Chapter 1121: The Arrival of the Sovereign's Majesty

"Welcome, Master! Seven Star Valley has truly been honored by your presence!"

The black-clad assassin arrived at the designated spot with a highly conspicuous swagger, adopting the air of a host as he welcomed his master. Little did others know, this individual was none other than the Dark Heavenly King, one of the Eight Heavenly Kings of the Emperor Soul.

Shi Tiandao nodded slightly, signaling the Dark Heavenly King to rise, as his golden dragon carriage gently descended to the ground. It was clear he attached great importance to this alliance meeting, as he had brought all Eight Heavenly Kings with him. The seven people accompanying him were indeed the other seven Heavenly Kings.

Each of these individuals possessed peak late-stage Purple-rank power; any one of them alone would be considered a top-tier existence in the entire Western Region. This formidable team was a significant reason why Shi Tiandao had been able to elevate the Emperor Soul Battle Group to its pinnacle so rapidly.

Of course, Shi Tiandao's own strength was not to be underestimated either. Previous legends claimed he had achieved Purple-rank Grand Completion, but after Xu Yang personally observed him, it seemed Shi Tiandao, much like the Demonic Dragon Emperor, had already broken through the limits of the Purple rank.

However, to Xu Yang, Shi Tiandao's rank was irrelevant. Soon, he would simply be another undead under Xu Yang's command. He had no interest in the power level of someone he was about to utterly dominate.

"Hehehe, rise. You've managed things here splendidly; I'm very pleased," Shi Tiandao said. "Everyone, apologies for the wait. Oh? Why don't I see the young women from the Azure Luo Battle Group? Am I not the last one to arrive?"

Plancis calmly replied, "We did not extend an invitation to the Azure Luo Battle Group. We are well aware that their lineage has always lived in seclusion at the far reaches of the Western Region, uninvolved in worldly affairs, so this alliance meeting did not include..."

Before he could finish, Shi Tiandao abruptly interrupted him: "Who is this person? Is he speaking to me?"

Shi Tiandao's face was filled with arrogance. He impolitely pointed a finger at Plancis, an action that enraged Plancis to his core. However, for the sake of the greater good, he chose to endure it for the time being.

After all, the Glory Battle Group had gathered everyone under the guise of an alliance meeting; resorting to immediate combat would be a significant breach of etiquette.

"Heh, truly fitting for someone from the Emperor Soul Battle Group—so proud," Xue'er chuckled. "But I can understand. You've developed very rapidly in recent years; I hear your territory now covers half of the Western Region. I wonder when you'll be able to reach the borders of our Glory Battle Group."

Xue'er's words drew hearty laughter from the members of the Glory Dragon Riders Battle Group. Only Vajra, who remained steadfastly by Xu Yang's side, did not react; his face remained unsmiling and stern as he vigilantly scanned their surroundings. No threatening aura could escape Vajra's unwavering focus.

"Impudent! What are you, to dare speak to our Master in such a manner?"

Xue'er let out a giggle. "I'm talking to *you*, you dummy!"

Everyone present struggled to suppress their laughter. Clearly, the Emperor Soul Battle Group had already lost the first verbal skirmish.

Shi Tiandao's gaze turned several shades colder as he swept it across Xue'er. He had intended to use his powerful soul pressure to force her submission, but he quickly realized that his spiritual might had no effect on her whatsoever. Who could have imagined that this girl now enjoyed the protection of the Demonic Dragon? Potent water-attributed energy perfectly enveloped her divine soul, rendering her completely impervious to the soul deterrence of any human cultivator.

"Alright, everyone, that was just a bit of fun; there's no need to take it so seriously," Xu Yang interjected. "The Glory Battle Group has convened all of you powerful leaders here for a single purpose: to establish a complete Battle Group Alliance and foster the collective development of the entire Western Region of Yingzhou Continent. From my observations, the overall cultivation level in the Western Region has significantly lagged behind that of other major regions.

"In recent years, intelligence I've gathered indicates frequent major movements from the Imperial Family in the Central Region. I'm concerned that before long, the Imperial Family will extend its reach into our Western Region. At that point, if we are all isolated and unable to unite, our situation will become extremely perilous."

Xu Yang's words quickly earned the widespread approval and acknowledgment of most leaders present.

"Well said!" exclaimed an elderly leader from another battle group, his words clearly heartfelt. "Leader A-Yang of the Glory Battle Group truly is a young hero! To have brought the Glory Battle Group to its current scale and strength in just a few short years is admirable. If this proposal passes, I believe the position of alliance leader should undoubtedly go to Lord A-Yang; he will surely bring immense overall improvement to our entire Western Region Alliance."

While one elder, a battle group leader, expressed these heartfelt sentiments, he was nearly suppressed on the spot by the obsequious factions aligned with the Emperor Soul Battle Group.

"You old fool, you must be truly muddled!" retorted a voice. "While the Glory Battle Group may be powerful, at best it's merely a nouveau riche. When it comes to foundation and influence, who doesn't know that the Emperor Soul Battle Group is the superior choice? I recommend the Emperor Soul Battle Group lead the entire alliance."

Consequently, the subordinate factions aligned with both sides, having already completed their team formations, began to stir with agitation.

Regrettably, this initial commotion seemed to cause no significant impact for the moment. Everyone adhered to their own opinions, making it impossible to reach a consensus on the matter.

"Very well then!" Shi Tiandao announced. "Since everyone holds a different opinion, I propose we hold a competition to demonstrate the strength of each battle group. The strongest faction will then assume the role of alliance leader. What are your thoughts on this?"

The speaker was Shi Tiandao, though the representatives of the various major powers were already well aware he would employ such a method to assert his authority.

Naturally, Xu Yang had no intention of defying Shi Tiandao. Since Shi Tiandao desired this, it was only appropriate to comply.

"I have no objections," Xu Yang said. "What about the rest of you?"

With Leader Xu Yang himself giving his assent, the representatives of the battle groups who had gathered for the alliance meeting all nodded in agreement.

"How about this then," the long-bearded elder in the middle suggested calmly, "we'll keep it friendly. Each battle group will send a team of five to ten members to engage in a group combat match. It's best not to be too aggressive, to avoid causing any serious injuries or bad feelings."

It was the same long-bearded elder in the center who slowly offered this decisive resolution.

Soon, the Glory Battle Group, acting as hosts, began constructing the arena. In just half an hour, a vast combat field was completed, with the matches set to take place on the Ascension Cloud Platform in the very center of Seven Star Valley.

Since this battle was designed to test the overall coordination between teams, individual strength was only one factor. The true core standard for assessing a battle group's foundational power lay in how effectively its members could contribute to the team's collective combat value.

"Alright, then let the Pegasus Battle Group and the Ancient Wind Battle Group commence the first match!"