After much deliberation, Moonflower Sect’s leaders decided the sect was too scattered, hindering development. They planned to merge Moonflower Sect, Divine Sword Sect, Elixir Villa, Beast King Palace, and North Han’s royal family into the “Chosen Academy.”
Everyone understood the Chosen Academy was formed because of Ling Xiao, the Chosen One.
Wu Xiang, Moon Lady, North Han’s new Crown Prince Zhao Zhi, and Divine Sword Sect’s leader Ling Wuhen were willing to nominate Ling Xiao as the academy’s head.
But Ling Xiao declined.
While he needed a force to back him, his true pursuit was the pinnacle of martial arts.
Thus, he took only an honorary elder position and recommended Wu Xiang as the academy’s dean.
This effectively made it his faction.
Some in North Han were displeased, but it didn’t matter. North Han survived under the Chosen Academy’s protection. The academy not overthrowing the royal family was already generous.
Meanwhile, the Holy Emperor succumbed to his injuries and passed away, bequeathing his title to Holy Son Ji Mingkong.
No one objected; the Holy Emperor’s title was now a hollow shell, overshadowed by the Chosen One’s fame.
At the Martial Arts Festival, Ling Xiao’s single sword repelling numerous sea clan experts was too astounding.
Ji Mingkong joined the Chosen Academy, wisely stepping back from power struggles to focus on martial arts, intent on killing Sikong Zun to avenge her father.
Ji Mingfeng became a general in North Han, guarding the border as usual, feeling more at ease there than in the capital.
The Grand Holy Emperor went into seclusion to heal, likely for a long time, and ceased involvement in politics.
Moon Lady, as ever, remained carefree in her Moon Palace.
As time passed, conflicts raged across Tianlong Continent.
The True Demon Empire conquered relentlessly, occupying all of Tianlong Continent except Tianli Kingdom and North Han.
Their momentum rivalled their past glory.
However, their overall strength was weaker, lacking a True Demon Emperor. Only Yin-Yang Demon King and Lightning Demon King appeared, their cultivation far below their former peaks.
Thus, they halted their advance, declaring peaceful coexistence with Tianli Kingdom and North Han, sharing Tianlong Continent.
Their words were grandiose, but many saw through it. The ceasefire stemmed from the Demon Kings’ injuries and the empire’s inability to conquer North Han and Tianli.
With Moon Lady in North Han, even the two Demon Kings together might not defeat her.
They paused, likely to revive the other Demon Kings or even the True Demon Emperor.
Ling Xiao felt it was time to leave. He needed to seize this rare respite to grow stronger.
North Han was too small, and his martial path differed from Moon Lady’s and the Grand Holy Emperor’s. His master, Yuan Zun, could guide him, but resources were scarce under the True Demon Empire and Tianli’s blockade.
Staying would stall his martial path. Even if he regained his cultivation, further progress would be impossible.
On Tianlong Continent, most warriors above Heaven Realm had gone to Shenhuang Continent, some even farther.
Ling Xiao wanted to head to Shenhuang Continent, seeking opportunities to advance on that stronger land.
This was what a Chosen One should do, and his proposal was fitting.
Moon Lady and others approved.
Ji Mingkong, Ying Wuya, Lan Yuer, Leng Hao, Long Chen, Dai Yuling, Dai Yaoling, Zhao Zhi, and Zhao Ci also wished to train on Shenhuang Continent.
Only the younger generation’s growth would strengthen the Chosen Academy.
“It’s a good plan. Shenhuang Continent’s sects dwarf our twelve sects. Building alliances there could aid our counterattack against the True Demon Empire,” Wu Xiang said.
He handed Ling Xiao a nautical chart and a map of Shenhuang Continent. “You’re in charge of this training expedition. Keep these maps safe; they’re rare Holy Dynasty treasures. Lose them, and they’re gone.”
Ling Xiao took the maps, copying them immediately.
Shenhuang Continent was far larger than Tianlong, with more complete laws, making its warriors significantly stronger.
Of course, weaklings existed too, as not everyone was suited for martial arts, and no one was born a warrior.
Shenhuang’s main inhabitants were the Fire Phoenix Clan, alongside the Peng and Peacock Clans.
Not human, they didn’t cultivate martial souls but awakened bloodlines, though their training and combat resembled humans’.
“Forming alliances is a hope, but don’t force it. Your main goal on Shenhuang is to train and grow stronger. If possible, establishing a smuggling route for North Han’s cultivation resources would be excellent,” Wu Xiang added.
“Brother Wu, I understand. I’ll work on that smuggling route,” Ling Xiao said.
It was critical. Under prolonged blockades, North Han’s warriors would fall further behind those of the True Demon Empire and Tianli.
Though Tianli declared war on the True Demon Empire, it was clear to all that Tianli was a sea clan puppet, like Bishui Divine Palace, useful when needed.
“Master, you’ve been to Shenhuang Continent. Any advice on which sect or kingdom to approach?” Ling Xiao asked Yuan Zun.
“Well, I was there long ago. Things have likely changed,” Yuan Zun mused.
“Junior Brother Ling, take this,” Wu Xiang said, producing a three-inch jade flying knife from his storage ring, inscribed with divine runes, an immortal-grade treasure.
Though not top-tier, it held special significance.
The handle bore a “Phoenix” character.
Wu Xiang’s expression was odd—sorrowful, regretful, helpless—but it passed quickly.
