The Might of Dragon Domain!

Gu Long's peaceful life near Jia Nan Academy did not last long.

One day, he was in the courtyard teaching Xun Er the endgame techniques of Go when the space before him suddenly rippled faintly.

Immediately afterward, a tall, spear-straight figure stepped out soundlessly.

The newcomer wore silver armor and looked travel-worn, his face cold and resolute.

Though he did his utmost to restrain his aura, the vast pressure that occasionally leaked out still warped the light in the courtyard for an instant.

It was none other than Zhao Yun, who had already broken through to the One Star Dou Venerate realm!

"Lord!"

Zhao Yun dropped to one knee and cupped his fists in salute, his voice steady and powerful, carrying the metallic resonance of clashing steel.

Xun Er's beautiful eyes widened in surprise. She could sense that General Zhao's aura was even more terrifying than that of some ordinary Elders in her clan!

Brother Gu Long actually had such a powerful expert under his command?

Ling Ying's concealed figure also stirred slightly. Clearly, Zhao Yun's strength and his ghostly method of appearing had alarmed him.

"Zi Long, rise." Gu Long set down his chess piece with a faint smile. "It seems this trip yielded quite a harvest."

"Thanks to Lord's blessings, Yun has not failed his mission."

Zhao Yun rose to his feet, swept his gaze over Xun Er, and gave her a slight nod before beginning his report in a deep voice.

"Since receiving Lord's orders, Dragon Domain, under the overall planning of Strategist Zhou Yu, has basically completed the covert integration of the Northwest Continent."

Gu Long's eyes flickered slightly, signaling him to continue.

"At present, Dragon Domain's core combat forces number fifty thousand battle-ready soldiers. All cultivate the unified Earth-tier Low-grade Cultivation Method, the 'Dragon Blood Battle Art.' With battle formations, they can contend against ordinary armies ten times their number.

"Among them, there are now thirty-seven Dou Wang experts, nine Dou Emperors, and two newly recruited Dou Zongs. Both were independent cultivators who passed testing before being accepted into the core."

Even Ling Ying, hidden in the shadows, secretly drew a sharp breath.

Such power was already comparable to a first-rate faction on the outskirts of the Central Continent!

Moreover, its core members cultivated a unified Earth-tier Cultivation Method. Such resources and cohesion far surpassed those of ordinary sects.

"As for resources," Zhao Yun continued.

"Dragon Domain has complete control over more than seventy percent of the Northwest Continent's mineral deposits, medicinal herb sources, and magical beast resource zones.

"It produces over a hundred million Gold Coins annually, along with countless cultivation resources of every kind.

"Following the strategist's instructions, fifty percent of these resources have been allocated to Dragon Domain's own development, thirty percent have been transported through secret channels to locations designated by Lord, and the remaining twenty percent have been stockpiled to deal with unforeseen circumstances."

Gu Long nodded. Zhou Yu's arrangements were indeed seasoned.

They ensured development, provided him with stable rear support, and kept reserves for emergencies.

"The intelligence network now covers every major city and faction across the Northwest Continent, and has begun infiltrating the border regions of the Central Continent.

"The Imperial Families and major sects of the Jia Ma Empire, Chu Yun Empire, Mu Lan Empire, and other nations are all under surveillance.

"According to intelligence, some Central Continent factions seem to have recently begun taking interest in the Northwest Continent's resources. There are also traces of scattered Soul Hall personnel operating in this region, though they have not yet touched Dragon Domain's core interests."

At the mention of Soul Hall, Gu Long's gaze sharpened slightly.

Those persistent pests truly did have keen noses.

"Furthermore, using the resources under our control, the strategist has heavily supported commerce and established the 'Dragon Travel Business,' which spans the Northwest Continent.

"On the surface, it conducts legitimate trade. In secret, it handles material allocation, fund transfers, and the transmission of certain intelligence.

"Dragon Travel Business is now the largest commercial guild on the surface of the Northwest Continent. It maintains trade relations with every major faction, greatly facilitating Dragon Domain's operations."

Build a road in the open while secretly advancing through another route.

Zhou Yu had played this move beautifully.

A vast commercial empire could not only earn staggering profits, but also perfectly conceal Dragon Domain's covert activities while building connections with all sides and gathering intelligence.

"The strategist also ordered us to absorb, as much as possible during the unification process, local fallen families and promising independent cultivators. We offered them protection and resources in exchange for loyalty.

"This not only reduced resistance to the integration, but also made Dragon Domain's foundations on the Northwest Continent more secure. It is seen as a 'restorer of order,' rather than a mere invader."

Reward and punishment, grace and might—winning over hearts.

Zhou Yu's strategy had elevated Dragon Domain's rule beyond simple conquest by force to an entirely higher level.

Zhao Yun concluded, "Overall, the Northwest Continent is now entirely under Dragon Domain's control. On the surface, the various nations and sects maintain the illusion of autonomy, but in truth, all major movements are decided by the strategist and us.

"Dragon Domain now has elite troops, abundant provisions, plentiful resources, and unrestricted intelligence. We can provide Lord with our full support at any time!"

After finishing his report, Zhao Yun cupped his fists again and stood solemnly to one side, awaiting Gu Long's instructions.

After hearing Zhao Yun's report, the courtyard fell silent.

Xun Er's heart surged with excitement. Though she was young, she understood what it meant to control the entire Northwest Continent!

It was practically equivalent to Gu Long establishing another vast, invisible empire beyond the Ancient Clan!

Gu Long pondered for a moment, but his expression showed little excitement, as though all of this had been within his expectations from the start.

He looked at Zhao Yun and asked, "How has Gong Jin been lately?"

"Reporting to Lord, Strategist Zhou Yu is well. After devouring the Sea Heart Flame, his cultivation has stabilized at the Six-Star Dou Ancestor realm, and the Flame Mantra has also improved.

"The strategist often says that Dragon Domain has only reached this point because of Lord's wisdom. We merely follow your orders," Zhao Yun replied respectfully.

Gu Long smiled faintly. Zhou Yu was always so modest.

He rose and walked to the center of the courtyard, his gaze seeming to pierce through space toward the Northwest Continent.

"Tell Gong Jin and all our Comrades that they have worked hard. Dragon Domain is where it is today because of all of you."

Gu Long's voice was calm, yet it carried unquestionable weight.

"Next, Dragon Domain will enter a period of rest, recovery, consolidation, and development. Focus on cultivating Core Talents, especially Alchemists and those with exceptional Soul Power.

"Continue expanding resources toward the Central Continent, but exercise utmost caution. Avoid direct clashes with Central Continent Giants such as Soul Hall too early."

"Yes, Lord!" Zhao Yun accepted the order solemnly.

"Also," Gu Long paused before adding, "keep a close watch on Jia Nan Academy's movements, especially the Heavenly Flame Refining Qi Tower in the Inner Academy. If anything changes, report to me immediately."

"Yun understands!"

After giving his instructions, Gu Long patted Zhao Yun on the shoulder. "You have had a long journey. Go rest first. With Gong Jin and you handling Dragon Domain's affairs, I am at ease."

Feeling the trust in Gu Long's words, a trace of emotion flashed through Zhao Yun's eyes. After saluting once more, his figure slowly merged into space and vanished.

The courtyard returned to tranquility, but Xun Er's heart could not calm down for a long time.

She walked up to Gu Long, tugged on his sleeve, and raised her little face, her eyes full of admiration.

"Brother Gu Long, you're incredible! You quietly took control of such a huge territory without anyone noticing!"

Gu Long looked down at her, rubbed her hair, and smiled. "This is only a small step. The real challenges lie ahead."

He raised his head toward the azure sky, his gaze deep.

Dragon Domain's unification of the Northwest Continent meant that he finally had a stable and powerful rear base and source of resources.

This was no longer a small affair relying on individual strength. He now truly possessed the qualifications to take part in the continent's grand game.

Next, his focus would be on Jia Nan Academy and the Falling Heart Flame.

At the same time, he needed to make more thorough preparations for his future journey to the Central Continent, where he would face the colossal Soul Clan head-on.

With Dragon Domain as his backing, he would be able to act with far greater ease.

Whether acquiring resources or mobilizing personnel, everything would become countless times more convenient.

In this game of chess shrouding the continent, the pieces in his hand were already growing more numerous and more powerful.

And as the one moving those pieces, he would become ever more at ease.

"Xun Er," he said, withdrawing his gaze and looking at the girl beside him, "do you want to see the sights of the Northwest Continent?"

Xun Er's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously. "I do!"

"Good. Once matters here are settled, I'll take you," Gu Long promised.

Taking her to see the foundation he had built would also help her mature more quickly.

A new storm was brewing above Jia Nan Academy.

And Gu Long was already fully prepared.