Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent-Chapter 635: Slot

Hearing Li Pin's response, Yuan Xinghai sneered inwardly. Stubborn and ignorant. The Aristocratic Alliance has already shown such sincerity, even overlooking the offense of his challenge. Yet, he still refuses to appreciate it...

He shook his head discreetly. Just as the Zi Clan's patriarch had said, Li Pin might be strong, but his personality is a double-edged sword. Bringing him into the Aristocratic Alliance without caution could backfire. It's better to let him fight Ai Sa first. Once he's battered and bloodied, he'll realize his limits and come to us willingly.

That is, if he survives.

As Yuan Xinghai pondered, the envoys of various civilizations in the Candlelight Alliance erupted into a commotion.

"My lord, please reconsider! You mustn't act recklessly!"

"If we go to war with the Aristocratic Alliance, our own people will suffer while our enemies rejoice!"

"The Aristocratic Alliance is a colossal force. They could crush the Candle Light Alliance with relative ease. Defying such power is nothing short of courting death!"

Many tried to dissuade Li Pin, and even Yuan Zhenchuan and Xiang Tianxing looked toward him. Though they had absolute confidence in him, declaring war on the Aristocratic Alliance right after provoking Ai Sa seemed far too risky.

At this rate, he was just short of making enemies of everyone.

"Then let's vote," said Li Pin, his tone as calm as ever. "Anyone who disagrees or abstains is fundamentally misaligned with the Candlelight Alliance's ideals. I will allow you to leave. That way, our actions will have nothing to do with you."

He glanced at the crowd. "You could even use the Candle Light Alliance as a stepping stone to gain the Aristocratic Alliance's favor and secure a place among them."

His words exposed the plans many had in mind. The room buzzed with murmurs.

Even some of the Gaia Civilization's members felt he was being too blunt. But regardless of their personal opinions, as members of the Gaia civilization, they knew they had to stand unconditionally by their chairman's side. That much was clear.

Xiang Tianxing and Yuan Zhenchuan, however, sensed something deeper.

This wasn't just about a vote. Li Pin was preparing to purge the Candlelight Alliance. No, he was preparing to cleanse the entire Yin Luo Galaxy.

If he didn't do this, then even if Li Yunyao inherited the Astral God Yin Luo's legacy, countless civilizations would swarm in. By leveraging their ties to the Candle Light Alliance, they would demand leniency for their own interests.

If Li Yunyao couldn't refuse them outright, how much power would she truly wield if even she became the rightful successor?

In the worst case, the hope of restoring Cosmic Radiance strength would be shattered. Even ascending to Solar Flare Realm would take far longer than expected.

This was a precautionary measure. He was cutting off trouble before it could begin.

"Vote," said Li Pin.

His tone allowed no argument.

Many envoys felt a surge of frustration but dared not voice their discontent when faced with his overwhelming strength.

In the end, those who had long sided with the Aristocratic Alliance spoke first.

"We abstain."

"We abstain as well."

"Abstain..."

Fierce debates erupted within the White Dove Federation, but as the deadline approached, Lan Chi overruled the opposition and cast a vote in favor.

When the final count was revealed, only thirty-two civilizations had voted in support. A coalition that once numbered in the thousands had been reduced to mere dozens in an instant.

The Aristocratic Alliance's influence was fully showcased at this very instant.

Yuan Xinghai, Shang Tiange, and Ji Wanfa were all visibly pleased by the outcome.

Having demonstrated their overwhelming influence, Yuan Xinghai stepped forward with a smile. He said, "Chairman Li, this vote seems a bit hasty. Why not take some time to reconsider? Give it three to five stellar years and hold another vote then."

"No need," Li Pin said calmly. "This result is fine."

He glanced at them. "How long would it take for the Aristocratic Alliance to gather eighty to a hundred combat-specialized avatars?"

The question wiped the smiles from their faces, and the three exchanged glances.

Yuan Xinghai grimly said, "Chairman Li, it seems you've truly allied yourself with Ai Sa, ready to serve as his blade against the Aristocratic Alliance. Do you intend to fight us to the end?"

Li Pin responded, "You speak as if you're the victims here. Who was it that first used the Demon God Clan to scheme against us at the Candle Light Star Ring?"

Yuan Xinghai frowned. "That matter.... Isn't our presence here proof that we wish to resolve any misunderstandings? Why must you hold on to it so tightly?"

"You show up without a shred of sincerity, and I'm supposed to just let it go as a misunderstanding?" Li Pin let out a light chuckle. "The Aristocratic Alliance sure thinks highly of itself."

"You—"

Having removed those unfit to remain, Li Pin didn't waste another word. He cut Yuan Xinghai off. "One year. I'll give you one stellar year to gather your forces."

He raised a finger. "One stellar year from now, at the Dust Sea Asteroid Belt. The Aristocratic Alliance gathers its forces, and we settle this in battle. If I win, you withdraw from the contest for Astral God Yin Luo's inheritance. Simple as that."

"The Dust Sea Asteroid Belt...." muttered Yuan Xinghai.

He thought, So... this was where Li Pin had crushed the combat-specialized avatar of that Astral God from Shana Divine Mountain? The very place where his name first entered the vision of every noble and aristocratic clan? And now, he wanted to return and recreate the miracles that had made him famous across the universe?

Yuan Xinghai secretly scoffed. How utterly... ignorant of his own limits.

Yuan Xinghai's tone gradually turned cold. "Chairman Li, if you insist on going through with this, we won't try to dissuade you any further. We only hope you won't regret it when the time comes."

"That's none of your concern," Li Pin replied calmly. "During this period, the Aristocratic Alliance should behave itself. Don't try anything pointless.

"If you refuse to play by the rules, don't blame me for doing the same. Do I need to remind you of the difference in scale between the Gaian Civilization and your so-called Alliance? If it really comes to that, tearing apart your so-called coalition would be a simple matter."

Yuan Xinghai and the others tensed slightly at his words. But they couldn't deny it. Li Pin was simply stating the truth.

He might not be able to directly deal with the aristocratic clans, but... if he turned his attention to the smaller family factions, not a single one could withstand him. After all, he was a Supreme Divine Being powerful enough to crush combat-specialized avatars.

Yuan Xinghai paused momentarily before forcing a smile. "Chairman Li, rest assured. The Aristocratic Alliance conducts itself with honor and integrity. We would never resort to such petty tricks."

Li Pin responded with a faint smile, "Good. Petty."

That single word made Yuan Xinghai clench his fist, nearly losing his temper on the spot. But then, he thought about Li Pin's overwhelming strength.

No chance. Absolutely no chance.

Unlike Astral Gods, they couldn't afford mistakes. As Divine Beings, if they dared to bare their fangs in anger, Li Pin might swat them dead on the spot.

Suppressing their fury and humiliation, Yuan Xinghai, Shang Tiange, and Ji Wanfa swiftly turned and left.

With their departure, the other civilization representatives had no reason to stay and quickly followed. In no time, the once-crowded conference hall became empty. Only thirty-two civilizations remained.

Among them, over a dozen were too close to the Gaian Civilization to withdraw. Even the slightest hesitation could give Gaia an excuse to swallow them whole.

The rest stayed with a gambler's mindset, convinced that someone like Li Pin wouldn't make such a reckless decision unless he was fully prepared. They were determined to follow him, betting everything on this one chance. Even the White Dove Federation had done the same.

Li Pin glanced at the remaining representatives. "The Gaian Civilization will soon go to war with the Aristocratic Alliance. If we lose, not just you, but Gaia itself will be doomed. There's still time to walk away."

Lan Chi stood up, his expression solemn. "Since we cast our votes in favor, we've already chosen to stand with Gaia, no matter the cost."

The other representatives nodded, reaffirming their commitment.

Seeing this, Li Pin said no more.

"From this moment on, Moon Goddess Domain will open its alliance access point," said Li Pin. "All members of the Candle Light Alliance may enter and will receive the same treatment as Gaians. Those who perform exceptionally will have the opportunity to receive direct guidance from the Spirit Clan."

The moment those words fell, excitement flashed across everyone's faces.

The Gaian Civilization had produced hundreds of Legends in just a few decades, with several reaching the fourth tier by mastering inner spirit power. Besides Li Pin's guidance, the Moon Goddess Domain played a crucial role.

If their civilizations could access the Moon Goddess Domain... even if they couldn't match Gaia's growth, the amount of first, second, and third-tier Legends within their civilization would surge exponentially. And with enough Tier Three Legends, some would inevitably grasp inner spirit power and step into the fourth tier.

At that point, they would become pivotal figures even within the entire Yin Luo Galaxy.

After issuing his final instructions, Li Pin officially ended the Candle Light Alliance Expanded Meeting.

The entire process... even calling it anticlimactic would be an understatement.

In truth, the meeting had simply collapsed. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

***

After the meeting ended, Xiang Tianxing and Yuan Zhenchuan approached Li Pin. "Chairman, are we really going to... one stellar year from now..."

"Fortune," Li Pin answered, "Li Yunyao is still weak. If she wants to grow, aside from diligent cultivation, the best way is to strengthen Gaia's fortune."

He chuckled. "When Gaia's name spreads across the Yuan Yang Star Domain and even the Frostbound Star Abyss, stepping over the Aristocratic Alliance along the way, only then will she be truly worthy as its heir."

As for the battles against Astral God's combat-specialized avatar? Those were merely incidental to achieving the objective.

Ring!

Just then, Li Pin's communication bracelet vibrated slightly.

It was a top-priority alert. He glanced at it and saw a message.

Sacred Flame Hall: Your application for a slot in the Eternal Ascent of Humanity Initiative has passed the first stage. Please report to the Sacred Flame Hall—Humanity Sanctum on Stellar Calendar 12024, January 1st, for the unified assessment.