Despite their best efforts, the major forces of the Dongzhou Continent were completely stumped. Chang'an City, a metropolis of billions, had vanished without a trace. They couldn't possibly guess that the city had been swallowed by a void created by the battle of dozens of powerful emperors. The concept was beyond their wildest imagination. Even a single emperor appearing was enough to shake the entire continent, let alone a whole group.
After exhausting immense resources and finding no answers, the major powers finally gave up. The operations of their organizations couldn't be halted indefinitely, even for the sake of their lost ancestors. While the loss was devastating, they had no choice but to swallow their pride and leave, posting only a few spies to keep watch. The news of the Great Zhou royal family's fall and Chang'an's disappearance spread like wildfire across the continent, just as Orion and his forces were about to return.
The moment the scouts were left behind, Chang'an City suddenly reappeared, shocking the few remaining spies. "Woah! It just... appeared out of thin air!" one exclaimed. "My friend, he's crushed under the rubble!"
Before the stunned scouts could react, a group of masked figures in black appeared before them. The scouts realized they were outmatched as they couldn't even discern the cultivation level of the masked men. The danger was palpable. In an instant, the scouts were subdued and captured.
The masked men then parted, revealing a figure with a powerful aura. Ying Yi, the leader of the group, stared at the captured scouts and demanded, "Who are you? Why are you here?" His voice was a low, hoarse whisper.
One of the scouts, foolishly attempting to bluff his way out, threatened, "Let us go! You don't know who we are! You can't afford to offend the forces behind us!"
Ying Yi's eyes flashed with cold intent. In response to the threat, he drew a dagger and slit the man's throat. The scout fell to the ground, his lifeblood spilling out.
"I won't ask a second time," Ying Yi stated, his voice even more menacing.
The remaining scouts immediately gave up all resistance and revealed everything. Ying Yi learned that dozens of major forces had been searching for answers. Unsure of how to handle such a large number of powerful organizations, he decided to bring the matter to Orion.
Ying Yi appeared before Orion, who had just finished settling his troops and was about to use his luck points. Ying Yi knelt and reported, "My lord, I captured these men nearby. They are all scouts from major forces on the Dongzhou Continent. I didn't want to make a decision on my own, so I brought them to you."
Orion's gaze fell on the captured scouts, a thoughtful expression on his face. "So, the major forces have sent people here..." he mused.