After dealing with Zhao Ri, Qin Chuan returned to his secluded abode and resumed his peaceful life with his son.
At the same time, a shocking piece of news spread throughout the Nine Skies Realm: a powerful figure from the Upper Realm had descended upon the Nine Skies Realm.
This person was Luo Chentian, the young master of the God King Clan, Luo Family, renowned for his extraordinary talent and immense influence.
Upon arriving in the Nine Skies Realm, Luo Chentian immediately began recruiting powerful warriors and geniuses, aiming to sweep across the land like a storm.
Of course.
To those with keen insight, it was clear that Luo Chentian was overestimating himself, or perhaps simply didn't understand the true nature of the Nine Skies Realm.
What is the Xuanhuang Heaven? Once hanging above the Upper Realm, overlooking its vast territories, it was a place of unimaginable glory.
Even though it had fallen, the "dead camel is still bigger than a horse." How could a young master from the Upper Realm even think of trying to meddle here?
Moreover, the Xuanhuang Heaven was rapidly reviving, and many of its ancient monsters were returning.
A mere God King Clan had no right to be arrogant here.
However, at this stage, the Nine Skies Realm had not yet fully recovered. The arrival of a God King Clan did indeed stir things up.
It was said that many ancient powers and geniuses who had recently awakened were gravitating toward this young master of the God King Clan.
Furthermore, many ancient factions had deep ties with the Luo Family from the past, so naturally, they were aligning themselves once again.
All of this.
Had made the young master of the Luo Family like a rising star in the Nine Skies Realm, basking in adulation.
"Did you hear? The young master of the Luo Family is organizing a gathering of geniuses at Thunder Sound Mountain. Any genius in the Nine Skies Realm can attend."
"Apparently, this is backed by the ancestor of the God King Clan, and those who perform well at the gathering will receive immense opportunities!"
"This is an investment. They're offering small favors now, so when the ancient forces of Xuanhuang Heaven fully revive, they'll be indebted to the Luo Family. It's a great karmic strategy."
"It's an open strategy, but the thing is, you can't avoid it. If you don't go, others will, and they'll seize the opportunity. You'll fall behind."
"What's that called again?"
"It's called 'involution'! I saw that term in an announcement from the Human Race's Holy Temple. Apparently, the word 'involution' comes from an essay written by the Demon King Qin Chuan!"
"Gasp, this Demon King Qin Chuan, not only is he powerful, but he's also such a talented writer. Truly a man of many skills."
"Not to mention he's rumored to be incredibly handsome too."
"But speaking of Qin Chuan, it reminds me—the young master of the Luo Family has demanded that Qin Chuan and his son come to Thunder Sound Mountain to apologize!"
"What happened?"
"I heard the young master of the Luo Family sent a servant to recruit Qin Chuan and his son, but that servant was killed by Qin Zi. The young master was furious."
"Is there any proof? Maybe the servant was being too arrogant in the Nine Skies Realm and got what he deserved?"
"Apparently, there are witnesses. Elder Qingyang of the Greenleaf Heavenly Sect saw Qin Zi kill the Luo Family servant with his own eyes."
"Elder Qingyang? Wasn't he chasing Qin Zi before? And I also heard that the Greenleaf Heavenly Sect's ancestor had a close relationship with the Luo Family's ancestor. Could there be some shady dealings here?"
"Maybe. But for now, the young master of the Luo Family is using his power to pressure them, and it seems like Qin Chuan and his son will have to comply."
"Comply? You think they'll just apologize because they're asked to? Qin Chuan and his son could just pretend they don't know about it and ignore him."
"It's not that simple. I heard that the young master of the Luo Family has threatened that if Qin Chuan and his son don't show up at the gathering, he'll massacre a hundred territories of the Human Race, taking billions of lives as a price. The people of the Nine Skies Realm would then hate and condemn the father and son."
"What... Why would they blame Qin Chuan and his son for the Luo Family's killing? Are the people of the Nine Skies Realm that ignorant?"
"Haha, it's not about ignorance. It's just the nature of the weak to bully those they perceive as soft. They won't dare to blame the God King Clan, so they'll vent their frustrations on Qin Chuan and his son instead."
"Sigh, the young master of the Luo Family is truly ruthless. But Qin Chuan has been called the Demon King—would he really sacrifice himself for the lives of billions? I don't see that happening. I know I wouldn't do it."
"Who knows? Maybe beneath his cold exterior, Qin Chuan is actually a misunderstood good guy. Who can say?"
"Maybe, but that's not something I'd bet on. I'd rather start relocating my clan from Human Territory to avoid getting caught in the crossfire."
Suddenly, people began to panic.
In the Human Territories, many powerful clans and sects began relocating, taking their families with them.
After all, with the Nine Skies Realm expanding, vast unclaimed territories were appearing beyond the original borders of the Nine Skies Tribes, providing ample space for survival.
With many strong factions fleeing, the overall strength of the Human Territories quickly declined. But to ancient powerhouses, it didn't matter—this era's cultivators were already weak. To them, all were mere ants.
Qin Chuan watched all of this unfold without a hint of emotion. If anything, it amused him.
Because to him, Luo Chentian's actions seemed like someone deliberately giving him a free advantage.
And maybe even a free kill.
"Father, are we going?"
Qin Zi asked seriously.
"Why wouldn't we?"
Qin Chuan smiled.
"But… can we retreat safely?"
Qin Zi asked with concern.
After all, Luo Chentian was the young master of the God King Clan. He wouldn't have descended to the Nine Skies Realm alone—he would certainly be accompanied by powerful figures, perhaps even terrifying guardians.
It wouldn't be easy to handle.
"When have I ever done anything I'm not sure of?" Qin Chuan smiled calmly, his face showing complete confidence.
Seeing this, Qin Zi's excitement grew.
If his father said it was fine, then it must be fine!
"Focus on cultivating. Make sure you've absorbed all the opportunities we've gained in the next few days, and bring your combat power to its peak."
Qin Chuan instructed.
"Got it!"
Qin Zi nodded heavily, then suddenly remembered something. "Father, I feel like I'm about to break through to the Yaoguang Realm."
"Don't break through yet."
Qin Chuan advised earnestly:
"Hold it back for a while, refine your foundation further. Only then will you have hope of walking the path of invincibility in the future."
"But I'm already falling behind in cultivation."
Qin Zi said, feeling a bit dissatisfied. He noticed that the newly awakened geniuses were growing stronger, many already reaching the Yaoguang Realm.
He didn't want to be left behind.
"Stay calm."
Qin Chuan placed a hand on his son's shoulder, looked him in the eye, and said seriously, "The path of cultivation is one where haste leads to failure. Temporary strength means nothing. In the long river of time, only those who last until the end truly win."
Hearing this, Qin Zi was stunned for a moment, then nodded earnestly. "Father, I understand!"
"Good."
Qin Chuan nodded in satisfaction.
In truth, having Qin Zi suppress his cultivation was just to keep him in the Lingxiao Realm, so he could dominate the upcoming genius gathering.
After all, when you've just broken through, you're at your weakest—still at the early stage of that realm, but facing opponents who have already honed their strength for a long time.
But by not breaking through, Qin Zi could stay at the peak of his current realm, and while standing there, he could rightfully claim to be invincible among his peers!