Integrating the Lightning Bear Line!

As the ceremony concluded, representatives from each faction left in twos and threes.

Some vanished in a flash of light, eager to return to their fiefdoms and take charge of the overall situation; others huddled together, whispering amongst themselves, discussing trivial matters such as mineral vein cooperation and the exchange of spiritual objects.

With the royal family newly established and the political landscape still unstable, everyone wanted to take advantage of this time to build as many connections as possible.

Shi Jian was too lazy to join in the fun.

He stood at the edge of the square, his gaze sweeping over the seven Dao of Lightning Bear Kings; the seven bears were scattered not far away, each standing at a distance from the others.

Clearly, these seven were not originally from the same group.

"Come here, everyone."

Shi Jian's voice wasn't loud, but the aura of Nascent Soul Perfection emanated slightly, causing the seven Bear Kings to raise their heads simultaneously.

The Azure Bear King, who was at the head of the group, walked forward first, followed by the other six.

The seven bears stood still and all looked at Shi Jian.

Shi Jian looked around.

All seven were at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, each with a different aura. The Azure Bear King at the head was the most robust and muscular.

His body was surrounded by azure lightning arcs, he was cultivating the [Azure Profound Lightning] Immortal Foundation, a path below the Frenzied Thunder Dao Fruit.

"Everyone, please sign up."

The Azure Bear King cupped his hands in greeting, his voice rough and hoarse. "Lei Ya."

Behind him stood a short, stocky bear king in dark gray, who then spoke up, "Lei Li."

"Baoting Hong."

"Xuanlei Min."

"Lei Yuan."

"Xiong Wanjun."

"Xiong Jun."

Seven names, seven temperaments.

Shi Jian noted everything down, then said, "The clan decree has been issued: all your branch territories must be relocated to Divine Firmament Plain within three years."

He spoke calmly, but the meaning behind his words was very clear.

This is not a discussion, it's a notification.

Lei Ya's expression darkened slightly, and he didn't reply.

It was the short, stocky Lei Li who spoke first, his tone somewhat stiff. "Lord Shi Jian, we will naturally obey the clan's orders."

"However, with tens of thousands of people from various tribes, and the Spirit Vein, mineral deposits, and cave abode restrictions all need to be properly relocated; isn't three years too tight a timeframe?"

"Not tight."

Shi Jian glanced at him. "The Divine Firmament Plain, spanning 300,000 li, is large enough; after the various tribes relocate here, each will occupy a territory in the east, west, south, and north; the existing Spirit Vein will be mined by each tribe independently, and any newly added mineral deposits will be allocated by me."

He paused, then added, "In addition, a copy of the Dao of Lightning inheritance Cultivation Method from each department needs to be compiled and submitted to me for finalization."

Upon hearing this, Qi Xiong's expression changed simultaneously.

Inherited Cultivation Method are the foundation and lifeblood of a lineage.

Lei Ya finally spoke, his voice deep and resonant like a drumbeat. "Lord Shi Jian, we have nothing to say about your relocation to Divine Firmament Plain."

"The rule that one must hand over the inherited Cultivation Method is a bit too much, if I may be so bold."

"It's about compiling and summarizing, not submitting," Shi Jian corrected.

"What's the difference?" Lei Ya narrowed his vertical pupils slightly.

"The difference is that after the compilation, each department can exchange information; you cultivate the Immortal Foundation of the Frenzied Thunder Dao Fruit, while I cultivate the Immortal Foundation of the Divine Firmament Dao Fruit level."

"Although the paths are different, the Dao of Lightning is interconnected. Mutual understanding and comprehension will only benefit you all."

Lei Ya silent.

Xuanlei Min, standing behind him, snorted coldly and muttered, "That sounds nice, but he's just using our heritage to bolster the foundation of his direct lineage."

The sound wasn't loud, but everyone present was Nascent Soul Cultivator, whose hearing was extremely sensitive.

Shi Jian shifted his gaze and landed on Lei Min.

Xuanlei Min is the thinnest of the seven, with lightning arcs flashing among his dark green fur. He cultivates the [Life-Extinguishing Lightning] Immortal Foundation.

"Speak your mind."

Xuanlei Min wasn't intimidated by his gaze and simply puffed out his chest. "Lord Shi Jian, we've all heard about your achievements. Thirty-seven kills, unmatched among those of the same rank, truly impressive."

"But why should we submit to you?"

"With a single decree from the clan, we become your subordinates; but we each manage our own branch lineages for hundreds or thousands of years, some even ancient lineages passed down for tens of thousands of years. None of us are made of clay."

"In terms of cultivation, although we are not as Nascent Soul Perfection cultivator, the seven of us at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage together may not be far behind."

Shan Li, who was listening nearby, frowned and was about to speak when Shi Jian raised his hand to stop him.

He looked at Xuanlei Min, then at the other six.

Lei Ya remained expressionless, but his eyes betrayed his resentment.

Lei Li kept his head down and remained silent, but his clenched fists betrayed him; the other four either avoided eye contact or had complicated expressions.

Seven, but not a single one was a servant.

Shi Jian thought to himself, "That's to be expected."

Having each ruled their own territory for hundreds or thousands of years, it's unpleasant to suddenly be placed under someone else's control.

A mere clan decree can suppress people, but it cannot suppress their hearts.

"Alright."

Shi Jian released the thunder spear and took two steps forward.

The gazes of the seven bear kings all fell upon him.

"Since you are all dissatisfied, then let's make things simple."

Shi Jian's voice was calm, yet clear and unmistakable.

"All seven of you, come at me together."

"If I win, you will all obey my orders; if I lose, you will all return to your respective units, and this matter will be dropped."

The seven bears looked at each other in bewilderment.

Xuanlei Min was the first to react, a glint of light flashing in his vertical pupils:

"Is your statement true, sir?"

"Stop talking nonsense."

Lei Ya remained silent for a few moments, then suddenly chuckled softly.

"Okay! It's a deal!"

He turned to look at the other six, a fighting spirit rising in his azure vertical pupils. "Gentlemen, this is your only chance."

The seven bear kings exchanged glances and nodded to each other.

Shan Li stood to the side, hands on her hips, a playful smile on her lips; she didn't stop her, but even took a few steps back, found a rock to sit on, and looked like she was watching a good show.

Outside the ancestral temple lies a vast, desolate wasteland.

Eight streaks of light descended one after another, their energies colliding and tearing away a layer of grass within a radius of dozens of miles, while dark clouds gathered into a surging sea of thunder.

Shi Jian stood in the center of the field, holding the Thunder Spear horizontally.

The seven Dao of Lightning Bear Kings dispersed, spontaneously forming a semi-encircling formation.

Lei Ya was in the center, with azure lightning arcs exploding around him, exuding a powerful aura of Nascent Soul Late Stage.

The seven combined their powers, their combined energy faintly resembling that of a Spirit Transformation.

Shi Jian, however, looked disdainful and even beckoned with his finger:

"Come, let me weigh you all!"