The Clan Leader of the Totem Dragon Clan stared at the face of the Palace Master of the Seven Realms Sacred Palace, wishing nothing more than to smash it into a pulp with a single slap.
But he did not strike. He did not even flare up in anger. Instead, he forcibly suppressed the fury boiling within his heart.
He controlled his emotions as best he could. "Does the Palace Master mean to swallow my Totem Dragon Clan whole?"
The smile on the Palace Master's face shifted. "You could put it that way."
He made no effort to disguise his intent, no longer bothered beating around the bush, and spoke with complete directness.
"And if I refuse?" the Clan Leader asked.
"Clan Leader Totem, why ask such a thing?"
"We have known each other for so many years. Among the rulers of the great powers in the vast world of martial cultivation, I have always been on the best terms with you."
"If you refuse, I will not do anything to you."
"But… if other powers move against you, then I will have absolutely no reason to lend aid, will I? You and I both understand the current situation all too well."
"This war is inevitable, and not everyone will have the opportunity to shelter under the protection of my Seven Realms Sacred Palace."
"Whether the empty title of regional overlord is more important, or the continued survival of the Totem Dragon Clan — I think you know the answer perfectly well in your heart."
"Besides, once my Seven Realms Sacred Palace unifies the vast world of martial cultivation, the Totem Heavenly River will still be governed by your Totem Dragon Clan. You stand to lose nothing."
"I know this is difficult for you to accept."
"But I am not forcing you. I have said it already — I am helping you. This is a benefit I am offering."
"Think it over. Once you have made up your mind, contact me at any time."
"But I suggest… the sooner the better. Otherwise… if other powers attack your Totem Dragon Clan, it may be too late."
The Palace Master of the Seven Realms Sacred Palace finished speaking.
"By the Palace Master's reasoning, having my Totem Dragon Clan swallowed by your Seven Realms Sacred Palace sounds like nothing but pure benefit."
"Then why don't you go and say the same thing to the Immortal Sea Fish Clan, to the Divine Body Heavenly Mansion, to the Firmament Immortal Sect?"
"That way, why would there even be a war? Wouldn't your Seven Realms Sacred Palace simply unify the vast world of martial cultivation without lifting a finger?"
Though the Clan Leader of the Totem Dragon Clan did not explode outright, his words were drenched in sarcasm and innuendo.
He could hardly be blamed. The way the Palace Master had framed annexation of others as something noble and benevolent was simply too much.
"Hahahaha…" The Palace Master of the Seven Realms Sacred Palace laughed even louder this time, but the smile on his face had turned somewhat awkward.
Perhaps even he felt he had gone too far, because there was a trace of sheepishness in his laughter.
Then, he spread his palm open. Resting in its center was a stone.
The stone blazed with brilliance, as though seven distinct powers were sealed within it.
Hummm—
Almost at once, barrier energy rose from his hand, centering on the stone. In the span of a heartbeat, a great formation materialized within his palm.
He held the formation and turned his gaze once more to the Clan Leader of the Totem Dragon Clan.
"As for the Refinement Great Formation — that was an oversight on my part, and I sincerely apologize."
"However… the phantom armor that was attached within the Refinement Great Formation is genuinely beneficial to the bloodline of your clansmen."
"If Chengyu, Muxi, and the others enter this formation to cultivate, it will allow that phantom armor to fuse with their bloodlines."
"This may be an extraordinary opportunity."
"Consider it my compensation to you."
As the Palace Master of the Seven Realms Sacred Palace spoke, he handed the formation over to the Clan Leader of the Totem Dragon Clan.
The Clan Leader did not immediately take it.
Seeing this, the Palace Master forcibly pressed the formation into the Clan Leader's hand.
"Brother Dragon, you are really not all that much younger than I am."
"We have ventured into countless ancient ruins together — we are comrades who have faced life and death side by side."
"But think about it — every time we explored those ancient ruins, when was it ever for ourselves? Wasn't it always for our respective powers?"
"I know that the things I said earlier must have left a bitter taste in your mouth."
"But the decisions of the Seven Realms Sacred Palace are not always mine alone to make."
"However, I give you my word: if you do not agree, I will never cause you any trouble. You may continue living the way you always have."
"Unless your Totem Dragon Clan declares war on my Seven Realms Sacred Palace, my Seven Realms Sacred Palace will never declare war on your Totem Dragon Clan."
"But… what the other powers might think — that, I truly cannot say."
"So my advice is: think it over carefully. Once you come around, you will realize that this is, in truth, a genuinely good thing for your Totem Dragon Clan — a tremendously good thing."
As he spoke these words, the Palace Master of the Seven Realms Sacred Palace no longer wore a smile, but his tone had softened considerably.
After finishing, the Palace Master studied the Clan Leader of the Totem Dragon Clan for a moment longer.
Seeing that the Clan Leader still showed no reaction, he finally offered a courteous bow.
"Clan Leader Totem, I shall take my leave."
With a sweep of his great sleeve, everything around him dissipated in an instant, and in that same moment — the Palace Master of the Seven Realms Sacred Palace had vanished without a trace.