In the middle region, Zangdao Mountain.
This sacred mountain, usually sparsely populated, has recently become the focus of cultivators from all four regions.
The plaza atop the mountain, stretching over a thousand feet in length and width, was now filled with a dense, dark mass of people, and spiritual energy fluctuations rose and fell like the tides.
The pressure caused the surrounding vegetation to droop slightly—Cultivators at the Tribulation Transcending Realm were everywhere, and those at the Mahayana Realm were as numerous as hairs on a cow. Even more than twenty old monsters at the Dao Inquiry Realm had arrived, each with a deep and solemn aura and a grave expression.
The news of the descent of the upper realm has gone from a rumor to an undeniable fact.
The occasional spatial rifts flashing in the sky and the increasingly chaotic spiritual energy between heaven and earth silently testify to this point.
Initially, each faction thought they could deal with it on their own, but as more and more spatial rifts appeared and the pressure from the upper realm emanating from them grew stronger, they finally realized that this was not something a single sect could withstand.
Therefore, the major powers in the Central Region took the lead and, under the pretext of "discussing strategies for protecting the realm," summoned all the well-known forces in the four regions to gather at Hidden Dao Mountain.
On the east side of the square, disciples of the Dan Ding Sect, dressed in blue robes and carrying medicine baskets, stood quietly.
They have always been detached from worldly affairs, yet they are a sacred place for alchemy on the continent. From Foundation Establishment Pills to Tribulation Transcending Pills, there is no pill they cannot refine.
All factions rely on elixirs for cultivation, so even the most arrogant sects have to be polite to the people of the Dan Ding Sect.
This time, they sent an elder with a white beard, who always held a thousand-year-old spiritual herb in his hand, his eyes peaceful, as if the solemn atmosphere before him had nothing to do with him.
To the west were the people from the Star Luo Sect.
They wore black robes embroidered with star patterns and had array plates hanging from their waists; this was the holy land of array formations in the world.
From small-scale warning formations to large-scale sealing formations, the Star Luo Sect's mastery of formations is unparalleled.
Like the Dan Ding Sect, they never interfere in power struggles, but they sent their core elders at this time, clearly realizing the severity of the situation.
The disciples of the Xuantian Sword Sect, dressed in pristine white robes with swords at their waists, stood in the center of the plaza.
As a top sword sect in the Central Region, although they lost some men in the Northern Region, they still have a profound foundation. The leader of this team is a middle-aged cultivator with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. His sword intent is restrained, but he carries a dignified and righteous aura.
In addition, almost all the well-known forces from the four regions—the Rock Family of the Southern Region, the Green Wood Alliance of the Eastern Region, the Buddhist sect of the Western Region, the Three Saints Sect and the Forgotten River Sect of the Central Region—were present.
Even some reclusive sects sent representatives, who crowded around the edge of the square, nervously watching the big shots in the center.
"Everyone," the white-robed patriarch of the Three Saints Sect spoke first, his voice echoing throughout the plaza.
"The rifts in the upper realm are increasing daily, and within three months at most, cultivators from the upper realm will descend. Without further ado, I have gathered everyone here today for one purpose—to form an alliance to jointly defend against external enemies."
"An alliance can be formed!" Elder Yan Su of the Wangchuan Sect replied in a hoarse voice, "But who will sit in the position of alliance leader?"
The square fell silent instantly upon hearing this.
Everyone knows that the alliance leader holds immense power over resource allocation and command; if this power were seized by a rival force, their own sect would likely be used as cannon fodder. Therefore, no one is willing to concede.
"I think Elder Bai of the Three Saints Sect is the most suitable!" shouted an elder from a small sect in the Central Region that was affiliated with the Three Saints Sect.
"Nonsense! The venerable Elder Yan of the Wangchuan Sect is highly respected and should be the leader!" someone immediately retorted.
"The Southern Region's Rock Ancestor possesses unparalleled combat prowess; I choose him!"
"The Azure Wood Ancestor of the Eastern Region breathes in harmony with heaven and earth, and understands the way of defense even better!"
Arguments rose and fell as people from all sides fought for their own ancestors, creating a chaotic scene.
The people from Dan Ding Sect and Xing Luo Sect remained silent, simply watching quietly—they didn't care who became the alliance leader, only whether they could peacefully refine pills and set up formations.
They argued for nearly an hour, but still couldn't reach a conclusion.
Just then, the white-bearded elder of the Dan Ding Sect suddenly spoke up: "In my opinion, it would be better to choose someone who has no conflicts with any party and is able to allocate resources."
Everyone was taken aback and turned to look at him.
"Who?" someone asked.
"The Qian family, Qian Gan."
The white-bearded elder said calmly, "The Qian Family Chamber of Commerce is spread throughout the four regions and has business dealings with every power. It never participates in disputes and is the fairest of all."
Moreover, wars are fought over resources, and the Qian family is incredibly wealthy. When it comes to allocating elixirs, magical artifacts, and materials, no one is more suitable or knowledgeable than them.
The square fell silent for a moment, then a chorus of agreement rang out.
"Yes! The Qian family is indeed a good fit!"
“Qian Gan is a fair person. Last time in the Endless Forest, his son Qian Duoduo, although he likes to act silly, did not steal anything.”
"Most importantly, the Qian family has no enemies, so no one will object to him becoming the leader of the alliance!"
The patriarchs of the various factions exchanged glances and nodded.
They were indeed unwilling to submit to each other, but Qian Gan was different—in terms of financial resources, he could support the expenses of a major battle; in terms of connections, which cultivator from the four regions hadn't bought something from the Qian family's merchant guild?
In terms of stance, he has no factional disputes and is the most able to treat everyone equally.
"Where is the money?" Old Ancestor Yan Su shouted.
The crowd parted to make way, and a middle-aged man in a brocade robe with a prosperous appearance stepped out. It was Qian Duoduo's father, Qian Gan, the current head of the Qian family. He wore a gentle smile and cupped his hands, saying, "This junior is here."
"Everyone has elected you as the leader of the alliance to preside over the fight against the enemy. Are you willing?" the old patriarch of the rock asked in a deep voice.
Qian Gan glanced at the expectant or scrutinizing gazes around him, pondered for a moment, and sighed: "It is the duty of every citizen to protect the borders. Since you all trust me, I will accept your offer without further ado."
He did not shirk responsibility or feign modesty; his tone was calm and composed, displaying the demeanor of an alliance leader.
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