Silence fell.0

In an instant, everyone stopped speaking. The air thickened with tension, yet no one dared to break it.0

Of course, they had all spoken of mutual support, of standing together in times of crisis. But without a clear leader, what would happen when danger truly struck? Could anyone guarantee that no one would shrink back or abandon the group?0

In such moments, a leader was essential, someone to take charge and issue orders when the time came. But that authority came with consequences. Whoever held that position would have the power to direct cultivators from any faction, and when battle erupted, they could send others to the front lines.0

That was the heart of the issue. With that power, they could preserve their own forces, sacrificing others under the guise of tactical necessity.0

Li Yixian and Nangong Jin exchanged glances, just a brief look, but it spoke volumes. They were both from cultivation families with limited numbers, their sects interwoven with vulnerable mortal bloodlines. If a leader sought to use them as pawns, sending their few precious cultivators to their deaths...0

Hahaha! A burst of hearty laughter suddenly echoed through the room, cutting through the heavy silence like a blade.0

Meeting their startled gazes, Luo Chen cupped his fists naturally and said, “Gang Leader Wang is at stage three of Foundation Establishment, just a step away from mid-stage. Among us, he is the strongest.0

“Under his command, the Dajiang Gang is vast and far-reaching, a presence across...0