Chapter 158: Break and Purpose
Because Lian Yun accepted the wager and demanded that the loser take their own life, it was essentially a battle to the death. Therefore, Lian Yun showed no mercy.
The technique known as Birds Burning Their Nests combined the force of drawing the sword, the deadly intent in his heart, and the overwhelming power it unleashed, enough to instill fear even in Monarchs.
However, Xue Qiong's Ghost Battle Body possessed a defense greater than that of an ordinary Monarch. With his arms crossed over his chest, he managed to avoid fatal injuries. Even so, the momentum with which he charged out still slammed two Monarchs who were ready to intercept him against the wall.
The two Monarchs were horrified. Xue Qiong's arms were completely shattered, reduced to bone fragments, leaving him unconscious with a look of utter disbelief and terror on his face.
Ignoring the expressions of the audience and disregarding the Alliance High Command, Lian Yun turned to North Qilin and asked, "Do you understand?"
North Qilin nodded, then shook his head and replied softly, "I believe I can condense my essence into one if given time, but I feel Brother Yun does not want me to see this."
Lian Yun sighed lightly before turning back and saying quietly, "Xue Qiong's Ghost Battle Body has a defensive capability that is not inferior to your Rugged Man's Chestplate. If you could form legs for it, perhaps it could help you evade Xue Qiong's attacks."
"Sometimes, shortcomings cannot be compensated for by relying on a Ghost Slave; they must be addressed through one's own efforts."
It is rare for high-level Spirits to submit to those of lower rank; even when it occurs, it is usually below High-Level Monarchs.
The idea of a Demon Emperor submitting to a king is virtually nonexistent. If it were to happen, it would likely be because the Demon Emperor recognized the king's potential or character and wished to assist in their growth rather than submit outright.
Thus, Rugged Man chose to serve North Qilin only after acknowledging him. In this way, if Rugged Man had a higher realm, he could guide North Qilin rather than being dominated; it would be more about teaching and imparting knowledge.
However, forming a Ghost Battle Body comes with certain limitations. For instance, if it forms a Chestplate, the Ghost Slave cannot move; there are some constraints. But if it forms arms or legs, it can forcibly provide assistance.
"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Yun," North Qilin said respectfully.
Lian Yun ignored him and walked step by step toward the Alliance's viewing platform.
"Lian Yun, what do you intend to do? Your wager earlier was made without our consent and cannot be counted," one member of the Alliance High Command shouted, clearly afraid that Lian Yun might resort to violence.
Yet Lian Yun remained unfazed as he approached the edge of the Arena directly in front of the Alliance High Command. He looked at the weary-eyed elder in the center and said in a deep voice, "Are you Tian Ma?"
"Impudent! Everyone knows our leader Xu Wenchang; do you think that just because you took first place in the League you can act as you please without regard for others?"
Even among the audience, many were critical of Lian Yun's actions.
The contributions of Xu Wenchang to Huaxia are countless; he has dedicated his entire life to it. Even Lian Yun, who sacrifices himself for others, should not look down upon this highly respected Old Alliance Leader.
However, Lian Yun completely ignored this, staring intently at Xu Wenchang.
Xu Wenchang raised his hand to silence the others and calmly looked at Lian Yun, saying, "Are you tired?"
Lian Yun nodded and continued to ponder, "When a person is tired, they tend to choose a moderate path or just get by."
"This time in the League, those who will fight are not just the strongest in history; they are at least among the top ten."
"The top three!"
Lian Yun disregarded this and went on, "In the competition of the younger generation, you as elders and decision-makers of Huaxia cannot ensure fairness and justice. Instead, you engage in all sorts of underhanded dealings and schemes. If you cannot be fair and just in such matters, what can you be fair and just about?"
"How many talented young individuals have been stifled by the League's moderate atmosphere? They do not know how to be aggressive or dare to forge ahead, lacking even the determination to persist until the end even if they lose. I ask you, in past Leagues, how many exceptionally talented individuals voluntarily surrendered?"
"Or perhaps only one or two knew how to push forward?"
"Today, humanity is weak. If we continue to endure without striving for progress, we will only grow weaker and weaker. Where then lies our opportunity for resurgence?"
"I ask you, where is the opportunity for resurgence?" Lian Yun questioned, his tone devoid of any politeness yet not intentionally insulting.
At that moment, he did not realize he was slapping the face of the Alliance High Command; he was merely expressing his frustration after several rounds of battles.
If these Alliance High Command members cannot ensure fairness in battles among the younger generation, what other matters can they handle without scheming?
This is not corruption; it is outright decay—almost beyond redemption.
At this moment, he was not concerned about the attitude of the Alliance High Command; he simply did not want Huaxia to decline further.
Faced with Lian Yun's accusations, Xu Wenchang had no words to respond.
Thus, Lian Yun continued, "I do not know if the League betrayed me back then because there was some research about to be completed within the League that could strengthen Huaxia or for some other reason."
"However, if it were something external, would the Demon Clan not come to seize it? If it were something that could enhance strength, then our entire nation's integrity has weakened. No matter how strong we become, it will only lead to more deserters and more charlatans."
"Let us not forget that our nation once experienced weakness due to a massacre by other countries. Now that the Demon Clan is strong, if Huaxia were completely occupied by them, it would not simply be a massacre; we would become food and livestock for them—forever unable to live."
"Then, do you still dare to take the middle path? Do you still dare to deceive the people?"
"So if you feel tired, then step down and let someone capable take your place. If you still want to hold this position, then don't complain about being tired."
To be honest, Lian Yun felt a bit reluctant saying that last line, after all, Xu Wenchang had truly dedicated his life to the well-being of the Huaxia Ethnicity.
However, Lian Yun's words were also a fact. Just like many wise emperors of ancient times, Xu Wenchang had indeed achieved great accomplishments in his youth that brought peace and prosperity to the nation. Yet, as he aged, it was inevitable that he would become less capable. Perhaps it was not their intention; they simply found themselves unable to act despite their good intentions.
The same was true now. Xu Wenchang was genuinely thinking of the entire nation, but he was too exhausted and no longer had the vigor of his earlier years.
Xu Wenchang lowered his head in contemplation, and no one from the Alliance High Command spoke up in anger anymore. Some looked ashamed because Lian Yun's words not only aligned with history but also reflected reality.
Yet there were still a few whose expressions were uncertain and uneasy because when the Old Alliance Leader was inactive, it was their time to act freely.
If the Old Alliance Leader were to regain his strength, they could very well find themselves in trouble.
And that was Lian Yun's main objective.
(End of Chapter)
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