Chapter 122: Schemes, Mythical Realms, and Past Glory

Lu Yuan’s voice was icy cold, devoid of any emotional fluctuation. Yet the words he spoke sent chills down one’s spine. His strength was overwhelming, hailed as the number one warrior. Few dared to deny this, as his past deeds spoke volumes.

Now, his words carried a stark warning, unmistakable to all present. Even Uncle Zuo’s body trembled slightly, realizing this was no jest. His perception of the man before him began to shift once more. This individual was not only formidable but also not easily deceived; a single misstep would surely invoke his thunderous wrath. In today’s world, who could afford to ignore such a force? Practically no one.

Without hesitation, Uncle Zuo turned, a smile on his face, saying, “Understood. I will relay your words to the Young Lady.” Having said that, he chose not to linger and left immediately, a trace of fear lingering in his heart. What if the other party struck first? He was no match and would be killed outright. He was not a god of the Winged Heaven.

He knew when to act and when to retreat.

Lu Yuan remained standing in place, his entire aura fully retracted. Not far off, Elder Ji and Elder Yun arrived, their faces tinged with confusion. Zhu Qingyu, unable to contain herself, asked, “King Lu, what did you mean by your last words?”

In her eyes, Zhou Yunqiong’s envoy was there to apologize and ease tensions—a gesture of goodwill. Even Uncle Zuo, despite the death of the Winged God, had shown restraint; their posture was humble and sincere. So why say such a thing?

“Because Zhou Yunqiong is far too cunning,” Lu Yuan replied before Jiang Ningxian approached with a smile. “She sent envoys to show goodwill, certainly. But the so-called Winged God is excessively arrogant, refusing to yield and spouting reckless words. Such a person is unwelcome anywhere.”

“Especially since he holds a grudge against King Lu. With tensions escalating, a battle is inevitable.”

At this, Elder Ji and Elder Yun’s expressions darkened, their gazes chilling.

“So you’re saying Zhou Yunqiong did this intentionally?” Zhu Qingyu seemed to have realized something.

“Of course,” Jiang Ningxian said, eyes sharp, “She knows Wing’s temperament well. If she didn’t, why would she send him? There are two reasons: one, to genuinely seek reconciliation with King Lu; two, if reconciliation fails, a war will erupt, and Wing will die. This man isn’t ordinary; he hails from the Celestial Clan.”

“Though not particularly important now, after the Celestial Clan’s arrival, there will be consequences—and King Lu will be the scapegoat.”

She laid out the cause and effect clearly. In essence, Zhou Yunqiong was making enemies for Lu Yuan. If she couldn’t control the situation, she wouldn’t just let it be—something had to be done. That was why Jiang Ningxian claimed Zhou Yunqiong was too scheming.

One had to admit, Jiang Ningxian was remarkably astute, quickly discerning the essence of the problem and understanding why Lu Yuan said what he did.

Zhu Qingyu’s eyes flashed with anger. As a highly regarded elite among the upper echelons, she knew much—such as the arrival of extraterrestrial beings, just like Jiang Ningxian here. The Celestial Clan, though their origins remained unknown, were undoubtedly powerful. These people had already become entangled with King Lu even before their descent, all through Zhou Yunqiong’s machinations. How could Zhu Qingyu not be enraged?

“King Lu, shall we send forces to detain all the executives of the Wu Zhou Group?” Elder Ji approached, his eyes cold, feeling that the other side had gone too far. At this point, action was necessary.

“No use,” Lu Yuan shook his head softly. “If they dare act, they surely have countermeasures.”

“I believe the Wu Zhou Group is already deserted; its executives won’t be found.”

Zhou Yunqiong was clever and shrewd, always keeping contingency plans—a key reason for her rise in this new era. Especially with the aid of the Ji Clan and the Celestial Clan, her growth outpaced ordinary expectations.

Take the Wu Zhou Group as an example—though Zhou Yunqiong’s bloodline was already strong, she created the Winged God to divert attention. Even now, no one knew to what stage she had evolved or how powerful she had become.

Compared to the other three great powers, she was astonishingly low-profile. Without active scrutiny, she might as well be nonexistent. It was clear she had grand designs.

Nearby, Elder Ji and Elder Yun exchanged glances. Indeed, the Wu Zhou Group’s actions had always been mysterious. Aside from the Lishan Imperial Tomb incident, they had barely participated in any major affairs.

“All right, everyone, return now,” Lu Yuan instructed. “The world’s situation will shift once more, though there may be a brief lull, a small window for you to gather strength. But time is limited; seize it well.”

His words were clear. Though both domestic and foreign forces were currently calm, it was only temporary. The true test lay ahead.

Everyone nodded silently and departed without further words.

Only Jiang Ningxian remained, smiling as she looked toward Lu Yuan with curiosity.

He said nothing, meeting her gaze, knowing she had more to say.

“It seems, King Lu, you know far more than I imagined,” Jiang Ningxian remarked after the others left, settling onto a chair in the courtyard and crossing her smooth legs with a relaxed demeanor.

She was undoubtedly an extraordinary woman, unusual in both character and presence.

Lu Yuan sensed her significance within the Jiang Clan was no ordinary one.

Yet he offered no explanation in response.

“I’ve heard you’re establishing a new organization called the Heavenly Court?” Jiang Ningxian wasted no time.

“Yes. Any questions?” Lu Yuan sat beside her, his gaze as calm as ever.

“The name ‘Heavenly Court’ is no trifling matter. It symbolizes much.” Jiang Ningxian smiled. “I must say, King Lu, you’re quite bold.”

“Is that so?” Lu Yuan replied ambiguously.

He had been studying the ancient decree of the Heavenly Emperor and knew of its many secrets, including the mythical Heavenly Court. But what of it?

The Heavenly Court—if he continued to grow and evolve, why couldn’t he reestablish one?

Jiang Ningxian seemed to perceive something deeper and continued, “In ancient times, a supreme existence founded a power called the Heavenly Court in this world. It was immensely strong, brilliantly magnificent. Even among the vast cosmos, it ranked among the top ten and possessed unparalleled legacy.”

“Our ancestors—the Fuxi, Suiren, and the Three Sovereigns recorded in your histories—once ruled the Heavenly Court.”

“You don’t know that back then, the Heavenly Court’s influence extended deep into the cosmos, its reach spanning countless star domains.”

She revealed a secret: the Heavenly Court of Earth, once renowned across the universe. To outsiders, it might sound like nonsense, so astonishing as to defy belief.

But Lu Yuan frowned, questioning, “An ancient Heavenly Court tied to the Three Sovereigns? Why is there no record of this?”

“There are many secrets in this world beyond anyone’s reach, even my people’s,” Jiang Ningxian said solemnly. “For example, your records place the Three Sovereigns only three to five thousand years ago—but can you truly confirm that?”

“A long stretch of history has been erased; what is known is but the tip of the iceberg. No one can fully explain it.”

“Of course, if one reaches the level of my ancestors, perhaps things differ.”

Lu Yuan nodded slightly, agreeing. After all, the new era had passed long enough that nothing was beyond belief.

Especially now, it was evident that this world’s civilization was older than a mere few thousand years.

Not to mention, ordinary awakened beings in the initial realm often lived over a century. Someone like him, in the shackled realm, could live for centuries. Three to five thousand years was no problem at all.

“What matters now isn’t legend but the imminent present. The power of absolute celestial communication is waning; the second great awakening approaches. Many legacies, such as ancient ruins and unparalleled creations, will reemerge. Folded spaces like the Three Islands will appear across the world,” Jiang Ningxian continued.

“The great clans of the star domains have come, at least in part, for this. They call such spaces—”

“Mythical Sanctuaries?” Lu Yuan interrupted before she could finish.

He had experienced such things and understood fully. He knew that these were the true beginnings of a great era.

Mythical Sanctuaries, supreme creations, evolutionary opportunities—these three conditions made Earth the focus of the entire cosmos.

The second mutation, also known as the great awakening, marked the start of impending conflicts.

At that moment, Jiang Ningxian stared hard at Lu Yuan, curious yet puzzled by his vast knowledge. Yet she was tactful and asked no more, nodding. “In any case, King Lu, rest assured, the Jiang Clan stands with you.”

Her choice to speak with Lu Yuan was both a warning and a reaffirmation of their alliance.

Though he appeared indifferent, she knew he could influence the grand scheme.

And judging from recent choices and gestures of goodwill, she was right.

Even the Jiang Clan could not claim control over everything in this turbulent time; having strong allies was best.

Perhaps, after their time together, Jiang Ningxian had grown personally more curious about Lu Yuan.

“I understand,” Lu Yuan nodded, knowing her intentions were sincere.

They talked briefly more about the future before parting ways.

He did not immediately return to his room but looked up toward the boundless deep sky, frowning.

“A great era,” he murmured.

(The end of this chapter)