Ling Xiao genuinely didn’t know there was a mysterious island between the Divine Phoenix Continent and the White Tiger Continent.
Ji Ning smiled, “It’s normal not to know. Unless they’ve been to the White Tiger Continent, few warriors from the Heavenly Dragon Continent are aware of this island. You only know of the standoff between the Divine Phoenix Empire and the Black Raven Empire on the Divine Phoenix Continent, but you don’t realise that the true power in this sea region isn’t these two empires.”
“What!” Ling Xiao was hearing this for the first time.
Ji Ning continued, “You might be surprised, sir, but beyond the two empires and countless small nations in the Divine Phoenix Sea, the most formidable force is the Five Immortal Islands! Each island is only a hundredth the size of the Divine Phoenix Continent, yet their strength is terrifying. After the Five Immortal Islands, the seven Martial Sect Islands rank alongside the two empires. Though the Divine Phoenix Empire is an empire, it’s under the dominion of Changle Immortal Island, one of the Five. The Black Raven Empire is governed by Black Water Immortal Island.”
Ling Xiao was stunned. The Divine Phoenix Empire was far stronger than the current Holy Dynasty, yet this mighty empire, with its Divine Phoenix Academy and Qingxu Academy, was subordinate to an island? It felt like a dream.
“Don’t Changle Immortal Island and Black Water Immortal Island intervene in the wars between the Divine Phoenix Empire and the Black Raven Empire?” Ling Xiao couldn’t help but ask.
“No, they’re happy to see such conflicts, as more wars produce more outstanding warriors!” Ji Ning shook his head. “You probably don’t know, but the Five Immortal Islands face enemies from the White Tiger Continent. They don’t care much about battles between empires, small nations, or Martial Sect Islands. To select talent to counter the White Tiger Continent and its disturbances, they hold a grand competition every five or ten years. It’s far crueller than any martial festival you’ve attended. It might involve fighting brutal pirates or warriors from the White Tiger Continent. Failure means death! Yet, young people from the Divine Phoenix Sea, even your Heavenly Dragon Sea, flock to it. Surviving the selection brings immense rewards, far greater than those for the Chosen of the Heavenly Dragon Continent. Some might even be allowed to join an Immortal Island for training, a true leap to greatness.”
Hearing this, Ling Xiao felt like a frog in a well, his understanding of this mysterious world woefully limited. He hadn’t known the Five Immortal Islands were the strongest force in the Divine Phoenix Sea.
“Haven’t the rulers of the Divine Phoenix Empire, the Black Raven Empire, or the seven Martial Sect Islands ever thought of replacing the Five Immortal Islands to match their power?” Ling Xiao asked.
Ji Ning nodded, “Of course they have, but the Five Immortal Islands aren’t fools. They gather nearly all the top talent and control most resources. Despite the vast territories of the two empires, they must offer up nearly ninety percent of their resources as tribute! The Five Immortal Islands grow stronger, while the empires and Martial Sect Islands weaken.”
“No wonder the Black Raven Empire allies with White Tiger Continent forces, and the Divine Phoenix Empire partners with the True Demon Empire. It’s to challenge the Five Immortal Islands’ dominance, isn’t it?” Ling Xiao said with a smile.
“Sir, you hit the nail on the head!” Ji Ning laughed. “We’re almost at North Desert City!”
During their talk, they had reached the foot of North Desert City.
Up close, the city seemed even lonelier.
Standing firm amidst raging winds, it was like the empire’s northern anchor.
If it fell, the northern gate would be wide open.
“The general’s back!”
“He’s alive!”
“He didn’t abandon us!”
From the city walls came ecstatic shouts.
These people had watched Ji Ning leave for the imperial city with heavy hearts, unable to stop him, praying for his safe return.
When this hope became reality, they wept with joy.
Yet, the city’s guards remained disciplined.
The gates stayed closed, and the soldiers, despite their excitement, followed protocol.
“Show the general’s token!” a deputy shouted from the wall.
Ling Xiao marvelled. A general’s character shaped his troops. Such discipline was admirable.
Even seeing the general in person, they demanded proof.
Who knew if he was being coerced or if a shapeshifting demon was impersonating him?
Everything required caution.
Ji Ning produced his token, activating it with his Heavenly Origin Power, making the inscribed words glow.
Only his power could activate it, rendering it useless if stolen.
“It’s the general! Open the gates, quick!” Confirmed, the soldiers erupted in joy, jumping and laughing as if celebrating a grand festival.
“I, Ji Ning, am back alive!” His passionate shout ignited the entire city’s fervor.
The city erupted in celebration.
Citizens lined the streets, offering homegrown fruits and homemade snacks.
Ling Xiao was touched. Their joy wasn’t feigned; their tears were genuine.
This was a true general, much like his former benefactor Lin Ze, though far stronger.
“This is the general’s mansion?” Ling Xiao asked, incredulous.
Though larger than common homes, Ji Ning’s mansion was humble compared to the grand estates Ling Xiao had seen, almost like a beggar’s dwelling.
Small and sparsely decorated.
Inside, Ji Ning ordered tea and snacks, then sat with Ling Xiao to discuss business.
“You waited for me on the road, so it must be important. Now that it’s just us, speak freely!” Ji Ning said with a smile.
Ling Xiao didn’t speak but slowly removed his ferocious ghost mask.
Beneath was a face with a gentle smile, eyes deep with wisdom, as if seeing through everything.
“So young!” Ji Ning exclaimed, shocked. He’d assumed the masked man was forty, fifty, or even a hundred years old.
But it was the face of a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old youth.
