The Heavenly Monarchs and Empyrean Emperors of the Heavenly Deity Stellar River, along with the sects of the Heavenly Deity Alliance, all gasped in shock at the unfolding scene. Their glances exchanged told of a drastic shift in their mindset!

Previously, they were staunch supporters of the Southern Divine Dragon Realm.

Now, they seemed to have adopted a wait-and-see approach!

This shift mirrored the psychological changes among figures like Bai Lu and Zu Wei at the Grand Assembly Arena.

Such was the power of confidence!

Confidence was more precious than anything!

As the only supporter of the Southern Divine Dragon Realm who had not left the scene, Gong Tianjian understood all this deeply.

And the worst part? Following this incident, the Southern Divine Dragon Realm, and its followers, not only suffered a loss of their Dragon Emperors and reputation but would also face the consequences of disrupting the Grand Assembly of Myriad Sects and provoking the Samsara Galaxy Federation.

The Samsara Galaxy Federation, formed by the 18 Stellar Rivers within the Samsara Galaxy, aimed to enhance communication, settle disputes, and foster cooperation. The Grand Assembly of Myriad Sects was a major event under its auspices, intended to facilitate exchanges and fair competition among the youth.

As a key host member, the Southern Divine Dragon Realm’s act of attempting to assassinate a talented individual on this stage was a scandal that could make the other 17 Stellar Rivers scoff.

This was a classic case of stealing chickens only to lose the rice.

Gong Tianjian was on the verge of exploding.

At that moment, within the Million Starlight Palace, a black radiance appeared above the seating area of the Heavenly Deity Stellar River.

A solemn man in black, both cool and authoritative, appeared.

"Empyrean Emperor Chen!"

Many powerful individuals from the Ancestral Land's side stood up, including the slightly pale-faced Empyrean Emperor Mu, indicating that Empyrean Emperor Chen's status was even higher.

All the members from other celestial sects also stood.

Everyone present recognized Empyrean Emperor Chen!

His name was Zu Xinchen, a direct descendant of the Ancestral Land and the father of Zu Xi and Zu Wei.

However, his main role was within the Samsara Galaxy Federation, serving as one of the spokespersons for the Heavenly Deity Stellar River. This Grand Assembly of Myriad Sects was largely orchestrated by him.

Upon his arrival, Empyrean Emperor Chen glanced around and noticed no one from the Southern Divine Dragon Realm.

He then declared sternly, “The Southern Divine Dragon Realm, Nine Yin Soul Sea, Heavenly Devil Divine Altar, Grieving Spirit Valley, and Thunderflame God Star… these five sects have openly challenged the order of the Grand Assembly of Myriad Sects, severely violating the Samsara Galaxy Federation’s covenant, causing extremely adverse effects!

"The Samsara Galaxy Federation has decided to delay the entry of the Ancestor Immortal Grotto for half a day, ordering the aforementioned five sects' related personnel to immediately proceed to the Samsara Galaxy Federation for explanation!”

With no members of the five sects present, they had all exited, but the decree was sure to reach them immediately.

The Southern Divine Dragon Realm aspired to rise within the Heavenly Deity Stellar River, needing to win over many in the vast Samsara Galaxy. Could they afford to defy a decree from the Samsara Galaxy Federation?

Empyrean Emperor Mu remarked coolly, “Killing results in one type of consequence, but failing to kill while also suffering losses and facing an emerging Boundless Immortal is a completely different level of outcome. The Southern Divine Dragon Realm is definitely in trouble now.”

Gong Tianjian gritted her teeth, saying, “It won’t be too severe. The Southern Divine Dragon Realm’s supporters hold high positions within the Samsara Galaxy Federation. At most, they'll just go through the motions…”

“But no matter how high their position, they must act according to the rules. Besides, everything is about give and take. Without a sure win, who would support you?” After saying this with a cold laugh, Empyrean Emperor Mu completely distanced himself from Gong Tianjian and returned to the Ancestral Land's camp.

After announcing the decree, Empyrean Emperor Chen promptly left.

The highest-ranking individual remaining was Yun Sheng from the Elysian Immortal Palace, who sat solemnly on his seat, gazing intently at Si Ji on the screen.

“I've met Wan Ji, but I haven't seen Si Ji before. I never expected such a heaven defying talent to surpass me…”

Yun Sheng could only feel envy.

He glanced at the flying talisman in his hand, sent by his own daughter, advising him against opposing the Harmony Divine Palace and to adopt a wait-and-see approach... which left him somewhat bemused.

“This kid's really got guts… But I suppose he's been holding onto this trump card from the start.”

How significant was the deterrent of a Boundless Immortal? Yun Sheng understood perfectly!

From the Ancestral Land to the Elysian Immortal Palace, both sects had spent years pouring all their resources and efforts into ensuring a continuous lineage of Boundless Immortals, maintaining their supreme status by ensuring smooth transitions. Only by securing this succession could they continue to dominate over other sects of the Heavenly Deity Alliance.

In times when the lineage was broken, even these two long-standing sects had to choose to retract and avoid conflicts.

Now, with the emergence of a fourth sect boasting a Boundless Immortal—with Si Ji presiding being the youngest among the four Boundless Immortals—the Southern Divine Dragon Realm's prospects of crushing the Extreme Yin Celestial Realm had greatly diminished.

Previously, people thought that no matter how vigorously Yun Xiao fought, once the Grand Assembly of Myriad Sects ended, it would be time for the Southern Divine Dragon Realm's army to flatten the Extreme Yin Celestial Realm.

Now, a huge wrench appeared in that plan!

“Alright, let’s follow her advice and observe how things unfold.” Yun Sheng turned around and exchanged glances with the other elders of the Elysian Immortal Palace, deliberately avoiding Gong Tianjian’s gaze.

"Yun Sheng, what will the explanation to the Samsara Galaxy Federation look like? Could the Dragon Ancestor personally attend?" an elder asked.

"With two Dragon Emperors dead and the incident being so impactful, the Dragon Ancestor definitely needs to step in to settle things," Yun Sheng replied.

"Can it be settled, though?" the elder inquired.

"Matters at the Samsara Galaxy Federation are matters of interest. As long as concessions are made, there's nothing that can't be settled. The Harmony Divine Palace doesn’t have much say there; that’s a disadvantage. Regardless of the outcome, the federation won’t make it public," Yun Sheng paused, "But you must understand, having a Boundless Immortal, especially such a young one, changes things fundamentally. At the very least, the Southern Divine Dragon Realm has suffered a severe blow this time, losing two

front teeth

and face."

"I understand."

Clearly, the Southern Divine Dragon Realm wasn’t going to collapse so easily. They still retained their combat strength, but with the emergence of a Boundless Immortal on the opposing side and not entering the Heavenly Deity Alliance, they had enough trouble to deal with.

"Just remember one thing, for us at the Elysian Immortal Palace, this is the best scenario. Whom we support next depends on who brings more surprises," Yun Sheng said softly, then closed his eyes, gently tapping his fingers on the armrest.

"Your little girl is impressive," the elder remarked, smiling as he watched Yun Lingchen on the screen.

▬ι══🪦✧⚰️✧🪦══ι▬

At this moment, the decree from the Samsara Galaxy Federation requiring the five great sects of the Heavenly Deity Stellar River to explain themselves had reached the entrance of the Ancestor Immortal Grotto.

The Ancestor Immortal Grotto competition was delayed for half a day, presumably to thoroughly resolve this matter.

When this news spread, the hundreds of thousands of talents erupted in cheers!

Most were talents from other Stellar Rivers, who cared little for the Southern Divine Dragon Realm. As the new generation, they deeply disapproved of the older generation trying to assassinate them. Except for a few direct competitors, most were likely to side with Yun Xiao.

The cheering was constant.

It was virtually a celebration of victory.

At Wan Ji's side, she and her daughters were also teary-eyed, feeling a sense of vindication after being undervalued for centuries!

"Mother, will the Samsara Galaxy Federation judge the Southern Divine Dragon Realm harshly and make them pay a heavy price?" Hai Qing asked excitedly.

"What are you thinking? Did they invite us to go?" Wan Ji rolled her eyes.

"No!" the daughters nodded.

"A trial where the victims aren't present is hardly a trial; it's just a reprimand, a few harsh words at most. It won’t address the root of the issue," Wan Ji was very clear about this.

The Southern Divine Dragon Realm had been managing connections and rallying support both within and beyond the Heavenly Deity Stellar River, using diplomacy and alliances masterfully. Meanwhile, the Harmony Divine Palace remained a secluded sect, with no one at the Samsara Galaxy Federation to speak for them.

"But still, this is a win for us!"

Yun Xiao wasn't assassinated, Feng Yao wasn't captured, and the Harmony Divine Palace had gained a Boundless Immortal!

When this news reached the Extreme Yin Celestial Realm, it would surely cause a stir!

Yet, Yun Xiao remained calm, having been prepared for this outcome. He was even a bit dissatisfied.

"Why are you being merciful?" he asked, watching Si Ji's retreating figure.

Si Ji turned around, glaring at him, "What do you mean by that?"

"Only two? With such a perfect opportunity, if it were me, I wouldn’t let a single one of the nine escape. They'd all die right here," Yun Xiao grumbled.

Si Ji rolled her eyes and scoffed, "I'm not you!"

Yun Xiao, ever wild, was about to berate her further. He truly felt it was a loss, such a golden opportunity, even if it meant accidental casualties, they should have been eliminated!

Just as he was about to scold her, he noticed Si Ji looking down, her complexion somewhat off.

"Huh?"

He stepped closer, studying her face. Her eyes seemed clouded with a cold mist.

Yun Xiao paused, puzzled, "What’s going on? Why is there still spiritual yin energy?"

Si Ji bit her lip, "I might have broken through too quickly. My cultivation still isn't stable. When I acted, it produced some residue that started to corrode my tribulation power."

No wonder she stopped after killing just two!

Yun Xiao sensed it and frowned, "Indeed, it’s quite a lot. It’s nearly back to the highest level again. If this continues, I'm afraid your cultivation might regress…"

"Yes…" Si Ji lowered her head, clearly struggling. She must have been incredibly frustrated internally.

She thought she had soared high, but why were there still problems?

𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"This can't go on like this. During my time in the Ancestor Immortal Grotto, I'll need you to maintain the situation," Yun Xiao said.

"I can’t help this!" Si Ji responded irritably, her mood still sour despite having killed two Dragon Emperors.

"You might not have a way, but I do," Yun Xiao said with clear eyes.

"What… what are you planning?" Si Ji asked, her voice trembling.

She had thought that chapter of disgrace was over, never to be revisited. And now… she admitted, her mind was in turmoil, partly resistant, yet partly expectant.

"Are you being coy again? I’m telling you, once you’ve opened this door, you can’t close it again. What bird doesn’t return to its nest? You want to shut the door on me? That’s backward thinking. If you don’t open the door, where else can I feel the warmth of home?" Yun Xiao declared.

"What are you saying! Scoundrel!" Si Ji spoke with difficulty, her face flushing red.

"Stop pretending, you enjoyed it thoroughly. We still have half a day; let’s find a place to ascend to the heavens in a spiral!"

JustLivingJL's Thoughts