The deafening roar of thunder erupted without warning, reverberating across the entire battlefield.
This strike was terrifyingly powerful-powerful enough to annihilate hundreds of cultivators at the Essence Condensation Realm in a single blow.
Even cultivators from high-ranking clans, whose cultivation bases were no lower than Essence Condensation, were drenched in cold sweat.
Shock and fear were etched clearly across their faces. From the perspective of those who had barely survived the aftermath of the attack, there was no longer any doubt-Wu Ming could not possibly have withstood it.
Even the mere residual aura of the Thunder Spear was enough to instill terror deep into their souls.
Zhang Xue Long shouted in alarm,
"Damn it! If that brat dies along with that precious treasure, it would be an enormous loss! General Mu Chen, don't you think this has gone too far?!"
General Mu Chen roared back coldly,
"That is none of your concern!"
(Damn it... I didn't expect this either. I went too far. It's been too long since I last encountered someone with such potential. If the boy dies, how am I supposed to extract information from him?)
General Mu Chen questioned himself internally, his mind momentarily clouded, as though he had fallen into a daze.
Then-suddenly-
"Impossible! This can't be real!"
Hm?
The voice, filled with extreme shock and disbelief, instantly drew the attention of every cultivator present. All eyes turned toward its source.
And that person was none other than-
Gu Fei Yi.
"What's this supposed to mean?" someone sneered.
"Are you panicking because you won't be able to obtain the Miracle Treasure?"
Low murmurs spread rapidly among the crowd as cultivators whispered among themselves.
However, only General Mu Chen snapped back to full awareness at Gu Fei Yi's outcry.
His gaze sharpened.
Following the direction of Gu Fei Yi's unwavering stare, General Mu Chen slowly lifted his head-
And in the heart of the thunderstorm's devastation, within the collapsing currents of lightning and ruin-
He saw it.
A silhouette.
Standing.
Unbroken.
The crater stretched dozens of meters deep-an abyss carved directly by General Mu Chen's strike.
Yet in Gu Fei Yi's eyes, there was not the slightest reverence for the overwhelming power that had created it.
Instead, his gaze was flooded with disbelief, confusion, and barely restrained fury-emotions colliding chaotically, impossible to conceal.
General Mu Chen could not help but scoff and ask aloud, "What exactly are you staring at, boy? Gu Fei Yi-could it be that you're frightened by my power? Hahaha!"
Gu Fei Yi did not answer.
His expression darkened further, so grim that almost no one present had ever seen such a reaction from him before. Even clan leaders and heirs of the great families exchanged puzzled looks, unable to comprehend what could possibly unsettle him to this extent.
Seizing the moment, Xue Jing stepped forward and spoke with forced composure, "I must thank General Mu Chen for eliminating this menace and restoring peace to the land. That little demon dared to take my son hostage-your decisive action has spared us further chaos."
As his eyes briefly swept toward Gu Fei Yi, he hurriedly added, "Opportunities and fortunes are abundant in this world. Encountering a place like this is not-"
"Shut your mouth."
The sharp command cut through the air like a blade.
"Enough of your meaningless prattle, you lowly worm," Gu Fei Yi snapped coldly.
The moment Xue Jing heard those words, fury surged violently within his chest. His eyes burned with resentment, murderous intent coiling deep in his heart.
Yet he restrained himself.
His son's whereabouts were still unknown, and the situation before him was far from stable. Acting now would only invite disaster. For the moment, silence was the wiser choice-to observe, to gather information, and to endure.
Then-
The dense mist blanketing the area slowly dissipated.
What remained was a vast, shattered landscape riddled with massive craters. But suddenly, a sharp tearing sound echoed from a distance away from the deepest pit.
The air itself split open.
A spatial rift formed-and from within it, a figure calmly stepped forward.
Mu Chen's pupils shrank violently.
"Th-This... how is this even possible?!"
Every cultivator present froze in shock.
The young man who emerged from the spatial tear was Wu Ming.
Not a single scratch marred his body. His robes were immaculate, as though he had merely stepped out from a quiet courtyard rather than the center of a cataclysmic battlefield.
The entire gathering erupted into stunned silence.
A second spatial talent user?
Within the Tian Men Realm, those capable of manipulating space could be counted on one hand-and among them, Gu Fei Yi stood at the very peak, renowned throughout the realm for his spatial aptitude.
Qin Wen Tian's heart trembled as realization struck him.
So that's why Gu Fei Yi reacted so strangely from the very beginning... He sensed it. He sensed that boy's spatial nature.
But then doubt followed immediately.
No-ordinary spatial talent wouldn't shock him like this. Unless... unless it's-
"-Innate spatial talent?!"
The words escaped Qin Wen Tian's mouth before he could stop himself. His face drained of color as he hastily covered his lips.
Too late.
The surrounding cultivators stared in disbelief, mouths agape.
Two innate spatial talents-in the same place.
Zhang Xue Long inhaled sharply and exclaimed,
"This is beyond my expectations-no, beyond anything I ever imagined! An innate spatial talent... and judging by that boy's control, it far surpasses anything I've ever witnessed from Gu Fei Yi!"
The crowd erupted into an uproar.
Only Gu Fei Yi remained silent.
Because he knew something the others did not.
While he himself possessed an innate spatial talent, it was merely a standard-grade manifestation. What most cultivators failed to understand was that spatial talent was not singular-it existed in countless grades, each governed by a fundamentally different conceptual nature.
And Wu Ming's-
It was different.
Before existence learned how to exist, there was nothing that could be named.
No light. No darkness.
Only an immeasurable void saturated with primordial chaos-a state where neither order nor disorder held meaning, and where law itself had yet to be conceived.
There was no time to pass, no space to extend, no reason for anything to be as it was-for nothing yet was.
Within that absolute pre-creation, a singular entity emerged-later spoken of across countless eras as The Architect of Existence.
It did not merely create worlds.
It defined the conditions that allowed creation itself to occur.
From its silent design arose all universes, all laws of heaven and earth, and even the abstract principles mortals would one day struggle to comprehend-time, space, causality, and coherence. Every structure of heaven branched endlessly from that primordial blueprint, diverging into infinite forms while remaining bound to the same origin.
All order was authored.
All chaos was permitted.
All meaning was assigned.
And Gu Fei Yi understood now.
Among the countless hierarchies embedded within the laws of existence, Wu Ming's spatial talent stood at the highest possible tier.
It was not merely control over space.
It was authority.
The moment Wu Ming activated it, Gu Fei Yi could perceive it directly-an innate resonance so overwhelming that his own talent felt insignificant, like an ant gazing upon a god it could neither comprehend nor look away from.
An indescribable pressure settled upon his heart.
For the first time in his life,
Gu Fei Yi felt small.
At this moment, every cultivator present stared at Wu Ming in disbelief. What they had just witnessed shattered all common sense.
Even General Mu Chen could not conceal the astonishment in his eyes as he looked at Wu Ming's terrifying control over Space itself.
General Mu Chen: "Your mastery over Space far surpasses my expectations. This is not something learned-it is an innate spatial talent. No wonder that child, Gu Fei Yi, reacted so strangely. It seems he has finally encountered someone who walks the same path."
Hidden among the crowd, Xue Jing narrowed his eyes, his heart quietly trembling.
Xue Jing (inner thoughts): Escaping directly into the void dimension is no simple matter. Even Gu Fei Yi, who was born with spatial talent, cannot enter the void at will. Yet this Wu Ming did it effortlessly... This can only mean one thing-his comprehension of spatial authority has already reached a terrifying level.
As shock still lingered in the air, a calm voice suddenly echoed from afar.
It came from the opposite side-dozens of meters away.
There, Wu Ming stood.
Not a single wound marked his body.
His presence was steady, composed, and his aura carried a dignity far greater than before-as if the space around him naturally yielded to his existence.
His voice was calm.
Unshaken.
Absolutely confident.
Wu Ming:
"General Mu Chen, it seems you have only one move remaining. Do not forget our agreement."
For a brief moment, silence fell.
Then-
General Mu Chen: "Hahaha! I truly never expected you to possess such a formidable trump card. For the third strike, do not even think of escaping again. Earlier, I feared I might have gone too far... but now I see that concern was unnecessary."
His gaze sharpened, burning with battle intent.
"If you can withstand this final move, I shall grant you one request. Anything-so long as it is not excessive."
The crowd gasped.
A Great General of the Tian Men Empire offering such a promise-this was an opportunity worth more than gold.
Wu Ming: "Haha... how could I refuse such sincerity from the General? Please do not hold back."
General Mu Chen: "Very well!"
The instant General Mu Chen initiated his final move, the heavens themselves responded.
The sky darkened violently as golden lightning tore through the clouds, releasing an overwhelming pressure.
The surrounding spiritual energy surged, growing dense and turbulent, as if the world itself were being dragged into the battlefield.
Qin Wen Tian:
"T-This... this is the power of the Heavenly Realm itself! He's combining it with the Laws of Heaven and Earth! One strike like this could annihilate hundreds of thousands of soldiers in an instant! So the legends were true-General Mu Chen truly crushed the invading kingdoms of the Tian Men Empire!"
General Mu Chen stepped forward.
Lightning gathered around his arm, the space around his fist trembling as if it were on the verge of collapse.
General Mu Chen:
"Fist of Heavenly Lightning-Shatter the Earth and Shake the Skies!"
His roar thundered across the battlefield.
"Receive the strongest attack of my life!!!
YAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"
Wu Ming:
"Hmph... here it comes.
What a terrifyingly powerful move.
So this time, it's a formless attack-an assault without a fixed shape?
Truly... beyond my expectations."
FWOOM-!!!
The moment the attack surged forward, the surrounding space shattered along its path, collapsing like fragile glass.
This was no crude strike meant merely to tear apart the void.
It was an attack condensed with the Laws of Heaven and Earth themselves-
laws capable of tearing through and suppressing even the laws wielded by others.
This was the authority of Heaven and Earth-an existence that endured beyond all things, standing above countless lesser laws.
Hidden among the spectators, Gu Fei Yi's heart trembled violently.
Gu Fei Yi (inner thoughts):
This attack is far too terrifying. Even the Laws of Space cannot possibly withstand laws condensed directly from Heaven and Earth. The power and authority of Heaven and Earth are not something one can easily comprehend-it is profoundly mysterious.
Even my own understanding of spatial laws comes only from fragments of the Heavenly Laws. Yet even those fragments have allowed me to advance tremendously...
But compared to this attack? If it were me, I would suffer catastrophic injuries even if I managed to block it.
This time... Wu Ming is bound to be severely wounded...
Around them, countless minds reached the same conclusion.
...and that will be our opportunity.
Inside his heart, Wu Ming chuckled softly.
Wu Ming (inner thoughts):
The gazes fixed upon me now... their intentions are obvious. Haha... greedy fools.
If your greed is so great, then I would very much like to see whether your abilities can match it.
His consciousness sank inward-deep, deep into the core of his being.
There, within the depths of his will, stood a towering pagoda.
It possessed ninety-nine levels.
Each level surpassed the one below it in the quality of laws, energy, and authority-an immeasurable difference.
For now... I can only access the first level.
But that alone... is more than enough.
Enough to grant me overwhelming power.
"YAAAAAA-!"
Wu Ming:
"Divine Creation Pagoda-First Layer, OPEN!"
CREAK-
The sound echoed.
It was as if an incomparably massive gate was slowly opening it's resonance reverberating throughout an endless sea of will
The moment the first layer opened, boundless laws and energies erupted outward like a raging tidal wave, surging violently it's all directions
These were not mere energies.
They were endless laws, countless and unfathomable.
Had Wu Ming's will not already stepped into a divine realm, it would have been torn apart the instant the gate began to open.
Wu Ming:
"Hahaha!
Just the first layer alone grants me power beyond excess!"
"Let us see... how this situation should be resolved!"
Outside his consciousness-
General Mu Chen's devastating attack had already arrived before Wu Ming.
Yet Wu Ming did not move.
He stood motionless-like a statue carved from eternity itself.
This sight filled many with secret delight, believing he could not possibly survive, already imagining the treasures that might fall into their hands if the unexpected occurred.
General Mu Chen (inner thoughts):
Why isn't the boy moving at all? Has he frozen in fear?
But if he truly lacks the means to stop this attack, then I can do nothing. A vow bound by Heaven and Earth is not something that can be broken lightly...
What a pity-such a genius, destined to die-
Before he could finish his thought-
The space around Wu Ming suddenly twisted.
Everything slowed.
No-
it was not slowing.
Movement itself became distorted, unnatural, as though reality had lost his proper order. Space bent, folded war ped in incomprehensible ways, neither collapsing nor advancing an anomaly beyond description.
Gu Fei Yi staggered back, his face drained of all color.
Gu Fei Yi:
"Impossible-!!!
How is this even possible?!"
Before anyone could ask a single question-
The attack that carried the might to shatter heaven and earth...
vanished.
Not dispersed.
Not blocked.
It was erased as if it had never existed upon this plane
"...What?"
Shock froze the crowd.
They stared in disbelief, unable to trust their own eyes.
Something so miraculous-so terrifying-was something they had never imagined could exist.
General Mu Chen immediately turned toward Gu Fei Yi, his voice heavy with disbelief.
General Mu Chen:
"Boy, Gu Fei Yi-what was that just now?! What kind of technique could possibly erase an attack condensed from the power of Heaven and Earth itself?!"
Gu Fei Yi's face was pale, as if he had witnessed the most horrifying truth of his life.
His mouth opened and closed, struggling to form words-until he finally forced himself to speak.
Gu Fei Yi:
"T-That... that was-"
General Mu Chen:
"Speak!"
Gu Fei Yi shouted, his voice trembling with terror.
Gu Fei Yi:
"It was the control of Time and Space!"
General Mu Chen:
"What?!"
General Mu Chen turned his gaze toward Wu Ming, disbelief flashing across his face.
Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that someone so young could possess such a terrifying ability.
General Mu Chen (inner thoughts):
I must draw this child to my side-no matter the cost. Even if he cannot be brought into the Tian Men Empire itself, the benefits of forming an alliance with him would be beyond imagination.
Wu Ming:
"Hahaha... it seems I've won our wager, General Mu Chen. Do not forget the promise you made."
General Mu Chen:
"Hahaha! Of course. A man of my standing would never break a vow. And I also have a proposal I wish to-"
Before General Mu Chen could finish, a hurried shout interrupted him.
It came from Xue Jing, the head of the Xue Clan.
Xue Jing (shouting):
"I came here to negotiate regarding the hostage-my son, Xue Ying!
He acted improperly and showed great disrespect toward Young Master Wu Ming. I am here to make amends!"
He took a deep breath and continued urgently.
"I am willing to offer a vast amount of resources and high-grade treasures as compensation-anything Young Master Wu Ming desires, so long as it is not excessive!"
General Mu Chen's expression darkened, anger flaring at the interruption.
He was about to speak-
When suddenly, a hand gently rested upon his shoulder.
Wu Ming had appeared beside him without anyone noticing.
Wu Ming (with a friendly tone):
"Please, General, calm yourself. This is a minor matter. There is no need for you to waste your energy on it."
He turned his gaze toward Xue Jing, his expression composed.
"This is my personal affair. I will handle it myself.
I hope you will allow me to settle it without your involvement."
General Mu Chen paused for a moment, then nodded slowly.
General Mu Chen:
"So that is your wish... Very well. I shall not interfere in your private matters."
He straightened his posture, his presence once again commanding the battlefield.
"Now then-it is time to settle the matter of our agreement."
General Mu Chen's gaze swept across the surrounding area.
The hidden cultivators lurking in the shadows were instantly exposed.
None of them could escape the perception of the Supreme General of the Tian Men Empire.
Panic erupted.
One after another, cultivators fled at full speed.
No matter how tempting the treasures were, they meant nothing in the face of death.
Those who had secretly remained behind to gather intelligence were dealt with mercilessly-most did not survive.
Only a handful managed to escape.
General Mu Chen:
"Tch... careless of me to let some slip away."
Then he laughed heartily.
"But no matter. Let them live. They will serve as messengers."
His eyes gleamed with cold amusement.
"Let the entire land know-that within the Tian Men Empire... a monster has been born."
"Hahahahahaha!"
.....
...
Xue Jing was clearly unsettled. Even he was unable to sense Wu Ming's movement at all. Wu Ming had already appeared beside General Mu Chen without anyone noticing-not even Mu Chen himself. This was no longer something that could be described as merely difficult to deal with; it had far surpassed the limits of what they could even comprehend.
Wu Ming's expression was calm, faintly amused, and chillingly indifferent. Even so, it only made him appear more composed and striking. He walked forward unhurriedly, each step slow and casual, as though nothing in the world demanded his haste. When he stopped, he was standing only five steps away from Xue Jing.
The movement itself seemed simple-nothing special, nothing excessive-yet the pressure it carried was impossible to ignore. An indescribable force weighed down on the mind, unsettling the heart and tightening the breath. It was the kind of instinctive fear that arose when a small creature stood before a superior predator-paralyzed, unable to move, not from reason, but from terror embedded deep within the soul.
Xue Jing: "Uh... I-I..."
"You are the Patriarch of the Xue Family, and the father of Xue Ying. Is that correct?"
Xue Jing: "Y-Yes... yes, Young Master Wu... hehe..."
Xue Jing had never expected such overwhelming psychological pressure. His emotions churned violently, anxiety gnawing at his mind. No matter how much resentment or anger he harbored, it was all suppressed the moment he stood before Wu Ming. Just a few calm words and casual questions were enough to make him feel as though he were being crushed by an invisible aura. His voice trembled, stuttering like someone who had lost control of his own tongue.
"Hahahahaha!"
Wu Ming: "Patriarch Xue, there is no need to panic. Your son is still alive and physically intact. Although I have taken him as collateral, I have not harmed his body. He is currently confined within the underground prison of my estate. If you are willing to compensate or make an exchange, I will naturally return him to you."
Xue Jing: "Hehe... of course, of course. Please, Young Master Wu Ming, state your terms. Whatever proposal you have for my son's release, feel free to name it."
In his heart, Xue Jing was filled with anger and regret for having indulged his son's reckless behavior. Yet he had never imagined that within this place there existed a hidden dragon-one with claws sharp enough to tear reality apart. At this point, he could no longer even blame his son alone. Before he could think further, Wu Ming's voice sounded again.
Wu Ming: "I have decided. I will accept compensation in the form of valuable assets from your Xue Family."
Xue Jing's face lit up in relief. Compared to his worst fears, this demand seemed manageable. The Xue Family possessed a near-fourth-rank alchemist; resources, wealth, and medicinal supplies flowed endlessly.
Xue Jing: "Then how much does Young Master Wu Ming require? Please, speak freely."
Wu Ming: "Seventy percent of the Xue Family's total assets."
Xue Jing's smile froze. In an instant, his expression darkened, his heart sinking into despair. Rage surged violently within him-this demand was nothing short of ruthless greed.
Xue Jing forced a strained smile. "Young Master Wu, please reconsider. Such a demand would cripple my family entirely. Perhaps... ten percent instead?"
Wu Ming: "I've reconsidered. Seventy-five percent."
Xue Jing: "Twenty percent!"
The negotiation escalated rapidly. Wu Ming's demands rose steadily, while Xue Jing struggled upward in far smaller increments. In the end, desperation forced Xue Jing to state his final offer.
Xue Jing: "Forty percent! That is the absolute limit! I can give no more-please, I beg you to consider!"
Wu Ming appeared dissatisfied, which only made Xue Jing's anxiety worsen. If not for Wu Ming's terrifying strength, Xue Jing would have torn him apart on the spot.
Wu Ming sighed, as though deeply conflicted. "Forty percent, then."
Xue Jing nearly collapsed in relief-but it lasted only a moment.
Wu Ming: "However, you will hand over the assets first. Only then will I return your son. Otherwise, there will be no exchange."
Xue Jing shouted in anger and alarm. "What do you mean by that?! This is blatant coercion! If you take the assets first, you could renegotiate at any time while my son remains in your grasp! And you dare do this while the Imperial General is present?!"
Wu Ming: "Who is coercing whom? If I lacked the power to control time and space, do you truly believe you would be standing here negotiating? I would have been torn apart by your clan long ago. Don't pretend you don't understand the situation."
Xue Jing retorted bitterly. "You know you are untouchable now. No family would dare provoke you. If that's the case, why go this far? Haven't you already eliminated all threats?"
Wu Ming's gaze sharpened. "Do not test my patience and force me to annul this deal. Just because you won't act doesn't mean others won't. Assassins exist. There are those who kill for coin without end. Speak another word, and this agreement is void."
Xue Jing raged inwardly. Damn it... this brat leaves me no room at all. In the end, he had no choice.
"Take it."
Thud.
Wu Ming caught the spatial ring Xue Jing threw over. Inside was a vast storage space filled with treasures-gold, weapons, artifacts-all high-grade valuables essential for survival and trade in this world. Wu Ming inspected it briefly, satisfied.
Wu Ming: "Excellent. Then our agreement is complete. Now, let us go retrieve your son. Please follow me... and if you are concerned, General Mu Chen is welcome to accompany us."
General Mu Chen: "Oh? Very well. I was curious whether your clan held anything of interest anyway."
Wu Ming: "After all, your Xue Family has quite the reputation for hidden treasures."
General Mu Chen: "Hahaha! Better than standing around with nothing to do."
They descended into a dim structure resembling a modest building, leading downward into an underground passage. Lights ignited one by one, revealing strange inscriptions etched into the walls. Most of the prison cells were empty; some held only scattered bones-remnants of traitors and criminals who would never again see daylight.
From the deepest chamber, agonized sounds echoed-raw, broken, and unbearable.
Xue Jing: "T-That voice... that's my son! Didn't you say you hadn't harmed him?! Why does he sound like this?!"
He rushed forward without waiting, only to freeze in utter horror at what lay before him. Even General Mu Chen stood speechless.
Retch-
General Mu Chen: "What in the heavens is this... I've seen battlefields piled with corpses, yet nothing has ever made me this sick-"
Violent retching.
Xue Jing's vision spun. The sight shattered him completely.
Wu Ming: "It seems the medicine was... stronger than expected."
Xue Jing: "W-What did you give my son?! How could he end up in such a miserable state?!"
Wu Ming spoke innocently, as if unaware. "Nothing much. Just a potent concoction-its effects won't fade without release. With no remedy available, certain... instincts were amplified. I simply provided an outlet. Judging by the results, he seemed quite... engaged."
Xue Jing could no longer speak. Shame, fury, and despair collided violently within him.
"You-You-! You are cruel... vicious... despicable!"
He collapsed to the ground, clutching his head. As the Patriarch of the Xue Family-and as a father-his dignity was utterly destroyed. If word of this ever spread, the entire Quan Dian City would become a sea of ridicule.
...
....
.....