Chapter 556: Chapter 199: Rise of Power

That night, the entire Secondary Main Peak of the 15294th gathering was awash in lights and shadows cast by cups of wine, with toasts and laughter crisscrossing, creating a fiery atmosphere.

Feng Jiu Xian and Hou Ling’er from the neighboring peaks also joined the celebration.

Everyone gathered joyously, recounting the past and looking forward to the future, each leaving their thoughts and feelings.

In the middle of the bustling great hall, Zhou Yan and the others had evolved from their initial estrangement to full inclusion as if they had returned to a large family, finally erasing those unnamed barriers.

During the feast, Zhou Yan also spoke of Ancient Tomb Mountain, of Sacrificial Heaven Ancient City, and of the bitter cultivation trials he had endured in the past.

However, faced with those memories, he was now able to remain composed and serene, no longer avoiding them deliberately.

It wasn’t just him; even the usually reserved Zhou Gucheng, Zhou Xian, and others also shared some of the difficulties and secrets encountered in their cultivation.

The entire night was filled with the laughter of the Zhou Family.

…

At dawn, the banquet came to an end.

Zhou Yan announced his plan to establish Thunder Expansion Sacred Land and to enter the Yuan Ci Secret Realm for cultivation with the Zhou Family and Li Family members.

No one opposed this decision.

Including Zhou Gucheng, Zhou Cangmu, and others, they all chose to stay in the Thunder Expansion Sacred Land to face the trials.

Having reacquainted themselves with Zhou Yan, they harbored even greater devotion and trust for him, and they supported his ideas almost unconditionally.

Having been through life-and-death trials, they comprehended many things clearly. They didn’t need Zhou Yan to say much; they would voluntarily choose to be tested and enter a faction within the secret realm.

Thus, Zhou Yan opened the Purple Flame Void and, leading everyone into an ancient array within the Purple Flame Void, he left the Purple Flame Void and appeared alone in the Yuan Ci Secret Realm through the mother-and-child array plate of the secret realm.

Next, Zhou Yan re-entered the Purple Flame Void and emerged with everyone else, then instructed Jiu Que, Wan Jian Tian, Xiong Ba, and others to teach the Zhou Family Disciples and divide the cultivation areas within the Yuan Ci Secret Realm.

Under the inspection of the Saints, the potential and talents of Zhou Han, Zhou Ying, Zhou Gucheng, Zhou Qian, Zhou Qianqian, and even Zhou Xian were detected, granting them special care; whereas Zhou Cangmu and many of the genius cultivators from the Li Family, who also possessed considerable talents, received guidance from the Saints.

Although the other disciples had lesser talents, they too could cultivate in a top-grade secret realm like Yuan Ci, which was a fortunate opportunity.

After settling them in, Zhou Yan was about to leave when Zhou Lingyao and Lee Xinyu, joined by Guan Qiushui and others, as well as Hou Ting, Hou Yan, and more, gathered outside the Yuan Ci Secret Realm.

Although over a thousand people had arrived this time, they were safeguarded by two Saint-Level powerhouses, and with the protective concealment of the Deceiving Heaven Ancient Array along their journey, they did not attract attention, effectively maintaining the secrecy and security of the Yuan Ci Secret Realm.

The Yuan Ci Secret Realm itself also possessed great stealth abilities, granting impressive protection to the realm. With this, the fledgling form of Thunder Expansion Sacred Land finally emerged.

When Xiong Ba, Wan Jian Tian, Jiu Que, Lee Xinyu, Zhou Lingyao, Hou Yan, Hou Ting, and others convened, and with the integration of the Emperor Sword Wuji lineage and Qiankun lineage complete, the contour of Thunder Expansion Sacred Land quickly became visible, instantly transforming it into a power not inferior to Yaochi Sacred Land.

Besides Zhou Yan, only those within this core circle knew of this achievement; others were still unaware.

…

“Saint Master, we’ve worked our hardest, facilitating the cooperation between the two bloodlines and conducting Ni Chang’s Heart Inquiry,” they finally integrated the powers of both bloodlines.

“Although we cannot guarantee that everyone will be completely loyal to Thunder Expansion Sacred Land, we can certain that everyone will be loyal to us. And we will never have any disloyal thoughts towards the Saint Master,” Zhou Lingyao declared loudly.

Zhou Yan smiled and nodded, saying, “You’ve worked hard.”

“It’s my duty to serve the Saint Master,” Zhou Lingyao respectfully responded.

Zhou Yan said nothing more but stood with his hands clasped behind his back, looking at the array of strong figures and disciples before him, suddenly feeling an infinite surge of pride and ambition.

Because of these people, Thunder Expansion Sacred Land had prematurely come into existence. The sacred land now truly possessed its own strength; even without Zhou Yan, this sacred land would not be lightly challenged.

“From the moment he integrated the Zhou Family, to when he had Lee Xinyu and Zhou Lingyao step forward to integrate the Emperor Sword Qiankun and Wuji lineages, he had fantasized about this day, but he never expected it to come so soon.

He felt content and pleased.

His gaze swept across to everyone, and as they all looked towards him, he spoke, “Thunder Expansion Sacred Land will henceforth have five Elder positions: Wan Jian Tian, Jiu Que, Xiong Ba, Lee Xinyu, and Zhou Lingyao. The five Elders will each command their forces, and all matters of Thunder Expansion Sacred Land will be entrusted to you for management.

“Below the Elders, those with more prominent talents such as Guan Qiushui, Lee Lianqing, Lan Ruo, Xian Yue, Zhou Qian, Zhou Gucheng, Zhou Qianqian, Zhou Bi, Zhou Yao, Zhou Ying, and others, will receive Holy Artifacts to comprehend on their own.

“The Yuan Ci Secret Realm is to be utilized by you to nurture and raise them into strength…”

Zhou Yan left the sacred land in the hands of the five Saint-Level individuals and then placed the secret realm’s resources under the management of White Fox Bai Ying. After taking three High-Grade Holy Artifacts, he bid farewell to everyone and left the Yuan Ci Secret Realm to return alone to the 15294th Secondary Main Peak.

Zhou Yan believed that with the training resources of the Yuan Ci Secret Realm, whether it was Bai Ying or Zhou Gucheng and others, massive growth awaited them.

The Five Great Saints also made a decision: regardless of the outcome of the competition for the Holy Daughter, they would take control of the secret realm, ascend to the skies, and confront Yaochi Sacred Land head-on.

The final segment of the Holy Daughter’s marriage recruitment was underway, and all four Great Saints of the Yaochi Sacred Land would be present. They would preside over the event, and, furthermore, they would invite former friends and Saints from external domains to participate, lending face to Zhou Yan.

Although the Saints would not take action, their mere presence was a symbol of strength.

Zhou Yan remained indifferent to these proceedings because he had already risen to prominence and no longer needed to act according to others’ wishes. With support from behind, he was ready to eliminate anyone who dared to obstruct his path, showcasing his overwhelming power.

…

Dawn passed, and light returned once more.

The early morning glow began to emerge in the sky, revealing a clear azure vista, the air fresh and the environment pleasant.

The great Alchemy competition was set to begin in a moment’s time.

After returning, Zhou Yan, along with Feng Jiu Xian and Hou Ling’er, arrived at the Void Array Platform once again.

At this time, the area outside the Array Platform was already filled with Cultivators who had come to watch, while the platform itself was occupied by the genius Cultivators preparing for the competition.

Not everyone could claim first place, but because the selection for the Nine Origin Heavenly City was at stake, every Cultivator would display their abilities.

…

“Artifact Refining placed you quite far behind, but you’re stronger than Zhou Yan. As for Alchemy, do as you see fit,” the icy voice of the Wuxu Saint landed in Wu Ji’s ears.

Wu Ji’s dark eyes flickered with an indescribable light as he nodded, choosing not to speak.

“The dowry has been prepared for you. If you ultimately fail, I shall intervene personally, and I will ensure that Ji Wu’s entire bloodline and innate talents are secured, even at a great cost. I believe the Void Body of the Thunder Origin Sword God will be more than willing to do so,” the Wuxu Saint’s gaze held a ruthless determination, not bothering to hide his disappointment.

Wu Ji could only remain silent, as if besides silence, he had no other option.

“You must understand your mother’s difficulties,” the Kong Ji Saint softly said.

“If you don’t want to provoke a major battle with me, then shut your mouth!” the Wuxu Saint snapped impatiently.

The Kong Ji Saint could only sigh in resignation and said no more, transforming into a streak of light and flying away.

The grand Alchemy competition began at that moment.

It was Fairy Die announcing the start, with the same materials as always.

But this time, as Fairy Die made her proclamation, nine purple wisps shot up into the sky, auspicious clouds descended, and a Heavenly Tribulation appeared.

Wu Ji acted instantly, unleashing overwhelming strength to initiate nine Alchemy methods.

He hadn’t even completed his Elixir when the Heavenly Tribulation began to fall.

He seemed to have gone mad as endless Heavenly Tribulations descended, directly attacking the protective array set up by the Saints. With such energy, Wu Ji finally erupted.

Like a madman, he confronted the Heavenly Tribulation with his body, facing the grand Alchemy competition by advancing his combat power through nearly ten great Tribulations and stepping into the Sword Tribulation Realm.

Endless Thunder Power roared and thunderclouds descended like a tsunami, his actions instantly destroying the rhythm and strategies of all other Alchemists, throwing everyone’s plans into disarray.

At that moment, Zhou Yan’s process was also interrupted, but after a brief moment of astonishment, he resumed his work with the Profound Meaning of the Tai Chu Rune, merging it with his Nine Palace Alchemy Dao and Ling Yuan Alchemy Dao to refine his Elixir at an unparalleled speed.

At the same moment, Shiyin, Zhuge Chunqiu, and others also managed to recover from their disrupted states and began their Artifact Refining once again.

“Boom—Crack—”

Suddenly, the earth shook and mountains trembled.

The protective array established by the Saints was pierced by the mighty power of Thunder Punishment. Except for Zhou Yan, all the Cultivators refining Elixirs were affected by the Thunder Power, and their process was forcibly interrupted.

Although Zhou Yan’s Artifact Refining was influenced by thunder, it did not stop him, as he was a Thunderflame Sword Body and did not fear the thunder.

Amidst flickering black light, Zhou Yan gradually completed the Elixir refinement within the thunder, with Purple Flame continuously exerting its powerful purifying ability, and Origin energy flowing. The profound meaning shaped by the Tai Chu Runes brought forth an Anomaly that was both ancient and unprecedented.

Wu Ji, meanwhile, had already completed his leap in the Realm during the Alchemy competition, using the Heavenly Tribulation to refine the Elixir and becoming immensely powerful in the process.

He had always been low-key before, but this time he was conspicuously filled with Battle Intent.