Chapter 222: Chapter 220: Offer Absolute Loyalty!
Watching their expressions, Shen Hao knew that this ritual had been quite successful.
Rather, Lingxiao Palace’s role was indeed meant for such occasions.
This grand hall was capable of deeply instilling his suppression into people’s hearts.
At this moment, Shen Hao was not the only person in the great hall.
In these three days, fifteen out of the thirty-six Immortal Official positions had been confirmed, all of them Chosen Ones, and they were also gathered here, set to represent Human Civilization in the formal signing ceremony of the Affiliated Civilization treaty.
At this moment, Yang Jun stepped forward first.
“Welcome to Lingxiao Palace.” He was wearing a retro-style robe, which had been elaborately designed by a costume artist and even used Extraordinary materials. Under the setting of the great hall, his entire persona appeared exceptionally distinguished.
The rest were mostly the same.
This was also prepared during these three days.
But don’t underestimate these details.
As the absolute leader within the newly established civilization system, Human Civilization had to show its strength and the hope to overcome the Trial to other civilizations. This was the core to maintaining the integrity of the system. Even such details could play a role.
At this moment, including Xi Qing, everyone’s expression was solemn.
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For them, this was akin to entrusting the fate of their civilizations into the hands of Human Civilization; they naturally hoped that Human Civilization would take this seriously.
At least, the scene before them was enough to be accountable to the citizens within their own civilizations.
“Sky Spirit Civilization, Great Yan Civilization, and Human Civilization have fought side by side in this Trial, establishing deep friendships. Since you have come here at this moment, you certainly hope to continue this friendship for a long time,” Yang Jun continued, his expression grave, “But to last long, we cannot be without order. The President has summoned you here today to clarify the order that should exist within the civilization system.”
Everyone tensed up a bit.
Even Sky Spirit Civilization felt the same.
They indeed had established a good relationship with Human Civilization before, but it was clear that in the face of the Civilization Trial, “friendship” was the most unreliable.
The ones most in need of the Affiliated Civilization slots right now were them.
From the perspective of Human Civilization, there’s no need to necessarily sign with them.
After all, their power had already fallen behind that of humans.
“Mr. Yang, rest assured,” Xi Qing said at this moment, surprisingly in perfect Mandarin, “We come here not solely relying on the friendship established through joint combat, seeking the protection of Human Civilization. We too have the determination to undertake all the responsibilities of an Affiliated Civilization.”
This was also the result of discussions Xi Qing had with other ministers in the past few days.
In the face of the Civilization Trial, it would be foolish to expect to do nothing and simply rely on the protection of other civilizations.
The greatest benefit of becoming an Affiliated Civilization of Human Civilization was not the protection received, but the potential to share in Human Civilization’s power.
High-level malls, powerful technology, a sufficiently stable order… and now also abundant resources.
All of these, if they could just share a little of it, would grant them potential far beyond their own!
For this, they could give everything!
“No matter how cruel or hopeless the subsequent Trials are, Sky Spirit Civilization will certainly perish before Human Civilization,” Leman even said at this moment, his tone firm, “This can be written into the alliance agreement!”
“Great Yan feels the same!” Xi Qing quickly followed.
Whether it was the other ministers of the Great Yan Immortal Dynasty or the other Sages of Sky Spirit Civilization, none objected to such words. Clearly, this was not just the personal decision of Xi Qing and Leman, but the shared will of the entire ruling class of the civilizations.
At least at this moment, they truly could give everything for this slot of Affiliated Civilization.
Yang Jun seemed to want to say something, but suddenly his expression changed, and he respectfully made way.
All of them suddenly faced Shen Hao seated on the throne.
Even Xi Qing, who had had several private conversations with Shen Hao, felt an almost suffocating pressure at this moment.
The fate of their civilization hinged on a single thought.
“I have only one demand of you,” Shen Hao looked at everyone, speaking slowly, “Offer your unwavering loyalty.”
The moment his words fell, Xi Qing was the first to clasp her hands and prostrate on the ground, paying her respects.
This was the second time she bowed down in her life.
The first was when she betrayed her family and bowed to her parents.
Although the situations were entirely different, her feelings at this moment were strangely similar.
It was as if a great burden had been lifted!
Because she knew that, in the face of the brutal Civilization Trial, the 250 billion citizens of the Great Yan Immortal Dynasty finally had something to rely on at this moment – a power stronger than herself!
The other Sky Spirit Sages, although a beat slower, quickly reacted and showed the same stance.
Shen Hao wanted loyalty, and they would offer loyalty!
Only those who had truly experienced the despair of a Civilization Trial and witnessed the power of the person before them would understand how fortunate it was to exchange loyalty for protection.
At least, it was a much wider road than venturing forward alone!
“Remember the determination you feel at this moment,” Shen Hao’s gaze seemed to peer into their hearts as he slowly continued, “I hope that when we truly overcome the Civilization Trial one day, you will still follow behind me.”
“Yes!”
Everyone spoke at the same time, and some couldn’t contain their excitement.
But most people were filled with longing for that very scene.
Had anyone else said such words, the effect would not have been the same, but Shen Hao was different, he truly gave everyone hope of glimpsing that day!
If even Shen Hao could not accomplish it, then it was utterly impossible for them to do so on their own.
“Rise,” Shen Hao’s tone seemed even more amiable now, “The Affiliated Civilization Treaty is ready. Once each of you has signed, you may return. I’ve left an Imprint on each of you, so you can contact me immediately if there’s an urgent situation. Coming up, we all have too many tasks to attend to.”
It was the moment his words fell that everyone could feel a powerful force gradually converging on the backs of their hands, the mark of Shen Hao’s Imprint.
This brought joy to the faces of some.
Especially to the Great Yan people.
They were clearly aware of what this Imprint symbolized, not just a symbol of identity and status, but also an enormous guarantee of safety!
Possession of this Imprint truly signified that the great Emperor Wu Shang would be with them!
What followed was much simpler.
After signing the Affiliated Alliance treaty, everyone respectfully said their farewells, only to find themselves instantly back at the very spots from which they had ascended the Heavenly Ladder when they stepped out of the grand hall.
If not for the Imprint on the back of their hand and the treaty in hand that narrated everything, some might have even thought it was all a dream.
“My beloved ministers,” Xi Qing, at this moment, seemed to have completely returned to the energy and vigor she had when she first ascended the throne, radiating immense enthusiasm, “Signing the treaty does not mean we can relax. On the contrary, we must work together to ensure Great Yan Immortal Dynasty keeps pace with Human Civilization!”
“Your servants obey!” all the ministers responded in unison.
A similar zeal was surging in their hearts.
Especially among those who had accompanied her to the Lingxiao Palace to sign the treaty.
While they had no objections to the treaty, they had glanced over its contents while signing.
The details within were hugely beneficial to the entire Great Yan Immortal Dynasty.
Especially on the Extraordinary Path.
All Cultivation-related inheritances within the Level 26 Mall were to be shared with them, and just this one point alone could bring immense benefits to everyone in the entire civilization!
That was the Level 26 Mall!
After the first Trial had ended, the goods from just the over 10 levels mall had ushered Great Yan into a Cultivation golden age, with everyone’s strength growing wildly.
What about now?
Everyone understood that the true golden age of Cultivation was just beginning!
And it wasn’t just in terms of Cultivation.
Trade encompassed other areas too; some technological products could dramatically improve the order of civilization. Not to mention, Her Majesty’s commands could truly be disseminated throughout the entire civilization, covering all citizens and all Sects!
Just on this point alone, the court’s power and status would reach unprecedented heights!
Moreover, they could send a large number of excellent Cultivators to the Human Civilization Mother Planet.
The Extraordinary Element Level there was Level 30!
Compared to their Mother Planet, which had just been upgraded to Level 21 as a reward, the Human Civilization Mother Star was a true Cultivation Holy Land!
Even their Your Majesty, she too could obtain one of the Thirty-six Immortal Official Positions!
Understanding what this Immortal Official position meant, even though the position was granted to their own Your Majesty, some couldn’t help but feel intense envy.
While the increase in their status was unclear, the surge in strength and the efficiency in Cultivation that came with it were unmistakable!
Too many.
The benefits were simply too numerous.
Even though they also needed to make considerable contributions, compared to the benefits they could receive, those contributions were hardly worth mentioning!
In the face of the Civilization Trial, nothing was more important than becoming stronger!
However, at this moment, those celebrating the confirmation of the Affiliated Civilization were not just them.
The high-level figures of Human Civilization were likewise delighted.
“We desperately need quality labor right now.”
“That’s right, massive tracts of land require a vast amount of manpower and material resources for development.”
“The Spiritual Medicine Plantation’s scale could be expanded several times over. Qi Refiners are also skilled hands in farming!”
“We can vigorously recruit top talents into research organizations to assist in the study of the civilization’s path!”
“The Extraordinary Schools now have ample teachers.”
“Hopefully the rest period could be a bit longer. There’s just so much to do!”
“…”
Naturally, it wasn’t just the Affiliated Civilizations that could benefit from the treaty; Human Civilization was the biggest beneficiary.
Especially at this moment, when there was so much to revitalize.
Economy, military, industry, technology… every sector required a large amount of quality labor.
And both the Magic Road of Sky Spirit Civilization and the Cultivation Path of Great Yan Civilization could be deeply integrated into the development of Human Civilization.
With their full participation, the rate of development could increase by several times at least!