Chapter 434: Three Principles

“Ten years ago, when the Brahma Tower opened spatial passages allowing other immortal artifacts to travel between worlds, the Nine Provinces officially began contact with the myriad realms of existence.”

“The Mingzhong World was the first to establish contact with our Nine Provinces.”

“Different development paths, histories, and cultures across the myriad realms have created diverse world conditions.”

“Most of you are somewhat familiar with Mingzhong World and know its development model differs drastically from ours in the Nine Provinces.”

At this point, everyone nodded. Indeed, if nothing else, consider the automated low-level talisman production machines jointly developed by the Dao Sect and Mingzhong Continent – they made basic talismans so affordable even mortals could purchase them.

These Unity Stage cultivators had all tried the holographic simulators, truly marvelous devices capable of fulfilling one’s wildest fantasies.

The only regret was their limited usage time.

“Scientific technology has taken root in the Nine Provinces, gradually integrating with our cultivation systems. Though still in its infancy, I believe technology will significantly improve everyone’s lives in the near future.”

“And this is just the result of interacting with one world.”

“During these past ten years of travels, several fellow cultivators and I have successively discovered the Zombie World, Huanyu World, Tongu World, Lingxi World, and Weigu World – each with unique characteristics worth learning from.”

“Considering world independence, cultural influence, and social stability issues, the Nine Provinces has currently only formally established relations with the Zombie World.”

“Here’s the diplomatic agreement – ‘The Inter-World Friendship Treaty’ – for your review.”

Jiang Li projected the treaty contents onto the roundtable’s center and continued: “This shall serve as our reference for future inter-world relations.”

“Currently, the Outer Realm Demons eye our worlds with hostility while the Immortal Realm remains indifferent. Though the Nine Provinces cannot match the Immortal Realm’s power, we possess sufficient strength to defend against these demons.”

“Other worlds struggle considerably against the Outer Realm Demons’ threats.”

“After years of investigation across these worlds, I discovered the demons fear collective mortal will and avoid direct world destruction. They employ different strategies for different worlds. Our last Nine Provinces Assembly thoroughly eliminated all demonic schemes within our borders.”

“For other worlds, the demons create internal conflicts to induce gradual collapse.”

“Detailed investigation records were imprinted in the jade slips distributed earlier, which I trust you’ve all reviewed.”

Currently only Jiang Li, Bai Hongtu, Yu Yin, and Immortal Elder Changcun knew the truth that Outer Realm Demons were actually immortals – information Jiang Li wasn’t yet ready to share with Nine Provinces leadership.

“While I’ve foiled their schemes, we cannot be certain there aren’t undiscovered plots or future attacks that might push these worlds to brink.”

“Morally, as fellow humans we should help each other. Practically, each world’s unique characteristics enable mutual exchange, improvement, and collective development.”

“Development requires stability, which requires eliminating demonic interference.”

“Thus I propose the Nine Provinces contribute our strength to help these worlds resolve their demonic problems.”

“The Dao Sect supports the Human Sovereign’s resolution.”

“The Buddhist Sect supports the Human Sovereign’s resolution.”

“The Dharma Body Sect…”

“Great Zhou…”

“Tianyuan…”

“Red Dust Pure Land…”

Representatives voiced their support until unanimous agreement was reached – the Nine Provinces would comprehensively protect other worlds and promote mutual development.

Though vast and resource-rich, the Nine Provinces’ fierce competition meant success required more than just strength – everyone was strong, so true differentiation came from intelligence.

Some sects found better prospects developing traditions abroad than domestically.

The Corpse Driving Sect exemplified this trend.

Several allied factions had heard rumors – the Corpse Driving Sect already established operations in the Zombie World and was gradually lowering corpse procurement prices.

As everyone knew, the sect chronically lacked corpses despite extensive advertising and resource expenditure to acquire them.

The zombie-infested world provided perfect materials, allowing the sect to thrive there. Their imminent power leap made others envious.

“Mingzhong World agrees with the Nine Provinces’ resolution.”

“Zombie World agrees with the Nine Provinces’ resolution.”

“Huanyu World agrees with the Nine Provinces’ resolution.”

“Tongu World agrees with the Nine Provinces’ resolution.”

“Lingxi World agrees with the Nine Provinces’ resolution.”

“Weigu World agrees with the Nine Provinces’ resolution.”

Jiang Li nodded satisfactorily – seven worlds had reached consensus.

Addressing the six worlds’ representatives, Jiang Li said: “This is the ‘Multilateral Cooperation Framework’ drafted by the Great Zhou Dynasty for your review.”

The framework contained a preamble, 108 articles across 21 chapters.

Mingzhong read softly: “…create appropriate environments, maintain justice, respect all worlds persistently, promote social progress… practice tolerance and live together in peace as good neighbors… unite strength to maintain inter-world peace and security…”

After the preamble came three core principles:

Peace Principle: Maintain inter-world peace/security through effective measures preventing/thwarting threats to peace, stopping aggression or other peace-breaking acts.

Equality Principle: All worlds hold equal status with rights to handle internal affairs autonomously.

Cooperation Principle: Facilitate inter-world cooperation solving cross-border economic, social, cultural, and welfare issues.

Following were implementation methods for these principles.

The final clause stated: “This framework shall be archived in the Human Sovereign Hall’s records, with copies preserved in each world.”

Younger representatives like Luo Ying lacked perspective to fully grasp the document’s humanitarian considerations, but Mingzhong and Weigu’s leaders recognized Jiang Li’s efforts safeguarding their rights and dignity.

Combined, their worlds couldn’t rival even one of the Nine Provinces’ six great sects, let alone the entire realm. Jiang Li worried some Nine Provinces factions might discriminate against them after formal relations, hence publicly announcing this framework to establish his stance.

More than a framework, it served as a protective talisman for their worlds’ independence.

Jiang Li added: “Specific implementation details – spatial passage locations/administrators, inter-world goods taxation standards etc. – will be gradually refined.”

On the seventh day of the sixth month, Yan Calendar year 4810, seven worlds signed this historic “Multilateral Cooperation Framework,” effective immediately.