To put it bluntly, the current Dark Alliance is nothing more than a hollow name, lacking discipline and organization. What use is such an organization? If he didn't have nobody around him and no time to establish an underground force of his own, he wouldn't have accepted Xie Zuomiao's invitation to take the position of this so-called Alliance Leader. How many people under this Alliance Leader position could he truly command?

Probably only a few like Xie Zuomiao; everyone else wouldn't pay him any mind, right? Now, before he has even taken the seat, someone stands up in opposition. Is this guy so zealous even for this small scrap of authority? "Oh?

Then tell me, what would it take for the brothers down below to be convinced?" Before Xie Zuomiao could speak, Ye Jingyu sneered coldly. "Heh heh, Brother Ye's cultivation is something no one would doubt, but Brother Ye has only just arrived. We don't know much about you yet. What I mean is, perhaps a brief period of observation before making a decision?" Facing Ye Jingyu's cold laughter, Wang Yuxin showed no intention of backing down.

"A period of observation? Heh heh, how will this observation take place? When he invited me here, that wasn't mentioned. Furthermore, ever since I entered Tianling City, there have been seven teams monitoring me.

Those must be your men, too, right? Is this how you treat the person you want as Alliance Leader? Heh heh, I ask you, aren't you all thinking too highly of yourselves?" Ye Jingyu scoffed. His words brought a wave of awkwardness to everyone present, especially Xie Zuomiao, who was aware that they had sent men to track Ye Jingyu.

After all, no matter what, they didn't fully understand Ye Jingyu. Inviting him to be Alliance Leader was born out of necessity due to the circumstances. But what if he was a spy sent by the Demons, intending to use this opportunity to wipe out the Dark Alliance in one fell swoop? That's why they monitored him along the way—to see if there were any shadows of the Demons around him.

"Heh heh, I don't blame you for sending people to trail me. After all, you worry that I might bring people to destroy you. But have you ever considered whether I need to bring anyone to destroy you, young master?" Seeing their embarrassed expressions, Ye Jingyu let out a cold snort. The scene fell into awkward silence once again.

Indeed, setting aside his own strength, just looking at the two men behind him—both rumored to be experts at the Zhou level—if he truly intended to wipe them out, would he need reinforcements? At this moment, even Wang Yuxin’s expression shifted. He finally realized that once Ye Jingyu joined the Dark Alliance, the alliance would immediately gain three Zhou-level masters. Three of them!

What was wrong with me just now? Did my brain go haywire? Why was I trying to stop him? The Dark Alliance is practically defunct now; how much authority can even I truly control?

With his current power, he wouldn't care about this little bit of authority, would he? "Forget it, forget it. In consideration of us all being human, I won't press the issue with you. However, let's not talk about joining the alliance anymore.

We’re leaving!" Without even glancing at Wang Yuxin, Ye Jingyu turned and walked back the way he came. Seeing Ye Jingyu about to leave just like that, the faces of Xie Zuomiao and the few others changed drastically. They had finally managed to invite such a powerhouse, finally seeing a glimmer of hope for the Dark Alliance's revival. How could they forgive themselves if they let this slip away now?

"Brother Ye, Brother Ye... listen to me, that's not what we meant! We truly hope you will take the position of Alliance Leader!" Xie Zuomiao, Hua Yusen, Teng Xiaoyan, and Huo Yuanlei, the Four Deacons, all rushed out, shouting emphatically. Even Wang Yuxin completely snapped back to reality, smacked himself hard across the face, and chased after Ye Jingyu.

"Brother Ye, I was muddle-headed, utterly confused. Please be magnanimous and don't hold my nonsense against me..." He was initially displeased that Ye Jingyu might take some of his power, but thinking about the current state of the Dark Alliance, he understood that this wasn't Ye Jingyu wanting to be the leader; they were begging someone to take the role. The other members also spoke up to persuade him to stay. The reason they attended this meeting, ultimately, was because they truly hoped the Dark Alliance could become strong.

In a place like the Earth Alliance, if an organization lacked a powerful figurehead, there was simply no hope. Their invitation for Ye Jingyu to become Alliance Leader was merely them seeking a backer. Hearing their pleas, Ye Jingyu stopped his steps, slowly turned around, and looked at the eager faces before him, stating calmly, "May I ask, in your hearts, what is the meaning of the Dark Alliance's existence?" At this question, the entire assembly fell silent. Yes, they were all members of the Dark Alliance, but what did the Dark Alliance truly represent to them?

The Dark Alliance was formed to unite the humans living in the Earth Alliance, hoping to gain some assistance when they were bullied. But over the years, while the membership grew, their actual treatment hadn't improved at all. The main issue was that everyone fought their own battles; even if real trouble arose, few would truly help each other. Although the Dark Alliance still existed, its purpose had long since vanished.

"The Dark Alliance was established to unite the power of humanity, to provide a place of refuge when danger looms. Including your invitation for me to become this Alliance Leader, it's nothing more than seeking my protection. I am no saint; I cannot shelter you without compensation. If you truly want me to be this Alliance Leader, then everything must follow my orders.

Can you do that?" Ye Jingyu spoke coldly, his icy gaze sweeping over everyone present. Not a single person dared to meet his eyes. Ye Jingyu was right. They indeed only sought a sanctuary, hoping that when they were oppressed, a strong figure would stand up for them.

But obey the command of one person? Who among them was willing? Who would submit? Looking at these conceited humans, these self-proclaimed saviors of the humans in dire straits in the Earth Alliance, Ye Jingyu's eyes were filled with disappointment.

He had originally hoped for a gain, only to encounter this outcome. What could these people possibly do to help him? Without another word, he lifted his foot and walked directly back the way he came... "I, Xie Zuomiao, hereby swear that if Ye Jingyu assumes the position of Dark Alliance Leader, I shall pledge my loyalty to Ye Jingyu for life.

If I ever break this vow, may I be struck down by heaven and die a terrible death..." Just as Ye Jingyu was about to exit the hall, Ye Jingyu suddenly heard Xie Zuomiao's voice...D