As the leaders of the various sects showed their displeasure, many disciples' emotions were thoroughly ignited.
An uproar broke out on all sides.
"Is the Imperial Clan going to use its power to bully us?"
"If they can suddenly add more people halfway through, what's the point of competing? Just let the Imperial Clan play by themselves!"
"Exactly! If we'd known this would happen, why would we have come to this grand gathering?"
"..."
The Imperial Sovereign sat above them, his expression unchanging in the face of the sudden, almost unanimous wave of opposition below.
He seemed unsurprised by this.
As the situation threatened to spiral out of control, he did not immediately rebuke them, merely watching the agitated crowd below with a calm gaze.
Only when the uproar subsided slightly did the Imperial Sovereign slowly speak. "Everyone, please remain calm."
His voice was not loud, yet it easily drowned out all the noise.
Everyone below looked toward him.
"The rules were indeed established by all parties, but as circumstances change, we must adapt accordingly."
The Imperial Sovereign spoke slowly, his voice echoing like thunder. "The Cloud Dragon Secret Realm is a matter of great importance. I have not introduced this rule without reason."
"According to the Imperial Clan's secret records and recent observations, unforeseen changes may occur when the Cloud Dragon Secret Realm opens this time."
He paused. "It may even... open for the last time."
"The last time?" These words caused the expressions of several Fusion Cultivators to change abruptly, uncertainty and alarm flashing in their eyes.
Even the disciples below fell silent upon hearing this.
The Imperial Sovereign continued, his tone growing firmer. "As the hosts of this grand gathering and guardians of the secret realm, our Imperial Clan has invested the most resources and bears the