Chapter 1404: The Desolation Of Yunxing
A few days had passed in the blink of an eye.
The news of Long Tian leading his forces to defeat the Bull Demon had spread far and wide. In Luohai City, discussions were rampant, and cultivators from all walks of life flocked to become his followers. The Star Lord's Mansion was constructed with unparalleled extravagance.
The buzz continued to grow, spreading to various realms through communication channels. Adding to the mystique was the fact that Star Lord Long Tian had remained secluded in his mansion, never appearing in public. This only fueled the rumors, making them even more fantastical.
In just a few short days, Long Tian's reputation as the Star Lord had spread across Yunxing, from the bustling immortal domains to the smallest towns. Almost everyone knew of him, and temples dedicated to him sprang up like mushrooms after rain. Long Tian's fame reached unprecedented heights, astonishing even the reclusive old monsters.
Even the beings of the Lingxu Realm and various life-and-death secret realms were stirred.
Above the Nine Heavens.
Terrifying auras continuously gathered, and several divine senses broke through the barriers of space, manifesting as faint, shadowy figures. They were enveloped in dense, ancient power, their true forms obscured.
Their voices, heavy with the weight of time, echoed like tolling bells through the endless void.
"Long Tian?"
"A mere demonic scum, now ruling Yunxing?"
"Indeed, Yunxing has become a joke!"
"Once, Yunxing was a sacred land of fallen immortals. Not only did it govern a small galaxy, but it also shone like a bright moon across the entire dimensional space. Who would have thought it would fall to such a state?"
"The legacy is broken, the glory lost. Our sacred land of Yunxing has been reduced to a mere boundary star. How lamentable."
"Hmph! Reduced to a boundary star is one thing, but to let a demon become the Star Lord? The current leaders of Yunxing are truly a bunch of incompetents, blind and unworthy of their ancestors!"
"These ants are no longer fit to rule Yunxing!"
...
The terrifying murmurs continued, carrying with them an overwhelming cultivation base that easily shattered the constraints of time and space. They stood aloof like gods, far beyond the perception of ordinary beings.
The discussions grew more intense, the anger more palpable.
With just a slight change in tone, seas surged and mountains collapsed, countless lives perishing as if struck by natural disasters. Wails echoed across Yunxing, but the shadowy figures remained unmoved, coldly gazing upon the vast world as if they had endured countless hardships and held no regard for ordinary life and death.
The leader sighed, clasping his hands behind his back, and spoke to the others in a calming tone.
"Gentlemen, let us not be hasty."
"Though Yunxing has fallen, our awakening presents an opportunity to turn the tide. If even one of us walks the world, changing the current weak state of affairs would be as easy as flipping a hand. This is a blessing for Yunxing."
At these words, the other figures nodded in agreement.
"True. Only we can restore Yunxing's former glory."
"Who would have thought the younger generations would be so mediocre? It seems this is the only way!"
"If we do not act soon, Yunxing's future is bleak. Fortunately, we have awakened in time to see the pitiful state of Yunxing. Let us hope it's not too late to mend the fences."
"Though we have awakened, our cultivation has not fully recovered. Walking the world now would likely cost us dearly."
At this point, the figures fell into a brief silence.
Whether for the sake of Yunxing or to restore its former glory, they would have to take action. But if it conflicted with their personal interests, few were willing to step forward immediately.
Having endured countless ages of hardship, these figures had seen through the vanity of the world. They were more astute than any other beings and cherished their cultivation and lifespan more than anything.
As the worldly saying goes: "The elderly have three treasures: greed for wealth, fear of death, and little sleep."
Crude as it may sound, it holds truth.
As the stalemate continued, the terrifying figures turned their gazes to the leader, awaiting his words.
The leader did not disappoint.
After a few moments, he spoke, his voice as wise and decisive as ever, unmatched by anyone.
"Your words hold merit."
"Yunxing grows weaker by the day. We can no longer allow these incompetent descendants to run amok. Though we have awakened, our strength has not fully recovered. It would be unwise for us to personally intervene."
"I propose that we jointly select a suitable powerhouse to step forward. Logically, those who awakened earlier are more suited to take charge of Yunxing's affairs."
His words resonated, earning unanimous approval.
"Well said!"
"From what I know, An Shixue has already awakened. In his time, he was a prodigy, his invincible sword arts sweeping across the stars. Before him, even the most talented geniuses of other stars paled in comparison. If he were to step forward, even with only thirty percent of his power, he would still be invincible."
"Indeed, if Sword Venerable An were to emerge, controlling Yunxing would be effortless!"
"Besides Sword Venerable An, Blade Tyrant Liu Sansheng has also awakened. Though his cultivation is slightly inferior, he is more than capable of dominating Yunxing. Moreover, I am his sworn brother. If I were to ask, he would surely emerge!"
"And there's also Daoist Tian Yanzi. His Great Wheel of Fate technique is profound and unfathomable. With a snap of his fingers, he could easily subdue these useless descendants of Yunxing!"
"Indeed."
...
The domineering voices continued to resonate, the figures seemingly rejuvenated, their tones filled with the pride of old. They were confident in their ability to reclaim Yunxing.
However, the leader remained silent, calmly waiting for the others to finish their recommendations.
His composed demeanor, unchanged through countless epochs, gave the impression that everything was under his control, inspiring trust and admiration.
The figures gradually quieted, awaiting his decision.
Only then did the leader stroke his beard and speak, his tone exuding the natural authority of a superior.
"Your suggestions are all excellent candidates."
"However, I have a proposal of my own."
As soon as he finished speaking, the figures all bowed in unison.
"Please enlighten us, Elder Jiang. We are all ears."
Hearing this, the leader nodded slightly and spoke a name.
"My proposal is to entrust the task of cleansing Yunxing to Tu Yaoyao. What do you all think?"
At these words, the figures all trembled, and praises erupted.
"Tu Yaoyao?"
"Hiss..."
"She was the first to awaken. Her cultivation has likely mostly recovered, making her more suitable to emerge."
"Indeed! In terms of cultivation, she has probably recovered the most. In terms of methods, this executioner was once feared across the stars for her ruthlessness."
"As you all say, this time we need to eliminate the useless descendants. Sword Venerable An has always been proud and might not be willing to act. Blade Tyrant Liu is similar, likely uninterested as well. But Tu Yaoyao would never refuse!"
"With her taking action, she could wipe out those useless trash in the blink of an eye, preventing these fools from further tarnishing Yunxing's reputation. Eliminating a mere demon would be child's play for her!"
After a few words, the powerful figures were almost in complete agreement.
Some began to flatter, even fantasizing about the glorious moment of their return.
"Elder Jiang's vision is truly unparalleled, far surpassing ours!"
"Through countless ages, Elder Jiang's brilliance remains undiminished."
"Tu Yaoyao is indeed the most suitable candidate. With just a display of her power, she would surely awaken the world, making these contemporary fools realize how glorious we, the ancestors of Yunxing, once were!"
"By then, the entire Yunxing would be struck dumb with fear!"
"Hmph, a bunch of country bumpkins, unworthy of witnessing the majestic flight of a phoenix reborn from flames!"
"Who would have thought that not a single worthy talent remains among Yunxing's descendants? Only we old folks can turn the tide. How pitiful!"
"No matter. Once Tu Yaoyao cleanses the trash, the world will realize that we, the ancestors, are returning. If it can awaken Yunxing, these small sacrifices are but a small price to pay."
"Reviving Yunxing is our duty!"
As they sighed and lamented, ripples suddenly spread through the group of figures.
A graceful figure stepped forward.
Seeing the beautiful face of the newcomer, the elderly figures' eyes lit up with satisfaction. The leader also smiled faintly, offering words of praise.
"Tu Yaoyao?"
"We were just discussing whether you should emerge to take charge of Yunxing. We had just sent you a message, and in the blink of an eye, you've appeared. Such enthusiasm for reviving Yunxing is truly rare."
The figures' eyes shone with admiration, a hidden smile in their gazes, as if everything had fallen into place. They were filled with confidence in the impending plan.
However, Tu Yaoyao did not seem particularly enthusiastic. She crossed her arms, scanning the surrounding figures, her beautiful face cold and aloof.
"Take charge of Yunxing?"
"I never agreed to such a thing. If you want to go, do it yourselves!"
Her cold words came as a shock, freezing the terrifying figures in place.