Yaoguang Tianyou, the City Lord of Yaoguang Main City, sat within his vast estate, a complex larger than entire prefectures. This trillion-resident metropolis answered to him, and him alone.
"Master Qi, what did you manage to obtain?" Yaoguang You called out as Qi Yunxian approached the mansion gates. The tall commander wore heavy armor that concealed everything except his weathered face.
"Commander You..." Qi Yunxian offered a wry smile. "This time, I can only say that returning alive is truly remarkable."
Yaoguang You's expression shifted to one of genuine surprise. He knew Qi Yunxian's strength well, with the Holy Flame empowering him, suffering such a devastating defeat seemed impossible.
"Did the Void Emperor create a puppet at peak World Master level?" Yaoguang You speculated, his tactical mind racing through possibilities.
"Nothing like that," Qi Yunxian shook his head, then recounted his harrowing experiences within the Void Emperor's treasury. He carefully omitted any details involving Han Jue, certain information was better left unshared.
"I see... a puppet equivalent to a high-level World Master..." Yaoguang You's expression grew contemplative as he processed the implications.
His thoughts suddenly shifted. "Wait, Xiao Ye also entered the Void Emperor Treasury. Is he alright?"
"Young Master Ye is fine," Qi Yunxian assured him quickly. "He's already arrived at Tianyan Prefecture City. With his strength, controlling that prefecture should present no difficulties."
"True enough," Yaoguang You nodded, his concern easing. He maintained complete faith in his younger brother's capabilities.
For a mere prefecture city, Domain Lord ninth-level cultivation represented the absolute pinnacle of power. Yaoguang Ye's appointment there was almost excessive.
"Master Qi, you should proceed inside. I have urgent matters requiring my attention," Yaoguang You said formally.
"Of course, Commander." Qi Yunxian bowed respectfully.
The two parted ways, and Qi Yunxian made his way deeper into the City Lord's estate.
His objectives were straightforward: first, determine if an antidote existed for the Moshu Poison Fruit. Second, should no antidote be found, he would follow Han Jue's instructions precisely, gathering intelligence on both the Sacred Pillar Trial and the Dulan family.
The City Lord's Mansion represented the ideal location to accomplish both tasks.
Led by an attendant through corridors of polished stone and elegant archways, Qi Yunxian soon found himself standing before an elderly man whose presence radiated quiet authority.
"Lord Tianyou," Qi Yunxian said respectfully, bowing low.
"Mm." The old man's acknowledgment was barely audible. He gestured toward a nearby table, where an ornate wine glass sat waiting. With deliberate movements, he poured a crystal-clear liquid into it.
"Holy Soul Wine," Yaoguang Tianyou explained, his aged voice carrying the weight of absolute certainty. "A fine vintage personally brewed by Lord Jinghu himself. It purifies the body and spirit, the most powerful detoxifying treasure in the entire Land of Order."
Qi Yunxian accepted the glass with both hands, bowing once more before downing the contents without hesitation.
"Ahem!"
The wine, pure, colorless, and seemingly without taste, brought sharp, searing irritation as it passed down his throat and flooded through his body. Every nerve seemed to ignite simultaneously.
Gritting his teeth against the discomfort, Qi Yunxian dropped into a cross-legged position on the floor and employed his cultivation techniques to process the wine's effects.
Time stretched. Minutes became an hour.
Finally, Qi Yunxian rose to his feet, his expression grim. He shook his head slightly, the universal gesture of failure.
Yaoguang Tianyou's weathered brow furrowed.
"Holy Soul Wine proves useless..." A cold gleam flashed through the City Lord's ancient eyes. "Then this person's identity is exactly what I suspected."
An unprecedented parasitic plant. Seemingly weak yet possessing formidable combat capabilities. And now, a poison that even Holy Soul Wine couldn't neutralize.
An outsider.
Someone from beyond the Seven Flames Palace.
"What identity?" Qi Yunxian asked, confusion evident in his voice.
Yaoguang Tianyou regarded him with an unreadable expression. "That knowledge isn't meant for you. Since we cannot remove the poison, you'll simply follow that person's instructions and complete whatever tasks he requires."
The old man's weathered features shifted, his expression hardening into something fierce, almost predatory. "He wants to participate in the Holy Pillar Trial, doesn't he? Then we'll help him. We'll eliminate that poisonous old woman from the Dulan family together."
His aura suddenly erupted, power that had lain dormant for decades flooding forth. Yet it remained perfectly contained, compressed into a narrow space that prevented even a whisper of energy from leaking beyond his immediate vicinity. The effect was stunning, like witnessing someone who'd been aged and withered suddenly revert to their prime.
"I haven't taken action in far too long," Yaoguang Tianyou's voice carried dark amusement. "The world has forgotten my true strength. Hm!"
Qi Yunxian stared, genuinely shocked. The City Lord's cultivation had reached its absolute peak, that much was obvious. For a World Master, such a display made little practical difference in terms of raw power, but the psychological impact was undeniable.
Of course, Qi Yunxian thought, his mind racing. A hundred thousand years ago, after the Void Emperor's fall, did anyone simply hand him the position of City Lord?
No.
Yaoguang Tianyou had fought for it. Step by bloody step. Battle by brutal battle.
Few remembered that a century ago, the Yaoguang Clan had been nothing more than retainers serving under the Void Emperor himself. Everything they possessed now, the territory, the wealth, the power, had been claimed through strength and ruthless determination.
And now, that ancient warrior was stirring once more.
Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers away in Tianyan Prefecture City, Han Jue remained blissfully unaware of the events unfolding in the distant capital.
In the few days since his arrival, the populace had come to accept him as their new City Lord. Under his direction, and with Yaoguang Ye serving as his public face, the entire prefecture had begun to flourish. Elder Yan, previously the city's most respected elder, now served as Han Jue's direct spokesperson. Within Tianyan Prefecture, his authority was second only to the "City Lord" himself.
Deep within the City Lord's Mansion, Han Jue cultivated in isolation.
The Water-Sky Holy Flame and the Holy Flame Spark sat before him, radiating pale blue cold light.
Their function proved remarkably similar to the Beast God statue that Luo Feng had encountered in the Xueluo World back in the Swallowed Star universe, though perhaps somewhat less potent. Still, the benefits were undeniable.
Through them, Han Jue gained profound insights into the fusion of Water and Space laws. His understanding of fundamental spatial principles continued to deepen with each passing hour.
"The eighty-seventh sword technique... completely mastered!"
Within his Virtual Universe training chamber, Han Jue executed the final movements under Norton's watchful supervision. Each strike flowed seamlessly into the next, a deadly dance of blade and comprehension.
"Han Jue, your training speed has increased again!" Norton exclaimed, unable to hide his amazement. "Your current understanding of Water-Space fusion law rivals some marquises now!"
"I gained valuable insights during my training mission," Han Jue explained with a modest smile, carefully omitting specific details about the Holy Flame.
The Seven Flames Palace offered tremendous benefits to anyone cultivating fusion laws, but obtaining Holy Flame Sparks presented extraordinary challenges.
Without his World Master-level Star-Eating Grass, Han Jue would never have secured these three precious sparks. Other geniuses faced far steeper obstacles.
Normally, acquiring Holy Flame Sparks required accumulating Fire Seed Coins, the local currency, and purchasing them at auctions. Even then, there was no guarantee the available sparks would suit one's cultivation path.
"Excellent progress!" Norton beamed with pride.
The training mission represented one of Virtual Universe Company's most generous benefits for cosmic-level members. Countless opportunities awaited within, treasures and insights that could attract even Universe Venerables' interest.
"Hmm?" Han Jue's expression suddenly shifted. Without explanation, he immediately logged out of the Virtual Universe.
Back in the physical world, within the City Lord's Mansion of Tianyan Prefecture, Han Jue's eyes snapped open.
"Sir!" Yaoguang Ye stood before him, his face pale with urgency. "The main city has sent a message. We're to prepare our military forces immediately and enter a state of war readiness. In two months, we'll mobilize to attack Dulan Main City."
The news struck like lightning from a clear sky.
Why would we suddenly declare war on Dulan Main City? Han Jue's mind raced through possibilities. This seemed far too convenient, almost as though someone had read his intentions.
"Can main cities wage war so casually?" Han Jue asked carefully, his tone neutral.
"Not exactly," Yaoguang Ye explained, his voice steadier now that he'd delivered the shocking message. "Countless ages ago, to promote competition among their vassal forces, the Mirror Lake Holy Spirit, along with the other Holy Spirits, established certain rules. They agreed not to interfere directly in conflicts between their subordinate powers. The Seven Divine Kingdoms took this even further, cultivating active hostility between their respective territories."
He continued, "Wars between main cities primarily serve to compete for territory and resources. But there's another prize, Origin Fire. Like Holy Flames, Origin Fire can be deployed as a devastating explosive weapon, but unlike Holy Flames, it isn't consumed upon use. After death, Origin Fire typically returns to the Holy Spirits who granted it. The only way to truly claim one permanently is by defeating another main city's Lord and seizing theirs."
Han Jue nodded thoughtfully, processing the geopolitical implications. "In your assessment, was this decision your grandfather's initiative, or did someone else influence it?"
"Definitely my grandfather's," Yaoguang Ye answered without hesitation. His confidence was absolute.
"Within Yaoguang Main City, my grandfather's word is law. Only he possesses the authority to make such decisions."
So Yaoguang Tianyou himself is moving, Han Jue thought. Interesting.
The old City Lord was far more perceptive, and far more dangerous, than Han Jue had initially estimated. Somehow, Yaoguang Tianyou had deduced at least part of Han Jue's nature and intentions.
Rather than view him as a threat, however, the ancient warrior seemed to have decided on alliance.
A calculated risk, Han Jue mused. He's betting that cooperating with an outsider will yield greater benefits than opposing one.
Smart. Ruthless. Practical.
The kind of leader who'd clawed his way from retainer to ruler of a trillion souls.
"Prepare the troops as ordered," Han Jue commanded. "We march in two months. Make certain our forces are ready."
"Yes, sir!" Yaoguang Ye bowed deeply before hurrying off to carry out the instructions.
Alone once more, Han Jue allowed himself a thin smile.
Events were accelerating faster than anticipated, but not beyond his ability to manage. If Yaoguang Tianyou wanted to eliminate the Dulan family, then Han Jue would be happy to assist, especially since it aligned perfectly with his own objectives.
The Sacred Pillar Trial. Origin Fire. Complete Holy Flames.
All of it was coming within reach far sooner than he'd dared hope.
Let the old warrior have his war, Han Jue thought. I'll take what I came for, and everyone benefits.
Simple. Efficient. Mutually advantageous.
Exactly how he preferred to operate.
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