In the vast Saint Ming City, it wasn’t just Zhang Ruochen and the dozens of Heavenly Court faction Nine-Step Saint Kings. The city also housed a Heavenly Court faction army and a small number of hunted Saint Ming loyalists.
Like King Mingjiang’s group, they were pursued by a Heavenly Court Saint King squad. Without Zhang Ruochen’s timely arrival, they’d have either perished or been captured, like the tens of thousands of loyalists at the city gate.
Empowered by Emperor Purple Qi, Zhang Ruochen wielded the city’s heaven and earth forces to protect the fleeing Saint Ming loyalists.
Under the Heavenly Court army’s pursuit, 54,000 loyalists survived, not due to their strength but their use of the city’s terrain.
Had the conflict dragged on, they’d likely have been wiped out.
Now, every surviving loyalist was exhilarated. Like King Mingjiang, they’d been consumed by despair.
But now, hope was rekindled.
“His Highness the Crown Prince is invincible! Slaughter these butchers!”
Nearly all loyalists in the city shouted fervently.
Many wept, having watched loved ones slaughtered, powerless to act.
Now, everything had changed. Their crown prince was unstoppable, avenging their fallen.
When Zhang Ruochen was forced to leave Kunlun Realm, most loyalists who attacked Lingxiao Heavenly King Mansion and Wuding Mountain relocated to Saint Ming City, while the court’s forces withdrew entirely.
Pool Yao, now a god, had no fear of the loyalists stirring trouble.
In a dilapidated ancient hall, Cai Family Ancestor Cai Yuanxi sat, bloodied, with two gaping chest wounds, his organs severely damaged, his condition critical.
“Hahaha, His Highness returns, invincible! Saint Ming will never fall!” Cai Yuanxi struggled to stand, laughing wildly.
He spat blood mixed with organ fragments, his body swaying.
“Ancestor!”
The Cai Family Saint Lord rushed to support him, face etched with worry.
Cai Yuanxi sat, scanning the dozens of Cai Family powerhouses present.
These were the family’s elite, all above Saint Realm, including three Saint Kings: the Saint Lord, Cai Tong, and Cai Jinglun.
Cai Yuanxi, also a Saint King, far surpassed the others.
This was thanks to Kunlun Realm’s revival, enabling the Cai Family’s deep heritage to produce three Saint Kings rapidly.
“The Cai Family fought with the Zhang Family to build the Saint Ming Central Empire. Saint Ming is our root. Remember, never betray Saint Ming, no matter the circumstances.”
“I’m done for, unable to see Saint Ming’s restoration. But I believe His Highness will give our people a bright future. Serve him as our ancestors served the Zhang ancestors, building an eternal legacy,” he coughed, blood spilling, his aura fading.
“Ancestor, don’t speak—you’ll be fine!” the Cai Family saints knelt, faces grief-stricken.
Cai Yuanxi smiled, unafraid of death. “Eight hundred years ago, I should’ve died with Saint Ming. To preserve the Cai Family, I surrendered to Pool Qing Central Empire—a sinner. Death is my release, to join my brothers below.”
“Ancestor!”
The saints bowed, tears falling.
They knew his torment but couldn’t share it, feeling useless as Cai descendants.
Zhang Ruochen’s voice rang out, “Elder Cai, you bore humiliation to preserve Saint Ming’s strength. Saint Ming’s restoration needs you. How can you leave so soon?”
A sweet rain fell in the hall—Life Spring—healing the Cai Family’s wounds.
“His Highness!” Cai Yuanxi’s eyes brimmed with tears, deeply moved.
That Zhang Ruochen, amidst battling foes, noticed him filled Cai Yuanxi with gratitude.
Nourished by Life Spring, his wounds healed visibly, organs restored.
“Thump, thump.”
A strong heartbeat echoed from his chest, vitality surging.
Though not fully healed, he was no longer in danger.
“I’ll dedicate my life to Saint Ming until my last breath!” Cai Yuanxi stood, voice resolute.
Understood by Zhang Ruochen, his burdens lifted. Rebuilding Saint Ming was his sole goal.
Like their ancestors, he’d help forge an eternal legacy.
Beyond the Cai Family, Zhang Ruochen sent more Life Spring to heal other loyalists, determined to let no more die.
Their horrific state fueled his rage. The Heavenly Court faction was unforgivable.
Using the city’s forces, he suppressed the Heavenly Court powerhouses hunting loyalists, capturing and feeding them to Moyin.
These powerhouses had slaughtered countless loyalists, their crimes unforgivable.
Zhang Ruochen then gathered all 54,000 surviving loyalists to his side.
“Greetings, Your Highness!”
They knelt, saluting with reverence.
To them, Zhang Ruochen was Saint Ming’s supreme emperor, an undefeated war god, inspiring awe.
“Rise. Henceforth, those above Half-Saint need not kneel,” Zhang Ruochen said, helping Cai Yuanxi up.
The loyalists stood, gazing at him with fervor.
All survivors were monks, none weaker than Fish-Dragon Realm, with many Half-Saints and Saints—Saint Ming’s elite.
Among them were familiar faces, like Qin Yutong, Bai Xuanshuang, and Bai Xuanyu, who’d fought with him at Lingxiao and Wuding, their strength greatly improved.
“Though Saint Ming City is ruined, I’ll build a grander one in the Qiankun Realm. Saint Ming will never perish,” Zhang Ruochen declared.
“Long live His Highness!”
“Long live His Highness!”
…
The loyalists cheered, filled with reverence.
Zhang Ruochen produced the Space Exquisite Ball, sending them inside to join the previously rescued loyalists, tasking Mu Lingxi with their care.
They’d be settled in the Qiankun Realm once the dust cleared.
Tens of thousands of Heavenly Court monks became Moyin’s nourishment, their screams echoing.
The scene was chilling.
“All Heavenly Court powerhouses in the city will perish. Zhang Ruochen spares no one.”
“A dragon’s reverse scale, touched, brings death. The Heavenly Court’s attack on Saint Ming City crossed Zhang Ruochen’s line. He won’t relent.”
“Such bold, terrifying Zhang Ruochen—only he dares slaughter Heavenly Court powerhouses so brazenly.”
“Odd. It’s been so long—why hasn’t Shang Ziyan returned? Has something happened?”
…
Some Heavenly Court-aligned monks grew anxious.
They’d sent messages to Shang Ziyan, but he hadn’t returned. Would he abandon so many powerhouses?
In a secluded spot outside the city, three figures watched: Fairy Tianchu, Butcher, and Fool.
“Your Highness, it seems we needn’t intervene. Zhang Ruochen’s incredible,” Fool grinned.
Fairy Tianchu said lightly, “Did I say we would?”
Fool backtracked, “No, no, we’re just here to watch the show. It’s quite a spectacle.”
“Luo Ji, weren’t you cultivating at Luoshui? Why come to Saint Ming City?” a playful voice called.
Fairy Tianchu turned to see Thousand-Star Maiden approaching, stepping through purple mist.
Thousand-Star Maiden stood beside her.
Fairy Tianchu smiled, “Chenjing, you’re in Kunlun Realm too? Why haven’t you visited your sister?”
“With Kunlun Realm so lively, how could I miss it? I knew you were in seclusion, so I didn’t disturb you. I didn’t expect to meet you here,” Thousand-Star Maiden said calmly.
“Are you here for Zhang Ruochen?” Fairy Tianchu asked.
“Aren’t you?” Thousand-Star Maiden countered.
Fairy Tianchu’s eyes flickered, but she didn’t reply, turning back to the city.
Thousand-Star Maiden said no more, also watching the city, her Origin Divine Eyes seeing everything clearly.
