Xingluo City, a renowned metropolis in Zhouwan Holy Land, boasts a rich history and a population exceeding ten million, thriving with prosperity.
The Shangguan Clan resides within Xingluo City, rooted in a sacred mountain, occupying a vast expanse spanning a thousand miles.
In Xingluo City, the Shangguan Clan is an undisputed noble lineage, commanding respect even from imperial royalty.
As an ancient clan, the Shangguan Clan’s heritage is formidable.
The clan’s residence, now known as Saint King Que’s Mansion, resembles an imperial palace or sacred temple, grand and majestic. Its myriad palaces are intricately arranged, interspersed with rare birds and exotic beasts flitting playfully through the grounds.
“What a Saint King Que’s Mansion. It seems Shangguan Que has been living quite comfortably these years,” Mingjiang King remarked with a cold snort, standing outside the mansion.
To investigate the events of 800 years ago, Zhang Ruochen had specifically summoned Mingjiang King, along with Mu Lingxi, for this visit.
After the battle at Peacock Manor, while Zhang Ruochen focused on healing, he hadn’t forgotten the Saint Ming citizens stored in the Spatial Exquisite Ball.
With Saint Ming City half-destroyed and no longer habitable, and having fully antagonized the Paradise Realm faction, keeping the Saint Ming citizens in Kunlun Realm would be perilous.
Thus, Zhang Ruochen decided to relocate them to the Qiankun Realm, where he planned to rebuild Saint Ming in the future.
Of course, he wouldn’t restrict their freedom—they could leave the Qiankun Realm anytime.
“Saint King Que hasn’t met outsiders for centuries. I wonder if he’ll see us this time,” Mu Lingxi said, a trace of worry in her eyes.
To heal the soul-injured Saint Ming remnants, Mu Lingxi had expended much of her phoenix blood, severely draining her vitality.
When Zhang Ruochen noticed, he was heartbroken and promptly gave her numerous elixirs and miraculous medicines.
Having slain many Paradise Realm faction powerhouses, Zhang Ruochen’s spoils were vast, including over ten 100,000-year-old holy medicines, ensuring he had treasures for any need.
With these elixirs, Mu Lingxi not only restored her phoenix blood but broke through to the Dao Domain Realm, reaching unprecedented strength with no trace of weakness.
“Had I known we’d visit the Shangguan Clan, I wouldn’t have let Shoushu return to Wuding Mountain. With Shoushu, we could’ve infiltrated to scout the clan’s situation,” Mu Lingxi said regretfully.
Zhang Ruochen smiled faintly. “No need to worry. My teacher may not see others, but he’ll definitely see me.”
With that, he strode toward the mansion’s grand entrance.
Outside, two towering guards in golden armor stood, exuding powerful auras—both high-tier Half-Saints.
Only Saint King Que’s Mansion in Xingluo City would extravagantly use Half-Saints as gatekeepers.
Zhang Ruochen didn’t force his way in, saying calmly, “Please inform Saint King Que that Zhang Ruochen requests an audience.”
As a former student, he wouldn’t disrespect his teacher.
At the name “Zhang Ruochen,” the guards’ faces changed, stunned.
As Half-Saints serving in Saint King Que’s Mansion, they were well-informed and had heard of Zhang Ruochen’s fearsome reputation—or infamy.
After a moment, one guard snapped back, bowing respectfully. “Lord Ruochen, please wait. I’ll report immediately.”
Zhang Ruochen and his group waited patiently at the entrance.
The remaining guard stood stiffly, barely daring to breathe.
The seven before him were too intimidating, their restrained auras still exerting immense pressure.
Soon, a refined middle-aged man emerged from the mansion.
Slightly portly, he wore traditional Confucian robes, exuding a scholarly air tinged with subtle authority—a natural gravitas from long holding high office, commanding respect without anger.
No holy qi emanated from him, but his mental energy fluctuations were formidable, marking him as a Mental Power Saint King with at least 57th-tier mental strength.
In the Shangguan Clan, besides patriarch Shangguan Que, only the current clan leader, Shangguan Yong, could wield such mental power.
“Shangguan Yong greets Your Highness the Crown Prince,” the man said, bowing slightly to Zhang Ruochen.
Zhang Ruochen replied, “Clan Leader Shangguan is too courteous. May we see Saint King Que now?”
“The patriarch instructed that if Your Highness arrives, you’re to be brought to him directly. Please, Your Highness,” Shangguan Yong said, gesturing invitingly.
Few warranted such courtesy from Shangguan Yong.
Zhang Ruochen was one, not just as Saint Ming’s Crown Prince but for his terrifying strength.
The battles at Saint Ming City and Peacock Manor half a month ago had spread across Kunlun Realm—how could Shangguan Yong be unaware?
So many Paradise Realm faction powerhouses fell to Zhang Ruochen, a chilling thought.
Add the Sword Tomb and Immortal Machine Mountain battles, and Zhang Ruochen’s reputation was forged in blood and steel.
Zhang Ruochen nodded, stepping naturally into the mansion.
Mu Lingxi and the others followed without hesitation.
The mansion’s holy qi was dense, nearly rivaling awakened holy lands, a testament to the extraordinary sacred mountain at its core.
Their arrival drew immediate attention from Shangguan Clan disciples.
“Isn’t that Zhang Ruochen? Why’s he at our clan?”
“It’s really him. Is he here to cause trouble?”
“He’s terrifying, daring to kill even the divine sons and disciples of the Paradise Realm faction. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do.”
“The clan leader himself is receiving him. I hope nothing goes wrong.”
…
Zhang Ruochen’s notorious reputation made the disciples wary, almost viewing him as a catastrophic force.
Many knew the Shangguan Clan was once a Saint Ming remnant, yet it hadn’t aided in the recent battles.
Now, half a month later, Zhang Ruochen’s personal visit raised fears he was here to hold them accountable.
If so, the Shangguan Clan faced monumental trouble.
