Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2047.5- I have more (4)

"We are a neutral camp..."

Kelan Su attempted a defense, yet his voice dwindled, becoming almost inaudible.

Without even a semblance of rebuttal, Ye Zhongming let out two cold sneers, causing the face of the clan's primary heir, which had just regained some color, to flush once more.

The term "neutral" might deceive the common races of the cosmos, but for the elite members of supermajor clans, the truth was starkly apparent.

While the Su Clan presented an aloof demeanor, appearing to float above the fray between the two dominant camps, the reality was a constant, subtle pressure exerted by both sides.

Should the Reina Star and Huo'er Star camps not be locked in their own intense, bloody rivalries, the Su Clan likely would have been eradicated long ago when their adversaries had the free time to focus their attention.

Ye Zhongming grasped this truth with utmost clarity. Just as Earth had its neutral nations, which ultimately faded into insignificance, barely more than quiet zones for larger powers to air their disputes, so too did the concept translate to the cosmic stage.

Of all the cosmic realms, Starshine City seemed a far more fitting locale for such a purpose. What, in essence, was the Su Clan in comparison?

"The Su Clan's progress has stagnated over the years. You might perceive a general decline in the collective strength of the cosmic races, but have you observed the accelerating advancements of the supermajor and major clans? Their pace of development is remarkably swift."

"Have you considered the true might accumulated by those major clans you so readily dismiss? If their hidden forces were unleashed, to what standing would your Su Clan be relegated?"

Though Ye Zhongming's delivery lacked overt passion, his pointed remarks, striking at the heart of their clan's vulnerabilities, left every Su Clan member feeling a profound sense of shame coupled with unsettling apprehension.

It wasn't an immediate capitulation or a sudden acknowledgment of Ye Zhongming's claims. After all, individuals in positions of power and intellect tend to harbor a strong sense of self-assurance, bordering on stubbornness, placing immense faith in their own assessments.

However, this marked the inaugural instance where the notion of the Su Clan's "underperformance" was publicly laid bare before them.

"Have you noticed, or perhaps overlooked, the recent decrease in conflicts between the two primary factions? The cosmos appears remarkably tranquil. You might attribute this lull to factors like the nutrient waves. But consider it from another perspective: regardless of the underlying cause, doesn't this newfound calm grant the major camps ample time and resources? And if so, wouldn't their attention inevitably turn towards you?"

Noticing the intent to speak in several faces, Ye Zhongming preempted them. "Very well, if you remain unconvinced the major camps would target you, allow me to shift the perspective. Each nutrient wave inflicts a significant toll on the vitality of the cosmic races. In their efforts to mitigate these losses or compensate for them, might the two dominant factions seek out other races to absorb and replenish their numbers? I struggle to imagine a more suitable candidate than the Su Clan's territory."

"Do we truly appear so easily intimidated?"

An elder, his voice resonating with indignation, felt Ye Zhongming utterly underestimated the Su Clan's standing.

"Indeed, you present an image of being easily intimidated, and that perception holds true," Ye Zhongming responded calmly.

"No, you are not merely perceived as easily intimidated; you genuinely are."

This time, even Jie Su couldn't help but roll his eyes at Ye Zhongming's blunt assertion.

"Should the two major camps decide to act, their focus would rationally avoid their own allies or direct rivals. This leaves which groups? Certain lesser races, too insignificant to sate even a minor craving, the Taros Red Dwarves, and your Su Clan. Now, tell me, when compared to the Taros Red Dwarves, are you not the more palatable target?"

At this pronouncement, a heavy silence descended upon the Su Clan contingent.

"Even if direct aggression is avoided, what if they exert pressure on your allied races? Would you dare to challenge the might of the two dominant powers? To state it plainly, facing even a single supermajor clan, without the bastion of Su City, your clan would undoubtedly face utter devastation... Do not rush to refute this; ponder it carefully."

Ye Zhongming gestured towards his temple.

Objectively speaking, Ye Zhongming's entire line of reasoning was predicated on the hypothetical scenario of the two super-factions actively moving against the Su Clan. This was, naturally, a bold conjecture on his part and that of his associates, representing the most vulnerable point should scrutiny arise.

However, he deliberately accelerated his delivery, steering the conversation directly towards the Su Clan's potential responses. Thus, as long as the members of the Su Clan began to seriously contemplate this critical issue, his objective for the day would be considered half-accomplished.

Instinctively, all life forms seek to avert disaster. Even when Ye Zhongming merely voiced his speculation about a potential crisis, the individuals present began to subconsciously devise countermeasures.

"My approach is to always anticipate the absolute worst-case scenario, and I believe the Su Clan should adopt a similar mindset. Preparing for danger during times of peace is a timeless principle, sound in any situation."

Ye Zhongming's tone shifted, becoming notably more placid.

"I understand that neither I, nor the Star-Eye Clan, possess the authority to dictate terms to the Su Clan. However, the shared nature of this looming crisis grants us the platform to stand together."

"Very well, I concede that your reasoning holds merit," the leader from the family of the first heir stated coolly. "But should our Su Clan indeed face such an eventuality, what exactly can you, or the Star-Eye Clan you represent, offer us? I genuinely cannot identify a single domain where your strength surpasses our own!"

A smile touched Ye Zhongming's lips. "You believe there is nothing?"

Unhurriedly, the Cloud Peak King began retrieving items from his spatial storage.

He first placed a small, unassuming box upon the table.

"Kindly open it and examine its contents."

Witnessing Ye Zhongming's air of unwavering confidence, the Su Clan members found themselves increasingly perplexed. Even Jie Su was entirely unaware of his close friend's intentions.

Kelan Su moved to retrieve the box, but Ye Zhongming gently intervened. "Perhaps it would be best if you didn't; you likely wouldn't comprehend its significance."

At this remark, Kelan Su’s thoughts turned to a desire to see Ye Zhongming dead.

Instead, Huo Zhi, an elder with an external surname, stepped forward. He took the box, revealed its contents, and after an initial look of bewilderment, his expression transformed into one of sheer ecstasy.

Casting all pretense aside, he immediately handed the box over to Yaohan Su.

"Clan Leader, cast your gaze upon this..."

Huo Zhi, a man seldom seen losing his composure, had clearly been profoundly affected. The others, observing his reaction, were filled with curiosity about what could possibly elicit such a response.

Yaohan Su regarded his trusted subordinate with a peculiar expression before opening the box himself. The moment he looked inside, he shot to his feet abruptly.

This development finally stirred the occupants of the room from their seats. An object capable of causing two individuals to relinquish their composure so completely had to be something of immense importance. Consequently, they instantly converged around the table.

Kelan Su, positioned nearby, caught a glimpse as Huo Zhi opened the box. However, just as Ye Zhongming had predicted, he was utterly unable to identify the item.

The other elders, however, were a different story. After their initial inspection, they drew ever closer, until eventually, more than a dozen heads were practically crammed together.

Ye Zhongming observed the scene with a leisured air from the periphery. "I possess more..." he stated calmly.