"The story begins two months after you entered the Heavenly Tomb..."
"Although the Soul Clan's ambitions were clear, they only showed their fangs among the Eight Ancient Clans. But two months ago, the Soul Clan's long-dormant Soul Palace suddenly became highly vocal again. Using a variety of cheap excuses, within a few months, they successively eliminated over sixty Dou Zong-led factions in Zhongzhou, not to mention the smaller, dependent factions." On
the way out of the Ancient Realm, Chen Guan, Xiao Yan, and Mang Tianchi walked together.
Listening to each other's description of the changes in the past six months, they were both deeply shocked.
Dou Zong, ruling a region in Zhongzhou, was already considered a powerful being.
But now, they were no different from lambs to the slaughter!
"Currently, everyone in Zhongzhou is in danger. All factions are seeking the protection of powerful factions like the Danta and the Huazong. However, from what I understand, individuals within the Second Sect, Three Valleys, and Three Square Pavilions have secretly defected to the Soul Palace. The situation is treacherous and difficult to fathom."
Mang Tianchi couldn't help but shake his head, sensing a brewing storm.
"What is the Soul Palace up to? By provoking such a conflict, aren't they afraid of being attacked by all? Even with the Soul Clan's support, they're bound to suffer significant losses, right?"
Xiao Yan expressed his incomprehension. To him, such an action was akin to killing one thousand enemies and injuring eight hundred of their own, with no tangible benefit other than the loss of lives.
"Harvesting souls!"
Chen Guan, knowing more, uttered the truth.
Xiao Yan was stunned, then suddenly understood.
"Indeed, that's our guess. Relatively speaking, Zhongzhou is relatively safe. The southwest and southeastern regions are a veritable hell on earth. Chaos has reached its peak, with daily deaths incalculable. Only the northwest remains relatively peaceful. Your Heavenly Alliance has performed a significant deed this time, unifying the northwest ahead of schedule. Even the Soul Palace wouldn't have a hard time intervening."
Mang Tianchi said with a faint smile, which reassured Chen Guan and Xiao Yan.
They all had a lot to worry about in the northwest, and if they could avoid getting involved, it would be the best.
"Alright, I'm just giving you a heads-up. The Soul Clan's conspiracy is gradually coming to light. The old unspoken rule of no Dou Shengs will eventually be completely broken. Be vigilant. Words alone won't tell you how it feels. You'll learn the rest on your way back. We'll part ways here."
After leaving Ancient Saint City, Mang Tianchi had to return to the Thunder Clan to report. He led his people up into the sky.
Chen Guan and Xiao Yan followed closely behind, bowing and bidding them farewell.
"Brother Guan, I'm planning a trip back to the northwest in a few days. Do you want to come with me?"
Xiao Yan asked, leaving the two of them alone.
Although Chen Guan had previously helped hide the Xiao family, Xiao Yan was still a little worried given the current turmoil and planned to return to make further arrangements.
"I'm not going. On your way back, come to Shengdan City. There's a direct wormhole there, which is much faster. Bring me some things too."
Chen Guan shook his head slightly. He had been making arrangements in the northwest and had arranged everything he could. Going back now wouldn't change anything.
Besides, he had more important things to attend to.
"Okay, I'll see you when I get back. Brother Guan, let's say goodbye here. I'm heading back to Xingyun Pavilion from this direction."
Chen Guan looked in the direction Xiao Yan pointed and immediately understood what he meant.
This direction was indeed a little closer to Xingyun Pavilion, and it would also pass through an area called the Yandu Mountains, where several notorious eighth-level monsters lived.
For Xiao Yan, this was a suitable opponent; he could use it to train himself, better adapt to his newly surged strength, and even acquire a few powerful beast fires—killing two birds with one stone.
Of course, these wouldn't be of any use to Chen Guan; if he had gone, he would have crushed them with ease. That was why Xiao Yan hadn't invited him along.
"Okay, see you in Danta. Practice diligently. When you reach your master's strength, a great opportunity awaits you."
Chen Guan paused, unknowingly taking on a bit of his former, annoying, riddle-like demeanor.
Xiao Yan's heart trembled at this, and just as he was about to inquire further, Chen Guan had vanished a thousand feet away. He could only sigh deeply and mutter a few silent complaints.
...
I still remember when Chen Guan and Xiao Yan traveled from the Dan Territory to the Eastern Territory, it took over half a month to reach them.
Back then, Xiao Yan's strength was too low, so Chen Guan slowed down to accommodate him.
This time, returning alone, Chen Guan's strength had improved considerably, and his speed was unmatched.
After a two-week journey, Chen Guan reached Shengdan City in just eight days, saving nearly half the time.
Along the way, Chen Guan truly experienced the chaos of Zhongzhou. He witnessed the fierce clashes between clans and sects, and the moth-to-flame attacks of several sects against a more powerful one.
Even the sects suffered, let alone lone travelers and those at the bottom of society. A single word or a single trip could bring unforeseen disaster, forcing them to struggle fearfully for survival.
The level of chaos was over ten times higher than six months ago!
Behind all this, the Soul Clan and the Soul Palace were the culprits!
Even a tiny butterfly could stir up a storm, let alone the deliberate guidance of a powerful force like the Soul Clan. Their movements affected the entire Douqi Continent.
On the return journey, Chen Guan initially paused, even wiping out several Soul Palace guardians who were secretly harvesting souls. But gradually, he grew accustomed to it, becoming numb.
When the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken!
Tragedy is unfolding everywhere, people are dying all the time, who can care less?
"It seems the Soul Clan has accelerated their so-called Millennium Plan and is already making final preparations for Void Devouring Flame to break through to the Emperor Realm. Time is running out."
Chen Guan felt a sense of urgency, which dispelled the joy of his great strength.
The only thing that reassured him was that he still had the Tuoshe Ancient Emperor Jade in his hand. As long as he didn't take it out, no one could enter the Ancient Emperor Cave, and breaking through to the Dou Emperor realm would be a fantasy.
"Is that Master Chen Guan?"
"Yes, I saw him once at the Alchemy Conference, and I will never mistake him."
"Master Chen Guan, I'm Qian Lie, patriarch of the Qian family in Southeast China. I've just taken refuge at Danta. Master Chen Guan, please take good care of me."
"..."
Upon entering Shengdan City, many people recognized Chen Guan. They were all different, each with their own unique appearance.
Chen Guan also noticed that Shengdan City's traffic had increased several times over before. Looking around, it was almost impossible to find a place to stand on the wide streets.
Without a word, Chen Guan flew straight to Danta, leaving a group of people below sighing and lamenting.
"If my son Song Qingruo were here, he wouldn't be much worse than him, right?"
a middle-aged man said in a restaurant.
...
Dantha.
Chen Guan swept his spiritual power and headed straight for Xuan Kongzi's residence.
Coincidentally, Cao Ying was there too.
"Teacher, Senior Sister."
"Yes, you're back just in time. Your Senior Sister and I were just talking about you. Take a seat."
Xuan Kongzi smiled, and after sensing Chen Guan's strength, his smile widened.
For a teacher, nothing could be more gratifying than this.
Xuan Kongzi was incredibly pleased with the two men before him, a fact he often boasted about in front of old friends like Yao Chen.
"Teacher and Senior Sister, are you talking about me?"
"Haha, exactly. You just returned from the Ancient Clan. You must have seen the current state of Zhongzhou along the way. It's incredibly chaotic. Just yesterday, Huangquan Pavilion, one of the three pavilions, was attacked, and the Second Elder went to provide assistance."
"Even the Second Elder has taken action?"
Chen Guan was shocked. This Second Elder wasn't the one from Danta, but the one from the Small Danta!
"Yes, who could have imagined the situation would change so quickly? Now, apart from the Great Elder who has been secretly protecting you, all the elders, including your Uncle Xuanyi and Uncle Tianleizi, are running around, rushing to help various parties. If it weren't for the fact that someone in Danta must be in charge, I'm afraid your master wouldn't be idle either."
Seeing the shock on Chen Guan's face, Cao Ying softly explained, "Junior brother, the Soul Palace is wreaking havoc on all sides, and we in Danta, as their long-standing enemy, are naturally unable to get away. Many sects and families, including the Second Sect, Three Valleys, and Three Pavilions, are struggling to protect themselves at this time, so it's understandable that they seek protection from Danta. However, our manpower is limited, so we can only do our best. Every person we save means a little more strength to fight against the Soul Palace."
"Your senior sister is right. The power displayed by the Soul Palace this time is beyond imagination. Even Dou Zun powerhouses have appeared by the dozens, many of whom are ancient monsters that have disappeared for centuries. This is why your senior sister and I mentioned you just now. Although the situation is chaotic at the moment, at least it's not completely out of control. However, as time goes on, it will become increasingly dangerous for you to be out there alone. Returning early is the best."
"Of course, seeing your current strength, I am no longer worried. Even those old monsters wouldn't have it easy to deal with you now, not to mention that you have the protection of the Great Elder."
Xuan Kongzi smiled, stroking his beard.
In his mind, the Soul Palace's threat this time was significant, but still manageable. His statement was different from that of Mang Tianchi, who came from an ancient race, and he was much more optimistic.
This is the truth: the more you know, the greater the pressure.
"I'm sorry to trouble you, teacher. I won't be leaving for the time being. I benefited greatly from my
trip to the Ancient Clan this time, and I need some time to calm down." "Well, after six months away, it's time to spend some time with the little ones. You, as a father, are incompetent as a teacher. Qingyan has been crying out for her parents every day these days."
Chen Guan was speechless. Thinking of his daughter, he felt like a kitten had taken up residence in his heart, tickling him.
He didn't want to stay any longer, bid farewell to Xuankongzi and Cao Ying, and hurried back to Qingce Manor.
"Junior brother's current strength has already astounded me, your senior sister." Cao Ying sighed as she gazed at the space where Chen Guan had vanished.
"It's different. You all have a natural talent for alchemy, but this kid is focusing on cultivation, so his progress will naturally be much faster. Ying'er, you're obsessed with alchemy. In this area alone, you won't be much weaker than him in the future." However
, the prerequisite is that one's cultivation level must also improve.
This is common sense, and Cao Ying understood it even without Xuankongzi's instructions.
"I hope so, Master. I heard from my two senior brothers that you're all preparing to reach Semi-Sainthood?"
"Indeed, the three of us are not far from it. We only need to retreat for ten or eight years. We've just been distracted by so many things. Once the situation in Zhongzhou stabilizes, it will be time. Don't worry. I'm sure there won't be any problems. But then I'll have to hand over Danta to you. Chen Guan's personality probably won't be willing to do that."
Cao Ying smiled slightly. She knew Chen Guan well, and the outcome was likely just as her teacher had predicted.
"We'll talk about it then. If Junior Brother really doesn't want to, then I'll take over Danta. That way I can provide him with some support."
Hearing this, Xuan Kongzi couldn't help but shake his head.
"You're good in every way, girl, except you lack that... well, competitive spirit. I hope you won't regret it later. After your senior brothers and I break through, it's not impossible for us to continue to serve as leaders for decades or even centuries. After all, Danta isn't what it used to be. Changing the rules is easy."
Cao Ying simply smiled and said nothing.
Will she regret it?
She didn't know.
(End of this chapter)