In the ancient city of the Wild Sea, a massive square was filled with waiting protectors from various factions.
Each bore an expression of hope, anticipating their prodigies to secure the Wish Spirit Fruit and obtain other divine treasures.
A gentle breeze seemed to sweep through.
Suddenly, light surged on the square, and when it dissipated, a dense crowd of figures appeared.
To everyone's surprise, this time, the returnees weren't in chaotic positions.
Instead, they stood in an orderly arrangement, with one person standing prominently ahead of the rest, as though leading them.
"Changqing!" The Grand Elder spotted Meng Changqing first, his eyes revealing a trace of relief.
Though Meng Changqing was unlikely to encounter danger inside, not having the younger generation within view always caused some concern.
"Everyone, let us part ways for now. If you're ever free, feel welcome to visit me for tea and a chat," Meng Changqing said with a smile as he turned to address the crowd.
"Of course!" The group responded in unison.
This scene shocked the surrounding protectors once again.
After the end of every Ancient Land expedition, it was already rare if the prodigies from various regions didn't break out into fights.
But now, they seemed harmonious, and even responded collectively to one person.
It felt as if they were subtly acknowledging his leadership.
For a moment, the protectors exchanged incredulous glances.
What on earth had happened in the Wild Sea?
Meng Changqing approached the Grand Elder, leading Mo Xiaoyu and the others.
The distinct pressure of his Unyielding Will caused the Grand Elder's expression to shift slightly.
This kid… had grown stronger again?
Before entering the Wild Sea, there hadn't been such an aura.
"Looks like your gains were substantial?" The Grand Elder asked tentatively.
"Indeed," Meng Changqing nodded.
"Hahaha!" The Grand Elder burst into hearty laughter.
Such a response clearly indicated that Wish Spirit Fruit was now in Meng Changqing's possession!
The Grand Elder, elated, led the group back to their residence.
Meanwhile, the square was in utter turmoil.
Every faction learned the details of what transpired in the Wild Sea from their respective prodigies. One by one, they were left dumbfounded, their faces filled with shock.
Three Perfect Intent?
Slaying the Eternal Nether Sect's heir, Sikong Wuque, then condensing the undefeated will to walk the path of invincibility?
How could a single person accomplish all this?
It's absurd, beyond the realm of reason.
Yet, the consistency in everyone's accounts made it clear that these events were no fabrication.
"This year's Southern Region champion is truly a monster."
"Even the chief true disciple of the Zhengyi Holy Land pales in comparison."
Whispers spread across the square.
The crowd could already foresee storms brewing in Central Province's future.
After all, the Holy Lands were considered the rulers of the cultivation world, dominating in every aspect, be it the younger or older generation. They stood unmatched.
But now, someone from outside Central Province, from the Southern Region no less, had surpassed their young elites!
This was an unprecedented shock.
"How fascinating." Some protectors' eyes lit up.
The four regions and Central Province had long-standing tensions, mainly over resource allocation.
The Holy Lands held absolute dominance, providing only minimal resources to the outer regions. It was a system of oppression.
The outer regions could do little against the Holy Lands' overwhelming power.
But now, an invincible figure had risen from the outer regions, crushing the Holy Lands' young elites.
This was undeniably thrilling and satisfying news!
"In the past, Tai Xuan's Eighteen Prodigies caused an unprecedented stir in Central Province. Now, this successor has come alone, and his strength far surpasses theirs."
"Interesting. Very interesting!"
Many protectors wore expressions of eager anticipation.
Even the disappointment of their prodigies returning empty-handed was momentarily forgotten.
"What?!" In a spacious hall, the Grand Elder had barely sat down before leaping to his feet, his expression mirroring the protectors' shock.
His face trembled, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.
Three Perfect Intents, a Martial Domain…
Each was an achievement beyond the reach of most regional champions .
But now, all these feats belonged to Meng Changqing!
"You…" The Grand Elder stared at Meng Changqing, struggling to find words.
He had anticipated great progress from Meng Changqing in the past year.
But this level of advancement was utterly terrifying!
"Hahaha!" After the initial shock, the Grand Elder erupted into exuberant laughter, pacing back and forth in the hall, unable to contain his excitement.
Which faction wouldn't want to immediately announce such news to the world?
"Ahahaha!" Mo Xiaoyu, watching the Grand Elder's reaction, laughed so hard she nearly fell over.
Who would have thought that the usually stern Grand Elder could be so flustered?
Meanwhile, Meng Changqing sat calmly at the head of the hall, sipping tea, a stark contrast to the Grand Elder's excitement.
"If you keep laughing, Grand Elder, this hall might collapse," a fellow elder teased.
"Mind your tongue!" The Grand Elder glared.
He only displayed patience for Meng Changqing; to others, he was the same as ever.
Taking a deep breath, he finally calmed down and sat next to Meng Changqing.
"It seems you've also mastered the third volume of Undying Truth Heavenly King Art," the Grand Elder remarked.
"Yes," Meng Changqing replied with a faint smile.
"What an astonishing pace of cultivation," the Grand Elder mused.
He recalled Xi Yingqing's progress back in the day. At this stage, he had barely mastered the second volume, if even that.
Yet Meng Changqing had surpassed him effortlessly, achieving mastery before even reaching the Marquis Realm.
"From now on, you'll be a prominent figure in Central Province, drawing countless eyes.
"But as I've said before, venture forth without fear. The sect stands behind you.
"Though Xi Yingqing isn't fit to be Sect Master, his strength is unquestionable. With the Void Mirror in hand, he will guard you on your path."
For the first time, the Grand Elder spoke with a solemn tone.