"Hmm... the cultivation environment in this world is still lacking somewhat."
Fang Yuan's eyes flickered as his spiritual sense swept across the area, instantly perceiving Lin Jing's cultivation—at the peak of the Fourth Realm.
Even with the full resources of the Great Xia Dynasty supporting her, this speed still seemed painfully slow in his eyes.
"This time, I plan to take a group of people into the higher world," Fang Yuan said, standing with his hands behind his back. His voice was light but each word carried immense weight. "In the higher world, spiritual energy is abundant, and precious treasures are everywhere. Are you all willing to join me?"
"The higher world?!"
Everyone's pupils contracted in shock. That was the legendary world! To them, it was akin to a celestial realm!
Bai Feng was so excited that he almost bit his tongue. Mo Wu Chen even stopped breathing—could it be that one day, with their talent, they could ascend to the higher world?
"Yes! Your Majesty, we are willing!"
"We couldn't ask for more!"
Everyone eagerly agreed, fearing they might miss this rare opportunity. Fang Yuan, however, looked past them and his gaze landed on Lin Yu Jing, who had been keeping her head lowered.
"What about you, Guild Leader Lin?"
Lin Jing's fingertips trembled slightly as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Her voice was so soft it was almost inaudible. "I... I'm not needed."
She lifted her eyes, forcing a faint smile. "With my talent, I barely made it into the Tianjiao Camp thanks to your help..."
She knew better than anyone that with her meager cultivation, it would be impossible to even stand firm in the higher world, let alone assist Fang Yuan.
Rather than becoming a burden to him, it was better to stay here and live out the rest of her days in peace.
"No, you can be of great help," Fang Yuan said with a gentle smile. "I need to borrow your natural talent. Would you be willing to accompany me?"
This wasn't just comforting words. In the higher world, the demon offspring that needed nurturing would require Lin Jing's innate martial arts talent.
"Really?" Lin Jing's almond-shaped eyes widened, and her long eyelashes fluttered in the light.
Fang Yuan let out a soft laugh. "When have I ever lied to you?"
Lin Jing's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and a smile involuntarily crept onto her face. "Then... I'm willing!"
Being able to help Fang Yuan... this thought filled her heart with warmth, and the gloom in her heart faded away.
---
Five days passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, the interdimensional transmission formation set up by Fang Yuan underwent full-scale testing—and the results exceeded expectations.
On the streets of the Eastern Continent's capital, more and more Westerners with golden hair and blue eyes were seen. They marveled at the soaring eaves and curled corners of Eastern architecture, or stopped in front of tea houses to curiously gaze inside.
Meanwhile, in the major city-states of the Western Continent, travelers in Eastern attire could be seen coming and going.
In the core areas of every large city, small-scale transmission formations strictly controlled by the local pacification offices were erected. These formations acted like modern-day relay stations, connecting the two continents closely.
Merchants traveled back and forth with exotic treasures. Scholars exchanged their wisdom and insights. Martial artists shared their different martial arts experiences...
The civilizations of the two continents were colliding to create unprecedented prosperity, all thanks to the mysterious array connecting them.
---
In the royal palace square, thousands of young martial artists stood in neat rows.
These were the best and brightest selected by the generals of each province, now anxiously awaiting the chance to travel to the legendary higher world alongside the Emperor.
Morning light bathed their youthful faces, revealing expressions of nervousness and excitement.
Some constantly adjusted their robes, some repeatedly polished their swords, and many others gazed toward the palace, imagining the awe-inspiring presence of the legendary Emperor.
The provincial generals stood at the front, offering words of caution.
"Heroes and geniuses from all over the world are like fish crossing a river. You are but a drop in the vast ocean," said Zhong Chunhua, holding a spear and scanning the young talents before him. "When you reach the higher world, you must remain humble. Do not become arrogant because of your talents. Follow His Majesty's orders and stay grounded. Understood?"
"Understood!"
"Sir Zhong, we would never dare to be arrogant..."
"Yes, in front of His Majesty, who would dare to call themselves a genius..."
---
Listening to these heartfelt responses, Zhong Chunhua was initially taken aback, then smiled in understanding.
Indeed, in this world, with the legendary Emperor leading the way, these so-called geniuses had already learned what it meant to be "someone beyond the ordinary."
Suddenly, the world seemed to quiet.
A tall figure appeared in mid-air, his dark robe fluttering in the morning breeze.
That youthful face, yet carrying an imposing aura, was none other than the Emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty, Fang Yuan.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
The thousands of young talents immediately knelt in unison, their movements synchronized.
They gazed up at that figure, their hearts pounding—this was the legendary presence! A youth who had ascended to the top of the world, even breaking through the boundaries to reach the higher world.
Seeing him in person was even more shocking than the rumors.
In the presence of such an individual, any arrogance or self-assurance was instantly crushed.
"Rise," Fang Yuan's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached every ear. "Stand straight!"
The square suddenly resounded with the sound of fabric rustling, and the young martial artists stood tall, their backs straight as arrows, their gazes bright. They were filled with both awe for the strong and a burning passion for martial arts.
Zhong Chunhua nodded involuntarily at this sight.
Perhaps these young people would never catch up to His Majesty's footsteps, but at least, they had learned the most precious lesson on the path of cultivation—humility.
"Is everyone here?" Fang Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, his voice clear.
"Your Majesty, all the chosen geniuses from the provinces are present—3,721 in total," replied Chong Wuhou.
"Good," Fang Yuan nodded slightly. "Generals, you may step back."
Zhong Chunhua and the others bowed deeply and retreated, but not before casting a final glance at their carefully chosen disciples. Once they had retreated to the edge of the square, Fang Yuan waved his sleeve—
In an instant, a glorious light erupted!
The thousands of geniuses on the square vanished from sight in the blink of an eye.
"This...?"
"Could this be the legendary 'Unseen World'?"
Chong Wuhou and the others gasped in shock. Though they had witnessed many of Fang Yuan's extraordinary feats, seeing him effortlessly take thousands of people into his sleeve left them utterly stunned.
Fang Yuan sighed in relief. Thankfully, the newly built large array allowed him to easily transport so many people. Otherwise, he would have had to stuff them one by one, and his imperial prestige would have been diminished.
He stepped forward, arriving before Chong Wuhou and the others.
"Master, I leave this world in your hands."
His words were brief, but they conveyed all the meaning of departure. Originally, he had intended to take his mentor to the higher world, but Chong Wuhou had insisted on staying to continue shining in this world.
"I will not fail you, Your Majesty," said Chong Wuhou, solemnly clasping his hands.
"Your Majesty, is there anything else you need?" asked Quan Chao'an, stepping forward.
Fang Yuan shook his head, slowly scanning the familiar faces before him. He adjusted his attire and then cupped his hands, speaking with sincerity, "Everyone, take care."
"We will see you off, Your Majesty!"
They all knelt in unison.
Golden light surged, and a brilliant light pillar enveloped Fang Yuan. His figure gradually faded in the glow, eventually transforming into countless stars, dissipating into the world.