Gradually, the main hall of the Qin Palace was filled with figures, each sect occupying a table. As more and more old fellows arrived, the hall grew quieter, and everyone sat in hushed silence.
Huang Wudi, Shen Wuji, Huo Tongzi, Zhan Tianxia, Miao Zong Meng Po – each was a top prodigy of their era. Even in ancient times, they were rarely seen together, yet today they had all appeared simultaneously.
The experts from smaller sects were cautious, their hearts filled with trepidation. With so many powerful individuals present, something big was bound to happen. One felt regret for attending, yet fearing punishment from Li Xiaotian if he didn't, his heart was in a turmoil.
"Hmph! They invite us to discuss important matters, yet the host has yet to appear, leaving us waiting here. What airs! Does Da Qin think they have us all in their pocket?"
Suddenly, someone in the hall snorted coldly, their voice sharp. Everyone turned to look, it was Huo Tongzi of the Yan Huo Sect.
Huo Tongzi, true to his name, looked and was built like a six or seven-year-old child. He had fiery red hair tied into a small braid at the back of his head.
If one didn't know his identity, many would instinctively mistake him for a child, and his attire might seem somewhat amusing.
But who would have thought that within that tiny body resided a soul that had lived for over ten thousand years?
Hearing Huo Tongzi's words, no one in the hall responded. Some of the less powerful individuals were even more cautious.
It wasn't for any other reason than that Huo Tongzi in ancient times was not known for his strength, but for his temper: volatile and extremely prone to violence.
"Qin Emperor arrives! Dragon King arrives!!!"
Just as Huo Tongzi was about to speak further, a voice announced from outside the hall. Immediately after, the Qin Emperor and Li Xiaotian entered the hall, followed by Da Qin's current Imperial-level powerhouses.
"Buzz!!!"
The moment Li Xiaotian and the Qin Emperor entered the hall, they felt several terrifying pressures sweep towards them.
Instantly, everyone except Li Xiaotian's face turned red, their breathing becoming rapid.
"Heh! My apologies for keeping you all waiting. This is our Da Qin's first time meeting so many esteemed elders from ancient times, and we were a little apprehensive, hence the slight delay. We hope all seniors will not mind."
Li Xiaotian let out a light chuckle, instantly neutralizing the oppressive pressure, and then spoke with a smile.
Seeing this, the eyes of some of the powerful individuals in the hall narrowed sharply. So strong! Li Xiaotian effortlessly dispelled the pressure from several powerhouses; his strength had exceeded their estimations.
"Indeed, it is fortunate for the human race to have such a figure in later generations,"
Huang Wudi spoke, breaking the silence in the hall. He looked at Li Xiaotian with admiration, seemingly unfazed by the past conflict between Li Xiaotian and the Huang Palace, leaving those present bewildered.
"To have killed the Black Dragon of Wan Shou Mountain at the late Imperial stage is indeed impressive. Such achievements are rarely seen even in ancient times,"
Shen Wuji spoke. He appeared to be the oldest among those present, his body stooped, emitting an aura of decay, giving the impression that he could die at any moment.
"You flatter me, seniors. This junior merely risked his life to achieve it."
Li Xiaotian's tone was calm as he and the Qin Emperor took their seats belonging to Da Qin.
"Heh heh, impressive indeed, but perhaps a bit too ambitious, not knowing the immensity of heaven and earth, aiming to unify Yanzhou and have the various powers submit. Heh heh, quite bold!"
As soon as Li Xiaotian finished speaking, Huo Tongzi of the Yan Huo Sect quickly interjected, his gaze towards Li Xiaotian filled with provocation.
Upon seeing this, the hall fell into absolute silence. All eyes shifted between Huo Tongzi and Li Xiaotian. The tension was palpable from the very beginning, suggesting that something major was bound to happen today.
"Heh heh, esteemed sir, please do not try to frame me. I have invited everyone here today for the sake of the human race in Yanzhou, for those ordinary people who cannot cultivate. I have no intention of having the various powers submit."
Li Xiaotian chuckled lightly and spoke, casting a glance at Huo Tongzi. He was at the peak of the Imperial stage, his strength likely not inferior to Zi Yun.
As soon as Li Xiaotian said this, the hall erupted in confusion. For ordinary humans? Not unifying Yanzhou? What did Da Qin mean by this?
"Hmph! What 'for ordinary humans'? Are those ants truly worth you, a Hegemon-level powerhouse, going to such lengths to gather all the sects together?"
Huo Tongzi sneered, his tone filled with mockery.
Li Xiaotian frowned slightly at this, glancing at Huo Tongzi. The other party was clearly seeking death.
"Indeed, since ancient times, the strong have been respected, and the weak are naturally destined to serve the strong. Young friend Li, your excuse is somewhat absurd."
Shen Wuji said with a smile, shaking his head slightly. When he had first heard of Li Xiaotian's exploits, he had felt some admiration for the young man. However, upon hearing his high-sounding pretext, his favorable impression vanished entirely. This young man was somewhat hypocritical.
"Esteemed sirs, perhaps you could grant my Huang Palace some time? The matter of unifying Yanzhou can be discussed later. I believe everyone knows that my Huang Palace and Da Qin have some misunderstandings, and today this old man wishes to resolve this misunderstanding."
At this moment, Huang Wudi suddenly spoke, interrupting everyone. His expression remained impassive. After speaking, he continued without waiting for Li Xiaotian's reply.
"Bring him forth!"
With that, two Imperial-level martial artists brought a miserable-looking old man into the hall.
Upon seeing this, everyone from the various powers in the hall turned their gaze. After recognizing the old man's identity, they could not help but exclaim in surprise.
The old man was none other than Liu Neng, the Law Enforcement Elder of the Huang Palace, a core figure with immense power within the sect. To see him in such a pathetic state today was unexpected.
"Huang Wudi, do you truly intend to humiliate this old man like this? A mere Da Qin, with only one Hegemon emerging, and you are already afraid?"
Liu Neng roared, filled with shame. He was the Law Enforcement Elder of the Huang Palace, and now he was brought here like a prisoner by Huang Wudi, losing all face in front of all the powers of Yanzhou!
This was an insult to him, and more so, an insult to the Huang Palace!!!
"My Huang Palace is a Hegemon-level sect. Li Xiaotian has only just broken through to Hegemon, and he is worthy of you tormenting this old man so much to appease him?"
Liu Neng shouted, unwilling to accept it. He couldn't understand why Huang Wudi would bring him to apologize to Li Xiaotian; it was simply ridiculous. Was Li Xiaotian worthy of such a gesture?
"Li Xiaotian is arrogant and conceited, constantly opposing my Huang Palace. My Huang Palace has made numerous attempts to recruit him, yet he repays kindness with enmity and insults the Master of the Huang Palace. Huang Wudi, as a member of the Huang Palace, you should uphold the dignity of the Huang Palace. Today, you should restore the Huang Palace's honor by making Li Xiaotian confess and apologize to my Huang Palace in front of all the powers of the world!"