Chapter 248: Chapter 247: Refuse
They didn’t know if anyone could feel the Netherworld Empire’s wrath, but they could certainly feel Lin Hao’s. He was obviously furious. The murder of an official was a resounding slap in the face to the Netherworld Empire.
Since Lin Hao had been on good terms with Cheng Fen, he was naturally just as furious.
After giving them a cold glance, Lin Hao said in a heavy voice, "I’m not like Lord Cheng, who took his time. I prefer to be direct. The Netherworld Emperor sent Lord Cheng here for one reason: in the hopes that you would all join the Netherworld Empire!"
He had just finished talking about Cheng Fen, and now he was already on to the matter of recruitment. This so-called "joining" was just a fancy word for becoming a vassal, wasn’t it?
"If you join our Netherworld Empire, you will enjoy a great many resources. This includes our protection and the resources we provide, such as Martial Arts. We can offer all of it. I’m sure you believe that the Netherworld Empire’s immense power is far greater than any of the factions present!"
No one objected to Lin Hao’s statement. If they weren’t powerful, how could they call themselves an Empire?
An Empire was different from these factions. It occupied an entire continent, managing sects of all sizes. The Celestial Realm Continent, however, was an exception. It was a vacuum, falling outside any empire’s jurisdiction.
It was too remote to be easily governed. There were many such continents, and thus, many independent sects. Some empires were more than willing to recruit them.
The Earth Realm Continent, however, fell under the jurisdiction of the Celestial Dragon Empire. But under normal circumstances, they didn’t interfere in the sects’ affairs.
The relationship between the Celestial Dragon Empire and the Netherworld Empire had always been tense. They had almost no interaction, and it was more likely for war to break out between them at any moment.
None of the Mansion Masters were surprised by Lin Hao’s speech. He obviously hadn’t come here just to share a meal; this was clearly about recruitment.
"Those who choose to join our Netherworld Empire will be provided with a wealth of resources. In return, you must obey our every command. No matter what we do, you cannot defy our instructions! Under normal circumstances, we won’t interfere with you. We simply require your obedience."
"If you choose not to join our Netherworld Empire, we will not force you. The choice is yours."
Lin Hao’s voice was low as he looked at them. They believed the first part of his statement; the resources would surely be provided. As for not interfering in their affairs? Of course they would. Why spend so many resources on recruitment if not to control them?
They were being recruited to be used. What they would be ordered to do, however, was anyone’s guess.
As for his last sentence... they had to seriously consider whether he was telling the truth.
A hush fell over many of the sects. The inevitable had arrived. Some sects, however, agreed immediately without a second thought.
"We are willing to join the Netherworld Empire and serve it!" The first to speak was Nan Fengyun of the Divine Rune Mansion. He agreed to join. They already had a good relationship with the Netherworld Empire, so joining was the logical next step. In truth, they had likely joined long ago; this was merely the public announcement.
Lin Hao nodded, very pleased with Nan Fengyun’s display.
"We are also willing to join the Netherworld Empire!"
"Us too!"
One by one, the sects chose to join the Netherworld Empire. Some were willing, others not so much. Those who were reluctant, fearing retaliation, had no choice but to agree.
"Thank you for the invitation, but the White Lotus Prefecture is not considering joining at this time." A beautiful woman in a white robe stepped forward, declining the offer.
She was the Mansion Master of the White Lotus Prefecture, speaking on behalf of her entire faction. Her own cultivation was impressive, having reached the fifth layer of the Core Formation Stage. Judging by her age, she was much younger than Lin Hao and his men, which spoke volumes about her talent.
A cold glint flashed in Lin Hao’s eyes, gone in an instant. He then smiled faintly. "It’s no matter. The Netherworld Empire respects everyone’s decision. We have no intention of forcing anyone."
Those were his words, but who knew if he meant them? Among the third-grade factions, the White Lotus Prefecture was one of the stronger ones. They had their own power, and for all he knew, they might have a Void Spirit expert backing them. That would make him think twice. He wouldn’t dare to use force on such a faction. If a real fight broke out, the Netherworld Empire would undoubtedly win, but their losses would be severe.
"We are also not considering joining at this time. We are most grateful for the Netherworld Empire’s invitation..." Another Mansion Master stepped forward, his tone full of apology.
Only those with a truly strong foundation, the kind of factions that might one day become Empires themselves, could dare to say such a thing.
Lin Hao said nothing. He couldn’t afford to make trouble with these factions, so he could only watch.
Soon, out of the fourteen factions present, only one had yet to answer: the Celestial Extreme Mansion! No one imagined they would refuse. In fact, everyone assumed they would jump at the chance. How could they not be thrilled to latch onto a powerful patron like the Netherworld Empire?
As all eyes in the hall turned to Yi Tianyun and his people, the Great Elder whispered, "Mansion Master, are we going to join, or not?"
’They were certainly unwilling to join. Joining meant losing their freedom. They might even be forced to hand over the Profound Celestial Divine Technique! Otherwise, what would be the point of the Empire recruiting them? After enlisting all these factions, they would inevitably be forced to hand over their most valuable possessions. The Netherworld Empire had done such things countless times; it was how they earned their infamous reputation.’
’Things were already so unpleasant between us. If we join now, it would be like enduring all this humiliation for nothing. But if we don’t agree... we’d really be courting death.’
Yi Tianyun didn’t answer the Great Elder. He simply stepped forward, looked at Lin Hao, and said, "Thank you for your invitation, my lord, but the Celestial Extreme Mansion is not considering joining any faction at this time. We simply wish to develop on our own."
What!
His words struck like a thunderclap, stunning everyone present. ’He really dared to refuse the Netherworld Empire’s invitation? Is he out of his mind? He had a powerful patron offering support, and he chose to refuse!’
No one had expected this; they all thought the Celestial Extreme Mansion would surely join. Who would have guessed there was bad blood between them? If nothing had happened between them and the Netherworld Empire, they might very well have joined.
The Celestial Extreme Mansion was already in decline, so siding with a major power should have been beneficial, but things were different now. The Empire was responsible for the deaths of many of their people, for creating several traitors, and for crippling their previous Mansion Master. To join after all that...
...it would be like getting beaten hundreds of times and still smiling back at your abuser. It would be an act of pure self-degradation!
