Early the next morning,
Zhang Yong was in the middle of his room, sitting cross-legged on the bed before releasing a long breath.
"My comprehension has been successfully consolidated. It's time for the Heavenly Boundary Realm."
Zhang Yong stood up and looked at his clothes before opening the System Shop.
He changed his outfit.
Black cloth pants, wearing a black beetle robe as a shirt, and over it, he wore a black zip-up jacket.
"We must follow fashion sometimes. These aren't clothes you see often, but they're good."
Zhang Yong left his room and headed to the disciples' hall. There, he saw that everyone had already gathered.
"Oh, Zhang Yong, you're just in time..." said Su Ming before pausing at his clothes, which looked... unnatural.
Zhang Yong smiled gently, refusing to get into a long argument about his attire. "Don't worry too much about clothes. The important thing is that they're comfortable." His tone was calm and indifferent.
"If you say so, then it doesn't matter." Su Ming shrugged meaninglessly.
"Is everyone here now, then?" asked Zhang Yong as he approached them.
"Yes. After all, we must see you off," Liu Yin replied with a calm expression.
All members of the Mount Serenity peak had already gathered in front of the disciples' hall.
"Alright, just in case, see you in one year's time," said Wang Fei with a mocking smile.
Liu Yan frowned, staring at his face. "Can't you at least say it in a logical way? Even if the flow of time inside is different, that's no excuse to say it as if we're on the brink of death."
Cheng Feng thought for a moment. "Well, I also can't let my younger siblings come to harm, so I made this."
Cheng Feng reached into his spatial bag and pulled out three iron armors, each at the Mid-Mystic rank; two swords at the High-Mystic rank; and a pair of gauntlets at the Mid-Mystic rank.
Su Ming looked at the items Cheng Feng had taken out with interest. "Hah, Elder Brother Cheng is very thoughtful. Each of these items is extremely precious."
Cheng Feng raised his head and puffed out his chest proudly. "Of course, each of these pieces is my unique masterpiece. I crafted them myself."
When she heard that, Liu Yan's expression darkened. "Oh, now I don't feel safe wearing them."
Cheng Feng smiled lightly, placing a hand on his heart pretending to be humble, but he couldn't hide his sense of pride. "Don't worry, each piece is equipped with vitality elements that double its strength. You won't suffer any harm while wearing them."
A sarcastic smile appeared on her face. "Now I trust them even less."
"Tsk, whatever." Cheng Feng clicked his tongue and then continued, picking up one of the swords. "This sword is for Su Ming. I specifically crafted it to synergize with your Origin Flame and his sword Intent of the Light Element"
Su Ming took the sword and looked at Cheng Feng gratefully. "Thank you, Elder Brother Cheng."
Then, Cheng Feng picked up the gauntlets and handed them to Zhang Yong. "After observing Xiao Yong, I made the gauntlets to suit his aggressive combat style."
Zhang Yong took the gauntlets and put them on "Thank you, Elder Brother Cheng Feng, for the gift."
Cheng Feng waved his hand dismissively but couldn't hide his proud smile. "No need for thanks. Just make sure you don't destroy it too quickly. It took me longer than usual to make it."
He distributed the remaining armors to the three, and the other sword went to Liu Yan.
After everyone finished examining the weapons and equipment, Elder Gu sighed and said with a smile, "Well, now that you're equipped, it's time to go."
Liu Yan took out a yellow talisman from her sleeve and threw it into the air. In an instant, a giant sword formed.
The four ascended onto the sword, and it soared high into the sky.
The giant sword rose into the sky at a breathtaking speed, piercing through the clouds as the cold air whipped against their faces.
After a while, another flying sword appeared beside them, piloted by Lu Li with the participating disciples from her peak
On the left side, a large spear appeared suspended in the sky. On it was the Elder of Thunder peak with his participating disciples as well.
On the far left, there was the Elder of Frost peak riding a giant snow bird.
Elder Gu stood at the head of the flying sword, looking at the horizon as he said, "You must be careful when we reach the Heavenly Boundary Realm site. Don't cause trouble."
Everyone nodded without argument.
Liu Yan suddenly said, "Right, I remember my father said he would attend the Heavenly Boundary Realm event."
Zhang Yong raised an eyebrow slightly upon hearing that. "Wait, Master Liu will attend the event?"
Elder Gu laughed mockingly. "I forgot to tell you. The five golden families whose members will participate attend to follow their progress. Even the Emperor will come to watch because the Princess is participating. That's why I told you to be careful, especially you, Zhang Yong."
"Especially me?" Zhang Yong narrowed his eyes as he looked at Elder Gu.
Elder Gu nodded, his eyes gleaming cunningly. "Not after you were declared one of the Empire's Five Beauties' husband. Guess what, there's a queue of suitors for her, hehe."
Zhang Yong stared in shock, his jaw almost dropping to the ground. "Damn!! This can't be. All the years I spent acting low-profile have been ruined because of some girl. Damn it!"
Su Ming chuckled lightly, patting Zhang Yong's shoulder. "Don't worry. If you need help, I'll be there... to watch the chaos."
Zhang Yong glared at him coldly before completely ignoring him, while Liu Yan looked at Elder Gu suspiciously. "Do you mean Long Yuliong? That girl?"
Elder Gu shook his head. "Actually, Zhang Yong, you shouldn't hate her. She has a reason."
Zhang Yong looked at Elder Gu with an expressionless gaze. "That's not a reason to expect me to be in trouble."
Liu Yan sighed and explained, "You don't know, Zhang Yong. Being children of golden families, one day we'll have to lead our families. But there are strict rules. A girl cannot lead the family. Long Yuliang was born as the sole daughter of the Long Golden Family."
Zhang Yong's eyes widened for a moment. "Wait, what?"
Liu Yan shook her head. "That's right. Normally, she would have to be betrothed. But due to the Long family's situation—they are considered the second weakest family after the Su family—if Long Yuliong were to marry someone from a silver family, the Long family might end up being devoured and exploited. I still remember that day when she stood before the public and swore she would not marry anyone unless they met three conditions:
1. He must be handsome.
2. He must be stronger than her and defeat her.
3. He must be under twenty years old."
Then a small laugh appeared on Elder Gu's face. "And you, ridiculously, meet all three conditions."
Zhang Yong sighed coldly. He hated political dealings intensely. But what Long Yuliang did was only a temporary solution. Geniuses were countless.
However, Zhang Yong was a convenient choice because he didn't belong to any silver or golden family.
Then the Elder's smile disappeared and his face became serious. "Zhang Yong, according to the alliance, both sects must cooperate, even if you don't want to. Can you promise me that?"
Zhang Yong looked at the Elder's back and noticed his expression before nodding. "I promise, Master."
However, Zhang Yong looked at Su Ming, whose body was already tense.
The golden families whose members were participating would gather. This also meant his father would attend as well.
Zhang Yong converted his mental energy into a fine thread and sent a message to Liu Yan. 'Elder Sister Liu, I have a question.'
Liu Yan was surprised when she received the message before turning toward Zhang Yong and looking at him, then returning her gaze forward. 'What is it?'
Zhang Yong's gaze was calm as he asked, 'You said the Su family is the weakest golden family. So I was wondering why and how they've survived until now.'
Liu Yan sighed, realizing why Zhang Yong used telepathy—so Su Ming wouldn't listen. 'It was because of an incident. The Su family had many generals, but due to a sudden attack from barbarians, the family fell as a result. The current head of the Su family lost his wife. It so happened that day was the day Su Ming himself was born. She died from childbirth. Although the Su family suffered losses, the Emperor could only console them and grant them some land. Since he couldn't support them more than that, the Emperor offered the Princess's betrothal to Su Ming.'
Zhang Yong was silent for a moment, absorbing the information. He hadn't expected the Su family's past to be so tragic.
Zhang Yong let out a sigh. It seemed the head of the Su family had not recovered from that loss. And deep down, he blamed Su Ming. That's what caused him to treat him so coldly.
No change showed on Zhang Yong's face, but he cast a subtle glance toward Su Ming, who was looking at the horizon with frozen features.
It was clear that merely mentioning the golden families disturbed his feelings.
As they continued flying, the features of a vast land began to appear on the horizon, where huge groups of people had gathered, with massive tents pitched everywhere.
Yun Weilian exclaimed in astonishment, "This... the number of people is enormous!"
At that moment, the flying sword they were on began to slow down, meaning they were approaching their destination.
As they gradually descended, eyes began to turn toward them. It wasn't surprising, as the Purple Star Sect was not a small force.
But before they could land completely, a huge group of people appeared wearing outfits adorned with golden dragon symbols. Their oppressive aura clearly indicated they were not weak.
Standing at their forefront was a tall young man, his black hair hanging over his shoulders, his eyes gleaming sharply as he held his hands behind his back. He was calm, but he didn't hide a clear intention to provoke.
"Hmph, is this the sect of the person Yuliang chose?" the young man spoke loudly, not needing to clarify who he meant.
Zhang Yong's eyes widened slightly before returning to their calm state, while he was internally shocked. 'We haven't even arrived yet, and problems have already begun?'
Elder Gu sighed. "These are from the Bloodstorm Sect. Be careful. This is their main participating disciple this year, Shen Wanyun. He possesses a Wind Law Body. And as you know, he's one of the dozens who proposed to Long Yuliang."
The sword landed gently just as Zhang Yong and the others jumped to the ground.
Shen Wanyun took a step forward, his eyes fixed on Zhang Yong with a calm but subtly mocking expression. "So, you are Zhang Yong? It's funny how a girl like Yuliong chooses someone of unknown origin like you."
Zhang Yong raised an eyebrow slightly but didn't respond. Instead, he looked at Elder Gu, who merely observed the situation silently. Zhang Yong had promised not to cause trouble.
Shen Wanyun laughed when he saw Zhang Yong's calm reaction, mocking further. "Are you scared? Or do you know the difference between our abilities? This is disappointing."
Zhang Yong turned and walked away. He might accidentally kill the boy if he stayed there.
Shen Wanyun laughed sarcastically when he saw Zhang Yong turn to leave, saying loudly for everyone to hear, "Hah! So this is the man Yuliang chose? Just a coward who doesn't even dare to face me?"
Shen Wanyun frowned when he got no response and took another step forward, saying in a provocative voice, "What a disappointment."
Internally, Shen Wanyun was analyzing, 'There's a high probability this boy is nothing more than a pawn for Long Yuliang, used as a front. His reaction proves that even more. All this and he still hasn't moved? I can't believe someone is this thick-skinned.'
At that moment, the Elder of the Bloodstorm Sect stepped forward and said in a formal tone, "That's enough, Shen Wanyun. We are here to participate in the Heavenly Boundary Realm, not to cause trouble."
Shen Wanyun looked at his Elder, then turned his gaze back to Zhang Yong, before smiling sarcastically and taking a step back. He raised his hands and added, "Alright, alright, I won't bother the weak boy any further."
Zhang Yong showed no reaction, as if he hadn't heard anything, making some of the present Bloodstorm Sect disciples laugh contemptuously.
Nevertheless, Zhang Yong continued walking.
Then, suddenly, a commotion arose high in the sky as a golden chariot pierced through space, pulled by flaming horses.
Everyone's eyes widened when the golden chariot appeared in the sky, hovering steadily as four flaming horses with golden fire pulled it
Its mere presence was enough for everyone to feel a terrible pressure, as if it carried undeniable majesty.
A disciple whispered, "This... this is the Imperial Family's chariot!"
The golden chariot stopped in the air, remaining steady as the flaming horses made terrifying snorting sounds.
The chariot's doors slowly opened, emitting a dazzling golden light for a few moments before a person of extreme majesty emerged.
It was the Emperor!
He had a majestic and legendary appearance, with long, flowing hair flying in the wind and a thick beard. He wore a crown adorned with gemstones, with royal decorations, and carried a mysterious smile.
He wore a royal robe intricately decorated with detailed patterns and Eastern engravings. He seemed like an immortal emperor with boundless authority.
As soon as the Emperor appeared, almost everyone bowed without hesitation. Some knelt on one knee out of respect, while others bowed their heads only, according to their rank and status. But the majority knelt on the ground.
Zhang Yong remained standing in his place, not moving an inch, but he placed his hands behind his back and bowed his head slightly. Not out of respect, but merely as a formal gesture.
'Emperor Jiang Biran,' Zhang Yong muttered internally.
The Emperor noticed his behavior but didn't seem upset. Instead, his smile deepened, as if something had caught his interest.
Zhang Yong was never comfortable with that.
The Emperor remained silent for a moment before suddenly laughing, making everyone look at him in surprise. "I see many talents from my empire have gathered here." Then he added in a meaningful tone, "I look forward to your achievements."
The Emperor took a step back and waved his hand, making the golden chariot ascend into the sky again. "We will watch the event from above. I wish you all good luck."
With Emperor Jiang Biran taking his position to watch, a moment of silence prevailed before the atmosphere gradually returned to normal.
No one dared to cause trouble in his presence, even Shen Wanyun, who had been showing off his strength earlier, remained silent, although his features still held some contempt toward Zhang Yong.
But before things calmed down completely, another chariot appeared on the horizon.
As soon as it arrived, a man with stern features and a heavy aura emerged.
He wore black armor decorated with golden engravings, while his cold eyes swept the place as if searching for a specific person.
One of the attendees whispered in a low voice, but his words reached everyone: "Head of the Su family... Su Tianyang!"
Upon hearing his name, Su Ming's body stiffened for a moment, but he soon regained his apparent composure, although his fists were clenched tightly.
Seeing Su Ming's state, Zhang Yong closed his eyes before making his decision.
Zhang Yong stepped forward, heading toward Su Tianyang, attracting the attention of some present who didn't understand his boldness.
When he approached him, he bowed slightly as a formal gesture before saying in a calm but direct voice, "General Su, may I speak with you in private?"
Su Tianyang raised an eyebrow slightly, then looked at Zhang Yong with a scrutinizing gaze before replying coldly, "And who are you to request that?"
Zhang Yong was unaffected by his coldness. Instead, he smiled lightly. "I am Zhang Yong, a disciple of the Purple Star Sect, and... your son's friend."
The last two words came from Zhang Yong's lips as if they had fallen into a pond, sending ripples through Su Tianyang's heart.
Su Tianyang's eyes widened for a moment, but he soon regained his composure before casting a quick glance toward the Emperor, who was still watching everything from his position.
After a moment of thought, he nodded, saying, "Fine, but don't waste my time."
Then he turned and walked away, signaling for Zhang Yong to follow him.
At the same time, Zhang Yong followed him to a nearby but empty area.
After arriving, Su Tianyang stood with his back still facing Zhang Yong.
"If you want to talk, speak privately," Su Tianyang spoke coldly.
Zhang Yong sighed, then spoke. "Then I'll be direct with you. Why do you treat your son that way?"
Su Tianyang's eyes widened for a moment before narrowing again, and his features turned into a mask of coldness.
He slowly turned to look directly at Zhang Yong, staring at him with sharp eyes as if piercing through him.
"Who are you to teach me how to treat my son?" His voice was cold, hiding a faint murderous intent beneath it.
Zhang Yong was unaffected by the murderous intent hidden in Su Tianyang's voice. He remained standing firmly, looking at him calmly.
He even smiled slightly, as if he hadn't noticed that murderous intent at all.
"I'm not here to teach you how to treat your son," he said in a calm voice. "I could have ignored what happened to your son. After all, it's none of my business. But he is my sworn brother. And I... will not back down from protecting anyone close to me."
Su Tianyang narrowed his eyes, looking at Zhang Yong suspiciously, then replied, "What's the matter with how I treat my son? Being strict is for his own good."
Zhang Yong mocked, "His own good? Let me ask you, is it for his own good to feel like a stranger in his own home? With his own family?"
Su Tianyang's eyes widened for a moment, but he soon returned to his usual calm, saying in a cold voice:
"This is none of your business. What happens within my family doesn't concern you. Being strict is for his benefit."
Zhang Yong sighed. "I understand you're his father and have every right to want the best for your son. You can impose your ideas on him. But what about his own thoughts? His own feelings? Can't he have any of them? At least he has grown up to be his own person. Look at what he has achieved now. Do you think he achieved all this because of you? Yet, deep in his heart, he still wants to prove himself to you, to make you proud. And you sit there on your high throne, treating everyone coldly."
Su Tianyang's expression stiffened. He seemed to want to respond, but his words didn't come out.
It was clear that Zhang Yong's words had touched a sensitive chord within him.
He turned his back again, as if he didn't want to show any weakness, then said in a low voice that still carried some sternness:
"You speak with great confidence about things you don't understand."
Zhang Yong laughed softly, then said,
"Perhaps I don't understand everything, but I know one thing... I've seen Su Ming. His gaze, his behavior, the way he speaks... He doesn't hold any hatred for you. Instead, he still looks up to you as a father, despite everything."
Su Tianyang remained silent. Zhang Yong took advantage of the situation and continued, "Your strictness with him is your way of wishing the best for him. I'm not saying that's wrong. But the way you do it is wrong. You can't predict the future. Your strictness might be the reason for his destruction."
"I understand you're sad about losing your wife. But your son is not to blame. Even if you lost your wife, you neglected your family. More importantly, you neglected your wife's trust in you, which is your son himself. You won't be with your son forever. You should spend more time with him. Take this as advice from someone who lost both his parents. Even now, I wouldn't mind exchanging the rest of my life for one more moment with my family. And that's a feeling I don't want Su Ming to have, no matter what."
Silence enveloped the place for a few moments, as Su Tianyang didn't speak, but he didn't walk away either. Zhang Yong could see his clenched fist and the tension in his shoulders. His words had reached the ears of this stubborn man, even if only a little.
Honestly, Zhang Yong was ready to fight at any moment. It had been a while since he did something out of his own feelings.
Suddenly, a loud shout came from behind, and Zhang Yong realized what was happening. The opening of the Heavenly Boundary Realm had begun!
Zhang Yong turned toward Su Tianyang and bowed. "I hope Master Su realizes the meaning of my words by the time we meet again after the Heavenly Boundary Realm."
At this time, Zhang Yong turned and left Su Tianyang standing frozen in his place.
Mysterious energy erupted in the sky as a giant, multicolored, shimmering sphere formed. Strong winds blew immediately upon the sphere's appearance, making the disciples' robes flutter violently.
Emperor Jiang Biran was still sitting in his golden chariot, watching calmly. As for Su Tianyang, he had returned to his position but remained silent.
The first disciple stepped forward and, after a moment of hesitation, jumped into the sphere and was swallowed, disappearing into its shimmering glow.
He was followed by another, then another, until groups began pushing to enter.
At this time, Zhang Yong had returned to Su Ming and Liu Yan's side.
When Su Ming noticed Zhang Yong's return, he wanted to ask him but couldn't. He felt Zhang Yong's hand pat his shoulder.
The two looked at each other and nodded with a smile for each other.
Kuro landed gently on Liu Yan's left shoulder, and then Zhang Yong said, "It's best for Elder Sister Liu to take my bird with you. That way, I can find you easily."
Liu Yan smiled. "Hehe, you have a really cute bird," she said as she patted Kuro's head.
On the other hand, Zhang Yong placed his hand on Su Ming's head and imprinted a soul mark on him. "As for Su Ming, I'll find him faster. Let's go, guys."
Just as Zhang Yong said that, a loud voice sounded nearby. "Husband!"
The sound caused Zhang Yong's body to tremble and his entire body to shiver. He looked in the direction, and his face turned pale as if he had seen death.
Long Yuliong was running toward him!
Immediately, he grabbed the two beside him and quickly jumped into the sphere. "To hell with this!"