Chapter 1982: The World’s Situation I: The Sect

"The Duchess almost perfected this array."

"Almost?"

"I can improve its ability to store information," Wu Hong explained. Ai’s ability to deduce has reached its limit, but Wu Hong can still improve its information storage to support her deductions. "Plus, after fusing with Grand Dao, it should have more potential, which will manifest after we sanctify."

"I see."

"Let’s not waste any more time and start the retreat," Wu Hong suggested. "But you should probably send an avatar back to the sect."

"That’s true." Wang Wei had already sensed his talisman going crazy as the sect was madly summoning him back. "By the way, what are you going to do with the Divine Court? Isn’t it dangerous to spread the Quasi-Realm Techniques with their presence?"

"It’s probably not a big deal since they have their own version."

"Oh?"

"They called it the Crowned Primal."

"How does it work?"

"I have no idea."

"Then —"

"Qiyuan stole some of their techniques, but it has a powerful ban. I’ve successfully decrypted the name, but not the actual technique."

Wang Wei nodded. "No wonder these commanders were so powerful; they also had an air of arrogance, as if they didn’t take any primals seriously." Before he left for the expedition, Wan Yanmei and the other commanders carried a subtle air of arrogance, as if, in their eyes, only Maitreya was a threat.

"That Wan Yanmei is indeed powerful."

"You’ve fought her?"

"Yes."

"Who won?"

"I did, but I can tell she didn’t use her full strength."

"So, she wanted to test your strength?"

"Most likely."

"Well, I have a feeling this invasion will come to an end soon, and it might not be how everyone expects."

"Let’s hope that’s a good thing."

The two entered their seclusion, while Wang Wei’s avatar teleported back to the Dao Opening Sect. He didn’t immediately head to meet Qiyuan and the others; instead, he walked around the sect, taking in the atmosphere. A feeling of peace and serenity settled on Wang Wei as he walked through the different floating mountains and islands.

"I really miss the chains from the lower dimension," Wang Wei sighed. "Hold on, aren’t I the sect master? I can change the rules as I please." He pointed his finger and massive chains manifested, connecting all the mountains and islands.

"That’s better." Wang Wei began walking on the chains, ignoring the chaos he had caused. Luckily, Yu Cai was still a decent acting sect master, so he quickly took control of the situation.

"With their new Human Fiendgod Bloodlines, the clans have improved drastically. Even the Sectarian Factions have a lot of members who cultivate the [Fiendgod 12 Revolution] technique," Wang Wei thought. "However, the number of members is smaller than usual, probably because of the war. More importantly, there seems to be hidden tension between a few factions.

Wang Wei took in all the information. Although he was a hands-off sect master, he still had to take his duty seriously — to some degree— now that he had returned. So he observed all the changes—both obvious and subtle—since his departure.

"Um? The Yan Clan has changed so much?" If he were to name the most radical change in the sect, it would be the Yan Clan. Since his departure, they have been divided into three branches. The first branch follows Yan Hai and cultivates the Sword Dao. With their newly improved bloodline, they are currently the clan and faction with the strongest military force.

The second branch followed Yan Liling, choosing a bloodline that favors the Pill Dao; they control the Yan Clan’s resources and wealth. The last group is from the old factions: a motley crew with no single Dao or attribute, including most of the Yan Clan’s old members and those who didn’t want to choose a side. Currently, they are the weakest.

"The source of tension I’m sensing is from the Sword Yan Clan and the Sectarian Faction. It can’t be because of what I’m thinking, right?" He’ll have to check with the ancestors, but he’s pretty sure he guessed the origin of the issue.

"There seem to be a lot more Alternate Path cultivators, and their aura is weird; are they all Insurgents? When did becoming an Insurgent become so cheap? Unless...Interesting. The Divine Court probably caused a lot of trouble after we left."

While on his little tour, many disciples began to notice Wang Wei’s presence. Some of the bold ones would approach to salute, and even ask for guidance. Wang Wei didn’t mind helping them; he had been gone long enough that entire generations of sect disciples had only seen his picture or heard of his story. Many of them even thought he was dead. So, this was a good way to re-establish his status as sect master.

Unfortunately, after seeing how approachable he was, too many disciples rushed over. In the end, Wang Wei had to promise to preach to the entire sect before flying toward the Transcending Fate Mountain.

"Took your sweet time, didn’t you?" Yan Hai said, staring at him coldly.

"Let me ask you something," Wang Wei said as he sat with the four of them. "If you had a woman like Wu Hong, wouldn’t you take your sweet time? You’re lucky I’m returning only after two months."

Yan Hai was immediately speechless. Yes, who would want to leave her sweet bosom?

Wang Chong laughed. "I can’t even be mad with such an explanation."

"Shut up."

"I’m glad you’re back intact," Qiyuan said, smiling as he served tea.

"Yes, it wasn’t easy," Wang Wei sighed.

"What exactly happened?" From the news they’d gathered over the past 81 days, only three people had returned: Wang Wei, Maitreya, and Ying Zheng. No, four, since Old Man Black Chess’s life lamp is still burning, but he seems to be in an odd state and hasn’t shown up.

"A lot," Wang Wei said, then recounted the entire event again.

Qiyuan frowned. "I’m afraid the aftermath of these events is far from over. Most of the Grand Dao Saints and others might put the majority of the blame on Trinity Venerable, but some might blame the rest of you for surviving."

"That’s one of my worries," Wang Wei said. Many descendants or favored individuals of Grand Dao Saints and Tribunal Saints died in this event. While most of the fault lay with Death Reverence and the selfish actions of Trinity Venerable, these people might not act rationally, especially since the former is dead and the latter will be hiding.

"You need to hurry to sanctify," Battle Maniac stated.

"That’s the plan, but that’s easier said than done," Wang Wei replied. "Oh, before I forget: here is Trinity Venerable’s blood. He’s currently in a weak state, so this is the best time to strike."

Qiyuan’s eyes lit up after receiving the vial. "Thank you."

"What about you guys? What have you experienced since I left?" From his observation, Wang Wei could already tell their cultivation. Yan Hai had already condensed three Saint Foundations; Qiyuan had condensed two and a half. The half was because the third was incomplete, with the missing piece behind Wang Wei himself. All 12 Emperors whose origins are from the Lower Dimensions have already changed into the Eternal Path and reached the Peak Paragon Realm. However, Wang Wei was missing, which prevented him from condensing his third foundation.

Li Ming showed signs of condensing his third foundation, but he wasn’t there yet. However, Wang Wei noticed a subtle aura from him, an aura which he recognized: the Saint Dao Heart. Battle Maniac hasn’t condensed it yet, but it’s clear he only needs one more opportunity to succeed.

Wang Chong had condensed only two foundations, and it was obvious he had just succeeded. However, Wang Wei also noticed a unique aura: Will Domination. He could tell that, with the right technique, Wang Chong would not only directly condense his Will Domination, but also directly reach the third stage of Saint Will Prototype, achieving the state of [Rejecting All Phenomena].

"Where did they get their Saint Foundation?" But as soon as he asked, Wang Wei thought of an answer: probably from the court and his wife. "With such a foundation, all of them can probably enter the Quasi-Saint Realm as soon as possible."

The Age of Transcendence was approaching, and a clear sign was the rapid cultivation of these people from the Golden Age. According to Wang Wei’s prediction, the new age will officially begin immediately after Wu Hong is sanctified, or immediately after the war with the Divine Court concludes. Moreover, the new age will not begin peacefully, but in chaos and strife.

"Well, we didn’t experience anything on a scale as grand as your expedition," Qiyuan started.

"But a lot of things happened," Wang Chong continued. "Some events may even affect how the upcoming age will operate."

Wang Wei nodded, not surprised by this statement. The battle in the Eternal Ascension World might be on a smaller scale, but that doesn’t change the fact that it is the Destiny Center of the entire Primordial Timeline. The ramifications of events are, without a doubt, more significant than whatever Wang Wei and Wu Hong had experienced.