C18: The Grand Conclove

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The Grand Conclave of the Nine Emperor Alliance took place on the floating continent of Sovereign Summit, a massive landmass suspended in the clouds and protected by ancient emperor-level formations. Representatives from every major power in the Central Immortal Domain gathered here once every fifty years to discuss territories, resources, and alliances.

Lin Xiao’s fleet arrived with overwhelming momentum. Over one hundred upgraded war ships flew the black-and-red lightning dragon banner. Su Mei managed the logistics from the command ship, Murong Xue stood ready for enforcement, Fairy Luo Qing provided intelligence, and Princess Yan Zi added the prestige of the Vermillion Phoenix Clan.

As they docked at the designated platform, countless eyes turned toward them. Whispers spread through the crowd.

“That’s him… the demon who wiped out the Zhao Clan and crushed the Profound Heaven Sword Sect’s force.”

“He brought four peerless beauties with him. Arrogant.”

Lin Xiao walked at the front, his high ponytail swaying, black and gold robes embroidered with moving lightning patterns. Red and black lightning occasionally sparked across his shoulders. He ignored the stares and murmurs.

A group of Alliance enforcers approached, led by an early Immortal Emperor named Elder Jin.

“Lin Xiao,” Elder Jin said sternly, “the Alliance welcomes you, but you must surrender all weapons and limit your entourage to ten people before entering the main hall.”

Lin Xiao stopped and looked at the elder coldly. “I surrender nothing. My women and my guards stay with me. If the Alliance has a problem with that, they can try to enforce it.”

The temperature dropped. Several powerful auras flared from the surrounding pavilions as other forces watched the confrontation.

Elder Jin’s face darkened. Before he could speak, a calm but authoritative voice rang out from above.

“Let him through.”

A middle-aged man in purple-gold robes descended – one of the nine current emperors of the Alliance, Emperor Xuan of the Profound Sky Empire. His aura was deep and oppressive, clearly at the mid Immortal Emperor Realm.

Emperor Xuan studied Lin Xiao for a moment. “Your rise has been rapid. We will speak inside.”

The group entered the grand conclave hall, a colossal structure with nine towering thrones at the head. The other eight emperors were already seated. Powerful clan heads and sect leaders filled the lower seats.

Lin Xiao was given a prominent position near the center, his four women standing behind him. The hall buzzed with tension.

The conclave began with routine matters – territory disputes, resource allocation, and reports of demonic incursions from the outer voids. Lin Xiao remained silent, observing.

Then Emperor Xuan turned his gaze toward him.

“Lin Xiao, your actions in the Eastern Domain and against the Profound Heaven Sword Sect have disrupted the balance. The Alliance demands you hand over thirty percent of your plundered resources and accept a supervisory elder from our ranks. In exchange, we will recognize your Eternal Grind Sect as a legitimate power.”

The hall fell quiet. Many expected Lin Xiao to submit or negotiate.

Instead, he laughed. The sound was short and cold.

“Thirty percent?” he said, voice carrying clearly. “The Zhao Clan and others tried to take everything from me. They died. I will not give away what I earned through blood. If the Alliance wants resources, come and take them yourselves.”

Gasps and angry murmurs erupted. Several emperors frowned.

Emperor Lei, a burly man with thunder laws, slammed his hand on his throne. “Insolent! Do you think destroying one or two clans makes you untouchable? The Alliance has ruled for ten thousand years!”

Princess Yan Zi stepped forward slightly. “The Vermillion Phoenix Clan stands with Lin Xiao.”

Fairy Luo Qing added, “The remnants of the Heavenly Sovereign Alliance also acknowledge him.”

The support from two powerful factions shocked many. Tension in the hall rose sharply.

Emperor Xuan raised his hand for silence. “Very well. Since you refuse cooperation, the Alliance will test your worth. Defeat three chosen champions, and we will grant you full recognition. Fail, and you will submit or die.”

Three figures stepped into the central arena formed by the hall’s formations.

First champion: Elder Lei Zhen, peak Immortal Emperor specializing in thunder laws.
Second: Sword Saint Bai, a sword emperor known for his unparalleled speed.
Third: Ancestor Huo, an old fire-attribute Immortal Emperor with centuries of experience.

Lin Xiao stood up and walked into the arena without hesitation. His four women watched intently.

The first fight began immediately.

Elder Lei Zhen attacked with a storm of purple thunder that filled the entire arena. Lin Xiao met it head-on. Red and black lightning clashed with purple thunder, creating deafening explosions. Lin Xiao moved with precision, closing the distance and landing heavy strikes that cracked Elder Lei Zhen’s defenses. After eighty moves, he drove his palm into the elder’s chest and plundered his thunder laws on the spot.

Elder Lei Zhen collapsed, severely injured but alive.

The second fight was faster. Sword Saint Bai was extremely quick, his blade leaving afterimages. Lin Xiao used Immortal Phantom Shift to match the speed. Their sword clash created a storm of sparks. Lin Xiao adapted mid-battle, using newly plundered thunder laws to disrupt the sword saint’s rhythm. He severed Bai’s dominant arm and forced surrender.

The third fight against Ancestor Huo was the hardest. Flames that could burn immortal souls filled the arena. Lin Xiao sustained burns across his arms and torso but pressed forward relentlessly. He activated the full Chaos Emperor Scripture, manifesting a massive red and black lightning dragon that devoured the fire domain. He finished the fight by pinning the ancestor and extracting a large portion of his fire laws.

The entire hall was silent.

Lin Xiao stood in the center, breathing steadily, blood and burns visible but his eyes sharp and domineering. He had defeated three Immortal Emperors in succession without retreating once.

Emperor Xuan stood slowly. “You have proven your strength. The Alliance recognizes the Eternal Grind Sect. However, we will be watching you closely.”

Lin Xiao wiped blood from his mouth. “Watch all you want. Just don’t get in my way.”

As the conclave continued, several more powers approached Lin Xiao privately with offers of alliance or marriage. He accepted some tributes and a few exceptionally talented women who sought him out willingly, further expanding his harem.

That night, in the residence provided by the Alliance, Lin Xiao cultivated with all his women. The dual cultivation session pushed everyone’s boundaries and strengthened their combined power significantly.

【Central Domain Overlord Quest – Progress: 67%】

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The following weeks saw more conflicts. A jealous ancient clan attempted a night raid on the fleet. Lin Xiao personally led the counterattack and wiped them out. Another supreme sect challenged his growing influence in a public duel arena. He crushed their champion and claimed their prized sword treasury.

Each victory added to his momentum. His cultivation reached the early Immortal Emperor Realm during one intense closed-door session.

Princess Yan Zi fully submitted after a particularly passionate dual cultivation night, her phoenix bloodline merging beneficially with his chaos energy.

By the end of the second month in the Central Domain, the Eternal Grind Sect had become one of the rising dominant forces. Many smaller powers flocked to his banner.

Lin Xiao stood on the deck of the flagship once again, looking toward the deepest parts of the Central Domain where the strongest emperors resided.

“The Immortal Realm still has more to offer,” he said quietly to his women. “But I can feel the next barrier calling.”

The grind continued without pause.

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