Chapter 761: Enemy of the Realm

Chen Fan frowned. "Zhang Lie, don't you know how many worlds border ours, and how many foes we have?"

Zhang Lie replied smoothly, "There are six worlds in the immediate vicinity of this one, led by the Blackwind, Mengtai, devil trees, giant demons, black spirits, and greenskin beasts respectively.

"The Blackwind, once an ally, betrayed the humans and draconians in our time of greatest need. In total, this world has eight enemy factions, two of whom are worlds farther away allied with the Mengtai. They also participated in the earlier invasion attempt."

Chen Fan and the draconian sage nodded to themselves; it seemed that Zhang Lie at least had an understanding of their current straits and wasn't simply spouting empty words. Though they were still somewhat skeptical of Zhang Lie's claims, they understood that his plan wasn't simply idle whimsy.

Zhang Lie was actually quite familiar with the worlds surrounding the draconian world, and he had even been to them personally in his past life.

After all, he had remained in the third realm for a very long time then, and his memories of the third realm were all but imprinted in his head. "If we also consider the worlds allied with the Mengtai allies, I expect we'll have to face twelve such worlds in all."

Upon hearing how many enemies they would have to fight, the members of Team Zenith all sucked in a deep breath, but they looked more excited than scared.

Chen Fan apologized. "Zhang Lie, it looks like you've put serious thought into this proposal. I'm sorry for dismissing you so abruptly earlier."

"There's no need for that. You're simply thinking of the greater good for humans and draconians alike."

Chen Fan responded seriously, "It's certainly true that attacking the invaders and gaining the upper hand is important, but I think we should consider trying to pressure some of the aliens into backing down and trying to source whatever allies we can.

"Given your strength, Zhang Lie, along with the members of Team Zenith and the warlords of the Milky Way, I'm sure we can take down two or three worlds rapidly. The other worlds will be shocked by our ability and submit to us."

Zhang Lie clenched his fists tightly. "There's no need for such trouble. We can beat them all with brute strength."

Chen Fan frowned. "Twelve worlds at once? Zhang Lie, do you intend on taking on all three thousand worlds of the third realm?"

The human representatives were likewise doubtful of Zhang Lie's plan.

"The aliens are fearful of us humans because of how quickly we're growing. Zhang Lie, you may have the ability to take down twelve worlds at once, but what about the others? We'll only draw more and more enemies, fearful of our growing strength. Zhang Lie, do you intend to take down all the worlds by force?"

"We'll never see an end to the carnage..."

This was a strategy only alien races who were naturally prone to fighting would attempt.

Zhang Lie cocked his head. "And what's wrong with that?"

Even after the invasion attempt, quite a few of the humans preferred a more diplomatic approach, while others were scared of the endless warfare that would result if they did otherwise.

Chen Fan and the other humans and draconians present fell silent, not knowing how to respond.

Sun Mengmeng couldn't help but laugh. "This is truly a response I'd expect from you, Captain."

Zhang Lie shrugged. "If ten worlds want to make us their enemy, we'll take them all down.

"If a hundred worlds want to make us their enemy, we'll take them all down.

"If a thousand worlds want to make us their enemy, we'll take them all down—and if all three thousand worlds want to make us their enemy, we'll claim all three thousand for ourselves."

Chen Fan stood up in shock. "Zhang Lie, are you... declaring war on the entire realm?"

"If all you see are enemies, what will you see at the end of your slaughter?" the draconian sage asked. He had remained silent during the entire meeting; this was his first time speaking up.

He was a being of ancient wisdom and experience, and his eyes shone with deep insight. His question seemed to be probing Zhang Lie's innermost desires.

"I represent the world. All shall lie at my feet!" Zhang Lie announced arrogantly, as though this were some trivial feat.

Chen Fan frowned. "Aren't you being a little too ambitious, Zhang Lie?"

However, the draconian sage suddenly lifted his head and laughed. "Haha, haha! Haha!"

Everyone turned toward the draconian sage, who had broken out in laughter. It took him a while to return to his senses. "I apologize. It's been too long since I was so excited."

Chen Fan frowned again. "Sage?"

The draconian sage looked directly at Zhang Lie. "I might be a useless pile of old bones, and I know you might not think much of us draconians, but I and the rest of the draconians shall lend you our full support."

Chen Fan's eyes widened.

The sage continued, "It's been too long since I saw such a sparkling piece of jade—no, you're no piece of jade, but rather a star shining brighter than the sun! I eagerly await what kind of change you'll bring to the three thousand worlds of the realm, and I admire your drive that keeps you charging onward despite what anyone else says."

Zhang Lie wasn't surprised by the sage's pronouncement; his favorite activity was to cultivate new heroes and turn them into legends in their own right. With his experience, he had helped out countless hunters with tremendous potential, and was known to be mentor, patron, and witness to a host of geniuses and legends.

The sage's eyes had never been mistaken before.

Zhang Lie countered, "And if I'm charging headfirst into the abyss?"

"Then we'll be going into the abyss together," the draconian sage replied without hesitation.

Chen Fan mulled it over, but announced, "I still oppose this decision."

Zhang Lie smiled faintly. "I apologize, Chen Fan, but this is a decision I'm making for myself, irrespective of what you think. As you know, my Team Zenith can't remain in the third realm for good, and we won't be able to protect the humans here forever.

Furthermore, the aliens of the Milky Way won't always remain our allies. Once everyone ascends to the fourth realm, what will you do?"

Chen Fan retorted, "With the limit-breaking potions you've devised, Zhang Lie, we humans will surely have the power to protect ourselves!"

Zhang Lie smiled wryly. "In the end, you're leaving the problem unresolved for future generations."

"Is there anything wrong with that?" Chen Fan countered. "Humanity will need challenges to grow."

"Have you considered that, by that point, human hunters might be facing the combined wrath of all three thousand worlds? I'm confident that I will be able to conquer all three thousand. Are you certain there will be hunters in future generations who can say the same?"

Chen Fan fell silent.

"We've already retreated time and time again. There's no need to do so any further. I, Zhang Lie, hereby declare that I'll unite all three thousand worlds into a massive world, one ruled by the kingdom of Limit! I shall lead mankind on the path to glory, to greatness!" Zhang Lie announced, shocking Chen Fan and making him stumble back with the force of his proclamation. He looked at Zhang Lie in shock, his mouth gaping, yet unable to speak.

"My decision is final, regardless of your opinions on the matter. If anyone dares to stop me, you'll be my enemy, the enemy of mankind. Alright—we can stop the meeting here. Sun Mengmeng, you're a fire-attuned hunter, and you have some degree of advantage against the devil trees. I'll leave them to you."

Sun Mengmeng, who had been riled up by Zhang Lie's proclamation, immediately accepted the order without question. "Yes, Captain!"