'...How is this possible? I saw it with my own eyes, the entire planet being destroyed.' Taking a long, steady breath, he calmed himself down and reflected once again. 'A power that far exceeded anyone in the Divine Origin realm saved this continent... Where was the continent taken to?'
Lian was fully convinced that the Divine Origin Realm was the ultimate limit for cultivators in his Universe. The Divine Emperor Humanoid Creature that attacked them in the past came from outside it, thus its higher cultivation. It's just that he didn't know how that creature managed to do it. At the very least, he didn't know how.
Over millions of years, everyone has tried to break through that barrier separating their Universe from others, but in known history, no one has succeeded. However, he was aware that this limitation only applied to his Universe.
In the greatest battle he had ever been in, Zeke faced invaders from another Universe, led by a being who was beyond the Divine Origin realm. This leader claimed to be in the Divine Emperor realm. Lian fought alongside the other three most powerful cultivators in his Universe, all of them at the peak of the Divine Origin Realm for thousands of years.
However, they couldn't even come close to victory. Zeke was the first to fall in battle but managed to turn the tide by using all the primordial Qi contained in the storage space of that rustic ring. This turnaround was crucial to the unfolding of the battle. 'Something above a Divine Emperor...'
Riria noticed that Lian was thoughtful and worried about something. She didn't want to disturb him, but soon she heard a voice resonating in the air, speaking to them. "How interesting, young Lian realized he has no talent for cultivation and decided to become a sage?" spoke a young man.
Wunu Albedo, with his short hair and black eyes, approached Lian and Riria. His face wasn't exceptionally handsome, but the look of ridicule on his face was unmistakable. Wunu was the son of a council member of the clan and was the same age as Lian, only Fifteen years old.
With a remarkable talent for cultivation, Wunu Albedo had shown impressive potential from an early age. Currently, he had reached the final stage of the Viscera Training Realm, and there were expectations that he would reach the Muscle Transformation Realm before turning fifteen. The clan had placed all their hopes and resources on him, considering Wunu internally as the future patriarch of the family.
"I feel sorry for the previous patriarch, having a daughter ruined by a peasant. Now, a completely incompetent grandson," he spoke, pretending very poorly to feel pity. Lianna Albedo was the name of Lian's mother. She was a woman of great potential and talent, destined to become the next matriarch of the clan. Her father was the previous patriarch, and everyone supported her.
However, one day she fell in love with a peasant while living in the continent's capital. The clan did everything to separate them but without success. Shortly after, Lianna became pregnant. Lian heard it all without even turning his face toward Wunu.
Old memories resurfaced, reminding him of a time when he was called Zeke, a young man full of fire in his heart. When he began his cultivation, many Young Masters and individuals with inflated self-esteem were humiliated by him. This one wasn't even worth considering.
A childish provocation wasn't enough to make him care. He knew that people like that sprouted like weeds, and there would always be someone stronger to replace them. It was an endless cycle. Only absolute and overwhelming power, capable of instilling despair and fear, could prevent them from causing more trouble.
Wunu had provoked Lian many times in the past two years. Lian never disappointed him; his reactions were always satisfying. After the attack on his mother, Wunu's provocations provided him with even greater pleasure. But today was different. There was no anger, frustration, or fear. Just a cold silence and a slight sense of ridicule.
"It seems that after your slave killed some thieves, you gained some confidence," Wunu snorted, seeing that his previous provocation didn't work. "She's just a random mixed-blood. As the son of a nameless peasant, you must feel a strong connection with her," Wunu shifted his gaze toward Riria.
Right after, he shifted his gaze to Riria. "Elf blood does have its advantages. I'll be happy to have some fun with you in the future," he said with a lascivious expression.
Suddenly, Wunu felt his soul tremble. His instincts screamed in alarm as if a demonic beast were about to devour him. His eyes turned towards Lian, and his mind went blank as he faced a murderous gaze that penetrated his soul. His legs trembled, and cold sweat ran down his body.
"Provoking me is the same as an ant trying to bite an elephant. It doesn't bother me at all. However, you dared to shift your foul moth to one of mine. Consider yourself luck. According to the clan's rules, I cannot kill you... for now," Lian spoke coldly, like a demon awakening from its slumber.
Yet, it was exactly because he knew the clan rules that he spoke his previous and next words."In two days from now, I'll be waiting for you in the clan's battle arena. We will fight to the death. I'll give you this time to enjoy your last moments," his words sounded like a death sentence.
Wunu listened attentively, his blood started flowing again, and his mind started working. He couldn't sense any Qi coming from Lian. He thought there was no way he could lose in a duel. Greed quickly surfaced within him, seeing this as the best opportunity to eliminate his rival to become the patriarch. "These are big words for a useless person like you. Don't back away from the challenge you proposed yourself," Wunu spoke, now afraid of missing this opportunity.
Lian smirked maliciously and then took Riria's hand, leading her out of the library. He knew he wouldn't find any more useful information there.
Wunu left shortly after, having a satisfied look on his face.