Tremors in All Directions

"Junior Brother Changgeng, are you alright?"

Xuan Ren True Monarch noticed that his junior brother's face was deathly pale, almost devoid of any color.

His hands were clenched tightly into fists, and both arms trembled slightly.

"I'm fine."

Gao Changgeng practically forced out those three words through clenched teeth.

Seemingly noticing her senior brother's worried gaze, she replied, "Thank you for your concern, senior brother. I'm just a little... surprised."

To say I was surprised wouldn't be a lie.

However, in reality, Gao Changgeng's heart was in turmoil.

"Junior brother has always been competitive, but this time you must not take it too seriously."

Xuan Ren True Monarch knew his junior brother's personality well. "I've long heard that this Daoist Xiao follows the Path of Enlightenment."

"After breaking through to the Nascent Soul, one should be able to cast Law Technique more powerfully than ordinary people."

"To put it bluntly, Fellow Daoist Xiao is different from others; he is an extremely rare exception."

"We don't need to compare ourselves to him; we just need to focus on doing our best."

Gao Changgeng pursed his lips, and finally nodded in silence.

He certainly understood this principle, but it was still a little hard for him to accept for the time being.

For a long time, he considered himself the number one young person in the Storm Sea.

He didn't take the chief disciples and Sword Child of other sects seriously at all.

They even regarded those people as a rabble and did not consider them as opponents at all.

Gao Changgeng was absolutely certain that he would be able to break through to the True Lord realm.

Therefore, only the other True Lord cultivators could catch his eye and become his rivals in comparison with himself.

Although such a thought was arrogant, he did indeed have the right to be arrogant.

Just the fact that he was able to become Nascent Soul True Lord before the age of fifty already puts him ahead of most Nascent Soul True Lord.

Moreover, compared to those people, Gao Changgeng's future potential is undoubtedly much greater.

Because they are young enough, they have more time to Condense True Essence and prepare for breaking through subsequent bottlenecks.

Moreover, as a Sword Cultivator, he has always been known for his exceptional skill in killing.

When facing cultivators of the same level, Sword Cultivator are often among the strongest in combat ability.

Many Sword Cultivator are even capable of challenging and defeating opponents of higher levels.

Therefore, when Gao Changgeng was faced with Xiao Chen's question, he immediately reached for the hilt of his sword, wanting to draw it to bolster his own courage.

After all, in his view, even if a fight broke out, he might not necessarily be at a disadvantage.

He even had the mentality of using Xiao Chen as a testing ground for his own abilities.

To be honest, most Sword Cultivator have this thought. It's just that they've suffered quite a few setbacks in their daily lives, which makes them even more aware of their true strength.

As a result, Gao Changgeng watched helplessly as Xiao Chen killed four Yin Corpse Sect Nascent Soul True Lord from the Yin Corpse Sect in just a few rounds.

Almost incidentally, he also killed the disruptive Shu Yu True Monarch with a Formation Flag palm strike.

You should know that Shu Yu True Monarch is a Nascent Soul Middle Stage for many years!

Gao Changgeng was also aware that if he were to fight against Shu Yu True Monarch, he would most likely be at a disadvantage and defeated.

However, even such a veteran Nascent Soul True Lord was powerless against Xiao Chen.

What if it were him?

If he had actually drawn his Flying Sword and shown hostility towards the other party, the consequences would have been unpredictable.

Thinking of this, Gao Changgeng felt both fear and anger, and a complex mix of emotions welled up inside him.

On the one hand, he did realize just how foolish he had just done.

On the other hand, he found it hard to accept that he could ever be in such a sorry state.

His actions just now must have been seen by the other True Lord present.

How would they view themselves?

Even if they don't openly mock them, they're probably secretly laughing at their own overestimation of their abilities.

Damn it, it's all because of Xiao Chen who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

It's all because of him that I made such a fool of myself in front of everyone and lost so much face.

If everything that happened today were to spread, wouldn't he be ridiculed by the whole world?

The more Gao Changgeng thought about it, the angrier he became. An unnamed fire immediately ignited in his heart, turning all the ridicule and humiliation he had suffered into a raging rage.

He himself was well aware of this.

With his current strength, he is not strong enough to fight against Xiao Chen. He needs to wash away his humiliation and regain his dignity by trampling Xiao Chen under his feet.

Thinking about it this way, Gao Changgeng became even angrier, and his breathing became even heavier.

Damn you, Xiao Chen, you just wait!

Don't get too cocky, and don't give me the chance, or I'll make you pay!

"Senior brother, I suddenly remembered there's something I haven't done yet."

Gao Changgeng suppressed all his hatred and said as calmly as possible, "So I have to go back to the sect first."

Without waiting for Xuan Ren True Monarch's reply, he turned and left.

Pulling Mu Yayang along, they flew away on their swords and disappeared into the distant horizon.

At this moment, the other True Lord were all waiting outside in tacit agreement, patiently waiting for Xiao Chen to come out.

Suddenly noticing someone leaving, they all glanced sideways in surprise.

Many people were still savoring the battle that had just taken place, but it was only after being reminded of Gao Changgeng's actions that they remembered them.

Then, by combining this with the other person's usual words and actions, I could instantly guess what he was thinking.

So they either shook their heads slightly, sighed inwardly, or exchanged smiles with their fellow disciples.

Everything is understood without words.

Of course, many cultivators chose to leave this place, but only Gao Changgeng was a Nascent Soul True Lord.

After all, this battle at the Heavenly Sound Sect took place in full view of everyone.

Besides the Nascent Soul True Lord, there were also many disciples from various forces and independent cultivators observing the situation from a distance.

They were also drawn by the commotion caused during the earlier charge into the formation.

Then he witnessed firsthand how Xiao Chen single-handedly defeated five opponents, directly annihilating the Yin Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect.

Seeing that the battle had come to an end, some people chose to stay and continue watching.

The other group hurriedly dispersed in all directions.

Almost without waiting, they informed their relatives and friends of what was happening here and reminded them to prepare in advance.

After all, for the Nascent Soul True Lords, this incident had already come to an end with Xiao Chen's display of divine power.

However, for the lower-level cultivators...

With the collapse of the two dominant powers, a series of upheavals and reshuffling are just beginning.

Therefore, many Golden Core cultivator generously used their Sound Transmission Flying Sword and other spiritual items to transmit the events that occurred here to distant places as quickly as possible.

Those cultivators who received the message or letter also spread the news as quickly as possible.

Within just a few hours.

The title of Demon Burning True Monarch spread throughout the entire Inner Sea like a hurricane.

"What did you say?"

Golden Whip True Monarch was feeding the new breed of Spirit Beast in the Spirit Beast Garden when he heard this and suddenly turned around, almost spilling the Spirit Fruit in his hand.

"Both the Yin Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect have been utterly crushed by the Demon Burning True Monarch!"

The Elder from the Golden Haze Sect, who was in charge of the report, lowered his head, concealing his equally shocked expression.

Inside the Demon Subduing Sword Sect.

The old sect leader held the Sound Transmission Flying Sword that Ling Tianyi had sent back, feeling extremely conflicted.

He sat there blankly for a long time before finally sighing, "Ah, perhaps this is fate."

"It is fate that the time for my Demon Subduing Sword Sect to revive has not yet come."

"In that case, let Tianyi and the others worry about the future."

On the island where the Flame Manipulation School is located.

A young disciple rushed to the back mountain. "Master, breaking news!"

"A newly promoted Nascent Soul Cultivator, whose Dharma Name is Demon Burning True Monarch, single-handedly killed a total of five Nascent Soul True Lord."

"The Yin Corpse Sect is now nearly wiped out, and the Lightless Sea is leaderless!"

Upon hearing this, the current Sect Master of the Flame Manipulation School Sect nearly popped his eyes out. "How is this possible?"

Do you know what you're saying?

Since sending their successors into the world, they have collected a wealth of information about the major sects of the Storm Sea.

They even considered at one point whether they could replace one of the sects.

Therefore, the Sect Master of the Flame Manipulation School was very clear about just how powerful the Yin Corpse Sect was.

In particular, the fact that the other party had a top-tier True Lord had already cultivated to the Nascent Soul Great Perfection made him quite wary and he found it difficult to deal with.

"This intelligence was sent back by my senior brother. Please take a look, Master!"

However, the disciples below respectfully handed over the secret report.

"To fight five opponents single-handedly and consecutively kill two Nascent Soul Late Stage True Lord Cultivation Realm were higher than his own?"

The Sect Master of the Flame Manipulation School quickly flipped through the intelligence report sent back by Xiang Yiyang, still finding it hard to believe. "This shouldn't be, it doesn't make sense."

"This is simply impossible!"

"Send more people to investigate. I need to know the entire battle, down to every single round they exchanged and every Spirit Artifact they used!"

Upon hearing this order, the disciples below fell silent for a moment.

Then he reminded him, "Master, Senior Brother has already attached the details on the back."

Um?

The Sect Master of the Flame Manipulation School Sect stared at the few thin pages of intelligence in his hand, and paused for a moment.

Then, as if realizing something, he turned the intelligence report over with slightly trembling hands.

Then I saw that on the back of the letter, the entire battle process was simply and clearly described in just a few lines.

After all, it didn't take many rounds; it was a complete and utter domination from start to finish.

Such a victory is simply unheard of.

After witnessing the battle, the Sect Master of the Flame Manipulation School still couldn't believe it. "This has never been heard of in thousands of years!"

"It's just like a legend from Ancient Times."

Such an event, which can be described as an High Antiquity legend, would naturally not stop within the Storm Sea, but would spread further to the outside world.

The boundary between the Storm Sea and the Kunpeng Sea.

On a secluded island occupied by the Jade Dawn Sect and unknown to outsiders, the communication array suddenly lit up.

A moment later, the guardian arrived at the center of the island and handed over a piece of intelligence.

"Sect Master Brother, this Xiao Chen is simply terrifying!"

"Many geniuses make rapid progress when they first begin cultivating, but their progress slows down as they go on, especially after reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, where they often get stuck for a period of time."

"But he has only been at the Nascent Soul for less than five years, and he has already broken through Minor Bottleneck to advance to the Nascent Soul Middle Stage."

"Absolutely a once-in-a-million-years genius!"

"I think we should immediately send someone to contact him, to increase understanding and to smooth things over in advance."

"If you ask me, the best thing would be to invite him to come and be our guest."

"My third senior brother is at the edge of the Storm Sea. Why don't I send him a message and ask him to put aside his current affairs and go to the Storm Sea to pay a visit to this Daoist Xiao?"

The defender spoke a long string of words in one breath.

However, the current Sect Master of the Jade Dawn Sect gently shook his head. "No rush, let's discuss this later."

The guardian looked anxious upon seeing this. "Sect Master Brother, such a peerless genius will surely become a very important figure in the future."

"If we arrive too late, he might be bewitched by another sect first."

"Such a talented individual has not appeared for many years; we must not miss this opportunity."

The situation of Hidden Dao Heritage differs from that of sects in the outside world.

Because they hide themselves, they have very little or no contact with the outside world.

Therefore, while the communication array might be managed by the Internal Affairs Elder in the outside world, it would be guarded by dedicated guardians within some Hidden Dao Heritage.

At the same time, although the defenders may not have high status, they have a great deal of say in external affairs.

I often participate in discussions on related issues and offer my own judgments for reference.

"Junior brother, please calm down."

The Sect Master of the Jade Dawn Sect reached out and pressed down slightly, then explained, "How could I not know that such a peerless genius is a once-in-a-million-years talent?"

"But think about it, since Xiao Chen is so rare..."

"That will inevitably attract attention from all directions; it's impossible that we're the only ones noticing him."

Instead of rushing to visit, it's better to wait and see how other people react.

"How about this, you send a message to your third junior brother. If we really can't find that fifth-grade spirit medicine, let's just put it aside for now."

"Tell him to settle his affairs as soon as possible, and then go to the Storm Sea to wait for the right opportunity."

"Also, inform Sixth Junior Sister and ask her to find out more information about Xiao Chen."

The guardian was taken aback. "Sect Master Brother, Sixth Junior Sister should have already arrived in the Central Region."

"I'm afraid it won't be enough time to get back."

The Sect Master of the Jade Dawn Sect smiled slightly, "No need to come back, I was referring to the Central Region."

Um?

The guardian paused for a moment upon hearing this, then his eyes widened. "Senior brother, do you mean that Xiao Chen might be from the Central Region?"

"That's right, such amazing talent doesn't seem like that of a native of the Eastern Domain."

The Sect Master the Jade Dawn Sect vehemently denied it. "That's not necessarily true."

"I just feel that such important news certainly wouldn't just circulate within the Eastern Domain."

His judgment was entirely correct.

As news about Xiao Chen spread far and wide, some unassuming cultivators who usually went unnoticed began to take action in secret.

Northern part of the Lightless Sea.

It doesn't even have a unified name, just a vast, boundless sea.

Hidden within a massive reef lies a small, exquisite secret Stronghold.

This Stronghold is the core of the Intelligence Network secretly built in the Western Region.

Deep within the Stronghold, there was Quiet Room where it was almost impossible to see one's hand in front of one's face.

Suddenly, Golden Light flashed in the Quiet Room, and a masked Golden Core cultivator appeared.

As soon as he entered, he shouted, "Help! I have important information! Help!"

"What intelligence is causing you such a fuss?"

A hoarse, androgynous voice echoed from the darkness, "If you can't give me a straight answer, today I'll let you taste my little darlings again."

Upon hearing this, the masked cultivator's face turned deathly pale.

He immediately shuddered involuntarily, as if he had imagined something extremely terrifying.

However, his expression quickly turned to joy. "I have the latest intelligence to provide, it's important news about the Nascent Soul True Lord in the Eastern Domain."

"Just three hours ago, that Newly Promoted True Monarch named ' Xiao Chen ' broke into the Heavenly Sound Sect."

"In less than half an hour, they killed five True Lord and completely annihilated the Yin Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Sound Sect."

"Slayed five True Lord in succession?"

A hint of obvious doubt crept into his hoarse voice. "Are you sure it's five True Lord? Including that Yang Jiu True Monarch the Yin Corpse Sect?"

In fact, he was already dumbfounded, but the darkness of the Quiet Room concealed his true feelings.

"That's right, I'm telling the truth!"

The masked cultivator hurriedly replied, "Moreover, Xiao Chen appeared extremely relaxed throughout, as if he were handling everything with complete ease."

"It seems they haven't even used their full strength yet."

"If he enters the Vast Sea Secret Realm, he will definitely become one of the most difficult Nascent Soul True Lord to deal with in the Eastern Domain."

"However, I brought a Memory Stone with me, which shows what he looked like when he cast Law Technique."

"Once you get this Memory Stone, you can make targeted preparations."

"See? This information of mine is definitely important enough!"

"Hahaha, such a crucial Memory Stone, shouldn't you give me double the contribution points!"

"I want 20,000 contribution points. Is that too much to ask?"

"Add to what you've saved up before, quickly exchange it for the antidote for the Gu Worm, and that most expensive Breakthrough Spirit Item!"

He acted as a spy to provide intelligence to the Western Region.

Firstly, they are controlled by Gu Worm; if they refuse to cooperate, they will die instantly.

Secondly, they were promised that as long as they worked hard and provided enough crucial intelligence, they would be safe.

Not only can you exchange it for an antidote for the Gu Worm, but you can also exchange it for a Breakthrough Spirit Item to gain the opportunity to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Under duress and enticement, he secretly became a traitor.

"Oh~, you got the Memory Stone related to the battle?"

The hoarse voice seemed both surprised and delighted. "Very good, as long as you're not lying to me, 20,000 contribution points won't be a problem."

Where is it?

The masked monk cautiously stated a condition. "The item is in a place only I know."

"Quickly exchange the antidote for me, and then I will naturally bring the Memory Stone to exchange for Breakthrough Spirit Item with you."

However, after he finished speaking, there was no response from the other end.

I waited for a while in the dark, Quiet Room.

The masked monk suddenly panicked. "Hey, why did you suddenly stop talking?"

"I'm warning you, don't even think about trying any tricks!"

"Only I know the location of that Memory Stone. If you go back on your word, I'd rather die than let you succeed."

Then a few more breaths of silence followed.

Suddenly, a charming female voice rang out in the Quiet Room: "Hehe, were you telling the truth just now?"

"Young man, you mustn't lie to me!"

The masked monk sensed something was amiss. "Who are you?"

The woman's voice didn't answer his question; instead, it became even more alluring. "Who I am is unimportant, but I hate men who lie the most."

"My dear husband, tell me, is it really true that you are the only one who knows the location of that Memory Stone?"

"To be honest, I can give you many rewards you want!"

Even though the masked cultivator wasn't usually interested in women, upon hearing the other person's words, he felt his blood boil and his heart race.

He swallowed hard and composed himself.

Then, he cautiously replied, "Of course I'm telling the truth. There's absolutely no one else who knows the location of that Memory Stone."

What reward can you give me?

Pfft!

The sound of flesh being torn apart rang out.

A slender, white hand pierced through the masked cultivator's abdomen, crushing his Golden Core.

Immediately afterwards, a moist breath quickly approached his ear.

A pale arm draped over his shoulder, and a pink tongue almost touched his temple. "This humble servant can help you remove the Gu Worm from your Golden Core core."

"Oh dear, I hope this won't hurt you?"

The masked cultivator's true energy was in disarray, rendering him incapable of any resistance.

On his deathbed, he asked, unwilling to accept his fate, "Why?"

He didn't understand why the other side wanted to gather information about the Eastern Domain True Lord and study their weaknesses in order to hunt them down in a targeted manner.

They have genuinely offered more than one Breakthrough Spirit Item as a reward to entice more people to cooperate.

In fact, doing so can indeed unleash the potential of these traitors.

This will embolden them and make them work even harder to gather more intelligence.

Therefore, the masked monk did not understand why the other party suddenly changed their mind when it was his turn this time.

His asking price wasn't high, and even if he didn't want to give 20,000 contribution points, shouldn't he at least have killed him outright?

"Because you know too much."

The charming female voice actually answered his question, "So, in order to prevent any further leaks, you'll have to keep your mouth shut."

What?

The masked monk didn't understand what kind of reason that was.

It's just that we're a little late; things like this have happened before.

He had done a lot for them before, and could provide them with a lot of intelligence in the future.

Why should he be silenced for such a reason?

In fact, not only he was unaware, but the hoarse voice from before also seemed puzzled. "He's my right-hand man, is it really necessary to do this?"

When speaking to her own people, the woman's voice lost its coquettishness. "This is the commander's order."

"From now on, we must be extremely careful in everything we do."

"We need to investigate more information about that Xiao Chen."

"And absolutely cannot arouse the other party's suspicion, not even the slightest possibility."

A hoarse voice, filled with shock, asked, "The commander actually values Xiao Chen this much?"

The woman's voice had faded into the distance, leaving only the last sentence.

"It was a young and vibrant body, the perfect cradle in the world!"