Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 1446 - 1446 819 Power Struggle

Chapter 1446: Chapter 819: Power Struggle Chapter 1446: Chapter 819: Power Struggle Chapter 0819: Power Struggle

The speaker was a Nascent Soul Master from Wanjie Commerce. This time, Wanjie Commerce had dispatched three Nascent Soul Masters in total, and Huo Ruikui was one of them. Like the National Master Manor, Wanjie Commerce did not send their leading figures this time. Huo Ruikui was the decision-maker among the three Nascent Soul Masters. By raising such a question at this moment, his objective was obviously singular—to seize the leadership among the twenty Nascent Soul Masters who came this time. Put plainly, when these Nascent Soul Masters gathered together, he wanted to be the one calling the shots.

The other Nascent Soul Masters listened, and most of them were silent. However, not everyone held the members of Wanjie Commerce in high regard. In Wanjie City, there were powers no weaker than Wanjie Commerce, and their relationship with Wanjie Commerce was anything but harmonious. In any event, they had to show some resistance, and one such top-tier power was the Ink Flood Dragon Association.

In Wanjie City, the Ink Flood Dragon Association was an established top-tier power. Even for many years before recent times, it had been the single top-tier power in Wanjie City, and even Wanjie Commerce had to yield three points to it. However, in recent years, Wanjie Commerce had been growing rapidly, especially by removing barriers to entry and actively recruiting top cultivators. Coupled with their constant business ventures into various secret realms, amassing a great wealth, their overall strength had quickly advanced. Now, they were on the verge of catching up with the Ink Flood Dragon Association. In Wanjie City, when people mentioned local top-tier powers, they had begun to mention Wanjie Commerce and the Ink Flood Dragon Association in the same breath.

Naturally, Wanjie Commerce was pleased with this trend, but the Ink Flood Dragon Association did not wish to see such a situation develop. This would certainly be unfavorable for their future progress. Clashes in Wanjie City provided no benefits for the Ink Flood Dragon Association, which usually chose to confront Wanjie Commerce outside of the city. This time was no exception.

As soon as Huo Ruikui finished speaking, before others had chimed in, Xu Xinge from the Ink Flood Dragon Association couldn’t wait to declare, “A snake cannot do without a head, and this saying holds true. As everyone knows, our Ink Flood Dragon Association has always been the leader of Wanjie City. Whether Wanjie City faces major events or minor affairs, nothing can be accomplished without our Ink Flood Dragon Association. Now is the time for the Nascent Soul Masters of our city to unite and face the outside world together. Our Ink Flood Dragon Association will not shirk its responsibility to lead everyone and stabilize the situation, which will allow our association’s advantages to be maximized. Fellow Sirs, what are your thoughts?”

Huo Ruikui’s expression turned extremely unsightly. He made that proposal intending for Wanjie Commerce to take the lead, but before he could even state it outright, someone from the Ink Flood Dragon Association had snatched the opportunity, and you can imagine his mood. Huo Ruikui

With a cold expression, Huo Ruikui said, “Now is not the time for resting on one’s laurels. It’s about capability—only those with the highest capability are qualified to lead us all. This is no joking matter since we will be engaging in life and death battles within the secret realm. If we elect an incompetent leader, wouldn’t that spell doom for us all?”

Xu Xinge’s complexion also turned sour. Huo Ruikui rudely implied that he was one of the incompetent ones—how could he tolerate such an insult? He retorted angrily, “Huo Ruikui, what is the meaning of this? Are you looking for trouble? If you truly believe what you’re saying, why don’t we have a few exchanges? If I don’t beat you to the ground within thirty moves, then I’ll step down from contending for the role of leader.”

Huo Ruikui snorted. He had crossed hands with Xu Xinge before and more often than not had been defeated. He had no confidence in overcoming Xu Xinge, so he deflected the challenge with, “Do you think being a leader is just about fighting prowess? You’re mistaken. A leader not only needs to be able to fight but must also have brains. Otherwise, if the enemy employs some cunning tricks or sets traps, and then sows discord on the battlefield, wouldn’t you just lead everyone straight into their trap in confusion? Fellow Sirs, don’t you think what I’m saying makes sense?”

The other Nascent Soul Masters had been watching silently with an air of disinterest, like clay Buddha statues. Silence is golden, but now that Huo Ruikui had directly asked them, if they continued to play dumb, it would be hard to justify. Nonetheless, they merely exchanged glances without volunteering to speak first.

Huo Ruikui then stated, “Since no one is speaking up, it naturally implies that you all agree with me. My words are correct. Xu Xinge, do you see that? This is the voice of the people. Do you still want to go against everyone’s opinion?”

Xu Xinge was not so easily swayed. He proposed, “Nobody is speaking because they don’t want to embarrass you, given that Wanjie Commerce backs you up. People might not wish to oppose you, but rather, they don’t want to offend Wanjie Commerce. So, how about we have a show of hands to vote on who should be the leader? Whoever receives more votes of support from our fellow Sirs will take the lead. How does that sound to you?”

Huo Ruikui nodded and said, “Then let me ask everyone first, if anyone opposes me being the leader, please raise your hand.”

Although some intended to raise their hands, upon hearing Huo Ruikui’s question posed like that, who would dare to raise their hand? At this time, raising a hand could result in being noted in Huo Ruikui’s “little book”.

Of course, not all were hesitant to raise their hands. The other two Nascent Soul Masters from the Ink Flood Dragon Association did so without hesitation, and additionally, two more who were close friends with Xu Xinge also raised their hands. The rest remained motionless.

Xu Xinge scoffed, “I would also like to ask everyone, if anyone opposes me being the leader, please raise your hand.”

The outcome was slightly better for him than for Huo Ruikui, with only three Nascent Soul Masters raising their hands, one fewer than those opposing Huo Ruikui.

Seeing this result, Xu Xinge laughed heartily and declared, “The public’s opinion is clear. Huo Ruikui, do you see that? More Sirs support me than you. I have the majority, you have the minority, so I should be the leader.”

Huo Ruikui’s complexion shifted, and he wanted to deny the outcome. However, considering that doing so would likely split their ranks internally, especially when a battle was imminent, such division would be dangerous. Although reluctant, he had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill.

Xu Xinge was very pleased with himself and announced, “Since I am the public’s choice for leader, I won’t refuse the role. Next, I’ll divide everyone into small groups. We’ll have five people in each group, with one Sir serving as the group leader. I will now announce the choices for the group leaders.”