To ensure her safety, I dispatched a shadow to follow her in secret. From the second floor, I observed in silence, slowly sipping my tea. Below, she ran and laughed with children her age, innocent and unaware of the currents moving beneath the surface of the world. The shadow I had sent blended seamlessly into the surroundings, watching for danger long before it could surface.
Only after confirming that no threats existed did I speak.
"None."
The space before me rippled, and a figure appeared instantly, kneeling in silence.
"Report," I said calmly. "What is the situation on the mainland after the Two Peaks returned to their respective forces?"
None lowered his head. "Master, after the Two Peaks returned to the Spirit Hall and the Clear Sky Sect, the mainland has entered a period of false calm. Many forces have begun moving again—not openly, but in the shadows. Of them, the third-ranked sect, the Seven Treasure Glazed Sect, is the most active."
He paused before continuing, "They have discovered an eighteen-year-old man with the Bone Dragon martial spirit. He is currently a four-ring Soul Sect. Their only Level 95 Title Douluo is nearing the end of his lifespan. They are grooming this youth as a replacement."
I nodded slightly. The Seven Treasure Glazed Sect had been stagnant for years, suppressed by the presence of the Two Peaks. Now that the balance had shifted, they were desperate to replenish their bloodline and reclaim influence. Desperation always led to recklessness.
"What of the second-ranked sect, the Lightning Tyrant Rex Sect?" I asked. "How do they stand?"
None answered immediately, choosing his words carefully. "Their sect leader is also old, but not yet powerless. He is a Level 97 Title Douluo and may survive another ten to twenty years. He is obsessively seeking a breakthrough to the next realm."
He continued, "At the same time, he is preparing successors. There are two candidates capable of inheriting the sect: Yu Yuanzhen, a Level 76 Soul Saint, and Yu Sky, a Level 74 Soul Saint. Internal competition has already begun, though it remains hidden from outsiders."
A faint smile crossed my lips. Power struggles within a sect were often deadlier than wars between sects.
"And the Clear Sky Sect?" I asked. "They became unbearably arrogant after crushing the Demon Sword Sect once Tang Chan reached Level 94 and defeated their Level 96 leader."
None's voice grew heavier. "Master, that is correct. But arrogance alone does not describe their actions. After defeating the Demon Sword Sect, the Clear Sky Sect began a systematic purge. Their intent was absolute extermination—to erase the Demon Sword bloodline so that no future threat could arise."
"Nearly the entire sect was slaughtered. Only a little over one hundred clan members survived. The remaining two Title Douluo of the Demon Sword Sect died protecting their people. Had the Spirit Hall not intervened, the Demon Sword Sect would have been completely erased from history."
He continued, "However, the Clear Sky Sect paid a price. Most of their combat power was destroyed in the conflict. Only Tang Chan and one other Title Douluo remain. Because of this weakness, Tang Chan was forced to consolidate power by coercion, subjugating the Single Attribute Clans—the Broken Clan, the Force Clan, the Speed Clan, and others—binding them under his rule."
"So," I said coldly, "victory bought with blood, and authority maintained through fear."
"Yes, Master."
"What remains of the Demon Sword Sect?" I asked.
None replied, "They are barely surviving. The Demon Sword Sect has gone completely into hiding. They now possess fewer than ten Soul Saints, three Soul Douluo, and only a single surviving Title Douluo—their final pillar."
"To secure their survival, they transferred most of their accumulated wealth and resources to the Spirit Hall in exchange for protection. In name they still exist, but in truth, they are already broken."
I nodded slowly. On the mainland, survival often required surrendering dignity.
"And the lower four sects?" I asked. "Are they also scheming in the shadows?"
"Not yet," None answered. "They are focusing on training successors and consolidating what little strength they have. However, the Holy Earth Dragon Sect is under renewed pressure from the Lightning Tyrant Rex Sect. Their leader, a Level 93 Title Douluo, is dying from old injuries inflicted by the Thunder Douluo. Knowing their end is near, they are actively seeking closer ties with the Spirit Hall."
Silence fell over the room.
I stared into my teacup, watching the surface ripple faintly.
Every major force on the mainland was accelerating the training of their successors. Sects. Even the Heaven Dou Empire—its prince had already ascended to crown prince. The same quiet transitions were unfolding within the Star Luo Empire.
This was not coincidence.
It was fear.
In this generation, no one could rival the Two Peaks of the mainland. And when a mountain stands too tall, the world does not challenge it—it prepares for the day it collapses.