As the Desolate Hall departed, so too did a dozen other sects, all first-rate factions boasting at least one slumbering Heavenly-tier expert, the source of their confidence.
However, roughly eighty percent of the remaining forces did not leave. It wasn't that they didn't want to, but rather they dared not! While their own sects might possess dormant experts, they were unwilling to gamble, fearing their slumbering powerhouses might not match Li Xiaotian.
To Li Xiaotian's surprise, the Zhan Sect and Miao Sect had not departed. Given that he had just defeated Zhan Tianxia and Meng Po, one would expect their respective sects to harbor animosity towards him. He wondered if their inaction stemmed from fear, but quickly dismissed the thought. Both the Zhan Sect and Miao Sect were first-rate sects with considerable foundations, at least superior to the Wuyun Sect, and they held no fear of him.
Sensing Li Xiaotian's curious gaze, Zhan Tianxia offered a slight smile and spoke. "The Zhan Sect remains to observe how Great Qin will differ in the future, not to submit."
Meng Po added, her expressionless face betraying no emotion. "The Miao Sect is also here for the same reason. Li Xiaotian, this old woman wishes to see what your unified Yan Province will look like. However, I must state this in advance: if Great Qin, in the future, resembles most of the ancient sects, my Miao Sect will be the first to stand against Great Qin!" Meng Po, who had once murdered her master and half of her sect's elders, possessed a heart as cold as iron. Should Great Qin displease her in the future, she would sacrifice her entire sect to make Great Qin regret its actions.
"Rest assured, Great Qin will satisfy you!" Li Xiaotian declared, then turned his attention to the representatives of the various factions present. "Whether you fear me or acknowledge Great Qin, you have chosen to stay today. Starting tomorrow, Great Qin will dispatch personnel to contact your sects and assume control of the cities you inhabit. I trust there will be no uncooperative actions, otherwise, you will surely regret it!"
Upon hearing this, the hearts of those present tightened, a sense of regret creeping in. They wished they had left earlier, even if it meant defecting to the Desolate Hall. Li Xiaotian's words clearly implied that Great Qin intended to exert complete control over their sects, a prospect more unpalatable than mere submission. But could they even leave now? Any attempt to depart would likely prevent them from ever leaving the Qin Palace.
"What? Is no one speaking? Do you disagree?" Li Xiaotian's voice turned cold, his gaze piercing.
"Li Xiaotian, no, Lord Li, we agree. We have no other intentions!" The representatives of the various factions spoke in unison, fear overcoming them at the prospect of Li Xiaotian striking them down on the spot.
"Since that is settled, we shall now formally commence discussions on this matter," Li Xiaotian stated placidly before turning to leave. The gathered faction representatives exchanged bewildered glances, a sense of confusion washing over them. Hadn't the matter already been settled? Why would they restart the discussion?
"Esteemed guests, please follow me to another location. You will soon understand the outcome. Believe me, we will satisfy all the sects present," the Qin Emperor said with a smile. Li Xiaotian had played the role of the stern enforcer, intimidating the factions and clearing out any potential dissent. Now, it was his turn. Li Xiaotian did not participate in the subsequent meetings, confident that the preceding events would deter anyone from objecting further.
Half an hour later, in a modern conference hall, the representatives of the various factions sat in a state of bewilderment, their expressions a mixture of confusion, doubt, and a hint of pleasant surprise. After hearing Great Qin's plans for Yan Province, they felt as if they were dreaming. The reality seemed far less dire than they had anticipated. In fact, Great Qin had offered them an astounding surprise, exceeding their wildest expectations.
The first point stated that Great Qin would take over the control of cities from the various factions, restore order, and provide protection.
The second point assured that Great Qin would never interfere with the freedom of any sect, nor would it require any sect to work for Great Qin. Furthermore, Great Qin would dispatch troops to aid any sect facing danger.
The third point declared that from this day forward, within the cities governed by Great Qin, cultivators would not be allowed to harm ordinary people arbitrarily. Furthermore, both ordinary individuals and cultivators would be treated equally, and all beings must adhere to Great Qin's regulations.
The fourth point detailed Great Qin's commitment to vigorously developing the education system, establishing martial arts academies, and providing cultivation opportunities for everyone. Upon becoming cultivators, ordinary individuals would not face interference from Great Qin; they could choose to join the Great Qin army or be mentored by a sect.
The fifth, sixth, seventh, and subsequent points left the representatives of the various factions utterly stunned. Great Qin's approach was not about demanding their submission but rather offering them a tremendous gift. Although the third point, regarding equality, caused many present to frown—how could Imperial-tier experts be considered equal to mere ants?—the other aspects filled their hearts with excitement, even a sense of gratitude for having stayed. Smaller sects, in particular, felt as if they had won the lottery. If Great Qin truly kept its word, these minor sects would gain a powerful patron.
Were Li Xiaotian and the Qin Emperor foolish? Some wondered. If they had known that Great Qin's unification of Yan Province would result in such a scenario, they would have agreed much earlier, sparing themselves the convoluted process. Conversely, one could argue that Great Qin had always promoted these ideals, but the ancient powers had simply dismissed them due to their disdain for Great Qin.
"Sect Leader Wang, do you believe what Great Qin has said is true or false? This seems too good to be true. It's as if we've suffered no losses," individuals within the conference hall whispered amongst themselves, finding it hard to believe.
"Does this mean that we cultivators no longer need to worry about those ants, no, the survival of ordinary people, and can simply hide in our mountain gates to cultivate? Such good fortune?" someone exclaimed in disbelief. Both in the past and present, their sects had dedicated some effort to managing the ordinary humans within their territories. These tedious matters had long been a headache for many sect leaders, as most cultivators were ascetics focused on cultivation, rarely interested in secular power. Great Qin, by taking on these trivialities, allowed them to concentrate entirely on their cultivation, akin to someone wishing for sleep and immediately being handed a pillow. It was too good, too unreal, and too unbelievable.
"Esteemed sirs, I have discovered something else. Have any of you considered the fourth point? I find the mention of martial arts academies particularly appealing."
"This is equivalent to gathering all those with cultivation talent and teaching them, without restricting their freedom. Doesn't this mean that if our sects wish to recruit disciples in the future, it will be much easier than before? We can simply select promising individuals from the martial arts academies!" someone exclaimed with palpable excitement, as if discovering a new continent.