I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 623: How is This Possible?

Within the Great Xia Tribe, total disorder prevailed everywhere.

Soldiers stationed on the city walls stared upward at the horrifying Demon King in front of them, their hands shaking so much they couldn't grip their weapons properly. The ones lacking bravery had simply passed out from pure fear.

The more courageous fighters could merely crouch behind the battlements, peeking out cautiously with just half their faces visible.

In the heart of the city, hordes of people dashed about aimlessly like chickens without heads. The Chieftain and High Priest wasted no time summoning every tribal elder to convene.

They had to figure out a way to confront this never-before-seen Demon King.

"All of you, that Demon King's power has already exceeded what the High Priest and I possess. Even combining our strengths, we might not drive him away."

"Let's decide who will guide the tribe's women and kids to safety."

The Chieftain cut right to the chase from the start.

The nearby High Priest stayed silent, simply observing the assembled elders with a quiet gaze.

Before long, grumbles started echoing from the elders. "What on earth has that failure Xia Kang been up to?"

"We offered him a shot at redemption, yet he didn't fix anything and instead dragged our Great Xia Tribe into this massive mess."

"You're right; we should've handed that boy over as an offering to Lord Demon Dragon ages ago!"

"..."

As the Chieftain absorbed the ongoing chatter, his face twisted into a grim mask. In the past, his authority over the tribe stood unchallenged.

Not even the High Priest dared challenge him. But his family line had let him down badly, especially his favorite grandson pulling off such a stunt.

This blunder stripped the Chieftain of all dignity. That's why the elders aligned with the High Priest chose this moment to strike.

Without doubt, unless his faction sacrificed something big in this disaster, holding onto their position in the tribe would prove impossible.

"Quiet down!"

Noticing his allies had heated things up enough, the High Priest advanced to seize command.

True enough, his voice alone plunged the meeting chamber into complete stillness. All gazes shifted toward the High Priest.

This outcome suited the High Priest perfectly. He began deliberately, "Bickering over blame at this point serves no purpose."

"Our priority must be getting through this disaster."

"We're ready to heed the High Priest's commands."

Over half the elders present aligned with the High Priest. Among them were a few the Chieftain viewed as loyal supporters.

Witnessing this betrayal, fury seethed inside the Chieftain, though he concealed it well.

He observed the proceedings with icy detachment, mentally marking each disloyal face.

Should the Great Xia Tribe endure this ordeal, he vowed to punish these turncoats harshly.

The High Priest grinned and declared, "With your trust in me, I'll share my thoughts briefly. The Chieftain's earlier words ring true."

"Even united, you and I might fall short against that Demon King. So, I propose the Chieftain takes a band of tribal warriors to stall him for one hour."

"Once we've fled Great Xia City, you can pull back. This approach will cut our Great Xia Tribe's casualties to the bare minimum."

"What do you all make of this plan?"

Beneath the table, the Chieftain's fist balled up tightly. Rage boiled within him, urging him to lash out physically.

Were it not for the risk of shattering the Great Xia Tribe through infighting, he'd have pummeled the High Priest right there.

His own supporters wore faces darkened by outrage too. The High Priest's idea amounted to a suicide mission for them.

Even before they voiced opposition, the undecided elders started voicing support one by one.

"The High Priest speaks wisely."

"This strategy truly limits the damage to our Great Xia Tribe."

"..."

Right as the Chieftain teetered on the edge of outburst, a booming call echoed from beyond the hall.

"Reporting..."

This shout silenced the chamber in an instant. The Chieftain promptly called out, "Come in."

"Yes, sir."

With that, a sturdy warrior bearing bronzed skin strode inside. He saluted the group and announced, "I pay respects to the Chieftain, High Priest, and all elders."

"Skip the ceremony."

The Chieftain pressed urgently, "Has the Demon King forded the river?"

The warrior answered, "To the Chieftain, no, the Demon King hasn't crossed. Young Master Kang has come back, carrying positive tidings."

Bang!

One elder pounded the table and leaped to his feet, raging, "Xia Hu, how dare you lie! With the Demon King at the Long River's far side, you call this good news?"

"Guards, haul him out and execute him!"

"Hold on."

Deep down, the Chieftain still trusted his grandson Xia Kang. He probed further, "Did Kang'er mention the Demon King's background?"

Xia Hu reported, "To the Chieftain, Young Master Kang explained the Demon King as his Martial Uncle, here to deliver his Master's command in his place."

"It's the directive from the new ruler of Five Elements Mountain."

These revelations hushed the room completely. Faces across the hall flickered with shock and uncertainty.

The High Priest's allies resembled choked fowl, cheeks burning crimson, words stuck in their throats.

"Can this be real?"

Joy lit the Chieftain's features as he demanded, "I always knew my bloodline wouldn't disappoint."

"This servant wouldn't presume to mislead."

Xia Hu himself struggled to accept Young Master Kang's report. Yet the Demon King displayed zero aggression toward the Great Xia Tribe, prompting him to relay the info.

"Excellent, splendid, truly outstanding!"

The Chieftain cried out in delight, "Lead me to the wall for a view. Join if you wish; otherwise, grab your kin and run."

He marched from the hall ahead, trailed shortly by a handful of elders. Faced with this, the High Priest's followers gritted their teeth and tagged along.

Fleeing the Great Xia Tribe might ensure survival, but they'd invested heavily to elevate it to its current state.

Unsurprisingly, abandoning it all didn't sit well with them.

Beyond Great Xia City's gates, Xia Kang eyed the wall's guards with frustration. He hadn't anticipated his Martial Uncle causing such alarm that they refused to unbar the entrance.

Still, this spared embarrassment; moments ago, none witnessed his undignified flight after being hurled by his Martial Uncle.

Recalling the incident, Xia Kang winced at the lingering ache in his rear.

Soon, a cluster of known faces emerged atop the wall.

Spotting the group, Xia Kang bowed swiftly and proclaimed, "Grandfather, Kang'er succeeded in his task."

"I've met the Ancestor of Body Cultivation and joined his lineage. I'm here now to proclaim my Master's will."

These declarations left the Chieftain, High Priest, and the rest of the Great Xia Tribe frozen in disbelief, minds still reeling.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar boomed near their ears.

"Xia Kang, you speak now as the Ancestor of Body Cultivation's representative, not for the Great Xia Tribe. Why bow to these ordinary folk!"

Hearing this, all on hand dropped to their knees, prostrating toward Thunder Qilin.

"We salute the Envoy."

"Hmph."

Thunder Qilin acknowledged coolly, then proclaimed with commanding presence, "This King arrives by the Ancestor of Body Cultivation's command to deliver his edict to the Great Xia Tribe..."

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/Alex_Cruise