Chapter 347-350 (Patreon)

347. The Empress

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.

348. True Person Yuanlong

Lin Fei's gaze flowed like water. Incomparably serene. Yet, the empress's demeanor slightly stiffened Lin Fei addressed her as "Your Majesty." His tone was utterly tranquil. Such calmness shattered all the illusions harbored within the empress's heart.

Two years had passed. To Lin Fei, the empress seemed but a mere stranger now. No longer did she stir any ripples in his heart. Utter stillness.

However, within the empress's heart, tranquility remained elusive. She knew all too well. With that single utterance of "Your Majesty" from Lin Fei, his stance was clear. Bitterness settled deep within her heart.

After a prolonged silence, the empress finally spoke, "There are indeed clues. After the Heavenly River Dao Sect's True Person Yuanlong took control of the royal family, he ordered a thorough examination of all the royal scriptures. Then, an exhaustive search was carried out throughout the entire realm of Great Chang.

The findings were that the north, south, and west of Great Chang seemed to be sealed off. Only the east retains a maritime outlet, allowing passage across the sea. However, True Person Yuanlong merely knows of the seal, and that too is mere conjecture. He doesn't know how to undo the seal, let alone its entrance. So, of late, True Person Yuanlong has been engrossed in researching the seals placed in the three directions of Great Chang."

"Seal..."

A peculiar glint shimmered in Lin Fei's eyes. He faintly remembered the vast glacier he once saw in the north. It seemed endless at first glance. But journeying forth, one would realize they were walking in circles. Even back when Lin Fei was revered as the foremost Martial Saint of Great Chang, he couldn't trace any formation. If it were a seal, it would indeed make sense.

A seal is not a formation. It leaves no trace. There are only two methods to undo a seal. Either one understands the seal and possesses its mantra to unlock it, or they forcefully break it. True Person Yuanlong, presumably, is trying, hoping to unlock the seal.

"I understand," Lin Fei intoned. "I shall seek out Yuanlong. Tonight, the threat of the Heavenly River Dao Sect will be eradicated once and for all. With me here, Great Chang will regain its peace, and Your Majesty can govern with a tranquil heart!"

Having spoken, Lin Fei prepared to depart.

"Lin Fei, if I say I regret," the empress suddenly interjected. "Is there a chance to choose once more?"

Lin Fei halted momentarily. Then, with a subtle flicker, he vanished without a trace.

Ultimately, Lin Fei spoke no words. Yet, his silence had already answered the empress's query.

The empress's face turned ashen, her demeanor that of a broken spirit. She comprehended.

Some things, once lost, are lost forever. Some choices can only be made once.

Within the imperial palace, Lin Fei had no intention of seeking out Yuanlong, the True Person. There was no need. Yuanlong wouldn't hide. Hence, all Lin Fei had to do was emit his own aura. Yuanlong would naturally come to him!

And so, step by step, Lin Fei moved into the void. He made no attempt to conceal his form. Thus, as he walked steadily into the void, the entirety of Chang City's citizens seemed to take notice of him.

"Who is that?"

"Walking through the sky, with such dense vitality, could it be a Martial Saint?"

"Which Martial Saint dares to be so audacious in Chang City?"

"It might not be a Martial Saint. Could it be one of those recently emerged, powerful Martial Sovereigns?"

"That silhouette seems familiar. Where have I seen it before?"

"It's him... undoubtedly, he has returned, our National Guardian Martial Saint has returned!"

"National Guardian Martial Saint? The one who crushed the ten immortal sects, the Saber Saint?"

"Yes, the Saber Saint of the Nine Profound Sect, Lin Fei, has returned!"

In an instant, many recognized Lin Fei. After all, it had only been two years since Lin Fei's disappearance. It was not a long time. And Lin Fei had spent no short amount of time in the city back then. He had accomplished many great feats in Chang City. Later, he was even conferred the title of the National Guardian Martial Saint. His prestige soared to unparalleled heights.

Thus, many hadn't really forgotten Lin Fei. However, some were worried. Even if Lin Fei was the Saber Saint, the once-renowned first Martial Saint of Great Chang, facing the current situation, would he be of any help?

Above Martial Saints were the likes of Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons. Now, controlling all of Chang City and the royal family was a formidable Golden Core True Person. Even an average Martial Sovereign wouldn't dare to provoke them!

Regardless of the whispers below, Lin Fei remained undeterred.

With a thunderous boom, behind Lin Fei, a massive Life Wheel suddenly emerged. As the Life Wheel materialized, a terrifying pressure instantly enveloped all of Chang City.

Immediately, many in Chang City wore expressions of sheer terror. The majority of the common folk were directly forced to their knees by this overwhelming pressure. It was the pressure of life itself!

Even if Lin Fei hadn't intentionally released such pressure, being a Martial Sovereign, and one who had cultivated six of the top-tier Great Divine Abilities at that, his life pressure was inherently terrifying.

It wasn't just the commoners who couldn't withstand it. Even Foundation Establishment True Persons and Martial Saints couldn't bear it. Even typical Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons would be suppressed by the might of Lin Fei's Life Wheel.

Lin Fei hadn't unleashed his Saber Domain. It was one of his trump cards. Furthermore, in the present Great Chang, who could force him to deploy his Saber Domain? Were the six top-tier Great Divine Abilities not enough?

"Which Martial Sovereign graces Chang City with their presence?"

As Lin Fei released his Life Wheel, the winds howled and clouds swirled. A terrifying vortex of Spiritual Qi converged from all directions. Simultaneously, an ancient voice echoed through the void.

A figure, a Golden Core True Person, flew out from a palace within the Great Chang royal family, heading straight for the void. Soon after, his form became visible.

"Heavenly River Dao Sect, Yuanlong!"

This figure looked at Lin Fei, his face filled with a solemn expression.

"Nine Profound Sect, Lin Fei!"

With his hands behind his back, Lin Fei responded with an even tone.

"Nine Profound Sect's Lin Fei?"

Yuanlong slightly furrowed his brows. In his memory, he had never heard of the Nine Profound Sect on the Ancient Continent. Moreover, such a formidable Martial Sovereign with six Great Divine Abilities!

From the aura of the Divine Ability alone, one could tell. Typically, a Martial Sovereign of this caliber would belong to a Martial King family or hail from a powerful martial arts sect.

However, in Yuanlong True Person's memory, there was no powerful martial arts sect named "Nine Profound Sect".

"Wait, Nine Profound Sect? I think Great Chang has a sect named Nine Profound Sect. Could you be the Martial Saint from Nine Profound Sect?"

Suddenly, Yuanlong seemed to remember, recalling some information about the "Nine Profound Sect". The Martial Saint that guarded the nation. The foremost Martial Saint who destroyed the ten immortal sects. Saber saint Lin Fei!

Yuanlong roughly discerned Lin Fei's identity.

"You're Lin Fei? from Great Chang's Nine Profound Sect" Yuanlong narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Yes, it's me." Lin Fei replied succinctly. He never had the intention to hide his identity.

But in Yuanlong's heart, doubt arose. From what he knew, Lin Fei left Great Chang just a little over two years ago. What can one accomplish in just over two years? Even if Lin Fei went overseas to "seek the Dao", even if he found the Ancient Continent, how could he possibly have become such a powerful Martial Sovereign?

Taking a deep breath, Yuanlong True Person declared arrogantly, "Martial Sovereign Lin, since you've become a Martial Sovereign, you must have been to the Ancient Continent. Then you should also know what Nascent Soul lineage represents. The Heavenly River Dao Sect is the Nascent Soul lineage! We've set our sights on the treasure of Great Chang! Whoever obstructs us, I will kill!"

Yuanlong's eyes were icy cold. He seemed to not care at all that Lin Fei had cultivated the six Great Divine Abilities. Because in the face of the Heavenly River Dao Sect, if one is not a Nascent Soul or a mighty Martial King, the Heavenly River Dao Sect is not afraid at all!

"The Nascent Soul lineage again..." Lin Fei's eyes also gradually grew cold. "I have killed Golden Core True Persons of the Nascent Soul lineage before. The mere title of Nascent Soul lineage doesn't intimidate me. You have two choices. Hand over the clues your Heavenly River Dao Sect found regarding the treasure of Great Chang. Or, be beheaded by my saber!"

With a calm tone, Lin Fei offered Yuanlong only two choices. Either hand over the clues, or die!

349. The Power of Pierce

"No one has ever dared to address a Golden Core True Person from the Heavenly River Dao Sect in such a manner."

Yuanlong's eyes flashed with restrained fury. He vanquished countless Martial Sovereigns. Many among them, having cultivated certain Divine Abilities, became arrogant. And the result? Divine Abilities paled in comparison to magical treasures!

Yuanlong bore the treasured artifact of the Heavenly River Dao Sect. He merely wished to avoid a grand spectacle. Yet, with Lin Fei's aggressive stance, he had to teach him the might of the Heavenly River Dao Sect.

"Heavenly River Orb," Yuanlong gently touched his forehead. From within, a bead shot out, radiating a white glow. "Go!"

With a gesture towards Lin Fei,

Boom.

The Heavenly River Orb surged, seemingly rending the very fabric of space itself, causing minute fractures. The mere fact it could cause such a distortion was a testament to its immense power.

"Divine Ability, Gravity Domain!"

From behind Lin Fei, the second layer of his Life Wheel illuminated brightly. Suddenly, the force of gravity descended, significantly slowing down the Heavenly River Orb's trajectory.

Yet, though affected, the Orb still hurtled towards Lin Fei. Clearly, this wasn't a mere Golden Core level magical treasure. Otherwise, it couldn't resist Lin Fei's Gravity Domain.

"Divine Ability, Annihilation!"

From Lin Fei's Life Wheel, the fourth layer began to shimmer. The power of destruction descended, instantly falling upon the Heavenly River Orb.

The Orb seemed to face an immense resistance, even quivering violently in mid-air. The force of destruction was formidable, especially at its pinnacle.

Coupled with the Gravity Domain, both top-tier Divine Abilities acted on the Orb simultaneously. Even a hundred Great Mountain Seals would buckle under such force.

Crack.

A tiny fissure appeared on the Heavenly River Orb.

Yuanlong's face paled.

"Impossible! Soul of the True Dragon, merge!"

Yuanlong quickly formed hand signs and produced a talisman. In the next moment, a fearsome, fanged dragon phantom erupted from the talisman. This spectral dragon then rapidly merged into the Heavenly River Orb. Coiling within, the dragon stopped the expansion of the fissure.

The Orb, rejuvenated, sped towards Lin Fei again. Neither the Gravity Domain nor the Annihilation Divine Ability could halt its advance.

Yet, Lin Fei remained unflinching in the face of danger. For he had discerned the truth. Under the bombardment of his two divine abilities, the Heavenly River Orb had indeed suffered a grievous blow. But it seemed the dragon's illusion had shielded the Heavenly River Orb from total destruction.

A resonant hum echoed, And in the next instant, the sixth layer of light from Lin Fei's Life Wheel began to shine brightly.

"Divine Ability, Pierce!"

This was the pinnacle Divine Ability called "Pierce" that Lin Fei had just recently mastered. It was still at a beginner's realm, Yet, this ability possessed a sharpness that was unparalleled and unbreakable, especially crafted for countering hard magical treasures.

The intangible power of "Pierce", like a beam of brilliant light, hurtled towards the Heavenly River Orb in the blink of an eye.

With a soft hiss, the radiant beam vanished, and the Heavenly River Orb's advance halted.

Yuanlong trembled. Gazing upon the Heavenly River Orb, disbelief clouded his eyes. His precious Heavenly River Orb was penetrated. A small hole emerged, And the lustrous glow of the Heavenly River Orb dimmed.

With a crystalline crack, under the assault of Lin Fei's Annihilation Divine Ability, the damaged Heavenly River Orb could withstand no more. It shattered and splintered into oblivion.

This was an important treasure of the Heavenly River Dao Sect!

"How? You actually destroyed the Heavenly River Orb?"

Yuanlong looked as if he couldn't trust his own eyes. It was the Heavenly River Orb! Once, he had roamed the Ancient Continent unchecked because of it. Even when facing the top Martial Sovereigns from the Martial King families, he was an equal match. But now? The Heavenly River Orb lay in ruins, smashed to bits by Lin Fei's Divine Ability.

Lin Fei cast his gaze upon the distant Yuanlong and swiftly extended his hand. Immediately, the Gravity Domain expanded rapidly. In the blink of an eye, it enveloped Yuanlong.

Yuanlong's entire being quaked. Deprived of the Heavenly River Orb, and now with the Gravity Domain bearing down upon him, he truly felt its terror. It felt as though he was sinking in quicksand, unable to wrestle free. Even if he could muster some magic, could such tricks possibly hold against Lin Fei's Divine Ability?

"Lin Fei, you dared destroy my Heavenly River Orb, the next time I come to Great Chang, I swear I will slay you!"

Yuanlong declared through gritted teeth. His hatred for Lin Fei was palpable. In the past, he had always been composed as if everything was within his grasp. But this time, he had miscalculated. And the price was staggering.

"The next time?"

A fleeting suspicion crossed Lin Fei's mind. At this point, if Yuanlong still harbored thoughts of a next encounter, it wasn't arrogance on his part. He must have had something up his sleeve, believing he could surely escape.

With a swift sound, Yuanlong's figure vanished in an instant. It seemed as if droplets of water were falling from the position where Yuanlong had stood.

Yuanlong had executed an escape technique, specifically, the Water Escape! As long as there was water, Yuanlong could escape. And for him, finding water was never an issue. That's the marvel of the escape technique. Though it is a kind of magic, not all Golden Core True Persons can master it.

Moreover, there are varying levels of expertise even within the realm of escape techniques. Yuanlong had honed his technique to perfection. With just a few droplets of water, he could enact the Water Escape, And vanish as if by magic in the blink of an eye. Such prowess was truly formidable.

Given Yuanlong's mastery of this technique, crossing vast oceans would pose little danger to him. After all, boundless seas are replete with water. Even if confronted by formidable exotic beasts, he could simply employ Water Escape.

However, in the distant void, Yuanlong stumbled as if he had collided with an invisible wall. He reappeared, unable to escape.

"What's going on?"

Yuanlong looked baffled and alarmed. Was he truly unable to escape? In the past, no matter the adversary or peril faced, he had always relied on his Water Escape, and had always managed to flee. After all, his Water Escape technique had been refined to perfection.

With a mere thought, he could escape like a single droplet. Regardless of the strength of the opponent's Divine Ability or magic treasure, Unless he was sealed, he could typically escape. Why had he failed now?

He looked around and noticed That at some point, a layer of white light had surrounded the entire area. Even he hadn't noticed its presence until now.

Moreover, this layer of white luminescence seemed to cut him off from the outside world. Thus, no matter how potent his escape technique, he was unable to flee.

"Is this... a martial domain?"

Suddenly, as if recalling something, Yuanlong's face turned as pale as paper as if he had been dealt a massive blow.

"Correct, this is my Saber Domain!" came a voice. "So, Yuanlong, prepare to meet your end!"

Lin Fei's gaze was icy cold. In the end, he had unleashed his Saber Domain. Had he not activated the Saber Domain, Yuanlong would have escaped. Within the Saber Domain, thousands of saber lights flashed, descending like raindrops, converging instantly towards Yuanlong.

"No..."

A cry of despair erupted from Yuanlong. In the next moment, he was submerged, overwhelmed by the torrential onslaught of saber lights.

350. Intimidate

Yuanlong is dead! Even his Water Escape couldn't save him. Trapped by Lin Fei's Saber Domain, then suppressed by the Gravity Domain, coupled with the barrage of saber lights within the Saber Domain, he had no power to resist. After all, not everyone possesses a Nascent Soul magic treasure like the Great Mountain Divine Seal. Merely a Golden Core-level magic treasure couldn't withstand Lin Fei's Divine Ability.

However, Yuanlong wasn't alone. He had brought a large number of Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Heavenly River Dao Sect with him. Scattered throughout the palace and even throughout Chang City, all to better control Chang City and the entire imperial family. Now that the Saber Domain has been revealed, Lin Fei no longer felt the need to hide.

"Boom!"

The next moment, Lin Fei's Saber Domain began to expand. Starting from the palace, it spread outward, encompassing the entirety of Chang City.

Lin Fei closed his eyes. Within his Saber Domain, he was the true ruler! Moreover, the present Saber Domain was a transcendent one. Its formidable power was beyond comprehension. Even top Golden Core True Persons, even those with top-tier Golden Core magic treasures, once trapped by Lin Fei's Saber Domain, would be rendered helpless. Unless one possessed a magic treasure akin to the Great Mountain Divine Seal, perhaps only then could they shatter his Saber Domain.

The only time Lin Fei's Saber Domain was torn apart was by the Great Mountain Divine Seal. But now, no one possesses a magic treasure comparable to the Great Mountain Divine Seal.

As the Saber Domain spread throughout Chang City, Lin Fei instantly had a clear understanding of the positions of the cultivators from the Heavenly River Dao Sect. They weren't hard to locate.

According to the Empress, the weakest among the Heavenly River Dao Sect were at the Foundation Establishment level. After all, those who could cross the sea couldn't possibly be mere Qi Condensation cultivators. They had to be at least Foundation Establishment True Persons. Only then could they assist Yuanlong in controlling the Great Chang. There weren't many Foundation Establishment True Persons in Chang City. And within Lin Fei's Saber Domain, they were incredibly easy to distinguish.

"A total of twenty-three Foundation Establishment cultivators. It's roughly the number the Empress mentioned."

Having pinpointed the locations of these twenty-three True Persons, Lin Fei made his move.

"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh."

Within the Saber Domain, countless saber lights formed in an instant. Then, streams of saber lights descended rapidly. The people in Chang City and the palace were thrown into panic. After all, those saber lights were incredibly terrifying. Who could withstand them once they descended?

"Splash."

However, when the saber lights descended, some fell within concealed rooms, slicing entire courtyards in half, others landed in secluded corners or amidst crowds. But without exception, with each descent of a saber light, a Foundation Establishment True Person would perish.

Seeing these fallen Foundation Establishment True Persons, many seemed to have an epiphany, grasping the reason behind the mayhem. After all, these Foundation Establishment True Persons were, without exception, all from the Heavenly River Dao Sect.

"Is Sovereign Lin aiming to eliminate everyone from the Heavenly River Dao Sect?"

"This is unbelievable! What method is this? How can he eliminate them with such precision?"

"Even the mightiest saber techniques shouldn't be this powerful or accurate, right?"

Some martial artists and Qi cultivators in Chang City were unaware of the Saber Domain. Only those from the Ancient Continent knew the implications of the Saber Domain. With Lin Fei possessing the Saber Domain, he essentially gained two or three top-tier Great Divine Abilities.

Moreover, the functions of the Saber Domain surpassed even those of Great Divine Abilities. Once one has the Saber Domain, that martial artist would virtually have no weaknesses. They could attack or defend at will, and even if they chose to retreat, they would do so with ease. Within the Saber Domain, even a Martial Sovereign could teleport instantly.

"Retract."

Lin Fei withdrew his Saber Domain. He looked down and saw the Empress who looked up at him. But Lin Fei didn't utter a word, he didn't even bid her goodbye.

"Swoosh."

Lin Fei turned, transforming into a streak of light, vanishing into the horizon.

...

Lin Fei returned to the Nine Profound Sect. His trip to Chang City was not entirely fruitless. Although Yuanlong hadn't provided any clues, Lin Fei suspected that Yuanlong probably didn't have any specific leads either. Otherwise, he would have sought out the sealed location long ago. Now, while Lin Fei was unaware of this sealed location, so were others. However, Lin Fei had an inkling of where the issue might lie.

"It seems I need to visit the Northern Territory. To see for myself. But before that, the Nine Profound Sect must spread a message. In my name, deliver this message. To any foreign martial artist or Qi cultivator entering Great Chang, be it a Golden Core True Person or a Martial Sovereign, they must not commit wanton slaughter, nor disrupt the order of Great Chang. Otherwise, I will personally intervene, and show no mercy!"

Lin Fei believed that by slaying True Person Youming and the other seven major Golden Core True Persons, and by eliminating Yuanlong of the Heavenly River Dao Sect, the other Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons in Great Chang would surely recognize his prowess. Once he made this decree public, those Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons would certainly think twice before taking any actions. This wasn't Lin Fei acting without warning.

Thus, Lin Fei coordinated with both the Nine Profound Sect and the Great Chang Court, issuing a public notice. The news swiftly spread throughout the entirety of Great Chang.

"Have you heard? The Martial Saint who once protected Great Chang, the Saber Saint Lin Fei, who eradicated the ten immortal sects, has returned."

"Yes, and not just returned. Saber Saint even eliminated those entrenched in the Hidden Sword Sect, led by True Person Youming, including the eight major Golden Cores."

"Furthermore, Martial Saint Lin went to Chang City, executed True Person Yuanlong, and wiped out every member of the Heavenly River Dao Sect!"

"Now he's not just a Martial Saint, he's become a Martial Sovereign, Martial Sovereign Lin!"

"Martial Sovereign Lin even had the Great Chang Court and Nine Profound Sect broadcast his message throughout Great Chang. There are even official announcements posted on the streets everywhere. All outsiders, be they martial artists or Qi cultivators, regardless of whether they are Martial Sovereigns or Golden Cores, must not violate Great Chang's laws, must not disturb the peace, and must not slaughter indiscriminately. Any violators will face Lin Martial Sovereign personally, and he will show no mercy!"

Now, this news is common knowledge. The efficiency of the Great Chang Court is commendable. Notices are plastered in every nook and cranny. These Martial Sovereigns and Golden Cores would undoubtedly be aware.

In fact, among the crowds were Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons, they scrutinized the contents of the notices, their brows furrowed. While others might not comprehend the weight of the content, they surely did.

"True Person Youming might be insignificant, being just a common rogue cultivator. But True Person Yuanlong of the Heavenly River Dao Sect was a top-tier Golden Core True Person. Wielding the Heavenly River Orb, even the Martial Sovereigns of the Martial King clans might not necessarily be his match. But now he's dead? Slain by Lin Fei?"

"This Lin Fei, originally from Great Chang, roamed the seas for two years in search of the Dao. And now he's returned with such terrifying strength? This proclamation is quite domineering. Mandating that we all follow Great Chang's laws, without exception."

"Does he intend to become the overlord of Great Chang? So that when we arrive in Great Chang, we must bow and adhere to the rules?"

"If we don't abide, Lin Fei will personally intervene..."

For a time, many Golden Core True Persons and Martial Sovereigns harbored resentment. Yet, no matter their anger, the thought of even Yuanlong of the Heavenly River Dao Sect meeting his demise kept them restrained. They dared not provoke Lin Fei. None of them were so arrogant as to consider themselves stronger than Yuanlong.

However, following this event, Lin Fei's reputation instantaneously spread throughout Great Chang. All those Martial Sovereigns and Golden Core True Persons dared not act recklessly, each and every one of them constrained.

Lin Fei, with his own power, truly dominated the entire Great Chang! Even the countless Golden Cores and Martial Sovereigns, were firmly suppressed, not daring to break the rules set by Lin Fei!