Chapter 43: Gathering from All Sides—Conflict? Apology?

The sun rose in the east.

The morning sun spilled forth dazzling radiance.

Waves of mist surged in the early dawn, enveloping the forests and shrouding the mountains in deeper mystery.

Mount Li.

Once obscure in the annals of history.

But ever since the First Emperor chose it as his resting place more than two thousand years ago, everything changed.

Since then, rumors about the imperial tomb of Mount Li never ceased, surfacing almost every so often.

Especially with the advent of a new era—when the mountain soared higher, and a dragon-shaped essence circled in the skies above.

Now, nearly every awakened one, and even ordinary folk, knew.

There must be some incredible opportunity hidden here.

If one could obtain it—

Their future achievements would surely soar higher, and mythical extraordinary power would be theirs.

Thus, even those who knew they were weak still wanted to try their luck. Who could say they wouldn’t succeed?

There was no other way—in this strange era, where the strong preyed on the weak, power was everything, and no one could resist the desire to stand at the very top.

At this moment, before the imperial mausoleum of Mount Li.

A stretch of level ground, ringed by low hills.

Normally, few souls would venture here, but today, even as the first faint light crept over the horizon, countless presences had already gathered.

Those who knew the rumors, hungry for fortune, the awakened—all had set out.

With so many people, clashes were inevitable.

Some awakened ones even encountered strange beasts and were forced into combat.

On his way to the mausoleum, Lu Yuan found many bloodstains, and from time to time, corpses with disheveled clothing—perhaps ambushed by enemies along the way.

Within Chang’an City, people might still restrain themselves, but out here in the wild, it was different.

After all, a wild instinct slumbered in human genes.

Now, that instinct was fully awakened.

Lu Yuan had seen much in those ten years, so none of this surprised him anymore.

However, the closer one drew to Mount Li, the less frequent such scenes became.

Everyone now shared the same goal.

No one wished to waste too much time on the road.

Soon.

Lu Yuan saw his destination.

Up ahead, still nearly ten miles off.

A massive mountain loomed, black from base to summit—even the vegetation bore the same hue—exuding a solemn, oppressive majesty. Before its ancient bulk, people seemed insignificant.

At its peak, halos of light surged and coalesced into seven hues, finally forming a dragon-shaped essence.

Its dragon head soared ten thousand meters above, casting its gaze over the land.

This was the imperial tomb of Mount Li in this era.

Ten thousand meters high—no longer considered a lofty peak.

But the sheer aura it radiated was overwhelming, impossible to ignore.

Below, crowds had already gathered—at a glance, at least several thousand.

Nearly all were awakened ones, drawn from all directions by the news.

They conversed with one another, but watched each other warily. No one could be sure, once the tomb opened, who might stab their neighbor in the back—unless they were true friends who knew each other well.

Lu Yuan approached, blending into the crowd, calm and unobtrusive.

At that moment, he saw, outside the mausoleum of Mount Li—

Layers of black energy surged and churned.

This energy seemed to seep from the very mountain, gathering together to form a portal a hundred meters tall.

The portal was ancient and indistinct, its double doors tightly shut.

As time passed, the colossal gate grew more stable; it would soon fully manifest.

With the global shift and the arrival of the extraordinary, such mythical phenomena had become common among the famous mountains and rivers.

Thus, though the awakened ones nearby eyed the imperial gate with awe, they remained composed.

“No wonder the major powers could predict when the mausoleum would open.”

Seeing this, Lu Yuan pondered.

In his previous life, he too entered the imperial mausoleum of Mount Li, but only after his awakening—an unremarkable figure, left with nothing but the view from afar.

Now.

He still stood among the crowd, yet everything was different.

A sudden droning interrupted the scene—the roar of engines overhead.

Those who had been fixated on the mausoleum gate all turned to look.

Behind them.

Helicopters appeared, circling in the sky.

What shocked everyone was that these helicopters were armed with heavy weaponry.

“Look at the insignia—those belong to Wu Zhou Group, Beidou Biotech, Titan Technologies, and Longevity Genetics.”

“I heard, right after the upheaval began, the authorities made deals with them to maintain order, allowing them some control over firearms and hot weapons. Looks like it’s true.”

“Well, with their power and the current situation, they could probably buy foreign arms too.”

“Do you think they’ll use those weapons against us?”

Some awakened ones began to murmur, recognizing the factions behind those helicopters.

They were shocked—these major powers had access to firearms.

The crowd grew restless, fearing they might become targets at a critical moment.

After all, except for a few with special abilities, most awakened ones were still no match for hot weapons.

Lu Yuan noticed, but was unmoved.

A force like Wu Zhou Group possessed deep foundations—the Zhou clan was an ancient family with its own visualization and breathing arts, merely keeping a low profile. Even without official cooperation, they could acquire weapons in this era.

The authorities themselves had to rely on such means to maintain order.

He paid no further attention.

He continued to gaze ahead, waiting for the imperial gate to open.

Meanwhile.

The helicopters landed one by one.

Figures stepped out—men and women alike.

But without exception, all were awakened—and all were powerful.

These ancient families, now finding their era, finally revealed their deep reserves.

“Wasn’t Wu Zhou Group supposed to be connected to the Winged Celestial? Why isn't he here?”

“Yeah, and I don’t see the Southern Sovereign from Longevity Genetics either.”

“Maybe they’re in hiding?”

People speculated.

By now, it was clear to most.

The five supreme ones each represented a faction—pushed to the fore as their faces.

Longevity Genetics had the Southern Sovereign, Wu Zhou Group the Winged Celestial, Titan Technologies Asura, Beidou Biotech the Ice Fairy.

As for the last, the Northern Emperor, he belonged to Zhendan Academy.

It made sense—only such forces could produce those who stood at the very apex of the awakened pyramid.

“Sister, there are so many people,” said Zhou Biqiong, just stepping off the aircraft, frowning at the crowd before the mausoleum. “There’s bound to be a great battle today.”

Standing before her was the stunningly beautiful Zhou Yunqiong, still icy and serene, as if untouched by the world.

Behind the sisters trailed a group—both young and old, all exuding extraordinary auras.

“These people aren’t the real concern. The key players are the likes of the Southern Sovereign,” said a man known as Yi, glancing toward Longevity Genetics’ contingent.

He searched but did not find his target, and withdrew his gaze.

His status was high—even figures from Wu Zhou Group inclined their heads in respect as he passed.

“Of course, with you here, Brother Yi, these are nothing but a rabble. I could handle them myself,” Zhou Biqiong declared, her admiration clear.

Normally, she was proud and headstrong—a true daughter of the Zhou clan, with a trace of ancestral blood.

Though not as potent as her sister’s,

It was enough to look down on most awakened ones.

“Yunqiong, what are you looking at?” Yi noticed Zhou Yunqiong’s distracted gaze, her eyes scanning the crowd as if searching for someone.

“I just want to confirm something,” Zhou Yunqiong replied softly, continuing her search.

Since entering Chang’an, she had kept thinking of that familiar figure.

At first, she thought she was mistaken, but the more she recalled, the more convinced she became. Even if his figure had changed.

She knew her own bloodline was the strongest in the Zhou family, her perception far beyond ordinary people—she rarely misjudged.

Therefore, she was certain—that person had come to Chang’an too.

There was still time before the mausoleum would open; if she could find him, all the better.

That class reunion

Had left a deep impression on Zhou Yunqiong.

For the first time, she had been ignored—something her pride could not tolerate.

“Is that so?” Yi’s eyes betrayed a special meaning as he listened.

Beside him, Zhou Biqiong noticed his attitude and felt displeased.

What Yi disliked, she would also dislike.

Not far from Wu Zhou Group’s position, several other helicopters had landed.

At the head was Zhou Tao, son of the second wife of Longevity Genetics.

“Second Young Master,”

An elderly man in a long robe reported, “Second Madam just sent word. We haven’t found that man named Lu. He’s an awakened one and likely came to the mausoleum as well.”

“All right,” Zhou Tao replied. “You all have his photo. Keep watch.

“If Lu Yuan really enters the imperial tomb, report to me immediately.

“I’ll deal with him personally.”

He and his mother had searched for Lu Yuan all this time, but to no avail.

With so many awakened ones drawn to Mount Li, it would not be surprising if he turned up here.

“But—” The old man frowned. “The eldest young master instructed that the opening of the mausoleum is our primary concern today. Shouldn’t this matter wait?”

“I know you serve my brother, but I am still a Wang, and besides, I don’t need your help,” Zhou Tao replied.

“Yes.”

The old man nodded, helpless.

The task of opening the mausoleum had been handed to the younger generation, to temper their abilities.

He felt the second young master was being reckless—but at least the eldest was nearby.

Meanwhile.

In another, inconspicuous corner,

A group of people quietly appeared.

At their head was an old man with white hair and beard, kindly in appearance.

But seeing the gathering below, the awakened and the powers, he sighed.

“Headmaster, is a fight inevitable?” asked a young woman in green.

She glanced at Zhou Yunqiong, at the people from Longevity Genetics and other factions, worry clouding her face. It was Zhu Qingyu, who had helped resist the beast tide in Qingyang City, and who had been rescued by Lu Yuan. Qin Lan and others stood with her.

“No one knows what lies within the mausoleum, but surely whoever gains it will reap immense benefit,” said the old man, Zheng Wenyuan, Dean of Zhendan Academy’s Chang’an Branch.

He was himself a formidable awakened one.

Otherwise, he could not have held the city.

Behind him were students and teachers from the academy.

“Should we compete for it?” Zhu Qingyu asked, then hesitated. “But if we do, a great battle is inevitable—contrary to our academy’s ideals.”

Zhendan Academy, backed by the authorities, valued stability above all—they did not want chaos.

Their purpose here was to prevent heavy casualties.

But that was all they could do.

The world had changed.

She was frustrated. Humanity’s greatest threat was the strange beasts, yet people still fought among themselves.

“Silly child, in this new era, even maintaining stability requires great strength,” said Dean Zheng with a gentle smile. “Once, hot weapons sufficed to deter all. Now, they do not. Strange beasts stir everywhere, and foreign powers eye us hungrily. We must strengthen ourselves rapidly. Yes, we must compete.

“But if we can claim it without bloodshed, that would be best.”

“But…with Longevity Genetics and Wu Zhou Group here, do we have a chance?” Zhu Qingyu could not help but ask, knowing how deep those powers ran.

“Don’t worry, your senior will come too.

“And if all else fails, I’m still here—these old bones can hold out a while yet,” said Dean Zheng. For this mausoleum, Zhendan Academy had prepared long and hard.

“You mean the so-called Northern Emperor, one of the five supreme ones? If he comes, things will look better,” Zhu Qingyu’s eyes lit up, but soon her thoughts turned to the lightning arrow in Qingyang City.

“It’s a pity we haven’t found that mysterious archer. If we had his help, our chances would be much higher.”

That arrow had left a deep mark on her memory.

In her eyes,

The archer who unleashed that thunderbolt was no weaker than the five supreme ones.

“Five supreme ones? Just a title given by busybodies. They’re not worthy of such a name,” Dean Zheng shook his head, looking kindly at the girl. “And as for you, your talent is no less than theirs. After this event, the academy will cultivate you more closely. As for the mysterious archer, we’ll leave that to fate. If he chooses not to reveal himself, there’s nothing we can do.”

After the beast tide in Qingyang City, the archer had drawn the academy’s close attention.

They searched for a long time, but found no trace—like a blossom that vanished in a night.

“Huh?”

At that moment, Qin Lan, standing nearby, spoke up. “Dean, teachers, Qingyu, look—what is Zhou Yunqiong doing?”

She pointed below—Zhou Yunqiong, who had stood still, now moved toward the crowd.

As a prominent member of the Zhou family,

Few awakened ones did not recognize her.

In the three months after the upheaval, she had often appeared online as Wu Zhou Group’s representative.

“How strange—what could make her move?” Zhu Qingyu wondered. She had never met Zhou Yunqiong, but knew her reputation for aloof pride, her powerful bloodline—rarely did she show strong emotion.

“She seems to be heading toward someone. Wait—that silhouette looks familiar,” Qin Lan said.

“Don’t get distracted—focus on the situation. The imperial gate could open at any moment,” Dean Zheng reminded his students to mind the big picture.

“Yes,” replied Zhu Qingyu and the others, turning their attention back.

At that moment.

Lu Yuan stood amid the crowd, gazing at the distant mausoleum.

Suddenly, his brow furrowed.

Someone was approaching.

And he knew this person.

“Lu Yuan, it really is you?”

Zhou Yunqiong came forward—tall, long-legged, cold and noble, yet now with a hint of curiosity.

The awakened ones nearby parted for her, exchanging glances—they all recognized this key figure of the Zhou clan, especially as her reputation had grown of late. As Wu Zhou Group’s representative, she was nearly half a leader already.

Yet everyone was puzzled—someone of her stature, seeking out an unknown man in the crowd?

Hearing her voice, Lu Yuan turned, frowning. “What, am I not allowed here?”

His expression was stern; he clearly did not wish to engage with her.

At these words,

The crowd nearby was shocked.

Who was this man, to speak so to the Zhou family’s eldest daughter?

“No,” Zhou Yunqiong seemed prepared for this. She smiled faintly. “You’ve awakened, haven’t you?”

She was surprised by the change in his bearing and physique—she had not expected this. Wu Zhou Group had once studied his genes and found nothing unusual.

“Don’t you already know the answer?”

Lu Yuan replied, his tone impatient, unwilling to waste words.

Zhou Yunqiong’s mood shifted again.

It was this attitude

That had left a deep impression on her, making her wonder—why?

There was a vast gulf between them in status and every other aspect.

Especially in this new era, such a gap should be unbridgeable—so why was he still like this?

But Zhou Yunqiong took a deep breath, regaining her calm. After a moment’s hesitation, she continued, “Of course I know. Since you’ve awakened, you must understand the current situation. If you wish, you can join Wu Zhou Group. I’ll see that you’re taken care of.”

She was proud at heart—being treated so coldly, she resorted to using her status and Wu Zhou Group’s power to pressure Lu Yuan.

After all, who in the country did not know of this mighty awakened faction?

“Sorry, I’m not interested,”

Lu Yuan said, turning to leave for somewhere quieter.

The awakened ones nearby were dumbfounded.

Brother, do you know who you’re talking to?

“Friend, your attitude is somewhat lacking,”

At that moment, the man called Yi stepped forward, his gaze cold. “Yunqiong invited you in good faith, offering you shelter and support in this new era. Yet you show no gratitude, only indifference—that’s not right!”

He repeated himself, his displeasure clear.

The man’s aura was formidable, lofty—and his golden eyes made others instinctively wary, ready to bow their heads.

“And what of it?”

Lu Yuan met his gaze without flinching.

He sensed the hostility, but so what?

“You should apologize!”

Yi felt provoked by Lu Yuan’s attitude, but with Zhou Yunqiong present, he did not act—he only spoke.

He knew this was Lu Yuan, the man he’d heard about entering Chang’an, so his tone was commanding.

“Ridiculous. You think too highly of yourself,”

Lu Yuan replied coolly. “Besides, you don’t have the standing or ability to make me apologize.”

“Insolent! Do you know who you’re talking to?”

Suddenly,

A furious voice rang out.

It was Zhou Biqiong, stepping to Yi’s side, her eyes sharp. “Don’t think, just because my sister is here, that we won’t act against you.”

Zhou Yunqiong will not be the female lead.

From now on, daily updates will be over eight thousand words!

(End of chapter)