Chapter 1056: Chapter 1043 The Eight Kings Meeting Chapter 1056: Chapter 1043 The Eight Kings Meeting Time slowly elapsed, and the Empire was at the forefront, fighting against the celestial invaders. The other two great human Overlord-level forces, the Stars Congregation and the Zijing Federation, remained securely in the rear, yet as members of the human race, they too were mortal enemies of the celestial invaders.

Fighting against the celestial invaders was an inescapable duty for them, and each year these two Overlord-level forces had to transport a vast amount of military supplies and provide an army of millions to the Flash Silver Empire.

This situation should have continued on as such, with many war scholars considering the conflict between humans and these Different Species to be a protracted war. Meanwhile, a multitude of experts were optimistic about the outcome, believing that humans would inevitably achieve victory, although it would take a very long time.

However, this state of affairs recently changed when the Empire, engaged in battle with the celestial invaders, was shocked to discover that the Congregation and the Federation had begun annexing the smaller nations around them and initiated expansion.

Their tactics were startlingly similar, as if having previously agreed upon them. Such suspicions caused great anxiety within the Empire because, being one of the three greatest human Overlords, if the other two united, what would happen to the one left out? Isn’t the answer obvious?

This situation was truly terrifying upon closer consideration. Due to being in a constant state of war, the Empire had nearly exhausted its potential for warfare; otherwise, it wouldn’t need yearly support from the Federation and the Congregation.

So, when the Empire discovered problems within its own ranks, it hurriedly demanded accountability from the Federation and the Congregation, wanting to know what sort of scheme its allies were cooking up.

“I’m out here fighting to the death at the front, while you two are happily joining forces and fattening yourselves up in the rear.”

In response to the Empire’s demands, the Federation and the Congregation had nearly identical reactions, inviting the Empire to join them in annexing neighboring countries to ensure that only the three great human forces remained in the world.

Facing such a proposal, the Empire expressed that it was willing but lacked the resources. Nevertheless, after lengthy discussions at the Empire’s council, they clenched their teeth and withdrew a portion of their army, proceeding to annex the neighboring countries in a very forceful manner.

Regardless, as one of the three great Overlord-level human factions, the Empire felt compelled to match the actions of the others—absolutely refusing to fall behind, even if integrating these nations brought no tangible benefits to the Empire.

As a result, in a very brief period, all countries, big and small, outside of the three major forces were utterly vanquished, and all their lands and people were absorbed by the three great Overlord-level human forces, leaving only three human factions.

Such significant changes within humanity caught the celestial invaders by surprise. Initially, the Alien King among them thought, despite humans controlling far more territory and having a considerably larger population base, humans were in a state of disunity.

Even if it meant a protracted war of attrition, they believed there was a possibility and hope of triumph. But now, with human forces becoming further unified, their chances of victory seemed to dwindle.

If it went even further, with all three Overlord-level human forces seamlessly integrating, then there would no longer be any place for these intelligent exiled races on this world. If they forcibly remained, they would surely face extinction.

The celestial invaders wanted to intervene in the changes happening among humanity or at least influence the situation somehow, but they helplessly discovered that they had neither the qualifications nor the power to do so. As outsiders, when changes occurred within the human camps, all they could do was watch helplessly, unable to take any action.

Constantly at war with the humans of the Flash Silver Empire, the Empire could rely on support from the other two forces of the same caliber each year; however, the celestial invaders had no such aid. They depended solely on themselves, and in fact, their situation was even more difficult than the Empire’s.

In a large metallic hall flickering with a purple halo and countless Runes circulating within it, eight fearsome beings emanating a terrifying aura sat facing each other.

They appeared solemn, as if lost in their own thoughts, making the grand hall silent and still, with only vibrant purple ribbons drifting through the space.

“Speak up, how should our race respond to the changes in the human faction?” A Divine Avatar of an Alien King slowly said, his deep voice resonating in the hall, filled with the majesty of being a King.

“What can we do? With our strength as it is, even if we deployed every last one of us, our ultimate limit would be to annihilate the Empire, but a head-on collision would only lead to our race’s extinction.”

“Why are these changes occurring within the human faction? However, these changes, for now, are not fatal to us. The annexation of those weaker nations will divide their attention and not significantly enhance their power.”

“Indeed, they don’t stand to benefit from annexing these nations, but they are still doing it. What is most terrifying is that they now have a unified consciousness.”

“Are you suggesting that in the future, the mightiest three human factions could possibly unite? How is that possible?” One Alien King sneered, full of scorn. As a race bent on the destruction of humans, they, of course, knew enough about humans.

“Under normal circumstances, of course, it would be impossible. But do you think the current situation is normal?”

“It’s very abnormal. That high-ranking general of the Empire, the new god of the Stars Congregation, and the head of the Zijing Federation referred to as the number one Martial Arts Genius—none of these three should exist among humans.”

“Indeed, these three simply don’t fit in with the world; they stick out like sore thumbs.”

Those involved are blind, while the spectators see clearly. As Different Species that fought against humans, they could see more clearly just how abnormal the Muria family was.

“Things shouldn’t have developed this way. We wandered in the Void for so long and finally found a world. Yet now, we face the crisis of extinction.”

“We have three options. The first is to stay in this world, engage in a do-or-die battle with the humans, and then die as a race, at least with some dignity.

The second, to somehow force the humans to recognize our right to live in this world, achieving peace. But it’s highly unlikely that humans would agree to that.

As for the third option, it is to leave this world, enter the Void, and embark once more on a nomadic journey.”

“Are these all the choices we have left?” an Alien King murmured with a weathered look on his face.

“Only these, who blames us kings for not being strong enough? If we were stronger, we would have more options.”

“There’s no need to consider the first option. Our purpose as Alien Kings is to lead our race to thrive, not to take our people to a hard fight against humans and then go extinct.” One Alien King spoke up, immediately dismissing the first option.

“As for the third, re-entering the Void and taking up the nomadic life again is even less likely. The uncertainty of this plan is too great, and it’s very possible that our race would simply go extinct in the Void.”

“So, we’re left with the second option, finding a way to make the humans acknowledge our right to live in this world and to obtain peace.”

“Previous generations of humans were unwilling to do so, and the current humans are even less likely. The continuous wars have filled our people and the humans with hatred for each other.”

“What other options do we have then?”

“What if we bow down to the humans? Our entire race submits to them.” An Alien King suggested, which immediately drew the gazes of the other seven kings upon him.

Facing the stares of the other seven Alien Kings, this king looked up fearlessly, meeting their eyes.

“Why would you suggest such an absurd idea, Laien? Humans are a lower race that only have an advantage in numbers, what makes them worthy of our submission?”

“You actually care about that? Look at the state we’ve been driven to by humans! We’re on the brink of extinction. What we need to do now is find a way to ensure the survival of our race, not fret over trivial and laughable issues of racial pride.”

“Bow down to humans? Laien, have you considered that by doing so, our race’s backbone would be broken? We would never be able to stand tall again. If the only choice is to bow down to humans and become their slaves, I’d rather lead my people to die on the battlefield.”

“If, and I mean if, the situation becomes most dire, for the continuation of our race, I will be the first to bow down and submit to humans,” said the Alien King Laien who had proposed the surrender.

“Are you sure you want to do this? Laien, think carefully. If you do this, can you bear the pressure that will come? All our people will despise and spurn you.”

“As long as it ensures the continuation of our race, what does it matter if I’m spurned by you, by all our people? If the sacrifice of my personal honor means my people can despise me for a billion years, what harm is there!”

“You!” Upon hearing Alien King Laien’s words, the other seven kings were visibly moved, admiration showing on their faces. They felt a hint of shame because they could not bring themselves to do as Laien would.

“Clap, clap, clap!” Just then, a crisp clapping sound echoed throughout the hall, followed by a voice filled with admiration.

“To ensure the continuation of your race, you’re willing to sacrifice yourself and bear the curses of eternity. You are a qualified king, very good, indeed.”

“Who are you?” The eight Alien Kings were simultaneously enraged, staring incredulously at a figure that suddenly appeared in their council hall – a being that seemed to be made from interwoven starlight, bearing the appearance of a human female.

“You may call me the Goddess of the Stars, Laya,” said the Divine Incarnation of the Golden Dragon Mother, smiling in introduction, her smile radiating an unusual affinity.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read