"Huh...? What did you just say...?"
The moment those words left Wu Ming's mouth, mocking laughter erupted from the surrounding crowd. Cultivators from various clans, along with roaming practitioners who had gathered at this station, burst into ridicule. In their eyes, Wu Ming was nothing more than an arrogant youth-someone who had seized the treasure ahead of them all and now dared to proclaim himself a miracle-maker.
One of the roaming cultivators shouted out with open disdain, "Do you think this place belongs to the Wu Clan alone? Or are you simply too weak, trying to claim ownership out of desperation? That treasure should belong to everyone equally! It is nothing more than a blessing from Heaven that happened to fall into your clan's hands. If you think it belongs to you, then show us power worthy of possessing it!"
Many independent cultivators and hired practitioners immediately echoed his words, nodding in agreement.
However, the uproar died instantly.
A terrifying aura surged forth as General Mu Chen released his presence without restraint. It was thick with murderous intent, pressing down like a mountain. Cultivators whose cultivation was below the Energy Transformation into Essence stage nearly collapsed on the spot -some fell to their knees in sheer agony.
Mu Chen's voice thundered coldly,
"You outsiders from foreign lands and other kingdoms-do you truly believe this belongs to you? It seems none of you hold me in your eyes at all!"
The oppressive force grew heavier, making breathing itself difficult.
Wei Shu Yi and Xue Jing hurriedly shouted out in alarm.
"General Mu Chen, please calm yourself! They simply do not understand the situation yet!" Wei Shu Yi said urgently.
"Yes, General!" Xue Jing added. "My son is still being held hostage within the Wu Clan. Please, for my sake, restrain yourself!"
Mu Chen cast a glance toward the two speakers. He knew them well-both were influential figures among the major clans of Quan Dian City, powerful commercial families whose presence attracted cultivators and travelers from many regions into the Tian Men Kingdom.
At that moment, Gu Fei Yi stepped forward and spoke calmly,
"General, please calm yourself. Though these uncouth cultivators are irritating, they are of no real importance. What truly matters is this miraculous treasure. If it is handled properly, it will become a great merit for the empire itself. The Emperor will surely approve of your actions. There is no need to dirty your hands over ignorant fools."
Mu Chen snorted.
"Hmph. This time, I will give face to Young Master Gu Fei Yi. Otherwise, all of them would already be reduced to blood and dust."
As suddenly as it had appeared, the oppressive aura vanished, as if nothing had ever happened. No one dared speak again. The crowd fell silent, though countless eyes remained fixed on Wu Ming and Wu Feng.
Wei Shu Yi and Xue Jing were both inwardly furious. Mu Chen's words had effectively crushed their authority, leaving them powerless to intervene-but neither dared provoke him openly.
Gu Fei Yi clasped his hands politely.
"General Mu Chen, it would be best to allow me to handle this internal matter. You are unfamiliar with the people of this clan, and I hope we can reach a fair and reasonable conclusion through discussion. What do you think?"
Mu Chen nodded slowly.
"Since Young Master Gu has spoken, I shall agree. Let us consider this a gesture of mutual respect."
"Many thanks, General," Gu Fei Yi replied-though inwardly, he sneered.
(As if I begged you. When did I ever lower myself to ask an old dog like you?)
Despite his thoughts, his expression remained calm and unreadable.
His eyes sharpened like blades as he stepped forward. Though Wu Feng had already assumed a fighting stance and launched a full-force punch, the strike suddenly veered off course at the last instant, missing its target in an unnatural, distorted motion.
Wu Feng's eyes widened.
"Hm?! That shouldn't have missed... Did I fail to control my power?"
Gu Fei Yi smiled faintly.
"It seems your mind is unsettled."
Before Wu Feng could react, a precise kick slammed directly into his dantian.
Boom!
Wu Feng was sent flying backward uncontrollably, only to be stopped by Wu Ming's single outstretched palm. Blood burst from Wu Feng's mouth as he gasped in pain.
"N-Young Master..." Wu Feng said weakly. "Please punish me! Even after receiving a second chance, I still failed as your protector!"
Wu Ming shook his head calmly.
"This has nothing to do with your recent breakthrough. The pure energy you absorbed not only stabilized your cultivation-it repaired it. You didn't lose because of weakness."
"Then why couldn't I even sense his movement?" Wu Feng asked.
Wu Ming's gaze shifted to Gu Fei Yi. Around Gu Fei Yi's body, the Laws of Space subtly enveloped him, forming an invisible domain. The space near him twisted and bent, deflecting any approaching force regardless of its nature.
Gu Fei Yi felt as though he had been completely seen through. Cold fear crept into his heart, and beads of sweat formed on his brow. It felt as if he were a mouse under the gaze of a tiger-utterly exposed.
He quickly suppressed his turmoil and cupped his hands.
"My name is Gu Fei Yi. I am the eldest son of the Gu Clan, responsible for maintaining law and order in Quan Dian City. This incident has shaken the entire kingdom. As the city lord's son, it is my duty to investigate and report the truth to the Tian Men Empire and the Emperor himself. May I know your name, Young Master, so that I may seek your cooperation?"
Wu Ming's lips curved slightly.
"Oh? The city lord's son? Interesting. I've scarcely heard of your clan. As for the affairs of the Tian Men Kingdom-that is your concern, not mine. I will only cooperate as a witness. What truly matters to me is settling the affairs between my Wu Clan and the Xue Clan."
He paused, then continued calmly,
"Since you asked personally, it would be discourteous not to answer. My name is Wu Ming, son of the Wu Clan-and the one who will rule it. This land is under my authority. It is none of your concern."
Gu Fei Yi's eyes flashed.
(So he's Wu Ming... Fine. I'll make you understand who truly stands above.)
Before he could act, a hand gripped his shoulder. It was Mu Chen.
Gu Fei Yi shouted angrily, testing him,
"General! This man disregards the city lord and the authority of the Tian Men Kingdom! He is nothing more than a frog in a well!"
Mu Chen said nothing-only stared deeply at Wu Ming, his expression darkening. When he spoke again, his voice was sharp and commanding.
"You are the one who has plunged this kingdom into chaos. I do not care who you are-anyone who spreads fear must answer for it. If you fail to give a proper explanation, I will personally execute you!"
His words carried the Law of Sound, crashing outward like thunder.
Many cultivators screamed as their ears bled, clutching their heads in agony.
Yet Mu Chen's eyes widened.
Wu Ming and Wu Feng stood unmoved.
Impossible... Mu Chen thought. Even those below Essence Condensation feel dizzy from this-yet this boy is unaffected?
Wu Ming sneered inwardly.
(Using low-level sound laws against someone who once stood above all gods? How laughable.)
He shouted aloud, unleashing vast qi. "Shatter!"
The sound waves rebounded violently before shattering like broken glass. Some cultivators regained consciousness; others bled from all seven orifices, dying on the spot.
Shock rippled through the powerful clans watching from afar.
Xue Jing clenched his teeth.
(Since when did the Wu Clan produce someone like this? I must prepare countermeasures...)
Wei Shu Yi muttered in disbelief, "That was the Army-Suppressing Sound Wave... destroyed by a single youth?"
Zhang Xue Long narrowed his eyes. (This situation has gone far beyond expectations. I must prepare, or I'll become prey.)
General Mu Chen spoke slowly, his gaze sharp and heavy with authority.
"Boy, it seems you possess no small amount of ability. If you are willing to hand over the Miracle Treasure to the royal court, I am prepared to personally preside over a formal ceremony and elevate the Wu Clan, making it known throughout the entire Tian Men Kingdom. You will receive honor, status, and countless titles. A genius like you is exceedingly rare. Will you accept this offer?"
"...Haaah?"
Wu Ming let out a cold breath, his eyes filled with disdain.
"The affairs of my clan are my responsibility-to nurture, to govern, and to decide its future. It is none of your concern. I have no interest in offering any treasure to you. And as I said before, I am the one who created this miracle. If you desire the treasure, then there is only me-you may try to take it."
General Mu Chen's expression darkened.
"Boy! Do you truly believe you are that valuable? Do you dare speak such lies before me? Do you know how easy it would be for me to kill you? Your refusal to cooperate today will surely bring you regret!"
Wu Ming felt nothing but revulsion. His face twisted into open contempt, as though a supreme existence were gazing upon something filthy and decaying-mud steeped in rot. He no longer wished to waste words. At that moment, he decided to formally declare his authority.
(So be it. This situation is not as unfavorable as I originally expected. In fact, it is the perfect opportunity-to establish myself and openly declare my territory. What a magnificent gift. Since all of you greedy beings desire miracles, then I shall grant you one. A miracle so unexpected that even the heavens themselves will be shaken.)
Wu Ming stepped forward.
"Today, I will make this known to all under heaven. I do not care for the authority of the Tian Men Kingdom. Even if you are a general-an exalted representative of the empire-who shamelessly seeks to seize treasures from the young, I do not mind receiving guidance from someone praised as 'great' and 'honorable.' I am quite curious... just how great that honor truly is-and whether it can endure."
His voice thundered across the land, amplified by vast surges of profound energy. It echoed for thousands of li, reaching even those hidden in darkness and the encampments of distant forces. All heard the declaration of a young man who dared proclaim himself the Creator of Miracles.
General Mu Chen showed no immediate reaction. Instead, he curved his lips into a faint smile before shouting aloud, his voice fierce and commanding.
"Hahahahaha! What splendid words! Truly admirable! I genuinely admire your courage. Even the elite guards I personally trained have never dared challenge me as you have. You are the first to receive instruction from this old general!"
Excitement and curiosity filled Mu Chen's voice.
The crowd was utterly stunned.
This was Mu Chen, the number one general of the Tian Men Kingdom, a cultivator who had reached the Fă Xiàng Jìng-the Realm of Laws-where one could shape and wield personal laws of existence. Such a realm was exceedingly rare; few in the entire world could reach it. Even the imperial court itself treated Mu Chen with the utmost respect. He was not only a peerless war general who had crushed countless invading forces-he was regarded as the pillar of the Tian Men Empire, second only to the Emperor himself.
And yet now, everyone was witnessing a confrontation between a young man of the declining Wu Clan, whose background was unclear, and a legendary general of the empire.
Even the powerful clan representatives-Xue Jing, Qin Wen Tian, Jin Fei, Xie Qi, Wei Shu Yi, and Zhang Xue Long-were shaken. They were astonished that General Mu Chen would acknowledge such an arrogant youth.
Xie Qi thought to himself in disbelief:
(It seems this journey was not in vain. To think I would have the chance to assess the strength of the legendary general rumored to have never once lost on the battlefield. North, south, east, and west-every force that once waged war was utterly defeated by his strategies. The central domain should have been indefensible, vulnerable from all directions... yet Mu Chen overturned everything and crushed every invasion. I still find it hard to believe. Today, it seems I will finally witness the truth.)
Xue Jing, however, felt a chill crawl up his spine.
(This is bad. The situation is spiraling out of control. If Mu Chen truly takes a liking to that boy and recruits him into the army, my clan will inevitably clash directly with the empire. I still haven't detected any trace of my son-even after probing with divine sense. This place is shrouded in strange laws. I can't dispel them at all. The moment my consciousness touched them, it felt as though it would be dragged into an endless void... utterly terrifying. I only hope my son is still alive. For now, I must observe.
If that boy cannot withstand the clash, he will surely die. Mu Chen is no ordinary general. Only then will I have the chance to activate my contingency plan... though I must prepare a third plan as well.)
...
......
General Mu Chen narrowed his eyes.
"Boy. What cultivation realm are you in? Why can I not perceive your foundation at all? This surprises me greatly. Would you be willing to resolve this doubt for me?"
When everyone heard those words, shock spread across their faces.
None of them had expected that the young man standing before them possessed a cultivation foundation so unfathomable that even General Mu Chen was unable to perceive it!
In an unknown place, within a boundless expanse of darkness-
Yet within that darkness, countless points of light shimmered endlessly. Among them, there was a single point of light being watched intently by an unseen existence, one that felt a faint sense of excitement upon witnessing something unfamiliar.
"This brat is quite interesting... what a pity that I cannot interfere. Otherwise, it would surely cause utter chaos. Haaah... how truly regrettable. To finally encounter something intriguing after several decades, only for it to be out of reach~"
The voice of this mysterious being echoed throughout the vast, empty darkness.
All those present focused their attention on the young man, eagerly awaiting his answer-
What was his true cultivation realm?
Wu Ming:
"My cultivation foundation is not particularly high. I am merely at the Qi Condensation Realm."
"...Huh?"
"...What?"
The atmosphere instantly erupted!
Gu Fei Yi:
"How dare you joke in front of General Mu Chen, the most honored and powerful general of the Tian Men Empire! Do you know that showing such disrespect toward the General is a capital offense-one that can result in the extermination of your entire clan?!"
Wu Ming:
"Then where exactly am I lying? You are the ones who failed to investigate properly. Why don't you take another look?"
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately focused their senses on Wu Ming with intense scrutiny, attempting to determine whether some concealment technique or treasure was hiding his true cultivation.
But they found nothing.
No concealment.
No disguise.
He truly was at the Qi Condensation Realm.
One of the ordinary cultivators shouted aloud:
"This kid isn't lying! He's telling the truth! He really is at the Qi Condensation Realm-and there's no suppression or concealment of his cultivation at all!"
Many others sensed the same thing. Though unwilling to believe it, they had no choice but to accept the truth.
Yet what deeply unsettled them was this-
That terrifying Miracle Treasure, which none of them could even approach, was being endured by this young man at its very center. Could he truly be nothing more than an ordinary Qi Condensation cultivator?
Deep within his heart, General Mu Chen felt genuine astonishment.
This completely shattered his expectations.
At the very least, he had assumed the boy would be at the Energy Transformation Realm, or even Essence Condensation.
Yet the truth was that he was only at Qi Condensation.
This was highly suspicious.
How could someone at Qi Condensation shatter his Sound Suppression Law?
Mu Chen suspected that the boy must be hiding some trump card-yet no matter how he pondered it, he could not discern what form it might take.
Thus, this exchange of "guidance" became the perfect opportunity to test him.
General Mu Chen:
"Since your cultivation is merely at the Qi Condensation Realm, I shall lower my own realm to match yours. This way, our exchange will be fair, and I will not be taking undue advantage of you."
Wu Ming clasped his hands and bowed slightly, laughing.
Wu Ming:
"General, you are far too courteous. Receiving guidance from you would undoubtedly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for countless people."
General Mu Chen:
"Since you are the younger party, I will allow you to act first. However, I have one condition. If you cannot withstand three moves from me, you must surrender the Miracle Treasure and explain everything in full detail. In addition, I will accept you into the Imperial Guard-consider it a golden opportunity."
Everyone was stunned.
Was this guidance?
Or was this a recruitment?
This was an opportunity many could only dream of-yet this mere Qi Condensation brat had obtained it!
Envy, resentment, and bitterness surged within the crowd.
Wu Ming thought to himself:
(So he intends to recruit me into the empire... It seems this general has truly taken a liking to me. Still, this is an excellent opportunity-one that I can exploit to the fullest.)
Wu Ming replied respectfully.
Wu Ming: "I am willing to accept the General's challenge. However, if this is a wager, it cannot be one-sided. I have a condition as well. If I am able to withstand all three of your attacks, then you must cease all interference with my clan-and assist in resolving everything related to this incident. That is my condition. What does the General think?"
General Mu Chen:
"Hahahahaha! Do you truly believe you can withstand three of my moves? Still, I admire your resolve. Very well-I accept."
Before he could finish speaking, a voice interrupted.
Gu Fei Yi:
"No, General! If you do this, such a heaven-shaking treasure will fall into the hands of someone utterly unworthy! That would be a complete waste!"
Before he could finish-
An overwhelming, terrifying aura descended upon him.
General Mu Chen:
"Who do you think you are, to speak before me? I believe I have shown you more than enough respect, Young Master Gu. Am / the one who decides this matter-or do you presume you have the authority to decide in my place?"
Mu Chen's killing intent crushed down upon Gu Fei Yi, suffocating him to the point where he could barely breathe.
Panicking, Gu Fei Yi hurriedly replied:
Gu Fei Yi:
"I apologize for my mistake! Please forgive me, General! I had no right to comment on this matter-it is entirely within the authority entrusted to you by the Tian Men Empire. I will not interfere again!"
Only then did the pressure dissipate, allowing him to breathe once more.
General Mu Chen:
"Let us return to the matter at hand. Boy of the Wu Clan, I am willing to accept your challenge. However, how can I be sure you will not break your promise? Likewise, you must surely fear that I might do the same. Let us swear an oath to Heaven and Earth-let the laws of the world bear witness."
Wu Ming:
"The General is truly meticulous and honorable. I am more than willing to let Heaven and Earth stand as witnesses. If I fail to withstand your three moves, then for the rest of my life I shall serve the empire as a loyal warrior, devoting my very existence to the Tian Men Empire!"
Wu Ming spoke without hesitation.
This only increased Mu Chen's admiration for his boldness.
General Mu Chen:
"I swear before Heaven and Earth: if after three moves this boy still lives, then I shall concede defeat and fulfill every term of this agreement."
As the oaths concluded-
The heavens responded.
Dark clouds gathered.
Thunder roared violently.
Lightning twisted and coiled like dragons across the sky.
All who witnessed it were stunned-this was a true Heaven-and-Earth Oath.
General Mu Chen:
"Boy, waste no more time. Since you are the one receiving, I shall strike first. But do not be careless. Though I lower my realm to yours, my attack power and energy output will not be reduced!"
Wu Ming thought:
(He even warns me in advance... It seems he truly fears killing me by accident. He's prepared to concede gracefully. Unfortunately for him-this only works on the weak.)
Wu Ming shouted loudly, his voice firm and fearless.
Wu Ming:
"General, do not concern yourself. How can we know who will win or lose when the battle has yet to begin?"
General Mu Chen:
"Good! Such unrivaled courage! Then receive my first move!"
Mu Chen formed a spear, condensing vast primal energy and the laws within his body.
As a Grand Marshal, the spear was his primary weapon-yet this did not mean he lacked mastery over others. Blades, bows, and countless weapons were all within his expertise.
The spear condensed with terrifying power, warping the laws of space itself for a brief moment.
He hurled it forward.
The spear moved at an inconceivable speed.
It tore through space itself, creating countless spatial fractures
Wu Ming expanded his perception outward, spreading his spiritual sense across the entire area. In that instant, he clearly perceived the violent and lightning-fast movement of the spear that was being hurled toward him. Its power was so extreme that it tore through the surrounding space itself, shattering it into countless fragments, as if the void had turned into broken glass.
Wu Ming narrowed his eyes and snorted coldly.
"Hmph! Since you have already launched the first strike, then I shall receive it head-on and show you!"
He roared, his voice shaking the air itself.
"Formation of Competing Laws of the Myriad Paths-Myriad Stars, heed my command! Lend me the power of ten thousand stars, and let me become their sovereign!!!"
An overwhelming surge of energy erupted as the powers of Heaven and Earth condensed at an astonishing speed. Streams of celestial and terrestrial energy poured endlessly into Wu Ming's Myriad Star Formation. This formation was bizarre and terrifyingly powerful, filled with high-tier and even archaic formation runes-some of which had not been seen in the world for countless ages.
It was a formation that forcibly borrowed energy from ten thousand stars, transforming the very nature of its power to suit its master. Such a feat was an unbearable burden-something that ordinary formation masters could never achieve. In truth, even records or manuals detailing the creation of such a formation were nearly nonexistent.
Dense waves of energy, interwoven with innumerable law patterns, expanded outward before Wu Ming, forming a defensive barrier that resembled an indestructible armor, ready to halt the incoming strike.
A deafening explosion resounded as Mu Chen's attack collided head-on with Wu Ming's terrifying defense. The impact shook the heavens and the earth alike, cracking the land as if a massive earthquake had struck. Shockwaves rippled in every direction, while dust and mist engulfed everything within thousands of li.
Moments later, the fog slowly dissipated, revealing an awe-inspiring
sight-a colossal formation barrier standing firm, like an unbreakable divine shield, utterly intact.
Mu Chen's expression changed drastically. He stared in disbelief at the scene before him. He had never imagined that this young man possessed such terrifying mastery over formation arts. Even his own attack had failed to leave so much as a scratch upon the formation.
That strike just now-one powerful enough that even defenses at the same level as Mu Chen's own cultivation would struggle to endure without damage-had been completely nullified.
Mu Chen let out a deep breath, then laughed loudly.
"This far exceeds my expectations. I never thought you would be a user of such a formidable formation. If you told me that the previous miracle was created by your formation arts, I would already believe it seventy percent."
His eyes gleamed sharply.
"But this was merely a warm-up. You still have two more strikes to endure. And rest assured-each attack will be more powerful than the last. I hope you can withstand the remaining two techniques of mine. Hahahahaha!"
Wu Ming's heart sank slightly.
So this is the power of a general...
He inwardly admitted the truth. Even his Myriad Star Formation was already close to its limits. His control over it was still imperfect, restricted by his physical body and by the laws imposed by the Heaven and Earth of this world.
There are still two techniques left...
If I continue like this until the end and manage to endure them all, victory will be mine.
But I must prepare two contingency plans immediately-otherwise, defeat is inevitable...
Suddenly, a thunderous roar shook both the earth and the sky.
It was Mu Chen.
This time, the second technique was clearly far more dangerous than the first. Dark clouds churned violently as bolts of lightning were forcibly drawn down from the heavens, merging with Mu Chen's condensed qi and forming a spear in his hand. The weapon radiated a terrifying lightning aura, as if it possessed the power to cleave mountains in a single strike.
Mu Chen raised the spear high and roared,
"YAAAAAA-! Receive my second technique! Divine Thunder Spear-World-Shattering Descent!!!"
Pruaad!!!
This spear was not merely condensed lightning-it embodied the very essence of thunder. Its speed surpassed ordinary lightning by dozens of times. As it shot toward its target, it produced no massive shockwaves, no roaring destruction. Instead, it carried an eerie silence, the kind that existed solely to annihilate all obstacles in its path.
Wu Ming's pupils shrank.
"This is bad!!!"
In the next instant, a sound like countless mirrors being smashed by a colossal hammer echoed throughout the world.
SHATTER-!!!
The surrounding environment collapsed entirely. Buildings and terrain crumbled into ruins, resembling the remnants of an ancient civilization long buried by time. Even cultivators in the vicinity were affected-some perished instantly in the aftermath.
Among the casualties were also illegal cultivators from external regions and those with long records of heinous crimes.
The second technique caused the ground to sink by dozens of meters.
When everything finally settled, the surrounding area had transformed into a vast, desolate wasteland-
as barren and silent as a dead desert.