Chapter 473: The Weight of the World

Chapter 473: The Weight of the World

On the massive stone platform, an eerie silence prevailed.

The powerful cultivators stared at the three Sage Sovereigns in disbelief.

No one could fathom that these three, who had ruled over the world for thousands of years and were revered by countless people, could be so easily overwhelmed.

Meng Dian and his group, despite being Golden Core Immortals, had managed to pressure the three Sage Sovereigns with their mere aura, forcing them to retreat repeatedly.

Although Meng Dian and his companions were Golden Core Immortals, the three Sage Sovereigns had also survived the Thunder Tribulation and entered the Golden Core Realm.

Meng Dian's words, in particular, sent shockwaves through the crowd.

Everyone's attention was now fixed on the three Sage Sovereigns, eager to hear their response.

"Big Brother, I've said it before. We can't hide from them. The keen perception of the Golden Core Realm's Divine Soul is something we're both well aware of.

It's just that the Foundation Establishment Perfection puppet clone is still unable to completely conceal itself from their senses."

At this moment, the Third Sage Sovereign suddenly spoke up.

"We must always give it a try."

The First Sage Sovereign shook his head.

Initially, he had intended to test the waters, but now it seemed that even the Golden Core Realm's spiritual awareness couldn't be deceived.

Their conversation immediately caused a stir among the crowd.

The words of the two Sage Sovereigns were clear; they were indirectly acknowledging Meng Dian's statement.

Indeed, the true bodies of these three were unable to leave the Holy Mountain, and the ones before them were merely puppet clones.

This revelation, which some had already suspected and even confirmed, surprised even the representatives from the three Secret Realms.

The cultivators from the Green Sheep Temple and the Cloud Water Secret Realm, who had maintained their composure throughout the Holy Assembly, now showed signs of astonishment.

Even when Meng Dian and his group joined forces, their expressions remained calm, as if everything was going according to plan.

But now, even they couldn't hide their surprise.

"They actually admitted it. What are these three up to?"

The representatives from the three Secret Realms were perplexed.

With this revelation, the three Sage Sovereigns had essentially exposed their weakness. How could they maintain their authority and ensure the smooth continuation of the Holy Assembly?

Indeed, upon hearing the words of the First and Third Sage Sovereigns, Meng Dian and his group couldn't hide their delight.

"Senior Sage Sovereigns, this is rather unfair of you. For such a significant event as the Holy Assembly, you only sent puppet clones. This is a bit too perfunctory, isn't it?" Meng Dian looked at the three Sage Sovereigns with a mix of amusement and disdain.

"If you wish to see our true bodies, it's simple. Just come to the Holy Mountain. But do you dare?" The Third Sage Sovereign spoke calmly.

Meng Dian and his group hesitated.

To be honest, they didn't dare.

These three ancient monsters had secluded themselves on the Holy Mountain for a thousand years.

Undoubtedly, they had fortified the mountain, making it an impregnable fortress, and with the mountain's mystical properties, who knew what powers they could wield.

With such a strategic advantage, even with their numerical superiority, escape might not be guaranteed.

"Hmph, Big Brother knows how timid you are. That's why he chose the Holy City, not the Holy Mountain, as the venue for the Holy Assembly.

Otherwise, with your meager courage, you might not have dared to come at all."

The Third Sage Sovereign cultivated the Sword Dao, and his personality mirrored the straightness of a sword, making his words equally direct.

Confronting the arrogant Meng Dian and his group, he showed no courtesy.

Seeing their expressions, he couldn't help but mock them.

"You..."

Meng Dian was taken aback. He hadn't expected the Third Sage Sovereign, also a Golden Core Immortal, to be so blunt. His face flushed with anger.

However, with his profound cultivation, he quickly calmed his anger, and his expression returned to its usual tranquility.

"It seems the Third Sage Sovereign still hasn't grasped the situation.

Since you've admitted that your true bodies are unable to leave the Holy Mountain and have only sent clones,

it's inappropriate for you to continue presiding over this Holy Assembly.

With your current strength, it's unlikely that you can command respect anymore."

"If our strength is insufficient, then whose strength is sufficient, Meng Daoist friend?" The Third Sage Sovereign continued his mockery.

"If fellow cultivators trust in Meng's abilities, I won't decline. As I said before, among cultivators, strength is paramount.

With the recent changes in the world and the revival of Essence Qi, not only has the righteous path flourished, but there are also signs of a resurgence in the demonic and evil paths.

Since the true bodies of the three Sage Sovereigns are trapped and unable to travel,

it will be challenging for them to deter the petty villains in the future.

Therefore, I believe that the Holy Mountain is no longer suitable as the leader of our righteous alliance.

With this Holy Assembly, I propose we elect a new, suitable sect to lead the righteous path."

Meng Dian's words sent shockwaves through the crowd.

It was clear that once he confirmed the three Sage Sovereigns' true bodies were unable to leave the Holy Mountain, he decided to reveal his true intentions.

This is a direct attempt to seize control of the Holy Mountain and overthrow them from their position as the leader of the righteous path.

"A suitable sect, as you say, could it be your Guiyuan Zong?" The third Sage Sovereign coldly chuckled.

"If my Guiyuan Zong can suppress all others, then even if we become the leader of the righteous path, what's wrong with that?" Sheng Dian spoke with pride.

At the same time, a powerful aura emerged from his body, and the overwhelming pressure of his Golden Core suppressed everyone present.

Surprisingly, he seemed to be suppressing the auras of other Golden Core Realm experts.

The Golden Core cultivators from other sects felt the sudden increase in pressure from Sheng Dian, and their faces slightly changed.

They realized that Sheng Dian made them feel a sense of palpitations.

"What has Sheng Dian obtained to have such a powerful treasure?"

Even the Golden Core cultivators from the Green Sheep Temple and the Yun Shui Mijing felt a sense of gravity.

According to their intelligence, Sheng Dian had only survived the Heavenly Tribulation half a year ago.

Logically, even if he had accumulated strength, it shouldn't be possible for him to be this powerful.

If he truly had such terrifying talent, the Guiyuan Zong would not have been just one of the major sects in the Central Province, but the strongest sect.

The only explanation was that he had obtained a powerful treasure from somewhere.

Only with the blessing of this treasure could he unleash such a terrifying aura.

"No wonder Sheng Dian is so confident. At the beginning of the Holy Assembly, he repeatedly challenged the Holy Mountain. It turns out he has such reliance."

Everyone suddenly realized the truth.

Earlier, they had thought that Sheng Dian was too hasty.

The Holy Assembly had just begun, and nothing had been discussed, yet he directly provoked the three Sage Sovereigns.

It turned out that he had enough confidence to want to seize control of the Holy Mountain before the formal start of the Holy Assembly.

Seeing everyone intimidated by his aura, Sheng Dian felt a sense of exhilaration that was indescribable.

The mysterious energy within his body circulated even faster.

He stared directly at the opposite side, and the aura emanating from his body became increasingly terrifying: "Three Sage Sovereigns, what do you think of my proposal?"

Facing Sheng Dian's increasingly fierce aura, the first Sage Sovereign's expression didn't change much.

He sighed: "Actually, as long as one's virtue is sufficient, anyone can take the position of the leader of the righteous path. We of the Holy Mountain are not overly concerned about this.

As long as the sect that assumes this position can prioritize the well-being of all living beings in the world and lead the righteous path,

even if we of the Holy Mountain give up this position, what's the harm?"

Everyone was shocked by these words.

The first Sage Sovereign was willing to abdicate and let another sect lead the righteous path? Even Sheng Dian hadn't expected such an answer from the first Sage Sovereign.

Sheng Dian narrowed his eyes: "So, the Holy Mountain is willing to step down and yield the position?"

"Yes, the old man just said that as long as a sect can prioritize the well-being of all living beings in the world, the Holy Mountain will willingly give up this position and honor them as the leader of the righteous path." The first Sage Sovereign spoke decisively.

Hearing the first Sage Sovereign's straightforward response, Sheng Dian was caught off guard.

He looked at the first Sage Sovereign with uncertainty, only to find that not only was the first Sage Sovereign's expression calm, but the other two Sage Sovereigns also had peaceful expressions, as if they completely agreed with the first Sage Sovereign's words.

The other sect forces felt the same.

In their opinion, the Holy Mountain had convened this Holy Assembly because the three Sage Sovereigns were unwilling to accept the changes in the world and wanted to regain control.

But now it seemed that this wasn't the case.

So, the three of us old fellows, like a thousand years ago, wanted to convene a Sheng Hui.

Inviting all the sects under heaven, we wanted to discuss and establish some rules together.

We hope that in the future, if there are any disputes, you will try to restrain yourselves and avoid the places where commoners reside.

Have compassion and do not treat the lives of the commoners as insignificant ants, trampling them at will."

The First Sage spoke with a solemn tone, his words slow and deliberate.

His words shook the hearts of everyone present.

For a moment, they were all speechless, just staring blankly at the three figures in the center of the giant stone platform.

The First Sage then turned to Sheng Dian and said, "Fellow Daoist Meng, you asked earlier, how do we prioritize the welfare of the common people?"

"Our three old men have simple requirements. If your Guiyuan Sect wants to lead the righteous path, it's quite simple. When you ended your relationship: You ensured that cultivators would not harm ordinary people without reason and gave the commoners a chance to live.

Just like what the Holy Mountain has been doing for a thousand years, we three old men will recognize your Guiyuan Sect as the leader, and there's nothing wrong with that!"

The First Sage's final words were firm and resolute, leaving everyone with a strong impression.

Everyone felt that if Meng Dian dared to nod, this elder would truly recognize the Guiyuan Sect as the leader of the righteous path.

But would Meng Dian dare to nod? He wanted to.

However, under everyone's watchful eyes, his neck inexplicably stiffened.

His face turned pale, and he couldn't bring himself to nod.

"These three are actually only concerned about the common people?"

An old Daoist with black hair and beard, located at the Green Sheep Temple, exclaimed in surprise.

Even he hadn't expected that the reason for the three Sages convening the Sheng Hui was genuinely as they had stated in their invitation.

It was for the welfare of the common people, giving them a glimmer of hope.

"The Green Sheep Temple's demeanor pales in comparison to the Holy Mountain."

Beside the black-bearded Daoist, a white-haired, fair-faced Daoist sighed.

Before coming, he had also pondered the intentions of the three Sages.

Now it seemed that he, the master of the Green Sheep Temple, had misjudged their intentions.

"These three old fellows are actually only concerned about the common people?"

In the Yun Shui Mystic Realm, a figure revealed a look of astonishment.

"Indeed, these three are truly benevolent people. No wonder they have earned the favor of the esteemed one."

Han Ling Shuang from the Coldwater Palace also smiled.

When she hosted a banquet for Lu Qing, they had discussed the Holy Mountain.

During the conversation, Lu Qing expressed admiration for the three Sages.

Now she finally understood the reason.

As for the other sects and powers, it goes without saying.

They never expected that the true purpose of the three Sages convening the Sheng Hui would be this.

Unconsciously, everyone's gaze fell upon Meng Dian.

The First Sage's intention was clear.

As long as the Guiyuan Sect promised to prioritize the welfare of the common people, the Holy Mountain would step down and yield its position.

They wanted to see if Meng Dian dared to accept.

Feeling the surrounding gazes, even as a Golden Core Realm cultivator, Meng Dian's body stiffened for a moment.

As for the other Guiyuan Sect disciples beside him, they were like sitting on pins and needles.

For a moment, they all became restless.

"He actually turned the situation around?"

On the Holy Mountain, Lu Qing used his divine soul perception to "observe" the situation in the Holy City.

With his cultivation level and abilities, no one could detect his prying.

Initially, when he saw the First Sage and the others being forced to retreat by Meng Dian and the other Golden Core Realm cultivators, and their true identities being revealed, he thought the First Sage and his group had fallen into a disadvantageous position with no chance of recovery.

Unexpectedly, the First Sage's sudden retreat and advance move not only dissolved Meng Dian's aggressive momentum but also put the entire Guiyuan Sect in a difficult position.

With this, if Meng Dian answered carelessly, the Guiyuan Sect's reputation might suffer.

"Impressive!"

Lu Qing couldn't help but admire the First Sage.

Indeed, he was a leader who had led the world for a thousand years; his skills were far beyond Lu Qing's.

"However, Sage Elder, some things are not solely within one's control, and there will always be unexpected events that defy logic."

As Lu Qing sensed the aura on Meng Dian, a meaningful expression appeared on his face.

At that moment, a hint of black energy also emerged from Meng Dian's eyes in the Holy City below.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end