The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 835: The Return of Nantian!

The Return of Nantian! . . .

The three factions, despite the need to secure their own strongholds, chose not to recall their men around Sky Ice Palace. Instead, they kept a watchful eye on Jun Yinglian's actions, eager to discover her intentions.

Though Sky Ice Palace was not counted among the most formidable sects in the Qing-Yun Realm, Jun Yinglian held a position of immense power in the realm. Among the female cultivators, she ranked as one of the most formidable, second only to veterans like Xuan Bing and Xue Danru.

The arrival of carrier birds bearing news did not perturb Jun Yinglian. She simply glanced at the birds and hastened her departure.

Yue Changtian received the news and immediately called an urgent meeting. He had to set aside his concerns about the lost fish for the moment. "Jun Yinglian has left the mountain alone?" he inquired, a tone of disbelief in his voice. "She left with a silk mask concealing her face and a sword in hand?"

Confirming the truth, Yue Changtian let out a deep sigh. "A storm is brewing in the Qing-Yun Realm."

The leaders of the three factions were similarly alarmed by the report, realizing that the specter of chaos loomed on the horizon.

"What should we do?"

"What should we do?"

"What should we do?"

Indeed, the response was unanimous. The shadow of Jun Yinglian's return cast a sense of dread and inevitability.

Even without Jun Yinglian's return, the martial world was already experiencing subtle disturbances. The seven great sects had collectively closed their gates for an unprecedented three-year period, a move that had never occurred before. This situation presented a unique opportunity for other factions to grow and assert themselves in the Qing-Yun Realm.

The three factions collectively closing their gates was also a fortunate development for smaller forces in the realm. It offered them a golden opportunity for growth and expansion.

Until now, the dominant forces had suppressed the martial world. Smaller sects and factions had been forced to exist beneath their overbearing presence. Cloud Breach Sect, despite its claim as the top sect in the world, had faced consistent suppression. They had sacrificed many hard-won resources to avoid drawing attention from the dominant powers. The sect had yielded numerous resources in exchange for a modicum of safety, avoiding confrontations that would surely lead to their downfall.

With the seven great sects sequestered, Cloud Breach Sect could now expand its influence without fear. It was a golden opportunity for their development.

A span of three years presented a significant opportunity for those who sought to amass resources and establish their own formidable foundations. In this time frame, many martial factions in the Qing-Yun Realm could make substantial gains.

As for the seven great sects that chose to close their gates, this action delighted all martial forces in the Qing-Yun Realm. However, the reasons behind Xuan Bing's decision remained shrouded in mystery. Her audacious challenge to the super-powerful sects had led to their retreat, but it left many pondering her motivations. Why would she resort to such a move rather than simply confront them head-on?

In the ethereal realm of Misty Cloud Palace, Xuan Bing, draped in all-black attire, stood atop a mountain, her gaze distant and her demeanor cold, resembling an ice sculpture. Despite her steely exterior, a paleness lingered beneath the surface. The confrontation had exacted its toll, even on her formidable resilience.

Several elders stood below, humbly awaiting her directives, filled with both excitement and confusion. The Prime Elder's actions had, on one hand, thrilled them, but on the other, left them bewildered. Xuan Bing issued orders to them before reverting to her icy demeanor. The elders sighed with relief and departed.

As they left, they caught a fragment of Xuan Bing's words, spoken softly but clearly enough for them to hear: "Qing-Yun Realm should be much safer since all those sects have hidden back behind their gates..." She seemed to continue speaking, but her words were lost to them, as a swirling cloud concealed her figure, and she vanished from sight.

The elders were perplexed. "Safer? What could she mean? Prime Elder should feel secure anywhere, except for the four Saint Areas." However, no one dared to question her on the matter, leaving them with unanswered questions as they departed.

Outside the martial world, noble clans rejoiced, and none more so than the Cha Clan. Years of suppression under Qiong-Hua Palace's dominance had stifled Cha Clan, rendering it practically dormant. But the closure of the great sects' gates for three years provided them with a golden opportunity.

Nevertheless, a cloud hung over their jubilation. The man responsible for subjecting the entire clan to Qiong-Hua Palace's oppression had returned to the world, and this was a source of frustration for all.

Cha Nantian's return to Cha Clan was met with profound silence. The old clan leader, his father, broke the stillness with a disbelieving question: "Why did you come back?" His gaze bore into Cha Nantian, his disbelief evident.

Cha Nantian met his father's questioning stare without flinching. His words came with unwavering determination: "Why wouldn't I come back? This is my home. Am I not a member of Cha Clan? I've spent seventeen years in the lower realm, and the tunnel is sealed. Of course, I should return. Should I have chosen to perish under those divine lightning strikes? Even after all this time, you still don't want me to come back, do you?" His voice was firm, but beneath the surface lay a well of sorrow and resentment.