Pei Xuanjing, having successively gained the support of the Ancestor Celestial Master, followed by Xuan Du Guan, Taisu Sect, and the Sword Sect, immediately secured the backing of nearly a quarter of the powers present in the hall.
It is safe to say that this turn of events was utterly shocking to many. Even the keenest strategists struggled to comprehend the speed of the shifting landscape.
Though Master Tianji was absent for some reason, another top power from the Sky Mechanism Pavilion, Shensuanzi, was present. He sat silently in the hall, observing everything.
Shensuanzi could clearly analyze the situation, yet he showed no reaction. Instead, he maintained a serene demeanor.
While the Sky Mechanism Pavilion was a top-tier power, they were more inclined towards neutrality. Unless the human race and the Demon Race engaged in direct conflict, the Pavilion preferred to remain a neutral force and refrains from any power struggle.
Therefore, they were indifferent towards Pei Xuanjing's proposal. Whether or not they expressed an opinion didn't matter, as all the other powers understood this tacitly and didn't include them in their calculations.
Perhaps because of this, Shensuanzi had a clear view of the situation. He could clearly sense the intentions of the various powers.
Pei Xuanjing's proposal had indeed caught many mighty powers off guard, leaving them with little time to assess and prepare.
Now, without a doubt, Pei Xuanjing had gained the initiative. What remained to be seen was how the remaining three parties would react.
Although Pei Xuanjing had already garnered nearly a quarter of the support, even if he gained more, the other three powers couldn't be forced into acquiescence. As long as they weren't willing, there was no possible way to coerce them into compromise.
As for the current situation, Pei Xuanjing wasn't rushing things. He was willing to wait quietly and let them think before giving their response.
The top-tier powers of the Buddha Way often acted in unity and mutual support. The Xuantian Sect being at the helm of the Righteous Path also had its own supporters. As for the top-tier powers of the Demonic Way, despite their everyday frictions and conflicts, they would form temporary alliances in key moments.
Presently, these three factions and their allies were discussing in secret, trying to decide how to handle these matters.
Many powerful figures subtly communicated, debating whether or not they should support Pei Xuanjing's proposal.
But in reality, the proposal was straightforward, clear in both its pros and cons. Everyone could see it readily. What they negotiated was more about the benefits they would gain by agreeing to this proposal and whether it was worthwhile.
For these powerful figures, their dialogue was swift. In just a blink of an eye, different thoughts had clashed numerous times, and they quickly reached a decision.
The Buddha Way factions were the first to act. Given that Pei Xuanjing's plan was for the sake of the world's living creatures and the cultivators, the Buddha Way, known for its compassion, couldn't refuse or it would contradict their fundamental principles.
Thus, after discussing, the Buddha Way factions also agreed and expressed approval of Pei Xuanjing's plan.
With their stance made clear, Pei Xuanjing's support in an instant was boosted from a quarter to a half. This indicated that, excluding the Xuantian Sect and their allies along with various powers of the Demonic Way, nearly half of all forces in the world had responded to Pei Xuanjing's plan.
No one anticipated this, not even Pei Xuanjing, who proposed the plan. Things had gone so smoothly that even the plan he had initially devised with the Witch God Sect Leader hadn't needed to be implemented.
Thus, under the puzzled gaze of the Witch God Sect Leader, Pei Xuanjing slowly asked, "May I inquire what the distinguished figures hesitate over?"
His gaze first swept over the Demonic Way factions, then over the many allies of the Xuantian Sect, and finally landed on the Master of Mystiq Sky, meeting his gaze.
Pei Xuanjing's calm gaze met the other's, and simultaneously, the Master of Mystiq Sky also locked eyes with Pei Xuanjing.
For that split second, neither spoke. Both saw a similar look in each other's eyes.
In that brief moment, the Master of Mystiq Sky realised that a strong figure like Pei Xuanjing, with his unyielding will, was not someone easily compromised nor was he someone he could control.
As such, it was clear to him that unless he could overpower Pei Xuanjing, it was nearly impossible to snatch away the steering power of this matter from him.
"My sect can support this matter. However, I would like to inquire. Master Pei, how do you plan on restraining the cultivators of this world and to have them follow these rules?" The Master of Mystiq Sky cut straight to the chase.
The thoughts of his counterparts were already understood by the many mighty figures present. Hence, the Master of Mystiq Sky did not hesitate to express his own stance.
While it seemed as if he was asking Pei Xuanjing about his plans, he was actually questioning whether Pei Xuanjing, having proposed this plan, possessed enough strength to implement this plan and ensure everyone's compliance.
If Pei Xuanjing lacked the necessary strength and qualifications, then if he couldn't, the Xuantian Sect would take over this task.
Pei Xuanjing naturally caught the meaning behind his words. He replied with a smile, "I certainly have a method. As such, Master need not worry."
The Master of Mystiq Sky returned the smile, "As the leading sect in the Righteous Path, the Xuantian Sect naturally has the responsibility to assist Master Pei."
Pei Xuanjing understood the implied meaning, "That is natural. As the number one sect in the world, the Xuantian Sect's assistance will undoubtedly be needed in many matters in the future."
"Naturally!" The Master of Mystiq Sky replied with a smile. Then he turned to those around him and declared, "In that case, the Xuantian Sect is willing to support Master Pei's plan."
The simple conversation between the two men was in fact, a probing process. Ultimately, they reached a simple agreement, which was that the Xuantian Sect would support Pei Xuanjing's proposal. Likewise, Pei Xuanjing would relinquish some of his authority to the Xuantian Sect, resulting in shared power.
As soon as the Master of Mystiq Sky decided, the many allies following his lead also acted accordingly, expressing their consensus.
The situation in the hall took a significant turn. Only the Demonic Way faction was left to make their decision, and the pressure was now on them.
All the powerful figures naturally turned their gaze towards them, waiting for the Demonic Way to give their response.
All eyes were on him. If it had been anyone else, any other cultivator, they might have felt embarrassed or uncomfortable. But for the many great figures of the Demonic Way, they did not care in the slightest, it made no impact on them.
For an apex powerhouse like the Blood Fiend Ancestor striding through Heaven and Earth, their resolve was absolute and they would not be easily disturbed by external phenomena, even if they were the centre of universal criticism.
The Blood Fiend Ancestor exchanged glances with the other leading figures of the Demonic Way, once again speaking. "Since the National Preceptor intends to shackle all practitioners in the world, then please show your true abilities. If you prove capable, then I am not against accepting."
A faint smile arose on Pei Xuanjing's face. The other party had indeed shown their true colours, wanting to test themselves against him, to get a measure of his strength.
Indeed, when proposing this plan, he was somewhat prepared for all of this. He understood that no matter how good his choice of words were, the intention of putting shackles on countless practitioners was indisputable.
Consequently, Pei Xuanjing was ready to make a move. After all, all matters in the world ultimately fell on strength, and reason unsupported by strength would be ignored and trampled on.
Frankly, the support by Ancestor Celestial Master was beyond Pei Xuanjing's expectation, saving him a lot of trouble. He had initially expected widespread opposition to his plan, but the current situation was beyond his anticipation.
So now, he no longer hoped for the remaining demonic figures to readily agree. Since the Blood Fiend Ancestor made such a request, he wouldn't reject it.
At this crucial moment, it was necessary for him to demonstrate his power in front of the world's practitioners, which would let them know of the resolve and strength he had for carrying out his plan.
Pei Xuanjing was well aware of the others' attitudes, he spoke to the Blood Fiend Ancestor. "May I ask how you Taoist friends would like me to prove myself?"
His gaze swept across the strongest demonic figures, and with a faint smile, he asked, "Are you all ready to test me?"
After speaking, he sighed softly, lamenting, "I actually want to witness some of your Taoist friends' divine powers. Sadly, all of you have arrived here in avatar forms today and I'm afraid you cannot demonstrate your full strength."
Indeed, the apex powerhouses who arrived today all came in avatar form; none of them came in their true form.
Aside from the Daming World restricting and limiting them at present, these apex powerhouses were still in Sky Wasteland, debating on how to incorporate it into their Ancestral Land.
Otherwise, without necessary assurance, they would not so easily enter the forbidden area of the Blessed Land that Pei Xuanjing opened.
As the master of a Blessed Land could certainly gain significant advantages. Coupled with Pei Xuanjing's own strength, his augmentation within this Blessed Land could complete overpower cultivators of the Ninth Realm of Spirit.
Even if these people had come together and had no fear, they wouldn't so effortlessly put themselves in such a situation, just as a contingency plan.
Therefore, Pei Xuanjing watched these demonic figures with a smile on his lips, wondering how they wished to verify his strength.
Upon hearing Pei Xuanjing's words, the practitioners in the field wore strange expressions. If they hadn't personally witnessed Pei Xuanjing suppressing the Taixu Venerable, a similar strong cultivator, they would totally feel he was arrogant if a Spirit Realm Eightfold cultivator confronted these demonic apex powerhouses so openly.
After all, even the avatars of apex powerhouses, if they truly tried their best, weren't something a regular Spirit Realm Eightfold cultivator could confront.
In the world, there was only this Pei Xuanjing who could belittle the avatars of many apex powerhouses so casually at the Spirit Realm Eightfold.
Any Spirit Realm Eightfold cultivator uttering such arrogant words would be considered extremely presumptuous, but when said by the National Preceptor, it seemed justifiable, without a trace of a problem.
Like the Blood Fiend Ancestor and other demonic apex powerhouses, they were also taken aback when hearing Pei Xuanjing's words. They were unhappy but couldn't refute anything, because this was reality.
They had to admit that even if they joined hands now, they might not necessarily be able to suppress Pei Xuanjing. After all, his previously displayed strength was undeniable, and they knew the substantial gap between an avatar and the true body.
"A true man should be like this!" Wu Shijiu inwardly exclaimed.
Even he, a cultivator who had practised for thousands of years, and originally thought he could remain indifferent in front of many matters, was also somewhat stirred when he saw Pei Xuanjing openly belittle these apex powerhouses.
"Master Pei, you truly are a celestial being!" Zhu Houji was excited in his heart.
Despite being an emperor who was usually mature and steady, he was still impressed by Pei Xuanjing's stance at this moment.
More than just Wu Shijiu and Zhu Houji, all the practitioners present were in awe of Pei Xuanjing's demeanor, admiring him and wishing to be in his place.
This was especially the case for the overlord-level Spirit Realm Eightfold practitioners, who were only a step away from reaching the pinnacle of cultivation and achieving the top position in the world. However, the thin line separating them made a world of a difference.
No matter how much they had been admired and respected, gained the ultimate authority and glory, when facing these apex beings, the true strongest existences in the world, they still had to remain humble, making them clearly aware that they were not at the peak. There were existences they had to fear and respect, and this was a sense of powerlessness.
Pei Xuanjing's disregard for the gathered heroes today helped to alleviate some of the frustrations they had bottled up within them.
"Does the National Preceptor intend to take advantage of our inability to attend to the matters of the Ancestral Land, and force this issue through?" the Blood Fiend Ancestor asked with a frown.
For many apex figures, once a promise was made, they would not easily break it, even if it was just for their own dignity.
Having already come here today, if Pei Xuanjing really wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to force them to agree, they only had two choices.
One was to sign an agreement under the pressure, the other was the possible suppression of their avatars.
Both of these choices were not what the Blood Fiend Ancestor and the others wanted. After all, signing under duress was humiliating, and being suppressed would be a significant loss. They hadn't come alone; they had many subordinates under their command. If they died, it would be hard to accept even for the followers of the Demonic Way.
The supreme beings represent the pinnacle of existence. Even though Pei Xuanjing is only a cultivator of the eighth realm, his power is such that other cultivators cannot help but respect him.
Those who are also supreme beings like the Blood Fiend Ancestor can choose to incarnate themselves to pay a visit, but for other cultivators to descend in their spirit form could be considered disrespectful towards Pei Xuanjing.
For demonic big shots like the Blood Fiend Ancestor, in the past, suppression of an incarnation would not be a big deal, causing no harm to their essence. They simply need some time to recover.
However, the important consideration now is actually for the many subordinates and disciples who have followed them here. These cultivators of the seventh and eighth level of the Spirit Realm may not be the entirety of their power, but a loss would be unacceptable, especially in this critical juncture.
If the plan to divide the Sky Wasteland can be implemented, the stronger one's own power, the more benefits they stand to gain in the forthcoming gluttonous feast.
If they suffer a setback and lose many of their strong subordinates at this time, then the demonic factions will undoubtedly miss this feast. Consequentially, the gap between them and the righteous factions would broaden, which is not acceptable.
However, they are clear that Pei Xuanjing probably wouldn't act so harshly. After all, if he did, he would offend the entire demonic faction. When the avatars of these supreme beings descend, Pei Xuanjing certainly could not single-handedly face them. This would be a lose-lose scenario, benefiting others at their own expense.
Therefore, the Blood Fiend Ancestor questioned Pei Xuanjing aloud. He wanted to test Pei Xuanjing's bottom line, to understand what he truly intended to do.
Unless Pei Xuanjing wants to completely sever ties with them, he will have to compromise, or give them an out, which would be beneficial for all.
Although the demonic way is not favored by the righteous path, would Pei Xuanjing, this rising power, truly be accepted by the righteous path?
If both sides are antagonistic, perhaps the righteous path would be all the more delighted.
"Why do you have to do this, Ancestor?" Pei Xuanjing gently shook his head.
What the Blood Fiend Ancestor understood, he understood too. Naturally, he wouldn't force the other party with power.
As mentioned, it's only their avatar, if forced to the extreme, they could abandon the avatar, leaving himself to face the hostility of numerous top figures in the demonic faction. These were at least ten supreme beings. He wouldn't be able to face all of them, even if only half of them made a move, he wouldn't be able to handle it unless he was willing to abandon everything and escape into the Longevity Realm. Otherwise, he would surely be doomed.
He proposed to the Blood Fiend Ancestor, "I have a suggestion. How about we make a bet? If you all win, we'll drop the matter. But if you all lose, we will proceed as I have said. How does that sound?"
Pei Xuanjing proposed a method, a duel with these people, to make the final decision.
After exchanging glances with each other, the Blood Fiend Ancestor asked, "How does the National Teacher plan to bet?"
With a slight smile, Pei Xuanjing said, "I presume you all are aware of my occasional creation of a Small Thousand World."
The crowd nodded. News of this matter had reached the ears of every powerhouse in the world. Although they craved the secrets behind it, they also knew it to be a cultivator's greatest secret, not to be snooped at for now.
Before they had a chance to snoop around, Pei Xuanjing brought it up himself, which caught them by surprise.
He began to speak, "I propose the Small Thousand World as the bet. Everyone could enter it and if you are able to exit within a certain period of time, then I lose and we drop the issue. But if you are unable to escape, then it would mean that I have won. How about it?"
"Fine!"
Hearing the terms of the bet, the Blood Fiend Ancestor immediately agreed, and other powerful figures in the demonic path also agreed without hesitation.
They agreed swiftly, practically the moment Pei Xuanjing voiced the bet, as if afraid he might retract his proposal.
The numerous other cultivators also displayed a trace of astonishment on their faces when they heard Pei Xuanjing's proposed bet.
It was clear to them that this bet was a gesture of goodwill from Pei Xuanjing, offering the demonic heavyweights a way out.
For these cultivators, particularly those who have reached the seventh level of the Spirit Realm and above, who have walked a long distance on the path of cultivation, they aim to comprehend the natural Tao, understanding the Ultimate Principles and Laws, and to practice their own Tao.
For those cultivators of seventh and eighth level of the Spirit realm, they might not have fully understood the ultimate principles and laws of the universe of their own world, and have not reached the point of paving their own path.
But for these supreme beings, they have already comprehended many Ultimate Principles and Laws. If there is a new world universe revealed in front of them for comprehension, it is bound to be of great help to their cultivation.
The Small Thousand World created by Pei Xuanjing, especially a newly created one, where the principles and laws of heaven and earth have not yet fully concealed, is the best time for comprehension. Those strong beings who enter it, as long as they can understand it, can have great gains.
So, whether they win or lose, for these supreme beings, it's a win-win situation.
Therefore, everyone understood that this was a compensation from Pei Xuanjing to the supreme beings of the demonic path, a condition to exchange for their compromise.
Like the Blood Fiend Ancestor and others, they naturally understood that they had scored a huge bargain, so they agreed immediately, afraid that Pei Xuanjing might change his mind.
Thinking about this, the supreme beings from the factions who initially supported Pei Xuanjing felt a bit of regret in their hearts, even thinking that they might have agreed too early.
However, before these thoughts could fully develop, they heard Pei Xuanjing speak again, "Dear friends, if you are interested, you are welcome to give it a try."
He invited the Ancestor Celestial Master, those who initially supported him, and other supreme beings of various factions.
Pei Xuanjing was not one to show such favoritism. These people helped him in the beginning, no matter the reason or circumstance, so he would naturally not owe them anything.
"Since the National Teacher invites us, I can't decline!"
"Since you've invited us, we won't back down!"
"Thank you, Grandmaster!"
…
None of the supreme beings refused. After receiving Pei Xuanjing's invitation, they immediately agreed. Not one person refused.
After all, such a rare opportunity should not be missed or let go.