Twenty chosen prodigies gathered, each harboring their own thoughts.
Aside from Ling Jiao, the other prodigies treated Qi Yuan with at least superficial respect. Inside, they were thoroughly curious about which Yin God this strange man could possibly be descended from.
In the entire Eastern Lands, there were only a handful of Yin Gods.
At that moment, Mighty Feng Lan appeared. Fairy Fengyue followed behind him, her figure slender and graceful, her jade hands wrapped in white gloves that concealed her fingernails and fingers.
The prodigies turned toward Mighty Feng Lan, their eyes filled with respect.
"Greetings, Senior Feng Lan!"
Naturally, these prodigies accorded due reverence to a Purple Mansion mighty figure.
Feng Lan nodded. He glanced at Qi Yuan, who had turtle shells strapped to his back, an odd expression flickering across his eyes. Clearing his throat, he said, "Every one of you is a chosen prodigy of our Eastern Lands, bearing the heavy hopes of your sects.
"Allow me to briefly introduce the situation on the Wangyue Continent."
As he spoke, twenty jade slips floated into their hands.
The slips contained detailed information about the Wangyue Continent.
"Counting ourselves, three factions currently exist on the Wangyue Continent.
"They are the natives of the Wangyue Continent, the Moluo Clan, and us.
"The natives of the continent are beneath mention.
"The Moluo Clan, however... possesses formidable strength.
"Even so, our Eastern Lands has reached an agreement with the Moluo Clan: combatants at Rank Five and above will not take the field," Mighty Feng Lan said.
Rank Five was the Purple Mansion realm.
"Who is our adversary on the Wangyue Continent?" Gu Xiaoyao asked.
Qi Yuan glanced at Gu Xiaoyao. This man had achieved a perfect Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment—someone even Qi Yuan regarded with caution.
"Among the three factions, the Moluo Clan is the strongest, so we have... formed a brief alliance with the natives of the Wangyue Continent.
"Naturally, in truth, both are our adversaries."
The people present nodded.
Qi Yuan also examined the jade slip, gaining a clearer picture of the intricate situation on the Wangyue Continent.
Both the Canglan Continent and the Moluo Clan were steadily encroaching on the territory of the Wangyue Continent.
"On the Wangyue Continent, the three Venerables have already established strongholds guarded by numerous Divine Infant cultivators," Mighty Feng Lan continued. "You must take care never to antagonize them."
On the surface, the Eastern Lands had only those three Venerables.
The Wangyue Continent had been discovered and occupied by them.
Offering twenty slots through the Eastern Lands Prodigy Battle was meant to share a slice of the profits with the other major sects of the Eastern Lands.
These twenty individuals were entering the Wangyue Continent for three reasons: first, to temper themselves; second, to assess the continent's state; and third, to earn greater influence based on their contributions there.
Put simply, they were laboring on behalf of the three Venerables.
Those who performed well would receive greater rewards, and their sects could dispatch more people to claim territories to shelter from the great catastrophe.
"Understood," the twenty prodigies answered in unison.
"In that case, everyone, enter the Wangyue Continent!" Mighty Feng Lan declared.
A doorway suddenly materialized before the crowd.
All eyes fell upon the gate, including Qi Yuan's.
A look of wonder flashed in his eyes.
To be honest, this was his first time traveling to another world by such a method.
"Let's go!" Gu Xiaoyao said.
Everyone filed through the doorway.
What met their sight was a blazing cluster of white light.
A blanket of white filled their vision; they couldn't see anything at all.
All at once, a dizzying sensation of world-spinning vertigo seized them.
This feeling persisted for dozens of breaths.
Qi Yuan's eyes brimmed with anticipation, along with a trace of apprehension.
He didn't know whether this Wangyue Continent was the world he had once stayed in.
He didn't know whether he would be able to see old acquaintances here.
And on the Wangyue Continent, what year was it now?
The white light dissipated, replaced by an arid, sweltering breath of air.
It was as if a wave of heat had swept over them.
Everyone present felt the scorching warmth.
They had emerged in a place resembling a desert.
"This is the Wangyue Continent?"
"It's rather hot!"
The crowd showed varied expressions, filled with curiosity about this unknown world.
At that moment, Ling Jiao glanced at Qi Yuan and couldn't resist remarking, "Some people wear such thick clothes even in boiling heat. Do you really think this is still the Canglan Realm?"
In the Canglan Realm, spiritual energy filled the world.
As long as one's spiritual power was abundant, spells could theoretically be cast without end.
Yet the Wangyue Continent was different.
This was not the same world as the Canglan Realm; it held no spiritual energy.
The spiritual power in their dantians was limited, and once depleted, replenishing it would prove difficult.
Even with spirit stones, drawing energy from them was far more troublesome than in the Canglan Realm.
Therefore, they avoided using the spiritual power in their dantians whenever possible.
Right now, they were being frugal, choosing not to use spells to cool the air around them.
Qi Yuan, however, paid Ling Jiao no mind.
Or rather, he hadn't heard her words at all.
He crouched down, gazing at a withered blade of grass on the ground.
He extended a finger and touched it.
As his finger made contact, an astonishing thing occurred.
The withered blade of grass seemed as if nourished by spring rain.
Its yellowed, dried leaves turned tender and crisp in an instant, brimming with vitality.
Across the desert, one, two, three blades of grass sprang up in relentless, wild growth.
In an instant, the parched desert beneath Qi Yuan's feet transformed into a patch of green.
These blades of grass stretched their tender shoots, looking just like the manicured landscaping of Wang Duoyu's estate saying "hello" to Qi Yuan.
In the mortal realm, such a sight would have been hailed as a miracle.
Yet to the prodigies present, it seemed baffling.
Ling Jiao in particular gave a cold sneer. "Wasting spiritual power on such a trivial matter—how truly amusing."
True Monarch Dazhi spoke up, "This fellow daoist is willing to expend his own spiritual power merely to save a withered blade of grass. That speaks volumes of his character; he is someone well worth befriending."
Only then did Qi Yuan stand up, fixing his gaze on Ling Jiao. "If I don't use my spiritual power on this, should I waste it on you?"
Ling Jiao gritted her teeth, about to retort.
Just then, an aged voice sounded, cutting off the argument between Qi Yuan and Ling Jiao.
"You have all arrived. I am True Monarch Luomu, and I have awaited you for some time. Greetings to you all!"
A Divine Infant cultivator appeared, his expression lukewarm.
"Greetings, True Monarch Luomu!" The prodigies were quite respectful toward this Divine Infant cultivator.
After all, those who had arrived on the Wangyue Continent were subordinates of the three Venerables.
"Follow me, everyone. As it happens, representatives from seven factions of the Wangyue Continent have arrived at our stronghold seeking an alliance.
"You may choose for yourselves which faction to ally with to confront the Moluo Clan together," True Monarch Luomu said, explaining the current situation to the prodigies.
Presently, seven kingdoms surrounded this stronghold.
These seven kingdoms were resisting the Moluo Clan.
With their strength, they naturally couldn't stand against the Moluo Clan alone, which was why they sought cooperation with the cultivators of the Canglan Realm.
"An alliance, you say?" A mocking smile appeared in Ling Jiao's eyes. "It's nothing more than ceding territory to beg for aid. The natives of this Wangyue Continent are truly pathetic."
The bargaining chip these natives offered was ceding swathes of territory to them in exchange for assistance.
Hearing this, the prodigies sighed inwardly.
In this world, weakness was an original sin.
Because the Wangyue Continent was weak, it could only struggle to survive between two terrifying adversaries.
Yet their struggles and shameful concessions appeared utterly laughable in the eyes of others.
Qi Yuan's mind, however, was exceptionally tranquil.
Their words seemed not to reach his ears at all.
Looking up at the azure sky, he whispered inwardly, *Twenty-one days, is it?*
The moment he stepped onto the Wangyue Continent, he knew this was his Wangyue Continent—his home.
His body and divine soul were reclaiming this world.
And to take complete control, to become the Heavenly Dao of this world, would require twenty-one days.
***
Inside the stronghold, representatives of the seven kingdoms gathered.
None of them looked happy.
After all, coming here was ostensibly about seeking aid and forging partnerships, but in truth, it meant signing humiliating treaties that forfeited sovereignty.
If the kingdoms fell, nothing else would matter.
But if the kingdoms survived, they would go down as sinners through the ages.
Luo Xi wore a monk-white robe and possessed handsome features, his only flaw being a bald head entirely devoid of hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes.
At this moment, deep anxiety etched his face as well.
"I heard the younger generation from twenty major factions of the Canglan Realm have arrived to ally with us. Do you have any information about them?" Luo Xi asked.
Knowing the backgrounds and temperaments of those factions was of vital importance to them.
"None," an elderly man said, shaking his head. Looking at Luo Xi, he added, "Your Fenggui Kingdom refuses to cede territory. I fear this effort will end in nothing for you."
Luo Xi's expression dimmed. "Fenggui has only three cities. Out of our ten grand generals, eight died defending the realm against the Moluo Clan.
"How could we, the younger generation, willingly hand over the soil our forebears defended with their blood?"
"If you don't offer tangible benefits, why would those foreigners genuinely help us?" the old man sighed.
They all knew how precious land was.
Yet when faced with the destruction of their nations, they had no choice but to compromise and survive the immediate crisis first.
"Our sovereign stated that she would rather become a slave or a maidservant than cede territory!" Luo Xi lamented.
How could the lands preserved by their ancestors' blood be surrendered by their hands?
The representatives of the seven kingdoms looked grim.
Just then, an aged voice carried over.
"Everyone, the prodigies of our Canglan Realm have arrived."
Accompanied by the voice, Gu Xiaoyao, Jiang Ya, Qi Yuan, and the others walked into the large tent.
The representatives stood up one after another, their faces displaying deference. "Greetings, everyone!"
Luo Xi raised his head to look at the twenty youths, his expression turning solemn.
Every single one of these twenty youths gave him an utterly terrifying impression.
He likely wasn't a match for even one of them.
Was this the foundation of the Canglan Realm?
Were just twenty of their youngsters this powerful?
Not only Luo Xi, but all the others wore heavy expressions.
True Monarch Luomu spoke, briefly introducing both sides before continuing, "You may negotiate the rest among yourselves."
Ling Jiao spoke first. "My maternal grandfather is a Yin God, and my father is the Palace Master of Shuiyun Palace, the greatest faction in the Shuixian Continent, possessing a Yin God Dharma artifact.
"I have only one requirement for choosing a partner: the ceded territory must be vast.
"If it's too small, I won't bother."
The moment Ling Jiao opened her mouth, her domineering nature showed.
"Furthermore, when facing the Moluo Clan, I must take the lead. I will not tolerate anyone bossing me around!"
Hearing the first half of Ling Jiao's words, the representatives were visibly shaken.
A Yin God—a legendary Rank Six powerhouse!
Yet hearing the second half, their faces grew strained.
Jiang Ya spoke up as well. "Our Ascending Heaven Pavilion has modest demands regarding territory; a single city to dwell in will suffice. However... we require cultivation methods, the more the better."
Hearing this, several representatives showed interest.
True Monarch Dazhi couldn't help remarking, "Is that old man Wutian still collecting cultivation methods?"
Jiang Ya glanced at True Monarch Dazhi but said nothing.
Back then, Old Man Wutian had taken a liking to True Monarch Dazhi and wished to accept him as a disciple, only for Dazhi to turn him down, claiming there was no future in following him.
That had caused a huge stir throughout the Eastern Lands at the time.
After all, Old Man Wutian was the foremost figure below the Yin God realm in the Eastern Lands, and countless prodigies begged on their knees to enter his tutelage.
True Monarch Dazhi was the first person ever to reject Old Man Wutian and refuse to become his disciple.
One after another, the Eastern Lands prodigies laid out their backgrounds and respective demands.
This left Qi Yuan inwardly marveling.
Those capable of entering the top twenty of the Eastern Lands Heavenly Pride Roll all hailed from immense factions.
Even the Seven Words Sect that Xu Tongchen came from had a Purple Mansion cultivator.
Unlike him, who belonged to a mere village-level cultivation sect where a Divine Infant cultivator was the strongest.
Murmurs and bargaining filled the tent.
Having demonstrated formidable backing, Ling Jiao naturally received the most attention from the representatives.
Seeking cooperation, they naturally wished to align with the strongest.
After all, the Moluo Clan was immensely powerful; if their ally was too weak, it would be an utter loss.
Facing the representatives, Ling Jiao wore an arrogant expression. "Three cities? Who are you trying to brush off—beggars?
"I wouldn't even look twice at three cities in the Canglan Realm, let alone the dilapidated, broken towns of your Wangyue Continent."
Before the other prodigies, she could converse warmly and peacefully. But before the natives, she held no patience, acting entirely aloof and superior.
The old man who had spoken looked embarrassed. Mocked so harshly, he could only swallow his anger, not daring to talk back.
About an hour passed.
Most of the representatives reached agreements with the prodigies.
The dozen-plus prodigies appeared haughty, smug satisfaction glinting in their eyes.
Evidently, they were well pleased with the negotiations.
In contrast, the representatives looked weighed down with dread.
Even having secured alliances, the gloom on their faces did not dissipate in the slightest.
At this moment, Qi Yuan, who had remained silent all along, looked toward the bald man, curiosity flashing in his eyes. "Do you know of Southern Qian?"
The bald man before him wasn't a monk.
Rather, it was a side effect of training after entering the Xuanyuan Forbidden Ground.
Back then, Qi Yuan had taken control of the Xuanyuan Forbidden Ground and set down the rules within it.
Doing push-ups, pull-ups, and the like would make one stronger.
Correspondingly, the side effect was hair loss.
Luo Xi had clearly cultivated inside the Xuanyuan Forbidden Ground.
Hearing this, Luo Xi showed a puzzled look. "Junior does not know of it."
Qi Yuan felt a touch disappointed. He said, "When you have time, take me to see your Fenggui."
Luo Xi looked delighted at first, but then hesitated. "In reply to your Excellency, our Fenggui has only three cities. We cannot... cede territory to you."
Just moments ago, he had tried to partner with other prodigies.
Yet none had been willing to accept his terms.
"What use would I have for your cities?" Qi Yuan smiled. "Aren't your cities already mine?"
Luo Xi's expression changed slightly, unsure what Qi Yuan meant.
Beside them, Ling Jiao couldn't resist speaking up again. "Thick clothes and a thick skin to match. Are you trying to rob them in broad daylight?"
Qi Yuan couldn't even be bothered to look at Ling Jiao.
Standing on the Wangyue Continent, he felt his strength climbing with every passing moment.
Although this surge in power would likely fade away completely before long once he left the Wangyue Continent, while he was here, the power was undeniably real.
Qi Yuan's reckless courage had returned in full.
"How am I robbing anyone?" Qi Yuan said aggrievedly. "The Wangyue Continent is my home! I have the land deed!
"Even if they gave me cities, I wouldn't take them. They were already mine to begin with, so why would I want them?"
The prodigies exchanged bewildered glances, remaining silent.
Jiang Ya also regarded Qi Yuan with an odd expression. For some reason, this person with turtle shells strapped to his back felt somewhat familiar.
True Monarch Dazhi asked in astonishment, "Fellow daoist, is the Wangyue Continent truly your home?"
"Yes." Qi Yuan nodded vigorously. "It's the absolute truth!"
"No wonder, then. So this is your home.
"In that case, wouldn't our earlier transaction have to be voided?
"Fellow daoist, how about this: my faction and I will help you hold off the Moluo Clan, and you rent some of your house to me?" True Monarch Dazhi pondered seriously.
Had such words come from anyone else, people would find it incomprehensible and bizarre.
Yet from True Monarch Dazhi, it seemed entirely natural.
Qi Yuan thought for a moment before nodding. "All right."
True Monarch Dazhi had aided him greatly, so he was willing to do him a favor.
Hearing this, Ling Jiao let out a scornful laugh. "Truly hilarious. Do you honestly believe the Wangyue Continent belongs to you?"
Only then did Qi Yuan finally turn his eyes toward Ling Jiao. "I won't rent my house to you. Scram."
Furious, Ling Jiao wondered why she had even bothered arguing with a fool.
She didn't speak again.
The others didn't take Qi Yuan's words to heart either, merely treating him as a lunatic.
Qi Yuan continued, "If anyone else wants to rent, speak up now. I'm heading to Fenggui shortly and don't have time to chit-chat with you."
The rest of the crowd was even more dumbfounded.
Did this turtle-shell man truly believe he was the master of the Wangyue Continent?
"It seems no one else wants to rent." Qi Yuan looked at the representatives of the seven kingdoms, his voice carrying an ethereal ring. "Children, your agreements with them are void. In a moment, I will go see who dares act wild in my home!"
Qi Yuan's words seemed imbued with an enchanting power.
Looking at him, the people of the Wangyue Continent felt an overwhelming sense of intimacy, like sons meeting their father.
"Void?" The old man looked dazed.
The others struggled as well, fierce conflict raging in their minds.
"Yes, void!
"The Wangyue Continent is my home. If unruly guests show up, I will throw them out myself!"
"Fine, void!" For some reason, the old man felt a mighty force compelling him to speak those words.
"Ours are void too!"
"Ours as well!"
The representatives of the seven kingdoms spoke up one after another, declaring the agreements they had just settled to be completely void!
Chapter 158