Summoning the Gods: Start by creating the Eternal Night.

In the open space in the center of the platform, Qian Yuan and Ming Kong stood facing each other, their auras rising to their peak.

Qian Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly, his spiritual power surged wildly within him, and golden dragon energy swirled around him, emitting a deep dragon roar.

He took a deep breath and said in a low voice:

"Master Mingkong, take this—Qianlong Burning Heaven!"

Before he finished speaking, he formed a hand seal, and the dragon energy around him instantly gathered.

It transformed into a gigantic golden fire dragon, its scales clearly visible, its flames raging as if it would burn the heavens and earth to ashes.

The fire dragon opened its massive jaws, roaring towards the sky with a devastating force.

This is a forbidden martial art of the Great Qian imperial family, with immense power, and it is never used lightly unless absolutely necessary.

Master Mingkong's expression was solemn; he clasped his hands together and muttered incantations.

His body radiated a burst of Buddhist light, transforming into a gigantic phantom of a Buddha, compassionate yet majestic.

"Prince Yuan, please appreciate my move—'Ten Thousand Buddhas Paying Homage to the Ancestor'!"

With a low shout, the phantom of Buddha pressed down with both hands, and countless golden Buddhist characters surged forth like a tide.

They converged into a massive golden pillar of light, colliding with Qian Yuan's golden fire dragon.

"boom--!"

A deafening roar resounded, and a shockwave swept across the entire arena like a tsunami.

The crowd below the stage rallied their spiritual energy to defend themselves, and many cultivators with lower cultivation levels were forced to retreat repeatedly, their faces turning pale.

The golden fire dragon and the golden pillar of light were locked in a stalemate in mid-air, constantly colliding and annihilating each other, the energy they emitted causing the space itself to distort slightly.

"Break it!"

Qian Yuan roared, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, and poured in spiritual power once more.

The golden fire dragon suddenly swelled several sizes, its head wreathed in endless flames, and fiercely bit at the golden pillar of light.

Master Mingkong's forehead was covered in sweat, and the light of the Buddha's phantom dimmed slightly, but he still gritted his teeth and persevered, chanting Buddhist mantras continuously, trying to resist the impact of the fire dragon.

"Click—"

With a crisp sound, a crack appeared on the golden beam of light.

Qian Yuan seized the opportunity and unleashed his full spiritual power. The golden fire dragon let out a deafening roar, completely breaking through the golden pillar of light's defense.

Although it had dimmed considerably, it still carried its remaining power as it flew toward Master Mingkong.

Seeing this, Master Mingkong sighed helplessly and could only dodge to the side.

The fire dragon flew past his robe, blasting a boulder behind him to pieces.

As the smoke cleared, Qian Yuan remained standing in the same spot, his breathing slightly disordered, while Master Ming Kong's robe was charred at one corner, clearly indicating that he was at a disadvantage.

"Master Mingkong, you flatter me."

Qian Yuan cupped his hands in greeting, his tone carrying a hint of weariness, but also a hint of joy.

Master Mingkong looked at his charred robe, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.

He knew that if he hadn't dodged, he would probably have been injured. That slight difference in movement determined the outcome of the battle.

"Amitabha." Master Mingkong clasped his hands together. "Prince Yuan's strength is indeed superior; this old monk is completely convinced."

He thought he could suppress his opponent with the Tathagata Seal, but he did not expect Qian Yuan's Qianlong Palm to be so domineering.

But... in the end, he failed to live up to the expectations of the abbot and all the monks in the temple.

The audience was initially silent, then erupted in thunderous cheers.

"Excellent! Prince Yuan, you have impressive skills!"

"May the Great Qian Dynasty be mighty!"

"This position of alliance leader truly belongs to the Great Qian Dynasty!"

Qian Yuan raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, his gaze sweeping across the entire area, lingering for a moment on the positions of those evil forces, before he spoke loudly:

"Many thanks to all the heroes of the world for supporting my Great Qian in becoming the leader of the Demon-Slaying Alliance!"

"This alliance to exterminate demons concerns the lives of all people. I hope everyone will do their best to deal with the Nine Nether Demon Sect."

"Anyone who dares to play tricks or cause trouble will be an enemy of the world, and all heroes of the land will unite to punish them!"

His voice carried an undeniable authority, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present.

When Leng Wuyai saw Qian Yuan looking at them, he glanced at him again and said in a deep voice:

"Although my Xuanming Sect is ruthless and cold-blooded in its killings, I can guarantee that we will not cause any trouble in dealing with the Nine Nether Demon Sect."

"The Blood Demon Ancestor has a blood feud with our sect. If we don't get rid of him, our sect will not be at peace."

"Now that the alliance leader has been chosen, when shall we attack the Nine Nether Demon Sect?" Dao Xuan of the Xuanqing Daoist Sect asked.

This is the question that everyone present is concerned about.

Qian Yuan pondered for a moment: "Everyone, go back and rest for three days. After three days, we will meet in Pingyang City, Cangzhou, and then set off together for the Nine Nether Abyss. What do you all think?"

The forces attending this meeting only sent representatives, and Pingyang City, located on the border of Cangzhou, is an excellent gathering place.

Three days is also enough time for representatives of various forces to return and gather their sect's experts.

"We have no objections!"

"As Prince Yuan says!"

"My Xuanqing Taoism has no problem!"

"The Qingyun Sect has no objections!"

....

All major factions expressed their agreement.

Qian Yuan's gaze then fell on the locations of Star Pavilion, Eternal Night Sky, and Drizzle Tower.

These three major forces have not yet made a statement, so we must take this seriously.

He first looked at Xing Xuanfeng: "I wonder if the Star Pavilion is willing to participate in this demon-slaying expedition?"

Xing Xuanfeng put down his teacup and said calmly, "Although my Star Pavilion does not participate in the conflicts of the martial world, it will not tolerate the rampant spread of evil and heretical teachings. When the time comes, we will send people to accompany you."

"Thank you, fellow Daoist." Qian Yuan bowed slightly.

Then he looked at Su Muyu, "I wonder what the fellow Daoist from Xiyu Tower thinks?"

Su Muyu leaned back in her chair, her tone indifferent: "My Xiyu Tower is an assassin organization, and everything we do is based on profit."

"As long as the spirit stones are in place, we can handle anything, not just the Nine Nether Demon Sect, but even going through fire and water."

These words immediately sparked a murmur of discussion among the audience.

Seeing that he had found an opportunity to trip up Xiyu Tower, Zhuge Xiu of the Qingyun Sect immediately stood up, pointed at Su Muyu, and angrily rebuked her:

"What time is it? You Rain Pavilion are still thinking about spirit stones?"

"The Demon-Slaying Alliance is a vital cause for everyone in the Eastern Region to contribute to; how can you be so solely driven by profit?"

Su Muyu scoffed, her eyes filled with contempt: "Heh heh, what? Is Elder Zhuge trying to morally blackmail me?"

"When Daqian invited my Xiyulou to the meeting, it didn't say that we had to participate in the war."

"You want us to risk our lives without paying us anything? That's outrageous!"

"You..." Zhuge Xiu was choked and speechless, his face turning red.

"Aren't you, the Drizzle Pavilion, afraid of incurring public wrath and being despised by the world?"

"Heh." Su Muyu sneered, "My Xiyu Tower has no grudge against the Nine Nether Demon Sect. Helping you is a favor, not helping is our right."

"If you want us to help, you have to give us spirit stones. That's the rule of my Fine Rain Pavilion."

"If they don't give it to us, we'll just watch the show. It's that simple."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Zhuge Xiu, his tone icy: "Also, it's not your place to interfere here."

"No one else has spoken, but you're the one who jumped out and started yelling. Are you perhaps still scared after being beaten by my Fine Rain Pavilion last time, and now you want to assert your presence?"

"You're asking for death!" Zhuge Xiu was struck on a sore spot and flew into a rage.

"Heh, I think you're the one courting death. I'll grant your wish."

Su Muyu stood up, exuding a chilling killing intent.

"Everyone here who has a grudge against the Qingyun Sect is welcome to place a bounty at my Xiyu Tower. Today's special offer: 20% off for each head taken!"

"You...you dare!" Zhuge Xiu was so angry that he trembled all over, pointing at Su Muyu but unable to speak.

"What's there to be afraid of?" Su Muyu's eyes turned cold. "If Elder Zhuge keeps making a fuss, believe me, I'll take your head right now!"

Seeing that the two were about to clash again, Qian Yuan quickly interrupted, "Please calm down, both of you."

He was also somewhat dissatisfied with Su Muyu's attitude, but the Xiyu Tower was quite powerful, and it wasn't wise to turn against them at this moment.

"Since Fellow Daoist Xiyulou is unwilling to participate in the battle, we need not force him."