Chapter 1075: Submit Before Absolute Strength

Out of everyone that reacted to Goldenstride's Divine Beast-level aura, Lord Tailchaser had the strongest reaction.

The moment Lord Tailchaser sensed Goldenstride's aura had exceeded the Paragon level, he prostrated with his head on the ground.

"Forgive me for not recognizing your strength, Your Excellency! I did not know the clan had a Divine Beast-level existence like you!" Lord Tailchaser sought forgiveness for his disrespect and ignorance.

At the same time, Alliance Leader Sur-Khan, the other chiefs, and the surrounding warriors of the western alliance overheard Lord Tailchaser's words and trembled.

'Divine Beast!' they mentally cried with alarm.

Within the next three breaths, every one of them also prostrated on the ground without daring to look up.

A Divine Beast was an existence they could not fathom. It was a level of existence that surpassed the realm of Paragons and made Battle Gods seem like a joke.

"Do you submit?"

"We submit!"

Once Leon raised the question, the whole western alliance answered with hesitation. There was no reason to think.

A Divine Beast-level Golden Suanni was on a whole different level of existence.

If it was against other Battle God-level existences, they might still stand a chance in the battle for hegemony.

However, against a Divine Beast, they didn't stand a chance. All forms of resistance were futile in the face of absolute strength.

They never imagined they would see a Divine Beast one day. Such an existence was mythical.

Nevertheless, after Leon received the western alliance's submission, he gestured for Goldenstride to rein in his aura. And only after Goldenstride's aura was reined in did Alliance Leader Sur-Khan and the others dare to raise their heads.

"If you had such a powerful follower, why didn't you hide it? If Lord Divine Beast had revealed his strength from the start, we wouldn't even dare think about competing with you for hegemony," Alliance Leader Sur-Khan spoke.

"For multiple reasons, actually. But you are right. It was a waste of time," Leon openly admitted after a brief moment of reflection.

Although there could be complications in ruling over the various tribes with force, it was the most efficient method of conquering.

Problems like internal conflicts could be resolved later. After all, he didn't need to integrate the western alliance into the Darkmoon Tribe right away. It could be done later.

The main point was to quickly stop everyone in the Infertile Plains from slaughtering each other.

"You may rise."

"Thank you, Alliance Leader."

After Leon permitted everyone to stop prostrating, Sur-Khan and the others stood up on their feet without further actions.

However, concerns and fear were written over some of their faces, especially Chief Sar-Rakshi, who appeared to be the most concerned and afraid.

After all, Chief Sar-Rakshi was the one who opposed Leon the most in the group. He thought the western alliance could defeat Leon and take over the southern tribes.

Alas, that beautiful dream was shattered in an instant when Goldenstride revealed his divine might.

Nevertheless, Leon could understand the western alliance's other concerns. A Divine Beast's strength was overwhelming.

If Leon wanted someone to die, that person would definitely die. No one could and would resist once Goldenstride acted on his behalf.

That was the issue with conquering with force; it spreads fear and uncertainty. And as humans, people tend to overthink.

When humans feel threatened, they destroy the threat. And if they couldn't, they would still keep their guards up with distrust.

Leon didn't give them time to build up their trust and respect for him, which was also fine.

"I have been away from the Infertile Plains for a while. Who can fill me in on the situation?"

"Alliance Leader, we were having related discussions in the main tent before you came. Would you like to head there first?"

After Sur-Khan made the suggestion, Leon glanced around at everyone's nervous expressions before agreeing with a nod.

"Alright, take me there now."

"Yes, Alliance Leader!"

Shortly after, Leon left with Sur-Khan and the other chiefs. However, he did not bring any of his followers with him. They were left behind with Lord Tailchaser and the other warriors in the western alliance.

…

A few moments after Leon and the western alliance's leaders were gone, Tailchaser approached Goldenstride apprehensively.

"Your Excellency, are you the great ancestor of our Golden Suanni Clan? Why do you follow that human?" Lord Tailchaser inquired carefully.

Goldenstride glanced at Tailchaser before rolling his eyes at him.

"How old do you think I am? And you better start treating the Lord with proper respect! No one is allowed to disrespect the Lord of the Golden Suanni Clan."

"T-then, it was true that the Golden Suanni Clan swore allegiance to that hu—the Lord? How is that even possible?" Tailchaser was shocked.

Tailchaser couldn't imagine all those Peak Paragons submitting to a mere human.

Could that human be even more powerful than a Divine Beast?

"The Lord helped the clan overcome a disaster and allowed many Peak Paragons like I, Goldenstride, to step into the Divine Beast Realm. Why wouldn't our clan swear our allegiance to such a person?" Goldenstride nonchalantly replied as if it was how things should be.

"There are other Divine Beasts beside you, Your Excellency?!" Tailchaser exclaimed with greater before his gaze shifted to Cindertail.

And as he recalled his previous pompous attitude, his body immediately shivered.

"Don't look at me like that. I am not that impressive," Cindertail lazily explained. But before Tailchaser could feel some relief, Cindertail added, "Just a Peak Paragon that is still one step away."

"…" Tailchaser was dumbfounded.

A Peak Paragon that is only one step away from becoming a Divine Beast is not impressive? It was still much more impressive than him!

"That… about before… I didn't know you had become so powerful…"

"So why haven't you paid your respects to me, Tailchaser?"

"Lord Cindertail…"

"That's better."

Cindertail became smug at once.

Another Paragon-level Golden Suanni, whom he used to pay respect to, was now paying respect to him. It felt good.

Nevertheless, Tailchaser gradually shifted his focus on Rainshine, then ultimately Nightingale, who also had everyone else's attention.

No one could guess her race.

Though, they did suspect Nightingale might be a demon.