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The shocking news of the incident spread like wildfire to every corner of the Eastern Region, and then, like a forest fire, engulfed the entire Underworld, plunging it into a state of unprecedented turmoil.
Every influential faction was in a frenzy, but the loss of many promising young talents was particularly painful. This event caused a real public outcry, stirring up all layers of society.
The Singing Blades of the Void clan displayed particular fury — their anger was so intense that even the air seemed to hum with tension. The ancient lineage, renowned for its unsurpassed masters of the blade, was not going to leave this incident unanswered.
The news of the appearance of a powerful expert at the Enlightenment of Tao stage(5), who dared to threaten to exterminate young prodigies right at the rating tournament, caused a real storm of emotions in the cultivator world.
A wave of outrage swept through every stratum of society, causing even the most steadfast masters to tremble with anger and anxiety.
It is crucial to understand that the Netherworld existed in near-complete isolation from its powerful neighbours — the Middle and Upper Worlds. This seclusion created a unique atmosphere where its own laws and regulations held supreme importance.
The cultivation system of the Lower World had a strict hierarchy of powers, divided into five main stages, each of which included ten levels of development.
Body and Soul Tempering(1) served as the foundation for novice cultivators, where basic skills were laid and the fundamentals of spiritual energy control were established.
Qi Transformation(2) opened access to more complex techniques and allowed cultivators to develop their own unique abilities.
Core Formation(3) marked the transition to more serious practices, where mastery reached a new level.
Elemental Fusion(4) was considered a turning point, where cultivators began to comprehend the true power of their gift.
Dao Enlightenment(5) was accessible only to the chosen few who had reached the pinnacle of mastery in the Lower World.
Each level within a stage required from the practitioner not only time and effort but also a deep understanding of the laws of the universe.
The transition from one level to another was accompanied by serious changes in the cultivator's body and soul, making them increasingly powerful and bringing them closer to perfection.
As a result of these dramatic events, Xie Yang's reputation reached unprecedented heights. His heroic act, which saved many young talents, earned him the sincere gratitude of thousands of people. The name of the immortal warrior was now associated with valour and self-sacrifice.
The royal family of the Eastern Region was the first to respond to the incident by issuing an official decree. It clearly stated the complete severance of all ties with Xiao Chen. Moreover, the document declared that if the traitor was found, he would be subjected to public execution.
This news, like a spark, ignited a flame of approval throughout the entire Lower World. The brewing storm could be felt in every corner of the vast lands.
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[Ding! You have completely destroyed the relationship between Xiao Chen and the heroine. Xiao Chen lost 50 luck points. The Master received 250 points]
[Ding! You have turned everything upside down by placing unjustified accusations on Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen lost 50 luck points. The Master received 250 points]
[Ding! Deep internal crisis for character Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen lost 50 luck points. The Master received 250 points]
At the sight of the sudden notification, Xie Yang's smile grew even wider, as if he had been expecting this moment.
Xie Yang understood that if he hadn't made some changes, the events would have unfolded strictly according to the script.
Xiao Chen would have appeared as the triumphant hero, and the ranking tournament would have been just another stepping stone on his path to the top.
Xia Qingyue, beautiful and unapproachable, would not have been able to resist his charm and strength of spirit. Her heart, cold as moonlight, would have gradually thawed, transforming from an impregnable fortress into an oasis of tenderness and devotion.
Dream on!
Everything that ever belonged to Xiao Chen — be it fame, power, or recognition — in this life will become Xie Yang's possession. Every grain of success, every drop of honor, every breath of admiration intended for his rival will now belong to him.
The Palace of Purple Glory. Eastern Region. Lower World.
After Xie Yang saved tens of thousands of lives during the ranking tournament, news of his true nature — an immortal descended from the Upper World — spread like wildfire. The news that such a celestial being was among them sent the world into a state of awe.
Now every second person sought to be near him. Nobles and commoners, martial arts masters and merchants — all of them, like moths to a flame, were drawn to his person.
People, bowing low, secretly dreamed of one thing — to be honoured with the chance to follow the immortal to the Upper World.
In their imagination, the Upper World appeared as a place where they could attain eternal life and divine power. Every fawning bow, every offering — all of this could become the key to the coveted door to another reality.
Despite all the temptations of the inhabitants of the Lower World, Xie Yang made the decision to remain in the Eastern Region.
The Son of Destiny still lived; his path was not complete, and therefore it was too early to leave this place.
Xie Yang clearly saw Xiao Chen's next move.
After all, he was carrying the black pot.
And he would head towards Xia Qingyue, thinking that only she was capable of understanding the true essence of what was happening.
Xie Yang settled in a spacious room graciously provided to him by Xia Qingyue in the royal chambers. Soft silk cushions, exquisite furniture, and subdued lighting created an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
He was enjoying a moment of solitude, lost in his thoughts, when suddenly the space in front of him began to distort. The air trembled as if from the heat of an unseen flame, and a mysterious stranger appeared out of nowhere.
His robes were the colour of a raven's wing, and his face… The face seemed drawn by an inept artist — the features constantly blurred, preventing any distinct lines from being captured.
- How is Xiao Chen doing?
Xie Yang slowly opened his eyes, and in his voice sounded not just polite interest, but something more…
- Young master, everything has been executed exactly as you commanded - Jiang Shi reported, bowing his head.
His voice carried a clear mockery:
- After I delivered Xiao Chen to a secluded place, I left him there alone. Not a single word was spoken. Everything went quietly and without unnecessary attention.
His words carried the professionalism of a man accustomed to carrying out such tasks.
Xie Yang listened to Jiang Shi with an impenetrable expression, but inside he was triumphant. Everything was going exactly according to his plan. The information about Xiao Chen's situation only confirmed the correctness of the chosen strategy.
His mind worked with cold calculation:
«Now that he is isolated, we can move on to the next stage» — satisfaction with a job well done was evident in his gaze.
- Young master, there's something I don't understand.
Jiang Shi bowed his head, but genuine bewilderment showed in his eyes. A rare expression of confusion appeared on his face — unusual for the usually unflappable warrior.
He knew Xie Yang all too well. The years spent side by side had taught him to read between the lines, to notice the slightest nuances in the young master's behaviour. Every detail, every action of Xie Yang had meaning, even if others couldn't see it.
«Why?» - the question kept spinning in Jiang Shi's mind. - «Why did the young master limit himself to just a slight pressure on Xiao Chen? After all, he could have done much more…»
This seemingly reckless decision didn't fit into his understanding. To let the opponent go after just one pressure? It contradicted everything he knew about Xie Yang's strategy.
But Jiang Shi understood: there was a deep meaning behind this decision. Xie Yang never acted without a reason; every move he made was part of a larger plan. And although the young master's motives remained a mystery now, the loyal servant was sure that everything would soon fall into place.
He asked this question not out of defiance, but out of a desire to understand his master's intent, to grasp the depth of his strategy.
*****
Sorrow's Embrace:
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