Time seemed to be the cheapest thing to top-tier martial artists.
After a single period of seclusion, when they opened their eyes again, a year—or even ten or a hundred years—might have passed.
More than a year had passed since Jiang Changkong wreaked havoc on Wild Sea Star and captured the Eastern Sea Emperor alive.
Now, the Eastern Sea Emperor, Huang Qianlin, had become the laughingstock of the starry sky.
He possessed three great battle bodies and stood at the peak of Star Saint, reputed to be second only to near-gods.
Yet this time, he had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of an unknown Jiang Changyue, and in the end, he had to be ransomed with resources.
Besides Essence, Qi, and Spirit, there had also been all kinds of medicinal herbs, potions, ores, and other resources.
Altogether, the amount had been terrifying enough to tempt any faction or individual.
At first, Huang Qianlin had been furious and shut himself inside the imperial palace for quite some time.
Some said he was too ashamed to show his face, while others said he had gained insight into the path of near-gods.
Still others said he was studying secret arts in seclusion, preparing to wash away his humiliation in one stroke.
Jiang Changkong, on the other hand, had gained fame because of it.
Long ago, when Jiang Changkong was at the peak of Star Path, he had slain a mid-stage Star Saint.
The near-gods had feared his combat power and called him the strongest, far surpassing the three great battle bodies.
At first, no one believed it—not even the emperors of the various nations.
But Huang Qianlin's affair had made everyone believe.
Jiang Changkong's sworn brother had always displayed strength comparable to his own, and Jiang Changyue had defeated Huang Qianlin.