C1479
C1479
Before setting out, the leadership of the Purple Cauldron Sect had already acquired a general understanding of the resources accumulated by their subordinate Emperor Level forces. While the figures weren't exact, they were close enough. Even the six major powers had been compelled to surrender half of their reserves. Any Emperor Level force that still dared to conceal or deceive was essentially signing its own death warrant.
Upon receiving the Emperor Level storage ring, Luo Tianlei employed his divine sense to inspect its contents. After a brief scan that confirmed the contents matched his expectations, he withdrew his divine sense, nodding in approval with a look of satisfaction on his face. Indeed, it was necessary to go through trials of blood and fire. Following the Zhou family's annihilation, a clear message had been sent. After that display, compliance came much more easily. The Golden Wind Castle had surrendered their share without any need for coercion.
Despite being less formidable than the Zhou family, the Golden Wind Castle was still a significant power in the region, with a Middle Stage Emperor Level expert at its helm. Their voluntary contribution of half their savings as a tribute was a shrewd move. Once word of this spread, it was expected that other forces would be less inclined to resist, making the completion of future tasks much quicker and smoother.
"Elder Luo, please accept this humble token of my esteem, and I hope you will continue to look favorably upon my Golden Wind Castle in the future," said the lord of the Golden Wind Castle, as he presented Luo Tianlei with a shimmering piece of ore, adding with deference, "This is a Gold Origin Crystal, a material for crafting Sharp Gold attribute High-grade Spirit Artifacts, correct?"
Luo Tianlei recognized it instantly. Without any reservation, he pocketed the item, his smile broadening even further. "Excellent!" he exclaimed, laughing heartily. This was the unwritten rule of the mission. Although it was officially assigned by Lin Xuan and had to be completed, there were plenty of underhanded tactics at play.
For instance, Lin Xuan's directive was to collect half of the savings as a congratulatory gift. However, as long as the mission was accomplished, Lin Xuan wasn't concerned with the details. No matter what means or methods were used. Therefore, his subordinates could also turn this operation into an opportunity to line their pockets, as long as it didn't jeopardize the mission. The key was to keep things quiet and prevent any word from reaching Lin Xuan.
"Now that the Zhou family has been wiped out and Beast Element City is in disarray, since your Golden Wind Castle has shown understanding, you may take a share of the city's business," Luo Tianlei mentioned offhandedly.
"Thank you, Emissary! Thank you! Please, have some tea!" The Master of Golden Wind Castle was ecstatic, thanking him profusely. He had long desired the flourishing trade of Beast Element City. However, the sect had strict rules against meddling in the affairs of other cities to avoid power struggles. But now, with the dominant Beast Controlling Zhou Family gone, having defied the sect, Golden Wind Castle finally saw an opportunity. Perhaps they could even rise to the stature of the Zhou family.
He then instructed his subordinates to bring out gifts for the Emperor Level Martial Cultivators on Luo Tianlei's team. After distributing the gifts, the hosts and guests were equally delighted, filling the room with laughter.
Before long, Luo Tianlei and his team set off once more. The mission was time-sensitive, and even as a member of the Sect Seniors, he couldn't afford to delay. He still had to visit other Emperor Level forces in the region to collect their tributes.
Following the departure of Luo Tianlei and his companions, Golden Wind Castle openly broadcasted their gesture of presenting half of their savings as a gift, making no attempt to conceal it.
The spies from the major powers within Golden Breeze City relayed the news back to their respective forces.
Since the higher-ups in the sect were eager to complete their mission swiftly, he didn't dare obstruct them—not even covertly.
The Zhou family, known for their beast-controlling abilities, was annihilated without a fight.
This incident highlighted the overwhelming might and terror of the five great forces.
Now that these forces had been subdued and transformed into the five great branches under Tianyuan Palace, they had grown even stronger and more formidable.
He was prepared for the future, planning to send the most talented disciples and prodigies from the fortress to Tianyuan Palace.
Once the continent was united, Tianyuan Palace would stand as the most dominant power across the entire Dongyuan Continent.
Maintaining this alliance was crucial.
It was the only way for Golden Wind Castle to adapt swiftly and ensure the safety and gradual strengthening of its people.
Subsequently, Luo Tianlei and his team found their endeavors proceeding with remarkable ease.
The remaining powers, having witnessed the fate of the Zhou family and the proactive submission of Golden Wind Castle—both guarded by Emperor Level Middle Stage Martial Cultivators—chose to respectfully offer their tributes to preserve themselves.
Luo Tianlei's squad was impressively formidable.
Led by a Late Period Emperor Level Martial Cultivator, the team boasted several Emperor Level Martial Cultivators.
No other force could match such a lineup, and toppling any of them would be effortless.
Faced with this reality, they understood the choices they had to make.
Consequently, a pattern emerged.
Whenever Luo Tianlei reached a major city, a welcoming party was already waiting in the teleportation hall.
They escorted the team to the Emperor Level force's headquarters, where half of their treasuries were offered as tribute.
The process was exceptionally smooth, without a hint of resistance.
Some forces even went so far as to discreetly present the team with valuable gifts.
Others, however, were less forthcoming, believing that surrendering half of their savings was already a significant sacrifice.
Were it not for the formidable reputation of Tianyuan Palace and the cautionary destruction of the Zhou family, they would have been reluctant to part with their tributes.
He wouldn't have thought to prepare any gifts.
Convinced that delivering the congratulatory gifts would appease Luo Tianlei and his entourage, he believed they would not trouble them.
Indeed, after receiving the gifts, Luo Tianlei did not trouble the other factions and promptly departed.
However, this did not mean he would simply forget about the matter.
If he did, what message would that send to those who had presented gifts?
If both gift-givers and non-givers were treated the same, wouldn't that render the gifts pointless?
As an envoy of the Upper Sect, he had a myriad of strategies at his disposal.
He didn't even need to issue covert commands.
A mere tilt of his head was enough.
He could easily marginalize those forces that had failed to present gifts, causing them to incur substantial losses.
These tactics were standard practice.
And even if the parties involved were upset, they couldn't openly complain about their losses.
Elsewhere, the various Emperor Level forces were predominantly concentrated in the First-class State.
The resources and concentration of spiritual energy in the Intermediate State were insufficient to sustain the cultivation of an Emperor Level Martial Cultivator for long, let alone facilitate advancement.
During this time.
In each First-class State, there were teams led by Emperor Level Martial Cultivators arriving at the various Emperor Level forces.
Predictably.
In most regions, there were some Emperor Level forces with a more defiant stance, unwilling to submit their congratulatory gifts.
—Content from Migu Reading