"Every powerful territory has a powerful national government. Some of these governments hold real power, while others are merely symbolic representatives. But as long as a powerful government exists, it means the territory is united and unified. The current Myriad Phenomena Territory, however, is nothing more than a pile of loose sand—there is no mighty empire to represent it."
"In the Lower Realms and Middle Realms, the highest one can establish is an empire. Only the Upper Eight Realms have the right to establish a dynasty. What is a dynasty? A dynasty is an existence greater than an empire, one that can endure storms without crumbling. The eight great dynasties of the Upper Eight Realms—some have histories spanning over five thousand years."
Dan Chi suddenly shook his head with a smile. "It seems I've strayed a bit far. The greatest ambition of my, Dan Chi's, life is to rebuild the Myriad Phenomena Empire. I don't want that, a few hundred years from now, the Myriad Phenomena Territory becomes someone else's domain, and we natives of the Myriad Phenomena Territory become other people's slaves. This is our land. Our ancestors shed their sweat and blood here, forging this territory. We absolutely cannot let it be lost under our watch!"
These were words that Dan Chi had never spoken publicly, not even within Dan Qian Palace.
But today, at this moment, Dan Chi finally laid his heart bare.
For no other reason—only for Jiang Chen.
"Jiang Chen, as long as you're willing to lend me a hand, every resource Dan Qian Palace has—if you want it, I'll give it to you."
Dan Chi's gaze suddenly burned with intensity as he stared at Jiang Chen, his eyes brimming with sincerity.
"Sage, I'm so young—how can I not be ashamed of such regard from a sage?"
Dan Chi waved his hand. "Jiang Chen, I've never been one for formalities. The Myriad Phenomena Territory may be vast, and there are quite a few Saint-realm experts among them, but over the years, very few have caught my eye. Among the younger generation, there are fewer than ten. And you are the only one who truly moved me. My eye for people is sharp. In you, I see a great destiny—a destiny on the level of founding empires and conquering new lands. Don't rush to give your answer. This matter may sound easy, but doing it is fraught with difficulties beyond imagination. I hope you think it through carefully before deciding. Even if you decline, our alliance remains in effect."
Dan Chi was straightforward and honorable, never using the alliance as leverage against Jiang Chen.
In Dan Chi's eyes, Jiang Chen saw genuine, soaring ambition. It was the kind of ambition that could drive a man to sacrifice everything—even his own life.
Founding an empire, conquering new lands—for any man with ambition and lofty aspirations, such a prospect was an irresistible temptation.
Jiang Chen was no exception.
In the martial world, one could never avoid all conflict, never escape every danger.
Jiang Chen knew that if he wanted to keep walking this path, he could never remain detached forever. In the face of greater tides, one had to make one's own choice.
Moreover, Jiang Chen could see that Dan Chi's grand ambitions were not born of personal ego inflation. That was especially rare.
It was also what Jiang Chen admired most about him.
"Sage Dan Chi, though I, Jiang Chen, am not an especially ambitious man, such a challenge does seem rather intriguing. If there comes a time when my modest abilities can be of use, I, Jiang Chen, will not refuse."
Dan Chi burst into hearty laughter. "Good, good! Though I don't know what caused those heavenly anomalies, the appearance of such a wondrous omen in the Myriad Phenomena Territory is surely a magnificent sign. Let's take it as a auspicious blessing and believe that the alliance between our two sects is a perfect beginning."
Dan Chi was always like this—brimming with confidence and zest.
"The two of you, the Treasure Tree Sect may be located in a remote area, but this is also an opportunity for the sect. Whether you wish to remain tucked away in your corner or follow the greater current—that's a choice you must make in your hearts. Once the tides have already turned, it will be too late to decide. Of course, any choice carries risk. On this matter, I will not force you."
Dan Chi turned to address Qianye Ancestor and Ye Chonglou.
Qianye Ancestor and Ye Chonglou had weathered so many trials by now that they had long since come to terms with things.
In the current situation, staying tucked away in their corner was nearly impossible.
The Heavenly Alliance of Nine Suns had extended its dark reach into the territory, leaving the Myriad Phenomena Territory in grave peril. And the surrounding environment was a ticking time bomb that could erupt at any moment.
Under such circumstances, even if the Treasure Tree Sect dug a hole and buried itself inside, they couldn't escape what was coming.
They also understood clearly that if not for the unexpected appearance of Dan Qian Palace, whether they could have survived this crisis at all was anyone's guess.
"Sage Dan Chi, with the tides of destiny as they are, the Treasure Tree Sect cannot remain apart. We are willing to follow in Dan Qian Palace's footsteps and contribute what little we can."
Qianye Venerable spoke with grave sincerity.
No matter what, under Dan Qian Palace's protection, things in the Myriad Phenomena Territory would be more stable. If disaster struck, at least Dan Qian Palace—the taller man in the room—would bear the brunt first.
If even Dan Qian Palace couldn't withstand the calamity, then the Treasure Tree Sect could forget about any hope whatsoever.
So for the Treasure Tree Sect now, the wisest choice was to hitch themselves firmly to Dan Qian Palace's war wagon, stop entertaining idle thoughts, and absolutely avoid playing the fence-sitter.
"Good. Since the two of you are so straightforward, I'll lay it out here as well. As long as my Dan Qian Palace endures, so shall the Treasure Tree Sect."
This promise was worth its weight in gold—more substantial than any other assurance.
Qianye Ancestor and Ye Chonglou were both overjoyed upon hearing it.
"There are still three years. In three years, all the major powers of the Myriad Phenomena Territory will gather at the ruins of the Myriad Phenomena Empire to pay tribute to its lost glory. This tribute ceremony is held once every thirty years and is called the Grand Ceremony of Myriad Phenomena. During this ceremony, a new Myriad Phenomena Hidden Dragon Ranking will be determined. Talented disciples will each receive an opportunity to enter the Myriad Phenomena Pinnacle Realm to cultivate the martial path."
"The Myriad Phenomena Pinnacle Realm? What is that?"
"A place like the Myriad Phenomena Pinnacle Realm exists in virtually every territory. When an emperor-realm powerhouse in a territory's history reaches the end of their natural lifespan, they enter this place to cultivate and release the final essence of their life. The Myriad Phenomena Pinnacle Realm is, in fact, the nirvana grounds of all the emperor-realm powerhouses that have existed in the Myriad Phenomena Territory since ancient times."