"So that's how it is. Does that mean you didn't come here for some marriage alliance conference, but for the treasures of the Ten Thousand Monster Mountain?"
Chu Feng finally understood why the Supreme Stronghold managed to bring the most powerful forces from across the Nine Provinces Continent to its doors. Everyone wasn't here for the marriage alliance conference, nor was a true alliance the goal. They were all after the treasures of the Ten Thousand Monster Mountain.
"That's technically correct, but it's obviously not that simple. The Supreme Stronghold wants to borrow others' strength to eliminate the Ten Thousand Monster Mountain as a thorn in their side and seize the treasures within. However, they don't want everyone to show up and get a piece of that lucrative pie."
"That's why they organized this so-called marriage alliance conference. Essentially, only those individuals and forces who gain the Supreme Stronghold's approval will have the chance to enter the Ten Thousand Monster Mountain," Gu Bo explained.
"It sounds so complicated. In my opinion, the Supreme Stronghold might as well just directly ally with the strongest factions to take on the Ten Thousand Monster Mountain together. This marriage alliance conference can only rally the younger generation. Even if they're all geniuses, they probably wouldn't be a match for the demon beasts inside the mountain, would they?" Chu Feng was puzzled.
"You don't understand. The strongest factions on the Nine Provinces Continent are actually adversaries. Everyone is vying for the title of the continent's number one power. So, unless absolutely forced, they will never form a true alliance. At most, they might temporarily join hands, but even that comes with many drawbacks and concerns."
"Moreover, if several major forces were to openly ally, it could be seen as rebellion, inevitably drawing the ire of the Jiang Dynasty. At that point, everyone would be in deep trouble."
"This marriage alliance conference, however, isn't just about allying with a few major powers. It's open to everyone on the Nine Provinces Continent, regardless of age. Anyone with sufficient strength can come here."
"This creates an opportunity. Hermit masters living in seclusion without affiliation can get a slice of the pie. Top-tier geniuses and monsters can also get their share."
"If a certain genius were to meet with an accident inside the Ten Thousand Monster Mountain, the responsibility wouldn't lie with the Supreme Stronghold, but with the demon beasts of the mountain. Then, the forces behind that genius would absolutely not let the demon beasts off the hook."
"In simpler terms, the Supreme Stronghold wants to deal with the Ten Thousand Monster Mountain but lacks the strength to do so alone. They must unite others with strength and influence. However, with the colossal Jiang Dynasty observing, forming alliances with other factions comes with many restrictions."
"Furthermore, temporarily joining forces with rival factions is often a double-edged sword. If handled poorly, it can backfire, causing significant damage to oneself."
"But the marriage alliance conference organized by the Supreme Stronghold minimizes the risk of self-harm to the greatest extent. If anything goes wrong, they can shirk all responsibility cleanly," Gu Bo explained.
"So that's how it is." After hearing Gu Bo's explanation, Chu Feng finally understood the specifics of this marriage alliance conference. He had to admit that Gu Bo, from the Spirit World Guild, was far better informed than he was.
"Moreover, even if the top-tier factions only send their younger members to attend this conference to save face, it doesn't mean there aren't exceptional individuals among the younger generation."
"Chu Feng, you should know that the Supreme Stronghold issued eight Supreme Invitation Letters, right?" Gu Bo continued.
"Supreme Invitation Letters? No, I don't. What are these Supreme Invitation Letters?" Chu Feng genuinely didn't know.
Seeing this, Gu Bo didn't mock Chu Feng for being out of the loop. Instead, he explained directly: "Let me put it this way. Although our Spirit World Guild was invited, people like you and me, along with many young members from our guild, still have to pass certain assessments to eventually qualify and participate in this so-called marriage alliance conference before we can enter the Ten Thousand Monster Mountain."
"Those who receive the Supreme Invitation Letters, however, don't need any assessments or examinations. It's essentially a symbol of strength and status."
"However, the fact that the Supreme Stronghold issued eight Supreme Invitation Letters isn't a secret. What I'm going to tell you is who these eight invitations were given to," Gu Bo said.
"Who exactly are they?" Chu Feng's curiosity was piqued.
"These eight individuals can be considered the true standouts of the younger generation on the Nine Provinces Continent today."