223: all the best

The great hall was silent; clearly, what the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect said was not without reason.

However, they also clearly understood that this statement exposed the ambition of the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect. The other party wanted to completely control the Wuqian Territory, and they truly had the ability to do so.

For third-rank and even some shallowly-rooted second-rank Holy Lands, submitting to an Emperor Sect was no big deal. In fact, submitting to an Emperor Sect might even provide an Opportunity for further Breakthrough.

But for first-rank Holy Lands, or top-tier second-rank Holy Lands like the Jade Bamboo Holy Land, submission was more of a restriction.

They simply had no choice.

"Sect Master Wu, I wonder what your thoughts are? Why not speak them?" the Ancestor of the Qiao Family asked, rising and cupping his hands.

Wu Xingqiong smiled. "My idea is very simple! I wish to establish an Empire in the Wuqian Territory!"

"Establish a nation?"

Everyone was startled, their expressions changing.

Originally, they thought the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect merely wanted to establish a force similar to an Alliance, but now the other party intended to establish a nation!

An Alliance and establishing a nation were not the same concept. The former was loose; although subservient to the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect, it still retained autonomy. However, once the latter was established, all various forces would be controlled, and no one would willingly place the fate of their Sect in the hands of others.

"Everyone, the matter of establishing a nation is for the sake of the billions of living beings in our Wuqian Territory. For this, our Ancient Martial Emperor Sect's attitude is firm. I hope everyone will consider it carefully!"

Wu Xingqiong said with a calm expression.

Everyone's expressions changed upon hearing this, and a chill inexplicably ran down their spines. This statement already carried a strong warning.

"Qiao Siyuan is unworthy, but he is willing to contribute his strength for the common people of the Wuqian Territory!"

Just then, the Ancestor of the Qiao Family rose again, speaking with extreme deference.

"The Chi Family (Yu Family) is also willing to contribute!"

The two Ancestors of the Chi and Yu Families were also quick to react.

Seeing this, the other forces were startled. Currently, there were only two Pavilions, three Families, and five Holy Lands among the first-rank forces. The two Pavilions could be excluded, and the three Families had already submitted. Now, only the five Holy Lands remained.

"The Medicine Monarch (Martial Extreme, Heavenly Sun) Holy Land is willing to serve!"

Another three Families rose to pledge allegiance.

"We are willing to obey the Emperor Sect's decree for the sake of the common people of the Wuqian Territory!"

The remaining two Families, Xuanling and Lingxiao, had not yet risen when they saw a large number of force leaders simultaneously pledge allegiance.

Seeing this, the two Families no longer hesitated and joined in.

This was the general trend!

Only the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion and the Snow Moon Pavilion on the entire field had not expressed their stance, but Wu Xingqiong no longer cared. These two Families had never participated in the disputes between various forces, and both Families had quasi-Emperors. As long as they did not object, it was fine!

Their attendance at this banquet already indicated their attitude.

"Very good!" Wu Xingqiong laughed heartily, and a pressure belonging to a quasi-Emperor erupted from him.

Quasi-Emperor!

Everyone was horrified. If so, wouldn't the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect possess two quasi-Emperors!

They were fortunate to have made a wise choice; otherwise, after today, it might be the day their Sect was annihilated.

The Grand Steward of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion and the Master of the Snow Moon Pavilion both changed color. Wu Xingqiong had achieved a Breakthrough.

"Everyone, you have made a wise choice. I, Wu Xingqiong, dare to make a Dao oath here: anyone who makes contributions to the Empire will surely be rewarded by the Emperor Sect according to their merits. If I violate this oath, I am willing for my Dao path to be severed, and for me to never advance in my life!"

It must be said that a quasi-Emperor swearing a Dao oath carried great credibility. For a time, the various forces felt a surge of joy in their hearts.

"Sect Master, I wonder what this established nation will be named? Where will its capital be located? And who will be the first founding Emperor?"

The Ancestor of the Qiao Family asked several questions in a row.

Since they were submitting, they would submit completely, going all the way. Thus, he acted very proactively in this matter.

This old fellow!

Upon hearing this, everyone secretly cursed, feeling that the Ancestor of the Qiao Family was too competitive.

Wu Xingqiong was very satisfied. This old fellow was perceptive and knew what to do. Naturally, he would give him some benefits later.

"Our Sect's establishment of a nation is for the common people of the Wuqian Territory, so naturally, this Empire will be named Wuqian. As for the capital, I think Ancient Martial Emperor City is excellent. It has a history of ten thousand years and has been managed by the two Pavilions and three Families for many years. It would be a very good capital for the Empire!"

In fact, the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect wanted to set the capital in Wu Qian Ancient City, but firstly, there was one Pavilion and Three Associations there. Although they did not participate in worldly affairs, the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect's foundation in that city was too shallow.

Secondly, Ancient Martial Emperor City was close to the Emperor Sect, and the two Pavilions and three Families were located there, which was convenient for the Empire's supervision. Especially the two Pavilions, which were the only forces that could threaten the Empire, naturally needed attention.

The three Families of the Qiao Family were delighted to hear this. This was their base camp, and this way, they could always remain at the center of power of this vast Empire.

For the five great Holy Lands, it was also a good choice. Sects and Families were different; Sects were more accustomed to freedom. Not being in the same Emperor Continent, they felt much more relaxed.

As for the two Pavilions, they understood the meaning of the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect's action, frowned, but said nothing.

"As for the founding Emperor, I, Wu, am unworthy, but I am willing to serve the living beings of Wuqian. From today onwards, I will step down as the Master of the Emperor Sect. The Master of the Emperor Sect will be succeeded by Elder Gu Xinglai of our Sect!"

Wu Xingqiong's eyes were complex. This was the final result of the discussions between the two lineages of Ancient Martial. From this moment on, the two lineages of Ancient Martial would be completely separated. The Gu Family would control the Emperor Sect, while the Wu Family would control the Empire.

The two lineages made a Great Dao oath to complement each other and grow together!

"Greetings, Emperor!"

Everyone shouted in unison!

This time, the Ancestor of the Qiao Family did not take the lead, which made him a little depressed.

"The Empire will be established in Ancient Martial Emperor City two months from now. For the next month, each Sect may send talented individuals for governance to the Emperor City, where I will personally assess them and assign official positions!"

Wu Xingqiong said that although the Emperor Sect could fully deploy some of its members as officials for the Empire, they still needed to allocate some quotas to people from these Holy Lands, and also reserve a portion for civilians.

A system of checks and balances among the three parties would be beneficial for him to manage this vast nation.

Of course, two months was too short, and many things could only be dealt with slowly later!

"We respectfully obey the Emperor's command!"

Everyone's eyes burned with fervor. Since they couldn't change it, they chose to join and gain more Opportunities from it.

It seemed that establishing an Empire was not without benefits!

Xu Qing had been watching here. Seeing that things were progressing smoothly, he no longer paid attention.

Looking at the children filling the courtyard, a smile touched his lips, and thirty-two Ancient Plums appeared in his hand, falling into theirs.

"Grandpa, what is this?" a curious child asked.

"I'm giving you an Opportunity! I hope you can comprehend the Opportunity within them!"

Xu Qing smiled. These thirty-two Ancient Plums contained a trace of spatial power, which could save their lives at critical moments. At the same time, he left thirty-two Saint Monarch techniques within them, tailored to these little ones.

Afterward, Xu Qing's figure vanished into thin air.

The group of little ones watched this scene, their eyes wide.

The older children seemed to recall something and extended their Divine Thought into the Ancient Plums, their expressions instantly changing.

Afterward, this matter was reported through various levels and reached the ears of the Ancient Martial Emperor Sect's high-ranking officials.

These were thirty-two Saint Monarch techniques. Who could be so generous?

Finally, it even alarmed Wu Luo, and Xu Duoduo also heard this interesting story. When he saw those Ancient Plums, his expression changed slightly.

"Young Master, you seem to recognize these Ancient Plums?"

Seeing this, Wu Luo asked tentatively.

Xu Duoduo nodded and said, "These Ancient Plums are called World Ancient Plums. There is only one place in this world where they exist!"

"Where?"

Wu Luo and the others couldn't help but be curious.

"My Clan Chief's backyard!"

Xu Duoduo looked at everyone, speaking seriously.

Upon hearing this, Wu Luo and the others were startled!

"Young Master, your Clan Chief visited, and I failed to greet him. I..."

Wu Luo felt a little apprehensive. Ever since he went to the Ancient Time Land once, he understood the strength of the Xu Family. How could a Family with such a powerful foundation be an ordinary Emperor Sect?

"It's fine. It can only be said that these little friends have a destined connection with my Clan Chief!"

"However, ahem, it's best if you keep silent about today's matter!"

Xu Duoduo coughed, his warning clear.

"Understood!"

Xu Qing still didn't know that his sitting at the children's table had already been discovered by outsiders.