Then, Let Them Offer Their Loyalty! Chapter 1732 - 708: Shocked Leaders from All Sides

Faced with these factions extending overtures of goodwill, Qiu Tu adopted a singular strategy: to embrace them all.

Consequently, after concluding his preparations, Qiu Tu promptly directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to orchestrate a grand banquet.

The commencement of the banquet was slated for 8 o'clock. By approximately 7:30, the leaders representing various factions had nearly all made their arrival.

Each faction's representatives took their designated seats, arranged according to their respective national regions and internal hierarchies.

This occasion marked what was likely the most extensive assembly of the 'Boundless Heart Sea's' elite in several centuries.

Therefore, every individual present observed the others with gazes filled with either keen interest or cautious suspicion.

As figures occupying the apex of their respective spheres, even if they had not previously met, they had at least encountered each other's reputations.

Thus, upon witnessing the convergence of dozens of the 'Boundless Heart Sea's' preeminent factions, each group expressed a measure of surprise.

Clearly, even as they had hastened to Eastern City today, anticipating that numerous factions harbored similar intentions, they had not foreseen such a comprehensive and numerous gathering.

Within this assembly, distinct clusters and central groups began to form organically.

For instance, the 'Northern Kingdom' was, naturally, headed by the 'Si Yuan Pavilion,' with Man Huang and Shu Xia leading their contingent.

The 'Western Kingdom' had historically been under the sway of the 'Fog Hidden Association.' Despite the 'Fog Hidden Association's' setback in the Heavenly God Trial and the unexplained disappearance of 'Tian Qi' along with Bai Yi, it indisputably retained its position as the preeminent power in the entire 'Western Kingdom.'

Leading this contingent were Golden Lion, who had engaged with Qiu Tu on several occasions, and Mo Tian, the father of Little Yaksha.

In stark contrast to the relatively stable Northern and Western kingdoms, the 'Eastern Kingdom' had undergone the most significant upheaval.

The East God King had perished in battle, and the temple established by Tian Qi's direct lineage, Kabane, endured substantial casualties during the 'Heavenly God Trials,' plummeting from its leading status to that of a mid-tier force.

Consequently, the 'Eastern Kingdom' was now represented by a faction known as the 'Starry Society,' spearheaded by an elder whose snow-white hair suggested an age in his sixties or seventies.

As for the final 'Southern Kingdom,' its situation was somewhat unique. Due to Qiu Tu's prior accord with Bai Yi and Shao Hua, Qiu Tu's forces had refrained from any interference in the 'Southern Kingdom,' which had consequently preserved a considerable degree of autonomy.

However... it was now common knowledge that Qiu Tu was on the verge of seizing complete dominion over the world. As a result, the 'Southern Kingdom' also saw six or seven factions making their appearance to align themselves with the prevailing power.

Yet, in comparison to the other delegations, their influence was notably less potent, compelling them to congregate in a more secluded area.

As the hour was still relatively early, each faction engaged in quiet conversations within their respective circles, discussing Qiu Tu, the recent Heavenly God Trials, and the banquet itself.

Being influential figures from the 'Boundless Heart Sea,' individuals whose actions could sway nations with a mere gesture, they conversed in hushed tones, with some even employing spiritual power for their communication.

Time thus flowed by, second by second. Soon, the clock neared 7:50.

Abruptly, with a resonant creak,

the doors to the banquet hall were slowly swung open from the exterior, and in that precise moment, every faction fell into an immediate, collective silence.

The previously boisterous hall became as quiet as a graveyard.

Every leader present involuntarily shifted their gaze towards the entranceway.

They had anticipated Qiu Tu's arrival. However, as their eyes settled upon the source of the movement, they discerned the entrance of a woman.

The woman possessed an alluring beauty, with skin like flawless porcelain and a single, teardrop-shaped mole beneath her left eye.

She was adorned in a crimson gown, the high slit of which accentuated her captivating, pear-shaped figure.

A cascade of wavy, wine-red hair rested casually upon her shoulders, and each glance and smile she offered radiated an irresistible charm, as if her very gaze could ensnare a man's soul.

In that instant, even the most outwardly composed leaders found themselves momentarily captivated by her striking appearance.

Yet, as their composure returned, a sudden chill ran down their spines.

For the entrant was none other than Doris, the foremost beauty among the four kingdoms and a recently ascended Heavenly God!

Over the past several centuries, Doris had, in essence, been the object of desire for virtually every Evil God within the 'Boundless Heart Sea.'

With the support of the four Divine Kings, and undeniably aided by Doris's lineage and captivating beauty, who would not seek to curry her favor or capture her attention?

After all, securing Doris would not only elevate one to the envy of all men but also potentially grant command over an entire territory or facilitate substantial territorial gains for a Divine King.

Yet, with the demise of three Divine Kings and the vanishing of the Southern God King, Doris had now achieved the status of a Heavenly God.

This elevation rendered Doris an individual beyond reproach.

The assembled throng offered fervent prayers that Doris would refrain from seeking retribution and holding grudges, let alone dare to plot against her.

Consequently, upon observing Doris's entrance, a mere glance from her caused everyone to avert their gaze.

As they lowered their heads, hushed discussions, conducted through spiritual power, circulated amongst them, inquiring,

"What brings Doris here today?"

"Might she have arrived to extend felicitations to Qiu Tu as well?"

"That's likely. After all, she was allied with Qiu Tu during the 'Heavenly God Trials.' Now that Qiu Tu stands on the precipice of unifying the entire 'Boundless Heart Sea,' it's only natural for her to offer congratulations."