The Peerless Emperor

The map displayed on the screen covered a substantial area, engulfed in a golden radiance, stirring a special emotion in the hearts of those in the Council Hall.

Such a territory within the Trial Land already constituted a significant portion during such discussions.

It was only now that they realized the one thousand cities here had all been conquered by Lin Qian in the beginning.

The crowd experienced an epiphany, finally understanding why, when they tried to take cities within this domain, they would always find that someone had beaten them to it.

But now, as they regarded such a vast region, they felt nothing but pride.

This expansive land was all theirs, the Huaxia Alliance's, and indeed, they were remarkable.

However, the crowd had not noticed that, after joining the Huaxia Alliance, their faith in Alliance Hierarch Lin Qian had gradually become more profound.

The influence of his Talent with Kingly Aura began to take effect subtly.

The Kingly Aura, imperceptibly, shifted their thoughts towards loyalty to Lin Qian.

Such a primary Talent, with effects against the natural order, was truly formidable!

Lin Qian once again carefully outlined his thoughts to everyone, also detailing the modified strength and effects of the Array, which everyone saw clearly and unequivocally.

With this demonstration, his words carried even more persuasion.

Many had originally heard of the enhanced effects of the Array and were skeptical, daring to launch an attack themselves, only to be shocked to discover that indeed the Array's strength had greatly improved.

"Now, our territory is thoroughly consolidated, and what we must do next is expand the Huaxia Alliance's Territory, constantly nibbling away at other cities."

As Lin Qian regarded the crowd, a confident smile appeared on his face, "In fact, regardless of whether others acknowledge it or not, the strongest in the entire Trial Land is our Huaxia Alliance. Didn't the proud scions of the Overlord Alliance, the outstanding talents who ranked third and fourth last time, flee at the slightest sign of trouble?"

"Ha ha ha..."

The laughter broke out loud and proud within the Council Hall as they digested his words.

Before the trials began, who didn't recognize the great name of the Overlord Alliance? Their seniors had warned them repeatedly to avoid conflicts with the Overlord Alliance, to remain disciplined and strive for a good ranking to enter the Sea Spiral Holy Institute.

Now, the very rivals they were instructed to handle with care turned tail and ran from them, which was truly amusing.

"However, we must become stronger, capture more cities, and bring more brothers into the Huaxia Alliance until we become unstoppable."

"Then, like the Overlord Alliance, we'll conduct internal trials to determine the rankings. Of course, as I've promised before, your positions will be awarded directly, without the need for further internal competition."

After Lin Qian finished speaking, one of the Trialists stood up and inquired, "Alliance Hierarch, shall we continue to move in groups to directly seize the remaining cities and reform their Arrays?"

To this, Lin Qian chuckled and shook his head, "Not exactly, you all know that marks are a wonderful thing."

"Besides, it would be a waste if we all focused on the same task, wouldn't it?"

Speaking up to this point, Lin Qian paused and held up three fingers to the crowd, "Actually, there are three strategic directions for the future actions of the Huaxia Alliance, among which everyone can choose."

"The first is to defend the cities. Within each city, defenders will receive marks every seven days, making this a very comfortable method to accumulate marks."

"Twenty people can defend each city, and right now, many positions within these one thousand cities are vacant."

As Lin Qian said this, many were tempted. They preferred a life of ease. And indeed, many were naturally suited for defense, lacking somewhat in offensive capabilities.

"The second option is to slay Soul Soldiers and Soul Beasts to harvest marks. I'm sure many of you have found this profitable recently."

"Moreover, you've realized that with a considerable number of people, dealing with these Soul Soldiers and Soul Beasts is easy."

Many nodded in agreement upon hearing this, as quite a few had indeed acquired many marks by slaying Soul Soldiers and Soul Beasts.

They knew that marks were as good as currency in the Sea Spiral Holy Institute, exchangeable for many valuable items.

Even using marks to exchange for planets as their own Territory within the Sea Spiral Holy Institute.

For the new apprentices, this trial period is an excellent opportunity to earn marks.

"The third path is to continue conquests, capturing cities. You know that conquering cities also awards marks."

"Likewise, defeating other Trialists yields marks, and any Soul Soldiers and Soul Beasts encountered along the way contribute additional income from marks," Lin Qian said gravely. "However, you're also aware that with opportunity comes risk. Those who set out to capture other cities must be ready to face greater dangers."

"So, which of these three paths will you choose?"

Lin Qian presented the upcoming directions to the crowd, leaving them to discuss their next steps.

Yet those present were not indecisive fools; in a short time, they had determined their respective paths.

The number opting to defend cities was just right, not too many.

Those who stayed to kill Soul Beasts and Soul Soldiers were also just a handful, predominantly those skilled at slaughtering in the wilds and who had area-of-effect soul skills.

"Few" was relative to the overall number, though.

In fact, the crowd was more rational than Lin Qian had anticipated; everyone chose the path that suited them best, where they could fully utilize their capabilities.

After all, they were all exceptional talents from various regions of the Sea Spiral Star Domain; how could they lack such discernment?

Having given his instructions, Lin Qian was about to say something more when suddenly, the world spun, and he disappeared from the spot.

The abrupt vanishing of Lin Qian left the crowd gaping in astonishment.

It wasn't just them; when the people in the palace noticed Lin Qian's disappearance, they were struck with alarm, but their minds soon received a message assuring them not to worry.

Merely an hour later, Lin Qian reappeared at the original spot, easing the agitated minds of those who were anxiously awaiting him in the Council Hall.

Yet they found Lin Qian's expression odd, and he seemed at a loss for words.

"Truly, it's as if I've seen a ghost," Lin Qian finally sighed helplessly, shaking his head after a long pause.