One day later.
The eastern wall of Jade Whale Island collapsed with a thunderous crash. Several Entry Realm Earth Cultivators immediately cast spells, softening the masonry and sinking it underground before working with Wood Cultivators and Water Cultivators to restore the area's ecological balance.
The conquest of Jade Whale Island had gone very smoothly. After Zhu Sheng ascended, most of the defenders had left through Teleportation Formations. Those who remained were locally recruited mortals, and most surrendered when the army arrived.
The army was now slowly advancing toward the center of the island, while large numbers of low-ranking civil officials were dispatched from the rear to take over its cities, towns, and villages.
There were two major cities near the eastern wall, along with countless towns. Watching sunlight spill over them once more, the villagers closest to the wall felt momentarily dazed.
"That wall finally came down. Good riddance!"
In Three Small Towns, the settlement closest to the wall, an elderly man leaned against an old tree in the town square and murmured to himself. Then he involuntarily looked toward the eastern end of the village.
Their town had suffered terribly over the years. First came the Jade Whale Sect's conscription, then the Yellow Springs Guide's press gangs. Things were still tumultuous now, but at least they had been spared the ravages of war.
"Who are those people at the east end of town?"
An old man beside him asked quietly.
Before the elderly man could answer, a thin little old man nearby lowered his voice and replied, "Wanxuan people, of course."
"I know they're Wanxuan people, but they're going to change the temple!"
"Whatever they change, they still have to worship the Sage!"
"True, but those people are discussing things with the heads of several major clans. They want