Chapter 473 (2)
Even Meng Dian had not expected the First Holy Lord to answer in such a manner.
His eyes narrowed. "So, you're saying that Sacred Mountain is willing to step down and make way for the worthy?"
"Precisely. The old man just said that as long as a sect can truly prioritize the well-being of the world’s people, Sacred Mountain is willing to relinquish its position and honor them as the head of the righteous path," the First Holy Lord said decisively.
Hearing such a straightforward response from the First Holy Lord, Meng Dian was momentarily caught off guard.
He looked at the First Holy Lord with suspicion, but not only was the First Holy Lord’s expression calm, even the other two Holy Lords remained composed, showing no sign of opposing his words.
The other sects and forces were equally surprised.
Initially, they believed that this Holy Assembly was merely an attempt by the three Holy Lords to resist the shifting tides and regain control over the world.
But now, it seemed that was not the case.
Was this a tactical retreat? Or did they have another plan?
What were these three old monsters really up to?For a moment, many people found the same thought surfacing in their minds again.
"Meng Daoist, what do you say? As long as your Guiyuan Sect can promise to prioritize the well-being of the world’s people in the future, then our Sacred Mountain has no objection to stepping down and yielding the position of leader of the righteous path to you," the First Holy Lord said with a smile.
Meng Dian remained silent for a moment before speaking. "May I ask, Holy Lord, what exactly does it mean to prioritize the world’s people?"
"That is simple. In fact, it is the very reason we three old men convened this Holy Assembly.
"Today’s world, due to the resurgence of spiritual energy, has seen the emergence of numerous prodigies and powerful cultivators, leading to increasing chaos.
"Sects are warring over cultivation resources and territorial disputes, resulting in countless conflicts.
"Many have perished, sects have been wiped out, and ordinary citizens have been displaced, left without a home, struggling to survive.
"If this continues, I fear that the common folk across the land will suffer an immeasurable catastrophe.
"Thus, we three old men have decided to hold this assembly, just as was done a thousand years ago.
"We have gathered all the sects to discuss and establish a new order.
"Our hope is that moving forward, whenever disputes arise, you all will exercise restraint and avoid harming the settlements of the common people.
"Show some compassion, and do not treat human lives as mere ants to be trampled at will."
The First Holy Lord spoke with solemnity, his tone carrying great weight.
His words left everyone present deeply shaken.
For a time, no one spoke. They simply stared in stunned silence at the three figures standing in the center of the great stone platform.
The First Holy Lord then turned back to Meng Dian. "Meng Daoist, earlier you asked what it means to prioritize the world’s people."
"Our demands are not excessive. If your Guiyuan Sect wishes to claim the position of leader of the righteous path, it is quite simple."
"As long as you can ensure that from now on, cultivators under your jurisdiction will not recklessly slaughter ordinary people, giving the world’s people a chance at survival...
"Just as Sacred Mountain has done for the past thousand years... then we three old men shall have no objection to recognizing your Guiyuan Sect as the leader."
His final words were spoken with unwavering determination.
At that moment, everyone could sense it.
If Meng Dian were to nod, this old man would truly relinquish the leadership of the righteous path to Guiyuan Sect.
But would Meng Dian dare to nod?
He wanted to.
Yet under the gaze of so many eyes, his neck seemed to stiffen inexplicably.
His complexion turned slightly pale, and despite his will, he was unable to lower his head.
"Could it be that these three truly only care about the world’s people?"
In the section where Qingyang Temple was gathered, an elderly Daoist with black hair and beard revealed an expression of astonishment.
Even he had not expected that the reason behind the three Holy Lords convening the assembly was truly as stated in their invitations.
To secure a future for the world’s people.
"Our Qingyang Temple does not measure up to Sacred Mountain in magnanimity."
Beside him, another Daoist with white hair and a youthful complexion let out a sigh.
Before coming here, he had speculated on the intentions of the three Holy Lords.
Now, he realized that he had used a petty heart to judge the actions of noble men.
"These three old fellows… truly only care about the world’s people?"
In the section belonging to the Yunshui Secret Realm, a figure revealed a look of surprise.
"As expected, these three are indeed men of supreme virtue. No wonder they have earned the respect of the Honored One."
Over in the Cold Water Palace, Han Lingshuang smiled.
When she had once entertained Lu Qing as a guest, they had discussed Sacred Mountain.
From Lu Qing’s words, she could tell that he held deep admiration for the three Holy Lords.
Now, she finally understood why.
As for the remaining sects and forces, their reactions went without saying.
None of them had expected that the true purpose behind this Holy Assembly would be this.
Unconsciously, everyone’s gaze fell upon Meng Dian.
The First Holy Lord's meaning was clear.
If Guiyuan Sect promised to prioritize the world’s people, Sacred Mountain would step aside.
They all wanted to see whether Meng Dian would dare to accept.
Under such scrutiny, even as a Golden Core cultivator, Meng Dian found his body momentarily rigid.
As for the other disciples of Guiyuan Sect standing behind him, they were all visibly uneasy, as if they were sitting on needles.
"They actually turned the situation around?"
Atop Sacred Mountain, Lu Qing had been using his divine sense to "observe" the events unfolding in the Holy City.
Given his cultivation level and abilities, no one could detect his surveillance.
When he had seen the First Holy Lord and the others being forced back by Meng Dian and the other Golden Core cultivators, and when their secret—that they could not leave Sacred Mountain—was exposed, he had thought that the Holy Lords had been pushed into a desperate situation.
He never expected that the First Holy Lord’s sudden maneuver—a retreat to advance—would not only dissolve Meng Dian’s aggressive momentum but now had the entire Guiyuan Sect trapped in a precarious position.
At this moment, one wrong answer from Meng Dian could ruin Guiyuan Sect’s reputation.
"Impressive!"
Lu Qing couldn't help but admire the First Holy Lord.
It was no wonder he had led the world for a thousand years. Such strategic finesse was something Lu Qing himself could not hope to match.
"However, Holy Lord… some things cannot be controlled by mere strategy alone. There will always be unforeseen factors beyond reason."
Lu Qing’s expression turned contemplative as he sensed the aura around Meng Dian shifting.
At the same moment, in the Holy City below, a faint trace of black mist surfaced in Meng Dian’s eyes.