Naturally, the surrounding nations could not sit idly by while Tang State rose so rapidly. After all, after conquering Chen State, Tang's national strength had increased to unprecedented levels, becoming an enormous threat to every neighbor.
Spies were dispatched, one after another, infiltrating Tang to discover the reason behind this sudden surge in power. Why had Tang suddenly grown so strong? How had it obliterated Chen State in such a short span of time?
"Have you discovered anything? How exactly was Chen Guo destroyed by Tang State?" a voice asked urgently, trembling with anticipation.
"Of course we discovered it," a spy replied in a low, cautious tone. "It is said… a certain ancient god, who stepped out of the forbidden land of the gods, personally intervened and annihilated Chen State."
The man who asked scoffed immediately. "Ridiculous. Ancient gods? That's nonsense. Gods disappeared long ago. They could not possibly exist. Where did you even hear such a thing?"
He could not fathom such absurdity. Ancient gods were merely rumors, stories told in marketplaces. There was no way such beings could exist in reality. Surely, this spy had been bribed, or perhaps his mind had been broken to believe in such fiction without a shred of evidence.
"What I say is true," the spy insisted. "Dozens of cities in Chen were punished by the god. In Nuoda, one city was frozen instantly, killing and injuring tens of millions."
Another voice chimed in. "Yes, and in response to drought, famine, and other disasters, Tang sacrificed countless treasures to the ancient gods. In return, rice—god rice—fell from the sky, each grain as large as a rock."
"This… this is a miracle," said another, voice trembling. "All residents of Chang'an in Tang witnessed it firsthand."
The spies swore to the truth of their accounts. Some had even seen it themselves, and in the retelling, their voices shook. They recalled the terror, the awe, the moment their knees threatened to buckle under the divine spectacle.
"It's real? So… Tang has been protected by the ancient gods?" the skeptical man finally whispered, eyes wide, expression deadly serious.
Indeed, Tang State now possessed a power far surpassing ordinary artifacts or world items. It was under the direct protection of the ancient gods. Who, then, would dare to move even a single step against Tang?
"Better not to invade Tang," one spy warned. "The gods are angry… and any nation foolish enough to provoke them may end like Chen."
"The power of the ancient gods is limitless, unparalleled. Their gaze is like the sun, moon, and stars combined. A mere hair could crush us. Mortals cannot contend with this."
"If ordinary world items are extraordinary, then the ancient gods' power surpasses them by a thousandfold."
All around, spies murmured in awe, fear threading their voices. None wished to be Tang's enemy. None dared.
"Report this back to your country immediately," one leader ordered. "Decisions rest with our rulers. We, small figures, only deliver news."
And so, the accounts spread quickly. Tang's name, once ordinary, began to resonate across neighboring lands. Its fame, its fearsome reputation, the protection of the gods—all became common knowledge among the powerful nations surrounding it.
...
Meanwhile, in Xuan Huangxing, within the Fengcheng Rose Community, Xia Chuan contemplated his next move.
"What should I practice next?" he asked aloud. After resolving the miniature world's crises, he turned his attention inward, toward the cultivation that would grant him extraordinary power. This was the most important matter. Without stepping onto the path of transcendence, without gaining extraordinary strength and a prolonged lifespan, he would remain vulnerable, even in his otherworldly position.
"Master," the Book of Wisdom spoke, its voice calm yet full of insight. "According to my detection, the physiques of the creatures in this world and the creatures in your miniature world are nearly identical. Therefore, cultivation methods are compatible. You can practice them directly."
Xia Chuan's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? My luck is truly incredible. If the exercises can work for me… which method should I choose?"
He was most afraid that the exercises, painstakingly collected and sacrificed by his believers, might be useless. If they were ineffective, all his efforts would be wasted.
"Master," the Book of Wisdom continued solemnly, "the believers have sacrificed a total of 1.07 million cultivation exercises. After careful screening, I have identified one exercise that is optimally suited to your physique. It is one of the highest-level exercises, capable of maximizing the human body's potential. Naturally, it is extremely difficult, but with my guidance, your learning will be effortless."
Xia Chuan felt a surge of excitement. The Book of Wisdom, after all, was the ultimate guide, the perfect teacher. It could select the most suitable exercises and illuminate the most efficient path for its master.
"However," the Book of Wisdom added, "the location where you currently are has a thin aura of heaven and earth. It is not suitable for introductory cultivation. You should practice somewhere with abundant spiritual energy."
"Then where should I go?" Xia Chuan asked.
"Master, you should choose a famous mountain or river where spiritual energy gathers," the Book of Wisdom advised. "There should be few people there, making it ideal for your cultivation."
Xia Chuan thought for a moment, then nodded decisively. "Then we will go to the nearby Bailong Mountain."
It was settled. Bailong Mountain, rich in spiritual energy and sparsely populated, would be the perfect place to begin his journey along the extraordinary path.
...
The world around him pulsed faintly with energy. Xia Chuan's mind focused, his body prepared. From this moment, he would no longer be a mere observer, a bystander benefiting from miracles. He would begin to shape his own extraordinary destiny, drawing upon the vast knowledge and faith of millions, blending spiritual energy, and refining himself.
The first steps of the extraordinary road had begun, and with each step, the world itself seemed to shift subtly, responding to the latent potential of its new master.
He was ready.
And in the distant miniature world, the believers continued their unwavering faith, their devotion fueling the invisible threads of power connecting both worlds, giving him strength, preparing him for the trials, and opening the first gateway on his path to transcendence.