The Strong Gathered (Two-in-One)

The news of Yi Yun's return to Tai'a Divine City spread throughout the Tai'a Divine City in just half a day.

Newcomers might not have any concept of the name Yi Yun, but for those who have completed the second year of trials, especially for Yi Yun's enemies, it was a different story.

This name is etched in my memory!

"This guy is still alive!"

At this moment, several people with gloomy faces were gathered in a small courtyard.

The three people sitting in the chairs were Li Hong, Yang Dingkun, and Yang Yuefeng.

Yang Dingkun and Yang Yuefeng are brothers, both from the Prince Chu's Estate. Yang Dingkun made a bet with Yi Yun while Yi Yun and Li Hong were fighting, and ended up losing a lot of money, even losing the <True Understanding of Laws>, and was punished by his Lineage.

Yang Yuefeng, in his most prized area of Savage Heaven Technique, had his face ripped off by Yi Yun.

However, the one who hated Yi Yun the most was not these people. Standing in the corner of the courtyard was a sinister young man covered in scars and missing an arm.

He is Yang Haoran.

Ten months ago, in the Cold Pond of Falling Star Abyss, he was suddenly attacked by a group of Strange Fish that rushed over. His whole body was torn apart and bloodied, with chunks of flesh being ripped off his body!

Just thinking about that experience is like a nightmare!

Driven by a burning anger that refused to die, he struggled to break free of the Cold Pond and ultimately survived.

He escaped the tiger's jaws, but all the skin and flesh on his body were gone, leaving only bloody, mangled muscles—a truly gruesome sight!

One of his arms was also torn off by a large fish.

Losing an arm is Yang Haoran's greatest pain; how can a martial artist practice martial arts with incomplete limbs?

There are rare Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that can regenerate an arm, but they are extremely expensive. Even the Yang family would have a hard time obtaining them.

Moreover, even if one were to obtain a regenerated arm, it would still be just a mortal arm, requiring re-forging.

The hardships and pain involved are unimaginable!

Yang Haoran hated it all—he hated the Strange Fish, he hated everything!

Originally, Yang Haoran was bitten so badly that he was caught off guard and didn't even think about why he was suddenly attacked by the Strange Fish.

However, after he recovered from his injuries, he recalled that terrible nightmare. He remembered that day in the water, he first heard a loud bang, and then he saw a radiant light.

Within the light, an arrow flew towards him, with some green things attached to it, like blades of grass.

The arrows didn't hit him; instead, they passed by him a short distance away. But what followed the arrows were those terrifying, Strange Fish!

As Yang Haoran recalled the scene, he became increasingly certain that something had happened. The fluctuation of vital energy must have come from a martial artist, not a wild beast.

Yang Haoran slowly remembered the grass blades on the arrow; they were the Beast Luring Grass he had used before!

Suddenly, Yang Haoran understood.

The Strange Fish was someone else deliberately diverting trouble and harming themselves; as for the arrows...

Of that group, only Yi Yun used a bow and arrow!

Yang Haoran's anger was brewing at that time; he wanted Yi Yun to pay for his crimes in blood!

However, Yi Yun disappeared afterward, and may even have died in Falling Star Abyss, which slightly lessened Yang Haoran's anger.

This is a case of Yi Yun reaping what he sowed.

Although Yang Haoran was unwilling to take revenge himself, Yang Haoran that if Yi Yun really came back, there was nothing he could do about Yi Yun.

He had no evidence, and even if he had, he couldn't accuse Yi Yun, because it was Yang Haoran first attracted the Mutated Three-Eyed Spider.

In reality, because of this, Yang Haoran is under immense pressure from the Duke of Zhenguo's Lineage, where Chu Xiaoran belongs, and the reclusive Lineage, where Qiu Niu belongs.

Although the Yang family has royal blood, they are struggling to cope with the combined pressure from two powerful families. In addition, Yang Haoran is physically disabled, and there is even a risk that he will be abandoned by his Lineage.

This plunged Yang Haoran into a state of extreme distress.

In the past few months, Yang Haoran has been too preoccupied with his own problems to think about how to take revenge on Yi Yun.

Fortunately, as time went on, the likelihood of Yi Yun dying increased.

However... of all things, Yi Yun is back today!

And apart from being a little disheveled, he was completely unharmed!

But looking at myself, I feel like a stray dog with a broken leg!

This stark contrast nearly drove Yang Haoran to madness!

"Haoran, don't be impulsive..."

Yang Yuefeng patted Yang Haoran on the shoulder.

After Yang Haoran became disabled, he became somewhat manic and abnormal. Yang Yuefeng was the most senior among them, and these people implicitly regarded Yang Yuefeng as their leader.

"Gentlemen, we're all in the same camp now. With Yi Yun's return, we don't know how much his strength has increased. If he grows stronger in the future, there will truly be no place for us in Tai'a Divine City."

The talent cultivation strategy of Tai'a Divine City is similar to Gu cultivation. Everything here is subject to competition. Many trial participants band together and form gangs in order to resist this competitive pressure.

They are already mortal enemies with Yi Yun. Once Yi Yun grows up and even ranks among the top on the Heaven and Earth Ranking, their lives will be much more difficult.

Li Hong, "Yi Yun has already reported to the elders. I heard that he described himself as having been trapped in one place for ten months, which is why he hasn't returned..."

"Trapped for ten months? Heh... Judging from his appearance upon returning, he must have gone through a great ordeal. This little bastard is tough. He'll definitely be aiming for the Earth Ranking this time. Let's see what rank he gets before deciding how to deal with him in the future."

"The Earthly Ranking..." Yang Dingkun gritted his teeth, "If only he dared to challenge me, what a pity..."

After the previous generation of disciples left, Yang Dingkun's ranking on the Earth Ranking had already entered the top forty.

This ranking is still extremely far away for those who have completed the second year of trials. People like Qiu Niu and Chu Xiaoran are only ranked between 700 and 900.

In Yang Dingkun's view, Yi Yun was far from being able to challenge the top 100 on the Earth Ranking, which meant that he would never have the chance to fight Yi Yun.

"You brat, where have you been for the past ten months?!"

In the Central Divine Tower, Cang Yan pinched Yi Yun's hair, "Heh! Kid, you've grown taller."

Cang Yan was short in stature; now he was even shorter than Yi Yun.

Yi Yun felt somewhat helpless; he had been listening to the old man ramble on for quite some time.

Regarding the explanation of the Fire Hell, Yi Yun dared not say that he had entered the deepest part of the Fire Hell.

The Pure Yang Energy in that place was too concentrated. Yi Yun was able to penetrate deep into it only by using the Purple Crystal to separate the Pure Yang Fire. Otherwise, even a sage would have to consume a lot of vital energy to enter.

Yi Yun had no choice but to say that he had been sucked into an unknown space, which was the only way to explain why his identity badge had lost contact.

This piqued Cang Yan's interest, and he had already decided that in a few days he would team up with Jian Ge to explore the Fire Prison again.

This gave Yi Yun a headache. He felt that he had tricked the old man, and that he would never find the so-called "unknown space".

Cang Yan asked many more questions about this "unknown space." Yi Yun gave some vague descriptions.

Such a place is inherently ethereal and elusive; it's normal that Yi Yun, with his cultivation level, couldn't explain its existence. Cang Yan naturally wouldn't press Yi Yun for answers based on the slightest suspicion.

"How's it going? When are you going to try your luck on the rankings? Let's see how your ten months of cultivation have gone!" Cang Yan was eager to see Yi Yun's current strength.

"I don't want to aim for the top spots on the regional charts for now."

"Not aiming for the Earthly Ranking? What are you planning to do?" Cang Yan stroked his beard, somewhat displeased.

"I plan to go to the Sword Tomb."

"Sword Tomb!?" Cang Yan's eyes widened. "Weren't you doing quite well with the Blade Tomb? Why are you going to the Sword Tomb?"

Cang Yan was speechless. This Yi Yun was truly a handful.

He hadn't even grasped the essence of the Blade Tomb yet, and now he was already thinking about the Sword Tomb. "What's wrong with you, kid? You're not thinking of abandoning the blade for a sword, are you? Or... do you want to cultivate both blades?"

Thinking of this, Cang Yan really wanted to pry open Yi Yun's head and see what kind of nonsense this kid was thinking.

For a martial artist, it's already quite remarkable if they can thoroughly master just one weapon in their lifetime.

To cultivate two weapons together is truly a foolish idea; it's a thankless task.

Even the sages of the Tai'a Divine Kingdom have never done this before. Of course, it's normal for some people to also practice archery or hidden weapons. Generally, bows and hidden weapons are just auxiliary weapons used for ranged attacks, and they can play a miraculous role in critical moments.

"I just wanted to see if I could get some inspiration from the Sword Tomb," Yi Yun said vaguely.

Even with Yi Yun's explanation, Cang Yan remained stern. "Kid, last time I asked you to choose Totem Secret Method, you picked the <Myriad Beast Catalog> for me. Now, the <Myriad Beast Catalog> is barely a thing of the past, and instead of considering a more reliable Totem Secret Method, you're eyeing the Sword Tomb again. You're really something!"

Cang Yan was also worried that Yi Yun would learn too much, too many things, and too profound, and in the end, he would waste his time.

However, no matter what Cang Yan said, Yi Yun insisted that he wanted to go to the Sword Tomb, as it would broaden his horizons and give him some inspiration.

Finally, Cang Yan couldn't resist Yi Yun's insistence and said fiercely, "Fine! I'll let you enter the Sword Tomb once! But let me make this clear: after you come out of the Sword Tomb, you'd better go and try to climb the Earth Ranking. If you can't get into the top 500, no! Top 400! No! Top 300! If you can't get into the top 300, then you'd better focus on mastering sword techniques and choose a new set of Totem Secret Method. Don't even think about doing anything else in the future!"

Cang Yan said angrily. He could tell that Yi Yun's cultivation was still at the Purple Blood Peak, which was slightly inferior to Chu Xiaoran and Qiu Niu.

Even if Yi Yun's talent is better than Chu Xiaoran's and Qiu Niu's, and his strength exceeds the sum of Qiu Niu's and Chu Xiaoran's, he would only be able to reach the top 500 at most.

It's important to know that those who rank in the top 500 of the Earth Ranking are basically trial participants at the peak of the early Origin Foundation Realm. The difference between Purple Blood and Origin Foundation Realm when you are at the peak of Purple Blood Peak is unimaginable.

However, more than 500 is not enough.

Cang Yan was afraid that Yi Yun might have some kind of extraordinary encounter and suddenly break into the top 400, which would make the kid smug again.

Therefore, Cang Yan deliberately set the goal of being in the top 300 in order to dispel some of Yi Yun's unrealistic ideas and prevent him from being overly ambitious.

Cang Yan was surprised that Yi Yun would readily agree to the goal she had deliberately set for herself, saying, "Okay!"

"Huh?" Cang Yan originally thought Yi Yun would be furious, but he didn't expect him to agree so readily.

This kid, so confident?

Cang Yan was a little dumbfounded, then he snorted twice, a malicious smile appearing on his lips.

This kid probably doesn't know what the top 300 on the Earth Ranking are like. There are many mid-stage Origin Foundation Realm trial participants who can't even get into the top 300. He's underestimating his opponents and being arrogant. You'll regret it!

Cang Yan thought this was a good idea. It would be good for Yi Yun to experience some setbacks, so that he wouldn't think he could do anything every day.

The birthday banquet of the Lord of Tai'a Divine City is drawing ever closer.

That afternoon, a giant Floating Sky Ship flew over Tai'a Divine City. The airship was two hundred feet long and covered with black scales, like a huge aerial monster.

As it swept across the Tai'a Divine City, it cast a huge shadow.

This is...

The trial participants from Tai'a Divine City looked up at the flying ship, somewhat bewildered. The flying ship was not a standard flying ship of Tai'a Divine City, and it was also much larger than the standard flying ship.

Faced with this aerial monster, many people couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and insignificance.

Some noticed a strange symbol engraved on the side of this enormous flying ship, resembling a dark cloud with a soaring black dragon within it.

"Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom!"

Upon seeing this sign, some well-informed people exclaimed in astonishment.

The Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom borders the Tai'a Divine Kingdom. The Tai'a Divine Kingdom is to the east, and the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom is to the west. The common northern border between the two countries is the vast and endless Divine Wilderness.

Whether comparing national strength, historical heritage, area, or population, the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom is on par with the Tai'a Divine Kingdom.

When two great powers come together, conflict is inevitable due to factors such as resources and land. However, under the threat of the Divine Wilderness, the two countries have no choice but to maintain peace, or at least dare not wage a large-scale war, in order to resist the occasional massive Beast Tide that the Divine Wilderness might unleash.

Therefore, the relationship between the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom and the Tai'a Divine Kingdom can be described as one of both competition and cooperation.

People never expected that the giant flying ship of the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom would actually fly to Tai'a Divine City.

This flying boat must be the royal flying boat of the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom. The fact that the envoy of the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom appeared in Tai'a Divine City and dispatched such a flying boat is a demonstration of national power. It also means that the person sitting on the flying boat must be a big shot of the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom!

"The distance between the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom and the Tai'a Divine City is quite far. What are their envoys doing in the Tai'a Divine City?" someone asked instinctively.

"Hmm? Could it be for the city lord's birthday banquet!"

One person had a flash of inspiration, and upon hearing it, everyone thought it was possible.

That must be it. The biggest event in Tai'a Divine City recently is the city lord's birthday banquet.

"That's strange. The Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom and my Tai'a Divine Kingdom don't have a very good relationship. Why would they send an envoy to offer birthday wishes to the City Lord?"

Some observant people noticed something amiss...

At this moment, aboard this giant airship, in a lavishly decorated hall...

A fat man dressed in a yellow robe was tearing into a roasted wild beast leg that was over a meter long. The leg was half-cooked and still had traces of bright red blood.

As the fat man in yellow tore at the beast meat with his mouth, he looked down at the group of Tai'a Divine City trial participants who were discussing amongst themselves outside the porthole.

From his perspective, the bustling crowd below looked like ants under his feet.

"So these are the trial participants from Tai'a Divine City! They don't seem that impressive to me."

The fat man in yellow chuckled foolishly, stuck out his excessively long tongue, licked the traces of wild beast blood from the corner of his mouth, and a mischievous and playful glint flashed in his eyes.

Behind the fat man in yellow was a young girl dressed in a magnificent purple palace gown, looking like a princess.

She held a tall, glassy wine cup in her hand, gently sipping the bright red liquid inside, a captivating smile playing on her lips. "His Majesty the Divine Wilderness said that the status of Tai'a Divine City in the Tai'a Divine Kingdom is equivalent to that of our Seventy-Two Towers of Cloud Dragon in the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom. Don't underestimate them."

"Haha, whatever. We're here to celebrate a birthday, not to fight. Of course, if necessary, it's only polite to see what they're capable of."

The fat man in yellow spoke casually, while the girl in palace attire shook her head slightly, "It's not a simple birthday celebration. This time, the Lord of Seven Stars Tower has come personally to discuss an agreement with the City Lord of Tai'a Divine City. It's said to be related to a mysterious figure who has suddenly appeared recently..."

"Haha, that's a matter for the higher-ups, I don't care. At the birthday banquet, I'll just eat my meat. Of course, if there's a fight, you'll have to call me!"

As the fat man spoke, he tore off a piece of meat the size of a chicken and ate it in no time. He finished the entire meter-long beast leg in a short while, casually wiped his greasy hands on his clothes, glanced at the corner of the hall, and said, "What do you think, Bai?"

In the corner of the hall sat a pale-faced young man dressed in black, his legs casually apart, knees bent, hands resting on his knees, and a long, dark Longsword leaning against his legs.

His head was slightly lowered, and his hair hung down, obscuring his eyes and making it impossible to see his face.

He was unusually quiet in the hall, so quiet that one could hardly perceive his presence.

"Uh..." Faced with the silent boy in black, the fat man in yellow swallowed hard, choking a little. He had actually tried to talk to this guy; he had just made a fool of himself...

Just then, the hall door was pushed open, and a tall man walked in expressionlessly. He was wearing a heavy fur cloak with the collar turned up high, and long, hard military boots with animal bone soles. The boots made a "clattering" sound as they stepped on the ground.

"We're here, let's get off!"

Both the fat man in yellow and the girl in palace attire became respectful in the face of this man.

"Yes, Tower Master."

The pale-faced boy sitting in the corner slowly stood up.

The hatch opened, and the four people flew straight to the Central Divine Tower in a beam of energy.

"Someone flew out!"

In the Tai'a Divine City, people gazed into the distance, wondering who these people were who had descended; they must be important figures from the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom...

People thought this way, but they did not expect that in the following days, Floating Sky Ship of unknown forces would occasionally fly to Tai'a Divine City, and many people would get off and take up residence in the Central Divine Tower.

Most of these forces displayed their own symbols, some of which were recognizable. Besides the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom, there was also the Heavenly Light Dynasty, a country much smaller than the Cloud Dragon Divine Kingdom, but still not to be underestimated.

In addition, there were also envoys from some independent Lineage.

These independent Lineage do not belong to any country, but they have profound heritage; a single Lineage can be compared to a nation!

Some Lineage have existed for as long as the Tai'a Divine Kingdom, and they have also wielded a terrifying power that cannot be ignored.

The number of people is increasing; it's truly a gathering of outstanding individuals!

This greatly alarmed the trial participants of Tai'a Divine City. Why was the city lord's birthday banquet being held with such grandeur?

Empress, another important figure appeared, and the identity of this person made many of the trial participants in Tai'a Divine City hold their breath.

He is the Current Crown Prince Tai'a Divine Kingdom!

The royal family of the Tai'a Divine Kingdom has countless members, and among the trial participants in Tai'a Divine City alone, there are countless people with the surname Yang.

Many of these prodigies surnamed Yang have royal bloodlines.

But compared to the Current Crown Prince, they were all insignificant.

Regardless of status, identity, or ability!

The current Crown Prince is over three thousand years old. He was selected from thousands of direct descendants of the royal family. He possesses extraordinary talent and has received the royal family's full support. Now, he is only one step away from being named Human Race Sage.

Once he becomes a saint, the current emperor will pass the throne to him.

The Crown Prince's status in the Tai'a Divine Kingdom is self-evident!

"Even the Crown Prince has arrived! This is incredible!"

People realized that this event might be the biggest event they would ever witness in their lives!

(5500 words, let's call this two chapters combined. There's still one more chapter to go, I'll try to finish it before midnight.)

...(To be continued~^~)