C1496 Situation
C1496 Situation
Despite its vast riches, the Pavilion has remained unscathed, a testament to its complexity beyond what meets the eye. It is recognized as the most formidable force on the Central Essence Continent, second only to the overlords themselves. Not to mention, it boasts no fewer than a hundred individuals at the peak of the Emperor Level, just below the Half-level Emperor—a feat that even some overlords, like the Five Great Clans, struggle to match.
These Emperor Level peak experts are strategically placed, some overseeing the headquarters, while others manage key branches across various continents, such as Wan Xinglong. Additionally, there are those who have secluded themselves for extended periods, striving to break through to the Half-level Emperor stage.
But the Million Treasure Pavilion is more than just a collection of powerful individuals. As the trading hub of the entire Tianyuan Continent, the treasures it has amassed are beyond imagination. Wan Xinglong has not disclosed everything, as these matters pertain to the Pavilion's core lifeline.
Even if Lin Xuan were to join, he would find it challenging to uncover such secrets without first earning a significant level of trust and access. Nevertheless, Wan Xinglong did share some insights. For instance, the grand spell formation at the Pavilion's headquarters is not just any Emperor Level Spell Formation but an Emperor Level Grand Spell Formation, albeit one that is severely damaged. It is even more so than the protective formations of the lesser Overlord Level Forces, such as the Five Great Clans, and currently lacks a Half-level Emperor at its helm.
However, it possesses unique and peculiar qualities. Through blood sacrifice, the formation can temporarily bolster its might to that of a Half-level Emperor. The sacrifice cannot be of a low level, as the formation would otherwise pay it no heed. At a minimum, the sacrifices must be Martial Monarch Stage warriors, and not just a handful.
Emperor Level Martial Cultivators who had undergone a blood sacrifice could very well die on the spot. At the very least, their lifespans would be drastically shortened, and both their foundational strength and cultivation would suffer severe damage. Those who managed to survive wouldn't have many years left to live.
To address this, the Million Treasure Pavilion spared no expense in nurturing a group of Emperor Level Martial Cultivators. This group included some who had attempted and failed to ascend to the Half-level Emperor status, leaving them disheartened and disillusioned.
Under normal circumstances, these cultivators had no duties to perform. They were lavished with fine food and drink, exquisite wines, sumptuous feasts, and the company of beautiful companions—nothing was in short supply. If all remained well, they could look forward to a comfortable retirement, living out their years in peace and security.
However, should a crisis arise, they were expected to make sacrifices. At such times, escape was not an option. These individuals were forbidden from leaving the confines of Million Treasure City, bound by specific enchantments placed upon them.
Furthermore, their offspring, descendants, nephews, and other close kin were also taken under the wing of the Million Treasure Pavilion. This arrangement not only provided peace of mind for the cultivators but also served as a form of insurance for the Pavilion.
The Pavilion's defensive formation was bolstered by several incomplete Blood Sacrifice Emperor Level Spirit weapons, which required the full commitment of an Emperor Level cultivator's vitality to activate. Together, these measures could fend off an attack from a Half-level Emperor, ensuring a level of defense comparable to that of the five great families with their own Half-level Emperor patriarchs.
However, unlike the five great families who saw such defenses as routine, each deployment for the Million Treasure Pavilion was a significant drain on their resources. Despite the Pavilion's vast accumulated wealth, they could only afford to do this a limited number of times. In contrast, for the five great families, as long as their Half-level Emperor ancestors remained alive, such defenses were sustainable.
The disparity between them was stark. It was for this reason that the Million Treasure Pavilion was so desperate for the patronage of a Half-level Emperor. The Pavilion had managed to preserve itself on several occasions thanks to the Bloodstain Spell Formation and the Spirit weapons.
Apart from the two exalted halls, among the remaining Overlord Level Forces, there was only one visible Half-level Emperor.
The artifact was exceedingly precious, serving as the linchpin of a dominant force, and thus could not be used lightly.
In a scenario where two powerful factions were in a stalemate, neither willing to make a move, the Million Treasure Pavilion maintained a friendly demeanor, careful not to alienate any party. The Pavilion abstained from engaging in conflicts over interests, instead fostering good relations with all sides through constant mediation.
This combination of factors had led to the current state of affairs, where no Half-level Emperor had personally intervened against the Million Treasure Pavilion.
Over time, the Pavilion's wealth amassed from trade across the Central Essence Continent had grown exponentially, becoming too vast to conceal. Predictably, this fortune had likely sparked the avarice of numerous overlords. Yet, they still lacked a suitable pretext to act, for they knew that one move could trigger a chain reaction.
Should one faction make a move, it might prove difficult for the others to hold back. It was common knowledge that the Million Treasure Pavilion possessed immense wealth but lacked the protective power to defend it. Many had noticed this vulnerability, and when the time came to claim a share, a simple takeover would prove challenging.
And if division was the chosen path, how would they allocate the spoils? Would they resort to conflict? A meager division would hardly be worthwhile. To successfully assault the Million Treasure Pavilion, the involvement of a Half-level Emperor would be necessary, as even those at the peak of the Emperor Level, wielding Emperor Level Spirit weapons, would struggle to make an impact.
In such a situation, if a Half-level Emperor from one of the overlord factions were to engage, how could one ensure that other Half-level Emperors wouldn't seize the opportunity to strike? It's important to remember that to a Half-level Emperor, the Emperor Level resources controlled by other overlords are far more enticing than the vast wealth of the Million Treasure Pavilion.
Furthermore, should a Half-level Emperor leave their domain, they risk being ambushed by peers from rival factions. The lifetime accumulations of a Half-level Emperor, including Emperor Level Spirit weapons, elixirs, and secret tomes, are treasures worth risking everything for. A single misstep leading to their demise would spell disaster for their overlord, who would then be forced into seclusion, seeking survival by cutting losses and fortifying defenses.
This tense atmosphere was also a result of the disharmony and numerous conflicts among the overlords, each one hindering the others.
After providing these resources to the Million Treasure Pavilion, numerous top-tier forces managed to preserve themselves and cling to life.
Yet, this reprieve would not last indefinitely.
Once the Million Treasure Pavilion's wealth reached a critical mass, for instance, should one of the two halls grow impatient, they might covertly dispatch a Half-level Emperor.
Alternatively, the moment other overlords strike a deal among themselves, that would spell the end for the Million Treasure Pavilion—its downfall and the plundering of its riches.
The timing of such a day remained uncertain.
It could be imminent or distant.
It might unfold within days, perhaps months, or even years down the line.
But one thing was certain: that day was inevitable.
This was akin to a succulent morsel, ready to be devoured effortlessly.
Who would pass up such an opportunity?
Those who had risen to the status of overlords had fought their way through countless adversaries.
None harbored benevolence; none would entertain thoughts of mercy.
Chapter 12 – The Fall of the Million Treasure Pavilion