Chapter 1166: Chapter 1164: The Opening of the Land of Fortune (Part 1)
"Truly exhilarating!"
Screams tore through the night and before they could spread far, abruptly stopped. Several crows flew across the sky, instantly turning into a few black dots upon the bright moon.
This was an unnamed mass burial hill.
To seize resources, the major powers of the South Sea frequently clashed. To control the situation, they would often have their vassal states step in, with armies and masters fighting fiercely together.
Similar mass burial hills were countless in the South Sea.
Under the moonlight, a youth with a bewitching appearance was seen opening his mouth, wantonly absorbing the invisible essence, while the corpses at his feet shriveled at a speed visible to the naked eye.
"The essence blood of a top Heaven Realm Martial Emperor is truly extraordinary. Sir, I feel that my strength has clearly increased."
After kicking aside the dried-up corpse, the bewitching youth stretched lazily and stood up from the ground.
"The Forbidden Martial Emperor is just a master ranked within the top thousand in the South Sea. If you can subdue those who are even stronger, the benefits will be even greater."
The "sir" mentioned by the bewitching youth wore a square scarf on his head and had an average build with a refined appearance. He revealed a gentle smile, and he was none other than Zhou Ziheng from the Vast Air Mysterious Gate, who had once feigned support for the Water Shark Gang in the West Sea! (Chapter 791)
"Don’t worry, with my current strength and a bit of caution, it is not hard to kill a master ranked in the top five hundred. Just absorb them one by one, hehe, and at that time, in the land of Fate, I will give the South Sea people a big surprise!"
Fu Shuijing licked his lips with an eager and excited look.
Over a decade ago, with Zhou Ziheng’s help, he had escaped from the Wuyuan Palace and, following the other’s advice, had avoided the rising stars like Kirin and Young Dragon and crossed the ocean to the South Sea.
The purpose was to gather the heavenly mandate here until he was strong enough, then slowly devour other heavenly mandate bearers.
These years, he had silently accumulated strength, restraining the impulse to make a name for himself, all for the land of Fate a few months later. No one was going to stop him.
Zhou Ziheng said, "Initially, I miscalculated, never expecting that there would also be heaven’s mandated individuals in the South Sea, and they were already powerful, far surpassing Kirin and Young Dragon! Fortunately, the opportunities in the South Sea are more abundant, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as you seized one of them."
"With your potential, you can fully seize the chance to outdo the dragons. However, be mindful of the method and timing. Do not let a spur-of-the-moment decision ruin the grand scheme."
There were twelve mandates from heaven, each with twelve protectors assisting them. To kill them, it was best to act before their protectors appeared.
Originally, Kirin and Young Dragon were the best targets, but unfortunately, they had gained fame at a young age and had already garnered immense fortunes in the East Victory continent, making it too difficult to shake them.
The other heavenly mandates, either their star fates weren’t conspicuous, or they were obscured by heavenly secrets, making them hard to infer. It was then that Zhou Ziheng brought Fu Shuijing to the South Sea, hoping to take a different path. Although there were unexpected events along the way, the results were still satisfying.
However, Zhou Ziheng who knew Fu Shuijing’s heart well, could not help but remind him again and again.
"Are you afraid that I’ll make a move against Shi Xiaole ahead of time?"
Fu Shuijing sneered, "Didn’t you say that when Shi Xiaole came to the South Sea, his star fate fell into a dark predicament? Rest assured, I will kill him, but I won’t put myself in danger for his sake. He’s not worth it!"
Vision determines one’s thoughts. Fu Shuijing had long since evolved; to him, Shi Xiaole was nothing. His true opponent was someone like Xuanyuan Di.
Hearing this, Zhou Ziheng nodded and felt a weight lifted off his shoulders.
...
As the opening of the Fate nourished land drew near, the Martial World was abuzz with news of reclusive experts reemerging and legendary personas of the past being sighted, stirring up immense excitement with each report.
Unusual phenomena began to occur in certain forbidden areas, with bizarre, loud noises emanating from regions untouched by man. Some said these were signs that ancient masters, sealed away for ten thousand years, were awakening from their closed-door cultivation.
"Impossible! Don’t Void Origin Realm Martial Emperors only have a lifespan of three thousand five hundred years?"
"Void Origin Realm Martial Emperors are different. Some possess heaven-defying methods and may very well have ways to extend their lives. Of course, these are the minority. But do you know that when one’s mental strength is sufficiently tempered, as long as the physical body is preserved, it can indeed survive for ten thousand years."
"Tempering of mental strength? That’s something only Fake Sky Origin Realm experts are capable of."
"Correct, those people, they must be the ancient monsters from the same era as the six legends."
The news sent shockwaves through the martial circles of the South Sea.
While the methods to achieve Sky Origin Realm had long been lost, if the six legends held hope to reach that step, it’s plausible that the unrivaled geniuses of their era did as well.
There had already been rumours that these ancient monsters would appear, but it still caused a frenzy in the South Sea when confirmed. Many claimed that the mystery of this era’s Fate nourished master was unveiled ahead of time, and it would be one of these ancient monsters!
In this extreme mania, the attention on the Ten Prides diminished somewhat.
On September 11, Liu Ruofei fought a fierce battle against an expert stronger than Luohua Scholar, the Extinguishing Star Ancestor, and emerged victorious after two thousand eight hundred and ninety-two moves. Witnesses declared that Liu Ruofei’s strength surpasses his own from a month ago.
On September 12, Luo Zijiao challenged the master of Liuli Sect on the eastern path and claimed victory after three thousand three hundred moves. It’s worth noting that the defense of the Liuli Sect master was even superior to that of the Extinguishing Star Ancestor.
On September 18, Thousand Real Person barely survived a deadly battle, eventually triumphing over the Nanxiang Swordsman in a struggle that caused an even greater sensation than the previous two. This was because the Nanxiang Swordsman’s prowess was a notch above that of the Extinguishing Star Ancestor.
On September 26, one of the three women among the Ten Prides, the "Banished Fairy," Lu Caili left Litchi Garden, and after issuing a challenge to the heroes, she defeated fifteen top-five-hundred South Sea experts within half an hour, each within a steadfast three moves.
This terrifying Vigorous Air and prowess had an impact no less significant than the other members of the Ten Prides.
On September 29...
On the first day of October...
More and more achievements of the Ten Prides were reported, filling the younger generation with excitement and pride, as well as barely concealed envy and helplessness. Being contemporaries with these ten was both the greatest fortune and the greatest misfortune for everyone else.
Unfortunately, Xuanyuan Di and Qi Muchu, who were recognised as the strongest, had not made a move, preventing the world from ascertaining the true extent of their capabilities.
The other eight, as if by mutual understanding, never engaged each other even when their paths crossed, letting go of the opportunity much to the silent regret of onlookers.
Everyone knew it wasn’t fear that held back these eight, but rather they were all gathering momentum, intending to have their ultimate battle within the land of Fate. That battle would determine the true young ruler of the South Sea, who would dominate the future of the South Sea martial circles!
With two more months until the opening of the Fate nourished land, Liu Ruofei finished his final battle in the north. He defeated the South Sea’s top-ranked Swordsman of the Cangsong lineage in a nearly crushing manner!
Countless people exclaimed in shock, astonished by Liu Ruofei’s rapid progression.
It is worth knowing that virtually all of the top hundred experts in the South Sea are Forbidden Martial Emperors, capable of crushing the Pine Sword Emperor. This implies that Liu Ruofei’s power is infinitely close to being invincible just below the level of the Forbidden Martial Emperor. This is a supreme glory that Liu Ruofei has reached by the age of seventy-four.
The other seven prodigies also ended their respective conquests with undefeated records. Though not as sensational as Liu Ruofei, who could guarantee that they had not concealed their true strength, waiting for the future?
There was only one month left until the opening of the land of Fate.
Countless experts set out, heading for the gates of Fate. The martial community of the South Sea, which had been accumulating for many years, entered a period of frenzy. Legendary figures, once elusive as dragons, were now appearing before everyone’s eyes.
...
Ling Domain.
Lingtian Mansion.
The small building was still dimly lit, but at this moment, Ling Wenlong seemed healthier than before, his face having gained a bit more color.
"It’s about to start."
Ling Wenlong stood by the window, his old hands gripping the window frame, pressing gently.
"Yes."
Ling Hu smiled, thinking back to his youth.
He too had once been a famous expert of the South Sea, filled with ambitious dreams. Unfortunately, reality was always too cruel. In the land of Fate, there were far too many people like him, and only those with rare talents that came once in a thousand, ten thousand years, had the opportunity to shine.
"How do you think he will fare?"
Ling Wenlong suddenly asked.
The question came out of nowhere, but Ling Hu answered without hesitation, "The Young Master is extraordinarily talented. He will not return from this time with meager gains, and by the next, he has a great chance of becoming the master of Fate."
"I think so too, but I just hope that this failure won’t discourage him."
"The Young Master is certainly not weak."
The master and servant gazed into the distance, their eyes lingering for a long time.
Underneath Lingtian Mansion.
"Ah, such nostalgia. If it weren’t for the need to stand guard over the Ling Family, I would have to make another trip myself."
"Haha, what’s the use of going again? With people like us, our potential has long been exhausted. No opportunity will be of any use."
"You are talking about yourself, not me, get lost!"
Two voices bantered and cursed, communicating in secret.
...
While the Martial World of the South Sea was in an uproar, far away in the East Victory continent, a lush, primordial jungle was suddenly caught in a surge of spiritual energy that swirled into a vast vortex, obscuring the clouds and dimming the sun.
After a day and night of transformation, the vortex eventually turned into a gate of light. The distinctly noticeable aura attracted the attention of all the Void Origin Realm Martial Emperors on the East Victory continent.
Flying Horse Imperial City.
Within an annex of the palace, a National Master whose face was unclear stepped outside for the first time, his white Southern Hill eyebrows on a young, scholarly face, yet his eyes bore the weight of time.
"Master."
Also emerging from the annex was a tall young man, exuding an aura of mystery. Despite an ordinary appearance, he had a presence one could not easily forget.
"The tides of heaven and earth are surging, the land of Fate is fully restored, Mu Yuanhao, it’s your time to go."
The National Master said.
The tall young man nodded and stepped out, disappearing into the air.
"National Master, the land of Fate is divided into three realms. According to you, this session will be the toughest for the South Sea and the easiest for East Victory. I wonder if the little brother can emerge victorious?"
Unbeknownst to when, the Crown Prince Mu Yuanchen had appeared behind the National Master.
"Matters of destiny are hard to predict. I have taught him all I can. What comes next depends on his own fortune."
This response was clearly not satisfactory to Mu Yuanchen.
The little brother was recognized by both the Mu imperial family and the Supreme Pavilion as the number one prodigy, secluded deep in the palace for many years, versed in all the teachings of the National Master. His true power, once revealed, would undoubtedly shake the world.
As one of the twelve fated children, leading the fortunes of the Mu clan and blessed with luck, Mu Yuanhao could not afford to fail, nor was he allowed to!
...
"Master, will you appear?"
In an ancient temple, the Martial Emperor raised his head, his resolute eyes flickering with tears: "Back then, you were unrivaled among your peers. Today, although your disciple is unremarkable, I too wish to emulate you, my elder, and uphold your great name!"
Transforming into an imperial radiance, the Martial Emperor soared towards the distance.
The great experts of the East Victory continent, as if they all had the same premonition, rushed out impatiently, like a confluence of rivers to the sea, surging towards the gate of light that would change the world’s order.
At the same time, in the remote and undetectable depths of Miaojiang beside the East Victory continent, light gates also appeared, triggering earth-shattering, terrifying auras.
