Divine Replication System

Below, a man of imposing stature with partially grayed hair stepped forward.    

His presence had reached the pinnacle of the Emperor Level.    

The high-ranking members of the East Saint Sect stood behind him, clearly indicating his leadership role.    

Undoubtedly, he was the true ruler of the East Saint Sect.    

With a grave expression, Sun Yan gazed up at Lin Xuan in the sky, feeling the weight of the moment.    

As the leader of the East Saint Sect on the Dongyuan Continent,    

he was once considered the foremost expert among Emperor Level peers before the Devil Cloud Sect disclosed its true power.    

His record of defeating equals was a source of pride.    

Previously, he carried himself with an air of arrogance, barely acknowledging other martial artists.    

He reserved his respect only for those at the Emperor Level peak, his equals.    

But today, he involuntarily bowed his proud head.    

The newcomer was simply too formidable.    

He had received multiple confirmations of the Devil Cloud Sect's downfall,    

and the orchestrator was the man above.    

Moreover, figures like Wei Zhengzhen, Elemental Spirit Son, and Cang Shuiyue, all his equals, stood behind Lin Xuan with utmost deference.    

Sun Yan had bested peers in combat but never vanquished them.    

Such a feat was unheard of across the Dongyuan Continent for millennia.    

Thus, he could only command respect or perhaps a modicum of fear from his equals,    

but never the reverence or dread he now witnessed.    

He lacked the power and status to inspire such feelings.    

Yet Lin Xuan had managed to elicit respect and humility from numerous Emperor Level Martial Cultivators.    

The stark contrast highlighted the vast chasm between them and underscored Lin Xuan's fearsome reputation.    

How could Sun Yan cling to his former pride in the face of such a figure?    

"Let's dispense with the pleasantries. You must be aware of my intentions. So, tell me, will you surrender or will we battle?"    

Lin Xuan's voice erupted with a force unlike the calmness of before, booming like thunder and echoing in every direction. The Emperor Level Martial Cultivators behind him all changed their expressions as they felt their Vitality shake and their vision momentarily go dark.    

Inside the white protective barrier of the sect, Sun Yan felt as if his ears were bursting, his mind filled with a deafening roar. It took considerable effort for him to circulate his cultivation technique and quell the tumult.    

Sun Yan was even more shaken. The mere sound of Lin Xuan's voice carried such formidable power, and that was with the protective barrier in place. It was daunting to even consider the full extent of his true strength.    

Despite his reluctance, Sun Yan had to acknowledge the truth; the other party was indeed the terrifyingly powerful figure that rumors had described, far surpassing the peak of Emperor Level. He knew he was no match for Lin Xuan.    

And Lin Xuan's words had been clear and to the point, leaving Sun Yan with a grim expression. There was no room for negotiation.    

"Senior, the East Saint Sect was entrusted to me by my master. I cannot let it end with me, no matter what," Sun Yan stated, his face betraying his unwillingness, yet he stopped short of outright refusal. The rumors about Lin Xuan were simply too frightening, quelling even the thought of resistance.    

"So, you're not willing to surrender?" Lin Xuan asked, his tone icy and uninterested in prolonging the discussion.    

"No, no!" Sun Yan quickly responded, his voice urgent, as if trying to outpace the thunderous resonance in his ears.    

"Senior, what if we form an alliance? You could be the leader, and we would follow your commands unconditionally. The East Saint Sect is prepared to offer 40% of our savings as a membership fee to the alliance. How does that sound?" Sun Yan proposed, his mind racing with this potential solution.    

Nearby, Wei Zhengzhen, Cang Shuiyue, and the others perked up at the suggestion. It was an appealing alternative to outright surrender, offering them a degree of autonomy and a chance to preserve their sect's legacy. The question remained, though, whether Lin Xuan would consider such an offer.    

The current state of affairs was far from a close contest between two sides; it was a complete rout. Lin Xuan alone had the power to suppress the entire Dongyuan Continent single-handedly. Why would he consider a decision that clearly didn't serve his interests?    

Yet, Sun Yan was actually prepared to part with a staggering 40% of his sect's accumulated wealth as a bribe. Such a bold move was difficult even for them to contemplate, and it wasn't guaranteed to succeed. But Lin Xuan's next words shattered their last illusions.    

"If you refuse to submit, then the East Saint Sect has no reason to continue existing!" Lin Xuan declared, his voice as cold as ice, setting an uncompromising tone. He had neither the time nor the inclination to entertain the idea of an alliance. What he sought was a force under his complete control, a power that didn't necessarily need to aid him on the battlefield but could support him in other ways, such as securing cultivation resources, mining materials, and treasures. As for the so-called membership fees, they were beneath his concern. Once the East Saint Sect capitulated or was wiped out, everything would be his. A mere 40% was insufficient.    

"Zhengzhen!" Lin Xuan called out once more.    

Zhengzhen, who was standing behind him, suddenly realized the gravity of the situation as he felt an overwhelming force drawing him forward to stand before Lin Xuan.    

"Senior, may I know your commands?" Zhengzhen inquired, bowing respectfully.    

"The East Saint Sect refuses to surrender. What about your faction? Are you willing to submit?" Lin Xuan questioned sternly.    

Zhengzhen's expression flickered with surprise before he quickly composed himself. "My faction and I are willing to surrender. We are at your service, Senior!" he responded promptly.    

He had grasped the situation in an instant. Lin Xuan was offering him a final opportunity. Since Lin Xuan had declared the East Saint Sect's existence unnecessary, they might very well share the same fate as the Devil Cloud Sect—total annihilation. Though he owed his upbringing and current status to the East Saint Sect, having reached the pinnacle of the Emperor Level, he had no intention of dying in vain.    

After witnessing the battle against the Devil Cloud Sect, it was clear that even with six peak Emperor Level experts, they stood no chance and were utterly destroyed. I couldn't see how the East Saint Sect could possibly survive. The outcome seemed inevitable.    

Joining the fray would only add to the casualties. Was it worth sacrificing my life for the sect under such circumstances? Besides, the annihilation of the East Saint Sect by Lin Xuan didn't necessarily mean the end of our teachings and legacy.    

Lin Xuan's might towered above our peak Emperor Level strength. We were like ants before him, easily crushed. Yet, we could still serve a purpose. Leaders aren't meant to handle every task themselves; that would be exhausting. They need only issue commands, and their followers will dutifully carry them out, saving time and effort. With overwhelming power, there's no fear of insubordination or issues arising from the ranks.    

Clearly, Lin Xuan's intention for our surrender was to recruit a few capable subordinates to handle affairs on his behalf.    

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