Note/ I apologize for being late, I promise you tomorrow another chapter.
In a grand hall adorned with bright lights, the air was charged with tension. The tables were surrounded by imposing figures, each accompanied by one or two guards, lending the place an air of majesty and authority. Silence reigned until it was broken by the domineering words of Yu Yuan Chen, who denounced, "Can you tell us why the Spirit Hall has summoned all seven sects to meet here?"
All eyes turned to Beibei Dong, who smiled a faint smile that would impress everyone if they didn't know her ruthlessness. "I have summoned you today for something important. As you know, we in the Spirit Hall care about spirit masters and the public, but we are saddened to see wars recurring between two empires, claiming thousands of lives. As we are responsible for hunting evil spirit masters, we frequently hear about the disappearance of village inhabitants and are unable to respond due to lack of information, and we cannot extend our influence there because of these two empires."
Reactions varied among the attendees. Some were awestruck, while others felt anxious, like Ning Fengzi, who appeared tense. Beibei Dong continued, "Therefore, to establish security and eradicate wars and evil spirit masters, the Spirit Hall will create the Holy Light Empire, which will replace the two empires and unite the continent."
Beibei Dong looked at the attendees, her eyes carrying a seriousness, and added, "You must decide whether you will join the Spirit Hall in this noble endeavor, or will you oppose us and stand against the Spirit Hall? The choice is yours."
Breath halted in the hall upon hearing this shocking announcement. Her words meant something profound: her desire for war and the conquest of the entire continent, turning the remaining sects into mere subordinates.
Hearing this, Yu Yuan Chen exploded in anger, saying, "What nonsense is this? You just want to rule the continent for your selfish goals, so don't try to make us believe your cause is noble!"
At that moment, a heavy aura swept through the hall like a dark cloud, as everyone sensed a mysterious figure emitting tremendous pressure. The focus was particularly on Yu Yuan Chen, who seemed trapped by an unbearable force, his body frozen in place as if rooted to the ground. Sweat dripped from his brow as he felt something heavy pulling his soul downwards, while others looked on the scene with awe and confusion.
The pressure lasted for a few seconds, as if time had stopped, before suddenly disappearing like a mirage. Yu Yuan Chen regained his balance but still felt a tremor inside him, as if the terrifying echo still reverberated in his ears.
"This pressure... it must be coming from a Super Douluo!" whispered Sif Doulu, as he contemplated the situation.
A tense silence filled the air, as Yu Yuan Chen regained his composure after a moment of tension and spoke softly, "I apologize to everyone for my previous words. I shouldn't have accused the Spirit Hall in this way."
As moments of silence passed, the attendees began to discuss slowly, hesitating to express their opinions. A senior member of the Wind Sword Sect spoke cautiously, "But what about our independence? If the Spirit Hall is to lead us, what will happen to our identity as independent sects in this empire?"
One from the Fire Tiger Clan responded, "What I need are guarantees. We cannot gamble our future on vague promises."
Gradually, the debate intensified among the sects. The Armored Elephant Sect, backed by the Spirit Hall, proudly declared, "Uniting the continent is the only path to achieving peace, and we support the Spirit Hall in this endeavor."
As the discussions unfolded in the hall, figures emitting strong auras entered. There were seven of them, making the atmosphere even more charged. Eyes turned towards the newcomers, and whispers circulated among the attendees.
Beibei Dong spoke in a serious tone, "I apologize for the disruption, but these are some elders from the Wuhun Palace who wished to attend this historic meeting. You don't mind, do you?"
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon realizing that the newcomers were not there to attack them. But some soon grasped the meaning of Beibei Dong's words, shocked to learn that the Spirit Hall possessed seven titled Douluos, in addition to the Alligator Douluo and the Grand Priest.
"So, what does this visit mean?" one elder from the Hidden Echo Sect asked anxiously.
"I bet it's part of the pressure the Spirit Hall is exerting on us," another added.
Everyone understood that Beibei Dong was trying to pressure them into choosing the option that suited her, even if she lied about the existence of other Douluos. But these were more than enough to crush the first three sects with ease.
Everyone looked towards the two strongest sects, as the Stronger Weapon Sect was notably absent. Their absence raised concerns, increasing attendees' questions about their stance in this escalating conflict.
As the debate heated up in the hall among the different sects, Beibei Dong interrupted everyone with a calm yet authoritative voice, "This is an important decision for your sects that you stand behind. I understand this, and I cannot rush you into making a decisive choice. So, I will give you until tomorrow to decide: Will you stand with this great unification of the continent, or will you stand against the reform?"
She looked around the hall to ensure her words reached everyone, then continued in a more ominous and cold voice, "While you make your decision, some individuals will guide you to your temporary accommodations. But you must know one thing... when you make your final decision, there is no turning back."
Her poisonous and sinister voice sent chills down the spines of everyone present. The atmosphere suddenly shifted, as cold air currents began to creep into the room, creating a sinister ambiance, making the silence heavier and more tense.
No one had the courage to respond, and within five minutes, the grand hall was empty, leaving only Beibei Dong alone in the space, seated on the throne as if waiting for something.
Suddenly, the sound of quiet footsteps broke the oppressive silence. An old man appeared, emanating an aura no less terrifying than Beibei Dong's.
"Why did you give them a day to decide? You could have pressured them in this very meeting. After seeing the power of the Spirit Hall, I don't think they would refuse," the old man said in a low but questioning tone.
Beibei Dong slowly turned to face the man and said calmly, "Thank you, Second Devotee, for your assistance in the meeting. As for why I granted them a day to think, it's simply because if I forced them now, they would later think they agreed out of fear, potentially creating countless problems. But if I give them a day, they will consider that they made the decision themselves, without coercion. It may seem simple, but it will impact the future."
The Alligator Doulu contemplated her words for a moment, then nodded in understanding, "Hmm... you have a point. This approach could prevent a lot of troubles."
Beibei Dong smiled faintly, returning to her throne, her eyes gleaming with hidden plans, "In the end, what matters is that the continent will be under our banner, whether through persuasion or force."