That afternoon, shocking news spread rapidly-not only among the common people of the surrounding districts, but also throughout the great clans within the Tian Men Kingdom, all the way to Quan Dian City, deep inside the territory of the Xue Clan.
Inside the clan's grand hall-
"Useless trash!"
A furious roar shook the pillars.
"To think that even a declining clan on the brink of collapse could not be dealt with!"
"Tell me-did I raise men, or did I raise dogs?!"
The speaker was none other than Xue Jing, Head of the Xue Clan.
An elder standing within the hall hastily stepped forward and cupped his fists.
"Clan Head Xue Jing, please calm your anger for the moment."
The instant those words were spoken, Xue Jing's eyes snapped toward him, blazing with fury.
"Xue Qi, you old fool!"
"If it were your son who had been captured by some nameless brat whose cultivation hadn't even reached Qi Condensation, would you still be able to speak so calmly?!"
His voice thundered through the hall.
"Report!"
"How far has the intelligence division progressed? I want to know everything-now!"
With a sharp flick of his sleeve, Xue Jing turned and seated himself heavily upon the clan leader's throne, his expression dark as thunderclouds.
Every elder present understood his temperament well.
Though Xue Jing appeared rash and violent on the surface, his mind was in fact cold, calculating, and ruthless.
Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to hold the position of clan head for over twenty years.
At that moment-
A streak of light suddenly shot into the hall.
A message transmission scroll floated through the air and landed precisely in the hands of Elder Xue Huan, the one responsible for intelligence gathering and information verification.
Xue Huan opened the scroll at once.
But the moment his eyes skimmed its contents-
"Th-This..."
His voice faltered.
Elder Xue Tian Yun frowned and spoke coldly.
"Hm? Old Huan-has something gone terribly wrong?"
(Xue Tian Yun oversaw the financial system of the Xue Clan.)
Xue Huan swallowed hard.
"It's just that..."
Before he could finish-
"What happened to my son?!"
Xue Jing slammed his palm onto the armrest.
"Xue Huan, stop wasting my time!"
Xue Qi stepped forward, his face grim.
"Clan Head... this is something you should see for yourself."
He handed the scroll directly to Xue Jing.
The moment Xue Jing unfurled it, his eyes scanned the contents rapidly
Then-
BOOM!
A terrifying killing intent exploded outward.
"AAAAARGH!!!"
"That bastard!"
"How dare he?! Not only did he capture my son-he even slaughtered my intelligence agents?!"
"I will not tolerate this any longer!"
A violent aura surged from Xue Jing's body, sweeping across the entire hall like a storm.
For many years, Xue Jing had remained at the Essence Transformation Realm, standing at the verge of Great Completion (Dà Chéng). He was only half a step away from breaking through to the next realm-
True Essence (Zhen Yuan Realm).
Once that threshold was crossed, his power would undergo a complete qualitative transformation-enough to stand on equal footing with the great sect elders of the realm.
"Hiss... what a terrifying aura."
Elder Xue Jun Ling narrowed his eyes.
(Xue Jun Ling commanded the clan's internal military forces. His authority ranked second only to the clan head. His cultivation stood at the Essence Transformation Realm, Yuán Rùn stage. Though Xue Jing's cultivation surpassed his by two minor stages, even the clan head treated him with respect.)
"It seems the Clan Head is truly on the verge of entering the Sixth Realm-True Essence."
"Congratulations in advance, Clan Head."
"What monstrous growth..."
Xue Jing snorted coldly.
"Enough."
"That is not what matters."
His gaze sharpened.
"What matters is this-who exactly is standing behind the Wu Clan?"
"What kind of force would dare to shelter a clan already half-dead?"
An elder spoke cautiously.
"Clan Head, this matter must be handled with extreme care.
The enemy has already taken Young Master Xue Ying hostage."
"At present, we are at a disadvantage."
"The enemy lurks in the shadows, while we stand exposed."
"If the force backing the Wu Clan is truly powerful... provoking them recklessly would be no different from placing one's hand inside a tiger's mouth."
Xue Jing fell silent for several breaths.
Then he spoke, his voice cold and decisive.
"There is no need for further explanation."
"I understand the severity of the situation."
He slowly rose from his seat.
"For now-we will open negotiations with the Wu Clan."
"Only after that will we investigate the truth."
"I want to know whether they truly possess a backing powerful enough to defy the Xue Clan...
or whether this is nothing more than a bluff."
"I don't believe it. Just a mere child who hasn't even reached the Qi Condensation Realm-how could someone like that possess such power?"
"Send a reply to the Wu Clan. Tell them that I will personally pay a visit tomorrow."
"Yes!!!"
All the elders gathered within the grand hall responded in unison. Their attitudes were reverent as they bowed deeply, admiration evident in every movement.
While the other clans were still reeling from the shocking news, and the Xue Clan was secretly planning negotiations with the Wu Clan, Wu Ming had already begun patrolling the surrounding area on his own. As he walked through the grounds, servants and clan members greeted him with deep respect. After witnessing that astonishing battle, hope had been reignited within their hearts. They truly believed now that the Wu Clan could rise once more-by following this young master.
(The young master of the Xue Clan has already been taken hostage. Now all that remains is to wait for the prey to take the bait, and everything will proceed according to plan. I'm still unfamiliar with this place... I should inspect it properly.)
"Hm?"
"What's going on here? Where are the guards? Where are the protectors, the elders? How can a clan of this scale have not a single guard stationed here? This is far too strange."
(This must be the Wu Clan's treasury.)
Wu Ming placed his palm against the door and pushed it open, stepping inside. To his surprise, there was only a single old man seated calmly at the entrance. Almost instantly, Wu Ming sensed that this was no ordinary elder.
"Greetings, Elder. May I ask why you are sitting here alone?"
The mysterious old man narrowed his eyes.
"Hm? Who are you, daring to trespass into the Wu Clan's treasury?"
Wu Ming replied calmly, his tone indifferent.
"I am the young master of this clan. If even I do not have the right to enter this place, then no one does."
"Hm!?" The old man's expression darkened. "Are you implying that even I am unqualified to be here? Don't think that being the young master gives you authority over me. A mere child whose cultivation hasn't even reached Qi Condensation dares to speak so arrogantly. Someone like you will never amount to anything in this lifetime."
"Oh?" Wu Ming let out a short laugh. "Hahahaha."
"What are you laughing at? Laughing at your own ignorance?" the old man sneered loudly.
Wu Ming sighed softly. His gaze sharpened like a blade, his expression cold as glacial ice. When he spoke, his voice was devoid of mercy.
"Old man, it seems you truly lack self-awareness. You're nothing more than a dying elder. Your meridians are completely chaotic, your inner circulation shattered beyond repair. You can barely form a complete Qi cycle and are relying solely on your physical body to survive. Do you really think someone like you has a future? In the end, you're just waiting here for death-no different from a corpse that can still speak."
"Impudent brat!" the old man roared. "If I don't teach you a lesson today, you'll never understand your place!"
The mysterious elder suddenly lunged forward, striking with his palm toward Wu Ming's torso. Though the attack carried no Qi, his physical speed far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators.
Yet Wu Ming perceived every movement clearly. He remained completely composed. Everything was already within his calculations. Raising a single palm, he swatted forward once.
A shockwave rippled violently through the air.
The old man's body trembled violently as the force surged through him. Bones cracked, internal organs shook, and his meridians collapsed entirely.
"Ugh!"
"How... how is this possible? I lost... in a single move... to a child who hasn't even reached Qi Condensation?!"
Pfft-!
Blood sprayed from his mouth as the old man coughed violently. Though unwilling to believe it, reality left him no choice but to accept his defeat.
Wu Ming slowly approached him. Despite the pitiful state the elder was in, Wu Ming's eyes remained cold and emotionless.
"Elder, I had no intention of causing trouble. In truth, I came to help you. I can heal your internal injuries-and even restore your cultivation path."
"Huh!?" The old man stared in shock. "You speak the truth? At first, I couldn't believe you could even see through my condition. But after exchanging blows... I now understand how vast the gap between us truly is. My injuries have twisted and shattered my meridians. Even circulating Qi feels like being pierced by countless needles. I've long since lost all hope of curing this curse. If you can truly help me... then I am willing to serve you for the rest of my life. From this day onward, my existence is yours alone."
"Good."
Wu Ming nodded calmly. "Your condition isn't difficult to treat. I only need sufficient funds to acquire an alchemy furnace and refine several medicinal pills-both to aid cultivation and to restore your body completely. However, my reason for coming here isn't just that. I also wish to understand the internal situation of the clan. We'll speak of that later. For now, lead me to the treasury."
"Yes, Young Master..." the old man hesitated, then asked carefully, "May I know your name?"
"Hm? You don't even know the name of the young master of the clan you've been guarding?"
"My apologies, Young Master. I've remained here for many years, rarely interacting with the outside world while obsessing over curing my condition."
"That's fine. You may call me Young Master Wu Ming."
"Understood! Young Master Wu Ming!"
"My name is Wu Chun Feng," the old man said calmly. "Young Master Wu may call me Wu Chun... or simply Wu Feng."
"I see," Wu Ming replied after a brief pause. "Then I'll call you Wu Feng."
Wu Feng cupped his hands respectfully and said, "Yes, Young Master. Please follow me-this way leads to the clan's treasury."
As they proceeded along the corridor toward the Wu Clan's treasury, Wu Ming began asking about the internal state of the clan as well as recent events in the outside world. Although Wu Feng had rarely interacted with the world beyond the treasury for many years, he possessed a deep understanding of the clan's history and the major incidents that had unfolded over time. His explanations were thorough, allowing Wu Ming to analyze the current situation with clarity and precision.
In the past, Wu Feng had once been among the top-ranking elders of the Wu Clan. During his prime, he had reached the Zhōng Chéng Realm, a stage where one's energy undergoes transformation and condenses into true essence. For more than forty years, he had been a pillar of the clan's existence. However, due to inheriting a peculiar and abnormal physique, his cultivation path gradually deviated from the norm. Instead of advancing, his realm regressed, falling all the way down to the Qi Condensation Realm. No matter what methods he tried, he was unable to reverse this decline.
As they continued walking, Wu Ming's gaze suddenly sharpened. He noticed strange symbols engraved along the walls of the passageway-ancient runes interwoven with formation inscriptions, crafted with extreme refinement and precision. His eyes flickered with genuine surprise.
"Hm? Wait a moment... why are there ancient runes along the path leading to the clan's treasury?"
Wu Feng's expression changed instantly. "What?! Young Master, you recognize these runes as well?!"
"Is that really so surprising?" Wu Ming replied calmly.
"Of course it is!" Wu Feng exclaimed. "These ancient runes were personally inscribed by our former clan leader, Wu Hen (无痕). He had only one biological son, as well as an adopted daughter taken in from relatives. If I'm not mistaken... the aura surrounding you is remarkably similar to his. Perhaps... you are his son?"
Wu Ming was genuinely taken aback. He had never expected that the body he had awakened in belonged to the son of such a mysterious and powerful clan leader.
(To think that I awoke within a seemingly ordinary clan, only to discover that my father was someone capable of inscribing ancient runes... These symbols are not something ordinary cultivators of this world could ever comprehend. This Wu Clan... is far from simple.)
Wu Ming murmured inwardly.
Wu Feng hesitated before asking carefully, "Could it be that Young Master understands the meaning behind these ancient runes?"
"I understand some of them," Wu Ming replied. "I have studied ancient runes before."
"Oh!" Wu Feng gasped softly. "That exceeds all my expectations. I never even dared attempt to comprehend them fully. In fact, the reason my body ended up in this condition... was precisely because I tried to understand these runes. I seem to have gained something from them, but I don't know whether it was a blessing or a curse. Ever since then, my body has deteriorated into this state."
At that moment, hope surged within Wu Feng's heart. Wu Ming's calm confirmation, combined with the fact that he showed no signs of backlash from studying the runes, deepened Wu Feng's admiration and reverence even further.
They soon arrived before a massive sealed gate.
"We've arrived, Young Master," Wu Feng said solemnly. "This is the entrance to the Wu Clan's treasury. I cannot go any further. According to clan law, only those with authority over the assets-or the true heir-may enter. Given what you've told me about the current situation, the Wu Clan has likely already been fractured by external forces. At present, the only person who appears to be a true inheritor... is you."
Wu Ming frowned slightly. "Why can't you enter as well? Aren't you the one guarding this place?"
"I must apologize for not explaining earlier," Wu Feng said bitterly. "I am merely the guardian of this treasury, not its administrator. My duty was to prevent unauthorized entry unless permission was granted by high-ranking elders. But they are all gone now. I once attempted to enter myself... and was repelled by these ancient runes, which left me in this ruined state. Only a true inheritor may pass through this gate-and even then, it depends on one's comprehension. Otherwise... the result will be the same as mine."
"I understand," Wu Ming nodded. "Then guard the surroundings for me. We're on the same boat now."
Wu Feng's expression turned resolute. "Do not worry, Young Master. I have already sworn my life to you. If I betray you, may the heavens punish me mercilessly and erase me from this world entirely!"
Wu Ming studied him for a moment before nodding. "Your resolve is admirable. I appreciate it. Very well-I will begin. Do not allow anything to disturb my meditation."
Wu Feng clasped his hands together respectfully. "Understood, Young Master!"
Wu Ming sat down cross-legged before the ancient runes, his focus absolute as he immersed himself in their profound mystery.
Half an hour passed.
BOOM-!
An overwhelming aura erupted outward, dense with pure and astonishing Qi. The surrounding area instantly transformed, resembling a sacred domain saturated with heavenly energy beyond comparison.
Wu Feng's eyes widened in shock.
(What... what kind of miracle is this?! This density of Qi... this pressure... it's completely beyond my imagination!)
He stared at Wu Ming, his heart filled with awe, reverence, gratitude-and fear. What he was witnessing felt less like cultivation and more like a divine phenomenon forged by heaven and earth themselves.
(It seems I truly chose the right path by following this Young Master.)
Deep within his heart, Wu Feng felt a surge of exhilaration. Following Wu Ming was not shameful in the slightest-even for an elder of his standing.
Within Wu Ming's consciousness
"Damn it... this is merely a treasury-protecting formation, yet it's this powerful?! Then what terrifying existence could be sealed within? Could it truly be something capable of shaking the heavens?"
Even his will found it difficult to fully comprehend the ancient laws embedded within these runes. Yet difficulty alone would not stop him.
"No matter how complex you are... I will understand you."
The aura surrounding Wu Ming surged uncontrollably, erupting from deep beneath the ground and shooting straight into the sky. The clouds above twisted violently, spiraling outward like ripples across an endless ocean struck by a massive falling stone.
Whether clan members or civilians within the city, everyone was shaken to their core. They felt an indescribable pressure-and an irresistible pull-toward the towering golden pillar of energy piercing the heavens without end.
This was no minor event.
The Xue Clan, who had been preparing to negotiate with the Wu Clan the following day, immediately changed plans upon witnessing the phenomenon. Without hesitation, they rushed toward the Wu Clan. Other clans did the same.
Soon, powerful figures gathered in the territory surrounding the Wu Clan. Among them were many experts, yet only eight individuals stood out as truly dominant-each a supreme leader or representative of their respective clans within Quan Dian City.
"Oh? Would you look at that," someone sneered. "Isn't that Clan Leader Xue? I heard your son went to the Wu Clan to act arrogantly. What-are you here for revenge?"
Xue Jing's expression darkened instantly. He turned sharply toward the speaker.
"Hmph! Do you think I wouldn't fight you to the death, old man Qin Wen Tian?!"
"Hahaha! Calm yourself, Clan Leader Xue," Qin Wen Tian replied leisurely. "All of us are here to observe this miracle. There's no need to turn a small matter into a major conflict."
At that moment, another voice chimed in from the Jin Clan.
"Well said."
Qin Wen Tian scoffed. "So even you were drawn here, old man Jin Fei? How surprising that an alchemy-obsessed fossil like you would take interest in this."
Jin Fei laughed loudly. "You talk big for clans that can't even produce a fifth-grade alchemist! Hahaha!"
The words struck a nerve. Though furious, the elders of both clans could not refute him-and dared not provoke the Jin Clan further.
Suddenly, another voice echoed.
"Well, well... leaders and elders from so many clans gathered together. What a rare and delightful sight."
The moment they heard that voice, chills ran down their spines-fear and hatred intertwining.
"What?" Jin Fei narrowed his eyes. "Have the four clans formed an alliance?"
Xue Jing sneered. "I never thought I'd live to see those people cooperate."
Qin Wen Tian sighed. "Enough. This phenomenon is no ordinary matter. Xie Qi, Wei Shu Yi, Nan Lei Feng, Zhang Xue Long-since you're all here, we should set aside conflicts and investigate the Wu Clan first."
Xie Qi smirked mockingly. "Oh my, Elder Qin. Aren't we the righteous alliance, suppressors of evil? You make it sound as though we are the ones stirring trouble."
Their argument was abruptly cut short.
"Enough."
A man stepped out from the void itself.
"If you continue this meaningless bickering, I will show no courtesy."
Silence fell instantly.
He was Gu Fei Yi-eldest son of the most powerful clan in Quan Dian City.
A once-in-ten-thousand-years genius, born with the Innate Spatial Talent. Though he had only mastered it at a basic level, it was already terrifying. Combined with his mastery in swordsmanship, music, and unarmed combat, he stood as the undisputed number one genius and number one authority in the city-ranked among the top 1,000 within the Tian Men Realm.
"This truly surprises me," Zhang Xue Long said carefully. "Even Young Master Gu has taken interest in this phenomenon."
Gu Fei Yi's eyes burned with excitement. "Indeed. It feels as though I've encountered a worthy opponent. Even my innate spatial talent is reacting. I have never seen such a phenomenon-nor has there been any record of it in hundreds of thousands of years. Not even in the ancient eras."
"What?!"
Shock rippled through the crowd.
Yet none of them noticed...
A hidden figure watching from a layer of reality beyond their reach.
"To draw even innate spatial talents... This must be connected to Gu Fei Yi. Even my own dimensional perception is being pulled toward that golden light filled with endless laws. This event will shake the entire Tian Men Realm."
"I must report this to my lord immediately."
And with that, the presence vanished-leaving no trace behind.
While the masses and countless powerful forces were still fixated on the heaven-shaking miracle, there were four individuals who were more alarmed than anyone else. Hidden from the crowd, they gathered together, their expressions grim as they exchanged hurried words.
"Wasn't the Wu Clan supposed to be on the verge of collapse? Then how could such a world-turning phenomenon occur here?!"
The one who spoke with uncontrollable anger was Tang Xuan, his voice sharp with disbelief.
"Could it be that old Xue Ning Qian deceived us?"
Baili Yuanhe frowned slightly and raised his hand to calm him.
"Steady yourself, Tang Xuan. Even if this miracle appeared within Wu Clan territory, it does not mean the Wu Clan has instantly risen to greatness. It could simply be a phenomenon of heaven and earth that coincidentally manifested where their clan resides."
Yao Huang nodded in agreement.
"I share Young Master Baili's view. If the Wu Clan truly possessed such overwhelming strength, they would never have waited until their decline to reveal it. A force of real power would not choose to settle in a small city like this."
He then turned his gaze toward Xue Guang.
"Xue Guang, isn't your clan's young master currently held hostage by the Wu Clan's young lord? Could it be that he was the one who caused this miracle? After all, he was said to have awakened from a coma that was nearly fatal."
Xue Guang immediately shook his head, his tone firm.
"That is impossible. Even if he survived such an ordeal, there is no way a small clan-or a single individual-could produce a phenomenon that shakes heaven and earth. If he truly possessed such power, he would never have fallen into a coma in the first place. He would have already been hailed as a peerless genius."
At that moment, Gu Yi Fan, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.
"It seems the situation has changed far beyond anyone's expectations. For now, we should distance ourselves from the Wu Clan and dispatch scouts to investigate quietly. This event will undoubtedly attract the attention of other great powers. If we involve ourselves recklessly now, we would be no different from ants wandering into a nest of predators-exposed and targeted."
Baili Yuanhe nodded solemnly.
"I agree with Swordmaster Gu. We should return and consult Elder Xue Ning Qian. Since you and he share the same clan, Xue Guang, you will be responsible for delivering this information so new countermeasures can be prepared."
Xue Guang clenched his fist and replied, "Understood. Then let us part ways."
The group dispersed in different directions, each choosing to observe the unfolding situation from afar.
Flap... flap... flap...
At this very moment, Wu Ming was facing a trial far beyond what his body should have been able to endure. His physique had only just recovered from severe injury, yet now it was forced to withstand an overwhelming surge of power. It felt as though his body might crumble into dust at any moment.
The only reason he had survived this long was due to the ancient laws embedded within the formation, which suppressed and refined the dense energy into a more manageable flow. Though still immense, it no longer destroyed the body outright. But once those ancient seals were fully released, the unleashed energy would be enough to annihilate even cultivators who had already transformed their inner essence into a higher form. They would be reduced to nothing more than scattered ash.
On top of that, remnants of the Supreme God's will within him continued to support and stabilize the surrounding laws. Without it, both he and Wu Feng would have perished long ago.
Almost there...
"YAAAAAH-!"
"DEVOUR!!!"
Whoosh-!
Though his current body was on the brink of collapse, the vast and pure energy of heaven and earth could be used to reconstruct it entirely, condensing everything into a new physical form. This was an extremely dangerous high-level technique, especially under his current condition. But Wu Ming had no other choice-rapid growth always demanded risk.
This pure energy was enough to elevate him dramatically in a short time. More importantly, as spiritual essence of the highest purity, it allowed him to refine his soul and will to an entirely new level.
"Hahahaha... What a supreme blessing!"
He laughed inwardly.
"And to comprehend these strange ancient characters as well... Though different from those I once learned, understanding them is no challenge for me!"
Several hours passed.
This energy was truly pure-free of corruption or binding forces. Even
the crippled or cursed could absorb it without harm. Wu Feng, having realized this long ago, had already begun cultivating from the start. Now, his body was rapidly restoring itself. His meridians reignited with power, flowing once more with vigor.
"This... this is a miracle!" Wu Feng exclaimed, trembling with emotion.
"To think such pure energy existed so close to me all along, yet was unreachable. And now... thanks to Young Master Wu, I have been granted this opportunity. This is the greatest fortune of my life!"
With a thunderous surge, Wu Feng broke through his bottleneck, advancing beyond Qi Condensation and returning to the Fifth Realm-where energy is transformed into one's own true essence-reaching the peak of that stage. But it did not stop there. The energy continued to pour into him relentlessly until he stepped into the Sixth Realm: the Initial Stage of the Essence Domain.
"At last…" Wu Feng murmured.
"The forty years I waited for have not been in vain. I have even stepped into a new realm. Young Master... you are truly heaven-sent."
As Wu Ming remained in deep meditation, his supreme will suddenly sensed hostile intent from afar. His consciousness spread across vast distances, perceiving countless thoughts and emotions-astonishment, excitement, reverence-but among them were two distinct presences: one filled with malice, the other burning with intense fervor.
Did I unknowingly create enemies already?
He pondered briefly, then dismissed the thought.
In this world, the strong rule and the weak are discarded. I will not concern myself with it.
Did I unknowingly create enemies already?
He pondered briefly, then dismissed the thought.
In this world, the strong rule and the weak are discarded. I will not concern myself with it.
A portion of his will was already dispatched toward the Wu Clan's treasury. He needed it prepared before this pure energy dissipated, or it would be impossible to condense additional Supreme Divine Seals for a long time.
The phenomenon continued. Within a radius of over two hundred li, the land was bathed in dense, pure energy. Plants flourished wildly, dead trees regained vitality, and nature itself seemed reborn.
Yet when ordinary cultivators attempted to approach, they were blocked by powerful forces. The area was monopolized, reserved only for the elite.
Discontent erupted among the crowd.
"Why can't we enter?! This is a natural phenomenon! Such pure energy should belong to everyone!"
Before the man could finish shouting, Nan Lei Feng waved his hand casually. The crowd was instantly silenced, the overwhelming gap in strength made terrifyingly clear.
"Silence," he said coldly.
"The strong claim opportunities. The weak have no right."
But before the elites could fully enjoy the benefits, the energy began to thin. The pillar of light faded, and the heavens returned to calm.
"What madness is this?! It vanished already?! I barely absorbed anything!"
"Enough!" Wei Shu Yi shouted.
"We've found the source. Move-before other forces arrive!"
Most rushed forward, but Gu Fei Yi remained behind, his face pale.
"That gaze just now..." he whispered.
"It felt as though my very soul was being observed. If I had rushed in recklessly... I would be dead."
At the center of the site, confusion erupted.
"There's nothing here!"
"Look-those two were here first!"
All eyes turned toward Wu Ming and Wu Feng.
Greed consumed reason as cultivators charged forward, including Qin Wen Tian, Jin Fei, Zhang Xue Long, and Nan Lei Feng.
"Die!" Nan Lei Feng roared, unleashing a devastating sword technique.
Yet in the next instant, his strike was effortlessly deflected by the seemingly frail old man.
Before he could react, Wu Feng's hand seized his face and slammed him into the ground with overwhelming force. The earth trembled.
Silence followed.
No one dared advance again.
Even before panic could settle, a powerful presence descended from the sky.
"It's him..."
"General Mu Chen!"
The elite guardian of the Tian Men Empire had arrived.
Gu Fei Yi rushed forward, bowing deeply.
"It is an honor to welcome General Mu Chen to Quan Dian City."
Mu Chen laughed heartily.
"I'm merely here to inspect the cause of this disturbance."
Descending into the crater, he found only an old man guarding a meditating youth.
When Wu Ming finally opened his eyes and stood, his presence was unfathomable-so deep that even Mu Chen could not perceive his cultivation.
"I am Wu Ming," he said calmly.
"You trespassed upon Wu Clan territory. As for the miracle... I was the one who created it."
The world fell silent.
"...What?"