In the Qin palace, the former structures had already become ruins. Huang Wudi and the other nine were more battered than ever, a stark contrast to their previous high spirits.
Some wore looks of desolation, believing their heroic days were over, their glory faded. Others were unwilling to accept their fate, and some harbored hatred, finding their defeat a deeply shameful affair.
In short, the nine of them had lost, utterly and humiliatingly.
In their prime, each had been a formidable figure, renowned and capable of handling matters alone. Yet today, the nine of them united, were no match for a single young man from a later generation.
While Li Xiaotian was a Hegemon, a different realm from Huang Wudi and the other eight, all nine possessed the combat power to contend with Hegemons, and some had even slain Hegemons.
Their easy defeat by Li Xiaotian today was difficult for them to accept. It wasn't just them; the ancient onlookers present also wore expressions of disbelief.
In truth, it wasn't that Li Xiaotian was overwhelmingly strong. Li Xiaotian's current strength was only considered to be in the upper-middle tier of the Hegemon realm. Compared to veteran Hegemons, there was still a gap.
Although Huang Wudi and the others had a track record of slaying Hegemons, ancient Hegemon-level powerhouses were not rare. They varied in strength, and the Hegemons they had killed were generally weaker.
As Dao Xuan had explained to Li Xiaotian earlier, those Hegemons' comprehension of the Great Dao was too weak.
However, Li Xiaotian's current strength was still considerable. After all, he cultivated the Devouring Demonic Art and comprehended the Devouring Great Dao. To possess such strength immediately after breaking through to the Hegemon realm was already astonishing.
"Buzz!"
On the plaza, Li Xiaotian suddenly moved, his hand reaching out towards the middle-aged martial artist who had previously slandered the Daoist Sect and Sword Pavilion.
"Fellow Daoists, save me!!!"
The middle-aged man cried out, his face filled with terror.
But no one present dared to intervene. They could only watch helplessly as he was seized by Li Xiaotian. Even Huang Wudi and the others were powerless at this moment.
"Li Xiaotian, do you truly intend to kill him? He merely misspoke a few words; his crime does not warrant death. Making him confess and apologize would suffice. Must you target us ancient people so relentlessly?"
Huang Wudi spoke, a flicker of anger in his eyes.
"Indeed, Li Xiaotian. We have lost and accept whatever fate you decree. However, killing someone for their words is going too far. Do not forget that the Heaven-level experts have not yet awakened, and many ancient Hegemons are still in slumber. If you continue to target us ancient individuals like this, someone will eventually seek retribution."
Shen Wuji of the Divine Sect also spoke. It wasn't that he was deliberately picking a fight, but he felt Li Xiaotian killing someone so openly in front of them was rather presumptuous and insulting.
"Youngster, spare him. At the very least, spare him today to save face for the various ancient factions."
Zhan Tianxia spoke. His life had been dedicated to combat, his pride unyielding; he had never uttered words of submission. Yet today, for the dignity of the ancient people, he could only set aside his pride.
"Boom!"
With a deafening roar, the middle-aged man was directly reduced to dust by a single punch from Li Xiaotian.
At this moment, the entire plaza fell into an absolute silence, devoid of any sound.
Everyone stood frozen, their eyes filled with anger, fear, and humiliation.
No one had anticipated that Li Xiaotian would completely disregard the pleas of Huang Wudi and the others.
"I, Li Xiaotian, do not target you ancient people specifically. I only kill those who deserve to die. If he hadn't stirred up trouble, why would I kill him? Moreover, I gave him an opportunity, but he failed to seize it. Killing him alone is letting him off lightly."
Li Xiaotian spoke at a leisurely pace. He knew his actions would provoke more animosity towards him, but so what? He didn't care!
"Cough, cough. 'Letting him off lightly'? He is already dead. According to your logic, he should be grateful to you?"
Huang Wudi gritted his teeth, then struggled to rise. He gave Li Xiaotian a deep look before continuing.
"Li Xiaotian, whether you kill me today or not, I will make my stance clear: if your Great Qin intends to unify Yan Province, my Huang Hall will be the first to object!"
As these words were uttered, the scene instantly became fraught with killing intent.
"Heh, you wish to provoke me into killing you? You think too highly of yourself. If I wanted to kill you, you would already be dead!"
Li Xiaotian said indifferently, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes.
"Originally, I intended to discuss the unification of Yan Province with you today. But it seems that is no longer necessary. You underestimate the Great Qin!"
"What the Great Qin aims to achieve is beyond your comprehension. It's not because you are too foolish, but because you have never considered the common people, those you deem as ants, to be of any importance!"
Upon hearing Li Xiaotian's words, Huang Wudi, though inwardly furious, did not retort. Li Xiaotian was right about one thing: they had never truly cared about the weak.
When the ancient human race was weak, the strong protected and cared for the weak. But as humanity grew stronger, the hearts of the strong changed; they no longer bothered with the weak, content to merely ensure their survival.
"Hmph, young man, do not speak too boldly. Even the best plans can go awry. Furthermore, what are the true intentions of your Great Qin? It is too early to judge!"
Shen Wuji said, his eyes filled with suspicion. Could Li Xiaotian, so arrogant and self-important, truly care about the weak?
"Whether you believe me or not is of no consequence. If you acknowledge the Great Qin today, stay. If you do not, then await the arrival of the Great Qin's army at your cities!"
Li Xiaotian spoke, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. A faint mockery touched his lips, and he continued.
"Rest assured, if you do not actively seek death today, I will not kill anyone else."
On the plaza, people from various factions stood still, not daring to move. When they met Li Xiaotian's gaze, they instinctively averted their eyes.
Of course, individuals from sects with deep foundations also harbored anger, but they could do nothing more, for they too feared death.
"Since that is the case, then my Huang Hall withdraws!"
Huang Wudi declared, turning to leave directly. His attitude was clear: he did not acknowledge the Great Qin.
As Huang Hall's people departed step by step, the hearts of the various factions present grew anxious, fearing Li Xiaotian would move to annihilate them.
But until Huang Hall's people had completely left, Li Xiaotian made no move. Seeing this, some first-rate sect members breathed a sigh of relief, realizing Li Xiaotian had not yet reached the point of indiscriminate slaughter.
"My Divine Sect withdraws!"
Shen Wuji announced, also turning to leave. He did not believe the current Great Qin possessed the strength to oppose all the factions.
"Yan Huo Sect withdraws!"
Huo Tongzi stated through gritted teeth, casting a chilling glance at Li Xiaotian. Setting aside the fact that the Yan Huo Sect already held a grudge against Li Xiaotian,
his defeat by Li Xiaotian today filled him with humiliation. How could he possibly stay?
'When I break through to the Hegemon realm, you will be the first I slay!' Huo Tongzi roared inwardly. He would not forget this enmity!