The next moment.
Cheng Buzheng's steady, weighty voice slowly rang out through the great hall once more, resounding in every direction:
"But there is one point I must make clear to you all today.
Even if the Demon Race loses the protection of Demon Venerable Sha Minghong—
I will not utterly exterminate the Demon Race."
His gaze was profound, carrying the clarity of one who had seen through the vicissitudes of the world, as he slowly explained:
"If the human race were to completely eradicate the Demon Race and lose the restraint of an external enemy, the great sects and factions of the human race would inevitably begin to fight and crush one another. By then, internal strife would erupt everywhere among humanity, and the losses would far exceed those caused by an invading foe.
They would also lose their will to forge ahead.
One must know!
The existence of the Demon Race is not only an important source from which human cultivators obtain cultivation resources, but also an unparalleled opportunity for cultivators like us to temper our Dao Hearts, hone our combat strength, and break through our realms.
Only with an external enemy beyond our borders can the human race unite its hearts and strength, survive, and develop steadily."
The Nascent Soul True Lords within the hall were all senior cultivators who had cultivated for centuries, sharp-minded and rich in experience.
In an instant, they understood Cheng Buzheng's far-reaching considerations and painstaking intentions.
Although some cultivators still disagreed inwardly, feeling it was deeply regrettable to miss the chance to unify the sea region, they knew perfectly well...
The Venerable's will was not something they could question or alter.
Therefore!
No one spoke in objection. All merely bowed and listened.
After everyone had digested those words...
Cheng Buzheng said no