Although Tang Xiaoqi had alarms ringing in his heart, the Alliance high command, to stabilize people's hearts and showcase the "victory" results, still held a grand ceremony at Qingxu Temple according to established procedures. Beautifully named: rewarding expedition merits, uniting the strength of the Three Realms.
The ceremony was held in the expanded central square of Qingxu Temple, banners fluttering, immortal music floating. On the high platform above, the current rotating chairman of the Alliance presided, with Tang Xiaoqi, Mu Xue, Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng and other core figures seated above. Below sat representatives from human, demon, and sea clans, as well as the Silicon-based civilization observation delegation, arranged by strength and contribution.
At first, the atmosphere was relatively harmonious. The rotating chairman gave a generous speech, praising the heroes' bravery, emphasizing the importance of Alliance unity. Then, rewards began to be distributed according to merit.
The first rewarded, naturally, was the chief hero Tang Xiaoqi. Besides massive spirit stones and rare materials, the Alliance formally granted him the permanent title of "World Protection True Lord," with transcendent status and supreme authority. No one objected to this; Xiaoqi's strength and contributions deserved such honor.
Next came Mu Xue, Dragon King Ao Guang, several demon kings, and the Silicon-based special envoy who performed excellently during the expedition. Their rewards were equally generous, and they were given greater voice in Alliance Council decisions and decision-making power for specific matters.
Problems arose in the subsequent rewards for middle and lower-level cultivators, as well as ordinary warriors of various clans, especially in the distribution of war spoils. According to the merit list, the East Sea Dragon Clan dispatched twelve elders and three thousand elite warriors, responsible for stabilizing the spatial passage, with outstanding merits. They should receive three shares of the Shadow Meteoric Iron and Nether Crystal distribution.
The Dragon King's demand was immediately challenged by a human elder who argued that frontal combat deserved more recognition than technical support. The human faction wanted fifty percent of the spoils. A demon king from the Western Desert retorted that their warriors had discovered hidden demonic traps that saved lives, so distribution should be proportional to each clan's contribution.
This dispute reflected deeper tensions. Humans had long dominated the cultivation world with their numbers and inheritance advantages. During the demonic catastrophe, pressured by survival needs, they had to ally with demon and sea clans, sharing power and resources. But as external pressure seemingly decreased, the estrangement stemming from racial and cultural differences began to emerge.
Some conservative human sects that had relatively small losses during the demonic catastrophe began to express dissatisfaction, claiming resources should prioritize humans, that foreign clans should not be treated equally. These sentiments found their way into the discussions.
The rotating chairman tried to mediate, but. Dragon King Ao Guang's face was gloomy, dragon might faintly emanating. Several demon kings were furious. The Silicon-based observation delegation remained silent, recording everything.
Tang Xiaoqi sat calmly, taking in the arguments below, his heart's unease growing heavier.
He saw the quietly expanding cracks behind merits and achievements. The demon head had not been truly destroyed, yet internal strife had already emerged due to interests and status. This was far more dangerous than an open battle. The Alliance's foundation was being eroded by these seemingly tiny cracks.
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng secretly transmitted to him, his tone carrying helplessness: "Xiaoqi, do you see? Once the demon head retreated, people's hearts became chaotic. Some people can only share hardship, not prosperity."
Mu Xue's ice-blue eyes also flashed with worry; she was concerned whether this internal discord would affect unity when facing the true crisis in the future.
Ultimately, through forceful mediation by the rotating chairman and several heavyweight elders, the resource distribution reached a compromise solution that various parties could barely accept. But the contradictions and estrangement exposed during the process were like spilled water, impossible to take back.
The reward ceremony concluded in an atmosphere of seeming completeness but actual hidden agendas. Everyone could sense that something was different. That fragile bond holding the Three Realms together had already developed tiny but real cracks.
The Alliance seemed powerful, but hidden worries had already arisen.
Tang Xiaoqi knew he must quickly clarify the demon head's true whereabouts and conspiracy, while also finding ways to bridge the emerging cracks within the Alliance. Otherwise, without the demon head making any move, the Three Realms Alliance might begin to disintegrate from within.
The true test had shifted from battlefield to the dark side of hearts and power.