As various factions continued to arrive, the Glazed Jade Royal City was bustling with excitement, though the atmosphere had become increasingly delicate.
Originally, everyone had come to attend the alliance assembly with full confidence in the Glazed Jade Royal City.
But the Windcloud Cult had been making so much noise during this period, practically seizing the upper hand and leaving the Glazed Jade Royal City completely overwhelmed.
Some of the surviving disciples from the destroyed sects were even subtly shifting the blame onto the Glazed Jade Royal City, believing that it was the city's alliance assembly that had led to their sects being annihilated.
And those sects that had been scared away were not without their complaints either. They felt the Glazed Jade Royal City had not provided adequate protection during the assembly, leaving them terrified and allowing the Windcloud Cult to threaten them.
"These bastards, pushing all the blame onto our Glazed Jade Royal City! Damn them!" Panlong Emperor cursed loudly. Clearly, recent events had left him furious.
The Glazed Jade Royal City's alliance was meant to benefit everyone — to curb the arrogant Windcloud Cult and to alleviate the situation across the human domain.
Yet the Glazed Jade Royal City's sacrifices had received little understanding. Instead, they had drawn criticism and resentment.
All of this was clearly deeply unfair to the Glazed Jade Royal City.
"Young Master, isn't the Glazed Jade Royal City being too accommodating?" Panlong Emperor asked indignantly.
Jiang Chen was actually somewhat irritated as well, but he quickly composed himself.
To say he felt no grievance would be a lie. But he quickly came to terms with it. If the Glazed Jade Royal City wished to be the leader of the human race, it had to bear this responsibility.
When riding the crest of glory, they had enjoyed applause — so in times of decline, they had to bear their share of scrutiny.
There was no doubt about that.
Now was precisely the time they could not lose their composure.
If they lost their cool now, it might be exactly what the Windcloud Cult wanted.
Therefore, regarding the various praises and criticisms from the outside world, Jiang Chen simply chose to ignore them all.
"Panlong, keep your composure. The Windcloud Cult would certainly love to see us in a state of distress. Perhaps that is exactly the scene they want to see."
Panlong Emperor took a deep breath and nodded. "Young Master is right. I was too hasty. The Windcloud Cult is truly despicable — far more despicable than Pill Fire City ever was. Young Master, this time we have truly encountered a formidable opponent."
Jiang Chen offered no comment and issued his order: "Most of the factions that should be here have arrived. Make sure everything is prepared. There must be no incidents during the alliance ceremony."
……
This alliance was a matter of life and death for the human race. No matter how aggrieved he felt inside, Jiang Chen had to see it through to the end.
Three days later, the alliance ceremony officially began.
The ceremony was held in the great plaza before the entrance of the Glazed Jade Towers.
A great number of powerful factions and major sects from across the human domain had arrived. Although the Windcloud Cult's interference had significantly reduced the scale of the assembly, it was still an incredibly lively affair.
Under the Glazed Jade Royal City's banner, there were already numerous factions. Combined with those from the surrounding regions, virtually all the major powers had come.
Under the Heavenly Sword Sect's jurisdiction, under the Heavenly Cicada Ancient Court's jurisdiction, and from many surrounding middle and lower domains — the alliance ceremony was nothing short of spectacular.
Jiang Chen appeared at the assembly, surrounded by the numerous Emperors of the Glazed Jade Royal City.
His arrival immediately triggered a thunderous roar of excitement. The disciples of the Third-Rank Sects, in particular, rarely had the chance to see Jiang Chen in person.
Now, in such close proximity to their idol, many disciples from the Third-Rank Sects were beside themselves with excitement, waving enthusiastically and shouting over and over, "Young Master Jiang Chen! Young Master Jiang Chen!"
Jiang Chen smiled calmly and gave a wave of acknowledgment.
This approachable image of Jiang Chen earned him yet another thunderous wave of applause.
The Emperors of the Glazed Jade Royal City following behind Jiang Chen were filled with admiration. Young Master Jiang Chen truly possessed a unique charisma — wherever he went, he seemed to become the protagonist, the center of attention, drawing cheers and adoration. It was something they old fogeys could never enjoy in a lifetime.
Even the great Peacock Emperor of old probably never received such treatment.
Jiang Chen, however, remained perfectly composed. His Heavenly Eye Divine Pupil swept across the assembly with a faint, oppressive aura. His gaze was like an invisible blade, making everyone feel an inexplicable pressure. Even the powerful Emperor-realm experts felt a slight tremor in their hearts beneath his piercing look.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is truly remarkable that you have come to attend this alliance assembly at the risk of your own lives," Jiang Chen began. "Over the years, many things have happened across the human domain. The landscape of our territory has been constantly shifting. However, there are still those who cannot face a simple truth — the old, peaceful order of the human domain has been shattered. Peace and tranquility are things of the past. From now on, whether you are present or absent, whether you are willing or not, under the greater tide of the human domain, all will be swept along. The good and the bad alike — no one will be spared."
Jiang Chen cut straight to the point, sounding the alarm.
These words immediately cast a heavy pall over the atmosphere.
As for Jiang Chen's words, many of the younger generation only partially understood them, or did not understand them at all.