At the same time, a thousand miles away from the capital, at the temporary stronghold of the Sixteen Sects Alliance, core figures from various major sects were gathered.
In a grand hall, more than ten individuals were seated. They were either middle-aged or elderly, but each exuded a profound aura, with their strength all at the late stage of the Emperor level.
The hall was deathly silent. Everyone was patiently waiting. The people they had dispatched had set out three hours ago, yet there had been no movement from Da Qin.
"What's going on? Why is Da Qin so quiet? How is the plan progressing? Why haven't they sent back any news?"
Someone frowned, antsy. Logically, their people had simultaneously attacked five cities of Da Qin, and Da Qin would surely resist fiercely. Dozens of Emperor-level cultivators clashing would definitely cause some disturbance. Yet, there was not a single sound, and none of the scouts sent out had returned.
"Heh heh, Sect Leader Wang, there's no need to rush. Good things come to those who wait. The Desolate Palace has sent word that Sword Pavilion and the Dao Sect have made no move. This indicates that Da Qin has not sought help from the two great sects, meaning Da Qin is bound to be utterly defeated this time."
Zi Yun said, a smile on his face and an air of confidence. He continued.
"Perhaps our people have already taken control of Da Qin in silence, and are currently dispatching someone to deliver the news."
"Fellow Daoist Zi Yun is right. Fifty Emperor-level cultivators against Da Qin's mere dozen or so. Only Li Xiaotian is somewhat troublesome; the rest are not to be feared. We just need to wait for the good news."
Someone chimed in, looking relaxed, while others in the hall also appeared at ease, showing no signs of worry.
"Esteemed sirs, we should discuss how to proceed after we've taken control of Da Qin. I propose we form an eternal alliance, establish a new league, elect a leader, and use Da Qin as our foundation to dominate the world!"
Zi Yun spoke, feeling a sense of anticipation. Among the sixteen sects, his strength ranked within the top three, and this plan was his idea. He would receive the most credit, and the position of leader would undoubtedly be his.
"After taking control of Da Qin, we should seize the opportunity to reclaim its territories and suppress its various sects. When the Dragon of Destiny appears, we can all seize this chance to break through to the Heaven level, and our alliance will then be a true overlord-level force!"
The eyes of everyone present flashed with a hint of brilliance. Breaking through to the Heaven level, becoming an overlord-level sect, and establishing a legacy for eternity – this was the dream of every sect leader.
However, at this moment, what they valued even more was the position of leader in the new alliance.
After all, once the Dragon of Destiny appeared, the leader would receive immense benefits, their cultivation speed would accelerate dramatically, and they would become the strongest within the alliance. Such an opportunity, they did not wish to miss.
"Fellow Daoist Zi Yun, I suggest we elect the strongest individual as the leader. The sixteen sects were not originally one. Although we are allied now, it is due to the pressure from Da Qin. Once Da Qin is under our control, internal strife might erupt among us. Therefore, electing the strongest person as leader will ensure stability regardless of future circumstances!"
Someone spoke, making what sounded like a fair suggestion. However, the speaker was Wu Neng, the leader of the Black Witch Cult, whose Grand Elder was rumored to have reached the peak late stage, just a step away from the Overlord level.
Wu Neng's suggestion clearly carried a hidden agenda.
Upon hearing Wu Neng's words, many present frowned slightly, while Zi Yun's eyes flashed with killing intent. However, he did not act rashly, believing that someone present was more impatient than he was.
As expected, a burly middle-aged man in the hall let out a cold laugh and spoke.
"Hmph! The strongest? Sect Leader Wu Neng, why don't you just directly say you want your Black Witch Cult's Grand Elder to be the leader? For this alliance of sects, your cult's Grand Elder managed to secure the position of leader without even showing his face. Isn't that a bit too easy?"
The speaker was Bai Wuyong, the Sect Leader of the Hundred Refinements Sect. Although his name did not match his appearance or demeanor, his strength was formidable. His powerful body-refinement techniques allowed him to contend against Heaven-level weapons with his bare hands.
The Hundred Refinements Sect and the Black Witch Cult had always been at odds, a fact well-known to everyone present.
"Sect Leader Bai, what do you mean by that? This sect leader is dedicated to the alliance's interests and has no selfish motives. This world is one where strength reigns supreme. Having the strongest person in the alliance as the leader benefits our alliance immensely!"
Wu Neng said, his face dark, as he coldly stared at Bai Wuyong.
"Sect Leader Wu Neng, you are mistaken. Great strength does not necessarily mean one is suitable for the position of leader. I believe the leader should be someone not only strong but also possessing foresight and strategy. After all, our sects are not truly unified. Only such a person can bridge the conflicts between the sects and make the new alliance internally cohesive."
An elder spoke up. He had a close relationship with Zi Yun and, acting on Zi Yun's hint, prepared to help him secure the position of leader.
"I believe Fellow Daoist Zi Yun is the most suitable for the position of leader. After all, it was Fellow Daoist Zi Yun who proposed the plan for tonight, and he has comprehensively considered the future direction of the alliance. For the position of leader, there is no one more fitting than Fellow Daoist Zi Yun."
"Sect Leader Xia is too kind. I merely did what I ought to have done; it is hardly worth mentioning."
Zi Yun said with feigned modesty, inwardly delighted.
"Fellow Daoist Zi Yun is not suitable. While his strength is not weak, his methods are too insidious. Although Zi Yun's various stratagems have yielded great merits in the current phase, if our alliance becomes an overlord-level force in the future, such schemes will become unnecessary. We should possess the demeanor of a great sect."
Someone immediately retorted. Zi Yun's expression darkened as he looked towards the speaker, whose sect had always been on bad terms with his own.
In fact, all sixteen sects had their own grievances. Had it not been for the pressure from Da Qin and the mediation of the Desolate Palace, they would never have allied.
"Fellow Daoist, you speak too harshly. How are my methods insidious? This operation, all the plans were formulated by me, including the suggestion of controlling Da Qin and dominating the world. Without me, we would at most have destroyed Da Qin, and then, as before, our sects would remain separate. There would be no talk of breaking through to the Heaven level or aspiring to become an overlord-level force."
Zi Yun spoke, his tone filled with pride. For the conquest of Da Qin, he deserved the greatest credit.
"Indeed, we propose Fellow Daoist Zi Yun be our leader. Everyone can see Fellow Daoist Zi Yun's contributions. With such a leader, why should we fear not rising to prominence?"
Some people spoke out. They had been secretly bought over by Zi Yun. After all, their sects were of average strength, with no chance of vying for the leader's position. It was better to support someone, and if their chosen candidate ascended, they too would gain considerable benefits.
Zi Yun's face wore a smile. He had made ample preparations; otherwise, he would not have proposed the matter of the leadership.