A few weeks later...
While powers from all over the northern region of the Central Continent were sending their top talents to compete in the Black Plain Tournament, the number of migrants leaving Albano had increased!
Such a thing had already reached the point that the royal guards at the border of this state with the northern region had already noticed the recent strangeness.
Precisely because of this, a group of soldiers on guard at the border with the Cromwell Kingdom were at this moment at their post discussing the matter.
"I think something is going on, guys. Why have so many Spiritual Kings left the kingdom in the last few weeks? I know this is only an insignificant fraction of the 6th stage cultivators in the kingdom, but this has never happened in the past!" A man dressed in black and white armor, similar to his companions, said this.
Hearing that man's worried tone, the people sitting around a long oval table in the main tent of that camp looked at each other in silence.
One of them then said. "Really, we must look into that matter."
Another of them said. "So many Spiritual Kings heading towards these three neighboring kingdoms, but hardly any of them have returned during these past few months. There's definitely something going on!"
They were unsure of the reason for the movements of Spiritual Kings from their state to the Black Plain since, other than the news of that kingdom's independence, nothing else from this region of Minos had leaked out to the high-level states.
Naturally, it was not common for people from Albano or other high-level kingdoms to go to the poor northern region of the Central Continent. But on the other hand, it was even less common for people from these poor areas to venture outside the region. Consequently, it was not so simple for news regarding Minos to run around these areas.
And since Albano's own royal family was not related to these actions, none of those guards at this border post knew the motivation for these unnatural migrations.
Moreover, considering the increasing flow of Spiritual Kings into these areas, they were slowly beginning to worry that some organizations in their state might be related to this.
Another royal guard then suggested. "How about we send someone to infiltrate amidst these groups? Maybe we can find out their purpose if we do that!"
"Oh? Good idea! If we don't do anything dangerous, it won't bring any trouble to the royal family..."
They continued talking about this question for some time, vigorously debating the possible problem behind this strange phenomenon.
...
Meanwhile, in an area of the Cromwell Kingdom near the borders of this state with Albano and the Black Plain, a large camp was set up amidst the green valleys of this area.
There was not even a single individual below the 6th stage, and the number of people in the vicinity had already exceeded 6,000.
While the majority were only low-level Spiritual Kings, there were a few hundred individuals between levels 57 and 59 in such a place.
With this, while the weaker ones were dealing with the ordinary matters of such a camp, that is, vigilance and management, the stronger ones debated this great force's future.
In the main tent of this camp, several people were sitting on chairs arranged around platforms of different heights, which circled the whole place, like the small bleachers of a round arena.
From this place, the hundreds of high-level Spiritual Kings could easily discuss with their peers, from where they could observe almost everyone from their respective positions.
"I propose that we unite to take the Black Plain!" One of the strongest there said this, making the diagonal scar on his face twitch with his cheeks. "That place is much richer than the rumors we heard were saying!"
"Hmm, I agree." A red-haired man said as he rose from his seat. "I know that everyone here is a fellow outlaw, known for not caring much about conquering through work their goals. But we must change that while that treasure is free!"
"We must take the Black Plain and form a strong government capable of keeping that place in our hands!"
"Yes!" A bald old man commented, still sitting in his seat. "I have heard magnificent things about this Black Plain that have made me reconsider the more than 500 years of crimes I have had."
"From what I've heard, this place is worth hundreds of billions of low-level crystals, can produce food rich in spiritual energy and give birth to Spiritual Emperors..."
He opened his arms and smiled. "That is, if we take this place, we can live lives of kings in this region and still have the chance to reach level 69!"
"Once that happens, even if we return to Albano, we will get high-level positions in major sects and eventually be able to reach the 8th stage."
"For all this, we must dominate the Black Plain before others realize the local potential!"
After these words were spoken, everyone in the surrounding area smiled and nodded, satisfied that even though they were criminals, each agreed with this noble ideal.
Minos had united chaotic individuals into a group with one goal: to destroy him!
One of them then raised one of his questions. "And what will we do about the Spiritual Emperors of Albano who came into contact with these rumors? I'm sure high-level criminal groups are also interested in that place."
One of the several women there decided to answer that question. "They can't act openly in this region because of the Spiritual Church. So naturally, we won't have much trouble with them."
"On the other hand, when all our groups get together, even the most prominent outlaw groups in Albano will have to think twice before acting against our alliance!"
"In that case, we just have to take the Black Plain and quickly raise our powers. Then, we can reach a level that would permanently secure our position in this region in a few years!" She finished her comment, feeling goosebumps all over her body, given the excitement she was feeling.
She then looked at one of the most handsome Spiritual Kings there and blinked at him. 'Ah, just thinking about my future makes me all wet... After this event, I'm going to have some fun, hehe.'
Then, one of the people who were previously in Gill's family city stood up and said. "Since everyone seems to agree with the formation of our alliance, I want to know exactly how you guys think about acting. What do you think of Minos? They say he's a scary demon who has killed tens of thousands on the battlefield."
"And there are already rumors that he has reached level 60!"
"Tsk!"
"Those people in the northern region exaggerate a lot. How can someone who was at level 54 four years ago have reached level 60? Impossible!"
"If he is already a Spiritual Emperor, then my name is not Jeremy Bates!"
Another person laughed and said. "Besides what this friend just said, even if he has killed tens of thousands, so what? They are just weak people from this region! Can they compare to us?"
"At the end of the day, he is just one talented person, but we are thousands of high-level Spiritual Kings! Our triumph is impossible to stop!"
Several voices broke out in the surroundings, with almost everyone agreeing that Minos would not be a problem and that no matter how strong he was, he would not stop them.
That was just one of the criminal camps in these areas, while more of their companions continued to come from Albano. With that, they intended to march against the Black Plain when their numbers passed a few tens of thousands, enough even to wipe out groups of Spiritual Emperors.
With them knowing these plans, none were concerned about the region's fear of Minos or the respect he deserved. On the contrary, to them, this sovereign's days were already numbered!
So, after hours of debating in that place, the leaders from the other camps left that area, heading for the places where they would continue to build their forces.
