278: Chapter 276 Cultivation World Conference

More than twenty factions, large and small, were present. Every single one of them was a figure who carved out their own territory and could suppress thousands of miles of turmoil with a wave of their hand. In their own domains, they were existences whose words were law and to whom thousands bowed.

Today, standing within this Zichen Hall, facing Yuan Chen who sat upon the Supreme jade throne, no one dared to show even a hint of arrogance. They all restrained their sharp edges, bowing their heads in respectful standing.

The hall was silent for several breaths. Yuan Chen, seated on the high throne, scanned below with a faint gaze. His warm tone broke through the stagnant air, carrying an unforced authority, calm and peaceful: "Everyone has traveled from afar, weary from the journey, so there is no need to stand for long. Please take your seats and we shall converse at ease."

"Thank you, Dragon Emperor."

More than twenty voices spoke in unison, rising and falling simultaneously, their etiquette flawless. Everyone bowed in unison, their backs bent to the perfect degree, their posture respectful but not subservient.

Yuan Chen had easily suppressed the Golden Immortal of the Dragon Clan from the Lower Realm, and with his combat strength clearly on display, they dared not act recklessly.

The attendants and court ladies waiting on both sides immediately stepped forward, their movements light and silent.

Gilded long tables were arranged in order, laid out with embroidered cloud-patterned cushions. The seating arrangement was orderly, strictly organized according to the background strength and territorial size of each faction, without the slightest chaos.

Everyone took their seats in order, their movements slow and disciplined.

Xuanji Zi flicked his wide sleeves and sat upright, his fingertips tapping slightly on his knees, his eyes hiding a cautious assessment.

The powerful clans of Western River sat with upright and solemn postures, their expressions calm and restrained.

The Yao Race of the Chaotic Star Sea knew exactly how powerful Yuan Chen was—after all, most of Yuan Chen's wives came from here—and at this moment, they also reined in their bandit-like aura, their backs straight.

As everyone settled into their seats, the sound of light footsteps from outside the hall approached in layers, continuous and unending.

Rows of court ladies in moon-white palace attire, walking with graceful steps, entered the hall in a line, carrying hollowed-out cloud-patterned jade trays. The delicacies and fine wines on the trays were by no means worldly goods, nor were they spiritual items that ordinary Sects could even glimpse.

Each nine-turn spiritual fruit, translucent and exquisite, had seven-colored spiritual light flowing over its skin. These were Rift Spiritual Fruits, born from absorbing nine thousand years of sun and moon essence and rooting themselves at the edge of spatial rifts. They contained pure spatial Origin, and an ordinary Cultivator consuming one could stabilize their Dao Foundation and soothe hidden injuries from cultivation.

There were platters of roasted Ancient Dragon-Scaled Beast meat, golden and glistening with oil, the meat fine-textured and brimming with Spiritual Qi. When stewed, it was infused with heavenly spiritual springs and Dao-patterned spiritual fire, serving as a Supreme treasure for Body Cultivators to warm and nourish their cultivation and refine their Physical Body.

The Star Immortal Brew, held in ice-patterned jade goblets, was infused with a century of starlight. It was soft and smooth upon entering the mouth, leaving a lingering rhyme in the throat, and could cleanse the Sea of Consciousness and stabilize the mind.

There were even countless tiny spatial crystal shavings and Origin spiritual dust sprinkled over the food. They were difficult to see with the naked eye, yet they constantly emitted a faint Dao rhyme, permeating the surroundings.

The Spiritual Qi in the hall became so dense it was nearly solidified. Ordinary Cultivators placed in such a location could advance their cultivation without even needing to practice intentionally.

These were all rare treasures difficult to see in the outside world.

A hint of shock flashed through the eyes of the various Sect powerhouses below.

Liu Qingyi of the Western River's Clear Water Spiritual Mansion flickered her gaze, her fingertips resting lightly on the edge of her jade cup, sighing inwardly: "Rumors say the Daming Dynasty has a profound Foundation, but only upon seeing it today do I realize that the rumors do not even capture one or two percent of the reality. The standard of this banquet alone—the cost of a single table—is equivalent to the decade-long savings of my Clear Water Spiritual Mansion. Your Majesty is truly wealthy and powerful; sitting upon the Luck of a domain, it is indeed extraordinary."

The Chaotic Star Sea, accustomed to seeing treasures from all heavens, also narrowed their eyes slightly, sighing in their hearts: "Yuan Chen's rapid rise is by no means accidental."

"This sheer confidence to treat guests with top-tier Origin spiritual Materials is a level of vision that the four major factions could never hope to reach."

Although envy, shock, and emotion were intertwined in everyone's hearts, not a single person lost their composure.

Everyone was an old fox who had lived for hundreds of years and held high positions, well-versed in the art of hiding their sharpness and keeping a low profile.

On the surface, they maintained a calm, composed, and solemn demeanor. No one craned their necks to look, no one gasped in surprise, and no one reached for their chopsticks eagerly. They simply sat steadily, observing quietly, suppressing all agitation in their hearts, firmly maintaining the dignity of a Sect hegemon.

The hall was filled with swirling immortal fragrance and auspicious energy. The officials stood solemnly, and there was not a sound to be heard.

After a few breaths, Yuan Chen raised his hand slightly, signaling for the court ladies and attendants to withdraw.

The vast Zichen Hall instantly quieted down, with only wisps of Spiritual Qi flowing slowly.

Yuan Chen looked down at the guests in the hall, his voice steady and clear, unhurried, piercing through the silence of the hall: "This Emperor knows what you have come for today. With rifts sprouting across the four domains, the Void Realm unstable, the passages of the heavens wide open, and demons from outside the territory stirring, the Unmarked Realm passage hangs in the Canglan Domain Void Realm. Everyone is in danger, and every Sect is afraid."

The expressions of those in the seats tightened in unison. They straightened their bodies, casting aside all distracting thoughts, and listened quietly.

"The effect of the Formation in the Eastern Wasteland is something you have all witnessed. It turns disaster into Opportunity, suppresses rifts, stabilizes the Void Realm, nurtures Prodigies, and secures the territory." Yuan Chen's tone was flat, yet carried the weight of one who decides the fate of the world. "It is not impossible for you to want Me to deploy the Equalization World-Suppressing Formation for the four directions. However, there is no free Opportunity in this world, and no stability to be gained for nothing in a prosperous age. For this Emperor to deploy the Formation, there are three rules set first. Only when these three rules are implemented will the Formation begin. You may discuss this in the hall or weigh it in private; there is no need to answer in haste."

As his voice fell, the atmosphere in the hall instantly shifted from relaxed to heavy.

Yuan Chen's gaze was calm, getting straight to the point.

He slowly stated the first rule: "First: For any territory requiring the Formation, all Formation base Materials, spatial Origin, Void Realm stabilizers, Materials for connecting Spiritual Veins, and strange stones for sealing rifts—all Materials for the Formation—must be borne by the local factions themselves. The Imperial Dynasty will not subsidize a single cent, nor will it contribute anything."

"The rifts in the four directions of Canglan Domain are scattered chaotically. Some single rifts span the territory of two or three Sects, while others cover dozens of miles of territory. There is no absolute, clear boundary division, with one inside the other. Therefore, where to set the Formation, how much material is consumed, the grade required, and the quantity—I will order the Imperial Dynasty's Formation masters to conduct on-site surveys one by one, compile an accurate list, and make it public to all parties. Any Sect, Family, or local faction involved in the rifts must not shirk responsibility, avoid duty, use their influence to contribute less, or use weakness as an excuse. All Materials, Origin, and resources must be negotiated and shared among your four connected factions."

"Furthermore, the completion of the Formation is not a one-time solution." Yuan Chen's eyes darkened slightly as he added the details for guarding: "Although the Formation is powerful, it has flaws. The exterior is extremely fragile. If enemies destroy it from the outside, it can be easily neutralized. Therefore, every Sect must station their elite Cultivators and reliable Elders year-round to guard the Formation nodes in their local area. If any man-made destruction occurs, the local faction must suppress, repair, and stabilize it immediately. If, due to negligence in guarding, rifts run wild, or disaster spreads, all consequences will be borne entirely by the local faction. The Imperial Dynasty will not provide a safety net."

"This..."

Bing Wanshuang, Clan Chief of the Northern Ice Glass Tribe, was the first to frown. His fingertips unconsciously rubbed the edge of the jade table, and he sent a sound transmission to Leng Xuanchen, Sect Master of the Cold Shuo Snow Sect beside him: "Brother Leng, this rule looks fair, but the pressure is immense. Our Northern territory is vast, Spiritual Qi is barren, and resources are scarce, yet there are many rifts. The Void Realm Origin crystals required for each rift are astronomical in price. Our small Sects and tribes have weak Foundations, and to bear the full cost and provide long-term maintenance, I fear we cannot afford it."

Leng Xuanchen nodded slightly, his expression cold and heavy: "It is not just the Materials. Stationing elite guards at the Formation nodes year-round means long-term withdrawal of the Sect's core combat strength, preventing them from going out for training or entering seclusion to practice. The double burden of human and resource loss is extremely unfriendly to small and medium-sized factions. However, we have no choice. If we do not deploy the Formation, the rifts will swallow our territory sooner or later."

"Sharing costs and negotiating on our own is a double-edged sword. The advantage is that the Dragon Emperor does not interfere in internal distribution, giving us room to negotiate independently; the disadvantage is that there are many adjacent Sects. Once someone acts out of selfishness or engages in buck-passing, it is very easy to get into endless disputes, delay the construction period, and ultimately hinder the deployment of the Formation across the entire territory."

"But this is already the optimal solution. If the Dragon Emperor were to force a distribution ratio, weaker Sects would harbor resentment, and stronger Sects would feel at a loss, instead planting the seeds of disaster. Now that we are allowed to negotiate on our own, those with reason and evidence will convince the masses, and those acting out of selfishness will lose their way; it can be considered fair."

On the other side: "What I fear most is not spending money, but guarding against destruction! Our Star Sea is a mix of fish and dragons, filled with thieving Cultivators, Loose Cultivators running rampant, and many spies lurking from outside the territory! Guarding day and night, it is impossible to prevent everything; the pressure is too great."

Xuanji Zi raised his hand to stroke his long beard, his gaze sweeping over the various factions whispering in the seats. He spoke slowly, his voice not loud but possessing great weight: "Fellow Daoists, there is no need to dwell on momentary gains or losses. Looking at the big picture, the heavens are opening, and a troubled world has arrived. Rifts have become a normalized phenomenon of heaven and earth and can no longer be completely avoided. If we are reluctant to spend resources or manpower today, and the rifts explode and demons invade tomorrow, the Sect will be destroyed and the Legacy will be severed. At that time, no matter how many savings or elites you have, it will all be in vain. His Majesty allowing us to pay for resources ourselves, allocate them ourselves, and guard them ourselves has already given our four major factions enough Face and autonomy. This rule is not harsh in the slightest."

Xuanji Zi clearly carried some weight.

As soon as these words were spoken, many of the hesitant small and medium-sized factions in the seats were relieved.

Someone nodded slightly, whispering in agreement: "Daoist Xuanji Zi is absolutely right. Weighing the pros and cons, the severity of the situation is clear."

"Although Materials are expensive, exchanging them for eternal peace and Opportunity for the entire territory is worth it."

Of course, many small Sect Masters still looked hesitant, their eyes filled with worry, secretly struggling with the fact that their own Foundations were insufficient to support such massive consumption for a long time.

However, no one refuted this publicly; they simply kept it in their hearts, planning to find a way later.

Yuan Chen sat on the high throne, taking in every change in expression, subtle movement, and whispered conversation of everyone below. His heart was like a clear mirror, but on the surface, he remained calm and indifferent, without a ripple.

He spoke faintly: "There is no need to answer the first rule in haste. Within three days, all parties shall negotiate among themselves and report the final distribution plan, the personnel regulations for guarding, and the maintenance procedures to the Imperial Dynasty's Ministry of Rites."

"Understood." Everyone answered in unison.

After the hall was quiet again, Yuan Chen continued to state the second rule: "After the Formation is deployed across the entire territory, the Daming Dynasty will dispatch Imperial Dynasty suppression armies, hall deacons, Formation Dao Elders, and inspection Cultivators to be stationed in various regions across the four directions, residing in the local territory, patrolling the Void Realm, suppressing rifts, and maintaining stability across the entire territory."

He clearly defined the scope of authority, his voice ringing out across the hall: "I can state clearly in public that the Daming Dynasty's stationed personnel have only four functions: protecting the Formation, defending against enemies, patrolling the Void Realm, and maintaining stability. We will never interfere in any Sect's internal affairs or resource allocation, never encroach upon the Spiritual Vein territories or industrial Foundations of any faction, and never oppress local Cultivators."

"But in return, all factions in the four regions must strictly adhere to the bottom line of cooperation." Yuan Chen shifted his tone, adding a touch of the stern authority of rigid regulations. "Whenever Daming Dynasty stationed Cultivators are inspecting Formation eyes, eliminating hidden dangers in the Void Realm, clearing out lurking spies, resisting extraterrestrial Yao Race, or dealing with spatial riots, all Sects, Families, and factions must not be hostile, must not resist, must not obstruct in secret, must not feign compliance, and must not provoke in private."

"Once a sudden crisis occurs, such as cross-boundary invasions, infiltration by extraterrestrial Cultivators, or local unrest, all factions in the territory must unconditionally mobilize personnel, exhaust their combat power, cooperate in battle, and defend the territory together.

Anyone who dares to sit idly by, stand by and watch, retreat in the Face of battle, or secretly hinder operations will be dealt with by the Daming Dynasty under the laws of treason in chaotic times, removed from the Canglan Domain, stripped of their Formation qualifications, and suppressed with full force."

With the details of the second rule fully explained, the atmosphere in the hall turned subtle instantly. The thoughts of the various parties diverged completely, and undercurrents surged.

The first rule previously only involved spending money, providing personnel, and exerting effort—consuming material and human resources. But this second rule touched upon territorial sovereignty, local influence, and the independence of factions.

Liu Qingyi of the Western River Bishui Spirit Mansion was the first to look grave. She frowned slightly and whispered to the side: "The Daming Dynasty sending people to be stationed in the four regions is, frankly speaking, stationing troops to maintain stability. Even though Your Majesty has stated that there will be no interference in internal affairs, with troops stationed in the territory for years, controlling the hubs of the Formation eyes, and patrolling the entire Void Realm, over time, the control of local factions will inevitably be diluted. In the future, I fear the four regions will no longer be under our autonomous control."

Jin Wanren of the Western River Chijin Family had a deep expression. He looked up at Yuan Chen, shook his head, and said earnestly: "Think about it from another angle. The permanent stationing of Daming Dynasty experts is the Foundation of a unified defense line for the entire region. Having someone to provide a safety net, take the lead, and coordinate during times of crisis is a trump card for survival. A small concession in influence in exchange for peace across the region and the survival of the Sect is the most cost-effective deal."

Leng Xuanchen of the Northern Hanshuo Snow Sect was cautious by nature and had many concerns. He sent a voice transmission: "But human hearts are unpredictable. The Dragon Emperor is fair, but that does not mean everyone under his command can abide by the rules. In the future, with many stationed Cultivators, the good and the bad will be mixed. If someone privately oversteps their authority, bullies others, or interferes in Sect affairs, should we endure it or fight back? It is a dilemma."

Another person sent a voice transmission in secret: "That's right! Rules are dead, but people are alive. Once someone acts beyond their authority and breaks the balance, conflicts will inevitably arise between the four regions' factions and the Daming Dynasty, sowing the seeds of disaster."

Tu Cangming of Black Shark Island had a straightforward personality and no scruples. He spoke in a deep voice: "My Chaotic Star Sea is the first to agree! Our Chaotic Star Sea has complex factions, rampant rogue Cultivators, and endless fighting; what we lack most is rules and stabilizing forces. Having Daming Dynasty experts stationed to suppress, put an end to internal strife, clear out spies, and resist external enemies is exactly what we have been wishing for! As long as they don't rob my island's Foundation or seize my cultivation resources, we will cooperate fully without any problems!"

The people at the banquet argued endlessly, each expressing their own opinions. There was worry, agreement, hesitation, and open-mindedness. The factions were distinct, and the game of interests was intense, yet everyone observed etiquette; no one spoke loudly, and no one lost their composure or manners.

Yuan Chen acted as if he had heard nothing. After the discussion had reached the halfway point, he slowly spoke to complete the final layer of protection, dispelling everyone's worries:

"I know you are concerned about the inconsistency of human nature and subordinates overstepping their authority. Therefore, I have specially established an iron law of supervision: every move of all stationed Daming Dynasty Cultivators will be recorded in the Daming Dynasty archives, with rotations every three months and assessments every six months. Anyone who oversteps their authority to interfere in Sect internal affairs, oppresses local Cultivators, privately takes resources from the territory, or acts arrogantly, can be reported by any faction with real names and submitted evidence. After I verify it, the severe punishment will be the abolition of cultivation and imprisonment in the Celestial Prison; the light punishment will be the deprivation of their position and permanent disqualification from future use. I will never favor anyone, and I will never tolerate such behavior."

"Additionally, I will have everyone nominate some trusted Seniors to form a supervisory department, independent of the Daming Dynasty. How about that?"

Everyone looked at each other. Isn't this similar to the civilian Alliance? It's just bigger. But it is indeed useful. Countless factions that were originally resistant and full of worries completely breathed a sigh of relief, their expressions becoming relaxed.

"Agreed!" "I accept!" Most of the factions bowed and expressed their stance, while only a few conservative Sects still intended to deliberate and weigh the pros and cons.

Yuan Chen did not urge or force them, saying indifferently: "The three-day deadline still stands; you may think it over and discuss it in detail."

Immediately after, he stated the third rule.

"The third rule: The Daming Dynasty Merit Pavilion is a system for fairness and the Righteous Path across the entire region. It uses achievements to exchange for Opportunities, combat to exchange for resources, and contribution to exchange for promotion, benefiting all living beings impartially and unselfishly. From now on, Merit Pavilion branches will be rolled out comprehensively, stationed in every major cultivation town, every territorial core, and around every rift in the Northern Lands, Southern Mountains, Western River, and Chaotic Star Sea, achieving full coverage of the entire Canglan Domain without any blind spots."

Yuan Chen's gaze darkened slightly, his tone solemn as he detailed the bottom line of the rules, every word like iron, unshakable: "After the branches are established, they will regularly release public tasks for the entire region, such as guarding rifts, clearing the Void Realm, eliminating extraterrestrial threats, spatial exploration, disaster relief, territorial patrols, and screening for spies. All Canglan Domain Cultivators, regardless of their background—whether from a Sect, Family, a humble Loose Cultivator, or a tribal Disciple—and regardless of their cultivation level or age, can unconditionally and freely accept tasks, accumulate Merit, and exchange for rewards."

"The items that can be exchanged include high-level Cultivation Techniques, ancient secret arts, Heaven And Earth Treasure, Origin of the Void, Formation Legacies, Medicinal Pills, divine weapons, cultivation enhancements, enlightenment Opportunities, and even Daming Dynasty protection, the Prodigy roster, and advancement qualifications. Everything is available for fair exchange."

"No Sect, Family, or tribal faction may, on the grounds of Sect rules, Family rules, or private rules, block, prohibit, restrict, or pressure their Disciples or local Cultivators from going to the Merit Pavilion branches to accept tasks, accumulate Merit, or exchange for resources. They must not deliberately suppress Cultivators who have rendered meritorious service, must not ostracize Prodigies from humble backgrounds, must not block extraterrestrial Opportunities, and must not monopolize cultivation resources."

"Whenever it is verified that a faction is acting out of selfishness, imprisoning Disciples, monopolizing Opportunities, or disrupting fairness across the entire region, there will be no need for powerful extraterrestrial enemies to attack. The Daming Dynasty will first revoke their Formation qualifications, strip them of their territorial protection, and hold their Sect accountable for their crimes, dealing with them as those who obstruct the prosperous age and bring chaos to the Canglan Domain."

The moment the third rule was completely established, the atmosphere in the hall, which had been relatively stable just a moment ago, suddenly surged with earth-shattering waves.

If the first two rules were about consuming material resources and conceding authority, then this one directly overturned the underlying Foundation of the Sect monopoly that had existed for ages.

Since ancient times, the reason the Sects of the four regions have been able to stand for thousands of years and endure for generations has never been purely based on Cultivation Technique Legacies, but rather on the monopoly of resources, the monopoly of Opportunities, and the monopoly of advancement.

The Sect controls all cultivation resources. If a Disciple wants to advance, wants treasures, wants Cultivation Techniques, or wants Opportunities, they must be loyal to the Sect, obey its scheduling, and be shackled by the Sect.

Relying on this monopoly, the Sect firmly controls generation after generation of Cultivators, maintaining its Supreme ruling position.

But after the Merit Pavilion blossoms everywhere, Disciples from humble backgrounds will not need to rely on Sects, will not need to be loyal to Families, and will not need to look at others' Faces. As long as they are willing to fight, willing to exert effort, and willing to contribute, they can rise against the heavens based on their own achievements.

The Sect's restrictive power, control, and centripetal force over their Disciples will be cut in half instantly!

Liu Qingyi of the Western River Bishui Spirit Mansion's Face instantly turned pale. She could no longer maintain her complete composure. She stood up slightly, bowed, and earnestly pleaded: "Dragon Emperor! My Sect has been passed down for nearly ten thousand years. Our system of Sect rules, education, and rewards and punishments has long been established. All Disciple advancements, rewards, and cultivation have regulations. If Disciples are allowed to go to the Merit Pavilion to seek Opportunities freely, their hearts will be unsettled, they will not abide by Sect rules, and they will disregard the Sect's cultivation. Over time, the Sect's discipline will be lax, the order of superiority and inferiority will be chaotic, the system will collapse, and the ten-thousand-year Legacy will likely be severed!"

Many Sect Masters of small and medium-sized Sects in the Western River stood up one after another in agreement, their Faces full of anxiety: "Our small Sects have shallow Foundations. The only reliance we have to keep Disciples and maintain the Sect is the exclusive resources and Opportunities. If the Merit Pavilion diverts Opportunities and opens up channels, all our talented Disciples will flow out, and they will have no heart for Sect affairs; small Sects will have no place to stand!"

For a time, most of the conservative factions stood up to plead their cases, each sentence earnest, every word full of concern—all of them genuine worries that touched upon their fundamental interests.

Tu Cangming of Black Shark Island in the Chaotic Star Sea slammed his thigh and loudly agreed, without any scruples: "I think this rule is the best! In our Chaotic Star Sea, countless Loose Cultivators, solitary Cultivators, and bottom-tier Cultivators struggle to survive their whole lives, with no Sect, no resources, and no Legacy, suppressed to death by major Sects, with no hope of ever getting ahead! The Merit Pavilion benefits all living beings, giving a way out to those who work hard, Opportunities to those who fight, and hope to those from humble backgrounds. This is the true Great Dao of a prosperous age! My Chaotic Star Sea fully supports it!"

He was a small faction, occupying only a small piece of land based on his own cultivation, so naturally, he would not be restricted too much.

"Sect Masters, Clan Chiefs, your obsessions are too deep, and you are clinging to old flaws! The chaotic times have arrived, and experts from all heavens and myriad worlds are rising together. If the Canglan Domain wants to survive, it does not rely on the private reserves of a few Sects, but on the rise of Prodigies across the entire region and the skyrocketing combat power of all its members!"

"Don't cling to one piece of land. When we become stronger in the future, there will be so many Cultivation World passages opened up. Wouldn't it be better to seize their land under the leadership of the Dragon Emperor?"

For a time, the factions at the banquet were completely divided into two camps. The two camps looked at each other, debated in low voices, and weighed the pros and cons repeatedly. Undercurrents surged in the hall, but because Yuan Chen was suppressing it, no one lost their composure or manners.

Yuan Chen sat high on his seat, quietly overlooking the struggle of all living beings, with no ripples in his eyes. He was clear about the turmoil this new rule would bring to the various factions.

After a long while, he slowly spoke, his voice steady and heavy, setting the final tone, leaving enough room for a buffer, and fully displaying the broad-mindedness of a Supreme: "I know the difficulties you all Face. When old rules are broken and new ones are established, it will inevitably harm inherent interests."

"But the chaotic times are irreversible, and the great trend cannot be turned back. The old system of separatism cannot bear the current pattern of the various worlds."

"Everyone can discuss and negotiate in detail; there is no rush."