Chapter 277: The Changing Landscape Of The Middle Land (2)

The battle between the Heavenly Rankers and Jin Quan in the Holy Capital sent shockwaves throughout the Middle Land. The news was like a massive boulder crashing into a peaceful lake, shaking the foundations of the land.

Jin Quan's status as the unrivaled expert of the world was once again solidified by this battle.

But in a sudden twist of events, the Cloudstride Sect, Starcom Consortium, Wu Sect, Pleiades Guild, Ninedeaths Circle, Arctic Alliance, Huang Temple, and South Ocean Alliance—the eight top-tier major factions—issued a joint proclamation to the world.

They carefully described the terrifying ordeal during the worm devil calamity and meticulously recorded the contributions of each Heavenly Ranker.

The Starcom Consortium published the ‘Heavenly Ranker Chronicles’ as a tribute to recount the deeds of the fallen Heavenly Rankers.

With that, the names and heroic exploits of these Heavenly Rankers - Daoist Wan Xing, Emperor Dong Pan, Niu Hao, and Rong Le - became widely known.

The world was completely shaken by the proclamation! Many ordinary people and martial artists finally understood the sacrifices made by the Heavenly Rankers and the catastrophic calamity that had struck the Huang Continent, putting the entire Middle Land at risk.

Naturally, Wu Yuan also received recognition for his contributions, and his achievements were by far the most dazzling.

At the age of 21, he reached the pinnacle of cultivation in the Middle Land, surpassing many Heavenly Rankers. He became the beacon that led them through this catastrophe.

The influence of the various factions, whether intentional or not, led to the organization of numerous festivities and ceremonies.

The Battle of the Huang Continent became a historical event nearly rivaling the establishment of civilization by Martial King.

On the contrary, the actions of the Great Jin Empire spread rapidly, leading to a profound impact on both commoners and martial artists in the Middle Land.

At first, the empire tried to deny these claims through official statements in an attempt to hide the truth. However, the departure of the highest echelons of the Starsea Pavilion to Cloudhill seemed to confirm the validity of these events.

Consequently, in the eyes of countless commoners throughout the Middle Land, the Great Jin Empire became synonymous with the words 'evil' and 'traitor', leading to a drastic decline in the reputation of the Jin royal family.

...

The restoration process in Great Jin began, and the wrecked imperial city in the Holy Capital was slowly repaired.

Inside a small, mostly undamaged hall.

Jin Ji, sitting in the host seat, looked down at the slim middle-aged man dressed in yellow robes. "What is troubling you? If even Emperor Jin is worried, how must the numerous palace attendants and commoners feel?"

Jin Cang bowed his head silently. Rumors about his death in the battle at the Holy Capital were flying about, but the truth was that he wasn't actually there at the time.

"Ancestor," Jin Cang began in a low voice. "These rumors are all falsehoods. I'm not worried. Our armies and officials in the various regions are loyal and won't betray us due to some baseless gossip."

"But..." Jin Cang hesitated.

"Today, the entire world is an adversary of our Great Jin. Can Great Jin truly emerge victorious?" He fretfully voiced his thoughts.

The crusade against Jin was no laughing matter.

"Why are you worried about a bunch of insignificant nobodies? As the emperor, it's your duty to perform your role and stand firm. When the imperator emerges from seclusion and unsheathes his sword, no one in this world will dare defy our Great Jin." Jin Ji declared vehemently.

“Understood,” Jin Cang nodded.

...

Wu Qiming looked out at the sun-drenched front courtyard of the Wu Mansion in Cloudhill City.

With deep concern in his voice, he asked, "Little Yi, is the news true? Did Wu Yuan really perish in the Battle of the Huang Continent?"

The Starcom Consortium had circulated this news widely. Although many people in the Jiang Continent might not know of Daoist Wan Xing or Emperor Dong Pan, they are well aware of Wu Yuan. He had become famous in recent years and earned the reputation of a genius among his peers.

Wu Yijun, a striking warrior dressed in battle attire, stood with a sword by her side, her head held high. She nodded gently, her face showing no signs of pain or sorrow, as she confirmed, "Yes, Brother has died in battle. The Rain Hierarch personally made a visit to the mansion, and I witnessed it with my own eyes."

Only a small group of high-ranking individuals, including Fang Xia, knew the truth about Wu Yuan's fate. The official announcement claimed that Wu Yuan had died in battle.

Wu Qiming's expression changed as he listened to Wu Yijun. In his eyes, Bu Yu was already a figure of immense power and influence.

"Chieftain, my big brother was the strongest peak powerhouse in all of the Middle Land, the most dazzling genius in thousands of years. For the sake of Middle Land, he gave up his life." Wu Yijun stared directly at Wu Qiming.

"Indeed." Wu Qiming nodded gently.

Suddenly, he felt his heart tremble, as he realized that the mischievous little girl from his memories had now grown up and matured.

In a daze, he saw another figure before him – not Wu Yijun, but rather Wu Yuan at fifteen years old.

Speaking softly, Wu Yijun reassured him, "Chieftain, don’t worry. The Rain Hierarch has promised that our clan will not be mistreated and our position will remain unchanged."

"Even though Big Brother has died, I’m still here," Wu Yijun said, her voice turning cold. "I will not let the Wu Clan of Cloudhill fall into decline."

Wu Qiming let out a deep sigh. He realized that the young maiden in front of him was no longer an innocent child.

Wu Yijun was now a fifteen-year-old second-rate Adept. No one dared to underestimate her.

She added solemnly, "But for now, please don't tell my mother that Big Brother has passed away."

"I understand," Wu Qiming nodded once more.

As Wu Qiming left, Wu Yijun stood by the window, her gaze wandering over the toys in the corner, reminders of a time when Wu Yuan had bought them over and played with her.

Big Brother!

Tears filled Wu Yijun's eyes, but she quickly regained her determination.

I won't let the sacrifices you made for our clan go to waste.

She was an intelligent individual. As soon as she heard the news, she knew that the powerful figure who had protected her and the clan from the storms of the world was now gone. There wasn’t even a Savant expert left among the Wu Clansmen.

Her brother's advice echoed in her mind: "Status and reputation are all illusory. Only one’s strength is true."

Big Brother, you’ve helped me build up a strong foundation. In the past, I might not have been as dedicated, but now I will train diligently and aim to become a Grandmaster, and maybe even a Heavenly Ranker!

...

The days slipped away quickly.

In the year 3231 of the Eastern Martial calendar, on the tenth day of June, the armies from the Min, Jiang, Dong, Yan, Yuan, and Huang Continents gathered at the provincial borders of the Great Jin Empire.

The flames of war engulfed the territories under the empire's control, consuming everything in its path.

On June 16th, Imperator Jin Quan arrived at the Cloudhill, accompanied by Jin Ji and Zhao Xing. Jin Quan wielded his lifebound flying sword, its sword intent spreading hundreds of li, threatening to flatten Cloudhill.

Fang Xia, the Arctic King, and Qiong Sea King immediately flew up to engage them.

A titanic battle erupted, with both sides refusing to yield. Ultimately, Imperator Jin made the decision to retreat. Orders from Cloudhill were sent out to the armies at the provincial borders, putting a halt to their invasion.

For a short period of time, calm settled over the Middle Land. However, both the Great Jin Empire and the Immortal Cultivators Alliance knew that peace would not last.

Eventually, a victor would have to be decided.

...

As time went by, the month of July arrived.

Just ten li from Cloudhill was a newly constructed massive lake concealed by an impenetrable mist. It was an area that ordinary people would never be able to venture into.

"Qiong Sea, is there still no news about the young master? Almost two months have gone by already," Fang Xia whispered, his voice filled with urgency.

"No," the Qiong Sea King replied solemnly. His colossal frame was submerged in the tranquil lake, leaving only his majestic draconic head above the surface.

His weighty voice reverberated through the air like thunder. "However, the young master’s soul aura is growing in strength at an astonishing rate!"

"I dare say that it is several times stronger than before."

“Several times?” Fang Xia stood in shock.

Wu Yuan’s soul, previously unmatched in strength, had now grown stronger by several times?

Just what level had it reached? And how did this sudden spurt in growth occur?

“Just what is happening to the young master right now?” Confusion was etched on Fang Xia’s face.