Chapter 1258: White Horse Dynasty

"I didn't realize there were living beings so close to our world," Lu Yang mused, walking leisurely down the street with his hands tucked into his sleeves, dressed in the attire of the White Horse Dynasty.

Lu Yang was among the first cultivators to arrive in the outside world, requiring no approval process.

Upon reaching the outside world, everyone was delighted and flew in various directions to explore what it was truly like.

Lu Yang coincidentally discovered a nearby star.

"A White Horse Dynasty with a thousand-year history? Interesting."

Lu Yang temporarily named this star 'White Horse Star'.

After a brief investigation, he generally understood the situation on White Horse Star.

The White Horse Dynasty was the largest nation on this star. Surrounding scattered countries were either vassals of the White Horse Dynasty or were too far away and had only recently developed the concept of a nation.

There was only extremely thin spiritual energy here, making it difficult even for Qi absorption. Consequently, the people here forged a different path, embarking on a cultivation similar to body refining: the path of the martial master.

The three most powerful martial masters were the Martial Arts Alliance Leader, the Dynasty's Great General, and the Imperial Guard Commander. They could lift massive boulders weighing hundreds of catties and were regarded as gods!

"Their legendary world of deities must refer to our world," Lu Yang mused.

"They must have witnessed the shattering of the Spiritless Land and been greatly frightened. I should go meet the Emperor and explain things clearly to them, lest they remain anxious."

"Wouldn't it be better to just explain directly to them? Why investigate?" the Immortal Fairy asked, not understanding.

Lu Yang shook his head. "Since we came with the intention of fostering exchange, we must respect their human customs and traditions. Understanding their history and culture will reduce misunderstandings when we communicate with them."

"After all, we now represent the cultivation world, and first impressions are crucial. We cannot appear arrogant or condescending."

The Immortal Fairy murmured in acknowledgment, still not quite grasping what 'Little Yangzi' was saying.

She pointed toward the palace. "I just noticed their communication efficiency is quite high. I wanted to ask if you could learn from them."

At that moment, a terrifying aura erupted from within the White Horse Dynasty's imperial palace.

The White Horse Dynasty's morning court session.

After the horrifying event of the previous night, everyone, from the Emperor down to his ministers, was in a state of alarm.

All wanted to know what exactly happened last night. Had the deities manifested?

They had pulled strings to inquire with the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, but still no answers had been found.

"Minister Wang, what was the reason for the anomaly in the world of deities yesterday? Was it a blessing or a curse?" The Emperor had asked Director Wang this question numerous times last night. Director Wang could only eventually go along with the Emperor's wishes, declaring it an auspicious omen.

So, during the morning court, the Emperor had him repeat it in front of all the civil and military officials.

Director Wang smiled bitterly inwardly, praying it truly was an auspicious sign. If any disaster were to strike soon, his tenure as director would surely come to an end.

All the ministers eagerly awaited the Director's answer.

"Your Majesty..." Director Wang was just about to recite his lines from last night when a hearty laugh echoed.

"That's definitely a good thing!" Three figures abruptly appeared, floating above the imperial palace, radiating a strange glow and an aura of immense sanctity, like legendary deities.

"Protect His Majesty!"

The Imperial Guard Commander, seeing this, immediately led his men to surround the Emperor, watching the three figures warily.

Upon seeing the Imperial Guard Commander, the three figures smiled. "So, you're Zhang Longhan, one of the White Horse Dynasty's three grand masters, capable of moving hundreds of catties of stone?"

"Don't be nervous, we mean no harm."

Seeing that everyone still stared at the three of them tensely, disbelieving their words, one of them snapped his fingers, and to everyone's surprise, they all floated uncontrollably. Even Zhang Longhan was powerless to resist.

His proudly held strength was utterly insignificant before these three, making him seem like a mere mortal!

The person snapped his fingers again, and everyone landed safely.

Flight—this was something only immortals could achieve; no matter how strong a martial master was, they couldn't fly!

"Allow us to introduce ourselves," one said. "We are three Integration Stage cultivators from Great Xia. My name is Daoist Sui Han, founder of the first-rank sect, Sui Han Sect. These two are Daoist Xuan Yi and Daoist Wen, respectively."

Originally, the three had intended to proceed cautiously, but upon discovering the White Horse Dynasty, they realized their apprehension was unfounded; there was nothing here that could pose a threat to them.

"What happened last night was quite unexpected for us as well. Simply put, four great figures unsealed our world, allowing us to leave."

The officials and the Emperor couldn't imagine what kind of individuals these three would refer to as 'great figures'.

"Ah, so that's how it is," the Emperor stammered in response.

Daoist Sui Han looked at the Emperor enthusiastically. "Actually, we have a small proposal for our visit. I see your White Horse Dynasty has a large population, and I presume quite a few possess cultivation talent, though they lack spiritual energy."

"Could you gather all the children of the dynasty for us to test their spiritual roots? If they are willing to cultivate, they can come to our Sui Han Sect to train!"

Although Sui Han Sect was a first-rank sect, it was very ordinary among them. Furthermore, with the Immortal Sect Zhenyu Sect and the supreme-rank sect Yu Qi Sect nearby, they had no competitive edge in recruitment.

If they could lure a few promising talents to their sect before other forces discovered this place, it would be the greatest gain of their journey.

Seeing the Emperor and his ministers staring blankly, Daoist Xuan Yi secretly transmitted a message to Daoist Sui Han: "Big Brother, you forgot to mention the benefits."

"Oh, right, I got excited and forgot that part."

Daoist Sui Han cleared his throat. "After all, it's not easy for you to organize the children. How about this: we can fulfill any request you have."

"Any request?" the Emperor asked cautiously, fearing he might displease the immortals.

"Could you help us solve the problem of our constantly rising coastlines?"

"That's no problem at all. I'll cast a spell to freeze a portion of the ocean and build an ice continent; the seawater will naturally recede then."

Freezing a portion of the ocean was trivial for Daoist Sui Han, hardly a request. "Do you have any other requests?"

"Could you then help us deal with the ill-omened star? The Director said our dynasty has been plagued by continuous natural disasters precisely because of its presence."

"The ill-omened star? Is it a celestial body, and where is it?" Daoist Sui Han stroked his chin; this sounded a bit more challenging.

The Director quickly produced the 'Star-Gazing Chart' and pointed out the direction to Daoist Sui Han.

Daoist Sui Han saw the 'Star-Gazing Chart' for the first time and found it quite remarkable. "This map is excellent; could you sell me a copy?"

They were just worrying about not knowing the way outside, and a map was delivered right to them. Indeed, good deeds truly have their rewards.

"It's a gift for you, a gift for you," the Emperor repeatedly said.

The three Sui Han Daoists studied the Star-Gazing Chart for a long time before finally understanding it and the location of the ill-omened star.

He then used his 'Size As You Wish' ability, extended a large hand, and lifted the palace roof. "The ill-omened star is in that direction, correct?"

It was early morning, still somewhat dim, but the starry sky was visible, and the ill-omened star twinkled.

In reality, this was a normal astronomical phenomenon, but no one present understood it.

Daoist Sui Han's natal magic weapon was an ice bow. He drew the ice bow, condensed an ice arrow, and shot an arrow directly at the ill-omened star.

Before long, under everyone's gaze, the ill-omened star exploded and vanished.

"Not bad, not difficult at all. Done," Daoist Sui Han said with a smile.

Everyone slumped to the ground in terror. What divine power was this? Drawing a bow to shoot a star—it was completely beyond their comprehension, like witnessing a myth unfold before their very eyes.

Suddenly, three flood dragons appeared above the imperial palace.

"Dragons! They're dragons!" an official shouted. Dragons were auspicious omens in their legends.

The Three Sui Han Daoists frowned. They recognized these three dragons as belonging to the East Sea Flood Dragon Clan. Had they also discovered this place?

"I didn't expect so many mortals here," the leading flood dragon said, seemingly ignoring Daoist Sui Han. It transformed into human form and helped the Emperor to his feet.

"Frightening you was not my intention, I apologize."

"N-no, it's fine."

"Presumably, Daoist Sui Han has already informed you of our situation. I wonder if your esteemed land would be willing to accept the protection of our Flood Dragon Clan?"

"Under our protection, we can impart methods of longevity, cultivation techniques, and numerous other benefits."

The Three Sui Han Daoists frowned. "Accepting protection is another form of territorial expansion. Do you intend to make the White Horse Dynasty your territory? That is not permitted!"

The flood dragon laughed. "If both parties are willing, why not?"

"This White Horse Dynasty is quite good; it's perfectly suited for relocating our people here."

Another three Integration Stage cultivators appeared, exuding a subtle chill.

The flood dragon frowned. "Cultivators from the Extreme North?"

They rarely dealt with people from the Extreme North.

The three Integration Stage cultivators from the Extreme North approached the Emperor. "You are the Emperor here? We wish to relocate some of our people to your land."

"Fellow Daoist, you've crossed the line," the flood dragon warned. The White Horse Dynasty was their territory; how could it accommodate people from the Extreme North?

The cultivator from the Extreme North sneered. "Crossed the line? You just said it yourself: if both parties are willing, why not?"

The atmosphere in the palace instantly turned bone-chilling. Three factions, a total of nine Integration Stage cultivators, all set their sights on the White Horse Dynasty.

"Do you want to fight?"

"Who's afraid of whom!"

"Then let's go!"

None of the three factions backed down. Their gazes were icy as they circulated their profound cultivation arts.

The Emperor and his ministers were so terrified by this scene that they stumbled about, desperately wanting to escape.

"Oh, let me see who wants to fight?"

A young man leaned against the doorframe, watching the nine Integration Stage cultivators with a half-smile.

"Who?!"

Upon recognizing the young man, the nine Integration Stage cultivators were as if doused with a bucket of cold water, instantly calming down.

Lu Yang!

Lu Yang helped the Director, who had fallen at his feet, and walked smilingly toward the three factions.

"All of you seniors are quite imposing, aren't you? Have you forgotten the rules?"

"To explore the outside world and avoid disturbing the living beings on the stars—have you all forgotten that?"

"One came to pick spiritual roots, one to stake a claim, and one to colonize. You're all quite capable, aren't you!"

Facing Lu Yang's rebuke, the nine Integration Stage cultivators bowed their heads, not daring to reply.

In their eyes, Lu Yang was no longer merely the foremost prodigy; he was a genuine Tribulation Transcendence cultivator, an existence they dared not provoke.

In the minds of the Emperor and his ministers, Lu Yang was shrouded in a veil of mystery.

These nine deities possessed heaven-defying abilities, yet in front of this young man, they were so terrified they couldn't even utter a word.

Just who was he?!

"I sent you out to see what the outside world is like, not to show off your power!"

Lu Yang turned his head, just about to reassure the Emperor that they sought peace and that with him there, nothing untoward would happen.

He then saw the Emperor respectfully raise the Imperial Seal above his head. "Your Excellency, our White Horse Dynasty is willing to submit to you."

Lu Yang: "..."

No, that's not what I'm here for.