634: debate!

Wang Yuan's voice was resonant, carrying an unquestionable resolve:

"Last time, they used the excuse of the initial appearance of the filth tide to seize an additional thirty percent of our Spirit Stone mine output, claiming they needed more resources to suppress it. Now that the filth tide is receding, they are repeating the same old trick, and even intend to lay their hands on the Soul Forest that we have controlled for generations! This is simply going too far!"

"Commander Wang, please calm down."

A Cultivator dressed in azure robes spoke slowly. This person was Vice City Lord Ning Haoqian, one of the three City Lords of Cang Kong City. His voice was gentle, carrying a hint of refinement:

"I understand your anger, but going to war with the Xuantian Sect at this moment is not a wise move."

"Although the filth tide in the Nine Nether Abyss shows signs of receding, even the people from the Myriad Tribulations Heaven are paying some attention to the mutations within. If we go to war with the Xuantian Sect now, it will only allow the Void Realm to take advantage of the situation and reap the benefits!"

"Moreover, although the Soul Forest is important, our core interests in Cang Kong City lie in the Heavenly Soul mine and the Nether Spirit Spring. Making appropriate concessions in exchange for long-term peace and development might be a better choice."

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately won the approval of most people present, and a chorus of agreement arose from below.

"I believe Vice City Lord Ning's words are reasonable. After all, with the frequent incidents in the Nine Nether Imperial Capital, we have not yet figured out what exactly is going on. Preserving our own strength is the best way to deal with future crises!"

"Correct! City Lord, I agree that Vice City Lord Ning is right. Cang Kong City really needs to rest and recover; the last purification of the filth tide caused significant losses."

"That's right..."

Just then, Commander Wang walked directly to the center of the main hall. His gaze swept over those who had just agreed, and he said coldly:

"Peace, preserving strength? Vice City Lord, have you forgotten the lessons of the past?"

"Back then, we took a step back, and what was the result? After seeing Cang Kong City retreat, the two major powers actually joined forces and took the initiative to attack us!"

"During that period, how much did Cang Kong City lose? How many Cultivators of Cang Kong City fell? In this world, there is no such thing as retreating to advance; only the truly strong can set the rules!"

"If you want others to fear you, our attitude must first be clear!"

Wang Yuan's words were resonant, and a few people nodded slightly after hearing them.

Only the one at the very top remained calm, without a single ripple of emotion visible on his face.

"Commander Wang! Times have changed!"

Vice City Lord Ning retorted:

"The Black Fog Valley incident occurred when the overall situation in the Netherworld was relatively stable. But now, undercurrents are surging in the Nine Nether Imperial Capital, and even the Myriad Tribulations Heaven might be drawn into it!"

"We must maintain sufficient strategic reserves to deal with the greater crises that may arise. If we risk a full-scale war for the sake of the Soul Forest, is that really worth it?"

"Then, according to the Vice City Lord, we are just going to hand over the Soul Forest?"

Commander Wang's voice rose a few notches.

"Not at all. My meaning is that we can temporarily shelve the dispute over the Soul Forest and instead seek greater benefits in other areas, such as Soul crystal trading and the procurement of chaotic soul stones."

"At the same time, we must strengthen our ties with the Void Realm to form a three-party balance and weaken the arrogance of the Xuantian Sect!"

The azure-robed Vice City Lord analyzed methodically.

"Cooperate with the Void Realm? That group of people is elusive; how can we trust them?"

The Seventh Highness also spoke up.

"As long as it is beneficial to Cang Kong City, we must do our best to do it. We cannot simply give up communicating with them just because they are elusive, right?"

Vice City Lord Ning insisted on his point of view.

Soon, others also began to speak.

The main hall fell into fierce debate once again. Various plans, pros and cons, and historical grievances were laid out one by one, with everyone trading barbs and refusing to yield.

Netherworld Heaven had not spoken; he simply listened quietly. His deep eyes swept over the arguing crowd from time to time, as if evaluating each person's ability and loyalty, or perhaps weighing the pros and cons of all the arguments.

His silence was in itself a form of invisible pressure, making it impossible for anyone to relax, fearing that their words or actions might be flawed.

Not until everyone had finished stating their views did the debate in the hall gradually subside. Everyone's gaze converged on Netherworld Heaven, awaiting the final verdict.

After listening to everyone's accounts and analyzing the pros and cons, Netherworld Heaven finally made the final decision!

"This matter shall be handed over to Vice City Lord Ning to handle with full authority. No one else is to have any objections!"

With these words, Netherworld Heaven had made his stance clear: to concede his own interests and avoid conflict.

Commander Wang looked incredulous. The City Lord had actually chosen to retreat?!

This... was somewhat unexpected. One had to know that the City Lord had always been the type who was unwilling to suffer a loss.

"City Lord..."

Wang Yuan did not dare to oppose, but he still couldn't help but call out to the City Lord.

Netherworld Heaven did not say anything more and slowly stood up from the throne.

His movements were slow and solemn, and every action attracted everyone's attention.

As his standing figure was fully revealed to everyone, an even more majestic and vast pressure filled the entire hall, pressing heavily on everyone's heart like an invisible mountain.

Everyone, including the few commanders and Vice City Lords who had been arguing earlier, stood up excitedly and bowed to offer their congratulations.

Especially the First Highness of Cang Kong City, You Mingcheng, who was sitting at the very front; he could almost not contain the ecstasy in his heart.

The stronger his father was, the more stable the status of their Cang Kong City would be!

Surpassing the other two powers was the goal of everyone in Cang Kong City!

Netherworld Heaven raised his hand in a gesture to calm the room, stopping the chorus of congratulations.

He then announced the second order.