CHAPTER 998: CHAPTER 475: NEARLY ELIMINATED

After the first Heavenly God spoke up with a query, more Heavenly Gods began to toss out their own questions, and the Shuidong God patiently clarified them one by one.

Back and forth it went, so much so that two hours had passed. Gushan had long been waiting impatiently, and he spoke up: "Why are there so many questions? Let’s finalize the nominations for the first round of candidates and then discuss what follows. It would be best if we could elect the leader of the alliance today itself. Lingering around won’t accomplish anything."

Upon hearing Gushan’s words, the Shuidong God nodded in agreement: "If that’s the case, then let’s proceed with the nomination of candidates. Everyone, if you wish to compete for the position of alliance leader, you can step up to the platform, making it convenient for everyone to vote on the selection."

The Shuidong God’s words were clear, but no one in the audience stepped forward onto the central platform. Some knew they lacked the ability to contend with the fifteen worlds present, while others had already been absorbed by the other three powers of the Nine Domains, becoming mere spectators.

After waiting for a while, seeing that no one was coming forward, the Shuidong God was somewhat surprised and said, "What? Is there no one willing to compete for the position of leader in our Constant Domain alliance?"

Lu Hong had originally intended to stir things up, but if asked to display the ability of an Earth Realm Celestial God, what should he do? Reveal the Bloodline Power? Ridiculous; he’d probably be killed instantly.

After another moment passed, seeing no one coming forward, the Shuidong God then nodded: "Thus, the selection will be among the fifteen people on the stage. Any objections?"

"Naturally not, everyone present is outstanding in our Constant Domain and the most capable of becoming the leader of the Constant Domain alliance. We accept this wholeheartedly!" Many from the audience echoed in agreement.

"In that case, take out your invitations and begin to write down the candidates you deem appropriate, selecting the top four to proceed to the next round of elections."

This statement undoubtedly excluded eleven of the worlds within the fifteen, directly informing everyone that the leader of the Constant Domain alliance would be chosen from Pifu World, Shuidong World, Gushan World, and Zhen’an World.

Upon hearing this, Nuoshan’s mouth curled into an amused smile.

"What’s up?" Lu Hong curiously asked in a low voice.

"I just want to laugh when I see that Pifeng Heavenly God’s demeanor. Can you imagine the expression he’ll have if he finds himself eliminated in the first round despite looking so confident of victory?"

"Eliminated in the first round?!" Lu Hong was taken aback: "You mean Pifu World has no support backing it?"

Nuoshan slightly nodded: "From the beginning, the Gushan Heavenly God ancestor was strong and calm, so there must be backing behind him. He feels stable. Since the Shuidong God spoke about candidate limitations, he surely prepared for this, although the Zhen’an Heavenly God ancestor remained indifferent, I believe someone supports him too. Only the Pifeng Heavenly God’s ancestor seems oblivious, as if he’s been played."

"So..." Hearing Nuoshan’s insight, Lu Hong also laughed: "So, we’ll support Pifu World then."

Nuoshan nodded upon hearing this: "Exactly in line with my intention."

Soon, the invitations were placed into the black box right in front, ensuring their anonymity and protecting the voters from other worlds.

The Earth Realm Celestial Gods hosting the meeting began to draw invitations one by one from the box, reading out the names written on them.

"Zhen’an Heavenly God, one vote!"

"Shuidong God, one vote!"

"Gushan Heavenly God, one vote!"

"Zhen’an Heavenly God, one vote!"

"Zhen’an Heavenly God, one vote!"

"Shuidong God, one vote!"

"Shuidong God, one vote!"

"Shuidong God, one vote!"

"Gushan Heavenly God, one vote!"

"Gushan Heavenly God, one vote!"

"Gushan Heavenly God, one vote!"

...

As name after name on the invitations was called out, Dongban Shen Jin’s complexion turned increasingly unsightly.

From beginning to end, the ballots only contained the names of Zhen’an, Shuidong, and Gushan—never a fourth name.

By this point, Dongban Shen Jin realized he had been made a fool.

"Shuidong!" Dongban Shen Jin glared with wide eyes at the composed Shuidong God: "You deceived me?!"

"Haha, why say such things, Pifeng Heavenly God?" The Shuidong God feigned innocence, looking surprised.

"You betrayed our alliance!" Dongban Shen Jin stood up immediately and said, "This election is manipulated behind the scenes, it shouldn’t count!"

Being knocked out in the first round meant he’d forever lose the opportunity to claim the position of Constant Domain alliance leader. How could he tolerate that?

Moreover, a fear rose in Dongban Shen Jin’s heart. The uniformity of the votes was too obvious; clearly someone was manipulating from behind. Who, in such a short time, could influence the attitude of all the major worlds in Constant Domain?

Not being a fool, Dongban Shen Jin quickly thought of the three strongest sides in the Nine Domains currently.

Thus, with only three sides, if Pifu World wasn’t chosen, would it have to become a stepping stone for others?

Of course, Dongban Shen Jin wouldn’t allow this; he had to disrupt this meeting. He was determined to become the Constant Domain leader!

"Dongban Shen Jin, mind your words." Gushan grinned: "I believe everyone’s eyes are clear; there’s no manipulation talk. Though your Pifu World isn’t weak, in my view and everyone’s view, you’re not fit to be the alliance leader. I hope you recognize this and don’t ask for trouble. Now, resume the vote counting!"

With Gushan’s command, the host continued the vote count disrupted by Dongban Shen Jin, and no one present spoke for Dongban Shen Jin. Not even those worlds with friendly alliances with Pifu World in the past showed any reaction, seemingly having already betrayed them.

"Zhen’an Heavenly God, one vote!"

"Shuidong God, one vote!"

"Gushan Heavenly God, one vote!"

"Pi... Pi... Pifeng Heavenly God, one vote!"

In Dongban Shen Jin’s moment of despair, the abrupt declaration brought him immense joy.

After the ticket was read aloud, everyone present was taken aback.

Who was it? Who actually voted for Pifu World?

Everyone knew the votes were only for Zhen’an, Shuidong, and Gushan World, so even if Pifu World had only one vote, it enabled them to enter the nominee list.

Upon hearing that vote for him, Dongban Shen Jin laughed: "Hahaha, hahaha."

Immediately pointing at the Shuidong God: "I see your scheming fail; yet, someone eventually supported me. Shuidong, this time, it’s life and death between us!"

In response, the Shuidong God’s eyes twitched but his expression remained unchanged, paying no mind to Dongban Shen Jin.

He too wondered who cast a vote for the Pifeng Heavenly God.

They had tracked every world that received invitations, and various factions resorted to recruitment, threats, and other tactics, so no one should dare defy them.

Moreover, judging from Dongban Shen Jin’s reactions, he clearly wasn’t aware, suggesting someone’s interference!

Thinking this, the Shuidong God scanned the crowd as if seeking the disruptor of his plan.

Unfortunately, there was no gain.

When the Gold World received the invitation, they’d been threatened but handed the invitation to Lu Hong, already prepared to side with Star Sea, thus feigning agreement with threats and requests, completely oblivious to Lu Hong.

Thus, Lu Hong indeed became the disruptor, foiling their plan.

After counting the votes, Shuidong World held seventy-three, Zhen’an World eighty-two, and Gushan World one hundred thirty-eight. Though Pifu World only had one vote, they officially became the fourth nominee, successfully advancing.

This was the rule agreed on beforehand; under the eyes of all, even if the Shuidong God felt resentful, he couldn’t alter it.

Seeing himself firmly part of the nominees, Dongban Shen Jin sighed with relief and sat down again.

Now, he must contemplate how to deal with those three worlds and the threat from the powers behind them!