Chapter 293 Wang Jian's Celebratory Banquet And Sinister Intentions
"Nice job stirring up quite the turbulence with your use of large scale Spatial Element, Jiang Chen," Angel Eleanor quipped with a sly smile, her celestial presence bearing an air of confidence.
Across the shifting sands, Angel Abigail's words followed, each syllable dripping with an eerie calmness. "Indeed, it's quite convenient that you've assembled your little army in one place. It saves us the trouble of hunting each of you down individually."
Her statement was punctuated by a subtle yet profound action—an artifact activated, manifesting a faint, golden-hued cubic barrier around the Angels. To the untrained eye, it might have seemed insignificant, a mere play of light. Yet, only Jiang Chen possessed the senses to discern the true potency residing within this barrier.
The barrier was a manifestation of Angelic power, a Saint Realm Angelic Barrier woven with threads of Angelic Qi. Its purpose was clear—any devil attempting to breach its confines would face a purification beyond comprehension. Both body and soul would be enveloped in an intense Angelic Qi, snuffing out the very essence of their demonic existence.
Even Jiang Chen would find his very being extinguished if he dared to cross it.
As the gravity of the situation settled upon him, Jiang Chen's mind raced. A solution presented itself—the barrier's creator had to be neutralized.
It was a straightforward tactic, tried and tested, yet Jiang Chen's heart quickened as he recognized the formidable challenge that lay ahead.
The Angel who had conjured this barrier was no ordinary adversary. She stood as a Saint Realm Angel, a pinnacle of celestial might.
Her grip on a multitude of holy weapons spoke of meticulous preparation, a declaration that the Angelic Sky City had mobilized its forces in full anticipation of this confrontation.
Jiang Chen's mind churned, his thoughts a storm of strategy and calculation. As the desert winds whipped around him, he found himself locked in a high-stakes game, pitted against celestial forces of unwavering resolve.
As Jiang Chen's subordinates engaged in a fierce clash against the Celestial Angels, a different tapestry of events began to weave itself in the Southern Region of the Continent.
Within this lush expanse, five distinct Empires held sway. Although their territories were smaller compared to the vast expanses of the Western Deserts, the Southern Region was teeming with life—forests sprawled like emerald blankets, and bustling cities were home to thriving communities. The dense population within each Empire translated into a formidable assembly of experts under the banner of each Royal Family, dwarfing the forces found within the Western Deserts.
Yet, this abundance was counterbalanced by the resilience, power, and distinctive abilities of the experts found within the Western Deserts.
The pendulum of advantage swung both ways, a balance maintained by the unique strengths of each region.
As the events unfolded, a new player entered the stage—the formidable Barbarian Race. Emerging from the shadows, this race had begun their onslaught upon the Empires that lay in the vicinity of their Ruthless Barbarian Immortal Dominion.
In the face of this newfound threat, Wang Jian's Everlasting Mystical Empire stood firm, repelling the Barbarian Race's onslaught.
However, the same couldn't be said for the remaining four Empires, who found themselves grappling with the relentless assaults of the Barbarian Race.
The Empire facing the most severe brunt of this assault was none other than the Golden Sun Empire.
The three remaining Empires—Jade Sea Empire, Ebon Star Ascendancy, and Amber Horizon Dynasty—were not immune to this tide of upheaval either. Each grappled with its own share of challenges and trials, their landscapes painted with the vivid hues of conflict and change.
The Southern Region, once a realm of stability and prosperity, now quaked under the pressure of an impending storm.
In a pivotal juncture of uncertainty, the leaders of the four embattled Empires converged upon the Everlasting Mystical Empire, seeking the guidance and aid of Wang Jian. Their motives were laid bare, a desperate plea for assistance in the face of an encroaching storm.
Yet, beneath the surface of their apparent cooperation, a web of complexity thrived. The rulers, well aware of Wang Jian's half-devil lineage, were hesitant to entreat his aid.
However, circumstances left them with little choice. The Empires and sects they would have turned to for support were themselves entrenched in battles of their own, waging war against the myriad races that had risen to challenge their dominion.
Across the vast expanse of the continent, conflict reigned supreme. The Northern Mountain Range quaked with the clash between the Dwarven Race and the human empires.
In the heart of the Central Region, the Devil Race launched their own relentless offensive on the sects.
The Eastern Seas Region, usually serene, churned with strife as Sea Monsters surged in their pursuit of supremacy.
In the distant Western Deserts, Giants clashed against a tide of adversity. And now, in the very Southern Region, the Barbarian Race's might bore down upon beleaguered Empires.
Amidst this tumultuous panorama, the rulers found themselves ensnared in a maelstrom of war, their resources stretched thin, and their forces battered. In this dire moment, the Everlasting Mystical Empire emerged as a beacon of hope.
Wang Jian's leadership had proven effective against the Barbarian Race's onslaught, a glimmer of success amidst the chaos.
With a sense of urgency and an air of diplomacy, the delegation that had arrived at the Everlasting Mystical Empire carried with them an array of rare and precious gifts. These offerings, carefully selected, served as both a token of respect and an attempt to impress the ruler of the Everlasting Mystical Empire.
Their path led them to a secluded chamber, where a grand round table dominated the space, its circumference adorned with thrones that bespoke authority and command. Seated upon one such throne was Wang Jian himself, his presence a potent amalgamation of power and sagacity.
As the rulers of the other Empires entered, Wang Jian's gaze swept over them, a silent acknowledgment of their presence. His brows lifted in mild curiosity as a youthful figure caught his attention—an unexpected representative of the Golden Sun Empire, a realm whose foundations had been shaken by the onslaught orchestrated by Jiang Chen.
Understanding dawned upon Wang Jian as he pieced together the puzzle. The capital's devastation, the royal palace's ruin—these events had laid waste to the Golden Sun Empire's hierarchy, leaving only a handful of the Royal Family's descendants in their wake. The ensuing Battle of Succession had propelled this young individual, Julius, to seize the throne that now anchored his identity.
Silence reigned for a moment as Wang Jian assessed the assembly before him.
"I extend my warmest welcome to each of you within the embrace of my Empire," Wang Jian's voice resonated with genuine warmth, a hint of a smile gracing his lips as he addressed the assembled rulers.
"Indeed, Emperor Wang, our journey had been relatively smooth, save for a minor encounter with some barbarians along the way," Ivan Wyndham of the Ebon Star Ascendancy responded, his words laced with calm resilience.
"Let's cut to the chase, Emperor Wang," Tan Yusheng, the Ruler of the Jade Sea Empire, interjected, his tone direct and unwavering. "We've all traveled here with a single purpose—to seek your assistance."
And then it was Julius, the young face of the Golden Sun Empire, who added his voice to the conversation. "Your Empire's resilience against the barbarian onslaught has garnered our admiration. You've become a beacon of hope in these trying times. We implore you to extend your aid."
Amidst the chamber's hushed atmosphere, Wang Jian's expression remained composed. His gaze shifted from one ruler to another, absorbing the words that carried the weight of their Empires' futures.
"I appreciate your honesty and forthrightness," Wang Jian responded, his voice carrying a steadiness that echoed the depth of his commitment. "The tide of conflict sweeping across our lands demands unity, strategy, and strength. Your presence here signifies a shared understanding of the challenges that confront us all."
In a somber tone, Wang Jian's words carried a weight that mirrored the gravity of the situation. "I've given this matter extensive thought, consulting with my advisors, and I've arrived at a conclusion—we should forge a coalition."
Julius, displaying his characteristic curiosity, queried, "Could you provide more insight into the nature of this coalition?"
Wang Jian's response was composed, a reflection of his preparation for this very question. "This coalition will be founded on mutual benefit. We'll engage in resource trading and deploy experts to aid Empires struggling against the Barbarian Race. All the while, each Empire retains autonomy over its own domain. Furthermore, I propose the establishment of Teleportation Formations, enabling swift transfers of both experts and resources to our respective Empires."
The concept of preserving autonomy while effectively combating the barbarian threat resonated with all the rulers present, prompting unanimous agreement.
Wang Jian's next suggestion further solidified the pact's foundation. "For the leadership of this coalition, I propose a voting system. It ensures fairness and shared responsibility."
With unanimity in the air, the path forward became clear. Their collaboration, aimed at safeguarding their lands and defeating the looming darkness, was crystallizing into reality.
Julius, eager to know the next step, inquired, "When will the decision be made?"
Wang Jian responded promptly, his decisiveness evident. "The voting will transpire tomorrow at dusk within these chambers. Delaying serves no purpose, and a night's reflection should suffice to make your decision."
"Your approach is astute, Emperor Wang," Ivan Wyndham spoke with a sense of gratitude and calm acceptance.
The prospect of unity was enough to displace the gravity of their concerns, and Wang Jian, with his characteristic poise, ushered them forward, "Now, let's commemorate this turning point with a celebratory banquet."
The rulers followed Wang Jian into the banquet hall, where rare wines and exotic spirits flowed freely. Toasts were exchanged, and as the evening progressed, the effects of the revelry began to take hold.
Slowly, fatigue and drowsiness crept upon them, rendering them susceptible to slumber. In a seamless transition, their attendants led them away to their chambers.
Unbeknownst to the four rulers, amidst their weariness, their beautiful wives were nowhere to be seen.
Their obliviousness shielded them from the realization that their wives were sequestered in a concealed chamber, where Wang Jian's intentions took a sinister turn.