The jade hall stilled after Haotian's words. His golden gaze swept the envoys like a blade, and though he had spoken evenly, the weight of his voice pressed on them like thunder.
Elder Xu straightened, his hands folded within his sleeves. "The Eternal Dawn Sect does not take disciples lightly. To enter, one must pass three requirements. First—acknowledgment of the Dao of Dawn. All who join must harmonize their cultivation with our sect's guiding principles of balance, order, and progression. Second—trials of strength. Candidates will be tested not only in cultivation, but in combat, formations, and discipline. Third—oaths. Those who are accepted must swear loyalty to the sect and not betray its foundations."
The leaders of the Five Continents stirred. Murmurs rippled down the table.
Qianye, his draconic eyes gleaming, snorted softly. "Dao of Dawn? Hmph. So we must bend our paths to yours, no matter the Dao we walk."
Yuelian's expression was calm, but her voice carried sharpness. "And what of those who have cultivated Daos incompatible with yours? Will they be cast aside?"
Elder Xu bowed slightly. "Not cast aside—redirected. The Eternal Dawn Sect encompasses many branches. A cultivator of flame may enter the Solar Halls. One of frost may join the Frozen Spire. Even those who wield shadow or lightning may find belonging. The Dao of Dawn does not erase Daos—it illuminates them, binds them to harmony."
Relief flickered across some faces, but others remained unconvinced.
Yangshen leaned forward, his aura heavy as a mountain. "And these trials of strength? Will our Emperors—our new Immortals—be made to fight each other like gladiators?"
The envoy at Xu's right bristled. "Discipline must be proven. Without trials, how do we separate the worthy from the unworthy?"
But Haotian's gaze silenced him before he could finish.
Elder Xu coughed softly and continued. "The trials are scaled. New Immortals will not face elders. They will be measured against their peers, to test their true foundation. Those who cannot endure are given time to cultivate before trying again. The sect values growth, not waste."
A murmur of approval rolled through the hall, though unease still clung.
Then came the last point. Elder Xu's eyes hardened slightly. "And the oaths… these are binding. All who swear to the Eternal Dawn Sect must acknowledge its supremacy. They will be free to rise within its ranks, but betrayal will be punished by heaven-bound contract."
At this, the hall erupted.
Several sect masters stiffened, outrage flashing in their eyes. "To swear supremacy? Then what of our autonomy?""Binding contracts? That is shackles, not trust!"
Even Yuying and Meiyun frowned, their expressions clouded with worry.
The immortal dragons exchanged looks. Jinhai growled low. "If they expect us to kneel, they will find dragons do not bend easily."
The tension spiked, and all eyes turned back to Haotian. He alone had not reacted outwardly, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he spoke.
"Your offer is generous. But understand this—these lands are not broken. We are not refugees begging for shelter. You wish millions to join you, then be clear—are we to stand beside you as allies, or beneath you as vassals?"
The question hung like a sword above the jade table. The envoys stiffened, their faces pale, while the leaders of the Five Continents straightened with pride.
Even Elder Xu's composure cracked. For a moment, he said nothing, the weight of Haotian's words pressing harder than any tribulation.
The jade hall thrummed with tension, the silence after Haotian's words pressing heavier than any storm. The sect leaders, the immortal dragons, even the envoys themselves sat frozen, every ear straining for Elder Xu's reply.
Elder Xu's face was calm, but his heart raced beneath his robes. Haotian's question had cut straight to the core—one the Eternal Dawn Sect had never expected to face here. Millions of Immortals, born in an instant, demanding their place. Allies… or vassals.
He drew in a slow breath, folding his hands deeper into his sleeves. His words had to walk a razor's edge.
"The Eternal Dawn Sect…" his voice was steady, yet carried a subtle weight, "does not come to chain a land already brimming with strength. You are correct, Emperor Haotian—this world is not broken. To force you to kneel would only invite resentment, and resentment festers into rebellion. That is not our way."
A ripple spread through the Five Continent leaders. Shoulders eased. Some sect masters even nodded faintly.
Elder Xu continued, his gaze sweeping the table. "We ask for loyalty, yes—but not slavery. Loyalty to the banner of Dawn, to stand against the encroaching darkness. In exchange, the Eternal Dawn Sect offers protection, resources, and guidance into the higher realms. To refuse is no sin—you may remain sovereign upon your lands. But those who accept will walk paths none here have yet seen."
The immortal dragons shifted. Yuelian's eyes narrowed slightly, but the edges of her lips curved. "So, allies who prove themselves… may stand tall."
Qianye's claws tapped lightly on the table. "At least he does not demand our necks bent."
The sect leaders exhaled in relief, though suspicion lingered in their eyes.
Haotian, however, did not move. His golden eyes studied Elder Xu, his silence heavier than words.
Elder Xu pressed on, carefully: "But hear me clearly. This path is not without trials. You ask if there are conditions. Yes—those who wish to enter must still face the tests of strength and oath. But the oath is not to erase your identity. It is to stand united beneath one banner when the time comes. For the war with Ashveil draws near—and even millions of Immortals cannot win alone."
The words landed hard, echoing through the chamber.
Meiyun's expression tightened. "The demon planet…"Yuying whispered, "So it is true. The threat is larger than us all."
The jade hall erupted in murmurs.
Haotian finally leaned forward, his voice calm but sharp as a blade. "Then let it be said plainly. You extend a hand. But if we take it, it will not be as your servants. We will join as brothers in arms—or not at all."
Elder Xu inclined his head, the faintest smile tugging his lips. "Then as brothers, Emperor Haotian."
The tension that had hung like thunder finally broke.
The summit chamber broke into a storm of voices the moment Elder Xu and Haotian concluded their exchange.
Some sect masters rose to their feet, faces alight. "To be accepted into a true Immortal Sect—this is fortune we cannot ignore!"Others were cautious, brows furrowed. "And yet, oaths and trials… what if they bind us tighter than we realize?"The immortal dragons leaned back in silence, their gazes sharp as they weighed the shifting balance of power.
Haotian let them argue. For once, he did not speak. He only watched, golden eyes patient, letting the leaders reveal their fears and desires. In the end, most swayed toward joining—the allure of resources and the specter of Ashveil looming beyond the stars left them little choice. But doubts remained, lingering like smoke in the corners of the hall.
When the assembly finally dissolved, Elder Xu approached Haotian quietly. "Emperor Haotian… if you would grant me a private word."
They met in a secluded hall, its doors closed and sealed by runes. The tension was different here—sharp, personal.
"You asked earlier about trials," Elder Xu began carefully. "All sects must test those who would join. It is the foundation of order. Surely you understand why this is necessary."
Haotian smiled faintly. "Then hear me clearly, Elder Xu. My condition is simple. If my people wish to join, they join—without trial."
The elder's composure cracked. His brows lifted, his jaw stiffened. "Without… trial? Do you understand what you are saying? To accept millions without test is impossible. It would disrupt the sect's hierarchy, collapse its structure—"
Haotian raised his hand. Golden light spilled into the hall. Before Elder Xu could protest further, a cauldron of runes appeared, flames blooming with primordial resonance. Herbs floated into it as though answering his call. In seconds, not minutes, the cauldron roared, and when it opened, thousands of glowing immortal pills hovered in the air, each inscribed with runic efficacy so potent they hummed with life.
Elder Xu's breath caught.
Haotian was not finished. With a flick of his wrist, raw ore appeared, gleaming with immortal essence. His fingers carved runes faster than Elder Xu's eyes could follow. Sparks flared, and within ten breaths, an immortal sword stood in his hand, flawless, its edge radiating law.
The elder staggered back, eyes wide. "This… this is impossible."
Haotian's smile deepened. "Not impossible. Merely overlooked."
He opened his palm again, and scrolls of golden light spilled forth—immortal cultivation methods, techniques, scriptures. Among them, Elder Xu's eyes snagged on one in disbelief.
"This… this is the Radiant Veil Ascension Scripture…" His voice broke. "This was a lost method of our own Eternal Dawn Sect. Not even in our highest vaults has it been seen in tens of thousands of years. How do you—"
Haotian cut him off with silence, only arching a brow. His meaning was clear.
"I will say it again," Haotian said softly, his voice like steel wrapped in silk. "Accept them all. Every cultivator who wishes to join. And in return, I will share what I have shown you here—and much more. Lost methods, corrected flaws, weapons, pills. Foundations strong enough to raise your sect to heights unimagined."
Elder Xu trembled, torn between outrage and awe. His mind raced—how could this mortal-turned-immortal possess such knowledge, such mastery? Was this man truly standing at the threshold of a greater Dao than any Elder of Dawn had ever glimpsed?
At last, his face hardened. "This is… beyond me. I must report to the sect. The Council must decide."
"Of course," Haotian said, inclining his head. "Take your time. But not too much. The opportunity won't wait forever."
Before Elder Xu could leave, Haotian added casually, "Oh, and one more thing. Remember this—I can forge immortal weapons and armor in under ten minutes. Thousands of pills with a single batch of herbs. And I hold cultivation methods your sect itself has lost. Report carefully, Elder Xu."
The envoy bowed stiffly, his face pale. "I… will return with their answer."
When he left the chamber, Elder Xu slipped a small orb from his sleeve. Within it glowed the entire exchange—the forging, the refining, the scrolls of lost cultivation. Proof. Insurance. His hands shook as he tucked it close.
Far within, he whispered to himself, "The Council must see this. They must."
But in the quiet chamber, Haotian leaned back with a smirk.
Hook. Line. And sinker.
He had known from the beginning Elder Xu would record him. He had wanted him to.
Every piece had fallen into place according to his plan.
The jade hall had dispersed, leaving only Haotian and Elder Xu within a sealed chamber. The silence between them was taut, broken only by the faint hum of runes.
Elder Xu began carefully, "You ask that millions be admitted without trials. Surely you understand—that is impossible. To do so would destabilize the sect's order, flood us with the untested, and—"
Haotian raised a hand, silencing him. His golden gaze was steady, his voice calm. "You misunderstand. Let me explain what these millions are."
Elder Xu frowned, but gestured for him to continue.
"Less than a year ago," Haotian said, "they were mortals."
The words struck like a thunderclap. Elder Xu blinked, his composure cracking. "Mortals? Impossible…"
But Haotian pressed on. "They were given a general cultivation method I created myself. With it, the entire population of the Five Continents reached Emperor realm within months. They did not break through earlier because there was no immortal chi to fuel them. They consolidated their foundations at Emperor. And when the veil opened… they stepped into immortality with ease."
Elder Xu's hand twitched. Slowly, almost unconsciously, he reached within his sleeve and touched the hidden orb. With a thought, he activated the recording formation. The orb pulsed faintly, capturing every word.
Haotian noticed. He said nothing. Only smiled faintly and continued.
"Therefore, these millions are not rootless strays. They are cultivators who have endured accelerated growth. They will not resist your oaths. They will take them without issue. What they need is time. Time, guidance, and skill. For their focus until now has been on cultivation alone, not techniques."
Elder Xu swallowed, his voice low. "…You forged millions into Emperors in less than a year?"
Haotian's golden eyes gleamed. "Yes. And there is more. My method reshapes the body itself. Already, many of those who ascended possess the Ten Elemental Physique."
The elder stumbled back, his breath catching. His eyes widened, disbelief warring with awe. "What? Ten… elemental physique? That bloodline was thought to be legend, the inheritance of forgotten eras. You claim you—"
Haotian's lips curved into a grin. "I don't claim. I know. And you've seen the results with your own eyes."
Elder Xu's legs trembled. His mind raced, grasping at words. This was beyond anything he had prepared for—millions of new immortals, many with legendary constitutions, and a cultivation method that could defy the heavens.
Haotian leaned back, calm as ever. "So now you understand. Trials are unnecessary. What you need is to accept them, let them grow, and the Eternal Dawn Sect will harvest the greatest disciples in history. Or…" He smiled wider. "…you can refuse, and watch as another sect gains what you lost."
The recording orb glowed faintly, capturing every word. Elder Xu's hands shook as he pressed it closer within his sleeve.
Haotian's smile deepened. Hook. Line. Sinker.
The summit chamber broke into a storm of voices the moment Elder Xu and Haotian concluded their exchange.
Some sect masters rose to their feet, faces alight. "To be accepted into a true Immortal Sect—this is fortune we cannot ignore!"Others were cautious, brows furrowed. "And yet, oaths and trials… what if they bind us tighter than we realize?"The immortal dragons leaned back in silence, their gazes sharp as they weighed the shifting balance of power.
Haotian let them argue. For once, he did not speak. He only watched, golden eyes patient, letting the leaders reveal their fears and desires. In the end, most swayed toward joining—the allure of resources and the specter of Ashveil looming beyond the stars left them little choice. But doubts remained, lingering like smoke in the corners of the hall.
When the assembly finally dissolved, Elder Xu approached Haotian quietly. "Emperor Haotian… if you would grant me a private word."
The jade hall had emptied, leaving only Haotian and Elder Xu within the sealed chamber. Runes hummed faintly on the walls, isolating them from prying ears.
Elder Xu's voice was measured, though suspicion edged it. "You ask that millions be admitted without trials. Surely you know this is impossible. To admit so many untested would collapse the sect's structure—"
Haotian raised his hand, his golden eyes locking onto him. "Elder Xu, let me tell you who these millions are."
The envoy frowned but gestured slightly for him to continue.
Haotian's voice carried calm certainty. "Less than a year ago, they were mortals."
The elder blinked. His composure cracked. "…Mortals? Impossible—"
"I gave them a general cultivation method of my own creation," Haotian continued evenly. "With it, every man and woman on the Five Continents advanced to Emperor realm within months. They did not break through sooner because there was no immortal chi in this world. They consolidated their foundations. And when the veil opened, the immortal chi poured in, and the bottleneck shattered. That is why you see millions of ascensions now."
Elder Xu's hands trembled slightly. Inside his sleeve, his fingers brushed a hidden orb. He activated its formation with a thought, the crystal pulsing faintly as it began recording.
Haotian's gaze flicked toward the motion, but he only smiled and spoke louder. "These millions will have no issue with your oaths. They will accept willingly. But their strength still needs time and growth. They focused only on cultivation, not skills. Within your sect, they will excel faster than any you've ever seen."
The elder swallowed hard, struggling to absorb it.
"And more," Haotian said, leaning forward, his grin sharp. "My method does not only raise cultivation. It reshapes the body. Many of those who ascended now possess the Ten Elemental Physique."
Elder Xu staggered back, his voice breaking. "Ten Elemental Physique? That bloodline is myth—recorded only in fragments! You cannot possibly—"
Haotian's grin widened. "I don't claim it. I created it."
The elder's knees nearly buckled. His mind raced, his heart pounded. The thought of millions of immortals with legendary constitutions—each capable of mastering all ten elemental Daos—was beyond comprehension.
And still, Haotian did not stop. He rose, raising his hand. A cauldron etched with primordial runes appeared before them, its surface glowing with Dao light. He flicked his wrist, and herbs of immortal grade flew into the air, dropping into the flames within. The chamber shook as the cauldron roared to life.
Elder Xu's breath caught. "He—he's not—"
Moments later, the cauldron cracked open, spilling light across the hall. Thousands of glowing pills floated upward, humming with runic power, their quality flawless.
Before the elder could recover, Haotian reached again. A lump of ore appeared in his hand. His fingers danced with immortal fire, runes carving faster than the eye could follow. Sparks flared, and within breaths, an immortal sword gleamed in his hand, flawless, radiating law.
The elder staggered backward, his legs weak. His voice came as a whisper. "Pills… weapons… in minutes… impossible…"
Haotian's gaze locked on him. "No. This is efficiency. This is the power of Primordial Harmony Refinement and Forging."
Then, with a snap of his fingers, scrolls of golden light spilled from his sleeve—immortal cultivation methods, their scripts pulsing with ancient resonance. Elder Xu's eyes latched onto one in particular, and his entire body froze.
"This… this is the Radiant Veil Ascension Scripture… It was a lost method of my own Eternal Dawn Sect… lost for tens of thousands of years. How could you—"
Haotian only smiled. "If you accept all who wish to join, I will give this—and many more. I can correct your flaws, restore your heritage, and elevate your sect beyond imagination."
The elder's lips trembled. He clutched the recording orb tighter in his sleeve, his breath shallow. This was more than negotiation—it was temptation wrapped in truth.
At last, his voice cracked. "I… I must report this to the Council. I cannot decide alone."
"Of course," Haotian said smoothly. "But remember this—" He gestured to the still-floating pills and the flawless sword. "I can forge immortal weapons and armor in under ten minutes. I can refine thousands of pills from a single batch of herbs in moments. I hold cultivation methods your sect has lost. Tell them well, Elder Xu."
The envoy bowed stiffly, his face pale. "I will return with their answer."
He stumbled from the chamber, and the moment he was alone, he pulled the orb into his hand. It glowed faintly, storing every word, every display. His lips curled in a trembling smile. "Proof… undeniable proof…"
But inside the hall, Haotian leaned back, arms folded, his golden eyes gleaming with quiet amusement.
Hook. Line. And sinker.
He had seen the orb. He had expected it. He had planned it.
Everything was falling into place.