Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent

Chapter 427: Flaw

Li Pin and Solar Radiance Sovereign locked eyes.

Solar Radiance Sovereign smiled at Li Pin, nodding. His gaze was filled with appreciation and approval, seemingly acknowledging the progress Li Pin had made during this time.

Li Pin also gave a slight nod in return.

After their brief exchange, Secretary-General An Na led Solar Radiance Sovereign to his seat. Meanwhile, Zhao Kunwu and others approached to greet him.

Despite being a Supreme Expert himself, Zhao Kunwu greeted Solar Radiance Sovereign with deference, like a junior.

With the arrival of Solar Radiance Sovereign—the last of the key figures—the large folding doors of the conference hall began to close. The murmurs of conversation gradually faded into silence.

Secretary-General An Na began the opening speech, after which Yuan Zhenchuan took the stage to preside over the meeting.

Since Supreme Experts and Legends had tight schedules in this world filled with immense power, the meeting proceeded efficiently. They forwent the compliance tests for the subordinates, saving time.

After brief pleasantries, Yuan Zhenchuan addressed the gathering, "The global situation grows increasingly dire.

"Despite our recent victories in conquering the perilous regions, Dark Moon Island, Tenfold Heavenly Domains, and clearing the Forbidden Land—poor coordination has led to heavy losses. The deaths and injuries of millions in the southern Star Alliance are a testament to this."

His expression turned solemn. "Let us now rise and observe a minute of silence for our fallen comrades in the Star Alliance."

Everyone, from the ordinary staff to Master Astral Cultivators and Legends, stood in unison.

After a minute of silence, Yuan Zhenchuan continued, "First came the fall of the Nanli Country, then the Star Alliance tragedy. The unification of humanity is now urgent. The Human Alliance must reform, for the current system of deliberation between the six council chairs is inefficient and wastes time."

He spoke firmly. "On behalf of Tianyuan, both as a council chair and supreme commander of the Special United Squad, I propose transforming the Human Alliance into the Gaia Alliance. We will elect a chairman to oversee all operations, with several vice chairmen to assist. You've all reviewed the proposed charter. Let's proceed with the vote."

Tianyuan voted in favor, followed closely by the East Sea's Thirty-Six Countries and the Star Alliance.

Zhao Kunwu of the Great Shang glanced at Solar Radiance Sovereign. When he saw Long Xiang, who accompanied the Sovereign, vote in favor without hesitation, Zhao Kunwu swiftly followed suit.

The Six Extremities countries approved unanimously. The remaining factions and nations followed suit, and the proposal passed with a unanimous vote.

"Excellent," Yuan Zhenchuan said, a note of excitement in his voice as he observed the unanimous approval.

This was what it meant to have universal support—true consensus. The divisions that had plagued humanity for too long seemed ready to end with Li Pin's rise.

With that, Yuan Zhenchuan moved on, "Next, we will elect the chairman of the Gaia Alliance. This individual must be universally respected, have made significant contributions to Gaia, and possess the strength to face the growing threats of demonic creatures and other enemies."

A staff member made a few adjustments, and the large screen soon lit up.

Yuan Zhenchuan continued, "Based on our investigation and the preferences of the Legends, we have prepared a shortlist of ten candidates. Please vote for the one you deem most suitable for the role of chairman."

The screen displayed the list, with Solar Radiance Sovereign, the highly respected guardian of the Blood Moon Gorge for decades, at the top. The second spot, however, was not claimed by Zhao Kunwu, Yuan Zhenchuan, or Fu Qingtian, but by none other than Li Pin.

The rest followed behind these two.

When the list appeared, most of the members, except for Tianyuan and a few others aligned with them, refrained from making quick decisions. Instead, they shifted their attention to key figures like Solar Radiance Sovereign and Zhao Kunwu.

Zhao Kunwu, in particular, focused his gaze on Solar Radiance Sovereign.

Solar Radiance Sovereign wasted no time. He tapped the microphone and smiled. "I recall that even back in school, candidates for class monitor would deliver speeches. For something as significant as the Gaia Alliance presidency, I believe a few words are in order."

Yuan Zhenchuan knew that Solar Radiance Sovereign's personal arrival could not be a mere formality. Given his status and the backing of Solar Radiance, he had every right to speak his mind.

As such, Yuan Zhenchuan smiled and responded, "Of course, we're all ears."

Solar Radiance Sovereign said, "Your proposal resonates deeply with me. The Gaia Alliance chairman must have made significant contributions to Gaia and possess the strength to navigate an increasingly complex world.

"Just as in a country, economic power, military strength, and political clarity are vital, so too are its external environment and international influence."

Yuan Zhenchuan, Li Pin, Zhao Kunwu, and Fan Xiu understood that Solar Radiance Sovereign was referring to the second phase of world interaction.

Solar Radiance Sovereign said, "Li Pin is exceptional in many respects. Gaia is fortunate to have produced such a brilliant individual. In the short term, appointing him as the first chairman of the Gaia Alliance seems ideal."

Then, with a bluntness that caused some in the room to shift uncomfortably, he continued, "However, from a long-term perspective, I believe his personality is not suited for this role."

When Solar Radiance Sovereign bluntly voiced the concerns they feared most, Zhao Kunwu smiled. Bai Ying, Xiao Qianyuan, and the others remained expressionless, while Yuan Zhenchuan, Fan Xiu, and the others grew solemn.

His direct statement had confirmed their unspoken concerns. The Solar Radiance Sovereign, having never left Blood Moon Gorge for decades, had personally attended the Human Alliance Conference. It was clear he was unwilling to relinquish the glory of being the world's number one.

This was... no friendly visit.

Solar Radiance Sovereign turned to Li Pin with an apologetic look, addressing him personally. "I apologize for investigating your background. But when someone as extraordinary as you emerges, someone whom people call the 'new world number one' and 'invincible,' I had to look into it."

He then turned to the crowd again and continued, "According to my findings, Li Pin is an extremely self-centered individual. I won't deny he is a peerless powerhouse, and he could serve as the stabilizing force of a civilization, but he is not fit to be a leader, especially one capable of negotiating and engaging with other civilizations and nations."

Coming to this, Solar Radiance Sovereign transmitted some of the materials he had gathered onto the screen. Though brief, each clip highlighted a defining trait of Li Pin: arrogance, a disregard for others.

Though later events proved that his arrogance stemmed from genuine capability—his current achievements the best proof of that—what the Gaia civilization was about to face next wasn't other Gaians. They were about to face other civilizations, far stronger powers within the galaxy. They were even going to get involved with the Homo Sapien Alliance.

With Li Pin's personality, he could say the wrong thing or make one wrong move and Gaia would face a disaster, possibly leading to its extinction.

For a moment, the Supreme Experts who truly understood Gaia's current predicament all fell into deep thought.

Even Fan Xiu, a supporter of Yuan Zhenchuan and Li Pin, was no exception.

"If Li Pin can create miracles as he did in Gaia and one day lead us to stand atop the universe, then us Gaians following would be our blessing. But..." the Solar Radiance Sovereign spoke calmly."Is that possible?"

He turned to Li Pin. "Hall Master Li, can you continue to replicate those miracles?"

At this, everyone present shook their heads inwardly.

Is it possible?

It was like believing that someone who had helped a tribe feed itself could one day lead that very tribe to become a country rivaling the Six Extremities.

Who would believe that?

In fact, the gap between Gaia and the other civilizations in this galaxy, as well as the entire Homo Sapien Alliance, was likely even greater than the gap between a small, underdeveloped village in a backward country and a world power like the Six Extremities.

Even Li Pin himself remained silent.

The universe was vast beyond comprehension. No, forget the universe, even the Astral God, who existed in higher dimensions and spread its radiance across the galaxy, was a being with strength far exceeding anything he could imagine.

If he were to face such a being in the future, could he win?

"Solar Radiance Sovereign, you seem to be twisting the argument here," Yuan Zhenchuan said with a faint smile. "Who among us present dares to claim they have the confidence to lead Gaia to the pinnacle of the universe?"

"At the very least, our path wouldn't be so perilous or fraught with uncertainty," the Solar Radiance Sovereign said. "I acknowledge Li Pin's contributions and strength, but I do not believe he is a qualified leader to guide Gaia toward a brighter future."

Yuan Zhenchuan found himself at a loss for words. He hadn't expected the Solar Radiance Sovereign to attack from this angle.

Li Pin's personality left little room for defense. Even if Yuan Zhenchuan wanted to speak up for him, he didn't know where to begin.

As for suggesting Li Pin change his temperament? That was impossible.

Had he been willing to "admit fault" back then, he wouldn't have chosen to die rather than seek help from Fu Qingtian, showing a resolve so unyielding that it nearly led to his mutual destruction with Cang Shengdao.

After a long pause, he spoke again. "Throughout history, there's been a saying: 'Weak nations have no diplomacy.' From the Astral God's vastness and greatness, it's clear that the world—even the universe—is ultimately a domain where the strongest forces or individuals hold sway.

"If we truly wish to integrate into the universe, only by showcasing the might of the strongest can we command respect and earn the treatment we desire."

"A domain where the strongest forces or individuals hold sway," the Solar Radiance Sovereign repeated. "A fine sentiment. But when we encounter even stronger entities in the future, what then?"

"This is all based on your assumptions, Solar Radiance Sovereign," Yuan Zhenchuan deflected, avoiding the question.

The Solar Radiance Sovereign smiled and scanned the others. "So, this is how all of you feel?"

Though they felt the Solar Radiance Sovereign's words held merit, they couldn't deny that strength was the ultimate truth in this world. Power alone defined everything. Contributions and leadership skills, while important, paled in comparison.

Seeing the silence from the group, the Solar Radiance Sovereign leaned back slightly. A trace of disappointment crossed his face, but it quickly faded, and his composure returned. It seemed as though it was to be expected.

"Then, as Yuan Zhenchuan suggested, in a world where the mightiest rule, strength is the ultimate measure."

The Solar Radiance Sovereign turned to Li Pin. "As long as you display a power that convinces me, I have no objection to you becoming the first chairman of the Gaia Alliance."

"How should I display it?" Li Pin asked.

"Simple," the Supreme Expert, who had quietly honed his strength within the Solar Radiance Sect for decades without declaring his dominance to the world, slowly rose. "Defeat me."