Chapter 713: Change

Everyone’s faces turned deathly pale.

A Cosmic Tyrant....

"How is that possible...?"

While they were still striving to become Astral Gods, Li Pin had already secured at least the foundation to become a Cosmic Tyrant?

A being as exalted as a Cosmic Tyrant far eclipsed the Starshine Astral God they had long aimed to emulate, and stood high above the Eternal Solar Flare, whom they once revered as titans of the Astral World.

Even the Cosmic Radiance, a distant, unattainable dream they had dedicated their entire cultivation paths to, paled before a Cosmic Tyrant. If the Cosmic Radiance was already a dream to them, then a Cosmic Tyrant was something they wouldn't even dare to imagine, not even in their wildest dreams!

And yet, Li Pin was set to become at least a Cosmic Tyrant in the future?

At that instant, the Ace Pioneers felt their minds buzzing. They had always thought of themselves as geniuses. And now, reality itself seemed to split apart from the revelation before them, leaving behind an overwhelming sense of disbelief.

After a long silence, Huang Ze muttered, "No wonder... no wonder.... No wonder he defeated us so effortlessly. We have nothing to complain about. None at all. To lose to such an existence... we have no regrets. In fact, being able to fight him... is an honor."

His words finally brought the others back from their stupor.

Xuan Zhi's voice trembled, unsure if it was from witnessing such an unfathomable level of talent or from the realization that they had actually stood against such a terrifying prodigy. "Pioneer Li... So this is the extent of his talents...?"

Mu Yunsheng watched their near-breakdown reactions, but deep down, he felt the same.

The Sacred Child of the Humanity Sanctum... A future Cosmic Tyrant... that level of talent and potential is beyond terrifying. Someone like that... has actually been competing with us for resources in the divine treasure world...?

This was no different from a massive corporation fighting over a street vendor's livelihood.

However, no matter how hard it was to accept, the truth was right before them. There was no way Li Pin could convince all the pioneers to lie for him.

To begin with, opposing him had been a near-impossible feat, forcing them to desperately seek outside strength. But now that this revelation had come to light, who would dare to oppose someone whose brilliance was destined to shine across the cosmos?

Their so-called alliance against Li Pin had become nothing more than a joke.

What they truly needed to consider now wasn't how to deal with Li Pin, but how to earn his forgiveness, especially Huang Ze, Xuan Zhi, and Wu Tian.

Recalling Li Pin's evaluation of them in the previous cycle, they had no choice but to admit that before Li Pin... they really were nothing but small fry.

Huang Ze couldn't help but think,

to be called small fry by a future Cosmic Tyrant... Somehow, that doesn't feel shameful at all.

Just like how they never felt ashamed about being unable to defeat the Void Emperor.

Mu Yunsheng let out a bitter laugh. "Pioneer Li once told me to challenge him again in the next cycle if I manage to achieve the Divine Emperor level within a year and perfect my domain. During the wait, I was even searching for ways to develop stronger Astral Formations. But now...."

The next cycle? Pioneer Li truly overestimated me....

After a long silence, Mu Yunsheng exhaled deeply and said, "In the end, this was all just a conflict over the Void Divine Treasure World. Strictly speaking, there isn't any irreconcilable hatred between us and Pioneer Li.

"Since he already has a way to break the Void Divine Treasure World, we should reach out and pledge our full support in his plans as a way to make amends for our offense in the previous cycle."

He paused for a moment and added, "Hopefully, Pioneer Li won't hold our past actions against us... and will give us a chance."

Huang Ze, Xuan Zhi, and Wu Tian all nodded firmly.

"It would be an honor to serve Pioneer Li."

"This... might be the closest we will ever get to him in this lifetime."

"A future Cosmic Tyrant..."

The insurmountable gap, so vast that the mere thought of resistance vanished, had left the three in complete submission.

***

Xiaya City.

Li Pin arrived at the Thunder Sect with Fang Chunyang, Zhao Tiangang, and Shou Zhen.

Everyone from the Thunder Sect had gathered at the entrance to welcome them. Sect Master Baili Changkong was present in person, accompanied by elders such as Shi Tianya, Yu Changqing, and many others.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

The news had yet to spread, but the upper ranks of Xiaya City and a select few had already recognized Li Pin's identity. He had become the newly appointed Chairman of Xiya's Martial Arts Association, responsible for overseeing all matters related to the martial arts world in Xiya and coordinating with martial artists worldwide.

However, that wasn't the main point. What truly mattered was his cultivation at the Supreme Expert-level. Yet even that might not be his limit. His true power likely surpassed that.

The fact that he had healed Shou Zhen's injuries in an incredibly short time and even helped him step into the Supreme Expert Realm spoke volumes about his unfathomable strength.

As Li Pin approached, the members of Thunder Sect stepped forward in unison, cupping their fists. "Chairman Li."

Li Pin gave them a slight nod before turning his gaze to Baili Changkong. "Sect Master Baili, I've heard of your deeds. It's largely thanks to your efforts that Xiaya City's martial arts world gets to enjoy its current peace "

"You flatter me, Chairman Li," Baili Changkong humbly replied. "I only did what I was supposed to do."

Li Pin replied, "I've heard about the origins of Thunder Sect as well. You established it to replace the Three Saints Alliance, unify Xiya's martial strength, and assist Xiya in becoming a great power. Seeing a leader with such vision is reassuring, and this aligns with the goals of our Martial Arts Association moving forward.

"Our people have already started arriving in Xiaya City, and their numbers have exceeded my expectations. The plan can now begin. The first step is to cleanse Xiya from within. Only by securing stability in our own backyard can we proceed to the next phase."

"Cleansing?" Baili Changkong frowned. "Chairman Li, you mean..."

"Moving forward, all martial arts sects must register themselves, and their members must be documented. Any life-and-death battles or martial arts duels must receive approval from the Martial Arts Association before proceeding," Li Pin declared calmly.

He had taken the Martial Arts Association system from the Taibai Kingdom and adjusted it to fit the current situation in Xiya and Celestial Barren Domain.

"This... will be difficult. Martial artists are naturally proud and independent. They won't easily accept restrictions. If mishandled, this could lead to large-scale bloodshed, or even an all-out conflict between the martial arts world and the Martial Arts Association," Baili Changkong said.

"That's not a problem," Li Pin replied. "In a month, I will host a grand martial arts tournament—the World's Top Martial Competition. Invitations will be sent worldwide, welcoming all Supremes to gather at Mount Tianque to compete for the title of the World Champion. Once I claim that title, the rest of Xiya's martial forces will naturally make the right choice."

Baili Changkong drew in a sharp breath.

He knew Li Pin's cultivation was unfathomable, but he hadn't expected Li Pin to be this... bold.

Challenging all the world's experts to a grand battle at Mount Tianque for the title of World Champion!?

Baili Changkong’s eyes widened. "This..."

After a long pause, he said, "That... that won't be easy. Xiya may have a strong international presence, but hosting such a grand event and gathering global forces... would be no easy task."

"Under normal circumstances, yes," interjected Shou Zhen, chuckling. "But if I publicly vouch for Chairman Li with my own experience, the Supreme Experts across the entire world will turn their eyes to him."

Baili Changkong was at a loss.

Shou Zhen smiled. "In just half a month, someone who hadn't even touched the threshold of a Supreme Expert became one under Chairman Li's guidance. I believe no factions in the world would remain indifferent to such a secret."

Baili Changkong's heart clenched in shock. "Master Shou Zhen, you..."

"You and your generation have sacrificed much for Xiya's future, shedding blood and sweat. Xiya will remember your contributions. But now... your time is over," said Shou Zhen with a smile. "Soon, Xiya will be completely stable, its external threats pacified. Even the war-torn nations of the world will find peace and harmony. From here on, you can rest."

Li Pin looked at Baili Changkong and said, "In the future, children will have proper care, the elderly will be provided for, everyone will have the chance to train in martial arts, and education will be available to all... And that future is not far away. That's why I want Xiya's martial arts community to break free from its obsession with reckless combat.

"Xiaya City will serve as the pilot location for this reform, and I hope the Thunder Sect, as its foremost sect, will take the lead."

"Children cared for, the elderly provided for, martial arts for all, education for all... Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. That is the world I've always dreamed of," Baili Changkong repeated the words, deeply moved.

He lifted his head to meet Li Pin's gaze. "If you can truly achieve that, I'd dissolve Thunder Sect and retire to a peaceful life. What does it matter if I become an old man who practices tai chi and morning exercises every day?"

After saying that, Baili Changkong fell silent for a moment.

"But before that... I need to see real hope first."

"Would claiming the title of the World Champion be enough?" Li Pin asked.

Baili Changkong nodded firmly. "Enough!"

Li Pin nodded. "Good. Then prepare yourself."

Then, maintaining his gaze on Baili Changkong, he asked, "Forcing the next generation to carry burdens they never wished for, exploiting the natural trust given to elders, and pushing them down paths they never wanted to take... That will no longer happen, will it?"

Baili Changkong stared at him in shock, his heart skipping a beat. It felt as though Li Pin had seen straight into the deepest, most selfish corner of his soul.

Li Pin stood there, waiting for his response.

Faced with that oppressive gaze, a long silence passed before Baili Changkong finally lowered his head. "If the situation had allowed it... no one would want to play the villain."

"The situation has changed," Li Pin said. "Go do what an elder should truly do."