Even if Yuchenzi, Ling Jue, and the others still had their own ideas, they knew the tide had turned. Forcing their opposition now would only invite humiliation, and might even get them pushed out of the alliance's inner circle.
They exchanged helpless, conflicted glances, then finally rose together and cupped their hands.
"Since Your Majesty is willing to shoulder this great responsibility, we... have no objections."
"We shall obey the Alliance Leader's commands."
With even the strongest hegemonic powers having declared their stance, the other factions hurried to voice their agreement.
"Excellent!"
"Then, from this day forth, the Tianlan Alliance is formally established!"
Emperor Huangze laughed heartily, his imperial draconic might surging out to envelop the entire hall. "I shall assume the position of Alliance Leader for now! The remaining regulations shall be finalized and promulgated as soon as possible!"
"Greetings, Alliance Leader!"
The thousands of cultivators in the hall bowed in salute, whether their sincerity was genuine or feigned.
Their voices shook the palace.
Li Yunjing stood among the crowd, his expression calm.
He knew his task as the "bird that stuck its head out" was complete.
He had pushed Emperor Huangze into the position of Alliance Leader, and firmly lashed himself, the Divine Firmament Dao Sect, and his alliance with the Xiao Family and the Primordial Yang Dao Sect to the dynasty's war chariot, placing them at the heart of the alliance's power.
The road ahead would never be smooth. Open spears and hidden arrows would come from every side, but at least he now had a sufficiently lofty starting point and stage.
Emperor Huangze swept his gaze across the hall again, lingering briefly on Li Yunjing with an inscrutable look.
Only when the heroes contended for the prize would the true dragon reveal itself.
And this pool