The barren realm glowed under a silver moon. The Spirit Orchard had begun to bear its first fruits, golden orbs glowing faintly, releasing streams of gentle qi. Tian Yuan moved quietly among the rows, his hoe resting on his shoulder.
The System's upgraded voice buzzed urgently in his head.
"Boss! Bad news! The mortal realm is in chaos—your disciples are under coordinated attacks! They're outnumbered, and… and it's getting bloody."
Tian Yuan didn't look up from the soil. He knelt, pressing his hand against a young Spirit Tree to stabilize its growth.
"They can handle it."
The System stuttered.
"But—but Boss! These are alliances of sects, assassins, and some high-level cultivators. Shouldn't you at least send them some divine qi or—"
Tian Yuan finally looked up, his calm golden eyes reflecting the orchard's glow.
"I trained them to be strong, not to rely on me forever. If they can't protect my name on their own, then I failed as a master."
The System fell silent for a moment, then muttered.
"You're really the 'watch-and-see' type of master, huh? Cold but… kinda badass."
Tian Yuan turned back to his work, his voice quiet but firm.
"They are my disciples. They will not fail."
The War Continues in the Mortal Realm
Meanwhile, the battle in the mortal realm raged on.
The Emperor's Triumph
Wei Long's palace courtyard burned with golden light. Surrounded by dozens of fallen enemies, Wei Long stood tall, his golden robes torn but his aura steady. The last sect elder knelt before him, trembling.
"Spare me! I was forced—"
Wei Long's voice was cold.
"You dared insult my master. That choice was yours."
A single palm strike sent the man sprawling, unconscious but alive. Wei Long looked to the horizon.
"Master… I'll keep your teachings clean of unnecessary blood."
The Swordman's Unbreakable Blade
Ye Chen faced three cultivators at once, his sword dancing like a storm. Each strike was precise, controlled, never wasting a movement. He fought not just with power, but with discipline—Li Yuan's way.
The last enemy collapsed, his blade shattered.
Ye Chen wiped the blood from his sword.
"You thought we were weak because Master left us. You were wrong."
The Farmer's Growing Might
Tian Mu's farmland glowed softly as mercenaries fled in terror. Vines erupted to form barriers, while glowing herbs healed the wounded villagers.
He planted another seed calmly.
"Master taught me that strength isn't just fists—it's making sure people can live. This land will always protect them."
The Saintess of Unshaken Will
Mei Xian's alchemy hall became a fortress. Spies tried to poison her cauldrons, only to be captured by hidden formations. She didn't even pause her pill-making as guards dragged them away.
Her soft voice was filled with quiet fire.
"Master trusted us to carry his legacy. We won't disappoint him."
The Alliance Crumbles
Days later, the surviving sects retreated in humiliation. The disciples had defended their territories fiercely, proving Li Yuan's teachings were more than just words.
Rumors spread across the continent:
"The disciples of Li Yuan are unstoppable!"
"Maybe he truly ascended to godhood…"
The masked leader of the Crimson Sky Sect smashed a table in frustration.
"This isn't over. We'll strike again. But next time… we'll make them bleed."
Back in the Realm
The System beeped again, softer this time.
"Boss… they did it. They really fought back all those enemies."
Tian Yuan plucked a Spirit Fruit from the orchard, inspecting it.
"Of course they did. I trained them."
The System sighed dramatically.
"You didn't even look worried."
Tian Yuan bit into the glowing fruit, his calm voice carrying across the quiet realm.
"Because I trust them."
The orchard glowed brighter, as if agreeing with him.
(END OF CHAPTER)