Kong Deming took in the heated debate below. Several emperors, who usually sat solemnly in the court, were now arguing fiercely over territory, their words as sharp as a marketplace.
Just as the atmosphere was about to completely spiral out of control, Kong Deming's calm yet penetrating voice rang out again.
"Gentlemen, please be quiet for now."
The voice wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced all the arguments.
All eyes turned back to Kong Deming, curious about his unique insights into the situation.
Kong Deming's gaze slowly swept over the crowd, lingering especially on the faces of the emperors for a moment, before he continued to speak.
"The purpose of gathering you all here today, besides discussing a ceasefire and ending this current conflict, is..."
He paused slightly, then continued, "Actually, there is another matter concerning the long-term future of the mainland that I need to discuss with you all."
Everyone was taken aback by these words.
Those who aren't particularly bright have probably already guessed that this is perhaps why, in addition to the four participating nations, many other forces that haven't participated in the war were also invited today.
It seems that in Kong Deming's mind, the so-called peace talks were not as important as the important matter he was about to discuss!
Kong Deming didn't keep them in suspense. Facing the puzzled, wary, or thoughtful gazes of the crowd, he slowly began to speak.
"Continuing to dwell on past grievances and the gains and losses of a single city or territory will only sow the seeds of hatred, even if a ceasefire is barely achieved today. Ten or twenty years from now, it's hard to guarantee that war won't reignite."
"We gather here today, holding power in our hands, not only responsible for the survival of countless lives in the present, but also for creating a new order for future generations that can avoid such devastating wars."
Kong Deming's voice gradually rose in intensity. "Gentlemen, on the continent today, four great empires stand side by side, each guarding its own borders, their defenses clearly defined."
"Due to historical grievances and conflicts of interest, they are isolated from each other, making it difficult to exchange information and cooperate. If this continues, internal friction will persist, development will be hindered, and it will certainly not be a blessing for the people of the mainland."
His gaze was sharp as he swept over the imperial monarchs such as Xu Tianran and Xu Jiawei, as well as the representatives of transcendent forces such as Xuan Zi, Du Busi, and Di Tian.
"Therefore, taking this opportunity, I earnestly request that you all set aside past grievances, transcend national borders, and join hands to establish a Federation encompassing the major powers of the continent!"
The unfamiliar word " Federation " left most people in the room with a clear look of confusion on their faces.
Then, Kong Deming began his explanation, which lasted for more than ten minutes.
"The so-called Federation is not about eliminating nations, nor is it about establishing a single empire."
It's more like... a supreme alliance based on shared contracts and interests.
"Within this Federation framework, whether it's the Empire, or influential forces like Shrek Academy and the Body Sect, or even the Soul Beast groups, each maintains a high degree of internal autonomy. However, matters involving the overall interests of the continent must comply with the regulations jointly agreed upon by the Federation."
As Kong Deming explained, everyone finally understood what Federation was and learned about the various advantages of the Federation.
After Kong Deming finished speaking, a deathly silence of more than ten seconds ensued in the hall, before the discussions erupted like a thawing spring tide!
The entire hall instantly split into two distinct public opinion arenas.
On one side are non-national forces represented by Soul Grandmaster sects and academies, such as the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the Body Sect, and Shrek Academy.
A burning light suddenly shone in their eyes; Federation was definitely a good thing for them.
After all, becoming a member of parliament means having the right to vote and speak on matters of state, which would be a qualitative leap in status and influence!
They whispered among themselves, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation, and even began to discuss the possible allocation of seats and the rules of procedure in hushed tones.
On the other side were representatives of the four great empires, especially the three kingdoms that originally belonged to Douluo Three Kingdoms.
The emperor's expression was extremely solemn; they instinctively sensed the enormous impact this would have on imperial power.
The Federation means relinquishing some of the powers that were originally held by them, which is detrimental to their interests!
Although Kong Deming emphasized autonomy within member states, the " Federal Basic Law " and the " Supreme Council " are like two swords hanging over their heads.
Furthermore, once those domestic Soul Master factions obtain the status of Federation councilors and a larger political stage, will they still "docilely" accept royal rule as before?
The very foundations of the empire's rule could be shaken as a result!
At this moment, hearing the undisguised support and discussions from the surrounding Soul Master forces, alarm bells rang in Xu Jiawei and the others' hearts.
They suddenly realized a terrible reality: if they resolutely rejected the Federation proposal at this moment, they would likely be labeled as stubborn, conservative, and disregarding the bigger picture.
Xu Jiawei and the other emperors quickly exchanged glances. On this fundamental issue concerning the survival of their empires, their usual competition and discord were temporarily set aside, and a subtle tacit understanding based on their shared predicament arose spontaneously.
Ultimately, it was Emperor Xu Jiawei of Star Luo Emperor who spoke on behalf of the emperor.
He did not immediately respond to the Federation proposal itself, but instead turned his gaze to Xu Tianran, who was sitting to the side.
Then, he turned to Kong Deming, his voice deep and serious, and said, "Your Highness has great foresight; the Federation's proposals... certainly have some points that are worth pondering."
But then he abruptly changed the subject. "However, if the Sun Moon Empire does not first return the territory illegally seized from our three kingdoms, then all subsequent decisions are meaningless."
"Our three nations absolutely refuse to discuss any so-called Federation while our territories remain unrecovered and our national humiliations unavoidable!"
In his view, Xu Tianran would never agree to return the land, thus making Xu Tianran the "culprit" opposing the Federation!
All eyes turned to Xu Tianran, waiting to see how the emperor who had started the war would respond.
However, Xu Tianran's next reaction stunned everyone, especially Xu Jiawei and others.
Xu Tianran calmly met Xu Jiawei's gaze and said in a steady voice, "Regarding the matter of territorial ownership..."
"It's not entirely impossible to discuss."
"!!!"
The original seats belonging to the Douluo Three Kingdoms instantly caused an uproar, especially the three emperors, including Xu Jiawei, who could not control their expressions!
Just moments ago, the Sun Moon Emperor was so eager to offer, "Whatever we conquer is mine," refusing to yield an inch of territory. How come he's suddenly changed his tune and said, "It's negotiable"?
This change is too fast, too abrupt!
Given Xu Tianran's personality, he certainly wouldn't easily spit out the meat he'd already eaten.
But at this moment, he had no choice; Kong Deming had already grasped his weakness, and he had no choice but to submit.
Xu Tianran's sudden change in attitude interrupted Xu Jiawei and the others' plans, leaving them momentarily stunned.
And just then...
In front of everyone, Kong Deming's figure was suddenly engulfed by a burst of dazzling silver light!
A magnificent suit of armor, shimmering with spatial ripples and resembling liquid moonlight and starlight condensed together, instantly covered his entire body!
The terrifying pressure from the Limit Douluo, as vast as the sea of stars, swept through the entire hall like a tangible tsunami!
"Not good!"
"Protect His Majesty!"
Several sharp shouts rang out simultaneously from the seats originally belonging to the Douluo Three Kingdoms!
The Super Douluo accompanying Star Luo Empire, Heavenly Soul, and Dou Ling instantly snapped out of their astonishment, their Soul Power erupting wildly like a long-suppressed volcano!
The lights of the various Soul Ring shone brightly, and their powerful aura soared into the sky, resisting the overwhelming and suffocating pressure of the limit.
Their first reaction was not to confront Kong Deming, but to protect the emperor and break through the siege at all costs!