Chapter 817: The Floating Tuo Clan's Power Dynamics
The venue for the Clan Martial Gathering was situated atop the main peak of the Floating Tuo Realm. Representatives from the Great Thousand World's top superpowers occupied the high ranking pavilions built into the summit, while other superpowers were seated on the surrounding mountain peaks.
Xiao Ze sat in one of the pavilions on the left side of the summit, accompanied by Qing Yanjing. Having just recently ascended to the Heavenly Sovereign level, and with her Qing lineage in a strong position, Qing Yanjing wasn't required to compete. Instead, she stayed by Xiao Ze's side, providing insights into the Floating Tuo Clan's internal structure.
Understanding the Gathering
"The Clan Martial Gathering is the grandest event of the Floating Tuo Clan," Qing Yanjing began, her tone calm but serious. "It determines the clan's highest authority the seats in the Elder Council.
"Any major decisions within the Floating Tuo Clan require the approval of the Elder Council. The number of seats held by a lineage directly influences their power within the clan."
Xiao Ze nodded thoughtfully and asked, "How many seats does your Qing lineage hold?"
"Six," Qing Yanjing replied with a small smile. "That's the most of any lineage. The Xuan lineage holds four, the Mo lineage three, and the remaining six are split among the various branch lineages."
Xiao Ze pondered this for a moment. Compared to when Futuo Xuan served as the Grand Elder, the clan seemed to have taken a more balanced approach.
In the original timeline, the rivalry between the Xuan and Mo lineages had monopolized most of the clan's resources, leaving the Qing lineage and branch lineages to struggle with limited support. Now, the allocation of seats suggested a more equitable distribution of resources, enabling talent from the branch lineages to rise.
Despite the Qing lineage's prominent role, they did not hold absolute power. With the Xuan and Mo lineages and the branches collectively controlling thirteen seats, even Futuo Tian, the clan leader and a Saint level Heavenly Sovereign, couldn't enforce decisions without broad support.
A Display of Strength
As Xiao Ze processed Qing Yanjing's explanation, powerful figures began appearing at the summit, their auras commanding and oppressive. These were the Heavenly Sovereigns of the Floating Tuo Clan, a total of twenty figures standing tall and imposing.
The sight left Xiao Ze quietly impressed.
In the Great Thousand World, possessing even one Heavenly Sovereign was enough for a faction to be considered a superpower. For ancient clans like the Floating Tuo Clan, the sheer number of Heavenly Sovereigns they commanded far surpassed ordinary factions.
What Xiao Ze saw here was only the surface. Qing Yanjing herself, despite being a Heavenly Sovereign, wasn't competing, further highlighting the depth of the clan's strength.
The nineteen Heavenly Sovereigns stood deferentially behind a single figure at the center Futuo Tian, the clan leader. Xiao Ze recognized him immediately from their previous encounter.
Futuo Tian appeared as a middle aged man in a flowing white robe adorned with cloud patterns. His demeanor was calm, and there was no trace of spiritual energy radiating from his body, making him seem almost ordinary.
Yet his presence commanded universal respect. Even the representatives from the top superpowers rose to their feet in deference.
As a Saint level Heavenly Sovereign, Futuo Tian was one of the most powerful figures in the Great Thousand World, deserving of such reverence.
"Welcome, Clan Leader!"
The crowd of Floating Tuo Clan members bowed deeply, their voices ringing with respect. Even the clan elders greeted him with utmost courtesy.
Standing at the summit, Futuo Tian scanned the gathering, his smile warm and composed. His voice, gentle yet commanding, resonated across the mountains.
"Thank you all for honoring the Floating Tuo Clan with your presence at this Clan Martial Gathering. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
The approachable tone eased the tension among the superpower representatives, though they maintained their decorum. A Saint level Heavenly Sovereign's kindness was not to be mistaken for weakness.
Futuo Tian, wasting no time, addressed the clan members.
"The Clan Martial Gathering is about to begin. Remember, while the clan's foundations are vast, our resources are limited. It is up to you to secure your share. Let this competition be fair and earnest."
The nineteen Heavenly Sovereigns bowed respectfully.
"We understand, Clan Leader."
With a nod from Futuo Tian, the Heavenly Sovereigns dispersed like meteors, descending onto the massive jade platforms. The Clan Martial Gathering had officially begun.
Heavenly Sovereign Battles
The jade platforms became the stage for fierce clashes between the clan's Heavenly Sovereigns. Each strike shook the air, and the intensity of their battles left many spectators awestruck.
Even among Heavenly Sovereigns, the participants were far from average. Many had reached the Celestial grade, showcasing the Floating Tuo Clan's immense depth.
While observing the battles, Qing Yanjing continued explaining the rules to Xiao Ze.
"The rules are straightforward. A lineage retains its seats by winning more battles than it loses. If they lose more, they must surrender a seat to the winning lineage.
"For example, our Qing lineage holds six seats. If we lose four matches, we'll have to relinquish one of our seats."
Her detailed explanation helped Xiao Ze understand the stakes, though his attention occasionally wandered to the other superpower representatives in attendance.
Superpower Observers
Among the spectators, Xiao Ze noted numerous Heavenly Sovereigns representing various factions. While most were here to watch, their presence signified immense talent. Reaching the Heavenly Sovereign level required extraordinary gifts, and many of these individuals were elites among elites.
Unfortunately, most of their talents were geared toward cultivation, something Xiao Ze had no shortage of. Still, he wasn't in a rush. His plans to refine the Origin Tree's branches would take time, and he could afford to be patient.
Not all major powers attended. Factions like the Sword Domain and the Land of the Undying were notably absent, along with some of the five ancient clans. Only the Tai Ling Clan and the Black Heaven Clan had sent representatives.
This was understandable while the Clan Martial Gathering was grand, the Great Thousand World remained far from peaceful, requiring many top experts to remain on alert.
The Gathering's Conclusion
As time passed, the battles gradually came to an end. The final results would determine which lineages retained their influence and which would lose their seats.
Qing Yanjing's expression grew more excited as the event concluded. The next segment was her moment to shine a significant ceremony awaited her.
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30st, get 30% off both your subscription and the purchase of your novel. Thank you for your support.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10