Dragon Prince Yuan c1-1251
Page 378
If they fought for real, her superior advanced Divine Dwelling stage cultivation would give her a very high chance of victory.
“Things have been too smooth sailing recently.” Zhou Yuan self reflected. He did not deny that he had become somewhat arrogant after becoming the leader of the Cangxuan Sect Chosen, killing Wu Huang, stepping into the Divine Dwelling stage, and defeating the higher cultivation King Wu.
Wu Yao and Zhang Yun Xiao’s appearance had given him a good knock to the head, allowing him to understand that there was always a taller mountain.
He may perhaps have reached the pinnacle amongst the Cangxuan Heaven younger generation, but Cangxuan Heaven did not represent the boundless Tianyuan World.
Zhou Yuan took a deep breath and said, “It seems that I still can’t relax on my training.”
Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to take back the two portions of sacred dragon blessing from Wu Yao. Although they were currently residing in different heavens that were insanely far apart, the time would surely come when they would meet again in the future.
It was exactly as King Wu had said. In the struggle between dragon and phoenix, only the devourer will live...as long as the sacred dragon blessing remained incomplete, a fight to the death between Wu Yao and him was unavoidable.
Today’s battle had been stopped by Yaoyao, but what about the next one?
It was impossible to forever avoid the struggle for the sacred dragon blessing.
“And that Zhao Yunxiao…”
Iciness flashed past in the depths of Zhou Yuan’s eyes. Zhao Yunxiao’s sneaky attack had greatly damaged silver shadow and nearly taken Zhou Yuan’s life. This was a debt he would firmly remember.
Yaoyao looked at him and smiled a little. “However, do not undervalue yourself either. Wu Yao’s lead over you is mostly due to the difference in environment. Hunyuan Heaven is indeed a true cultivation paradise that is far more vast and boundless than Canguan Heaven.
“When you returned to the Cangmang Continent after seeing the Shengzhou Continent and the Cangxuan Sect, you will naturally feel that the former has become rather small. It is the same for Wu Yao. As someone who has went to Hunyuan Heaven, she views Cangxuan Heaven the same way you view the Cangmang Continent.”
Zhou Yuan stared into empty space as he muttered, “Is Hunyuan Heaven really so powerful?”
Yaoyao faintly nodded as she said, “Tianyuan World is separated into nine heavens. The sacred race monopolized four heavens, while the remaining five are home to the rest of the numerous races and Hunyuan Heaven is the strongest of the five heavens.
“In addition, Hunyuan Heaven has always been at the front lines in the long struggle with the sacred race. One can even say that without Hunyuan Heaven, the entire Tianyuan World would have long been conquered by the sacred race. All living creatures would be reduced to nothing but slaves, allowing the sacred race to toy with their lives.”
“The sacred race…”
Zhou Yuan secretly wet his lips. He was no longer the ignorant young boy from back then and had already begun to learn of the overwhelming might of the mysterious sacred race through several old texts in the Cangxuan Sect.
Moreover, there were hints that the current strongest faction in Cangxuan Heaven, the Sacred Palace, was secretly being supported by the sacred race.
A mere Sacred Palace that was supported by the sacred race was already showing signs of becoming the ruler of Cangxuan Heaven. One could imagine how terrifying the entire sacred race was.
And as the headquarters of the resistance against the sacred race, one could see just how powerful Hunyuan Heaven was.
Yaoyao did not elaborate any further and changed the topic. “Although it wasn’t a full victory this time, you’ve finally managed to fulfill one of your goals.”
A smile emerged on Zhou Yuan’s face and he breathed a deep sigh of relief as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
King Wu was dead and without its leader, the headless Great Wu Empire would naturally follow suit.
Of course, it would have been a perfect ending if he managed to take back the two portions of sacred dragon blessing from the Great Wu Empire and Wu Yao.
However, eradicating the Great Wu Empire had at long last freed him from his constant worrying.
While the fight with Wu Yao would only come in the future.
“Congratulations.”
Yaoyao looked straight at Zhou Yuan. When they first met, the latter had been a frail boy who desperately wished to unblock his meridian channels to cultivate. Who could have imagined that the youth who was once incapable of finding his meridian channels would reach such heights after a few years.
Zhou Yuan dazedly gazed at the Great Zhou capital for a long time before he softly chuckled.
He naturally knew that he had a heavy burden the bear the moment the grudge between him and the Great Wu Empire was created. At that time, King Wu had been an invincible existence in Zhou Yuan’s eyes, and the mere thought of King Wu would put him under a tremendous amount of pressure.
Despite this, the youth refused to back down nor show any fear and made a grand promise that seemed impossible to fulfill… Back then, even his father had merely taken it as wild talk from an immature child.
However...
Zhou Yuan’s eyes slowly closed.
“Father, I’ve fulfilled my promise…”
...
Shengzhou Continent. The Sacred Palace.
The primal chaos like crystal slowly rose before palace master Sheng Yuan as his unfathomable gaze tightly stared at it. The primal chaos within the crystal ball seemed to ripple at this moment.
His gaze seemed to pierce through space itself as the scenes from the faraway Cangmang Continent entered his eyes.
“Heh, the sacred dragon blessing is truly special…”
Although the sacred dragon blessing had not fully gathered in a single body, it had ultimately converged in one location. One could say that the so-called fate had stirred a little the moment Wu Yao and Zhou Yuan met.
Others may have failed to detect this, but the waiting palace master Sheng Yuan had tightly grasped this moment.
Blood flowed from palace master Sheng Yuan’s silver pupils. Even someone as mighty as him needed to pay a price in order to pry into fate’s secrets.
More and more blood flowed out from his pupils, making him look extremely sinister.
The primal chaos within the crystal ball violently rippled. At a certain moment, it felt as if the river of time slowed for a single breath as an ancient scene flashed past within the primal chaos.
Silver light blossomed from palace master Sheng Yuan’s pupils as he spat out a mouthful of blood. Blood swirled in front of him, seemingly turning into a scene from the far past.
Numerous powerful sects seemed to exist within it. However, devastating lightning descended from the sky, completely destroying all life upon the land.
Palace master Sheng Yuan could no longer hold back as he raised his head and laughed at the heavens while burning desire flooded his eyes.
“Hahaha, Cangxuan Saint Stamp!
“I’ve finally found you!”
Rumble!
The surrounding Genesis Qi began to churn before frantically spreading outwards, rippling through the entire Cangxuan Heaven.
At this moment, looks of bewilderment appeared on the faces of countless powerful existences in Cangxuan Heaven.
Because they had faintly sensed something when palace master Sheng Yuan peeked into fate itself.
Thump!
In the Cangxuan Sect.
While discussing some matters with the peak masters, sect master Qing Ying’s usually kindly face abruptly turned ashen at this moment as a terrifying wave of Genessi Qi exploded from his body.
In the hall, peak master Lianyi, peak master Ling Jun and the others looked over in alarm.
Sect master Qing Yang tightly clenched his fists, biting down hard as he icily said, “I finally kn
ow what Sheng Yuan intends to do…
“He schemes to find the Cangxuan Saint Stamp hidden by teacher!”
These words immediately caused looks of horror to emerge on the faces of the other peak masters before almost solid killing intent flooded their eyes.
“Sheng Yuan plans on starting a war in Cangxuan Heaven!”
Chapter 712 Hidden in the Land Bombarded by Lightning
The Great Wu Empire’s fate was sealed the moment King Wu died.
Zhou Yuan spread news of King Wu’s death which shook the entire Great Wu Empire, causing the morale of many of the still stubbornly resisting troops in the city to crumble.
As such, the Great Zhou army swiftly invaded the Great Wu Empire in a span of several days, changing the flags that flew on every city when they passed.
On the fifth day, the elite troops led by Zhou Qing finally arrived outside Great Wu’s capital city.
Outside the city.
Zhou Qing dazedly stared at the opened gates of the grand city for a long time, an extremely complicated expression on his face.
Behind him, Wei Canglan and numerous of the old generals were so overwhelmed by emotion that their eyes had turned red. This was where their string of defeats had started back then till they were ultimately chased to the far north by King Wu.
At that time, they had fled like dogs that had lost their homes.
Although they had supported Zhou Qing all along, they were honestly not very hopeful about reinstating the Great Zhou Empire because the disparity in strength between the Great Wu and Great Zhou Empire was just far too great.
As such, their hearts were full of disbelief when they appeared outside the Great Wu capital once more.
Their counterattack had been so smooth that it felt as if they were dreaming.
“I’ve returned…”
As he gazed upon the extremely familiar city, even Zhou Qing’s eyes could not help but turn red as tears began to flow.
He too had once believed that he would never return to this city.
At this moment, thunderous cheers exploded from the army behind them.
The noise shook even the city itself, causing countless solemnly respectful gazes to look over. They knew that the king who had been chased away by King Wu over a dozen years ago had returned once more...
Zhou Yuan’s figure appeared on the city wall and drifted towards Zhou Qing amidst the countless fanatical and reverant gazes from the army.
“Father, King Wu is dead. From now onwards, the Great Wu Empire will no longer exist in the Cangmang Continent.” Zhou Yuan looked towards Zhou Qing and smiled.
Zhou Qing stared at his son. A long while later, he took in a deep breath before he suddenly jumped off his horse. His left hand slammed into his chest, a solemn expression on his face as he shouted in a booming voice, “Army, salute!”
Rumble!
Behind him, countless Great Zhou soldiers heavily slammed their fists into their chests as deafening cheers erupted.
Wei Canglan, Wei Qingqing and the numerous officers also respectfully saluted.
All of them clearly understood the meaning behind Zhou Qing’s actions. Zhou Yuan had essentially singlehandedly saved the Great Zhou Empire from its destruction.
If not for him, King Wu would have destroyed the Great Zhou Empire, and the subsequent bloodbath that followed would have dyed the land red.
When King Wu arrived at their city, everyone, including Zhou Qing, had fallen into the pits of despair. At that time, the only road they could see was to fight to their deaths.
No one had expected their prince to arrive in their darkest hour and become the final ray of hope for the countless citizens of the Great Zhou Empire.
No one could have imagined the surging emotions that would overwhelm their hearts when they saw Zhou Yuan appear on the raging river.
Zhou Yuan was stunned by the saluting army. Soon after, he helplessly said, “There’s no need to do this father, it is my duty to protect our citizens as the prince of Great Zhou.”
Zhou Qing’s eyes were filled with happiness and pride as he looked straight at Zhou Yuan and said, “As the saviour of our citizens, you deserve this salute.
“With your current standing amongst the people, you could even become the king of Great Zhou.”
Zhou Yuan forced a laugh.
Zhou Qing sighed and said, “I know that your standards have become higher and your ambition has grown far greater than a mere king of a tiny Great Zhou Empire.”
He understood that the Great Zhou Empire was far too small and the Cangmang Continent was far too tiny. Given Zhou Yuan’s current talent and strength, it was impossible for him to stay in Great Zhou and become its king.
“Father is still in his prime and should have no thoughts about abdicating the throne.” Zhou Yuan chuckled. Staying in the Great Zhou Empire was not the path he seeked.
After resolving the problem of the Great Wu Empire, he no longer had any worries. Besides the occasional visit home in the future, most of his time would likely be spent in the Cangxuan Sect.
Because only in a bigger place would he be able to continuously grow stronger.
Zhou Qing nodded. He was naturally supportive of his son’s aspirations.
Zhou Qing patted Zhou Yuan’s shoulders before turning towards the magnificent capital city. He took a deep breath and said, “Let’s enter the city. From today onwards, the entire Cangmang Continent will know that the Great Zhou Empire...has returned.”
...
As Zhou Qing entered the Great Wu capital, the Great Wu Empire finally faded from the world.
Over the next few days, Zhou Qing swiftly sent out several orders to begin cleaning up the final remnants of the Great Wu Empire. Although they tried to resist, it was futile because the Great Wu Empire had already lost.
The empires that bordered the Great Wu Empire were extremely silent.
Normally speaking, when an empire was destroyed, the bordering empires would begin to stir restlessly due to the temptation of expanding their borders through this golden opportunity. However, the neighbouring empires were strangely obedient this time.
Evidently, it was because they understood that the Great Zhou Empire had a prince that could defeat a mid Divine Dwelling stage expert...
Even King Wu had been defeated at his hands. Such strength was already invincible in the Cangmang Continent. What’s more, this prince of the Great Zhou Empire was also the leader of the Cangxuan Sect Chosen...
With such a titan backing him, there was no longer anyone who dared to offend the current Great Zhou Empire.
Zhou Yuan did not leave immediately because he understood that the Great Zhou Empire still needed his presence. Only after the empire gained its footing would he rush back to the Cangxuan Sect.
Zhou Qing received Qin Yu at the Great Wu capital and Zhou Yuan, who had left home for many years, naturally spent most of his time accompanying her.
...
While Zhou Yuan was enjoying some temporary peace, he was unaware of the great waves that were washing through the many peak factions in Cangxuan Heaven.
Numerous powerful existances that usually cultivated in seclusion entered the world once more.
Palace master Sheng Yuan's attempt to pry into the secrets of heaven had naturally been detected by these powerful existences.
Sheng Yuan was scheming to obtain the Cangxuan Saint Stamp!
This was undoubtedly a huge shock to the many great sects.
Patriarch Cangxuan had controlled the Cangxuan Saint Stamp back when he was the master of Cangxuan Heaven. After his death, the stamp had gone missing and was unable to be found no matter how everyone tried. It had evidently been hidden by patriarch Cang Xuan through special means.
Currently, palace master Sheng Yuan had managed to shake the secrets of heaven and sensed the location of the Cangxuan Saint Stamp. This undoubtedly declared his ambition; he intended to obtain the stamp and use it to elevate himself to the next level: to become th
e new master of Cangxuan Heaven.
Such ambition was akin to a sudden clap of thunder for the other overlord sects.
After all, they knew that once palace master Sheng Yuan became the new heaven master, the Sacred Palace would become the true ruler of Cangxuan Heaven. The other sects would have no choice but to submit.
And this was obviously something the other overlord sects would not be happy to see.
Hence, some of the more perceptive individuals could faintly sense a tense atmosphere slowly beginning to cover Cangxuan Heaven...
However, this tense atmosphere did not last for long before a certain piece of news exploded in Cangxuan Heaven.
“The Cangxuan Saint Stamp is hidden in a land bombarded by lightning…”
Chapter 713 Divine Dwelling Medicine
The capital of Great Wu.
More than half of the Great Wu palace had been burned down by Wu Yao. The remaining buildings were temporarily used by the Great Zhou Empire. This was also where Qin Yu, Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao resided.
In a quiet courtyard.
Zhou Yuan sat cross-legged in a rock garden. His eyes were tightly closed and a chaos halo slowly rotated behind him, continuously absorbing the surrounding Genesis Qi.
His training continued for a good while before he opened his eyes and the halo behind him gradually faded.
“I’ve become more sensitive to Genesis Qi after entering the Divine Dwelling stage.” Zhou Yuan muttered to himself. With the Divine Dwelling halo, the absorption rate of Genesis Qi had soared and the efficiency of his training was at least ten times greater than what it was during the Alpha-Origin stage.
After a few days of practice, however, Zhou Yuan began to feel the difficulty of cultivation in the Divine Dwelling stage.
Once one stepped into the Divine Dwelling stage, progress was tied to one’s own Divine Dwelling. A newly formed Divine Dwelling was imperfect and needed to be polished constantly by Genesis Qi to gradually perfect it.
Zhou Yuan's current Qi Dwelling was a nine heavens Divine Dwelling which was akin to establishing nine separate domains.
The nine heavens were not connected to each other and there seemed to be some kind of mysterious barrier between them. Only by connecting these nine heavens would they gradually fuse together, which would also prepare him for advancing to the next cultivation stage, the Heavenly Sun stage.