Immortal Realm’s Adjudication

Immortal Realm's Adjudication . . . 

As the dust settled on the battlefield, the nine warriors from the Evergreen Immortal Empire lay defeated, their bodies bearing the brutal scars of battle. A collective sigh rippled through the onlookers, a testament to the fact that the junior generation of the Evergreen Immortal Empire had fallen short in comparison to their peers.

However, it was unjust to lay blame on their shoulders entirely. The internal conflicts that had plagued the Evergreen Immortal Empire had hindered the production of many royal descendants. In contrast, the Skymist Immortal Empire had been discreetly manipulating events from the shadows, taking advantage of the Evergreen Immortal Empire's turmoil. The Paragon Sword Sect, too, had been steadily nurturing its strength over the years. Their foundations were undoubtedly more robust and secure than those of the Evergreen Immortal Empire.

In a sense, Skymist Jiang's earlier words held some truth. The prowess of the younger generation often mirrored the strength of their empire. If the juniors of a faction clearly outshone their counterparts from other major powers, it was a testament to that faction's deep-rooted foundation. Although the platform battles could not fully showcase the juniors' capabilities, they still provided valuable insights.

The nine experts of the Paragon Sword Sect stood in a line, bowing respectfully to their counterparts from the Evergreen Immortal Empire. "We appreciate your guidance," they said.

"An undeniable victory, as expected of the Paragon Sword Sect, a sect wholly dedicated to the art of the sword," Skymist Jiang remarked with an air of composure. "It's remarkable that they've even produced a Sword King in this generation. By comparison, the Evergreen Immortal Empire seems lacking."

Evergreen Longhao's voice took on a chilly tone, tinged with displeasure. "Sparring is one thing, but the agreement is an entirely different matter. Prince Jiang, isn't it a bit too presumptuous to conflate the two?"

"Why shouldn't I link them together?" Skymist Jiang shot back, his tone equally frigid. "Do you mean to say that after the period of internal strife within the Evergreen Immortal Empire, you've forgotten the customs and rules of the immortal realms? In our vast Eastern Regions, we have our own set of regulations. If the Evergreen Immortal Empire intends to breach the agreement, my Skymist Immortal Empire holds the right to invoke an adjudication, inviting all the peak powers of the Eastern Regions to oversee the agreement's execution. If Prince Longhao has indeed forgotten these age-old conventions, I suggest you consult with your royal father for clarification."

Evergreen Longhao's expression grew sharper by the moment, his voice laced with incredulity. The Evergreen Immortal Empire, governing vast territories, was now being threatened by an age-old rule dredged up by the Skymist Immortal Empire. They intended to wield this ancient relic as a weapon to compel the Evergreen Immortal Empire into compliance with the long-forgotten 'agreement.' In Evergreen Longhao's eyes, this was nothing short of preposterous.

To him, it seemed ludicrous that the Skymist Immortal Empire believed they could gather the other peak powers of the Eastern Region and strong-arm the Evergreen Immortal Empire into abiding by a centuries-old pact.

"Are you truly going to rely on this antiquated rule to challenge my Evergreen Immortal Empire?" Evergreen Longhao's tone carried a hint of contempt. The notion that the Skymist Immortal Empire could use this ancient agreement as leverage to gather other powers and force their empire into submission was, in his view, nothing short of absurd.

Skymist Jiang, however, remained undeterred. His words, though delivered slowly, held a calculated intent. Since their arrival in the Evergreen Immortal Empire's royal capital, they had been carefully crafting their scheme, a meticulously planned strategy designed to coerce the Evergreen Immortal Empire into complying with their demands.

"Prince Longhao, it appears you are well-acquainted with this rule," Skymist Jiang retorted. "Could it be that our two empires are on the brink of war over your refusal to honor this agreement? Such a conflict would only bring catastrophe upon both our empires. The wisest course of action would be to convene the other peak powers of the Eastern Region and allow them to impartially judge the situation. I have every confidence that they will render a fair verdict."

As the conversation between the two powerhouses unfolded, Qin Wentian turned to the immortal king beside him, transmitting his voice with a question, "Senior, what exactly does the adjudication in the immortal realm entail?"

The immortal king replied, "This is an ancient practice that dates back countless years. During the era when the immortal realms were united and ruled by a single emperor, all major powers would unquestionably obey the decrees of the reigning ancient emperor. However, as the immortal realms expanded and the ancient emperors sought higher realms of cultivation, they lacked the time to govern every aspect of the immortal realms. Consequently, it became customary for the peak powers of specific regions to oversee the weaker ones and resolve disputes. If there were prior agreements in place, this system allowed the dominant regional powers to wield authority in settling conflicts."

He continued his explanation, "But as time passed, the immortal realms underwent cycles of unity and division. Eventually, the age of the ancient emperors waned, and the immortal realms fragmented into the current state you see today. The last era of ancient emperors existed tens of thousands of years ago, marking the final instance of such an adjudication. Since then, this practice has been largely obsolete."

"In the past, the ancient emperors implemented adjudications to ensure fairness. However, in the current era, ancient emperors no longer exist. The Skymist Immortal Empire is rallying all major powers in this region to exert pressure on the Evergreen Immortal Empire, effectively bullying them. These other powers should not even be involved in this matter, and their inclusion is a blatant show of disrespect to the Evergreen Immortal Empire," Qin Wentian declared, his anger evident.

"That's precisely the situation. The Skymist Immortal Empire has taken it upon themselves to initiate an adjudication," the immortal king continued, his voice resounding with a sense of gravity that matched the weight of the situation. "If successful, the princesses of the Evergreen Immortal Empire would be forcibly taken away, and from that point onward, our empire would become the subject of ridicule in the eyes of all."

Curiosity burning in his eyes, Qin Wentian pressed on with his questions. "And if the Evergreen Immortal Empire refuses to accept the verdict of this adjudication?"

The immortal king's response was laden with insight. "Those permitted to partake in the adjudication are all the pinnacle powers of our specific region. As we currently reside in the East, the Eastern Region's peak powers would hold sway in this matter. Should over 50% of them vote in favor, the Evergreen Immortal Empire would find itself with little choice but to adhere. If, however, the Evergreen Immortal Empire chooses to contest the outcome, they can engage in an adjudication battle. The sides in favor of the agreement would combat those opposed to it. The opposing sides can mutually decide whether to wage the battle at the immortal-foundation, immortal-king, or even immortal-emperor level."

The explanation continued, "For instance, if Matriarch Ji and the Evergreen Immortal Emperor reject the agreement, while the Violet Emperor, Skymist Immortal Emperor, and Paragon Sword Emperor accept it, both Matriarch Ji and the Evergreen Immortal Emperor would have the right to proceed with an adjudication battle. If they emerge victorious, the agreement would be nullified. But should they suffer defeat, they would be obligated to pay double the initial stipulated terms."

With a measured tone, the immortal king carried on, "Should the Evergreen Immortal Empire lose the adjudication battle yet persist in refusing to honor the agreement, it would be akin to declaring war against all the other peak powers. Naturally, they could bypass the adjudication battle entirely and issue a declaration of war directly. Typically, neither side wishes to escalate to war. Even the Skymist Immortal Empire, although stronger than the Evergreen Immortal Empire, would hesitate to guarantee the complete annihilation of its counterpart in a full-scale war."

"In essence, today's battle was a precursor—a demonstration of force," Qin Wentian mused aloud. The Skymist Immortal Empire had not only suppressed the Evergreen Immortal Empire but had also aligned themselves with the Paragon Sword Sect to exhibit their collective strength, compelling the Evergreen Immortal Empire to acquiesce to the agreement. The pieces of the intricate plot were falling into place.

"Your understanding is correct," the immortal king affirmed with a nod. This battle indeed served as a carefully orchestrated piece within a larger scheme.

However, the resolute voice of Evergreen Longhao rang out, defying any external influences. "The affairs of our Evergreen Immortal Empire are not subject to your deliberation. This rule was established during the era of ancient emperors and has no bearing on our current situation. It is preposterous for the Skymist Immortal Empire to resurrect it for their own purposes."

With firm resolve, Evergreen Longhao reiterated, "Let me reiterate: the agreement struck all those years ago holds no sway over the Evergreen Immortal Empire. It is utterly inconsequential."

Skymist Jiang, however, responded with a cold laugh. He waved his hand, causing a scroll to levitate, its vibrant glow captivating all eyes. Slowly unfurling, the ancient words on the parchment shimmered with an illuminating brilliance, demanding the attention of everyone present.

Skymist Jiang's voice cut through the tense air, each word a weighty reminder of the past. "I'm certain the contents of this scroll are not foreign to the nobility and Prince Longhao, am I correct?" He gestured to the imperial seal affixed to the bottom of the scroll, the unmistakable insignia of their immortal empire. "And now, you wish to annul this agreement through mere words? Do you truly believe it's that simple?" Skymist Jiang's tone remained measured, unyielding. This scroll, a relic from the struggle against the Evergreen Immortal Emperor of years past, was a testament to their commitment.

With an air of formality, he continued, "I trust that everyone has had a clear look at the terms of this agreement." Skymist Jiang waved his hand, and the scroll gracefully returned to his grasp. His gaze shifted to the assembled experts, his voice unyielding. "Do you all believe that the Evergreen Immortal Empire should uphold this agreement?"

The representatives of the major powers, caught in this delicate political web, avoided direct eye contact with Skymist Jiang. The battle playing out before them was a clash between two titanic immortal empires, and none dared to voice their opinions or intervene lightly.

A voice of support did emerge from the Solarsky Mountain. "Indeed, since the agreement is in place, it is the Evergreen Immortal Empire's duty to honor it."

A resounding echo followed from the immortal king of the Paragon Sword Sect, pledging their allegiance to the Skymist Immortal Empire's stance. "Indeed, considering the agreement's existence, the Evergreen Immortal Empire must uphold its end of the bargain. After all, we are all part of the Eastern Regions."

Evergreen Longhao's countenance soured with each passing moment, and he turned his attention to the other two peak powers. From the Sky Demon Palace came laughter, and an opinion emerged. "It seems the Skymist Immortal Empire's viewpoint is valid. The Evergreen Immortal Empire should honor the agreement."

Evergreen Longhao's voice dripped with disdain as he addressed the gathering. "It appears you all are greatly enjoying this spectacle." The Paragon Sword Sect, Sky Demon Palace, Skymist Immortal Empire, Taihua Immortal Dynasty, and even the Violet Emperor's subordinates were now present in the royal capital. Their collective presence was enough to form the adjudication council of the immortal realms.

For these powers, the impending showdown between the two immortal empires promised entertainment. If war indeed erupted, it would be a spectacle of epic proportions, weakening both empires.

"While the agreement exists, its validity remains open to interpretation. Princess Qing'er and Princess Glaze are both exceptional young talents," the immortal king of the Taihua Immortal Dynasty chimed in with a sly smile. "Should the Evergreen Immortal Empire contemplate a marital alliance with my Taihua Immortal Dynasty, we would, of course, present our finest young men as candidates for the princesses' hand in marriage."

These words elicited curses from both Skymist and Evergreen Immortal Empire representatives, appalled at the Taihua Immortal Dynasty's cunning. Evergreen Longhao, however, held firm. "Both my father and the White Emperor have already made arrangements regarding the princesses' marriages. They will have the autonomy to select their own partners and will not be mere pawns of our empire."

The Taihua Immortal Dynasty's immortal king chuckled softly, a knowing look in his eyes. "Since Prince Longhao has spoken thus, let us consider my earlier words unsaid."

The atmosphere at the immortal banquet grew heavier by the moment. The Skymist Immortal Empire had amassed enough support to initiate the so-called adjudication of the immortal realms. Should the Evergreen Immortal Empire defy the agreement, would war indeed erupt, plunging the Eastern Regions into chaos and turmoil?