Three days later.
Xuanhuang.
Zhong Yong, who had been sitting cross-legged atop the dome, caught wind of the news and immediately sought out Jiang Ping.
"Something's happened. A major faction has visited the Jade Peak Realm, intent on seizing their spoils."
Jiang Ping raised his brows slightly. "In broad daylight, beneath an open sky? Aren't those factions afraid of becoming the talk of the town and tarnishing their reputations?"
"Heh, they don't dare rob them outright. Instead, they're getting something for nothing under the guise of exchanging resources."
Zhong Yong sneered.
All crows under heaven were equally black. Northfall Star Creek seemed peaceful, but only compared with certain more brutal star regions.
The strong devouring the weak remained an immutable truth through the ages.
The major factions here merely maintained a veneer of propriety.
They called it an exchange of resources.
For instance, they might offer the Jade Peak Realm a few opportunities to cultivate in a supreme treasure land, or a few slots for receiving a World Lord's guidance.
But these were all verbal promises. Even if that day truly came, the Jade Peak Realm might never get its turn.
Jiang Ping frowned. "I remember that before we parted that day, Azure Sky Dao Ancestor invited Heart Sword Dao Ancestor to visit Jade Peak. She possesses a World Artifact. Surely those major factions wouldn't dare act recklessly?"
"Heh, they brought a World Artifact right to their doorstep."
Zhong Yong chuckled.
Those who dared bully others like this were powerful enough themselves, with World Lords backing them. A single World Artifact meant little before such factions.
Moreover, the faction that had descended upon the Jade Peak Realm ranked among the top ten powers in this starry expanse.
"The top ten?!"
Jiang Ping was slightly startled. A top-ten power either possessed