# Chapter 1421: The Pawn's Countermove
The vast majority of the saints present had experienced the "Seven Realms Merit War" thirty years ago, so they were far from unfamiliar with the concept of a merit war.
Nine Spirit Great Saint continued: "As before, the Seven Realms Merit War is divided into four stages: Divine-level Merit War, Great Saint-level Merit War, Saint King-level Merit War, and Saint-level Merit War. Then, rankings are determined based on the total merit points obtained from these four stages. The realm ranked last will be selected as the new battlefield."
"The overall strength of Guanghan Realm ranks second-to-last among the seven realms of Shatuo. Based on total merit points, we will be in considerable danger."
"Therefore, we must do our utmost to secure first place in one of the stages. As long as we can take first in one stage, we won't need to enter the final total merit ranking, and thus won't be selected as the new battlefield."
Instantly, earth-shaking voices erupted in the Ten Thousand Saints Conference: "Fight for Guanghan Realm, with no regrets even in death!"
Just then, an extremely pleasant voice rang out in Zhang Ruochen's mind, carrying a hint of coolness: "Do you understand the rules of the Seven Realms Merit War?"
Zhang Ruochen was slightly startled. He looked toward the majestic and imposing Guanghan Divine Palace, then nodded. "What you want me to do is participate in the Seven Realms Merit War?"
"It's not just about participating. You must help Guanghan Realm secure first place in the Saint-level Merit War."
The voice of Moon God sounded again.
Zhang Ruochen said: "As long as Guanghan Realm takes first in the Saint-level Merit War, it proves the potential of the entire world, and directly avoids becoming the next battlefield. Right?"
"Correct," Moon God said.
Zhang Ruochen said: "Alright. I'll do my best to try."
Moon God's voice continued: "I must tell you one thing. Kunlun Realm also belongs to the Western Universe. After entering the Heavenly Court Realm, they were assigned to the Shatuo Heaven Domain. Among the seven realms of Shatuo, their overall strength ranks last, making them the most likely great world to be selected as the new battlefield."
A ripple stirred in Zhang Ruochen's eyes, and his hands involuntarily clenched.
Moon God said: "What? Do you regret it?"
"You already asked me this question once before. My answer now is still the same—no regrets," Zhang Ruochen said.
Moon God continued: "Back then, I also helped your Kunlun Realm fight, and I nearly died in battle. In truth, whether representing Guanghan Realm or Kunlun Realm, it's all fighting against the Hell Realm. There's not much difference."
"No need to say more. Since I've agreed to you, I will certainly do my utmost to accomplish this matter. Whether Kunlun Realm becomes the new battlefield is something for later."
Zhang Ruochen gave a self-deprecating smile and said: "Now I finally understand what you meant at the top of Saint Wood Peak. Chi Yao indeed cannot let me take away those top experts of the Holy Bright Central Empire, because that is her bottom line, and also the lifeline of Kunlun Realm."
"Fine. They still have many relatives and friends in Kunlun Realm. Being able to fight for the people of Kunlun Realm is also a good thing."
At Wuding Mountain, it was Moon God who had acted to save Zhang Ruochen, Mu Lingxi, and the others, as well as tens of thousands of soldiers below the Half-Saint level from the Holy Bright Central Empire.
Having agreed to Moon God's conditions, Zhang Ruochen naturally had to repay the debt.
This time, Zhang Ruochen had truly stood on the opposite side of the entire Kunlun Realm—the opposition of life and death. But so what?
Even if he wanted to fight for Kunlun Realm, he couldn't leave his name on Kunlun Realm's "Merit Record." Now, he was a member of Guanghan Realm.
Zhang Ruochen said: "If I help Guanghan Realm win first place in the Saint-level Merit War, you have to do one thing for me."
"Are you asking for a reward, or are you negotiating terms?" Moon God said.
No saint could negotiate terms with a god; at most, they could beg for some rewards. If a god casually bestowed something, a saint would be overjoyed and would enshrine it like a divine object.
But Zhang Ruochen's tone just now was not that of someone begging for a reward. It was more like he was negotiating terms with Moon God.
Facing a god's interrogation, Zhang Ruochen did not cower. "It depends on how you see it. After all, you are a god, and I am a mortal. If you don't agree, it's fine. I will still participate in the Merit War for Guanghan Realm."
Moon God fell silent. She clearly felt that Zhang Ruochen was too audacious, daring to offend a god without any reverence. But she had no choice but to agree to him, because she urgently needed Zhang Ruochen now.
Without a doubt, this time, the pawn had begun to counter the player.
If the player compromised, the pawn would likely become even more unruly in the future.
Nine Spirit Great Saint sat at the highest seat of the Ten Thousand Saints Conference and said: "According to Moon God's intention, among the saints present, one Realm Son and one Divine Envoy will be selected."
"The Realm Son must be the strongest among the saints, responsible for leading all the saints of Guanghan Realm to go all out and earn more merit points. The old man, Silent Extinction Great Emperor, and Wu Ancestor have decided that the Realm Son will be Wu Hao. Does anyone have any objections?"
When the three giants had already decided, who would dare to object?
Besides, at the Saint realm, Wu Hao was already invincible under heaven. Who would dare to challenge him?
"No objections."
All the saints spoke in unison.
Wu Hao sat near the center of the Ten Thousand Saints Conference. Seeing that no one challenged him, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
Then, Nine Spirit Great Saint continued: "The Divine Envoy is the messenger of the gods. During the Merit War, if unexpected situations arise, they can temporarily replace the Realm Son. At the same time, if the Realm Son makes a wrong judgment, the Divine Envoy also has the authority to correct it. In short, the Divine Envoy and the Realm Son can check and balance each other."
"The Realm Son is selected from the most promising and strongest among the Supreme Saints. The Divine Envoy is selected from the most promising and strongest among the True Saints."
"Once appointed as Divine Envoy, one will be rewarded with ten thousand drops of Condensed True Saint Dew."
"The old man's intention is that the Divine Envoy be selected from among the True Saints who have entered the 'Saint Merit Ranking.' Does anyone have any objections?"
At the Ten Thousand Saints Conference, the various Great Saints sat steadily in their seats, clearly tacitly agreeing to Nine Spirit Great Saint's proposal.
Since even the Great Saints had no objections, the other saints, no matter how much they coveted the ten thousand drops of Condensed True Saint Dew, dared not voice any dissent.
Just then, a young man in golden armor stood up from his seat, exuding sharpness and vigor. "Since the Divine Envoy is selected from the most promising True Saints, why only let the True Saints who have entered the 'Saint Merit Ranking' participate?"
Daring to question a Great Saint—this person was somewhat extraordinary.
Zhang Ruochen looked toward the golden-armored man and showed a look of sudden realization.
Earlier, Su Qingling had introduced him. This person was Silent Extinction Great Emperor's three thousand four hundred and eightieth son, Silent Kongpo.
"A good question."
Nine Spirit Great Saint gave an approving look and said: "Any True Saint present who believes they can defeat the four True Saints on the 'Saint Merit Ranking' may participate in the competition for the Divine Envoy."
"I want to participate."
Silent Kongpo was the first to step forward, holding a two-zhang-long golden-scaled serpent spear, his eyes filled with a look of disdain.
"I'll participate too."
"For ten thousand drops of Condensed True Saint Dew, I have to give it a shot."
Following that, Su Qingling, Bu Ji, Wen Shusheng, Ling Mi, and six other beings who had reached the peak of True Saint all stepped forward, standing at the center of the Ten Thousand Saints Conference.
Those who dared to compete for the position of Divine Envoy were naturally the top talents of Guanghan Realm.
Those six peak True Saint beings were only slightly weaker in talent than Su Qingling and the others. Each one was capable of contending with Supreme Saints.
A total of eleven figures stood there, all outstanding and extraordinary.
Nine Spirit Great Saint said: "Is there anyone else who wants to participate in the competition for the Divine Envoy?"
Some True Saints were eager to try, but seeing the eleven figures on the field, they secretly sighed, knowing they were no match, and sat back down.
Zhang Ruochen did not stand up. He was still waiting for Moon God's reply.
Because Zhang Ruochen could see that the position of Divine Envoy was deliberately left for him by Moon God.
If Moon God did not agree to his conditions, he would not compete for the position of Divine Envoy, even if it meant giving up the ten thousand drops of Condensed True Saint Dew.
"I agree to you. I can help you with one thing. But your request had better not be too excessive, or angering a god will do you no good," Moon God said.
Zhang Ruochen's expression was neither sad nor happy. He stood up and said: "I'll participate too."
Then, under the astonished gazes of the saints, Zhang Ruochen walked toward the center of the venue and stood beside Su Qingling and Bu Ji.
"What does this mean? A Saint at the Heavenly Connection Realm dares to compete for the Divine Envoy?"
"And he's only at the early stage of Heavenly Connection."
"Even if he wants to show off, he shouldn't pick this moment. Isn't he just making a fool of himself?"
...
Many of the saints present let out mocking laughter, feeling that Zhang Ruochen's attempt to compete for the Divine Envoy was nothing but self-humiliation.
Among those True Saints preparing to compete for the Divine Envoy, a few twitched the corners of their mouths, holding back their laughter.
Silent Kongpo's eyes were cold, and he said bluntly: "Overestimating yourself."
The Great Saints present, however, all took an extra look at Zhang Ruochen, showing unusual expressions. Their insight far surpassed that of Saints and Saint Kings, so they could naturally see Zhang Ruochen's extraordinary nature.
Silent Extinction Great Emperor's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he asked Nine Spirit Great Saint: "Is this the kid Moon God brought back?"
"That's right."
Nine Spirit Great Saint nodded.
Silent Extinction Great Emperor smiled faintly. Originally, he had no interest in the clash of Saints and didn't even bother to watch whether Silent Kongpo could seize the position of Divine Envoy. But now, a hint of anticipation appeared in Silent Extinction Great Emperor's eyes.
"The Divine Envoy competition officially begins."
"Whoever seizes this sacred sword first will be the Divine Envoy."
Nine Spirit Great Saint raised a three-foot-long sacred sword, then lightly flicked his five fingers, using sacred power to send the sword flying.
"Whoosh—"
The sacred sword flew out, trailing a long white light, and finally embedded itself at the top of Guanghan Divine Palace.
Seeing this, no one was not astonished.
Moon God resided in Guanghan Divine Palace. Climbing to the top of the divine palace to retrieve the sword would mean stepping above the god's head.
This was undoubtedly a test of the cultivator's courage, state of mind, and spiritual will.