Chapter 1677: No-Name (7)

Chapter 1677: No-Name (7)

Wei Wuyin's straightforward admission preceded by the accusation of his involvement with Teng Jiangwen exacerbated the tension and mystery enshrouding the Main Hall. The thoughts of the Sages were far too abstract to determine, and Sage Khonshu, Sage Imentet, Sage Nepit, Sage Nepri, and Sage Khepri were all silently observing, equally as inscrutable.

While the other Sages' involvement in this discussion was difficult to determine, Sage Khonshu was ignorant regarding Sage Pakhet and Sage Shattered Sphinx's intentions for this line of questioning. However, that did little to diminish the heart-pounding fact that Wei Wuyin had turned two 'neighboring' galaxies into Vassal States for his fledgling empire.

That wasn't a feat that an ordinary Alchemist, even a Worldly Saint Alchemist or Enlightened Sage, could remotely achieve alone in a short period. It was outright astonishing to an extreme! More importantly, the event was incredibly thought-provoking!

Did this distinguished Alchemist and Imperial Ruler of a far-off world have these intentions toward the No-Name Galaxy? Considering Wei Wuyin had mostly been absent recently, uninvolved in many of the major events lately, while there were signs of independent networking by his wives, it definitely had not reached the point of being excessive, widespread, or deliberate. If not for Luo Ning's identity, her actions of assisting during a critical moment, and her close relationship with Sage Imentet, the majority of those present wouldn't have even known that Wei Wuyin existed!

But...if there was an opportune time to discuss transforming the No-Name Galaxy into a unified union of diverse forces, a genuine vassal state of the Neo-Dawn Empire, then this was by far the best time! After all, every leader of this galaxy from the far reaches of the galaxy was right here!

None of those present were too dull in wit or schemes, so they could already sense that there was something here. They just felt that...something was off about the entire situation. No one could quite discover why.

Sage Hathor cleared her throat, drawing the attention of everyone. She took center stage within the Main Hall, her platform transforming into a gold and silver design.

"I'd like to extend my deepest apologies to World-Saint Neo-Dawn."

She smiled sincerely and made direct eye contact with Wei Wuyin, transforming into an intense stare that conveyed her utmost respect, sincerity, and honest emotions. Her innate gentleness and warmth amplified her actions in the eyes of everyone.

"...?"

The others were turned for a loop. Sage Hathor's apology came straight out of left field to many of them. If anyone should apologize, it should be the accusers—Sage Pakhet and Sage Shatter Sphinx!

However, Sage Hathor still took the lead here, clearly indicating that the accusation was something she had a hand in.

"May I ask you a rather impolite question, World-Saint Neo-Dawn?"

She was immensely respectful and it was hard to find fault with her warm outspoken tone.

Wei Wuyin replied with a calm smile. If Sage Pakhet or Sage Shattered Sphinx had asked this, he may be inclined to express his dissatisfaction and assume a position of being offended for benefits, but since Sage Hathor had spoken, someone with a good reputation and doing so with a smile laced with good intentions, he decided to not play into that role and let this play out.

"Of course, Sage Hathor. How could I possibly refuse?"

While he was willing, his voice sounded as if it was dipped in dissatisfaction. Considering that he was given permission to enter here by Sage Hathor and faced accusations almost immediately after, none of the Sages found that odd. That said, all of this was already within his expectations.

Sage Hathor gave a silent thanks with a grateful gaze and then looked at everyone present in the Main Hall slowly, her eyes were strong and resilient, yet gentle and understanding. They could feel that she was looking at each of them without shying away, viewing them entirely. With a deep inhale, she returned her gaze to Wei Wuyin and then exhaled.

"Our galaxy has suffered a great calamity. While we can discuss means of mitigating the damages inflicted by Teng Jiangwen's devious final act, the desolate wave of desperation and unpredictability after losing so much wealth within an extremely short period with no preparations will begin to show itself in hectic and disastrous ways within the coming days. Already—"

She paused as she glanced at a few leaders whose regions had already descended into war before Teng Jiangwen was confronted, continuing:

"—we can catch a glimpse of the inevitable fallout."

"..."

The crowd resonated heavily with these words. Most hoped that the Sages would take a small portion of their lost treasures and return what was stolen, willing to suffer a tolerable loss for the sake of a smooth future and a harsh learning lesson, but who would have thought that they would lose EVERYTHING! Even the Sages and Alchemist Organizations weren't spared!

These two galaxies might have willingly submitted to Wei Wuyin, yet the Void Altars built and active development from the Neo-Dawn Empire's isolated world, the Ancient Sealed Region, forces sent over had barely established any foundation. Cao Cuifen didn't underestimate the Neo-Dawn Empire's current state development as the rate of expansion exceeded her imagination several times over, but that didn't subtract from the undeniable truth: Neither the two galaxies of the Ancient Sealed Region could support the No-Name Galaxy!

The silence that followed after that question was utterly palpitating.

Wei Wuyin's smile didn't fade from his unearthly handsome visage of calmness. Everything was going just as he planned.

"Support? Don't tell me you intend to plunder from my Neo-Dawn Empire, Sage Hathor? Because the act of an empire supporting a galaxy is far too unrealistic. Even if I said yes, who here would believe me? I wouldn't believe me."

Wei Wuyin's words were slowly said and they were accompanied by silent sighs of relief and then smiles and chuckles of amusement from the elite forces present. Sage Hathor wasn't the type to plot a plundering operation!

That was true! Who could believe a fledgling empire could support a galaxy? Moreover, a galaxy as rich and spoiled as the No-Name Galaxy?!

Wei Wuyin continued,

"The Utmost Purity Galaxy, Prosperous Ruin Galaxy, and the Treasured Vale Galaxy, these three greater galaxies, wouldn't be able to sustain such a long-term task. Sage Hathor—"

he called out, causing Sage Hathor whose eyes were shining faintly with a distant, distracted gaze of thought to focus on him once again,

"—was that your question?"

Sage Hathor faintly smiled,

"It was once said by High Overlord Ptah that eluding the piercing gaze of an emperor was as impossible as evading your own shadow's touch, I guess there's some truth within those words."

She swept her gaze across the people of the No-Name Galaxy and slowly said with emphasis on her words,

"Our galactic society has suffered; we have very few options left, and what's left is mere attempts to mitigate. Any mitigation will only act as a temporary stopgap for the greater flood of chaos bound to come. As I said before, our galaxy's fate isn't something that the Ten Sages can one-sidedly decide.

"However, we can decide our own fate and future—"

she turned her complete focus away from the slowly understanding minds of the crowd, staring at Wei Wuyin,

"World-Saint Neo-Dawn, my Prosperous Union Major Region—"

at this point, dozens upon dozens of platforms carrying elderly, young, and peak prime young men and women began to glow a gorgeous golden glow effusion warmth and the air of prosperity, these were all the elite and talented leaders of the Prosperous Union Major Region,

"—is willing to submit as a Galactic Zone Vassal of your Neo-Dawn Imperial State.

"I ask you: can you support my Prosperous Union Galactic Zone?"

"...!"

"...!!"

"...!!!"