The Rise of the Black Plain

The days passed and the start of the Minos group's new journey was approaching, with each day passing seemingly more quickly for those who would stay in the Spiritual World.

Everything the group could have done to help the planet recover had already been done, with all the groundwork for the completion of the recovery and subsequent development of the local forces having already been carried out.

Now it was just a matter of letting time take its natural course for the plans of Minos and his companions to come to fruition.

Those who were going to leave the planet said goodbye to those they had to in the remaining time they had, while those who were staying were focusing on spending the remaining time with the Stuart family.

They could soon go decades or centuries without seeing Minos and company, so people like Dillian, Maisie, Oswald, the parents of the emperor's wives, among others, were focused on experiencing these last days together in the Spiritual World alongside their loved ones.

...

Dillian, Maisie and Oswald were at Minos' side, with the doctor there having reached level 90, the emperor's mother having reached level 92 and the grandfather about to become a level 93 Demigod. They had all benefited from the resources Minos had brought to his family.

In the last almost 12 months, all the family's Demigods had advanced their cultivations at least once, while several Sages had improved two levels in a short 12 months. Best of all, these advances were extremely stable, given that the resources used were from civilizations stronger than the Spiritual World.

Abby hadn't had the chance to use these resources, given the instability of her cultivation. But Gloria had taken the opportunity and reached level 93.

The children of Minos who were in the 8th stage each improved by 2 levels, while the children in the 9th stage only improved by one.

Anyway, as they walked side by side, those three were spending their last moments alongside Minos for who knows how long.

"The next time one of us returns to the Spiritual World, I hope to take 10 to 15 people to Zocarro. I don't know what you'll decide then, but if you want to join the next group leaving the world, try to reach the end of the 10th stage. I know there will be plenty of opportunities for you to get there," Minos said to the three people walking beside him.

The spiritual wealth of the world today was the same as it had been 17 years ago, when the war had started. However, a large part of the population that had competed for the world's resources were now dead. Not only that, but many of the survivors saw The Adamant Land as their medium and long-term destiny.

The result was obvious. It was now much easier to cultivate in the Spiritual World, even at the 10th stage, than it had been 17 years ago.

Minos was certain that the strongest people in his empire could improve by 4 to 6 levels, while Vico and Callie were making their journey up to level 107. When it was time for the next opportunity to leave for Zocarro, these people at the beginning of the 10th stage should be in the middle or at the end of their stage!

"We'll certainly prepare well for that," Oswald commented, looking forward to the future when he would see more of the universe.

"I don't know if I'll join the first group that leaves at that time," Dillian said. "It will take a few centuries for us to solidify the empire's position in the galaxy. Until then, I intend to serve the family in the Spiritual World."

"That's good. Having you here will give me extra security that my descendants won't make mistakes." Minos smiled as he continued walking through the palace alongside the three of them.

...

Abby's parents were meeting with her in a room in the imperial palace, receiving the things their daughter wanted them to use in her absence.

Eliot was at level 86 and Nicole at level 85, quite close to the peak of this world, a stage they hadn't thought they could reach before, not least because their previous talents hadn't allowed them to do so. Luckily, they had gone through the talent evolution procedure led by Minos years ago and now they didn't have this obstacle.

"Mother, I want you to have my armor. They will help you protect yourself and become stronger immediately. We're at peace now, but I don't doubt that problems will arise soon after our departure," she said to Nicole, who accepted Abby's gift with a smile on her face.

"Dad, try to meditate together with my mother as much as you can over the next few years. You can reach the end of the 9th stage in no time. So take advantage of the current peace to be in seclusion as much as you can."

"We'll do that, my child." Eliot smiled at Abby, thrilled about the current circumstances.

Having to stay away from the girl they had seen grow up and who had always been there for them was sad. But compared to everything that had happened in the 15 years of war, this was a happy time for Abby. She was back with Minos and about to start a new chapter in her life, to perhaps become someone even greater. They wished the peak of cultivation for Abby, so their happiness for her was greater than any other feeling.

...

At the same time, Ruth's parents were watching this mother of two show her concern for her son.

"Take good care of Rowan. He's always been very responsible, but now his father and I will no longer be available. Use Minos' robots to make him think carefully before making important decisions," Ruth said to Elise and Vince, he at level 88 and she at level 87.

"Don't worry, Ruth. Rowan is a good boy, and it will take some time before he becomes a man capable of challenging his grandfather," Vince said firmly, while Elisa looked at him curiously. He was a silly grandfather who always spoiled his grandchildren.

"I'll take care of everything, Ruth. Go ahead with your journey to the pinnacle of cultivation without worrying about it. In the future, we'll join you in Zocarro." Elisa hugged her little girl, while Talia, Ruth's older sister, currently at level 85, felt tears welling up in her eyes.

She was the one who would miss her sister the most there!

...

Margot and Joseph, one at level 89 and the other at level 90, stood in front of Gloria, sighing as they thought about the great journey their daughter had made to get to this moment.

Gloria had always dreamed of becoming the Supreme Pontiff of the Spiritual Church. But after becoming the supreme leader of that organization, she was now passing her position on to her daughter, Sarah, the new leader of the church who would now preach on behalf of Minos Stuart.

As they watched the ceremony unfold, they knew it was for the best, but it was still so disappointing to go through such a long journey only to abandon it in the end.

They would not expose their thoughts as they stood side by side with her, while Sarah received promises from her subordinates that they would serve her faithfully until their last days.

"Good luck on your journey ahead, child," Joseph murmured to her with a neutral expression on his face. "I don't know if we'll see each other in Zocarro one day, but I hope you'll eventually return to the Spiritual World before heading with Minos to the Upper Realm."

"I'll certainly remember that, Father." She promised.