Chapter 45: The Winged Celestial, Resurrection of the Two-Thousand-Year-Old Terracotta Warriors

The word "apologize" had barely been uttered when a chill swept through the ranks of the awakened. Just now, as soon as an apology was demanded, the other side acted without hesitation, killing a major figure—along with five or six other awakened. Now, with those two words spoken again, everyone felt their scalps tingling. If Zhou Yunqiong were to show any sign of strength, would this man begin another massacre? And this was the Zhou family of the Wu Zhou Group they were dealing with—could he really afford to be so forceful, so entirely unwilling to yield?

In this new era of the strong preying on the weak, most people understood the rules and were slowly adapting; some already had blood on their hands. Yet even so, they could not fathom Lu Yuan’s current approach. There was only one word for it: wild.

Suddenly, an angry shout rang out. The man whom Lu Yuan had sent crashing into the mountainside emerged, hair disheveled, face filthy, bloodstained from head to toe, his eyes burning with rage as if they might burst into flames. He was truly furious. Since the new era began and his abilities had awakened, he had never suffered such humiliation—this was intolerable. He had been careless before, which led to his injury, but he would not make the same mistake again.

At the same time, the awakened of the Wu Zhou Group were closing in, faces dark and unfriendly. Yet in the next instant, Zhou Yunqiong spoke, her tone as cold and commanding as iron, “Yi, calm yourself. All of you, stand down.”

The effect was immediate and absolute. Both Yi and the others of the Wu Zhou Group withdrew, not making another move but standing where they were. Many were stunned—how could she hold back when her own younger sister had just been killed? A single command, and all obeyed? Clearly, the eldest daughter’s authority in the Wu Zhou Group was formidable.

Yet curiosity burned in their eyes—how would she handle the aftermath, given it was her own sister who’d been slain? As Yi and the others were restrained, Zhou Yunqiong turned once more to Lu Yuan, her gaze shifting to the pitch-black sword cradled in his hands.

Indeed, the man before her was nothing like the one in her memory, especially after what had just transpired. His speed had been extraordinary—had he experienced some sort of miraculous encounter? She couldn't sense his exact strength, but Zhou Yunqiong was certain: Lu Yuan was now far from ordinary, vastly different from what her research had led her to expect. Was it all because of that black sword?

It was true. Since the dawn of this new age, countless divine artifacts had emerged. The Wu Zhou Group possessed some themselves, objects of unimaginable power—yet usually, such things were difficult and perilous to wield. Otherwise, one risked being consumed by them.

Zhou Yunqiong pondered this as Lu Yuan waited, unhurried and immaculate.

“No,” she finally spoke, her voice clear and melodious. “It was my third sister who acted recklessly. She got what she deserved. I am the one who should apologize to you.” As she spoke, she bowed her head slightly, as if the death of her sister were of no consequence, showing no intention of seeking revenge. In fact, she was apologizing on her sister’s behalf.

This scene stunned everyone. To let go of such a deep grudge, to respond with an apology—this eldest daughter of the Zhou family was anything but simple. Was it calmness or coldness? Even Yi and the others looked at her with confusion, but none dared question her decision.

Lu Yuan, however, was not surprised—he knew exactly who she was. The bloodline in the Zhou family was strongest in her, her talent outstripping even the so-called Five Supremes. In his previous life, she had used the resources of the Wu Zhou Group to achieve extraordinary things. Zhou Yunqiong’s hallmark was her composure and meticulous mind, never swayed by emotion. With her powerful bloodline, even the family head would heed her words. Perhaps she would even simply forget what had just happened, continuing to show him favor.

“Still, as I said before,” she continued, a faint smile on her lips, “if you are interested, you may come find me at the Wu Zhou Group.” It was as if the death of her sister and the loss of her subordinates were no more than the demise of a pet, unworthy of her attention or anger.

Even the awakened beside her were dumbfounded. Was it really over? The eldest daughter had yielded, ignored her sister’s death, and was now actively recruiting him—what was going on? But none of them could understand Zhou Yunqiong’s thoughts; they simply weren’t on her level.

“Not interested,” Lu Yuan replied lightly, saying no more. Since they didn’t wish to provoke him further, he was content to let the matter rest. He turned away, lifting his gaze to the distant Mount Li.

Lu Yuan could sense a change stirring in the world around him.

A tremendous rumble suddenly tore through the sky, drawing everyone’s attention as the great gate before Mount Li stabilized and revealed itself fully, as though it were truly real. Rays of light poured into the gate, and ancient patterns began to emerge upon its surface. Everyone knew—the imperial tomb was about to open.

The energy suffusing the air was wild and violent, affecting the very heavens and earth. The sky itself grew dim, an oppressive might weighing upon all, making it hard to breathe. Upon the mountainside, the dragon-shaped aura began to take on substance, as if it too might come alive at any moment.

“I’ll be waiting for your answer,” Zhou Yunqiong called, leaving Lu Yuan with those words before turning away. Her sole purpose here was the imperial tomb at Mount Li, so she immediately departed, issuing orders to her subordinates.

Yi cast Lu Yuan a long, searching look but said nothing, following after her. With every step, his wounds visibly healed and his aura grew stronger, until suddenly, a blinding light enveloped him. His black hair lengthened and turned silver, his body grew taller, and from his back burst a pair of white wings. With a single beat, he soared into the air, arcs of lightning dancing along his feathers.

He was transformed, unrecognizable from his previous bedraggled state—his entire being radiant, his silver hair cascading like a waterfall, a vision of perfection.

“It’s Yi—the Celestial Winged God!”
“That man just now was the Celestial Winged God?”
“No wonder he’s been so elusive—he can alter his form at will!”

All around, the awakened stared in shock and disbelief. Who could have imagined that the Celestial Winged God would disguise himself as an ordinary man? Now, revealed in his true form, he was surely at his most powerful.

Many eyes turned to Lu Yuan, for Yi had just given him a long, meaningful look. It was clear to everyone present that this leader among the awakened, standing at the very pinnacle, was now deeply displeased with Lu Yuan—he was marked.

They were certain trouble was coming for Lu Yuan. This was the Celestial Winged God, after all—one of the Five Supremes, famed for his strength and his storm-wreathed wings. He had only just now revealed his true form, looking every bit a deity.

Sympathy colored every gaze cast upon Lu Yuan. Of all the people to offend, why provoke the mighty Celestial Winged God? The Zhou family heiress might shield him for now, but what about later? They knew Lu Yuan was strong, but the Celestial Winged God’s reputation was overwhelming—and behind him stood the Wu Zhou Group.

Yet Lu Yuan remained calm, unmoved by the stares. He, too, hadn’t expected this development. In his previous, weaker life, he had never even had the chance to encounter the Celestial Winged God, let alone meet him face to face.

But now, Lu Yuan was pondering another question: the true identity of the Celestial Winged God. This man possessed a unique bloodline, not of this world—not even purely human, but from beyond the stars, of a race of unimaginable power, born strong.

The great upheaval was not limited to this world; it spanned the entire cosmos, an epochal event unseen for millions of years. When the time came, beings from distant star systems would descend here, and all those ancient myths would be unveiled. This was only the beginning.

That was the true crisis—the real reason Lu Yuan strove so desperately to grow stronger. The so-called Longevity Gene, the Wu Zhou Group—these were never his true concerns, nor did he see them as enemies. When the time came, all concepts would shift.

He shook his head, clearing away distractions, focusing on the imperial tomb of Mount Li—the resting place of the Ancestral Dragon, and the site of his next great transformation.

Still, he could feel many eyes fixed on him.

“So, that Lu fellow really did show up,” thought Wang Tao of the Longevity Gene faction, casting a glance after the recent conflict. He compared Lu Yuan’s appearance to the photo in his hand and confirmed his target. He hadn’t expected this man to dare defy the Wu Zhou Group—and nearly come to blows with the Celestial Winged God.

“It must be the sword,” Wang Tao suddenly realized. Since that black sword had appeared, Lu Yuan’s terrifying power had come to light. He was sure, just as his mother had said, that Lu Yuan had gained some benefit from the falling star—otherwise, he would never dare face the Wu Zhou Group head-on. That sword was his trump card.

If he could seize it, wouldn’t it enable him to challenge even his elder brother?

The thought set Wang Tao’s heart racing.

“Second Young Master,” an elderly man in long robes approached. “You are no match for him. Best not to act rashly.” He, too, was a powerful awakened, and while he couldn’t sense Lu Yuan’s strength, he was certain the man was formidable, especially with that sword—a true divine artifact.

“I know,” Wang Tao replied with a smile. “But no matter how strong he is, he’s only one man. We have plenty of firepower, and of course, I’ll put the greater good first.” His plan was simple: when the imperial tomb opened, most of the fortunes within would go to his elder brother anyway. So why not shift his focus to Lu Yuan? It might be easier.

To reassure the old man, Wang Tao said only what was necessary.

But it wasn’t just Wang Tao. Forces like Beidou Biotech and Celestial Technology were also paying close attention to Lu Yuan. They all believed the sword was extraordinary, possibly a divine artifact, and were weighing whether to win him over or something else.

Yet none acted rashly—for now, the imperial tomb was their priority. Its secrets were far more important.

“Is that really him?” Elsewhere, in the area occupied by Sundawn Academy, Zhu Qingyu stared at Lu Yuan’s back in astonishment. Her attention had been on the tomb, but the fierce conflict had drawn her gaze—and what she saw stunned her. It was the man she’d met in the forest outside Qingyang City. How had he grown so powerful without her noticing?

“You know him?” Dean Zheng asked, puzzled. Lu Yuan’s performance was impossible to ignore—he was even considering whether to recruit him to Sundawn Academy. As for murder, in this new era it was common enough; as long as it wasn’t within the Five Great Supercities, it could be overlooked.

“I know him, but not his name,” Zhu Qingyu replied after a thought.

“It’s because he’s so rude—he never says a word,” Qin Lan interjected, but quickly shrank back, remembering the scene of Zhou Biqiong’s death. She was glad Qingyu had stopped her from saying more back then—who knew if she might have been the next target, given how easily he acted now?

The thought sent a shiver down her spine. How terrifying…

“I see,” Dean Zheng said, asking no more, turning his full attention to the imperial tomb. Now, nearly everyone was the same, waiting for it to open.

With the passage of time, the ancient gate began to tremble, thunderous booms shaking the air. Torrents of power surged skyward, gathering the clouds, blotting out the sun, the spectacle growing ever more awe-inspiring.

A bolt of lightning split the heavens, the length of it unknown, a spectacle wrought by the imperial tomb itself, making heaven and earth pale in comparison.

Soon, the very air vibrated, as if a weight pressed upon every chest, making it hard to breathe. And then, the gate became fully corporeal, the patterns upon it glowing: qilin, pixiu, dragons and phoenixes—auspicious beasts, but also the likes of qiongqi, taowu, taotie—ferocious monsters, all seeming ready to tear free, to manifest in the world.

The resting place of the Ancestral Dragon—truly extraordinary!

Some took out phones and cameras, capturing photos and videos, knowing this would be major news, certain to draw massive attention.

At last, when the light faded, the great gate shuddered and slowly opened, revealing a narrow crack. An ancient, desolate aura spilled forth, as if a primordial world lay beyond.

Some weaker awakened turned pale under the force of it, their hearts pounding.

Lu Yuan stood alone in the crowd. The awakened nearby instinctively made way, a mark of respect for strength. He gazed upon the tomb, his expression growing solemn. If there was any place in the country to rival the wonders and mysteries of the sacred mountains and rivers, this was one—alongside places like Kunlun, Taihang, the Qinling, and Shennongjia. Thus, the strange phenomena that accompanied the tomb’s opening were only to be expected.

There were countless legends, each more mysterious than the last—especially in this new era. Nothing that happened within would be surprising.

Another thunderous roar shook the earth. The crack in the gate widened, finally opening fully. Within was a staircase of white jade, glowing softly—not descending, but ascending, with no end in sight, as if it were a road to the heavens.

Could it be that the resting place of the Ancestral Dragon was not underground, but in the sky? That was everyone’s first thought on seeing the staircase. But the idea lasted only a moment, for a peculiar aura seemed to whisper to them all: enter, and you will be reborn.

“The imperial tomb at Mount Li is open! Everyone, follow me—the next step in our evolution is here!”
“The Ancestral Dragon rests here—whoever claims its fortune will ascend to the summit!”
“Charge! I’ll be the first!”

Under the influence of that aura, even the once-calm awakened grew frenzied. Only those of the fifth rank or above in the initial realm remained still, sensing an intense danger the moment the tomb opened.

Lu Yuan likewise stood unmoving, arms folded.

Suddenly the ground shook—an earthquake. A vast swath of earth beneath the gate collapsed, revealing deep pits, each at least a hundred meters across.

“What’s happening?” someone cried, halting in alarm, regaining a measure of reason.

“It’s… those are terracotta soldiers—yes, fired clay soldiers!”
“I’ve seen them on TV—they’re Qin dynasty terracotta warriors!”

Those who approached peered into the pits in shock, for there, densely packed, were tens of thousands of terracotta soldiers: some with spears, some with swords, some driving chariots, others mounted on horses—all lifelike, as if real men, arrayed before the eyes of the world.

“What’s there to fear? They’re just terracotta soldiers—let’s enter the tomb!”

One bold awakened recovered quickly from his shock, urging those behind not to hesitate and striding forward to lead the way. Others, unwilling to lose their chance, prepared to follow, knowing they could not compete with the great factions and so must rely on their own daring.

“Those who trespass upon His Majesty’s tomb shall be put to death without mercy!” Suddenly, the lead terracotta general spoke.

Behind him, tens of thousands of terracotta soldiers stepped forward as one, raising their weapons and shouting, “Death without mercy!”

The voice seemed to echo across more than two thousand years, resounding in every heart. The army of terracotta warriors emerged from the pits in formation, approaching step by step.

They radiated no human aura, but now they had come to life, barring the way before the imperial tomb, their weapons trained upon the awakened.

The sight made everyone’s scalp crawl, their faces pale with shock. The two-thousand-year-old terracotta warriors of Mount Li’s imperial tomb had come alive.

Let all brothers understand: The protagonist has spent three months in preparation, and now, upon emerging, will do only two things—sweep away all before him and crush his enemies. There will be no mercy, no submission, and he will strike back at anything in his way. This is only the beginning; the thrill will only intensify from here.

The author has a full outline and plan—rest assured and read on! If you enjoy the story, please support with your votes and five-star reviews—I kneel in gratitude!

(End of chapter)