The Great Da Jing Sacred Court's decision to launch an attack against the eight great celestial dynasties immediately caused an uproar across the northern Zhuanlun Domain.
People had seen arrogance before, but never to this extent—taking on eight at once? Even though these were only lower-level celestial dynasties, there were still eight of them. If it were an established sacred court, it would be understandable, as many sacred courts possess such strength. But what was with Da Jing? It had only been five years since the opening of the heavens, a celestial dynasty from a Small Thousand World that had barely reached the status of a sacred court due to the blessings of the heavens. Even if they were strong, their strength should be limited compared to a celestial dynasty.
Yet Da Jing had recklessly started a simultaneous war against eight celestial dynasties?
The northern Zhuanlun Domain's countless forces eagerly watched Da Jing, paying close attention to every little movement, ready to spread the news far and wide at the slightest hint of change.
What shocked people even more than the one-against-eight confrontation was the fact that within the past two years, the Great Da Jing Sacred Court had also wiped out four surrounding sacred lands!
Unbelievable. This newly ascended sacred court, while fighting eight celestial dynasties, still had the power to deal with sacred lands? Where did they get so much strength?
The news spread everywhere, stunning countless forces, and eventually reached the southern Wu Xiang Sacred Court, at Tianci City.
"Your Highness, the Third Prince, all four sacred lands around Da Jing have been cleared out. Only two years—this is incredible!" an official reported.
"Sacred lands? No matter how strong, they only have more peak-level powerhouses. Dynasties are different; they can use large numbers to launch group attacks. The four sacred lands were too arrogant and failed to unite, allowing Da Jing to destroy them one by one. But what I don't understand is how Da Jing has so many experts. They've already sent a large number of powerful individuals to the front lines against the eight celestial dynasties. How do they still have so many peak-level warriors?" another official questioned.
"How many peak-level warriors?" The Third Prince frowned.
"The commander of Da Jing's seventh legion, Yan Chongzhi, led three million elite troops and eight hundred Tianxian realm experts. These eight hundred Tianxian, each one is a martial fanatic, incredibly fierce. The formation they set up can even overwhelm the Da Xian realm experts of various sacred lands. One by one, the sacred lands were destroyed, and many sacred land talents were absorbed by Da Jing. If given time, Da Jing's rise will be unstoppable!" the first official explained.
"Eight hundred Tianxian? I know where these people came from!" another official said.
"Oh?"
"Remember the information we collected earlier? The Great Da Jing Sacred Court has a special institution, the national religion, Da Ming Sect, which has a central temple called Da Ming Temple. It houses numerous martial fanatics. They don't need much wisdom or handle complex affairs; they possess strong roots and just need to cultivate relentlessly. These people are born for battle and are the strongest support for Da Jing against hostile sects. The combination of a dynasty's organizational power and a sect's peerless experts is incredible. The fact that the Great Da Jing Sacred King comprehended all this in the Small Thousand World is truly astounding," the official said.
"But even so, eight hundred Tianxian? No matter how good their roots, even with fortune or merit accelerating their cultivation, reaching the Tianxian realm without sufficient experience in such a short time is impossible," the first official doubted.
"Unless, unless the Great Da Jing Sacred King can somehow elevate everyone's spiritual realms in a short period, but that's impossible. Spiritual realms require life experiences and insights—how could they be increased like that?"
The Third Prince listened intently, his brow furrowed.
"This Great Da Jing Sacred Court is indeed shrouded in mystery," the Third Prince remarked, taking a deep breath.
"Yes! We have already doubled the number of people investigating the Great Da Jing Sacred Court," the earlier official reported.
"Double it again!" the Third Prince ordered.
"Yes!"
"They won't handle the conflict with the eight great celestial dynasties in the same way, will they?" The Third Prince frowned.
"No, the war between dynasties and sects is different. It's still a stalemate. However, the commander orchestrating this war for Da Jing is remarkable. They have maximized the use of their forces with impeccable efficiency. Every ounce of strength is used perfectly. Although I'm reluctant to admit it, the fact is this commander is extraordinarily capable," the official replied.
"Stalemate? They won't be able to sustain it for long. The Great Da Jing Sacred Court is overreaching. They're trying to seize too much territory at once. Each city requires a staggering number of officials to manage. I believe they will hit a wall halfway through due to a shortage of personnel," the Third Prince speculated.
"No, Da Jing is quite peculiar. They don't need to leave any of their own officials behind in each conquered city," the official explained.
"Oh?"
"After Da Jing conquers a city, they retain the original officials. However, they only use those who were previously unrecognized or underutilized. They demote the original high-ranking officials or send them to the capital and promote the lower-ranking ones. This strategy creates a strong sense of loyalty to Da Jing. Furthermore, they have specialized personnel who indoctrinate these officials daily with Da Jing's principles, effectively brainwashing them. Before long, the city becomes fully integrated into Da Jing, and they can even mobilize the city's original garrison to join their expanding army," the official analyzed.
"Gasp!" Several individuals took a sharp breath.
"In this way, the prolonged conflict will only make Da Jing grow stronger. While wars typically deplete resources, Da Jing's approach replenishes them. The Small Thousand World has indeed provided some unique insights that we can adopt for our own court," the Third Prince remarked with a sigh.
"The eight great celestial dynasties could also learn from this to counter Da Jing. However, mastering Da Jing's system will take considerable time," the official noted.
"Da Jing? Double the number of scouts sent to monitor them closely!" the Third Prince ordered with great seriousness.
"Yes!"
Two Years Later, Spacetime Dojo
At the central peak of the Spacetime Dojo, a deafening explosion echoed through the air, causing the surrounding karmic virtue to surge wildly. Countless virtuous figures in the sky emitted a dazzling glow.
Many members of the Spacetime Dojo quickly flew toward the commotion.
A massive platform gradually appeared halfway up the main peak. Atop the platform stood a grand palace, surrounded by what seemed to be distorted spacetime, forming concentric circles that looked incredibly eerie.
The palace doors swung open with a thunderous boom. From within, a man in a blue robe, adorned with countless stars, emerged, looking extremely majestic.
His face was strikingly handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes. At the center of his forehead, there seemed to be a blue gemstone embedded, adding to his imposing aura.
"Welcome, Master!" the disciples of the Spacetime Dojo bowed immediately.
Regardless of their personal feelings, Luo Xingchen remained their protector. His profound abilities dominated the northern Zhuanlun Domain, unmatched by any.
Time manipulation, one of the strongest divine abilities in existence. How many in the entire world understood it?
At that moment, a stunningly beautiful woman suddenly flew up to the platform.
No one stopped her because she was the leader's wife.
Seeing the woman approach, Luo Xingchen waved his hand, causing the surrounding time distortion to vanish instantly, ensuring her safety.
"Xingchen, you're finally out!" the woman greeted, her voice filled with warmth.
"Yes, I'm out now. Is everything alright?" Luo Xingchen asked, his tone gentle.
"Everything is fine. We were all waiting for your return," the woman replied, casting a quick glance at the disciples below, who all showed deep respect.
"Good. Let's see how things have progressed," Luo Xingchen said, stepping forward with the woman by his side, exuding a calm yet formidable presence.
"Congratulations, husband, on another breakthrough in your cultivation!" the woman said gracefully.
Luo Xingchen looked at his beautiful wife, and a proud expression immediately spread across his face. With strength, the dojo, a beloved wife, time manipulation, and vast resources, he possessed everything one could desire—what more could he ask for?
"Hmm!" Luo Xingchen nodded in satisfaction.
"Congratulations, Master! With your breakthrough, the strength of the Spacetime Dojo will undoubtedly increase, and the day when the Spacetime Dojo flourishes is just around the corner!" the deputy leader, Chen Zihao, said as he flew up to them.
"Hmm, although the breakthrough wasn't substantial this time... Where is Luo Tianhe?" Luo Xingchen asked with a frown.
Upon hearing Luo Xingchen's question, the leader's wife and Chen Zihao exchanged a glance, their faces showing sorrow.
"What's wrong?" Luo Xingchen immediately turned to his wife.
"Husband, Tianhe was killed!" the woman said with a pained expression.
"What? Who dared to kill my disciple?" Luo Xingchen's eyebrows shot up.
"During your seclusion, the northern Zhuanlun Domain witnessed the emergence of a new world, a celestial dynasty called the Great Da Jing Sacred Court. Tianhe was killed by their people," the woman explained.
"Again with that Small Thousand World?" Luo Xingchen's brows furrowed, a look of disdain flashing in his eyes.
"Do you have a grudge against that Small Thousand World?" the woman asked, slightly surprised.
"Long ago, a qilin carried the 'Earth Book' into that Small Thousand World. I tried to forcefully break into the world to seize the 'Earth Book,' but I was punished by the Great Thousand World and repelled by the Small Thousand World's rejection. Someone unknown blocked me, leaving me with unresolved anger. And now, this same Small Thousand World killed my beloved disciple?" Luo Xingchen said coldly.
"It's partially my fault!" the woman said, looking pitiful.
"What does this have to do with you?" Luo Xingchen asked, frowning.
"The celestial dynasty that emerged, now called the Great Da Jing Sacred Court, is ruled by Sacred King Zhong Shan. His national beast is a wolf, like my true form. Tianhe died because he went to kill their beast sovereign for me," the woman explained tearfully.
"Why did he go to kill their beast sovereign?" Luo Xingchen asked, frowning deeper.
"You should ask my brother!" the woman said, shedding a few tears.
"Alright, you don't need to say more. Chen Zihao, what exactly happened?" Luo Xingchen demanded.
"Master, when the new world was created, I went to congratulate them. However, upon meeting their beast sovereign, Empress Xianxian, I found her bloodline to be superior to ours. I went to congratulate her, but she tried to force me to swear allegiance. Naturally, I refused. She declared that all wolves in the Zhuanlun Domain must obey her and that she would eventually come for us. At the time, I didn't take her seriously. Five years ago, she underwent a Wolf Ancestor Transformation, becoming even stronger. Her howl shook the entire Zhuanlun Domain, a clear threat to all wolf clans. I then realized she meant what she said. She truly intends for us to swear allegiance and become her slaves. My sister has been worried about this," Chen Zihao explained.
"Later, your disciple Luo Tianhe learned about this. Being too straightforward, he didn't inform us and took someone from the dojo to eliminate this threat for my sister. Unfortunately, he never returned. My sister has been feeling guilty and has lost weight worrying about this. She's been waiting for you to come out of seclusion to seek justice for Tianhe; otherwise, she will never be at peace," Chen Zihao continued.