Jiang Chen's Dharma Eye was extraordinarily powerful. Though he hadn't deployed the Wind-listening Ear, his Dharma Eye alone was more than sufficient — he could clearly see that the expressions of those people were still thoroughly defiant, still utterly stubborn.
Obviously, they had no intention of yielding easily. Even though he had already killed the chicken to scare the monkeys, even though he had issued his warning in plain words, these people clearly still wanted to take their chances.
At the end of the day, the Sancai Island Domain had always harbored a gambling mentality. They believed that no matter how strong a mere dozen or so individuals might be, they couldn't possibly match the full might of the entire imperial capital's elite.
If this battle was lost without even a fight, where would the Sancai Island Domain's face be?
"Your Majesty, there's no need for despair. We are willing to share Your Majesty's burden."
"Your Majesty, give the order — let us fight! For all we know, these fellows are nothing more than foxes borrowing the tiger's might!"
"Your Majesty, the Ling Shi resources of that archipelago — even if we only take half, that would be enough for our Sancai Island Domain to use for several hundred years. Such resources absolutely cannot be allowed to slip through our fingers."
In an instant, the Emperor's resolve began to waver.
Yes — what if they were indeed foxes borrowing the tiger's might, putting on an act specifically to intimidate the Sancai Island Domain?
With that thought, the Emperor's mind was made up.
"Prince Huo, my Sancai Island Domain has no irreconcilable enmity with your Huichun Island Domain. That archipelago — those who arrive have a right to a share. We Sancai Island Domain merely ask for half. Surely that isn't excessive? If we can settle this matter now, we can cease hostilities and make peace. That would be far better than a bloody battle that brings suffering to all."
The Emperor was probing with his words.
If Prince Huo actually agreed to hand over half, then it would mean that what they were seeing now was most likely a bluff — a theatrical performance.
If the other side refused to the death, then they could seize the excuse to fight. Relying on the advantage of home ground and favorable conditions, no one believed the Sancai Island Domain would lose.
Prince Huo smiled coldly: "This matter has been entrusted entirely to this young gentleman's sole discretion by our Huichun Island Domain."
The Emperor's expression darkened. "So your Huichun Island Domain has stooped to this. In that case, don't blame my Sancai Island Domain for showing no courtesy."
"All units, listen up — enter combat readiness immediately!" the Emperor himself gave the order.
Jiang Chen had been watching this entire scene with cold detachment all along. He knew that these people, at the end of the day, simply couldn't let go. They refused to give up the fat piece of meat that had been dangled right in front of their mouths.
Jiang Chen let out a cold snort, then suddenly threw his head back and unleashed a piercing howl that tore across the heavens. The moment the howl rose, the sky and earth changed color, the sun and moon dimmed, mountains and rivers trembled.
The sound of a dragon's roar — as though ten thousand dragons were resonating in unison, its momentum surging like a tidal wave, rolling clouds churning, the sheer force of it absolutely staggering.
"A dragon's roar!"
There were, after all, people down below who knew what they were witnessing.
In an instant, the cultivators of the Sancai Island Domain turned deathly pale.
But the war hawks among them wore expressions of vicious resolve, shouting: "So what? We've already come this far — no half-measures now! Activate the grand formation! Use the formation as our stronghold and kill them!"
"Activate the grand formation!"
Once someone advocated for battle, that kind of emotion spread to others like wildfire. More and more powerful cultivators joined the war faction, one after another. This left Zhao Situ utterly speechless.
He had originally believed he had convinced the Emperor to avoid this catastrophe of war.
He never expected that the lure of profit would drive these men to lose all reason, their eyes turning red with greed. The young man before them was clearly of extraordinary talent and immense Divine Ability — he had to be from a major power. Even if he wasn't Young Master Jiang Chen, he was certainly a top-tier genius from one of the Ten Great Sacred Lands.
How could the Sancai Island Domain afford to offend someone like that?
But by now, no matter what Zhao Situ did, his lone voice could not turn the tide of events.