Chapter 782: Dominating the Northern Territory
The world fell into silence. Countless onlookers stared, dumbfounded, at the three massive craters carved into the earth. Xiao Ze had crushed three Heaven Sovereigns with overwhelming power.
Expressions of disbelief spread among the crowd.
Xiao Ze's rapid rise meant he had likely only just stepped into the Heaven Sovereign realm. Yet, he had triumphed against three seasoned Heaven Sovereigns with such ease that it bordered on the unbelievable.
A Terrifying Aura
Xiao Ze's sharp gaze swept across the leaders of the three puppet forces, causing them to tremble in fear.
If even the Heaven Sovereigns backing them had been defeated so effortlessly, how could they, mere Earth Sovereigns, hope to stand against Xiao Ze?
However, Xiao Ze had no interest in dealing with them. His attention turned instead to the deep craters below.
"Come out," he said calmly, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "The earlier attack wasn't enough to kill you."
The craters remained silent for a moment before brilliant light flickered from within.
Three figures emerged, battered and bruised, their expressions wary as they looked at the sun of battle intent hovering behind Xiao Ze.
The Ancestor of Purple Cloud, Golden Feather King, and Thunder Sound Lord exchanged uneasy glances.
The three million battle mark sun of intent radiated power rivaling the peak of the mid tier Heaven Sovereign realm.
"This isn't the strength of someone who has just stepped into the Heaven Sovereign realm," the Ancestor of Purple Cloud muttered.
A Declaration of Dominion
"You truly live up to your reputation as the Lord of the Origin Realm," the Ancestor of Purple Cloud said bitterly, cupping his hands in acknowledgment.
"I don't need your approval," Xiao Ze replied coldly. "From this day forward, the Northern Territory belongs to the Origin Realm!"
His declaration left no room for negotiation.
"The puppet forces under your control may remain if they submit, pay tribute, and adhere to the laws of the Origin Realm.
"Otherwise, they will leave the Northern Territory immediately or be driven out!"
A Plea for Negotiation
Golden Feather King's expression darkened. "Lord of the Origin Realm, why not take 70% of the Northern Territory and leave us each 10%?"
Xiao Ze's eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on the three Sovereigns.
"Do you think I'm negotiating? This is a notification. If you don't comply, I will personally ensure you leave."
The three Heaven Sovereigns' faces twisted in frustration. The Ancestor of Purple Cloud finally broke the silence.
"Why be so ruthless, Lord of the Origin Realm? Surely we can share this territory and coexist."
"Would you allow me to set up puppet forces in your territories?" Xiao Ze replied icily.
The Ancestor of Purple Cloud, Golden Feather King, and Thunder Sound Lord stiffened. Xiao Ze's ambitions were clear he sought to dominate not just the Northern Territory but the entire Heavenly Luo Continent.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the Ancestor of Purple Cloud sighed.
"Very well. If that is your intention, we will withdraw our forces from the Heavenly Luo Continent."
The other two Sovereigns nodded reluctantly.
Xiao Ze's lips curled into a faint smile. With a gesture, the radiant sun of battle intent behind him dissolved, its golden energy flowing back into the Holy Flame Army.
"Good. Cooperation spares us unnecessary conflict," Xiao Ze said lightly.
The three Heaven Sovereigns forced smiles, muttering half hearted farewells before turning to leave.
A Tempting Offer
"Wait," Xiao Ze called out. The trio halted, their postures tense.
"If you are interested in rare pills, the Origin Realm will host a Pill Auction in three months. I invite you to attend."
"A pill auction?" the Ancestor of Purple Cloud repeated, frowning. "If it's just ordinary divine pills, do you expect us to waste our time?"
Xiao Ze chuckled and raised his hand, revealing a glistening, dragon eye sized pill.
The pill sparkled like a crystal, and as it released waves of fragrance, dragon and phoenix illusions danced around it. Even from afar, the aroma alone invigorated countless cultivators, amplifying their spiritual energy.
"Is that... the Dragon Phoenix Heaven Sovereign Pill?" the three Heaven Sovereigns exclaimed in unison, their gazes locked onto the pill with barely concealed greed.
This pill was legendary rare even among divine pills. It had tangible benefits for Heaven Sovereigns, making it a priceless treasure.
"This is but one of the many pills I've refined," Xiao Ze said with a faint smile, letting the pill vanish from sight. "If it interests you, join the auction in three months."
The Ancestor of Purple Cloud quickly masked his avarice with a bright smile, cupping his hands respectfully.
"To think the Lord of the Origin Realm is also a master alchemist. I was truly ignorant before. Please forgive my earlier offense."
Even with the tension of their prior confrontation, the three Sovereigns dared not offend a Heaven Sovereign level alchemist.
For cultivators of their rank, progression was exceedingly difficult. A single pill could mean the difference between stagnation and breakthrough.
After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Ze watched as the three left.
The Northern Territory's Submission
Turning his attention to the leaders of the puppet forces, Xiao Ze declared coldly:
"You have three days to vacate the Northern Territory."
The leaders trembled as they quickly bowed in submission. "We will obey the Lord of the Origin Realm!"
As news of Xiao Ze's dominance spread, it shook the Heavenly Luo Continent to its core.
Within days, every faction in the Northern Territory pledged allegiance to the Origin Realm, offering tribute and loyalty.
The change of power rippled through the entire continent, reaching even the four major superpowers. Their leaders, all Sovereigns of the Celestial Grade, took note of Xiao Ze's ambitions and prepared for what was to come.
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