C1512 Separate
C1512 Separate
A map rested on the table, detailing the expansive territory currently held by the Devil Cloud Sect. It dwarfed the lands of the other five major halls. Historically, the East Saint Sect, Devil Cloud Sect, and Elemental Spirit Sect had divided the largest and most prosperous Dongyuan State on the Dongyuan Continent among themselves. The Elemental Spirit Sect ranked the lowest among these powers, with the East Saint Sect and Devil Cloud Sect being close competitors. Their controlled resources were nearly equal, both significantly surpassing the Elemental Spirit Sect.
The Elemental Spirit Sect essentially served as a buffer between the other two, preventing direct conflicts and potential large-scale wars. However, when the Devil Cloud Sect unleashed its true power and overtook the East Saint Sect, it established itself as the dominant force on the continent. This rise to power sparked a widespread war, with the flames of conflict swiftly engulfing the land.
The overwhelming force of the Devil Cloud Sect instilled fear in the other five great forces, who dared not oppose it. Particularly after the Demon Aura siege, the high-ranking officials of these forces, having lost several peak Emperor Level and late period Emperor Level warriors, retreated to their strongholds, too frightened to engage in further large-scale battles with the Devil Cloud Sect.
Seizing the opportunity, the Devil Cloud Sect relentlessly destroyed sects and cities, annexing vast territories and resources. Many outlying areas belonging to the East Saint Sect, Elemental Spirit Sect, and the other forces fell into the hands of the Devil Cloud Sect.
With the fall of the Devil Cloud Sect, their once-occupied lands were left vacant. The map on the table represented the current extent of the Devil Cloud Sect's domain, encompassing both their original lands and newly acquired regions. Combined, these areas were significantly larger than those of the East Saint Sect and Elemental Spirit Sect put together.
The Dongyuan Continent lacked any instruments for surveying and mapping. Yet, for the high-level martial artists, this posed no challenge. With a sweep of their divine sense, they could board an Emperor Level Flying Ship, traverse the region, and sketch a rough map with ease.
Moreover, the five major forces, although previously hesitant to engage in direct combat with the Devil Cloud Sect, had consistently monitored its conflicts. Following the Sect's downfall, Lin Xuan declared that the five great halls were entitled to divide its territories. Consequently, he effortlessly acquired a map of sufficient detail and accuracy.
This map not only encompassed the Devil Cloud Sect's domain but also featured numerous other indicators, such as bustling large cities along key trade routes, extensive spirit stone mines, and fields of medicinal herbs.
Many of the once-powerful forces and warriors within these large cities had been decimated by the Devil Cloud Sect, their remnants used as resources for the Demon Aura Blood Pool, leaving the cities nearly deserted. However, due to their strategic locations, these cities could quickly regain their vibrancy and population if properly restored and made public, attracting a multitude of merchants eager to settle there. In turn, this would draw a significant number of warriors to linger.
The Dongyuan Continent, known for its substantial population of warriors and humans, ensured that the flow of wealth within these cities remained considerable. Even the mines and medicinal fields, despite some damage inflicted by the Devil Cloud Sect, had largely remained intact and retained their high value.
All these factors were crucial for consideration when partitioning the territories. In the grand hall, even the late-period Emperor Level warriors were not afforded seats, standing instead around the table. All eyes were fixed on the Martial Puppet, awaiting its proclamation.
"Three hours is all we have, not a moment to waste. Let's begin," the Martial Puppet announced, receiving the reverent gazes with a slight nod, taking secret pleasure in the respect shown by many who had once scorned or revered him.
Today, they all had to look up to him.
However, he was well aware of his own status and the source of it all.
Without hesitation, he promptly declared, "Yes!"
The Emperor Level Martial Cultivators below answered in unison. After receiving nods from Wei Zhengzhen, Cang Shuiyue, and Yang Mao, they began to engage in discussions and make divisions.
Wei Zhengzhen, Cang Shuiyue, and Yang Mao, who were at the pinnacle of the Emperor Level, remained seated, sipping their spiritual tea, awaiting the outcome.
These intricate and meticulous tasks were naturally delegated to the seasoned martial cultivators below.
The senior members didn't need to get their hands dirty; they just had to set the overall direction.
The fundamental rule was to follow the principle of proximity.
The divisions would start with those closest to the five great halls.
Additionally, divisions would be made according to the specific needs of each hall.
For instance, those with a Heavy Water attribute would be considered for Canglan Hall first, while those with a Lightning attribute would be prioritized for the Thunder Yang Pavilion, and so on.
Within the Devil Cloud Sect's domain, there were no other factions to contend with.
There was no concern about clashes with other forces or resistance and animosity from the original powers.
Once the division was complete, they could simply dispatch their disciples to oversee the areas and begin collecting their dues.
It was akin to stumbling upon a treasure trove.
Yet, despite the glaringly obvious fortune within arm's reach, no one on the Dongyuan Continent dared to claim it after the fall of the Devil Cloud Sect.
This was not a matter for just any martial cultivator or faction to meddle in.
Without ample strength, a rash move could result in being obliterated in an instant.
Only the remaining five of the six great forces had the clout to engage.
Until the five great forces had reached a consensus, any premature action would provoke a lethal response from the collective might of these powers.
Now, however, Lin Xuan was at the helm.
Before Lin Xuan issued his directives, none of the five great forces, including the five great halls, dared to act.
That is, until they had fulfilled the task assigned by Lin Xuan.
After Lin Xuan gave his consent, the spending began.
Time slipped away silently.
Wu Huai, Wei Zhengzhen, Yang Mao, and a few other peak Emperor Level warriors sipped their spirit tea in silence, patiently waiting.
Meanwhile, the dozen or so late-period Emperor Level Martial Cultivators around the table were engaged in heated debates, their faces flushed with the intensity of their discussions.
They were reminiscent of petty merchants in a common marketplace, bickering over trivial sums of money.
However, the stakes here were immensely higher, with the wealth at issue being thousands, if not millions, of times greater.
This was no trifling matter.
Even a fraction of the wealth in question could easily overwhelm an Emperor Level force.
The future development of their entire sects was at stake, as were the welfare, treatment, and resources for themselves, their disciples, and their kin.
They were all fervently vying for their share.
Yet, it was all talk and no action.
They consciously kept their formidable auras in check, careful not to let even a hint escape.
And they certainly didn't dare to resort to physical confrontation.
Chapter 12 – The Five Great Forces