Above, Jiang Tao continued to liven up the atmosphere, preparing for the final sprint.

"I'm sure you're all eager to know, and we won't force you. The reason we're here is simply to give you all a heads-up about this matter."

"As for how to select them..."

Jiang Tao's tone slowed down, and his gaze gradually fell on the leaders of the major mercenary groups below. He then smiled faintly.

"This is an urgent matter. I propose that we select a leader from among the eight mercenary group leaders."

After he finished speaking, a commotion immediately broke out.

What's going on?

"Among these candidates, it would be better to choose Jiang Tao."

"Isn't this ridiculous? Whoever is chosen will have their mercenary group living like gods. It's too unreasonable."

"Yes, we won't agree."

"..."

Luo Chen looked around and saw that everyone was indignant and displeased.

They're not stupid. If you said Jiang Tao should take the position, everyone would agree. But if the eight major mercenary groups were to choose one of them, they wouldn't accept it.

Looking at the eight regimental commanders in the middle, their expressions were normal. They were all sitting quietly in their seats, seemingly lost in thought.

They've already been pushed out by Jiang Tao, yet they're still so calm. Is that reasonable?

Jiang Tao seemed to have anticipated this scene. His expression remained calm as he slowly smiled and raised his hands to press down.

"Everyone, please calm down and listen to me."

Jiang Tao gave a few soft shouts, calming everyone down.

"The reason for doing this is twofold: firstly, the leaders are all highly experienced and extremely knowledgeable about mercenary affairs; and secondly, they are capable of taking on this responsibility."

“I, Jiang Tao, understand what you are thinking.”

"Once the alliance is formed, there will naturally be no bias; everyone will be treated the same."

"Do you even believe that yourself?" Luo Chen scoffed from below.

"Since we need to protect everyone's interests, we can't hold these positions indefinitely. We can recommend terms of office for each person, which would be better for everyone."

"If our alliance grows longer, everyone will have the opportunity to run for leader. However, given the current situation, if we cannot achieve this soon, we will be conscripted."

Jiang Tao's words resonated deeply with everyone.

"He really is a cunning old fox." Luo Chen's opinion of Jiang Tao worsened after hearing his words.

His goal is simply to form an alliance first, and once that's achieved, no one can escape.

[That old fox will let you become the alliance leader? He's dreaming!]

"Xiao, what do you think? Mayor Jiang has considered us after all. It makes sense that he appointed the eight regimental commanders. After all, they've just been formed, and everyone is dissatisfied with the fact that no one can suppress them. Once they mature, every regimental commander will have a chance." Old Tie firmly believed this, and his words at this moment completely betrayed his ability to survive over the years.

"Dude, you really do start offering sacrifices the moment you see a saint. Is Jiang Tao's brainwashing that effective?" Luo Chen rolled his eyes at him. If there weren't so many people around, he would have kicked him.

You think that eating a monster transformed into Tang Sanzang will grant you immortality?

Is this a joke?

"Mayor Jiang is right. We can't wait any longer. If we want to live, we have to make a decision as soon as possible. All the regimental commanders have witnessed this, and I agree!"

Just as Luo Chen was lecturing his old friend, some people started to speak up.

[You idiot, there are shills for this?]

Luo Chen looked incredulous. He was supposed to be a troupe leader, so why were they all just extras?

“I agree, but I have another suggestion: Mayor Jiang must be the deputy leader of the alliance.”

“I agree with Mayor Jiang. He makes sense. As long as we can survive.”

"..."

One by one, representatives stepped forward to speak, as if an alliance had already been formed.

Although Jiang Tao didn't smile, Luo Chen could tell that he was secretly overjoyed.

Meanwhile, the corners of the mouth of the boy who had been talking to Jiang Tao earlier gradually curved slightly.

Throughout the entire ordeal, none of the eight mercenary leaders sitting at the front uttered a single word, nor did their expressions change much.

Jiang Tao nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the imposing aura.

Looking at the crowd, he continued, "On behalf of the people of this small town, I, Jiang Tao, would like to thank you all."

"In that case, we will formally establish the alliance and elect a leader the day after tomorrow afternoon."

“Every mercenary group has the right to write down who they hope will be elected…”

But just then, a voice broke Jiang Tao's words.

"Wait!"

Moto, known as the Smiling Tiger, slowly stood up from his seat, first smiling slightly at Jiang Tao, then turning to the other representatives with a faint smile.

On stage, Jiang Tao, who was interrupted, was taken aback at first, and then could only smile awkwardly.

"It seems Commander Moto has something to say. That's good. Before the election, each commander can also give their campaign speech." Jiang Tao reacted quickly, managing to smooth things over no matter what.

"Dude, this is going to be good." Luo Chen perfectly inherited his original excellent style, enjoying the spectacle without making a fuss.

"Of course, I won't agree to the conscription. Mayor Jiang proposed forming an alliance, and I, Moto, agree as well. After all, we are just small fry in the face of the nation." Moto always had a smile on his face, just like a gentleman.

Jiang Tao also had a big smile on his face, clearly indicating that things were not out of control yet.

“However, Mayor Jiang suggested that the alliance leader be chosen from among us. I don’t know what the other leaders think, but I, Moto, am very grateful to Mayor Jiang for thinking so highly of me and for giving me this opportunity.” Moto nodded to Jiang Tao.

Jiang Tao responded with a smile, but you could tell from his smile that he already sensed something was wrong.

"Compared to everyone else, we, the commanders, are just a bit richer. In terms of ability, we are all the same. Perhaps some of the commanders below are even stronger than us."

"So, I am very grateful for the opportunity to choose any leader of the alliance, but I know my own abilities and I am still unable to shoulder this heavy responsibility."

"Furthermore, if I were to take office, would I necessarily treat everyone fairly?"

Moto opened his arms and stared at the crowd.

Behind them, Jiang Tao's face grew increasingly dark, as did that of the young man.

"Commander Moto!" Jiang Tao quickly spoke up.

But Moto stopped him: "Mayor Jiang, don't rush, let me finish."

"No matter which of us takes the position, it would be unfair to the others, and we would feel guilty about it."

"Therefore, there is only one person present who can take on this role."

Moto turned around and pointed at Jiang Tao!