Within the grand palace, the empress was immersed in her daily duties. By her side, a Foundation Establishment True Person stood, shadowing her every move, clearly supervising her.
It was common knowledge that the empress was under some form of control, known by virtually all significant powers. Yet, the governance of Great Chang still required her attention, and endless matters awaited her daily.
Over the past couple of years, she had performed admirably, leading her nation to prosperity and peace. If it weren't for the Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core Treu Persons who came across the seas, she might have been heralded as one of Great Chang's most competent rulers.
However, the fate of Great Chang no longer lay in its own hands, nor in those of the empress.
With a creak, the grand doors opened, and a guard rushed to the empress. He glanced hesitantly at the Foundation Establishment True Person by her side, but the latter appeared to be meditating.
The empress, halting her review of the court documents, coldly commanded, "Speak."
The guard hesitated but ultimately, with determination, reported, "Your Majesty, on the thirteenth of April in the second year of Changping, the nation's protector martial saint, the senior elder of the Nine Profound Sect, and the saber saint Lin Fei have returned. Lin Fei sought vengeance for his friend, Sword Saint Liu Yibai, and personally confronted eight Golden Core True Persons. With his own might, he vanquished all of them."
With the guard's report, a storm of emotions churned within the empress. Her demeanor changed instantaneously. "Lin Fei..." Memories of the man who stood at the pinnacle of Great Chang's martial world flooded her mind. How, in merely two years, had Lin Fei progressed from a martial saint to a Martial Sovereign? And even managed to defeat eight Golden Core cultivators?
The empress was filled with questions but, more so, with elation. Lin Fei's return felt like everything would be alright. She had always held this belief. From her days in the Nine Profound Sect to her ascension as empress, if not for that man, she wouldn't be where she is today. With Great Chang on the brink of chaos, even her position seemed precarious. But Lin Fei's reappearance was like a beacon of hope, igniting her spirit.
Suddenly, the Foundation Establishment True Person opened his eyes, stating coldly, "Your Majesty, this matter must be reported to the Master."
The empress's initial excitement and elation were abruptly doused, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. It was a somber realization that Great Chang no longer bowed to the whims of the royal family, nor to her as its sovereign. The true puppeteers behind the curtain were the Heavenly River Dao Sect, led by the formidable Golden Core True Person, Yuanlong.
The entire royal family of Great Chang had fallen under the tight grip of the cultivators from the Heavenly River Dao Sect. From their sporadic conversations, the empress had pieced together the power and prestige of this sect. They hailed from the Ancient Continent, and even there, the Heavenly River Dao Sect was renowned, boasting a lineage of the Nascent Soul tradition and having birthed formidable Nascent Soul Great Beings in the past. Though the empress wasn't entirely aware of what this Nascent Soul prowess entailed, she knew it was a force to be reckoned with.
The Foundation Establishment True Person beside her was a direct disciple of Yuanlong, a master of immense power whose reach seemingly knew no bounds. Within Chang City, no move by the royal family could escape Yuanlong's notice. His intention in controlling the royal house was clear: to utilize its resources and influence to search for a treasure hidden within Great Chang.
With a stoic expression, the empress instructed the guard, "Inform True Person Yuanlong of this news."
The guard hesitated momentarily but eventually nodded in compliance, stating, "Yes, Your Majesty," before exiting.
The Heavenly River Dao Sect's Foundation Establishment True Person remained beside the empress, noticing her apparent unease. With a cold tone, he warned, "Your Majesty, allow me to offer a piece of advice. You'd do well to heed the commands of the Heavenly River Dao Sect. The country's protector martial saint, presumably the former foremost martial saint of Great Chang, Saber Saint Lin Fei, might have been honored by you. However, do not place your hopes upon him.
He might have ventured out, gained insights, or even acquired the power to defeat eight Golden Core True Persons. But those he defeated, especially Youming, were mere independent cultivators without any sect affiliation. Moreover, perhaps you are yet to realize the extent of our Heavenly River Dao Sect's lineage — we hail from the Nascent Soul tradition. It matters not if there's one Lin Fei or ten; if he dares to oppose us, my master can easily obliterate him with a mere gesture."
The words of this Foundation Establishment cultivator seemed arrogant at first glance. Yet, in truth, it was sheer confidence. In the Ancient Continent, the Heavenly River Dao Sect stood as a formidable sect. Notably, they were of the Nascent Soul lineage, having once birthed a powerful Nascent Soul Great Being. Their profound depth was evident.
This time, it was the True Person Yuanlong, who was adamant about visiting the legendary Treasure Nexus. They also wanted to ascertain if there truly existed a relic capable of initiating the Nascent Soul transformation process. Should the transformation succeed, the Heavenly River Dao Sect would essentially gain another unparalleled master, dominating the epochs to come. Anyone daring to cross the Heavenly River Dao Sect would face its wrath.
This dominance was why, even after the Heavenly River Dao Sect took control of the Chang City and its royal court, no other Martial Sovereign or Golden Core True Person dared to create chaos here. Everyone knew the ruling Great Chang Dynasty had access to the most information and leads. Yet, none ventured into Chang City.
Hearing his words, the empress fell into contemplation. She seemed to grasp her current situation only now. How could Lin Fei alone stand against the formidable Heavenly River Dao Sect? Moreover, why would Lin Fei venture into Chang City? The bond between Lin Fei and the empress had long been severed.
The empress remained silent, preparing to continue reviewing her official documents. Yet, her focus wavered, and she became lost in thought, the silhouette of a familiar figure haunting her mind.
A soft click echoed as the grand hall doors slowly swung open. A figure, step by step, entered the grandeur of the hall. The empress abruptly raised her gaze, her eyes meeting a familiar silhouette. "It is truly you... Lin Fei!" She whispered in disbelief, feeling as if she was in a dream.
However, Lin Fei's piercing gaze darted to the corner, locking onto the Foundation Establishment cultivator.
"What are you doing?" The man demanded, "I am a disciple of the Heavenly River Dao Sect, the prestigious Nascent Soul lineage. My revered master, True Person Yuanlong, oversees Chang City. You have audaciously trespassed into the palace, sealing your fate!"
"Enough," Lin Fei's voice was cold and sharp. With a flick of his finger, a razor-thin saber ray shot out, piercing the Foundation Establishment cultivator. In a mere instant, the cultivator was cleaved in two, filling the air with a potent scent of fresh blood.
"Your Majesty, I've come seeking knowledge. Does the royal family know if the Great Chang possesses hidden treasures? Or perhaps any leads?" His eyes met the empress's, devoid of any emotions, as tranquil as a still pond.
Announcement Why do I keep calling her Empress? Because at the time I was thinking, what was her name? Never mind, not important.
Within the grand palace, the empress was immersed in her daily duties. By her side, a Foundation Establishment True Person stood, shadowing her every move, clearly supervising her.
It was common knowledge that the empress was under some form of control, known by virtually all significant powers. Yet, the governance of Great Chang still required her attention, and endless matters awaited her daily.
Over the past couple of years, she had performed admirably, leading her nation to prosperity and peace. If it weren't for the Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core Treu Persons who came across the seas, she might have been heralded as one of Great Chang's most competent rulers.
However, the fate of Great Chang no longer lay in its own hands, nor in those of the empress.
With a creak, the grand doors opened, and a guard rushed to the empress. He glanced hesitantly at the Foundation Establishment True Person by her side, but the latter appeared to be meditating.
The empress, halting her review of the court documents, coldly commanded, "Speak."
The guard hesitated but ultimately, with determination, reported, "Your Majesty, on the thirteenth of April in the second year of Changping, the nation's protector martial saint, the senior elder of the Nine Profound Sect, and the saber saint Lin Fei have returned. Lin Fei sought vengeance for his friend, Sword Saint Liu Yibai, and personally confronted eight Golden Core True Persons. With his own might, he vanquished all of them."
With the guard's report, a storm of emotions churned within the empress. Her demeanor changed instantaneously. "Lin Fei..." Memories of the man who stood at the pinnacle of Great Chang's martial world flooded her mind. How, in merely two years, had Lin Fei progressed from a martial saint to a Martial Sovereign? And even managed to defeat eight Golden Core cultivators?
The empress was filled with questions but, more so, with elation. Lin Fei's return felt like everything would be alright. She had always held this belief. From her days in the Nine Profound Sect to her ascension as empress, if not for that man, she wouldn't be where she is today. With Great Chang on the brink of chaos, even her position seemed precarious. But Lin Fei's reappearance was like a beacon of hope, igniting her spirit.
Suddenly, the Foundation Establishment True Person opened his eyes, stating coldly, "Your Majesty, this matter must be reported to the Master."
The empress's initial excitement and elation were abruptly doused, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. It was a somber realization that Great Chang no longer bowed to the whims of the royal family, nor to her as its sovereign. The true puppeteers behind the curtain were the Heavenly River Dao Sect, led by the formidable Golden Core True Person, Yuanlong.
The entire royal family of Great Chang had fallen under the tight grip of the cultivators from the Heavenly River Dao Sect. From their sporadic conversations, the empress had pieced together the power and prestige of this sect. They hailed from the Ancient Continent, and even there, the Heavenly River Dao Sect was renowned, boasting a lineage of the Nascent Soul tradition and having birthed formidable Nascent Soul Great Beings in the past. Though the empress wasn't entirely aware of what this Nascent Soul prowess entailed, she knew it was a force to be reckoned with.
The Foundation Establishment True Person beside her was a direct disciple of Yuanlong, a master of immense power whose reach seemingly knew no bounds. Within Chang City, no move by the royal family could escape Yuanlong's notice. His intention in controlling the royal house was clear: to utilize its resources and influence to search for a treasure hidden within Great Chang.
With a stoic expression, the empress instructed the guard, "Inform True Person Yuanlong of this news."
The guard hesitated momentarily but eventually nodded in compliance, stating, "Yes, Your Majesty," before exiting.
The Heavenly River Dao Sect's Foundation Establishment True Person remained beside the empress, noticing her apparent unease. With a cold tone, he warned, "Your Majesty, allow me to offer a piece of advice. You'd do well to heed the commands of the Heavenly River Dao Sect. The country's protector martial saint, presumably the former foremost martial saint of Great Chang, Saber Saint Lin Fei, might have been honored by you. However, do not place your hopes upon him.
He might have ventured out, gained insights, or even acquired the power to defeat eight Golden Core True Persons. But those he defeated, especially Youming, were mere independent cultivators without any sect affiliation. Moreover, perhaps you are yet to realize the extent of our Heavenly River Dao Sect's lineage — we hail from the Nascent Soul tradition. It matters not if there's one Lin Fei or ten; if he dares to oppose us, my master can easily obliterate him with a mere gesture."
The words of this Foundation Establishment cultivator seemed arrogant at first glance. Yet, in truth, it was sheer confidence. In the Ancient Continent, the Heavenly River Dao Sect stood as a formidable sect. Notably, they were of the Nascent Soul lineage, having once birthed a powerful Nascent Soul Great Being. Their profound depth was evident.
This time, it was the True Person Yuanlong, who was adamant about visiting the legendary Treasure Nexus. They also wanted to ascertain if there truly existed a relic capable of initiating the Nascent Soul transformation process. Should the transformation succeed, the Heavenly River Dao Sect would essentially gain another unparalleled master, dominating the epochs to come. Anyone daring to cross the Heavenly River Dao Sect would face its wrath.
This dominance was why, even after the Heavenly River Dao Sect took control of the Chang City and its royal court, no other Martial Sovereign or Golden Core True Person dared to create chaos here. Everyone knew the ruling Great Chang Dynasty had access to the most information and leads. Yet, none ventured into Chang City.
Hearing his words, the empress fell into contemplation. She seemed to grasp her current situation only now. How could Lin Fei alone stand against the formidable Heavenly River Dao Sect? Moreover, why would Lin Fei venture into Chang City? The bond between Lin Fei and the empress had long been severed.
The empress remained silent, preparing to continue reviewing her official documents. Yet, her focus wavered, and she became lost in thought, the silhouette of a familiar figure haunting her mind.
A soft click echoed as the grand hall doors slowly swung open. A figure, step by step, entered the grandeur of the hall. The empress abruptly raised her gaze, her eyes meeting a familiar silhouette. "It is truly you... Lin Fei!" She whispered in disbelief, feeling as if she was in a dream.
However, Lin Fei's piercing gaze darted to the corner, locking onto the Foundation Establishment cultivator.
"What are you doing?" The man demanded, "I am a disciple of the Heavenly River Dao Sect, the prestigious Nascent Soul lineage. My revered master, True Person Yuanlong, oversees Chang City. You have audaciously trespassed into the palace, sealing your fate!"
"Enough," Lin Fei's voice was cold and sharp. With a flick of his finger, a razor-thin saber ray shot out, piercing the Foundation Establishment cultivator. In a mere instant, the cultivator was cleaved in two, filling the air with a potent scent of fresh blood.
"Your Majesty, I've come seeking knowledge. Does the royal family know if the Great Chang possesses hidden treasures? Or perhaps any leads?" His eyes met the empress's, devoid of any emotions, as tranquil as a still pond.
Announcement Why do I keep calling her Empress? Because at the time I was thinking, what was her name? Never mind, not important.