Chapter 36: Aftermath.

Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Aftermath.

The cheers continued to echo across Blue Cloud Mist City, yet the city itself was almost unrecognizable. Buildings that had once stood for decades had been reduced to piles of broken stone and shattered wood.

Several streets had been torn apart during the battle, leaving deep cracks running through the ground. Parts of the upper layers had collapsed onto the ones below, while smoke still rose from burning buildings scattered throughout the city.

Blood stained the streets. Broken weapons and pieces of armor were scattered among the rubble, mixed with the remains of demons that had been burned to ash.

Some areas were still covered in crimson-golden flames, while countless injured cultivators and mortals were being pulled from the ruins by those who had survived.

The city had suffered an unimaginable disaster.

Despite all of that, the cheers continued to come from the survivors.

"We survived!"

"The demons are gone!"

"We won!"

Voices rose from every direction, spreading through the ruined streets and across the different layers of the city. Some cultivators raised their weapons toward the sky, while others embraced their companions and families, laughing as the realization slowly settled in.

The three figures remained high above the city, silently watching the scene below. Chen Yuan looked across the ruined streets, listening to the cheers that continued to rise from the city. After a brief silence, he spoke.

"I’ve never anticipated that the demons would dare launch such an aggressive campaign against the kingdom."

Chen Yan rubbed his beard, his gaze remaining on the ruined City Lord Mansion.

"These things were planned for decades, and yet none of the Imperial forces managed to discover them."

He paused, his expression becoming more serious.

"The demons cultivate the path of blood essence. Even I couldn’t tell whether they were human or demon when they disguised themselves."

Chen Yan looked toward Chen Yuan.

"What are the odds of them attacking again?"

"Hard to say. They would have to pay a bigger price next time."

Chen Yuan’s gaze swept across the city again.

"If there are any remaining ones, then that would be a problem."

Chen Feng sighed lightly.

"Let’s leave that headache to the Imperial Court. We’ve already killed three of their Demon High Lords, and you even went as far as burning their land."

Chen Yuan laughed from the side.

"How can I not? Since they dared to attack this city, I wouldn’t be polite in return."

Chen Yan glanced toward Chen Yuan.

"Then what’s next?"

Chen Yuan turned toward Chen Feng.

"Of course, to create a new ancestor. We need to think of a grand new plan for the new figure."

Chen Feng smiled helplessly.

"Don’t look at me like that. I know I’m not real."

He paused before his expression softened.

"But thank you... for bringing me into this world."

"I needed your help anyway. For the Chen Family. And besides, you’re not necessarily fake."

Chen Feng’s expression became curious, but Chen Yuan didn’t explain any further.

"Either way, I have to thank you."

Chen Yuan gestured toward Chen Yan, and Chen Yan looked down at the black bell in his hand.

"I never thought summoning you would actually reward us with a second-grade spiritual weapon. Even I don’t have one."

He raised the bell slightly.

"It’s a control-type spiritual weapon, but thank you for giving it to me."

Chen Yan looked at the black bell for a few seconds before carefully examining its surface. The bell was small enough to be held in one hand, yet the spiritual pressure contained within it was far greater than its appearance suggested.

"It is quite convenient," Chen Yan said, giving it another gentle shake. "With this, I should be able to interfere with cultivators the same realm as us and below without much effort."

Chen Yuan nodded.

"Then keep it. You were the one using it throughout the battle anyway."

Chen Yan smiled and nodded, putting the bell away.

Their conversation continued for a while, but before long, a figure approached them from below. Zhao Lianyu rose through the sky and slowly came toward the three figures.

Her white robes were stained with dust and blood from the battle, but her posture remained composed. Once she reached them, she stopped several meters away and respectfully cupped her hands.

"Three Seniors..."

Chen Yuan turned toward her.

"Yes?"

Zhao Lianyu lowered her head slightly.

"This junior has a matter she wishes to ask of the three Seniors. If it is not too much trouble, may I inquire which cultivation force the three Seniors belong to?"

She paused before continuing.

"The events that occurred today are of great importance to the kingdom. As an Imperial Envoy, this junior is required to record the identities and origins of the forces involved and report them to the Imperial Court."

"Especially the three Senior’s identity since it is extremely important to record every human high lord information."

Her gaze moved carefully between the three.

"Therefore, I hope the three Seniors will permit this junior to record your identities accurately."

Chen Yuan did not mind her question. In fact, a faint smile appeared on his face,"There’s no need to be so cautious. Ask whatever you need to know."

Zhao Lianyu bowed slightly.

"Thank you, Senior."

Before Chen Yuan could answer, Chen Feng spoke.

"We are ancestors of the Chen Family."

Zhao Lianyu paused.

"The Chen Family?"

Her eyes widened slightly as she looked at the three High Lords before her.

"The Chen Family of...?"

Chen Yan said.

"The Chen Family of Blue Cloud Mist City."

Zhao Lianyu remained silent for a few seconds, seemingly trying to process the information before her. Three High Lords, all hidden ancestors of a cultivation family she had never heard about.

Chen Yuan noticed her hesitation and smiled.

"Since we’ve already revealed ourselves, there’s no reason to hide anymore."

He looked down at the ruined city beneath them, "From this day onward, the Chen Family will be taking over Blue Cloud Mist City."

Zhao Lianyu’s expression stiffened.

"Taking over... the city?"

"That’s right."

Chen Yuan spoke as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

"The Imperial Court failed to discover that this city had been infiltrated by demons for decades. In the end, the three of us had to come out of hiding and clean up their mess."

He spread his hands slightly, his face innocent.

"Under such circumstances, it should be reasonable for us to claim ownership of the city, no?"

Zhao Lianyu’s lips parted slightly.

She wanted to say something.

Anything.

But looking at the three High Lords standing before her, she found herself unable to refuse. At the same time, she certainly did not dare to agree on behalf of the Imperial Court.

"Senior Chen, this matter..."

Chen Yuan immediately understood her dilemma.

"Let those old idiots in the capital worry about it. If they are disastified, let them come to us."

He waved his hand dismissively.

"You only need to convey our will to them."

Zhao Lianyu’s expression became slightly pale.

Chen Yuan smiled.

"After all, the Zhao Family surely wouldn’t want to make an enemy of a family with three High Lords, would they?"

Cold sweat appeared on Zhao Lianyu’s forehead as she understood what he was doing.

He was not asking for permission. He was simply informing the Imperial Court of what the Chen Family intended to do and leaving the capital to decide whether it was worth opposing them.

"Understood, Senior Chen."

Zhao Lianyu hurriedly cupped her hands.

"This junior will convey your words to the Imperial Court exactly as you have stated them."

Chen Yuan nodded with satisfaction.

"Good."

Zhao Lianyu was about to leave when Chen Feng suddenly spoke.

"Wait."

She immediately stopped and turned around.

"Senior Chen Feng?"

Chen Feng stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"The Zhao Family..."

His gaze fell upon her.

"How many High Lords does your family currently have?"

Zhao Lianyu froze.

Chen Feng continued.

"Since you’ve asked us for our personal information, it’s only fair that you tell us about your family aswell."

’Sly old man.’, both Chen Yuan and Chen Yan muttered inwardly when they heard this.

"I..."

Zhao Lianyu hesitated only briefly before deciding that there was no point hiding it from three High Lords. If she dared to lie, the consequences might be unimaginable, "There are currently two High Lords within the Zhao Family."

Chen Feng raised an eyebrow.

"Two?"

"Yes."

Zhao Lianyu nodded.

"One is His Majesty, the current King of Great Yan."

She paused before continuing.

"His name is Zhao Tianqiong."

Chen Yuan’s expression remained calm as he listened.

"The other is the Zhao Family’s ancient ancestor. His identity is rarely mentioned outside the royal family, and he has remained in seclusion for many years."

Chen Feng nodded thoughtfully.

"So two High Lords."

"Yes, Senior."

Zhao Lianyu swallowed quietly.

Standing before three High Lords, she couldn’t help but feel the difference. The Zhao Family possessed two High Lords.

The Chen Family now had three, and the three were standing directly in front of her. However, Zhao Lianyu quickly added, "Although the Zhao Family has only two High Lords, our foundation is not limited to them."

She carefully chose her words, seemingly afraid to offend the three seniors.

"There are dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators within the royal family. Their exact number is not something I am permitted to disclose, but it is certainly more than 30."

Chen Feng nodded.

"I see."

Zhao Lianyu lowered her head slightly.

"That is all this junior knows that can be shared."

Chen Yuan glanced at Chen Feng. The latter merely stroked his beard, seemingly satisfied with the answer. However, he did not immediately let Zhao Lianyu leave. Instead, he looked toward her with a thoughtful expression.

"Then there is something else I would like to know."

Zhao Lianyu stopped and turned around.

"Senior, please ask."

Chen Yan glanced toward the ruined city below before looking back at her, "How about the other major cultivation families?"

His tone remained calm, but there was clear curiosity in his eyes, "How strong are they? And how many High Lords does the Great Yan Kingdom currently have in total?"

Zhao Lianyu’s expression changed slightly. She had expected questions about the Zhao Family, but she had not expected Chen Yan to ask about the entire kingdom.

Still, after seeing the strength of the three people before her, she understood that refusing to answer would accomplish little.

"The major cultivation families..."

Zhao Lianyu thought for a moment before speaking.

"Aside from the Zhao Family, there are several families whose influence extends across large portions of the kingdom. Their exact strength is difficult to determine because most of them keep some of their experts in seclusion."

She looked at Chen Yan.

"The most influential among them are the Ye Family, the Lin Family, the Su Family, and the Qin Family."

Chen Yan listened carefully.

"The Ye Family possesses several Foundation Establishment cultivators, with their strongest expert being at the Peak Foundation Establishment Realm, a High Lord."

"The Lin Family is somewhat stronger. They possess more than ten Foundation Establishment cultivators, and their family has one High Lord who has remained in seclusion for many years."

Chen Yuan raised an eyebrow slightly.

"One High Lord?"

"Yes."

Zhao Lianyu nodded.

"The Lin Family’s High Lord rarely appears in public. Most people in the kingdom have never even seen him."

She continued.

"The Su Family has a similar foundation. They possess several Foundation Establishment cultivators, although their exact number is unknown to me. Their strongest ancestor is also a High Lord."

Chen Feng stroked his beard.

"So the major families each have at most one High Lord?"

"Most of them, yes."

Zhao Lianyu hesitated.

"But there are exceptions."

Chen Yan’s expression became more attentive.

"Which ones?"

"The Qin Family."

Zhao Lianyu’s voice became slightly more serious.

"The Qin Family has existed for an extremely long time. They are one of the oldest cultivation families in Great Yan, and their foundation is considerably deeper than that of most other families."

Chen Yuan became interested, looking at her intently as he asked,

"Ohh, how many High Lords do they have?"

"One that is publicly known."

Chen Yan frowned slightly.

"Publicly known?"

Zhao Lianyu nodded, slightly troubled by the matter.

"That does not mean there isn’t another one."

Chen Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"You’re saying they might have a hidden High Lord?"

"I cannot confirm it."

Zhao Lianyu shook her head.

"The Imperial Court has never obtained reliable information regarding the Qin Family’s oldest ancestor. Some records suggest that he entered seclusion two centuries ago. Whether he is still alive, and what realm he currently possesses, is something even the Imperial Court cannot say with certainty."

Chen Yan became silent. That was already enough information to understand something important. Great Yan was far stronger than the Chen Family had originally believed.

Chen Yan continued asking.

"What about the other forces?"

"There are also several sects."

Zhao Lianyu glanced toward the horizon.

"The largest sects have their own Foundation Establishment experts, but most of them are located farther away from the central regions of the kingdom. Their relationship with the Imperial Court is also different from that of the cultivation families."

She paused.

"As for High Lords..."

Zhao Lianyu carefully counted in her mind.

"The Zhao Family has two."

"The Lin Family has one."

"The Su Family has one."

"The Qin Family has one that is publicly known and another one that might be hidden."

She looked at the three men.

"That makes five High Lords that can be confirmed with certainty."

Chen Yan’s eyebrows rose.

"Only five?"

Zhao Lianyu shook her head and looked toward Chen Yuan.

"No, there’s another one."

"The Imperial Court itself has one."

Chen Yuan’s expression remained unchanged.

"Ohhh? Another Zhao Family member?"

"No."

Zhao Lianyu answered immediately.

"This High Lord does not belong to any cultivation family. He serves the Imperial Court directly and has done so for many years."

Chen Feng’s eyes narrowed.

"So six High Lords in total?"

"Six that are known."

Zhao Lianyu’s answer caused Chen Yan to fall silent again.

She quickly added,

"There may be others hidden among the ancient families or secluded sects. But if they have never revealed themselves, the Imperial Court cannot simply assume that they still exist."

Chen Yuan looked down at the ruined Blue Cloud Mist City.

Six High Lords.

Honestly, he felt that wasn’t too bad.

However, even with six High Lords, Chen Yuan doubted the Imperial Court would be able to gather enough strength to launch a proper invasion against the Blackmoon Kingdom.

After all, the demons had been fighting Great Yan for centuries, and their true strength remained hidden behind the southern border.

Chen Yuan turned his gaze toward Zhao Lianyu.

"How about the Blackmoon Kingdom? What does the Imperial Court know about them?"

His tone became slightly more serious.

"Since the three of us have already killed three of their High Lords, how many more are left?"

Zhao Lianyu’s expression became complicated, and eventually, she sighed softly.

"That’s the problem, Senior."

She shook her head.

"We simply don’t know."

Chen Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly.

"You don’t know?"

"No."

Zhao Lianyu looked toward the distant southern horizon.

"The Blackmoon Kingdom has never revealed the full extent of its strength. Even after centuries of fighting, we have never been able to determine how many High Lords they truly possess. Their kingdom is also ten times the size of ours."

Chen Feng seemed to understand.

"No wonder the Imperial Court has never dared to invade their territory."

His gaze remained fixed toward the south.

"All these years, you’ve only been defending."

Zhao Lianyu nodded with a bitter smile.

"It can’t be helped."

"Whenever we think we’ve killed enough of them, several more appear."

She paused before continuing.

"Even the number of High Lords recorded at the southern border is only based on those who have appeared on the battlefield. Our spies couldn’t enter their territory to obtain any useful information. Sending spies inside is practically a guaranteed death."

Chen Yan frowned.

"How many have been recorded from the southern border?"

"Four."

Zhao Lianyu’s expression became serious.

"Four Demon High Lords have been recorded attacking the southern border."

Chen Yuan’s eyes narrowed.

"Four?"

"Yes."

Zhao Lianyu nodded.

"Luckily, the major cultivation families, the Imperial Court, and the Royal Family reacted in time when they appeared."

She looked toward the three ancestors.

"We managed to heavily injure one of them."

Chen Feng’s expression became thoughtful.

"Only one?"

"And the three we just killed..."

Chen Yuan paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked at her.

"Were they recorded too?"

"No, Senior."

Zhao Lianyu shook her head.

"The three High Lords you killed weren’t in the information the Imperial Court possessed so far. They were completely new faces."

She hesitated slightly before continuing.

"But..."

Zhao Lianyu looked at the three men.

"The feat of killing three Demon High Lords at the same time is something the Imperial Court will certainly need to know."

She respectfully cupped her hands.

"I will convey this information to the capital and make sure the achievement of the three Seniors is known throughout the kingdom."

Chen Feng immediately waved his hand.

"Please, please, hahaha. It was just a fluke... Just a fluke..."

Chen Yuan and Chen Yan silently looked at him from the side. Chen Feng’s laughter gradually became quieter under their gazes.

He coughed awkwardly.

"Well..."

He stroked his beard and looked away.

Chen Yuan shook his head slightly before turning back toward Zhao Lianyu.

"Then you’ve done enough. You may leave."

Zhao Lianyu respectfully cupped her hands.

"Yes, Senior."

She bowed once more before turning around and flying back toward the city below. The moment she reached the ground, Zhao Lianyu immediately began helping the remaining cultivators organize the survivors.

There were still countless injured people trapped beneath the ruins, while many of the city’s buildings had been completely destroyed.

Below them, several cultivators were already beginning to clear the rubble. A group of cultivators lifted an entire collapsed building from the street, while others carried the injured toward temporary treatment areas.

Zhao Lianyu was among them.

She moved from one location to another, helping organize the survivors and occasionally stopping to personally rescue those trapped beneath the ruins.

"She’s quite diligent."

Chen Yan glanced downward.

"She’s an Imperial Envoy. It seems she takes her responsibilities seriously."

Below them, Chen Guanshan and his group appeared somewhere in the city. Chen Yuan immediately recognized them.

"So they’re safe after all... This Guanshan brat."

He raised his hand and casually waved toward them. In an instant, a gentle force descended upon the group.

"Eh?"

Chen Guanshan barely had time to react before he felt his body become weightless. The surrounding Chen Family members were startled as their feet slowly left the ground.

"What’s happening?"

"Wait!"

"Don’t panic!"

Chen Guanshan quickly realized where the force was coming from.

He looked upward.

The next instant, the entire group was lifted into the sky. Several breaths later, they landed safely beside Chen Yuan and the other two.

Chen Guanshan immediately looked toward Chen Yuan.

"Ancestor!"

His voice carried clear excitement.

The moment he saw Chen Yuan standing in the sky, the tension that had remained in his chest throughout the battle finally disappeared.

"You’re safe!"

Chen Yuan smiled.

"Of course I am, brat. Do you look down on me that much?"

Chen Guanshan let out a long breath.

"Of course not, of course not! I wouldn’t dare."

Only then did he remember what he and the others had witnessed from below. They had naturally witnessed the entire battle, from the descent of the crimson ocean to the arrival of the gigantic sword.

Even from such a distance, the sight had been enough to leave everyone speechless.

They had known their ancestor was powerful.

But witnessing that battle with their own eyes was an entirely different matter.

Chen Guanshan turned his head toward the two unfamiliar figures standing beside Chen Yuan.

He had never seen either of them before. The other Chen Family members noticed them as well. One by one, their expressions became confused.

Who were these two Seniors?

Chen Guanshan hesitated for a moment before respectfully cupping his hands toward Chen Yan.

"Senior."

Chen Yan nodded politely.

"There’s no need to be so formal."

Chen Guanshan looked slightly confused.

Chen Yuan noticed his expression and smiled.

"Guanshan, allow me to introduce you to someone."

He gestured toward Chen Yan.

"This is Chen Yan."

Chen Guanshan blinked.

"Chen... Yan?"

He looked at Chen Yan again.

The other members of the Chen Family exchanged confused glances. The name didn’t sound familiar, but since it bore the Chen name, they assumed the Senior must have come from another branch of the Chen Family somewhere in the kingdom.

Chen Yuan continued.

"He is our family’s secret ancestor."

Silence.

The entire group became completely still.

Chen Guanshan’s eyes widened.

"Another... ancestor?"

Several of the younger Chen Family members looked at one another in disbelief.

Another ancestor?

Since when?

They had never heard of Chen Yan.

Even Chen Guanshan, who had lived for decades within the family, had never heard of such an ancestor.

One of the clansmen couldn’t help but glance at Chen Yan again, as though trying to determine whether he had somehow misheard.

"Ancestor... Chen Yan?"

Chen Yan gave a small nod.

"Indeed."

The clansman’s mouth opened slightly before he quickly shut it again.

Nobody dared question Chen Yuan’s words, but the sudden appearance of another hidden ancestor was simply too much to process.

And this wasn’t some ordinary ancestor.

The spiritual pressure coming from Chen Yan was enough for them to understand that he was a Peak Foundation Establishment expert.

Chen Guanshan’s expression became complicated.

How many secrets had the Chen Family been hiding?

No, the proper question would be, how many secrets was the Ancestor hiding?

Before anyone could recover, Chen Yuan turned toward the final figure.

"And this..."

Chen Feng was standing with his ancient sword resting casually against his shoulder, one hand stroking his beard as he observed the group with a squint.

Chen Yuan smiled.

"This is Chen Feng."

The moment those words left his mouth, Chen Guanshan’s expression changed.

His eyes widened, and his breathing stopped completely.

The other Chen Family members froze as well.

A few seconds passed before someone finally spoke.

"A-Ancestor Chen Feng?"

The voice trembled.

Chen Guanshan stared at Chen Feng as though he had seen a ghost.

"Ancestor... Chen Feng?"

Chen Feng raised an eyebrow.

"Yes?"

The moment he answered, the group erupted.

"Ancestor Chen Feng, the one who left behind the inheritance trial?!"

"How is that possible?"

"I thought Ancestor Chen Feng had disappeared according to the story!"

"Wait, isn’t he the ancestor from the story?!"

The Chen Family members began speaking over one another. Some looked at Chen Feng in disbelief, while others looked toward Chen Yuan as though waiting for him to explain what was happening.

Even Chen Guanshan, normally composed and experienced, struggled to maintain his calm.

He had heard the name Chen Feng countless times from his son, who had told him the stories.

And he had also experienced the inheritance trial himself, personally confirming the existence of this ancestor.

But to him, Chen Feng was an ancestor from a distant era.

Yet now that very person was standing in front of them.

Alive at that.

And judging from the terrifying aura he had displayed during the battle...

Not only alive.

But a Peak Foundation Establishment expert!

Chen Guanshan swallowed hard before finally stepping forward. He cupped both hands and bowed deeply.

"Chen Family descendant, Chen Guanshan, pays respects to Ancestor Chen Feng!"

The others quickly followed.

"Greetings, Ancestor Chen Feng!"

Their voices rang through the sky above the ruined city.

Chen Feng looked at the group of bowed heads before him.

For the first time since arriving in this world, his expression became slightly awkward. He scratched his beard.

"There’s no need for all this."

Chen Yuan glanced at him.

"Enjoy it."

Chen Feng turned toward him.

"You..."

Chen Yan quietly covered his mouth, hiding a faint smile.

Chen Guanshan raised his head slightly, still looking at Chen Feng with disbelief.

He had thought that surviving the demon invasion and witnessing three High Lords fight was already the most unbelievable thing that would happen to him today.

Apparently, he had been wrong. Their Chen Family had somehow gained three High Lords in a single day.

"Now then, Guanshan..."

Chen Yuan smiled. "I have a job for you."

"A job?" Chen Guanshan felt a sense of unease.

"Yes." Chen Yuan’s smile widened even further. "I want you to take some cultivators in the city under my name and confiscate all the properties belonging to the Chu Family, the Li Family, and the Wang Family."

"T-that... can we really do that, Ancestor?"

"Of course." Chen Yuan waved his hand casually. "As for the Li Family, the Chu Family, and Zhao Mingyuan’s family, bring more cultivators with you and eliminate every member you find."

Chen Guanshan’s expression stiffened.

"Every member?"

"Yes." Chen Yuan nodded. "I have been observing everything from the beginning. I know exactly that they had sided with the demons and took upon the demon seeds to become one of them."

His smile faded slightly.

"The Li Family and the Zhao Family have even married into each other. Their bloodlines are already intertwined, so there is no reason to deal with them separately."

Chen Guanshan swallowed nervously.

"As for the Wang Family..." Chen Yuan paused before continuing, "I have no intention of killing them. Confiscate their properties and leave their members alive."

"Yes, Ancestor."

Chen Guanshan immediately turned around and headed toward the remaining Chen Family cultivators.

"You’re really eyeing those families’ properties now?" Chen Yan smiled.

"Why not? We are the rightful owners of this city anyway. Besides, I’ve already held a grudge against those ants for decades."

"Since they sided with the demons, it’s natural for us to eliminate them to ensure no tigers were sent back to the mountain."

Chen Yuan laughed, "You may call me cruel, but I’m doing it for the Chen Family’s future and prosperity."