Chapter 646: Two Choices

"This… We can talk about this…" Chief Blackdragon cracked a wry expression before saying, "You should know how important the Divine Doctor is to me." 

"I do not have to fear the Demonic Possession, then I can push for Battle King Realm without worries," he said. 

However, Chief Valencia continued to glare at him coldly and said, "And you think that the same doesn't apply for the rest of us? Does the Berserk Dragon Tribe think it is so powerful that it can look down on its allies and disrespect them now?"

"I apologize for this matter… I was not thinking straight due to the side effects of my tribe's Berserk Dragon Cultivation Method…"

"Do you think that can excuse you for attacking my esteemed guests—or anyone for that matter, Chief Blackdragon?" Chief Valencia pressed firmly.

"I… This Chief was not—"

"That's enough," the One-Eye Venerable Shaman interrupted with a wave of his hand and stated, "We are gathered to decide how to resolve the crisis before us. You can settle the problems between you two after."

"Yes, One-Eyed Venerable Shaman," Chief Blackdragon complied respectfully.

No matter what, the One-Eyed Venerable Shaman was his senior and an Extremity-rank Battle Master. 

He was not so arrogant that he would slight someone two ranks above his level.

"Young Master Leonhardt, you may proceed to speak—if it is alright with you," the One-Eyed Venerable Shaman gestured politely to Leon.

"Alright." 

Leon nodded.

Shortly after giving everyone a sweeping glance, he began to speak, "As you are all aware, I am not a local from around here, nor am from one of the neighboring regions—No, I am from much further away."

"I am from the Humain Domain, a place located on another continent and also a prince of an empire there, but enough of that for now. As it stands, two options are presented before you all." 

Leon paused to give the Venerable Shaman and the tribal chiefs a look. 

"The first choice is to surrender to the winning tribe at the central region and allows yourselves to live under the leadership of their hegemony," Leon stated.

"Out of the question!"

"Give us the second option."

Without surprises, the tribal chiefs and the One-Eye Venerable Shaman voiced their objections to the idea. 

They did not even consider it. 

If they had been unaware of the Black Warbear Tribe's grand scheme and had their water cut, causing them to become desperate, then perhaps, they may have considered. 

However, since they were aware, they wanted to keep their dignity.

"Very well," Leon smiled lightly with a nod at their responses before he said, "The second choice is to work with me. I will provide you the water. I can even provide you better techniques to practice. In return, you must unite, rise, and become the hegemon of the Infertile Plains."

"If you go down this path, it will be a bloodied one. There will be resistance, and there will be death. Whether you rise or fall, it'll be a path of no return. And of course, a leader must be a elected among the Seven Tribe Alliance to lead everyone in this endeavor." 

Leon stated afterward. 

'Hegemon!'

At his words, the tribal chiefs felt their blood boiling. Even the old flame in the One-Eyed Venerable Shaman's heart felt like it was ignited.

Nevertheless, the elder scrutinized Leon's face before asking, "And who does Young Master Leonhardt think will be the most suitable leader in the Seven Tribe Alliance?" 

Leon smiled. 

Naturally, he believed that he, himself, should assume the leadership role and eventually swallow all the tribes under his banner, making them his people. 

It would bolster the military might of the empire to a newfound peak.

"Of course, that is something for everyone in the Seven Tribe Alliance to decide on," Leon ultimately said while retaining a calm smile. 

He did not nominate himself. 

Haste would only make waste. 

The tribes had their own egos and would not readily submit to his ruling, even if he managed to assume the leadership role. 

He may have won the hearts of the Darkmoon Tribe, but the same cannot be said for the other tribes. 

A hasty choice would only ruin the bigger picture. 

"Hoh?" 

The One-Eye Venerable Shaman stroked his beard with interest before nodding in approval. 

He was impressed by Leonhardt's calm composure to make a clear and steady choice despite the obvious temptation and deep ambition hidden within the young man.

"We can decide on the leader of the alliance through friendly competition in the battle arena," Chief Blackdragon suggested. 

"That seems like the best way to settle it," Chief Brightstar nodded before saying, "However, I'm more interested in what Young Master Leonhardt has to gain out of this by helping us?"

"True," Chief Nightraven shifted his gaze to Leon and said, "By the sound of it, the Human Domain is not lacking in resources and should have no trouble sustaining life. What is your intention, Young Master Leonhardt." 

"Young Master Leonhardt is a hero with a noble heart," Chief Valencia stated firmly before asking with a frown, "Are you two doubting his good intentions and benevolence?"

"I do believe Young Master Leonhardt has some good intentions in helping us—don't get me wrong," Chief Nightraven shook his head before he said, "However, men, as humans, as people, are creatures governed by self-interest." 

"I do not believe Young Master Leonhardt will be helping us out of complete selflessness and goodwill to our tribes," he stated. 

"You—!" 

Chief Valencia was angered. 

What was this person thinking? Is he trying to offend the only person who could solve their predicament and shoo him away?

Nevertheless, Leon patted Chief Valencia's shoulders and stopped her with a shake of his head before reassuring her that it was alright.

"It's fine," he said. 

Shortly after, he gazed back at the chiefs decisively without faltering and said, "While the Human Domain has good living conditions, it surrounding be threats all around, and with the arrival of the Cataclysm—comes the emergence of a new threat." 

"I do admit there is some selfishness for my intention to help, but I can assure you, it is out of my desire for the continuation and prosperity of our human race," he stated.