Chapter 1010: Making Arrangements
Right now...
This white-robed woman and the Demon Lord appeared to come for negotiation, but in truth, they were just here to admit defeat.
The Demon Nest and Dread Mountain Range had never shown intentions of threatening any nations.
The reason Dread Mountain had such a bad reputation, with tales of countless Professionals dying there, was because those Professionals barged in without permission.
Wouldn't they naturally be dealt with?
But to be fair, these two forbidden zones never showed signs of wanting to conquer the world.
Otherwise, the United Legions would've had a much harder time.
"So... where is that non-specialist now?"
Bai Ya asked softly.
She came to agree on a non-aggression pact with the United Legions.
And since the key decision-maker wasn't present, she had to find him.
"He should still be nearby."
"Please wait a moment, I'll call him."
One of the Holy Council elders replied.
He had to personally make the call.
But just as he picked up the phone...
A cold voice suddenly rang out.
"No need. I'm already here."
As those words dropped...
All the powerhouses present were shocked.
They finally noticed a tall, imposing figure walking in from the entrance.
With his striking features and the suffocating aura he exuded—even without releasing any power—it was obvious to Bai Ya and the Demon Lord that this young human was Ling Zhan.
Despite no visible pressure or aura, those deep eyes locked onto them and made their hearts tighten.
Even these forbidden zone proxies weren't immune.
"Greetings, Mr. Ling Zhan. I'm Bai Ya."
The white-robed woman spoke far more politely than before.
This was the way of the world.
When you have power, everyone shows respect and fear.
When you don't, even a stray dog might bite you.
"Hello."
Ling Zhan gave a calm nod.
So the Dread Mountain proxy was a woman.
And he was absolutely sure she was human.
That alone was surprising.
But to Ling Zhan, it didn't really matter.
"I came to clarify that Dread Mountain has no plans to expand or invade any nation's territory."
Bai Ya spoke courteously,
Elevating Ling Zhan's status,
As if Dread Mountain's survival rested on his whim.
Hmm...
But that was basically true.
Even if Bai Ya didn't want to admit it.
The Demon Lord quickly echoed her sentiment.
Their side wasn't nearly as powerful as the Abyss.
And even if they were...
They'd still lose to this non-specialist.
Just like the mighty Abyss did.
"You misunderstand. I'm heading to Tianhe Ruins in a few days."
"So you can discuss these matters with the Holy Council."
Ling Zhan replied calmly.
Upon hearing this...
Bai Ya and the Demon Lord exchanged glances.
Both saw the surprise in each other's eyes.
This non-specialist...
Was ascending?
Did that mean the global power balance would revert once he was gone?
Would their forbidden zones be safe then?
But Ling Zhan's next sentence shattered that illusion.
He said plainly: "Don't worry, even after I ascend, I've left a backup."
And with that...
Magic light shimmered around him, and he vanished.
Leaving behind a wary and solemn Bai Ya and Demon Lord.
The Holy Council elders were also stunned.
It was their first time hearing that Ling Zhan had left a backup.
But what kind?
Hmm...
What backup?
Naturally, those kids in the Holylight Empire.
Ling Zhan was ascending, so he had to settle everything here first.
He didn't have many personal ties.
But there was that group of kids he once saved in the Holylight Empire.
They had now shown astounding talent and would likely achieve great things.
Even if the Dread Mountain or Demon Nest turned rogue, those kids could handle it.
Just yesterday, Ling Zhan had converted his military merits into many resources and sent them to the Holylight Empire.
These would be used to help the kids grow stronger.
That was Ling Zhan's contingency plan.
He'd seen their potential himself, and it was exceptional.
Maybe because of their rough past, they were especially hardworking.
And none of them had arrogant tempers.
As long as they remained humble and their talent was nurtured, their future was bright.
Rumor had it they now dominated the top 50 of Holylight Empire's Royal High School.
The Empire tried multiple times to get them to switch nationality.
But they had already taken Dragon Kingdom citizenship.
They were just studying in Holylight Empire.
Normally,
A country like Holylight wouldn't allow foreign top talents in their royal high school.
But these kids were special.
They had deep ties to Ling Zhan.
So the Empire didn't dare expel them.
That would be making an enemy of Ling Zhan.
And also offending these future prodigies.
So they had no choice but to let them stay.
Now they had to build a good relationship with them.
Otherwise, Holylight Empire would suffer down the road.
Ling Zhan's intention was clear:
Let these kids keep training.
Once grown, they could defend the world if another crisis came.
As for the remaining Takamagahara forbidden zone...
Hmm, it was now even weaker than the Dread Mountain or Demon Nest.
The Oni Generals there were mediocre at best.
If the United Legions attacked, that place would fall sooner or later.
So it wasn't worth worrying about.
With that...
The remaining affairs of the lower realm were mostly resolved.
Ling Zhan began his journey to Tianhe Ruins.