivators of the Golden Core Realm were instantly alarmed, their vigilance rising.
"This old man… what a formidable divine soul technique! To think that he could, without a trace, influence the emotions of so many experts!"
A Golden Core cultivator secretly exclaimed in admiration.
Everyone qualified to attend this Holy Assembly was undoubtedly a powerhouse.
Even the weakest among them had at least reached the Peak Innate Stage.
Their minds were naturally resolute beyond question.
Yet, whatever divine soul technique the First Holy Lord had used, it had silently swayed the hearts of the entire audience.Even the Golden Core cultivators present had not noticed at first.
Now that they were aware, someone was bound to intervene.
Otherwise, would the situation not once again fall under the control of Sacred Mountain?
At that moment, a sigh rang out. "The Holy Lord speaks true. Time is ruthless and fleeting.
Even for us cultivators, a moment of negligence could lead to stagnation, forever trapped at a bottleneck.
Eventually, we would waste away and turn to dust.
Thus, for those who walk the path of cultivation, we must fight!
We fight against the heavens, against the earth, and against others!
Seizing all possible resources, refining them into our own cultivation, to ascend to the supreme peak of the Dao!"
The final words were spoken with resolute conviction, brimming with killing intent.
Not only did this statement reveal the speaker’s determination, but it also shattered the atmosphere the First Holy Lord had carefully cultivated.
The sharp aura pierced through the melancholy, snapping everyone back to their senses.
Not only did they awaken from their sorrowful emotions, but they also instinctively nodded in agreement.
Indeed, the path of cultivation is one that defies the heavens. Naturally, everything must be fought for!
Realizing this, the mood of the gathering once again turned solemn and tense.
Seeing the atmosphere he had painstakingly built up instantly destroyed, the First Holy Lord's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked toward the speaker.
It was a black-robed elder.
The faint pressure radiating from his body also carried traces of a Golden Core Realm aura.
With a slight thought, the First Holy Lord recalled the elder’s identity.
A smile appeared on his face. "So it is Daoist Meng Dian of the Guiyuan Sect. I have heard that you recently underwent tribulation and attained the Golden Core Realm. That is truly a cause for celebration—our righteous path has gained another Golden Core expert."
"It was merely a fortunate breakthrough." Meng Dian inclined his head slightly with a humble demeanor. "My cultivation is still far from comparable to your esteemed self, First Holy Lord, the foremost Golden Core cultivator."
Given the records, the three Holy Lords of Sacred Mountain were all at least a thousand years old.
Thus, even though Meng Dian was also a Golden Core cultivator, his addressing himself as a junior was not inappropriate.
However, his words caused a ripple among the powerful figures present.
It was true that the First Holy Lord was the first to undergo tribulation and form a Golden Core after the world's revival.
But whether he truly deserved the title of "Foremost Golden Core" was another matter.
After all, that person still existed.
Meng Dian’s seemingly humble words were, in reality, placing the First Holy Lord in a difficult position.
How scheming!
Could it be that the Guiyuan Sect was planning to challenge Sacred Mountain at this Holy Assembly?
Sensing the subtle implications behind Meng Dian’s words, the more perceptive individuals immediately sensed something unusual.
And at the mention of that person, many in the crowd instinctively started scanning their surroundings.
Yet, after a thorough search, there was no sign of the legendary figure.
Could it be that he had not come to Sacred City? Was the carriage that entered the city that day carrying someone else?
Some could not help but entertain such thoughts.
"Meng Daoist, your words make this old man feel quite ashamed."
The First Holy Lord chuckled lightly. "I merely have the advantage of age. Having cultivated longer than most, I happened to undergo tribulation earlier.
As for the title 'Foremost Golden Core,' I would not dare claim it.
With the revival of the heavens and earth, talents are emerging in abundance. Before long, this old man will surely be surpassed by you all."
Unfazed by Meng Dian’s veiled provocation, the First Holy Lord maintained his warm smile.
Seeing this, Meng Dian gave a cold chuckle and pressed on. "The First Holy Lord is far too modest. But tell me, does the esteemed Holy Lord agree with what I just said?"
"Meng Daoist speaks wisely," the First Holy Lord replied. "For us cultivators, the path of cultivation is indeed a struggle. We fight for opportunities, for techniques, for that sliver of a chance to survive."
Hearing the First Holy Lord's agreement, a triumphant smile crept onto Meng Dian’s face.
"In that case, since all the great sects and factions are gathered here at this Holy Assembly...
Why don’t we take this opportunity to redefine how the world is divided?"
A hush fell over the crowd.
No one had expected Meng Dian to strike so suddenly, proposing to divide the world just as the Holy Assembly had begun.
More shocking was the boldness of the Guiyuan Sect.
Since when did they have such confidence?
All eyes turned toward the First Holy Lord, waiting to see how he would respond.
After all, the purpose of this Holy Assembly had already been clearly stated in the invitations.
It was to discuss and reestablish the world’s order.
The Guiyuan Sect's move was an outright challenge to Sacred Mountain's authority.
If the First Holy Lord did not respond, Sacred Mountain’s prestige would surely suffer.
Yet, to everyone’s surprise, upon hearing Meng Dian's words, the First Holy Lord's expression remained unchanged.
Still wearing his usual smiling demeanor, he asked, "Oh? And how does Meng Daoist propose to divide the world?"
"Naturally, it should be divided by strength!" Meng Dian declared without hesitation. "For us cultivators, strength is paramount!
In the end, it is the strong who hold the truth!
Likewise, the stronger sects should occupy more cultivation resources!
Would the Holy Lord not agree?"
"Indeed," the First Holy Lord nodded.
"So I propose that at this Holy Assembly, we establish a new decree, where each sect’s territory is determined according to its strength.
The stronger sects will claim more land, while the weaker ones should voluntarily surrender their excess territories!
Furthermore, weaker sects bordering stronger ones should be required to pay regular tribute in exchange for protection!"
Meng Dian’s words flowed smoothly, as though he had long since prepared for this moment.
However, his proposal sent a chill down everyone’s spines.
If his plan were implemented, then aside from the most powerful factions, all the other sects would find themselves in dire straits.
Would they not risk becoming vassals to these greater powers at any moment?
Immediately, the massive stone platform erupted into a commotion.
The sects with lesser strength outright rejected the proposal.
Even those from Cold Water Palace wore expressions of shock and fury.
If such a rule were enacted, wouldn’t those without Golden Core cultivators be forced to submit to others?
On the other hand, the leaders of the most powerful sects seemed intrigued by Meng Dian’s idea.
As the clamor grew louder, a trace of impatience flickered across Meng Dian’s face.
Then, suddenly, he bellowed—
"Silence!"