The previously lively atmosphere suddenly froze.
Those who had come to offer birthday wishes shifted their gazes from the auspicious beast Bai Ze to the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable.
"This is an opportunity that countless people dream of."
"Even Divine Emperor powerhouses would be tempted by this."
"Although luck is ethereal, we cannot deny its miraculous power."
"If you refuse, I can only give this opportunity to the Divine Emperor powerhouse of the Divine Void Sect."
"I've heard that the powerhouses of the Lei Ze clan are about to arrive; if I give it to them, I can exchange it for considerable benefits."
The Divine Sea Gang Leader enticed the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable.
The Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable was already moved, for he knew the Divine Sea Gang Leader was speaking the truth.
If the Divine Sea Gang Leader released the news, many would eagerly vie for Bai Ze's blessing.
Just as the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable was hesitating, a woman named Han Yun Divine Venerable chuckled, "If that's the case, why don't you try to curry favor with the Divine Void Sect?"
The Divine Sea Gang Leader was instantly speechless. He naturally knew that recruiting a Divine Emperor would yield higher returns.
But the problem was that Bai Ze had set a limit on the target's realm.
If the Divine Sea Gang Leader chose a target beyond the Divine Venerable realm, Bai Ze would retract the opportunity.
It was precisely for this reason that the Divine Sea Gang Leader intended to use this opportunity to bind the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable.
If the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable joined his Divine Sea Gang, the gang's influence would grow even stronger.
With the Divine Sea Gang's increased strength, he, as the gang leader, would naturally gain more benefits.
"I regard the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable as a confidant. As long as he is willing to join the Divine Sea Gang, I will bestow this opportunity upon him," the Divine Sea Gang Leader said, his face flushing.
The Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable also knew the Divine Sea Gang Leader was lying, but this auspicious beast Bai Ze was not fake.
If he received Bai Ze's blessing, he might very well elevate his cultivation to another level.
Most importantly, Bai Ze's blessing could ward off misfortune and invite good fortune.
This was equivalent to gaining an additional chance to survive.
"I can join, but I cannot guarantee that no one will make a move against you or me," the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable transmitted his thoughts to the Divine Sea Gang Leader.
The Divine Sea Gang Leader immediately replied, "Our Divine Sea Gang's three deputy leaders are already hidden nearby, and there are four Divine Venerables present who are on good terms with us."
The Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable pondered the pros and cons and then said, "Alright, from today onwards, I shall join the Divine Sea Gang."
Upon hearing this, several Divine Venerables in the vicinity immediately stood up.
Even the Overlord Sea Gang Leader couldn't remain seated.
"Let's wait and see," Qin Han Chu transmitted.
Following Qin Han Chu's command, the Overlord Sea Gang Leader returned to his seat.
"Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable, are you certain you want to make such a choice?" Han Yun Divine Venerable, who held a grudge against the Divine Sea Gang, could not stand by and watch the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable join them.
"My Chong family and the Divine Sea Gang are sworn enemies. If you join the Divine Sea Gang, you are declaring war on my Chong family."
"Such an important decision, are you sure you won't reconsider?"
The Divine Venerables who had risen to their feet spoke one after another, their bodies even exuding a chilling killing intent.
With the support of the Divine Sea Gang, the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable naturally no longer paid these individuals any heed. "My mind is made up. Esteemed sirs, please say no more. Past grievances will be settled today."
"Well said, 'settled today'!"
"If you do not change your mind, you will only be killed today!" Han Yun Divine Venerable declared sternly.
"Indeed, even if we cannot kill you today, we will certainly slay you in the future."
"Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable, please think again."
Just as everyone was threatening the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable, an ally of the Divine Sea Gang finally spoke, "Does the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable require your permission to join any faction? Whoever wishes to oppose the Divine Sea Gang must first pass the test of our Ten Thousand Kill Sect."
As the members of the Ten Thousand Kill Sect finished speaking, several other powers declared their support for the Divine Sea Gang.
The previously peaceful atmosphere instantly turned into a tense standoff.
The Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable waved his hand, and a portion of resources appeared in the air. "These resources are for all of you, as repayment for your birthday gifts over the years."
"After we kill you, we will naturally return all of this to its rightful owners!"
"Everyone, let us strike together and slay him."
"If we don't kill him today, he will be our trouble in the future!"
Those who advocated for killing the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable were all rivals of the Divine Sea Gang.
At this moment, Han Yun Divine Venerable and the others were transmitting messages to the Overlord Sea Gang Leader, attempting to secure his support.
The Overlord Sea Gang Leader hurriedly asked Qin Han Chu for instructions, "Master, what should I do?"
"Join them in attacking the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable. I will wait to reap the benefits," Qin Han Chu replied.
With Qin Han Chu's permission, the Overlord Sea Gang Leader abruptly stood up. "Fellow Daoist Tian Mu, I have nothing to say if you join other factions, but the Divine Sea Gang is unacceptable."
"Haha... do you think you can change anything?" the Divine Sea Gang Leader burst into laughter. "With you lot, do you have the confidence to harm Fellow Daoist Tian Mu in front of us?"
The Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable said urgently, "Give me the Bai Ze blessing. Once I receive the Bai Ze blessing, I will officially join the Divine Sea Gang."
The Divine Sea Gang Leader nodded first, then said to the auspicious beast Bai Ze, "Please bestow the blessing mark upon Fellow Daoist Tian Mu."
The auspicious beast Bai Ze stepped forward. Its twin horns suddenly emitted dazzling, multicolored light.
As the light flowed, a colorful mark gradually took shape.
Although the Overlord Sea Gang Leader and the others were unwilling to see the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable join the Divine Sea Gang, they did not dare to interrupt the auspicious beast Bai Ze.
Angering the auspicious beast Bai Ze was not a wise choice.
The mark was soon condensed, and under everyone's watchful eyes, it entered the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable's sea of consciousness.
With the blessing complete, the auspicious beast Bai Ze turned and walked towards the entrance of the divine hall.
Wherever it passed, everyone bowed and made way.
After the auspicious beast Bai Ze departed, the previously tense atmosphere among everyone turned even more murderous.
"Kill him!"
"Protect the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable."
There were no more wasted words; the battle erupted directly.
Seeing the Divine Venerables present engaging in combat, the Divine King realm cultivators quickly retreated.
As a True God's "attendant," Qin Han Chu also swiftly left to evade.
Boom boom...
Including the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable, there were a total of sixteen Divine Venerables present.
When these individuals unleashed their attacks simultaneously, the divine hall was completely shattered.
In an instant, these Divine Venerables surged into the sky.
At this moment, nine individuals intended to kill the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable, while the Divine Sea Gang Leader's side had only seven.
Although they were at a numerical disadvantage, this was only temporary.
The Divine Sea Gang Leader had made preparations long ago, and his three Divine Venerable deputy leaders would arrive shortly.
Once they arrived, the numerical advantage would shift.
The battle between the two sides was incredibly fierce, and the entire Sky Curtain Island was affected by their combat.
Qin Han Chu and the others were forced to retreat from Sky Curtain Island.
"If the Heavenly Curtain Divine Venerable cannot be stopped from joining the Divine Sea Gang, then the Divine Sea Gang's strength will undoubtedly grow stronger."
"The Divine Sea Gang is clearly well-prepared; the other three deputy leaders should arrive soon."
"This battle today, though intense, is unlikely to yield any definitive results."
"The Divine Sea Gang's three deputy leaders have arrived."
As a Divine King cried out, everyone turned to look.