After a long silence, someone finally spoke.
However, it wasn't Ning Fengzhi of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect. Instead, it was Bai Baoshan, a professor from Heaven Dou Imperial Academy.
Bai Baoshan smiled as he began, his demeanor obsequiously flattering.
"Mr. Lu has done a great service for our Heaven Dou Imperial Academy. Because of this, within the academy, his words are akin to royal decrees. And when faced with such decrees, how could we dare disobey?"
With that, Bai Baoshan gave a slight smile and made his choice:
"Heaven Dou Imperial Academy is willing to submit to Mr. Lu."
Having made his declaration, Bai Baoshan shifted his gaze to Xue Qinghe, who stood nearby.
It was no joke—when even Crown Prince Xue Qinghe had become one of Lu Yunzhou's "followers," how could the Heaven Dou Imperial Academy dare to resist?
Seeing Bai Baoshan's decision, Xue Qinghe said nothing. He merely nodded silently, a look of feigned satisfaction subtly appearing on his face.
The Heaven Dou Empire's most prestigious institution, known for its profound background, vast influence, and intricate network of connections, had now chosen to yield to Lu Yunzhou.
With this precedent, how could the deans of the five elemental academies remain silent?
Sure enough, realizing the gravity of the situation, the head of the Blazing Academy stood and spoke respectfully:
"Blazing Academy is willing to join Mr. Lu's banner."
"Godwind Academy pledges allegiance to Mr. Lu."
"Heavenwater Academy and the Shui Clan of Heavenwater City vow to follow Mr. Lu's lead."
"The Elephant Armor Academy, along with the Elephant Armor Clan, will henceforth belong to Mr. Lu!"
In an instant, four of the five elemental academies had submitted.
The last remaining academy was Thunderclap Academy, which was under the famous Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon Clan.
At that moment, two voices rang out in succession.
"The Yu Clan is willing to swear fealty to Mr. Lu!"
"The Min Clan is willing to swear fealty to Mr. Lu!"
The Min and Yu Clans, once among the four great single-attribute clans under the Clear Sky Sect, and future cornerstones of the Tang Sect, had now fully aligned themselves with Lu Yunzhou.
This decision symbolized that Tang San would lose any connection with them.
Hearing the declarations of these two old allies, and seeing their unwavering determination, Titan, the patriarch of the Strength Clan, hesitated.
"Old Rhino, Old White Crane, are you two really… really going to do this?" Titan asked tentatively.
Before Bai He of the Min Clan could reply, Niu Gao of the Yu Clan spoke first:
"I've already said my piece. My decision is steadfast and unyielding."
"And besides, what other choice do we have?"
"Do you suggest we crawl back to the Clear Sky Sect like dogs and beg for their forgiveness?"
"Or perhaps continue being suppressed by the Spirit Hall until we face total annihilation?"
With that, Niu Gao sighed deeply and added earnestly:
"Submitting to Mr. Lu and aligning ourselves with the Ethereal Sanctuary not only offers us a path to survival but also a chance to elevate our clans and sects to new heights."
"Think it through, Titan. Don't let misplaced loyalty ruin the future of your clan!"
After delivering his advice, Niu Gao fell silent, leaving Titan in a dilemma.
In truth, Titan's loyalty was unquestionable.
His devotion was so steadfast that when he first encountered Tang San, he immediately recognized him as the young master of the Clear Sky Sect. Titan had even offered his residence to Tang San and later led his entire clan to join the Tang Sect.
Such loyalty was akin to that of a dog's unwavering allegiance.
As time passed, various factions began to declare their allegiance to Lu Yunzhou and the Ethereal Sanctuary.
Most of them chose submission, realizing the immense advantages of transitioning from Soul Master traditions to the path of cultivation.
Clinging to the Soul Master path would only lead to ruin, especially given the formidable methods of cultivators.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, five factions remained undecided: the kingdoms of Balak, Silvis, and Alpine, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, and the Strength Clan.
"It's almost lunchtime. Has His Highness the Crown Prince made any reservations?"
Glancing at the sun outside, Lu Yunzhou smiled and offered a subtle reminder.
Naturally, his remark wasn't directed at "Xue Qinghe" but rather at those who had yet to make their decision.
Upon hearing this, "Xue Qinghe" responded with a knowing smile and replied:
"Yes, it has been arranged—in the royal palace."
Satisfied with this answer, Lu Yunzhou nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness. Let's head there shortly."
"As you wish, Mr. Lu."
Hearing this exchange, Ning Fengzhi, Titan, and the kings of the two remaining kingdoms understood that their time was running out.
Submit to Lu Yunzhou and the Ethereal Sanctuary, or face utter ruin.
Moments later, the Balak Kingdom's royal family was the first to speak.
"The Balak Kingdom is willing to submit to Lu Yunzhou and join the Ethereal Sanctuary."
The Balak Kingdom, known for its formidable military strength and proximity to the Star Luo Empire, had now pledged allegiance.
Realizing this, the other two kingdoms quickly followed suit:
"The Alpine Kingdom is willing to submit to Mr. Lu."
"The Silvis Kingdom is willing to submit to Mr. Lu."
Finally, Ning Fengzhi made his decision.
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect… is willing… to submit to Mr. Lu."
Ning Fengzhi vividly recalled his first encounter with Lu Yunzhou. Back then, he had sworn to either recruit Lu Yunzhou at all costs or eliminate him.
Later, after witnessing Lu Yunzhou's overwhelming power and unparalleled methods, Ning Fengzhi sought cooperation instead.
When Lu Yunzhou became a household name, Ning Fengzhi realized that he was no longer someone the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect could approach as an equal.
Now, Ning Fengzhi had lost everything he once prided himself on because of Lu Yunzhou.
Where Zhao Kuangyin's coup was called A Cup of Wine Releases the Military Power, Lu Yunzhou's triumph was aptly named A Salute to Conquer the Heaven Dou Empire.
Finally, Lu Yunzhou sent a telepathic message to "Xue Qinghe":
"If we follow your Spirit Hall's original plan, your next move should be to target that position, correct?"
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