"I understand. There's no need to explain so much," Jiang Ningxian said with a smile. "In any case, as long as you're all right, that's what matters. Right now, the most important thing is for us to weather this chaotic storm. Once we get through it, everything will be much better."
Leaving aside the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan, the various clans from across the star fields were eyeing the Heavenly Court and this world like hungry predators.
Why was this so? It was simply because they believed Earth had only just revived and lacked many powerful experts, belonging to a star field that was not on the same tier as their own.
Thus, they held it in little regard. Given the slightest opportunity, they would strike in full force and completely divide up the resources and heritages of this world.
Yet if the Heavenly Court were one day to display its formidable strength and compel every living being in the starry sky to look upon it with respect, things would be entirely different. The dangers threatening Earth would diminish dramatically.
A weak enemy merely stoked desires of annexation.
A powerful enemy, however, instilled wariness—and could even, to some extent, force cooperation out of necessity.
The strong preyed upon the weak, and strength was revered. This truth held firm across the entire universe.
"That's why I must take the initiative to strike. Otherwise, the entire starry sky might never truly recognize the Heavenly Court," Lu Yuan said with a smile. That had been his plan all along.
At this critical juncture, elaborate schemes mattered little. Only undeniable might could strike dread into the hearts of their foes.
"In that case, let us wait and see." Jiang Ningxian smiled as well, full of anticipation.
Without further delay, the two chatted for a few more moments before parting ways.
Over the days that followed, the Heavenly Court completely broke from its usual restraint in accordance with Lu Yuan's orders, showing no mercy to any who provoked them.
Those extraterrestrial beings who dared approach the five super cities with unknown motives were treated with absolute ruthlessness, spared not a shred of face.
Within a single month, experts from the Yin Sparrow Clan, the Celestial Clan, the Nether Bull Clan, the Three-Headed Ghost Clan, and others were slaughtered one after another. Whether they were in the Saint Realm, Demi-Saints, or even Great Saints, none were spared; all were put to the sword.
A single pebble stirred a thousand ripples.
Although the Heavenly Court had taken action in the past, their initiative this time was unprecedented. They struck without offering so much as an explanation.
The extraterrestrial beings knew they were violating the rules laid down by the Heavenly Court—or more precisely, by Lu Yuan. But previously, he would always issue a warning before striking. It was nothing like this ruthless crackdown.
Unable to stomach this, certain clans confronted the Heavenly Court directly, sending out powerful experts. Some even had Immortals secretly backing them.
Soon, however, more news spread.
The Immortal who had dared to provoke them had been severely wounded, narrowly escaping death.
Countless beings were stunned by the revelation. Had Lu Yuan stepped in personally?
Yet accurate reports soon confirmed that it was the Jiang clan.
Indeed, the Jiang clan, which had always maintained a mild and low-profile demeanor, had taken the exact same stance as the Heavenly Court.
"What do they think they're doing? Are they declaring war on the entire starry sky?"
"They're far too arrogant! Striking without a word of warning—who does that?!"
"If they push us too far, we'll unite with the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan! Let's see if they dare act so recklessly then!"
"Oh really? Go right ahead. We fully support you—just don't drag us into it."
The extraterrestrial beings were fuming with indignation. In their eyes, they had merely overstepped slightly without harming the common folk of this world; the Heavenly Court's retaliation was overbearingly arrogant.
Thus, some clamored for an alliance to instill caution in the Heavenly Court. However, not everyone shared that sentiment, particularly those who had seen Lu Yuan in person.
The reason was simple: they knew he was an overbearing, domineering figure.
If you left him alone, all was well. But if you provoked his fury, you would face thunderous wrath.
He was no longer merely in the Saint Realm—he was an Immortal, a formidable expert across the entire starry sky.
Not long ago, he had even slain two Divine Son projections. Weaker clans feared that a single misstep would wipe them out entirely; how could they dare provoke him again?
Consequently, such a fragile alliance collapsed before it could even begin to form.
Faced with the Heavenly Court's aggressive strikes, the extraterrestrial beings had no choice but to rein in their petty designs. They turned their focus toward seizing renowned mountains and great rivers.
As time passed, many such sites were claimed. Almost all the most famous ones were occupied. Naturally, the greater a location's fame, the more powerful the clan that claimed it.
Lu Yuan had deduced that the reason the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan had not yet moved was that they were engaged in the same pursuit, seeking to claim a wisp of great era providence. In their eyes, that was evidently more important than him.
Still, this worked to his advantage, granting him ample time.
Using the power of providence produced by the Nine Cauldrons, Lu Yuan enfeoffed another cohort of people.
Over the ensuing months, the names inscribed upon the Investiture Decree swelled to over a hundred thousand.
It was truly a force of a hundred thousand heavenly soldiers and generals.
Of course, impressive as the number sounded, that was all it was for now. True powerhouses among the younger generation, like Zhu Qingyu, remained few and far between.
Yet it did not matter. With a solid foundation, why worry about being unable to cultivate formidable experts in the future?
Lu Yuan held full confidence in this.
Everything was proceeding steadily according to his plan.
At the same time, he adapted to the power of providence within the Nine Cauldrons, hoping to wield it with greater mastery.
He knew that the day would come when he had to face a true trial, a truly decisive battle. If his personal cultivation fell short when that time arrived, all his prior efforts would come to naught.
To his pleasant surprise, during this process, Lu Yuan discovered that his own cultivation realm seemed to be rising as well.
This was astonishing. Previously, he had felt no change at all; the Immortal Realm was simply too immense, and any progress would typically be miniscule.
Now, however, the progress was remarkably distinct.
Could this be brought about by the power of providence from the Nine Cauldrons?
Pondering this, Lu Yuan entered seclusion once more.
And on this very day, in a certain place atop a colossal mountain range...
Mighty auras converged one after another. Every single aura represented a powerhouse—an Immortal Realm expert.
Leading them were two individuals. One was the Ji Clan Third Ancestor, and the other was an elder of the Eternal Clan.
Both possessed the cultivation of Grotto-Heaven Immortals, ranking among the pinnacle powerhouses of the cosmos.
They sat facing each other, flanked by the two Divine Sons of the Eternal Clan and the Ji clan.
"So much time has passed, and what needed to be done is nearly complete."
"Should we proceed with the other matter now?" the Ji Clan Third Ancestor spoke first, his tone indifferent.
Yet beneath the surface of his eyes flickered a faint, chilling murderous intent.
"Naturally," the elder from the Eternal Clan across from him replied. "This time, it is not merely about that man. What matters most... is Mount Tai!"
Chapter 381