Chen Ran's words were like a boulder crashing into a still lake, stirring up towering waves within the Hall of Civilization.
All the great powers erupted into an uproar. Their buzzing discussions merged into a roar that nearly blew off the hall's roof. Their expressions varied—shock, anger, suspicion, solemnity—all manner of emotions intertwined, forming a portrait of the Primordial World's highest powers.
"Gestalt? What the hell is that? I've never even heard of it!" shouted a hot-tempered demon of the Jie Sect. Demonic aura churned around him; clearly, he had yet to recover from the shock of the images. "Outer Realm Demonic Gods are Outer Realm Demonic Gods. Why give them such a fancy name?"
"Fellow Daoist, I must disagree," a Golden Immortal of the Chan Sect beside him replied unhurriedly. "This thing is entirely different from a Chaos Demon God. Though Demon Gods are evil, they still cultivate the Great Dao and remain within the bounds of comprehension. But this 'Gestalt' possesses not a trace of spiritual energy. It is purely an inanimate thing, and its methods of attack are utterly unheard of. That is what makes it truly terrifying."
Zhen Yuanzi stroked his long beard. As the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, he had always remained aloof from worldly affairs, yet his face was now full of concern. He glanced at his friend Hongyun beside him and said softly, "Fellow Daoist, this matter is likely true. From the images on that light screen, I sensed a cold law that even heaven and earth rejected. It was a pure 'ending,' utterly opposed to the great freedom we seek."
Ancestor Minghe sat silently in a corner, but the eyes hidden beneath his blood-red robe flickered with a strange light. He was not thinking about resistance, but whether this so-called Gestalt civilization could offer a new direction of evolution for his 4.8 billion Blood God Sons. If he could seize a warship like that, just how far could the power of his Sea of Blood Great Array rise?
Every great power had their own calculations. There was certainly a shared sense of hatred toward a common enemy, but there was even more fear of the unknown and consideration for their own interests.
Gradually, everyone's gazes converged on the six seats at the very top of the hall.
There sat the true decision-makers of the Primordial World—the six Heavenly Dao Saints.
There was no need to mention Nuwa. From beginning to end, she had remained cool and detached, as though everything was under her control. Yet the other five Saints had fallen into prolonged silence.
Their silence weighed on everyone's hearts more heavily than any heated debate.
After a long while, Grand Supreme Elder, the foremost of the Three Pure Ones, slowly opened eyes that seemed to contain the ultimate truths of heaven and earth. He did not look at Chen Ran, but at Primordial Heavenly Venerate and Lord of the Heavens.
"What do my two junior brothers think?"
Primordial Heavenly Venerate snorted coldly. He had always valued rites and laws, placing great importance on proper lineage. In his eyes, Chen Ran, this human who had appeared out of nowhere, was an aberration, while the "technology" he displayed was nothing more than vulgar trickery, unworthy of notice.
"It is merely grandstanding." Primordial Heavenly Venerate's voice was calm, yet it carried an arrogance that allowed no argument. "The Primordial World has its own Heavenly Dao to govern it. The rise and fall of tribulations are all predetermined. If such an outer civilization truly dares invade, our orthodox Mystic Sect will naturally crush it. Why should a mere human babble here and bewilder the masses?"
His words drew nods of agreement from many Chan Sect disciples in the hall. In their eyes, all beneath Saints were ants. As long as their teacher was present, the sky would not fall.
"I cannot agree with Second Brother!" Lord of the Heavens raised his sword-like brows, and a completely different aura surged skyward. He was bold and forthright, fiercely protective of his own, and loved battle above all else.
"Everyone has seen the power of those metal monstrosities. Just because Junior Sister Nuwa could stop them does not mean the rest of us can. The myriad immortals of my Jie Sect are no cowards! If foreign enemies truly invade, I, Tongtian, will be the first to lead my disciples forth and slaughter them until heaven and earth are turned upside down!"
Though his words were stirring and heroic, they also revealed his thoughts—fighting was fine, but the Jie Sect had to take the lead. An alliance? Listen to an ordinary mortal? Why should they?
The Three Pure Ones already held three different attitudes.
On the other side, the Two Saints of the West exchanged glances. The look of suffering on Jieyin's face deepened. Pressing his palms together, he sighed. "Alas, the eastern lands truly suffer endless calamities. Such a world-destroying tribulation is indeed the misfortune of all living beings. The West is barren and weak. I fear that though we may wish to slay the enemy, we lack the strength to turn the tide..."
Zhunti's eyes shifted as he added, "Senior Brother speaks rightly. However, Buddha is compassionate, yet there are also times when Vajra glares in wrath. If this young human friend is willing to share with the West the methods for constructing 'Steel Cities' and 'Rune Chariots,' helping the West develop and grow stronger, then when the time comes to resist foreign enemies, our Western Sect will certainly not shrink from its duty!"
The two played off each other, turning the topic to demands for benefits in just a few sentences. Many great powers in the hall secretly curled their lips in disdain.
Five Saints, five different agendas.
After the initial shock, the proposal for an alliance seemed destined to die in its infancy because of the Saints' individual calculations.
Everyone's eyes turned to Chen Ran once more.
They wanted to see how this young human, who had dared convene a Primordial World summit, would handle the Saints' questioning and scheming.
There was not the slightest trace of dejection or anger on Chen Ran's face. He had expected all of this long ago. Getting a group of sworn enemies who had fought for countless epochs to lay down their prejudices and cooperate closely had never been something a few words could accomplish.
He calmly swept his gaze across the hall, then spoke at an unhurried pace.
"Chen Ran understands the concerns of the Saints."
"The Chan Sect is the orthodox Mystic Sect and bears an unquestionable duty to protect the Primordial World. The Jie Sect teaches without discrimination and possesses soaring Fighting Spirit, making it a pillar of strength. The Western Teachings save all living beings and are likewise an indispensable force."
He first offered everyone some praise, easing the atmosphere.
"Chen Ran has never intended to lead you all. I am merely a human. I possess neither the qualification nor the ability."
"The alliance I propose is not meant to make everyone obey my commands. It is meant to establish a platform, a mechanism."
His voice became clear and firm.
"A platform through which we can share intelligence before disaster arrives. A mechanism through which we can coordinate our strength when facing powerful enemies."
"For this, we humans are willing to take the first step."
Having spoken, Chen Ran turned and began operating the light screen behind him.
"I will show you the first preparation humanity has made to face this crisis. I believe everyone present will need it."
Light and shadow shifted across the screen.
A vast and complex three-dimensional network diagram slowly emerged, covering the Four Continents of the entire Primordial World, the Dragon Palaces of the Four Seas, and even the Netherworld Blood Sea.
At the center of the diagram were four striking words.
"Primordial Heavenly Net."
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