The Eastern Region was a continent of vast power, split into 120 provinces, each harboring over twenty million cultivators at the Fourth Heaven. Every province had its own capital city and was governed by a peak Fourth Heaven cultivator. Over the years, the various sons of the Feng Clan Patriarch were entrusted with administration over 24 provinces each a web of influence stretching across realms.
Blazing Sun Province, nestled on the southeastern border, had long been a hotspot of tension. Its capital, Starry Sky City, stood tall amidst the chaos its skies often lit with battles, though no Fourth Heaven cultivator had ever personally intervened.
For nearly nine million years, the Feng Clan and Wang Clan had clashed endlessly along these borders. Third Heaven cultivators from both sides bled and died in countless skirmishes, yet a silent agreement kept the mightier Fourth Heaven experts at hand.
In the skies above Starry Sky City, Governor Boa Ling hovered in the void, flanked by his aides and attendants. Clad in deep azure robes, his expression was solemn and cold, watching over the city he ruled.
Suddenly, the heavens trembled.
A colossal ship carved from starlight and obsidian stone descended from above. The emblem of the Feng Clan gleamed like fire on its back.
The ship came to a halt before Boa Ling. From its bow, a young man stepped out dressed in simple white robes that fluttered in the breeze. His long white hair crowned him like threads of moonlight, and his violet eyes radiated mystery and nobility. He was accompanied by guards, each a peak Third Heaven cultivator, led by the fearsome Chen Da, a peak Fourth Heaven expert.
The moment Boa Ling laid eyes on him, he descended swiftly and bowed deeply.
"Young Master," he said, his voice oozing flattery, "this humble servant welcomes you to our insignificant city. Please, grant us the glory of serving you."
Feng Ming's gaze was cold and unreadable. His voice, when he spoke, cut like frost.
"Show me my residence. And I want a detailed report on the border conflict with the Wang Clan within an hour. Now scram."
Boa Ling ignored the disrespect, still smiling as if he'd heard praise.
"Of course, Young Master. Allow me to personally guide you to your residence and ensure the report is delivered swiftly."
Feng Ming gave a slight nod.
"Show me."
With that, he followed Boa Ling, his guards in tow.
Upon reaching the grand residence prepared for him, Chen Da and Boa Ling appeared outside his chamber after a short while. Sensing their arrival, Feng Ming allowed them to enter.
Both men bowed respectfully. Boa Ling stepped forward, holding a scroll wrapped in dark silk.
"Young Master, this contains the detailed records of our conflict with the Wang Clan," he said, presenting the scroll.
Feng Ming took the scroll and scanned its contents with his divine sense, his eyes unreadable.
Boa Ling stood motionless, head bowed low, not daring to interrupt.
After a long silence, Feng Ming finally spoke, voice cold and precise.
"We lost 19 Nirvana Supremes, 57 Nirvana Emperors, and hundreds of Nirvana King And that's not counting the cultivators below Nirvana. In comparison, we only managed to kill about half as many from the Wang Clan."
Boa Ling stiffened but said nothing, knowing any wrong word could end his life. He dared not even lift his gaze.
Feng Ming, meanwhile, sank deep into thought.
"Such a high mortality rate. No wonder that old man sent me here."
His eyes narrowed.
"There are too many peak Third Heaven cultivators here. I can't handle them all. Even with Boa Ling and Chen Da, both peak Fourth Heaven, they can be restrained by counterparts from the Wang Clan. If I'm surrounded, I'll have to burn my trump cards just to survive."
A trace of bitter amusement crossed his face.
"That old man, sacrificing some Third Heaven cultivators just to test me. He wants to force me to reveal my secrets. Hmph, worthy of being the Patriarch of the Feng Clan nothing escapes his grasp."
But then a dark realization settled in his heart.
"The problem is I have no trump card."
His fists clenched slightly.
"If I'm surrounded, it will mean death. No backup plans. No surprises."
His expression darkened, a silent fury simmering beneath his calm facade.