Within the four seas, the former Federation held the greatest influence.
Besides the fact that they previously had three Emperors at the Hegemony Realm, the terrifying appeal of the Federation Temple also prevented other countries from having any thought of challenging them.
The former Divine Dao Sect of the Golden Moon Country and the Sky-Supporting General of the Northern Cold Country can, to some extent, be considered as an eighth-tier combatant of the Federation Temple.
Besides.
Rumor has it that the Federation still has two former popes who have lived through the ages and are ranked in the Mountain Sea Realm. They are still alive, but have traveled beyond Blue Star by crossing the Star Sea.
Furthermore, because the power of faith can also affect Ninth Tier martial artists, they return once every few hundred years.
All of these factors combined to form the Federation, a superpower in the true sense of the word, truly standing at the pinnacle of the Blue Star!
However, due to numerous events in recent months, this so-called superpower has suffered repeated setbacks, and even its international influence has begun to be subtly overshadowed by Huaxia.
The reason for this is simply because of a newly born Land Immortal from Huaxia!
At this moment, somewhere in the Federation.
Father Jim was dressed in a classic priest's robe, with no other adornments except for a delicate, bright silver cross hanging around his neck.
He put his hands behind his back and slowly clenched them, his inner state not as calm as his outward appearance suggested.
A magnificent Western-style church stood behind him, solemn and dignified, with the faint sound of devout chanting audible.
As the sky grew brighter, a clear morning sun appeared in the world.
The red-haired temple War King ascended the steps, approached him, and bowed respectfully.
"Father Jim, it's almost time."
He paused here, then said in a deep voice:
"However... the Knight King has not submitted a report, has not appeared in public, and no one knows where she is. It seems she has no intention of participating in this operation."
"I see."
Father Jim let out a deep breath, raised his hand to pinch his throbbing temples. "Let her be."
As he spoke, he gestured for the other person to step back for the time being.
Under normal circumstances, Isabella's condition would be quite serious.
Not only did they suffer a huge mental shock, but they also had a very obvious stress reaction to the name of that Huaxia.
But when you think about how the other party just watched Chris Zhenlin die and be stripped of her scepter... it seems to make a lot more sense now.
After all, he was a prodigy of that caliber.
The collapse of Dao Heart is a perfectly normal thing.
This was true even for the battle-hardened Knight King.
In fact.
Let alone this Seventh Tier king whose Dao Heart was shattered.
Since learning of the loss of the staff and the imminent return of the two popes, even Father Jim himself has been emaciated and hasn't had a good night's sleep.
The latter's lack of food and sleep is a minor issue.
After all, for a martial artist at the Hegemony Realm, even if they go without food or sleep for several years, there won't be any problems.
The main concern is the psychological pressure.
It's incredibly torturous.
"That bastard... he's really not coming."
After the War King of the Temple withdrew.
The priest's gaze swept over the four kings gathered below the steps, a hint of annoyance flashing in his eyes, and he muttered to himself.
He has been sending messages to the [Federal Godfather] in the Federation for the past few days.
As one of only two eighth-tier Emperor in the Federation, having the other party's accompaniment would greatly increase the chances of success on this trip.
However, the other party kept pretending to be dead, as if they had no intention of getting involved in the matter of demanding the staff.
The fact that they haven't replied by now clearly shows their rejection.
"..."
Jim understood that the other party was terrified by Ye Li's combat strength and was worried that there would be risks involved in this trip.
But in the few letters he sent, he had already made the pros and cons very clear.
If even they are unwilling to accompany me, it's no wonder I've been stuck in the early stage of the Hegemony Realm for so many years...
Jim sneered inwardly.
When the two former popes return and see the so-called "Federal Godfather" so cowardly, they will surely be furious and punish him severely, and the other party will likely lose his protection for his future journeys in the Star Sea.
That's incredibly short-sighted.
If you're not coming, then you'll regret it.
While this trip certainly carries some risks, with two eighth-tier Emperor joining forces, retrieving the divine staff is a sure thing from any perspective.
"Forget it, one more won't make a difference."
Father Jim shook his head slightly, then looked away and gazed at the distant sky.
As the most powerful figure in the Federal Nation on the surface, he could invite far more than just the Godfather to his service as Hegemony Realm expert.
Soon, a striking streak of light appeared on the horizon and landed directly in front of Jim.
"Father, I'm late."
The newcomer was clad in heavy armor, his expression neither humble nor arrogant, and he stepped forward slowly.
Father Jim felt the immense aura that the other party had casually concealed, and the restlessness in his heart finally dissipated.
Li Qingtian, the strongest general of the Northern Cold Country, is his secret collaborator for many years.
I rushed here without stopping after receiving the message yesterday.
This contrasts sharply with the attitude of the "Federal Godfather" who was cowardly before even engaging in battle.
Father Jim then looked up and said calmly, "The temple will remember your contribution."
Li Qingtian's expression changed slightly, and he forced a smile, "Father, you don't need to be so polite."
"Even the leader of the Divine Dao Sect couldn't escape his clutches, so I, a general of the Northern Cold Country, probably won't be safe for much longer either."
"Instead of waiting for that brat Ye Li to come knocking, it's better to strike first."
Upon hearing this, Father Jim smiled as well, replying with considerable satisfaction, "You're quite a clear-headed person."
"Rest assured."
As he spoke, the old man began to walk down the steps, his voice leisurely. "If you and I join forces, we'll definitely be able to test his abilities."
"As for Huaxia's reckoning, you don't need to worry too much."
Jim paused slightly, turned around, and smiled faintly:
"The two popes of our Federation will be arriving on Blue Star soon. If Huaxia really dares to attack your Northern Cold Country, the two of them will not stand idly by."
Upon hearing this answer, Li Qingtian, clad in heavy armor, breathed a slight sigh of relief.
He came here to achieve his goal.
If it weren't for the behemoth that Federation protecting him, he would never want to run into this young prodigy who is currently enjoying unparalleled international fame.
But there's no turning back now; once the arrow is released, there's no going back.
Even if he stops now, the other party might not let him go.
Li Qingtian immediately cupped his hands in greeting, even his tone becoming more respectful. "With your words, even without a message today, I, Li, will still do my part."
Upon hearing this, Father Jim did not say anything more.
He turned around and walked straight down the steps.
A slight smile then appeared on his lips.
Two eighth-tier Emperor and four Seventh Tier kings.
Such a force was an immense power that Huaxia, whose strength had not yet recovered, could not ignore.
Now they're simply using it to demand a staff that rightfully belongs to them.
By any measure, it seems like a waste of talent.
Father Jim straightened his slightly hunched back.
"Set off!"
The moment the words fell, several different streaks of light rose from the ground and rushed towards Huaxia's direction.