The restoration work on the "Zhou Tian Star Formation" proceeded at the "Myriad Phenomena Formation Derivation Platform" in a brisk and methodical manner. Though progress was slow, the basic formation framework and core principles had begun to take shape. Simultaneously, however, another equally thorny, even more sensitive issue gradually surfaced and quickly sparked enormous turmoil and heated debate within the high levels of the Three Realms Alliance.
Three hundred and sixty-five primary formation positions!
This was not merely indispensable core nodes for the formation's operation, but represented power, honor, and... postwar status and voice in affairs!
Cultivators selected for the primary formation positions would be recognized by the alliance, and their affiliated powers would have made core contributions to the ultimate battle against the demonic entity. This credentials, in postwar resource division, sphere of influence delineation, and even the alliance's future power structure, would be a heavy political asset.
News spread like winged feet throughout the major alliance powers. Under the calm surface, undercurrents began surging.
At the alliance headquarters, the Supreme Council Chamber. The atmosphere was no longer the unity of before, but filled with intangible smoke of war.
"...According to preliminary calculations, the primary formation positions must correspond to Zhou Tian primary star attributes, with strict requirements on the cultivator's spirit roots, cultivation methods, and even soul traits." Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, responsible for initial screening, stood before the massive star map sand table, his expression calm but with a barely concealable exhaustion in his brow. These past days, the pressure he had borne far exceeded ordinary imagination.
His words had barely fallen when the patriarch of an ancient Central Plains clan, "House Xuan Yuan," stroked his beard and spoke, his voice sonorous and carrying an undeniable tone: "My House Xuan Yuan has inherited the ancient 'Purple Tenuity Star Art,' most suited to the Central Palace's North Pole Purple Tenuity star position. One of the core primary positions belongs to my House by right."
"Hmph!" On the other side, the palace master of a southern frontier major sect, "Departing Fire Divine Palace," dressed in flame-patterned robes, snorted coldly. "The Purple Tenuity position is the emperor star, concerning the formation's central stability. How could it be determined simply by one sect's techniques alone? My Departing Fire Divine Palace also possesses the 'Great Sun Burning Heaven Art,' capable of drawing upon the true fire of the sun, majestic and orthodox. We are not unqualified to command this position!"
"The Sun star position has its own dependents. How could it be confused with Purple Tenuity?" Xuan Yuan's patriarch retorted.
"Gentlemen, please remain calm." A sea clan prince, clad in blue scales, his voice like waves crashing on the shore, interjected. "The Zhou Tian stars extend far beyond Purple Tenuity and the Sun. My East Sea Dragon Clan, having bathed in starlight for generations, has unparalleled insight into the 'Azure Dragon Seven Mansions.' These seven primary positions should rightly be commanded by our clan's cultivators."
"The Azure Dragon Seven Mansions are indeed important, but my Western Desert 'White Tiger Monitor Soldier Mansion' has unmatched control over the 'White Tiger Seven Mansions' baleful energy!" A golden-robed elderradiating sharp killing intent spoke in a deep voice. He was the leader of a Western Desert body-cultivation major sect.
"There is also my Northern Wastes 'Xuan Ming Sect,' with considerable expertise in the Xuan Ice dao of the 'Black Tortoise Seven Mansions'..."
"And my Southern Forests 'Vermillion Bird Pavilion,' having served the Southern Brightness Separation Fire for generations, with the closest resonance to the 'Vermillion Bird Seven Mansions'..."
In an instant, arguments erupted throughout the hall. Major human sects and families fought bitterly over core star positions; several demon clan Great Sages emphasized certain stars' connections to ancient demon bloodlines, demanding corresponding primary positions; the sea clan, relying on their unique resonance with tides and some stars, claimed positions near water-element stars.
Every primary formation position became a prize each faction fought for jealously. Patriarchs, family heads, and Great Sages who usually appeared dignified and otherworldly, now foughtfiercely for their respective factions' interests, almost turning this solemn council chamber into a common marketplace.
"Enough!"
A cold, clear drink, like cold spring water flowing past, instantly suppressed all the noise. Everyone looked to see Mu Xue, who had been silently observing, slowly rise to her feet. She radiated a chilling cold aura, her gaze sweeping across everyone present, carrying a barely perceptible disappointment.
"Have gentlemen forgotten why we gathered here?" Her voice was not loud, yet it clearly entered each person's ears. "It is to oppose the demonic entity, for the survival of the Three Realms! The Zhou Tian Star Formation is the blade for slaying demons, the ark for saving the world—not a chip for you to scheme for power and profit!"
She pointed to the massive star map sand table, on which each star's phantom and corresponding primary position requirements were marked: "Every primary formation position concerns the formation's final might, this battle's victory or defeat, the life and death of billions of beings! If personal motives cause the unsuitable to occupy their positions, leading to diminished formation power or even operational collapse, who will bear this responsibility? What can your behind-the-scenes sects and clans gain from a lost war?"
Mu Xue's words, like ice water pouring over their heads, sobered many who had fallen into heated argument, shame flickering across their faces.
But interests moved hearts. Not everyone could be persuaded by a single speech.
An elder from a sect renowned for divining heavenly secrets, stroking his goatee, said leisurely: "What Mu Xue the Immortal says is certainly reasonable. However, the formation's operation also requires people to command it. If candidates cannot satisfy all parties,,they will be in chaos before the battle begins, how can the formation's might be fully realized? Proper balance and consideration are also necessary."
This argument seemed fair on the surface, but was still vying for discourse power for its own faction.
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng's brow furrowed tightly. Forcibly suppressing the arguments with the Alliance Master's authority, though it could temporarily quell disputes, would inevitably plant hidden troubles, affecting subsequent cooperation and morale.
Just then, Tang Xiao Qi, who had been eyes closed as if in repose, seemingly deaf to thethe ongoing argument, slowly opened his eyes.
He did not look at the arguing faction representatives, but turned his gaze to Senior Brother, speaking calmly, his voice not loud yet carrying an irresistibly decisive force that instantly drew everyone's attention:
"I convey the Alliance Master's Order."
The entire hall fell silent instantly, so quiet a needle dropping could be heard.
"The selection of the three hundred and sixty-five primary formation positions for the Zhou Tian Star Formation shall not consider origin or background—only talent shall be recognized! The formation masters at the 'Myriad Phenomena Formation Derivation Platform' shall jointly establish assessment standards, establishing the 'Star Trial.' All Nascent Soul stage cultivators, regardless of clan or sect, may sign up to participate. Selection shall be based on understanding of formation dao, resonance with stars, purity of spiritual energy, and firmness of will—selecting the best!"
He paused, his gaze sweeping across everyone present for the first time—calm, yet carrying the unique pressure of a Spirit Transformation cultivator, causing everyone who met his eyes to feel their hearts tighten.
"This battle concerns survival—do not treat it as child's play. If there is any favoritism, obstruction, or sabotage, regardless of identity, it shall be deemed betrayal of the alliance and executed without mercy!"
"As for after the war..." Xiao Qi's voice slowed, yet carried heavier weight. "Merit and fault will have fair judgment. Those who achieve merit in this battle, the alliance will not mistreat. But if anyone now only thinks about what comes after the war, disregarding the overall situation... then don't blame me for being merciless!"
His words fell, an intangible killing intent permeating the entire hall.
The faction representatives who had been scheming for power and profit now cowered. They suddenly, clearly realized that the young Alliance Master seated at the head was not merely a nominal leader, but a Spirit Transformation True Lord with absolute power and unwavering resolve! In the face of the ultimate threat, any internal calculations were as laughable and fragile as themselves.
The contest for candidates, the battle of interests, under Xiao Qi's iron-fisted rule and indisputable rules, was forcefully drawn to a close.
Next would be the "Star Trial" where only real ability would speak!