"If Mr. Xue has made a request, where could I get the reason to refuse?" Zhao Baiyang was somewhat surprised by Xue Wuheng's frankness. Just from his attitude, it was clear that Xue Wuheng currently encountered formidable challenges.
However, though surprised in his heart, his face was still full of smiles as he replied, "Joining forces with you, Mr. Xue and I would become a perfect match. We're certain to achieve lofty goals. There should be a place in the world for the both of us."
Although the Demonic Cult led by Xue Wuheng has been secretly targeted by the Hell Demon Sect, and their alliance will inevitably affect his alliance of heretics, Zhao Baiyang still decisively chose to accept without much hesitation. Or to put it another way, when he agreed to Xue Wuheng's request, Zhao Baiyang was prepared to face the Hell Demon Sect.
The Hell Demon Sect is one of the top forces in the Demonic Way. Although the Sect doesn't hold a place among the top-tier forces of the Demonic Way due to the lack of an absolute power holder, the Hell Demon Sect has a profound heritage and ample strength. The sect is filled with powerful individuals, matching up to the former Canglang Palace in every aspect.
It would be a mistake to assume that the Canglang Palace was weak just because Pei Xuanjing effortlessly killed several Spirit Realm Eightfold martial artists and the Palace was easily demolished when many forces targeted it.
Not to mention the Grand Supreme Elder of the Canglang Palace who might break into the Nine Realms of Spirit, even the other Spirit Realm Eightfold cultivators, including the Palace Master, were by no means weaklings.
The Canglang Palace was of a first-rate category among top-tier forces. This was clear from how it thrived despite attracting many adversaries and rousing numerous complaints against it. It was only after Pei Xuanjing killed the Palace Master and the Third Supreme Elder that it was jointly targeted by others, still enabling the Grand Supreme Elder to escape.
The difference between the strong and weak is often relative. The Canglang Palace was not weak; they were just unlucky enough to encounter Pei Xuanjing and became the sacrificial pawn several forces used to probe Pei Xuanjing's strength. They also served as stepping stones for Pei Xuanjing to establish his own reputation.
The Hell Demon Sect, which could be compared to the Canglang Palace, actually surpassed the latter in all aspects, whether it was the deep foundation or the number of powerful cultivators, everything was slightly better.
Such a power in the world only needed to make way for top-tier forces and the most potent individuals. There was no need for them to back down before any other force or cultivators. Because of their might, even many top-tier forces would not want to create a rift with the likes of Hell Demon Sect unless absolutely necessary.
Xue Wuheng killed a cultivator sent by the Hell Demon Sect. The person himself might not be noteworthy, but he was a representative of the Hell Demon Sect's dignity. If they let this go lightly, they would lose their reputation and dignity. How would they continue to hold their ground in this world? That is why they had to take action against Xue Wuheng and the Demonic Cult.
Indeed, Pei Xuanjing's intervention led to the temporary retreat of the Hell Demon Sect which provided Xue Wuheng with ample time for growth. But they couldn't destroy their enemy openly in the current circumstances. However, they could use some undercover limitations and targeting, even Pei Xuanjing couldn't say much about it.
According to common sense, the alliance should avoid attracting such a powerful entity, incapable of countering the might of the Hell Demon Sect. So why would they provoke it?
Indeed, the Hell Demon Sect is powerful, and the current alliance can't counter it, but it doesn't mean they should keep backing down and evading. Any force aiming to rise needs to choose their opponents.
For people like Zhao Baiyang at the moment, instead of waiting for their opponent to strike during the rise, why not actively seek adversaries? As long as they could defeat the opponent and absorb their resources, it would allow them to grow rapidly.
The strength of the Hell Demon Sect, though intimidating, wasn't invincible and could serve as a sharpening stone to make them stronger.
"If we lose to such an opponent, we may not have another chance, and we could face total annihilation," cautioned Tie Qianshan.
Confronted with such an adversary, he felt immense pressure. Combined, they would barely be able to suppress a Spirit Realm Eightfold cultivator. And the strength of the Hell Demon Sect was definitely not limited to one Spirit Realm Eightfold cultivator. It was a terrifying prospect.
"Then, we have to strive to win," declared Zhao Baiyang, his eyes shimmering frostily.
We can't lose. We have to win!
They either swallow an elephant whole, using the Hell Demon Sect as their nourishment, their pillar for transformation or face total annihilation. There were only these two options. There was no third way.
"Swallowing an elephant, if you fail, you will die. How ambitious!" exclaimed Pei Xuanjing as he looked at the information about Zhao Baiyang's intentions.
Everyone was indeed seeking powerful methods, none were willing to be left behind in this era. Under current circumstances, you either become stronger or fade away. There were no other options.
Concerning the alliance between the Heretic Alliance and the Demonic Cult, Pei Xuanjing wasn't surprised. Even though the current situation might appear stable, it was simply suppressed by him and other powerful beings. There was temporary tranquility because of the plan to merge the two worlds.
However, whether they were powerful beings like Pei Xuanjing standing at the peak of the universe or decision-makers of various forces, they were all aware that their peace was temporary. Tensions would gradually build, eventually leading to a sudden outbreak at a certain point.
The fusion of the two worlds has never been smooth, and friction is an inevitable result. Even supreme beings like Pei Xuanjing would not be able to stop it because it's a trend, a natural reshuffling trend among the forces of Heaven and Earth. It's impossible to suppress it.
When the time comes, it won't just be the various forces of the human race that will be affected, the Demon Race will also be involved. The struggle between humans and demons will sweep through again, unstoppable.
Why did those supreme beings, as well as the supreme beings of the Demon Race, seemingly agree so easily to divide the benefits after the merging of the two worlds proposed by Pei Xuanjing? Was it really because they recognized how powerful Pei Xuanjing was? That they were willing to abide by the agreement and admit defeat?
It's a joke, living in the Sky Wasteland for so many years, there may be rules, but those rules are only maintained when faced with equally powerful opponents capable of ensuring the rules are truly enforced, not the weak ones.
The distribution of shared benefits proposed by Pei Xuanjing was approved by them because they recognized Pei Xuanjing's strength, but that.
The purpose of signing agreements is also to break them. If an agreement could not be broken, then there's no point in making one.
For those top powers and ultimate beings, their willingness to compromise with Pei Xuanjing stems from the undeniable fact that they need his valuable assistance as well as the recognition of his capabilities.
Yet, while Pei Xuanjing has the strength to stand on equal footing with them, earning him his rightful benefits, what about the others who lack such power?
Therefore, everything is temporary, so is their compromise.
Of course, it's not that they necessarily want to break this agreement. In fact, they absolutely won't, for to blatantly breach the pact would be a dismissal and contempt towards Pei Xuanjing, the ultimate being. Such disdain would trigger his wrath, forcing him into action regardless of his willingness. A situation even those top powers and ultimate beings don't wish to see.
So, what would they do?
Simply put, they would initially comply with their agreement with Pei Xuanjing, await the successful merging of the two worlds, then share their respective proportions of benefits, thus fulfilling their agreement.
And then, once Pei Xuanjing would have distributed the gains of the native forces of the Daming World, those forces from the Sky Wasteland would reclaim those benefits. That seemed like the most appropriate method.
"We have respected the agreement and allocated your fair share, but those you've received were too weak to guard their interests, thus their benefits were captured by others. There is simply nothing that can be done about it."
This is the truth of the top powers and ultimate beings' intentions. Following through with this operation, they manage to save face for Pei Xuanjing, without any loss to their own interests, at most they are circulated among the local forces of the Daming World.
In face of such manipulation, unless Pei Xuanjing holds all the allocated interests in his possession without distribution, there's no way to prevent such a situation.
The gap between the strong and the weak is clear – the weak can only submit before the strong. The survival rules of the Sky Wasteland have remained unchanged for thousands of years. The reason that the rules laid down by Pei Xuanjing can be implemented and recognized is that he has sufficient strength and the endorsement of other ultimate beings.
In the present situation, those who wish to monopolize the oncoming fortunes are in fact the ultimate beings and top powers supporting Pei Xuanjing. If they really make a move, Pei Xuanjing cannot stop them.
Beyond that, apart from these top forces and ultimate beings of the human race, the Demon Race is also eying the human race. They won't sit idly by while the human race easily digests the benefits it's gained, becoming even stronger.
If the designs and plundering of various forces within the human race do not greatly impact the overall power of the human race, then the coveting of the Demon Race will be completely different.
According to their original agreement, the Demon Race occupies 35% and the human race 65%. The larger the benefits gained from the merger of the two worlds, the greater the gap and disparity between the pieces of the pie the two races can get.
With an interest allocation close to double, can the Demon Race really stand by and willingly give it up? If it hadn't been for the pressing situation at the time, would they really have compromised?
However, the compromise at the time was for them to have a chance to participate. Once the two worlds are truly combined, with such enormous benefits, the Demon Race will definitely not willingly hand them over easily.
While it might be possible to suppress the numerous struggles within the human race with the alliance of many ultimate beings, the conflict between the human race and the Demon Race is a genuine "us against them" situation. The years of disputes between the human and demon races are simply due to matched strengths, with neither side able to get the upper hand.
However, once the human race really gains such enormous benefits and digests these forces to become even stronger, they will inevitably turn their blades on the Demon Race, completely annihilating it. This is an undeniable fact.
To prevent such a situation from happening, the Demon Race will inevitably take action; they won't allow the human race to smoothly digest these benefits.
One can say that, no matter what, the situation will not be stable in the foreseeable future. After the merging of the two worlds, it seems that all parties will be able to reap the benefits of ascending the heaven and earth, using these opportunities to steadily improve their own strength.
However, this is, in fact, the beginning of a brutal situation. The upcoming period will indeed be the best time for numerous cultivators to cultivate, but it will also be the most severe period for power struggles.
Being fully aware of this situation, the True Martial Sect, the Foreigner Alliance, and the Demonic Cult have all chosen to boost their strength like mad, trying their utmost to make themselves more powerful.
Besides the fact that they don't want to miss this opportunity, seeking to capitalize on this chance to strengthen themselves, they also want to possess greater strength to guard their existing interests, preventing others from seizing them.
Of course, while today's True Martial Sect, Foreigner Alliance, and Demonic Cult aim to guard their own interests, once they truly grow stronger, their mentality and perspective may instantly change, turning them into plunderers like those forces from the Sky Wasteland.
"Everyone hustles and bustles for profit. Whether cultivators from the Sky Wasteland or from the Daming World, at the root of the matter, there's no difference." Pei Xuanjing's mind remains unmoved by the slightest ripple. He doesn't find all of this surprising in the least.
Not to mention these cultivators, isn't he in the same situation? Despite everything he's done benefiting countless cultivators and beings, at the end of the day, he does it all for his own interests.
The news of Pei Xuanjing's breakthrough and stepping into the strongest realm spread throughout the world pretty quickly. Even those ultimate beings in the Sky Wasteland working on the plan of merging the two worlds knew about it. Apart from being shocked at Pei Xuanjing's breakthrough in such a short time, they did not show much reaction.
Before his breakthrough, Pei Xuanjing had suppressed the Taixu Venerable, an ultimate being, with his Spirit Realm Eightfold, indicating that he possessed the combat power of ultimate beings. Many ultimate beings already viewed Pei Xuanjing as having completely broken the shackles. The only thing he lacked in breaking through the ultimate being realm was time.
Of course, the fact that Pei Xuanjing broke through in such a short period of time, once again shattering the record of Spirit Realm Ninefold cultivators, shocked them. But given his previous experience of advancing to the Spirit Realm Eightfold in less than a hundred years, they believe his quick progress to be only natural.
After the revival of Heaven and Earth, as the concentration of Heaven and Earth Essence Qi continued to rise, the opportunity for ordinary Martial Artists to break through to the Spirit Realm also increased.
Just like the world of the immortal sect where Pei Xuanjing's previous projection was, the abundant spiritual energies of Heaven and Earth nurtured the people, making the mortal ones, even those without spiritual roots, physically stronger.
Similarly, not everyone in the Daming World had the opportunity to practice cultivation due to reasons such as their family's financial conditions and their poor talent.
However, over the years, as the Essence Qi of Heaven and Earth has been restored, everyone in the Daming World has now stepped onto the path of Martial Arts. Nurturing them with abundant Heaven and Earth Essence Qi, they have all successfully become Martial Artists.
Furthermore, with the original promotion of Martial Classics, the existence of the Taoist Academy, and Pei Xuanjing's resolution of the Third-grade Hypostatic Master problem, more and more Martial Artists emerged. Anything could hardly obstruct the advancement of Mortal Realm Martial Artists before reaching the First-grade realm, except for the barrier of breaking through the First-grade Spirit Realm.
It's not an exaggeration to say that now Spirit Realm practitioners are everywhere in the Daming World, and First-grades are as common as dogs. And as the overall strength of the living beings in the Daming World improved, the baseline strength level required to join the Great Ming Divine Dynasty gradually increased.
If, in the past, first-grade Martial Artists could join the Great Ming Divine Dynasty and occupy a fairly good position, then nowadays, ordinary first-grade martial artists can only become common soldiers, without a chance to even become small flag officers of a guard station.
Although the Great Ming Divine Dynasty was the weakest among the ascended dynasties due to the lack of Heaven and Earth restoration during its elevation, their superior Golden Book and Jade Scroll were not to be underestimated. With Heaven and Earth's favour and continuous prosperity of Qi Luck, the Great Ming Divine Dynasty has been continuously strengthening, and the power provided by the divine positions has also been increasing.
The High-Apex dynasty can suppress the current world, making even the strongest forces retreat. Apart from many mighty beings in the Dynasty, there are also those who have refined the Divine Positions. As the backbone of the dynasty, these strong individuals harness extra power from their Divine Positions besides their own cultivation practice.
Now, even though the Great Ming Divine Dynasty has a short period of ascension and there are no Spirit Realm Eightfold powerhouses except Zhu Houji and Wang Boan, its overall strength is incredible, even amongst top-tier forces.
Moreover, that was decades ago. Now, the cooperation between the Great Ming Divine Dynasty and the Witch Deity Teaching is apparent. Everyone knows that the rebel of Witch Deity Teaching, Wu Shijiu, who is strong even among the Spirit Realm Eightfold, has joined the Great Ming Divine Dynasty. Under these circumstances, only a few top forces with profound strength can resist the influence of the ascended dynasty that was established less than a hundred years ago.
In a word, the rapid rise of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty has attracted the attention of forces across the Sky Wasteland. Their speed of ascent far exceeds the imaginable, and is unprecedented.
Even though Pei Xuanjing's Shenxiao Sect has been developed rapidly with his support, the developments of the Shenxiao Sect and the Great Ming Divine Dynasty are not even comparable.
"How dominant was the ancient human ruler, whose commands none dared to disobey. When will I be able to possess such power?" Zhu Houji thought secretly, his deep gaze unreadable.
Perhaps many cultivators and forces think that the strength of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, attained within such a short amount of time, is beyond imagination. But for Zhu Houji, the Divine Emperor, what he has now is far from what he desires.
The divine arts of cultivation he learned from the Witch God Sect Leader have significantly improved his strength compared to what he had during the Shenxiao Debate Conference.
Furthermore, as the power of the Divine Dynasty grew over the years and his own Qi Luck became more and more prosperous, the Xuanyuan Divine Sword he obtained recognised him more and more. The level of battle power he could wield was known only to himself.
However, for Zhu Houji, this was still not enough and far from enough. You must know that the Ancient Human Ruler was not only immensely powerful, but also unparalleled in his command of law. Even the leaders of the apex divine dynasties of the past could suppress the world, and even the top forces and the strongest individuals dared not defy them.
In comparison, he, as the Ruler of the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, although his strength is nearly reaching the peak of Heaven and Earth, is still far from the peak he aspires to.
"In only two or three decades, Master Pei has made another breakthrough, breaking the limit and entering the Strongest Realm of the Nine Realms of Spirit, his terrifying talent is truly shocking," Zhu Houji thought, deeply shaken.
Sometimes, it's only through making comparisons that you realise there are many people and things in the world that are beyond the norm.
"In the beginning, Master Pei needed the power of the divine position and the aid of Heaven and Earth's will to suppress the strongest in the Nine Realms of Spirit. Now, after his breakthrough, he probably doesn't need such aids." Zhu Houji's eyes flashed with complicated emotions, and he sighed, "Now, if he also has the aid of a divine position, I'm afraid there would only be a handful of people among the strongest who can match him."
His feelings towards his master, the one who has supported him all the way to his current position, are very complicated. Zhu Houji has continuously grown, always feeling like he's getting closer to his master. However, the more he grows, the more he realises how powerful his master is, so much so that he cannot even catch a glimpse of his master's shadow.
The existence of Pei Xuanjing protected him and the Great Ming Divine Dynasty, saving him from many troubles and worries. However, it was also like an inescapable shadow, constantly hovering over his head and impossible to avoid.
In Zhu Houji's heart, he felt grateful for Pei Xuanjing, admiring him, yet also wishing to break free from his protection. He hoped one day he would stand in front of his master and thank him, yet be able to stand firm between Heaven and Earth on his own.