Chapter 997: Chapter 474: The Gathering Begins

The Eighteen Realms over there have already begun mobilizing troops to attack the Constant Domain, while the unaware major worlds of the Constant Domain are still dreaming of becoming the master of the Constant Domain Alliance and commanding the world.

Soon, the Plum Mountain gathering overshadowed everything.

Representatives from countless worlds began climbing to the Summit Peak at the center of Plum Mountain in groups of threes and fives.

Lu Hong and Nuoshan followed the crowd, reaching the broad platform at the summit.

At the center of the platform, fifteen armchairs were placed.

Among them, four were in the most prominent positions, clearly prepared for the four strongest worlds of the Constant Domain.

The remaining eleven armchairs were arranged in parallel.

As for the smaller worlds within the Constant Domain, they didn’t qualify to sit and speak.

Although these smaller worlds had some complaints about such arrangements, they dared not express them, knowing that during this gathering, they were mere spectators without any qualification to sit on those chairs.

Taking advantage of the fact that not everyone had arrived yet, Lu Hong whispered to Nuoshan, “Should we create some chaos later?”

“Just try to buy some time, believing that news of the Eighteen Realms’ invasion should come soon enough,” Nuoshan estimated the time, from the moment the Eighteen Realms received the news, mobilized their army, to when the Scout outposts detected movement and reported back. Everything was calculated by Nuoshan with precision.

“So, how long will it take for the news of the Eighteen Realms’ invasion to reach here?” Since Lu Hong couldn’t estimate, he simply asked directly.

“It should take about three days.”

“Three days?” Lu Hong smirked, “In three days, the Constant Domain could probably already have selected an Alliance Hierarch.”

“In truth, once the Eighteen Realms attack, whether we have an Alliance Hierarch or not makes little difference because the conflict has shifted. We at the Star Sea can already extricate ourselves from this crisis,” Nuoshan said calmly. “Of course, if no one is selected, it’s even better. It gives me the chance to rise to power amid the ensuing chaos.”

“So, depending on the situation, maybe we should cause some trouble for them,” said Nuoshan, looking expectantly at the center of the platform.

At this moment, the people from those fifteen worlds had arrived and sat in their designated seats.

“Ladies and gentlemen!”

At this time, a Heavenly God elder spoke, suppressing the chaotic noise around the platform.

“Today is an extremely important day for our Constant Domain because, today, we will no longer be a loose sand, fighting individually, but unite to become an entity that cannot be ignored, following the will of heaven and the trends of times. Therefore, our Pifu World, Shuidong World, Town An World, and Gushan World, the four major worlds, jointly sent invitations to all worlds of the Constant Domain, inviting you to participate in this Plum Mountain gathering. In this grand event of all the worlds in the Constant Domain, we will form our own alliance and select a suitable Alliance Hierarch who can lead us to glory!”

The one speaking was a Heavenly God of the Earth Realm, not belonging to any faction, but the Controller of a small town on the old road at the foot of Plum Mountain, lending a sense of fairness and principle to his words.

“So, what is the selection process for the Constant Domain Alliance Hierarch, and do our worlds have any role in the selection of the Constant Domain Alliance Hierarch?”

At this moment, a Heavenly God elder from a small world spoke up, voicing the question in everyone’s mind.

The host couldn’t answer this question and turned to look at the four main seats.

Gushan snorted coldly and said, “The Constant Domain Alliance Hierarch is not a position for just any Tom, Dick, or Harry. The war between the Nine Domains and the Eighteen Realms has already escalated to the level of Heavenly Gods. Thus, our Constant Domain Alliance Hierarch must also have sufficient combat power to face such high-level warfare. Therefore, I propose that only those Heavenly Gods who have reached the Earth Realm level threshold are qualified to compete for the position of Constant Domain Alliance Hierarch.”

After speaking, Gushan scanned the crowd: “Who agrees? Who opposes?”

Seeing Gushan’s domineering behavior and words, Lu Hong chuckled internally, what an idiot; the meeting had just begun, and he’d already made enemies all around. Does this guy have a hole in his head?

Regarding Gushan’s words, almost everyone present furrowed their brows unknowingly, thinking, damn, can’t he say things a bit more tactfully?

Even those from the Six Domains Alliance, standing behind Gushan in support, shook their heads helplessly, wondering how Nie Sanling had come to favor such a fool.

In actuality, Gushan wasn’t truly stupid but had become completely arrogant after receiving backing from the Six Domains Alliance. With the support of the Six Domains Alliance, what did he have to fear?

If the Six Domains Alliance hadn’t instructed him not to disclose their existence, Gushan would’ve loved to stand up right then and announce.

I’m showing my cards. I have someone backing me. Everyone here is trash. I am the most suitable Alliance Hierarch.

Regarding Gushan’s words, Eastbank Shen Jin from the Pifu World Heavenly God ancestors retorted, “Gushan Heavenly God, that’s not exactly how it should be said, right?”

“Hmm? Do you have any objections? Feel free to speak,” Gushan also expressed his magnanimity, inviting Eastbank Shen Jin to express his views.

This action made it seem as if he had already become the host of this meeting, which was irritating.

“Heh heh,” Eastbank Shen Jin didn’t argue with Gushan but instead addressed everyone: “While the strength is undeniably vital for the selection of the Constant Domain Alliance Hierarch, solely having strength isn’t enough to lead the Constant Domain to greatness. You all know that while our Constant Domain is not weak, it also has its limitations. The biggest problem is the absence of a God Lord Level existence to suppress everything for our Constant Domain. Hence, selecting an Alliance Hierarch also requires consideration of a person’s wisdom. Our Constant Domain lacks combat strength on the Heavenly God level, thus needing compensation from other areas, namely, strategizing, which must far exceed ordinary people to close the gap as much as possible with other forces.”

Hearing Eastbank Shen Jin’s words, everyone present nodded unconsciously.

The Constant Domain is the weakest among the Nine Domains; everyone knows this, and no one is arrogant enough to think they are invincible. Hence, Eastbank Shen Jin’s point about strategy resonated with most people.

But Gushan was displeased.

Damn, with my strong combat power and Six Domains Alliance backing, who needs strategy?

“I disagree with your point of view,” Gushan directly countered, “Only powerful force is fundamental.”

Upon hearing this, Eastbank Shen Jin chuckled, “The Constant Domain Alliance doesn’t need a brute to be the Alliance Hierarch.”

“What? You dare insult me?” Gushan immediately got enraged, and his aura burst forth.

But Eastbank Shen Jin wasn’t afraid and also burst forth his aura in defense: “What? You’ve already appointed yourself the Hierarch? When did I insult you? Are you worthy?!”

“Looking for death!” Gushan was about to strike but was stopped by the Shuidong God.

“Gentlemen, today is not a day for personal duels. Also, selecting the most suitable Hierarch of our Constant Domain Alliance must be agreed upon by everyone in our Constant Domain. Why not ask for others’ opinions?”

With the intervention of the Shuidong God, Gushan, and Eastbank Shen Jin finally retracted their auras and returned to their seats.

“Heh heh,” The Shuidong God then took over the conversation and continued, “Ladies and gentlemen, just now, Gushan Heavenly God and Pifeng Heavenly God have raised two requirements for becoming the Constant Domain Hierarch. Does anyone have opinions or additional aspects to add? Feel free to speak up. Today, the various realms of our Constant Domain can speak freely!”

“I have a question.”

At this time, a world elder spoke up, “Since Gushan Heavenly God and Pifeng Heavenly God have set forth their essential requirements for selecting the Constant Domain Alliance Hierarch, I’d like to know how we’ll proceed with the selection based on these requirements?”

“Simple, start with a vote,” The Shuidong God said with a cheerful smile, “We’ll first conduct a preliminary vote, selecting a group of candidates who meet the requirements from among the many participants, then subject the candidates to various tests and contests, with the whole process open and transparent, ensuring that the election process for our Constant Domain Alliance satisfies everyone.”

“So, Shuidong your various tests and contests entail?” the Heavenly God continued to ask.

The Shuidong God smiled and said, “Even I’m not sure. The second round of selection’s tests and contests need to be decided onsite collectively, which also helps prevent any advance cheating, right?”

Upon hearing this, the Heavenly God nodded, “Thank you, Shuidong, for clarifying. I understand now.”