Compared to humanity, certain mutated beasts evolved and cultivated at a truly astonishing pace.
Even more importantly, they possessed sheer numbers. Those who had awakened special bloodlines were especially extraordinary.
In fact, at the very onset of the world's upheaval, the mutated beasts had held the upper hand. That balance had only shifted with the rise of Lu Yuan.
He had suppressed the entire globe single-handedly, to the point that no one paid much heed to the beasts anymore. But in truth, whether in sheer numbers or raw combat strength, humanity could not compare to the mutated beasts.
The reason was simple: humanity was just one race, whereas mutated beasts spanned thousands upon thousands of species. How could the two compare?
As more and more formidable mutated beasts emerged, Lu Yuan naturally made sure not to mistreat them. He used the Investiture Decree directly, writing down their true names and bestowing destiny upon them.
His purpose was to help them evolve even faster. By now, the beasts had completely acknowledged Lu Yuan and accepted the Heavenly Court.
In their minds, they no longer harbored enmity toward mankind. Every one of them understood that the true archenemies of this world were the extraterrestrial invaders, allowing them to unite with one heart and purpose.
"Master, we've also noticed lately that those extraterrestrial beings are all acting suspiciously," the Golden-Winged Great Peng spoke up, convinced that the alliance between those otherworldly visitors boded ill. "They have banded together. For now, they don't seem to be making any reckless moves, but I still sense danger brewing."
Across this world, mutated beasts were distributed far and wide. Gathering intelligence came naturally to them, and this development had put the Spirit Monkey and the other Beast Kings on high alert.
Who knew what would happen if those foreign clans joined forces and decided to strike?
"Keep a close watch on their movements, then. If you uncover anything, inform me immediately," Lu Yuan said with a smile, understanding that his Beast Kings wished to do their part for the Heavenly Court.
Though he already knew much of this intelligence himself, this was all the better. Having multiple avenues of information ensured nothing slipped through the cracks.
After discussing a few more matters with the Beast Kings, he took his leave. Over the following days, Lu Yuan spent his time either cultivating and evolving or keeping abreast of external affairs.
All in all, he wasted no time, though he made little substantial headway in the process.
In terms of cultivation, taking another step forward seemed immensely difficult, as advancing at his current realm was truly an uphill battle.
As for the two great factions, the news remained the same as before. Apart from forming alliances across the various star domains, they had taken no further action. In short, everything had grown surprisingly tranquil.
This eerie quiet made Lu Yuan somewhat uneasy, and his vigilance only sharpened. The quieter things were, the more likely a monumental storm was brewing.
Yet as time went on, still nothing happened.
Until this day.
Jiang Ningxian and her brother, along with Jiang Huanyun and the rest of the Jiang clan, gathered in their entirety.
They came straight to the courtyard where Lu Yuan resided.
Without any preamble, Jiang Ningxian spoke directly: "My father has arrived."
Hearing this, Lu Yuan felt a stir in his heart. He, too, had been waiting for this day for quite some time.
Just as her words fell, the vault of heaven suddenly trembled. A formidable aura seemed about to descend from the highest heavens, only to vanish into nothingness an instant later.
The members of the Jiang clan turned their heads, and Lu Yuan followed their gazes. In the void, a middle-aged man clad in an azure robe appeared.
His attire indeed resembled that of the ancients, though nearly everyone in the Jiang clan dressed similarly, so it was hardly surprising. Step by step, the middle-aged man descended, soon touching down upon the ground.
"Domain Lord."
"Father."
Two distinctly different greetings rang out, confirming the man's true identity.
Before anyone else could speak, he introduced himself directly: "Jiang Taiyu, Ningxian's father."
Jiang Taiyu chose not to reel off his various illustrious titles—neither Master of the Jiang Clan nor Domain Lord of the Desolate Flame Star Domain. He merely stated that he was Jiang Ningxian's father, presenting himself simply as an elder.
"Senior," Lu Yuan greeted, clasping his hands in a respectful salute.
Seeing this, Jiang Taiyu smiled, then turned to the Jiang clan members behind him. "Little Friend Lu and I have important matters to discuss. The rest of you should step away for now. Yes, Haokong, that includes you."
At these words, the clan members naturally raised no objection. Jiang Haokong, however, felt a pang of dissatisfaction at being singled out.
He was the man's own son! What could they possibly discuss that he was not allowed to hear?
He opened his mouth to protest, but Jiang Ningxian cast a sharp glance his way. Left with no choice, he could only withdraw alongside the rest of the clan.
"May I ask what brings Senior here to see me?" Lu Yuan asked straightforwardly, seeing no need for pleasantries under the circumstances.
"I admire your forthrightness, so I won't stand on ceremony either," Jiang Taiyu remarked, seemingly having anticipated this reaction. A smile surfaced on his face as he asked, "How many Ancient Heavenly Emperor Tokens do you possess?"
At this question, Lu Yuan's gaze flickered slightly. He was absolutely certain that what he had shared with Jiang Ningxian had never been disclosed to anyone else. As for whether she might have leaked it, he was equally confident she had not.
Trust had long been established between them. Why, then, would her father know of this?
As if discerning the confusion in Lu Yuan's eyes, Jiang Taiyu smiled and waved his hand.
Buzz, buzz, buzz—
Instantly, an exceedingly familiar aura surged forth. Lu Yuan was taken aback as he watched an Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token materialize in Jiang Taiyu's grasp.
Indeed, it was an ancient token. Within his own body, Lu Yuan could feel a resonance vibrating in response.
"Though I did not witness the means you used to slay those members of the Ji clan with my own eyes, the details Ningxian and the others provided make it clear that it was destiny power. And the only thing capable of controlling destiny power is an Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token," Jiang Taiyu explained. "That was a power you had already utilized before heading to Mount Emei.
"That is why I made my deduction and knew you held more than one ancient token.
"Furthermore, the token in my possession senses a shared origin within you."
'So that was it.' Hearing this, Lu Yuan understood completely.
From those words, he also confirmed that Jiang Ningxian had indeed kept his secret.
Without further hesitation, Lu Yuan looked at him and answered directly, "Five in total."
There was no need to conceal it. The man before him had already deduced the truth and was merely unaware of the exact count. Moreover, Lu Yuan now understood the Jiang clan well enough to know there was no reason to hide it.
"Five?" Jiang Taiyu appeared genuinely shocked by the answer. That number was truly staggering.
After all, only so many fragments of the ancient token existed in the entire universe.
"Senior, what is your purpose in asking this?" Lu Yuan spoke again. The Ancient Heavenly Emperor Tokens were of monumental significance. Had the man come seeking them, or was there another reason?
Since both sides understood one another well enough, it was best to ask directly, so he voiced the question in his heart.
"To be entirely frank with you," Jiang Taiyu paused for a moment before continuing, "I intend to give the ancient token in my hand to you as well."
Chapter 427