Some had witnessed the recent clash and saw Yi Tianxing's domineering and fearless demeanor. Their eyes lit up with fervor.
While most regions were still mere villages and hamlets, Xuanhuang Town had already become a proper settlement under Yi Tianxing's leadership. This kind of foundation far surpassed that of most others. And now, he dared to provoke the Scorpionmen tribe—an act that revealed deep-rooted confidence and power.
Many of the cultivators in this area were lone wanderers, nomads of the wilderness without fixed homes, surviving in the wild or temporarily staying in small settlements.
The idea of traveling to Xuanhuang Town—or even settling there—faced little resistance in their minds.
Many had already heard stories of the town's strange wonders, and now their anticipation only grew stronger.
Some still had hot blood pumping in their hearts. Seeing an impending battle between humans and alien races, many made up their minds at once: they would go to Xuanhuang Town—not for gain, but to fight for the honor of humanity, to kill a few aliens, to avenge those who died at their hands.
"Xuanhuang Town!!"
Fu Hongxue, standing nearby, revealed a glint of intrigue in his eyes. Without a word, he turned and walked off—his destination unmistakably the town itself.
"Xuanhuang Town is worth a look. If that treasure falls into human hands, then so be it. But under no circumstance can it fall into the hands of the alien races."
Bu Jingyun raised his eyes to the sky with an emotionless expression and walked away as well.
"This looks fun. Is a massive war about to break out? How could Old Ox miss something this exciting?" Niu Ben grinned, shouldered his axe, and followed suit.
They weren't the only ones.
In both light and shadow, numerous cultivators began moving toward Xuanhuang Town.
In the darkness, countless alien eyes vanished into the void—many among them had firmly remembered the name of Xuanhuang Town. What actions they would take, no one could predict.
But one thing was certain: a terrifying storm was about to erupt, sweeping across thousands—perhaps tens of thousands—of miles.
At the storm's epicenter stood Xuanhuang Town. Whether it could survive this storm was unknown. A single misstep would mean its complete destruction—town and people alike. Should war erupt, it would be one of the largest, most devastating battles since the Eternal Continent's birth. It could very well be the first major war between two organized forces on this world.
Then again, maybe not. After all, the Eternal Continent was vast beyond comprehension. Strange things happened daily, countless deadly skirmishes occurred unseen. Perhaps many former-world prodigies had already perished in silence. Who knew what other grand wars were underway elsewhere?
Still, for the region within a ten-thousand-mile radius, this would undoubtedly be the most significant conflict ever witnessed.
Even those who were merely curious wouldn't want to miss such a spectacular battle.
Some were already worrying: could Xuanhuang Town withstand an invasion by alien forces? After all, war was different from individual combat—it tested overall strength. Before an elite army, individual power was often suppressed—unless one's might could bend the heavens and shatter the earth. Otherwise, the strength of an army was truly unassailable.
No one could say whether Xuanhuang Town could hold its ground.
At this moment, Yi Tianxing had returned to Xuanhuang Town.
The Spatial Gate had merged into the Heavenly Emperor's Tower of Primordial Chaos. As the tower itself evolved, so did this extraordinary treasure. Once limited to a range of ten miles when it was at Yellow Grade Rank One, the teleportation range had now expanded to twenty miles.
More importantly, activating the gate no longer required his own energy. The primordial world energy within the tower was enough to power it multiple times—unless used excessively, it was entirely self-sustaining.
Using the Spatial Gate repeatedly, Yi Tianxing had returned in the shortest time possible, emerging in the back courtyard of his mansion.
"Zhengchun!!"
Yi Tianxing called out as he arrived with Ye Zhiqiu and the monk.
"Your servant is here!!"
Cao Zhengchun appeared immediately, bowing respectfully upon seeing Yi Tianxing.
"Take these two cultivators and offer them a proper rest. Treat them well," Yi Tianxing ordered with satisfaction.
"Yes!!" Cao Zhengchun responded without question.
"Fellow Daoist Ye, monk, let's talk more later. It's afternoon now. Tonight, I'll accompany you to stroll around Xuanhuang Town and enjoy the night scene," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
"Fellow Daoist Yi, please attend to your matters. We're in no rush. That ancient tomb left us both exhausted. A rest is most welcome before we explore the town this evening," Ye Zhiqiu replied with a respectful smile, still shaken by the experience.
After all, spatial treasures were the stuff of legends. Being able to freely open a gate and traverse great distances instantly—the experience had been like a dream. Yi Tianxing was clearly surrounded in mystery and majesty.
Clap! Clap!
Cao Zhengchun clapped, summoning attendants who guided Ye Zhiqiu and the monk to their quarters.
"Notify Elder Huang, Master Lu, and all heads of the One Sect, Two Pavilions, Six Halls to gather in the main hall for a meeting. I will arrive shortly," Yi Tianxing ordered next.
"Yes, right away."
Though Cao Zhengchun said little, his eyes flickered with understanding. He had served in royal courts and could smell the storm in Yi Tianxing's tone. Something momentous was coming.
Yi Tianxing watched him go and nodded inwardly. Cao Zhengchun is truly useful.
Despite whatever notorious reputation he may have carried in his past life, one couldn't deny his abilities. To hold sway over an imperial court required more than luck—it required talent, political instinct, and precise execution.
Here, in a new world, old reputations meant little. His ability was all that mattered—and Cao Zhengchun delivered. The entire residence ran smoothly thanks to him.
Yi Tianxing's opinion of him had shifted greatly.
This new world was no place for old biases. After all, was history ever truly accurate?
But he didn't dwell on it.
A massive crisis loomed over Xuanhuang Town. He had obtained a great treasure, and that meant countless eyes would now be watching him, both open and hidden.
This treasure would surely draw unimaginable greed and ambition.
"Let it come. This crisis may very well be an opportunity. If Xuanhuang Town can survive and win this war, it will undergo an unprecedented expansion—in name, strength, and influence."
Yi Tianxing's eyes turned cold.
Without wasting another moment, he entered his meditation chamber.
He had made enemies of many powerful beings—both human and alien—just for seizing this treasure. Countless assassins and spies would come. He could only hope that the treasure was worth it.
He looked forward to discovering what this treasure truly held.
He stepped into the chamber and closed the door behind him.
With a thought, he summoned the Xuanhuang Treasure Jade.
It was massive—the size of a human head. Roughly spherical but irregular, it shone with a deep xuan-yellow hue, inscribed with ancient, mystical Daoist patterns. The most awe-inspiring part was the image within: a life-like, coiled dragon.
No, not an image—it had spiritual essence, aura, and a soul.
This was a true dragon spirit, a dragon soul, perhaps even a real dragon, sleeping within the jade. A xuan-yellow dragon, regal and divine.
Even an ordinary person could see: this was no mortal artifact, but a treasure of inestimable value.
Yi Tianxing took a deep breath. "It was worth it. Just this one Xuanhuang Treasure Jade is worth any danger I faced."
He might not yet know the jade's true nature, but its appearance alone was enough to drive cultivators mad.
"Heavenless Tome!"
With a thought, the Heavenless Tome appeared in his hand.
It scanned the jade, and soon, text emerged on the page:
Xuanhuang Treasure Jade: Formed from Xuanhuang Primal Qi in a geomantic treasure land, infused with boundless fortune and the power of Heaven and Earth, this peerless treasure has given birth to a true spirit—Dragon Spirit. It is a mythical material of immeasurable value. The spirit may one day evolve into a true dragon: the Immortal Xuanhuang Dragon. Can be used to forge a Nation-Suppressing Artifact, anchoring national destiny. A supreme treasure, rare through the ages.
Xuanhuang Qi is Heaven and Earth. Xuan means Heaven; Huang means Earth. It is the origin of the world, born only at the dawn of creation, capable of opening the Chaos to create Heaven and Earth. It is indestructible, immortal, and eternal—Xuanhuang is the foundation of all.