Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty! Chapter 1710 - 702: I Will Rule the Three Divine Countries
Previously on Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty!...
"Is this the Divine Mission?"
Gazing at the chromatic crystal before him, Qiu Tu's expression held a trace of bewilderment.
He had been informed by Zhao Ji that the "Divine Mission" was exceptionally beautiful, yet encountering it firsthand left him somewhat dazed.
Furthermore, he couldn't shake the feeling, whether it was a mere illusion or not, that the "beauty" of the "Divine Mission" emanated not just from its form, but also from the "World Rules" themselves.
With this thought, Qiu Tu couldn't resist a sweep of his gaze around.
Now holding a position as one of the paramount figures in the "Boundless Heart Sea," he made no move to conceal himself while accepting the "Divine Mission." Instead, he received it openly within his office.
Conveniently, his office boasted expansive floor-to-ceiling windows…
This configuration meant that the "Divine Mission," though physically present before him, was observed by the avian and insect life flitting about outside the glass.
Within the chamber, Man Huang, Tang Feifei, Rain Butterfly, Guan Xiao, Princess Xi, Li Feng, and Shu Xia all bore gazes that seemed slightly ensnared by the "Divine Mission."
Coupled with his own internal sense of disquiet, Qiu Tu felt a surge of clarity.
A treasure of this magnitude, irrespective of the viewer's race or power, would invariably recognize its own worth and develop an inherent desire to possess it.
"It becomes clear, then, that this world will not feature the 'Divine Mission' lying neglected,"
"For a genuine treasure is never left to languish."
"Even if a Deity were to descend and leave behind the 'Divine Mission,' it would inevitably be claimed by another, who would then pursue the path to divinity themselves."
Contemplating these points, Qiu Tu, following the method recently acquired from the "World Origin," carefully ingested the "Divine Mission" into his person.
As the "Divine Mission" was absorbed by him, the birds and insects outside the window seemed to snap back to awareness, slowly drifting away.
The individuals within the room likewise gradually regained their composure.
Tang Feifei, Rain Butterfly, Guan Xiao, Princess Xi, and Li Feng appeared unaffected; the women exchanged glances, their eyes returning to their normal clarity.
Man Huang and Shu Xia exhibited a slightly different reaction; they met each other's gaze, their eyes reflecting a mutual sense of envy, awe, and a touch of possessiveness.
Every being aspiring to reach godhood inherently harbors this desire, a primal instinct coded within their very essence.
Consequently, their composure faltered upon witnessing the "Divine Mission."
This was particularly true for Man Huang and Shu Xia, both late-stage Eighth Rank Great Evil Gods, mere steps away from achieving the capacity to assimilate such a boon.
Faced with such a profound temptation, their resolve naturally wavered.
However, they were also keenly aware that this "Divine Mission" was rightfully Qiu Tu's, earned through his own strenuous efforts.
Moreover, among the six quasi-deities, Qiu Tu's overall might ranked just below Zhao Ji. Even if they harbored covetous thoughts, it would be unwise to target the "Divine Mission" Qiu Tu possessed.
After all…. since the demise of the three Divine Kings, Qiu Tu had ascended to become the most formidable entity within the entirety of the "Boundless Heart Sea." Most factions were compelled to yield to his authority.
To remain beneath his notice was a blessing; to entertain designs against him would be utter folly, a wish for a drastically extended lifespan.
In a very real sense, the pair were currently quite fortunate. Fortunate, indeed, to stand aligned with Qiu Tu.
Had circumstances been different, they would likely be counted among those factions who had nearly shattered the very foundations of the Human Alliance.
At this juncture, as these thoughts occupied their minds, Qiu Tu broke his silence.
Whether stemming from his unshakeable confidence in his strength or a genuine regard for them as confidants, he did not dismiss them. Instead, he settled casually into a chair, looked upon the assembled individuals, and commenced a discussion regarding their present circumstances.
He stated, "The 'Divine Trial' has now reached its conclusion."
"All six 'Divine Missions' have found their rightful recipients."
"Our immediate objective must now be focused on development."
Qiu Tu paused after delivering this statement, then continued, "My proposal is this: since our focus is on development, we should integrate the Eastern, Western, and Northern territories into our dominion."
"This approach will allow us to rapidly augment our strength, and concurrently, swiftly re-establish order throughout the entire 'Boundless Heart Sea.'"
Upon hearing Qiu Tu's declaration, Tang Feifei, Rain Butterfly, Guan Xiao, Princess Xi, and Li Feng, well-acquainted with Qiu Tu's character and methods, displayed no discernible change in their expressions.
Man Huang and Shu Xia, however, found question marks materializing above their heads: ?
Was the pacification of the Three Great Nations considered 'steady development' in his book?
What then would constitute 'unsteady' development? Would it be the outright unification of the entire 'Boundless Heart Sea'?
Furthermore… the geopolitical landscape of the Three Great Nations remained intricate, even with the absence of the Three Divine Kings. How could Qiu Tu possibly stabilize it so swiftly?
As the pair pondered these questions, Qiu Tu resumed speaking.
His gaze settled upon Man Huang and Shu Xia. He then declared, "Man Huang, Shu Xia. I entrust the task of pacifying the 'Northern Country' to the two of you."
At Qiu Tu's command, Shu Xia was jolted back to the present.
He gazed at Qiu Tu, his eyes brimming with surprise and a trace of uncertainty, as if silently questioning, "Are you serious? Me?"
Man Huang, however, appeared to be contemplating something, her eyes reflecting a profound thoughtfulness.
Her mind replayed the events of a few hours prior when Qiu Tu had held her close, sharing clandestine information with a playful glint in his eyes.
Even though the Northern Divine King had been defeated, a significant portion of his awareness remained intact. His intention was to initiate a reconstruction.
Qiu Tu had consequently consented to offer his support, both in terms of protection and resources, throughout the rebuilding process.
Following this understanding, a mutually beneficial accord was reached.
During their discussion, the Northern Divine King effectively 'ceded' control of the 'Northern Country' to Qiu Tu. Nevertheless, he specifically designated the 'Tree Demon' clan, with a particular emphasis on the 'Si Yuan Pavilion', to serve as the liaison for communication between their respective factions.