The Central River Continent had been relatively peaceful lately. After all, without [Akatsuki] stirring the shit, many major powers had lost their target and could only settle down.
However, the disappearance of four Mahayana cultivators had also planted a dark cloud in the hearts of the major powers. Although many did not say it outright, most suspected that [Akatsuki] might have acquired a way to deal with Mahayana cultivators. Those four missing men were the strongest proof.
They simply did not believe that [Akatsuki] had dealt with the Mahayana cultivators through its own strength. Almost everyone believed that [Akatsuki] had borrowed the power of certain individuals, or perhaps the power of some deathtrap. Although [Akatsuki] could control these powers, there had to be severe restrictions on them. Otherwise, the organization would have used them against Central River's major powers.
No one knew the truth, but the major powers' determination to take revenge and seize Moonlit Beauty and the many immortal artifacts had not changed in the slightest. They were merely waiting for an opportunity—one that would let them get a hold on [Akatsuki].
Just as [Akatsuki] returned to the Central River Continent, before it could begin the next stage of its plans, a earth-shattering piece of news exploded across the continent, then swept through the entire cultivation world like a storm.
Lin An had publicly challenged Lin Chuan!
The news came from the Lin Clan. With its formidable influence as a first-tier cultivation power, coupled with the Great Sound Pavilion fanning the flames, the matter spiraled beyond control. Countless people began following this world-shaking battle.
Even cultivators who normally paid no attention to such matters began gathering to watch the drama. After all, the tangled relationship between the brothers Lin An and Lin Chuan had long ceased to be a