After chatting for a while, the noise outside Allclan Sanctuary gradually increased. Although everyone kept their voices low, it was still easy to discern the topic of their discussions. Namely, why had no one come forward to host the Grand Conclave of All Races yet?
As for the origins of Joe Di from the Human Clan, while everyone was whispering about it, they only dared to transmit their voices secretly, not openly speak.
"Brother Di, this truly is strange. The time for the Grand Conclave of All Races has already arrived. By rights, someone should have stepped forward to host it, yet no one has done so." Standing beside Joe Di, Meng Ruolou also whispered.
In the distance, James Wan, the Redlin Patriarch, and several Fifth Step Paragons stood together. According to the original plan, James Wan was supposed to host this Grand Conclave. At this moment, he should have stepped onto the stage, but he showed no intention of moving.
"Brother Wan..." The Redlin Patriarch, having guessed some of James Wan's thoughts, spoke with concern.
James Wan glanced subtly towards Joe Di's side and said in a deep voice, "Brother Jin Qiao, our calculations may have gone awry this time. Joe Di's strength far exceeds what we anticipated. Even if we join forces, can we really restrain him? It's a pity that Yu Zhaiyi harbors ulterior motives—otherwise, the three of us together could have subdued him. If we proceed as usual, someone from the Human Clan will surely enter the Providence Gate. You know what the consequences would be."
The Redlin Patriarch fell silent. He knew full well what those consequences were. It was an unspoken rule negotiated long ago among the major clans—never give the Human Clan even the slightest chance.
In terms of Dao cultivation, the Human Clan was the most adept at comprehending and attuning to the Dao. If they gained access to good resources, it wouldn't be long before the Human Clan once again stood above all others. In other words, if not for their inherent tendency toward internal strife, the other clans would likely have long since lost their place.
After a long while, the Redlin Patriarch finally said, "But the Grand Conclave of All Races has already begun. If no one hosts it, that’s not right either."
James Wan chuckled, "Perhaps we can change the format of this Grand Conclave, and not discuss the quotas for the Providence Gate this time. As for that Joe fellow, no matter how powerful he is, does he really think he can escape unscathed?"
The Left Warden of the Coldmoon Clan, Zuo Ling, immediately spoke up, "Let's wait a bit longer, then we can request Brother Wan to preside over this conference."
The others all nodded. Although the Allclan Conference was mainly to allocate the Providence Gate quotas, it was not limited to just that. The timing of the allocation was crucial—if missed, they could use it as an excuse to discuss other matters first.
Joe Di frowned. He could hear the discussions around him, and Rowena Meng's words made it clear—the old-timers found him too assertive and seemed unwilling to let the conference proceed as usual. For him, the Providence Gate quota was the sole reason for attending this gathering.
With that thought, Joe Di stepped onto the Duel Platform.
The Duel Platform was already at the center of the plaza. As soon as Joe Di stepped onto it, the entire square fell silent once more. Everyone now knew who Joe Di was—even those unfamiliar with him before. After all, he had slain the ruthless Tian Yuan with a single move; even James Wan and the Redlin Patriarch might not be that formidable.
Standing on the Duel Platform, Joe Di announced in a clear voice, "Fellow cultivators of all clans, today marks the opening of the Allclan Conference. Earlier, our time was wasted by a disgrace, but justice prevails in this world. From now on, let us set aside all else—I hereby declare the Allclan Conference begins now!"
James Wan was momentarily stunned. What was happening here? No one invited you, yet you’re presiding over the Allclan Conference? Since when did the Human Clan qualify to host this event?
“Get up there quickly.” As Redlin Patriarch spoke, he was already stepping onto the Duel Platform. James Wan followed close behind, also stepping up.
After Redlin Patriarch and James Wan, three more Fifth Step Paragons stepped onto the Duel Platform.
"Daoist Joe, today is the day the Allclan Conference begins. Please, let’s not joke around..." James Wan cupped his fists and spoke loudly as soon as he arrived.
Joe Di replied calmly, "Who says I'm joking? I'm presiding over the Allclan Conference."
"You? Preside over the Allclan Conference? There's no precedent for that. Besides, the host is always predetermined. You're breaking the rules," James Wan said, his tone darkening.
Joe Di raised an eyebrow, "Breaking the rules? Who made these rules?"
James Wan retorted mockingly, "The twelve great clans set them. Each has a Fifth Step Paragon. Back then, your Human Clan had none, so don’t bring up your current Paragon."
Joe Di replied calmly, "Did my Human Clan participate when those rules were set?"
"No," James Wan answered matter-of-factly. He didn’t believe Joe Di could overturn the situation. No matter how strong, could he really offend all the clans here?
"Then was my Human Clan invited to the Allclan Conference?" Joe Di pressed.
Even though he knew what Joe Di was getting at, James Wan could only answer, "No. At that time, your Human Clan didn’t have a Paragon."
Joe Di raised his voice, "So without a Paragon, we weren’t invited—does that mean we weren’t qualified to attend? What does 'Allclan Conference' mean? It should be a gathering for all clans. If only Paragons can participate, then call it the Paragon Conference instead!"
Joe Di’s words resonated with many present. Most of the clans here didn’t have a Paragon; those that did were a rare minority.
James Wan sensed trouble and quickly added, "Because those without Paragons weren’t invited, the resources for cultivation were concentrated among the few powerful clans. Such selfish behavior, I believe, is despised by every clan here."
This time, the voices of agreement were even louder. Clearly, the vast majority of cultivators supported Joe Di’s stance.
But Joe Di changed the subject, "Besides, it’s not like my Human Clan never had a Paragon. Yuan Changxiao, come up here."
Yuan Changxiao had already arrived. Hearing Joe Di’s call, he stepped onto the Duel Platform in one stride. Joe Di’s strength was clearly overwhelming—he didn’t need Yuan Changxiao’s power. With Joe Di present, Yuan Changxiao no longer feared being suppressed for being Human.
Joe Di looked at Yuan Changxiao. "You may be selfish, but at least you’re a Human Paragon. Tell me, before the last few Allclan Conferences, had you already reached the Fifth Step Paragon?"
Yuan Changxiao cupped his fists, "I reached the Fifth Step Paragon millions of years ago. Now, I’m only a step away from the late Paragon stage."
Joe Di’s mocking gaze fell on James Wan. "Well, James Wan, what do you say to that?"
Just as James Wan was about to speak, another voice rang out, "Brother Wan, everyone knows Yuan is a Paragon. I know it too. I trust you won’t claim ignorance."
Seeing who spoke, James Wan’s heart sank. He could only cup his fists and say, "So it’s Brother Yu of the Cloud Clan. I did overlook this matter."
The Cloud Clan was a great clan, and Zachary Yu was as powerful as James Wan. He wouldn’t dare lie outright.
Joe Di said coolly, "If you can overlook something like this, what right do you have to preside over the Allclan Conference? Step aside and let Brother Yu and me host this event."
Seeing that Redlin Patriarch remained silent, James Wan could only swallow his pride and step aside.
Zachary Yu was delighted. After learning how formidable Joe Di was, he wanted to strengthen ties with the Human Clan. Besides, the Cloud Clan and Human Clan had never been true enemies. He had just voiced support for Joe Di and was already reaping the rewards.
"Many thanks, Brother Di." Zachary Yu knew that during his absence, the Cloud Clan had fallen behind the Redlin and Divine Clans. To restore the Cloud Clan’s prestige, hosting the Allclan Conference was the perfect opportunity.
"Does anyone object?" Joe Di’s gaze swept across the plaza.
"We agree! No objections!" Voices surged across the square.
Just for what Joe Di said earlier, even the clans without Paragons had to support him.
(That’s all for today’s update. Good night, friends!)