Liu Xi was now famous.
With a single battle in which he defeated the Ghost Emperor and four other Heavenly Sovereigns, Liu Xi's name instantly spread across the Skylaw Continent. It happened before the eyes of countless witnesses—powerhouses from all across the continent—and such a sensational event could not be hidden even if one tried.
The Skylaw Continent was one of the Ten Great Super Continents of the Great Thousand World, yet it was the only one that lacked a unified ruling force. Hence, news there spread with astonishing speed.
Within a single day, countless factions—large and small alike—learned the news. Liu Xi had trampled over five Heavenly Sovereigns, including the Ghost Emperor, and his reputation soared through the heavens of the Skylaw Continent!
Moreover, this tale continued to sweep outward, spreading like wildfire across the Great Thousand World.
Liu Xi became the subject of heated discussion among countless experts. First, because of his overwhelming strength; second, because of his mysterious origins.
No one knew where he had come from—he had appeared out of nowhere, as if the heavens themselves had produced him overnight. This only made him more enigmatic, fueling endless speculation about his true identity, background, and history.
His immense power and unrivaled skill won him admiration throughout the continent, and his fame grew to a fever pitch. Yet fame, as always, was a double-edged sword. While many praised and revered him, others whispered with jealousy and derision, trying to pull him down with words.
To Liu Xi, however, the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks. With his current strength, if he were to announce the founding of a sect or faction, countless experts of the Skylaw Continent would rush to pledge their allegiance. In a short time, he could build a new superpower to rival any on the continent—lacking only the deep heritage of age-old forces.
As his renown spread further, people began tracing his trail. From the West Heaven Continent to the Merchant Continent, and finally to the Skylaw Continent where he made his name, they pieced together fragments of his legend.
Thus, the name Qing Lian swept through the Great Thousand World like a storm!
A Heavenly Sovereign from the Lower Plane, possessing transcendent alchemical mastery and accompanied by heavenly treasures themselves!
He had refined a Spiritual Pill for himself, ascended directly to the Heavenly Sovereign Realm, and then, in his very first battle, defeated five renowned Heavenly Sovereigns—including the Ghost Emperor.
(Ghost Emperor: …)
For the defeated Ghost Emperor and his companions, the humiliation was beyond words.
Even within the Great Thousand World, such a story was nothing short of legendary. For a time, Liu Xi became an idol to countless cultivators!
His unrivaled alchemy—capable of refining pills that allowed Peak Earth Sovereigns to break through into Heavenly Sovereigns—made him revered like a deity. Many Peak Earth Sovereigns were desperate enough to offer their entire fortunes just to obtain one of his pills.
Word of him soon reached the ears of Ancient Clans as well.
---
Within the Ancient Buddha Clan
"Hmph, he's merely a Lower Plane ascendant. He's only just climbed out of his little well—what does he know of the true breadth of the heavens?"
"Our clan has endured for countless ages, witnessing the rise and fall of innumerable geniuses. In the end, only our Buddha Clan stands eternal at the pinnacle of the Great Thousand World."
"Indeed. No need to concern ourselves with him."
The Buddha Clan's elders were arrogant and dismissive, steeped in tradition and prejudice.
However, in a quiet courtyard of the clan, a beautiful young woman listened to the news, her delicate features soft with yearning.
"Qing Lian… a Heavenly Sovereign from the Lower Plane. How admirable. Father grows weaker by the day, and with Mo Lineage and Xuan Lineage pressing ever harder… If only I had that kind of strength, I could control my own destiny."
---
Within the Ancient Maha Clan
"Strong? Hah! That's only because he's never faced our Maha Clan. As for that so-called Ghost Emperor, anyone here could have crushed him!"
"Our clan possesses the peerless Divine Ability, Maha Boundless Tribulation! Even the Extraterritorial Evil Race trembles before us. This person is hardly worth our notice."
"Enough!"
A deep, commanding voice silenced the hall.
"This person's power may not concern us, but his alchemy is extraordinary. Pass down my order—every force under the Maha Clan's banner is to seek him out. Once found, bring him back to the Maha Clan. I will personally subdue him. With his pills, our numbers of Heavenly Sovereigns will soar, and the entire Great Thousand World will kneel beneath our feet!"
"Clan Leader is wise!"
The elders' faces lit with fervent devotion.
The young man they called Clan Leader was strikingly handsome, his brows sharp with ambition and the air of a conqueror. His aura far surpassed that of the other elders—his cultivation had already reached the Late Immortal Grade Heavenly Sovereign Realm.
This man, Maha Tian, was a prodigy even among the Great Thousand World's greatest geniuses.
His ambition was vast—he dreamed not merely of unifying the Great Thousand World, but of annihilating the Extraterritorial Evil Race and becoming the second Immortal Emperor—the uncrowned ruler of all realms!
Even the Primordial Immortal Body once left behind by the Immortal Emperor himself was entrusted to the Maha Clan's protection. Was this not proof that the Maha Clan was the true inheritor of the Immortal Emperor's legacy?
---
Within the Ancient Spirit Clan
"This Qing Lian's talent is remarkable. Perhaps we should consider inviting him into our Spirit Clan. His addition would strengthen us greatly."
"That may not be wise. His power is already firmly established. Even if he joined, he wouldn't feel true belonging. It would be better to befriend him instead."
"I agree."
"Seconded."
The Spirit Clan, more open-minded than most, welcomed talent from all walks of life. Yet they understood that Liu Xi's heart already stood apart—better to sow goodwill than force allegiance.
---
The Ancient Terminal Clan, the Ancient Desolate Clan, and many other superpowers of the Great Thousand World soon heard of the rising name that echoed across the Skylaw Continent—Qing Lian.
Such was the influence of one of the Ten Great Super Continents. Whether to challenge him or to seek alliance, countless eyes now turned toward this new legend.
For the first time, the name Qing Lian resounded throughout the Great Thousand World!
Since his ascension from the Dou Qi Continent, Liu Xi's mindset had changed. The old self-doubt was gone. Now, as he stepped boldly into the Great Thousand World, he sought to clash with its finest geniuses and carve his own path toward the Saint Grade Heavenly Sovereign Realm.
The name Azure Lotus Emperor would one day echo across all realms of creation!
While every major force scoured the Skylaw Continent for his whereabouts, Liu Xi had already departed for the Northern Domain of the Great Thousand World.
As for Mandala, he had quietly sent her home, gifting her a number of Spiritual Pills. Though she hadn't helped much in battle, her courage had earned his respect—and a little aid from him was nothing.
(End of Chapter)
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