Divine Emperor of Death

Founder Rocksunder, Crystia, Noctis, Hirona, Sierra, and Hayley looked at the trio.

It was just as Evelynn said.

This treasure pulled their heartstrings and corrupted their minds, making them forget themselves. After all, it was a treasure that could make them above geniuses, allow them to obtain glory beyond what they could achieve in their lives.

Even moving to Upper Realms and become a Patriarch figure character that stood at the same height as their forepowers would become possible for them to achieve.

Even Hayley, a practitioner of the Tranquil Lotus Nirvanic Mantra, was affected when she should be able to control herself better than others could control themselves.

She felt like she could keep her heart and soul calm no matter the treasures she encountered, but she was proven otherwise as she had also tried to capture the treasure that was thrown, which turned out to be a piece of rock.

Even while hearing the choices Evelynn gave them, they had to restrict themselves not to move. If any of them had moved, it would've surely changed into a rush to get the treasure, inevitably offending them.

"Sigh…"

When Founder Rocksunder came back to his senses, he heaved a heavy sigh.

"You saw us fall for your trick. If I said that we, the Earth Dragon Clan, would choose the third option, do you think you'll still believe us to be your allies, trusting to have your backs?"

"We will." Evelynn calmly nodded, "No one is above greed. We are cultivators looking to improve ourselves, always keeping an eye out for treasures that would flip our destinies. I won't blame anyone for wanting to plunder in this competition as it was designed this way. However, backstabbing is unforgivable, and that's why I want to make our positions clear."

"…"

Founder Rocksunder remained silent, seemingly contemplating.

"The third option is quite risky. You won't get the perks of the first option." Shirley reminded, her expression amused.

She was looking forward to what they would choose as she didn't think they would choose the second option. After all, they weren't stupid. However, greed blinded people, so she couldn't truly tell what they would do, hence this whole fiasco.

Even Flamerose and Frostrose barely contained themselves after hearing about the Gilded Realm Ascendant Pill. Perhaps with this pill, their lives would be spared by their Auraflame Clan, or they would even be boasted as heroes of the clan, but what they said to her pierced her heart.

They said if they were still alive by the time the Candidacy ended, then they would fight her for it.

Clearly, they kept their hopes of surviving past the Candidacy minimal.

Therefore, she really wanted to help them obtain these pills by completing the remaining Hidden Pagodas. She didn't think much of the Earth Dragon Clan and the Fire Phoenix Clan, but Isabella cared for the Earth Dragon Clan. So she, Isabella, and Evelynn agreed to share the next Hidden Pagoda's treasures between them, giving birth to the third option.

However, to achieve the third option, they needed the protection of the Immortal Emperors. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to win and even if they won, they might get plundered as they're lacking talismans to escape.

"Our accomplishments are less. We haven't done anything worthy of the third option yet, so we'll take the first. As for completing other Hidden Pagodas, we would depend on ourselves instead of depending on others."

Sierra's voice echoed out. Her words were stringent on herself but that may also have had an impact on Founder Rocksunder as her words made him sound like he was depending on others.

He turned to look at her, his lips curling, "Indeed, depending on oneself is better for one's cultivation path. However, you can't just look at yourself and deem yourself worthy. Your worth is deemed by your prowess and skills, and in essence, you have failed the Fifth Hidden Pagoda while Shirley, Evelynn, and Isabella, these three magnificent beauties, have passed their trials."

"You-"

"Don't get me wrong. When I gamble on something, I end up always winning, and I pride myself on being able to see the strength of others. I know you're worthy, but compared to those three, you're a bit lacking."

"Hmph~"

Sierra harrumphed.

She didn't get along with this man or the other Earth Dragon Clan inheritors. It was Founder Zenflame who had a good relationship, one of rivalry with them, but he wasn't here. Nonetheless, she accepted his statement but didn't cement it in her mind.

After all, which cultivator, just which inheritor at this point, would give up their pride?

Everyone thought they were better than the other and this Gilded Realm Ascendant Pill literally was going to make it a reality.

As long as they can obtain it, they can prove themselves to be better and what is a better way to do that than earning it by themselves?

"Well," Founder Rocksunder returned his gaze to Shirley, "I would also like to earn the rewards by myself, but with only two Hidden Pagodas left with their whereabouts unknown, I don't think I have the time or leisure to care about my pride. I need to strengthen and bring glory to my Earth Dragon Clan, so I would ask that if we come across those two Hidden Pagodas, we will give you our lives. In exchange, if you manage to win, please deliver the rewards to the Earth Dragon Lower Realm."

He cupped his hands, bowing his head.

Sierra was also swayed by Founder Rocksunder's decision.

She felt that it was good to earn it by themselves, but if Shirley or those two were going to participate, what would be the use of fighting amongst themselves?

If they worked together, their chances of getting a pill would soar higher.

Ultimately, she didn't change her mind, cupping her hands, "We'll defer to your husband's decision, which is the first option."

Hirona pursed her lips, looking unsure, before she also cupped her hands.

In the end, she also couldn't see how they could shamelessly ask for a share in the rewards when they hadn't helped Shirley or the others yet. Of course, they could include Zahara's achievements, but Zahara herself took Shirley's side, so they couldn't go as far as to include her in their calculations.

And most importantly, she was deeply ashamed of what the Fire Phoenix Clan's Zenflame Clan tried to do to Shirley.

Shirley considered them friends even after that miserable contention with the Fire Phoenix Clan, so she couldn't help but feel grateful that she even considered joining them in this Candidacy.

Shirley nodded.

She took a deep breath before clapping her hands and smiling brightly, "Sierra, Hirona, and the others. We apologize for testing you all this way, but since we're weak at the moment, we have no choice but to be shameless. We also have to be careful that you don't accidentally offend us and incur our husband's wrath. I don't mean any offense, but I'm one hundred percent convinced he will eventually kill you all if you make a move against us here."

A hint of pride reveled in Shirley's voice.

"Somehow, I don't doubt that at all. Haha!"

Founder Rocksunder laughed. As he had talked to Davis a few times, he knew how inflexible he could be when it came to his women.

"By now, one could only wonder what became of the Dark Moon Lightning Serpent Clan and the Soul-Devouring Blood Vulture Clan… sigh…"

He shook his head.

Were they besieged? He didn't know but he sure wouldn't be surprised if they were subdued or exterminated. However, he sure liked Davis's character as such he was unbending when it came to the important matters in life, such as his devotion to his family.

By his standards, that was more respectable than selfishly gaining power, but power was also important in imposing one's will, and having both of them, Davis earned his full respect when he single-handedly defeated the Fire Phoenix Clan.

"…"

Isabella's cheeks blushed. Did Davis take revenge for her?

But wouldn't moving out to attack such major powers incur the wrath of the First Haven World? She was worried, but if he had moved out to attack, she couldn't help but feel emotional.

"However, it was a good choice to reveal this information and settle it between us before chaos could take root in our hearts when we eventually found out this information through other sources. You're smart and have the essence of being a leader."

"Founder Rocksunder must be joking." Evelynn responded with a cup of her hands, "I merely did what I felt my husband would do. He likes to test people… a lot."

"A bit cynical and also deceptive… you're also a different type of calamity- ah, don't get me wrong. This is a compliment."

Founder Rocksunder chuckled.

Evelynn, Isabella, and Shirley looked at each other.

Fortunately, their alliance didn't regress. Maybe it was because they didn't know they possessed nine Gilded Realm Ascendant Pills. Otherwise, they might've surely demanded a third of it.

"Evelynn… you're not going to give mine back?"

At this moment, Rea Tyriel asked with a teasing voice.

"…"

It made Evelynn, Isabella and Shirley silent. The others couldn't help but blink, some having their jaws drop, particularly Hayley as she hadn't said anything from the beginning as she didn't feel close enough to take part in those choices they gave.

But now… Evelynn apparently stole a Gilded Realm Ascendant Pill from Rea Tyriel...?

How hypocritical!

"Definitely another calamity…" Founder Rocksunder muttered under his breath, appearing impressed rather than looking down on her.

After all, as Evelynn said, this competition was designed to rob each other until the end. There were no permanent allies, and inheritors from the same power could also backstab each other.

He felt that it was a miracle that it didn't delve into an all-out battle considering the future prospects. Narrowing his eyes, he saw the vague image of the Divine Emperor of Death behind those three.

For some reason, offending this person seemed even more of a bad prospect to him than forcefully obtaining the Gilded Realm Ascendant Pills. His intuition told him it wouldn't end well for him or even the Earth Dragon Lower Realm when reality actually dictated such a little fry couldn't do anything at this moment.

He felt a bit ashamed for backing down and relying on other inheritors but he was always guided by his instincts and he trusted that it would deliver him to a wonderful outcome.

Forepowers - like forefathers

Earth Dragon Lower Realm > Azure Dragon Upper Realm

Oof. We were 60~ GTs away from reaching at least one goal. My income is also dropping rapidly, so let's try another method.

Don't stack guys. Read daily to support my writing. Thanks.