It had almost drawn in most of the Divine Power Realm martial artists from both nations.
As such, some believed the shen power ranking could essentially encompass all the Divine Power Realm martial artists of the Great Fish Dynasty and the Northern Barbarians.
To be at the top of the shen power ranking—that meant being the undisputed number one Divine Power Realm martial artist of both nations!
What an immense honor this was!
When the news first traveled back to Deep Sea City, it even shook the entire city to its core.
When Lu Changsheng arrived at the Fairy Sect, the sect was bustling from top to bottom.
Except for the Fairy Sect’s Supreme Elder, the sole Divine Astral Realm Stabilizing Needle who was still in seclusion, virtually all the high-ranking members of the Fairy Sect were present.
Including Heavenly Maiden Yun Haitang.
"Mr. Dao, you’ve finally returned!"
Yun Haitang’s face broke into a faint smile.
Two years had passed. A full two years had gone by.
In those years, as the Heavenly Maiden without her Dao Guardian, Sword12, she endured enormous pressure.
Yet, she carried it all on her shoulders.
Now, Yun Haitang was a true Heavenly Maiden, holding great authority, no longer reliant on anyone.
"Miss Yun, I am still your Dao Guardian!" Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs NovᴇlFirᴇ.ɴet
Lu Changsheng uttered this single sentence, expressing his stance clearly.
This was a unique position within the Fairy Sect—though not part of the sect itself, it was deeply intertwined and closely connected with the Heavenly Maiden.
With Sword12’s current status and influence, uttering these words made not just the entire Fairy Sect but even all the major powers of Deep Sea City reevaluate the weight of Yun Haitang.
This was the influence Sword12 now commanded!
Number one on the shen power ranking!
The high-ranking members of the Fairy Sect were very perceptive and, after briefly greeting Sword12, one by one, they excused themselves.
Soon, only Sword12 and Yun Haitang remained.
"Mr. Dao... There’s a rumor that you’ve joined the Heavenly Sect of the North Region. Is this true...?"
Yun Haitang hesitated for a moment before eventually voicing her question.
"Indeed. I am now a disciple of the Heavenly Sect of the North Region."
"This time, I’ve returned to Deep Sea City purely for martial arts cultivation, and to fulfill certain sect missions."
Yun Haitang’s eyes widened in astonishment.
The Heavenly Sect of the North Region!
That was the sacred ground for martial artists across the entire North Region!
Every single disciple of the Heavenly Sect of the North Region, once they descended from the mountain, was a figure who could dominate the winds and clouds.
Throughout the entire history of Deep Sea City, no one had ever managed to enter the Heavenly Sect of the North Region.
A genuine disciple of the Heavenly Sect of the North Region was now standing right before Yun Haitang!
For a moment, Yun Haitang felt a bit dazed.
It was as if she had returned to several years ago, to the first time she had met Sword12.
Back then, Sword12 was already formidable, but who would have imagined that Sword12 would someday become the number one Divine Power Realm martial artist and now a disciple of the Heavenly Sect of the North Region?
The entire thing seemed like a dream, unreal and surreal.
"Oh, Mr. Dao, you mentioned completing sect missions. What missions? Can the Fairy Sect assist you in any way?"
Yun Haitang finally snapped out of her reverie, quickly inquiring.
She was well aware that, given her relationship with Sword12—
Even if Sword12 were never to return in the future, his identity as a disciple of the Heavenly Sect of the North Region alone was enough to firmly secure her position as the Heavenly Maiden of the Fairy Sect.
In fact, it would elevate Yun Haitang to a position of unparalleled influence in all of Deep Sea City!
Such was the power of Sword12’s influence right now.
She knew she must preserve her positive relationship with Sword12.
Lu Changsheng saw through Yun Haitang’s thoughts in an instant.
However, he didn’t mind.
After all, he was indeed Yun Haitang’s Dao Guardian. If his influence could be of help to Yun Haitang, then so be it.
Besides, for certain matters, relying on the Fairy Sect would make Lu Changsheng feel more assured.
This sect mission, for instance, required the assistance of the Fairy Sect.
"I need Deep Sea Xuan Iron Ore. If the Fairy Sect could leverage its network to gather clues about it, that would be ideal," Lu Changsheng said directly.
"Deep Sea Xuan Iron Ore? I’ve heard of it. It’s said to be a rare material used for forging divine weapons," Yun Haitang replied.
"I’ll immediately arrange for the Fairy Sect’s network to investigate on Mr. Dao’s behalf."
Yun Haitang left hastily to make the arrangements.
"Very well. My primary purpose this time is martial arts cultivation, which requires venturing into the ocean," Lu Changsheng continued.
"I will board a ship from the Ocean Chamber of Commerce to head into the sea."
"If you find any information regarding the Deep Sea Xuan Iron Ore, you can pass it to the Ocean Chamber of Commerce."
Yun Haitang nodded in acknowledgment.
Lu Changsheng stood up, ready to leave.
Suddenly, he paused mid-step.
"For the Divine Power Realm, strengthening the body is vital, but to ascend to the Divine Astral Realm, one must comprehend intention!"
"Take a moment to experience it."
In an instant, Lu Changsheng’s Storm Domain descended, enveloping Yun Haitang.
Yun Haitang immediately felt as though she were standing amidst a raging storm.
All around her, storms howled and roared, chaotic and violent.
It felt as if they could tear her apart at any moment.
However, Yun Haitang, who possessed significant comprehension, quickly realized what was happening.
Sword12 was not trying to harm her—he was helping her.
Comprehending intention within a domain would be incredibly efficient.
Of course, there was a chance she might be influenced by the domain’s owner, and achieving a pinnacle intention in the future could prove more challenging.
But for Yun Haitang, simply comprehending intention was an extraordinary blessing.
Advancing any further? That wasn’t even in her thoughts.
Even among the generations of Divine Astral Realm elders in the Fairy Sect, none had ever fully perfected their intention.
Soon, Yun Haitang immersed herself in a mysterious state of enlightenment.
Time seemed to pass in a blur, and who knew how much had elapsed.
When Yun Haitang finally opened her eyes, Sword12’s figure was already gone.
"Mr. Dao... thank you!"
Yun Haitang murmured softly to herself.
Although she still hadn’t managed to comprehend intention,
with Sword12’s assistance this time, it was as if a path had been illuminated for her.