Even grasses could survive! . . .
In the vast expanse of the northern grasslands, there were no longer any Grassland Wolves to be found, spanning hundreds of thousands of miles.
This dire situation led to the tragic demise of billions of grassland residents, casting a profound gloom over the land. As the news reached the cities, it sent shockwaves through the populace.
The relentless and formidable might displayed by General Cha shook the entirety of the Land of Han-Yang.
However, another grim development unfolded in the Kingdom of Chen. King Wenren Jianyin of the Kingdom of Lan-Feng launched a devastating attack on the western front. Under his relentless assault, six hundred thousand soldiers from the Kingdom of Chen were forced to retreat a thousand miles in defeat. Their valiant Commander, Wu Gonglie, fell in the battle. The powerful Kingdom of Lan-Feng, led by King Wenren Jianyin, marched relentlessly into the central regions.
Everywhere they tread, once majestic landscapes turned to desolation, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
Meanwhile, Kingdom of Tian-Yu's Zhan Qianshan escalated his offensive tactics, effectively preventing Prince Hua-Yang Su Dingguo's forces from coming to the aid of the beleaguered Kingdom of Chen. Panic and despair permeated the Kingdom of Chen.
However, the most astonishing news that sent shockwaves across the world, especially in the martial world, was the sudden and utter annihilation of the two most powerful sects in the Land of Han-Yang. Both sects crumbled within a single day, and even the towering mountain ranges were obliterated.
Hundreds of thousands of disciples perished, and the once great sects were reduced to nothing but ashes.
While the first two news items rattled the kingdoms, the third revelation astounded the martial world. These two formidable sects had long been rivals of Feng Monarch, the leader of the Ling-Bao Hall. Now, both had been obliterated, and, intriguingly, just after Master Bai of the House of the Chaotic Storm had departed.
Recalling Master Bai's remarks before his departure, many shared the thought that when he was present, there was a balance of power in the world. Feng Monarch had refrained from acting with unrestrained power. This allowed the two sects to persist for such a long time.
However, with Master Bai's departure, it appeared Feng Monarch no longer felt the need to hold back. He unleashed his destructive power and obliterated both of the strongest sects in the world.
Further intensifying the mystery was Feng Monarch's recent absence from Ling-Bao Hall. His nonattendance at a significant event, the auction, only deepened the speculation.
People now surmised that Feng Monarch was responsible for the sects' destruction. Such speculation spread like wildfire, casting a veil of silence over the martial world. No one dared to discuss it openly or risk incurring the wrath of Feng Zhiling.
Desperate to glean any information, someone cautiously inquired of Wan Zhenghao, "I wonder, where could Feng Monarch be now?"
Wan Zhenghao, rubbing his bulging belly, kept his smile in place and replied, "I'm not privy to such information. I have no idea."
Concerned for his friend, Long Tianyun approached Wan Zhenghao and asked, "Could it be that Feng Monarch acted out of anger?"
Wan Zhenghao shook his head, his face's ample fat jiggling. "No, absolutely not."
The circumstances surrounding these catastrophic events were both perplexing and alarming, casting a long shadow over the martial world.
If Cha Eun Xiao were to affirm the truth, Long Tianyun might not have been entirely convinced. However, the manner in which Wan Zhenghao vehemently denied it only served to heighten suspicion. Long Tianyun felt certain that Wan Zhenghao was lying.
With newfound certainty, Long Tianyun couldn't help but chuckle. "Boss Wan, take it easy. Come on, hahaha... I wholeheartedly believe every word you've spoken."
Wan Zhenghao, his eyes partially closed, maintained his composure. "You understand."
"I certainly do," Long Tianyun replied with a laugh.
The shocking disappearance of the two formidable sects was still reverberating throughout the martial world. Although some of the remaining martial sects remained more potent than the noble clans, the influence of the Long Clan was steadily growing. It had earned the esteemed reputation of being the preeminent clan in the Land of Han-Yang.
Furthermore, its proximity to the Ling-Bao Hall only served to deter any potential challengers. The unification of the five noble clans had evolved into the most formidable power in the world.
Returning to his place, Long Tianyun found the other four host masters assembling around him. "What's the word, Brother Long? Did Feng Monarch do it?"
Long Tianyun contemplated for a moment, speaking in a peculiar tone. "Wan Zhenghao denied it emphatically... and then he said three words in a peculiar manner: 'you know it.'"
"You know it!"
The other four host masters inhaled sharply. "It's definitely the work of Feng Monarch!"
"Indeed, I think so," Long Tianyun affirmed. "Feng Monarch neither confirmed nor denied it; he left us to speculate. This, in itself, speaks volumes."
"Feng Monarch is departing from the Land of Han-Yang. He is a man of honor and integrity. Prior to his departure, he would undoubtedly eliminate those who pose a threat to those he cares about. He would surely dispose of his adversaries. The two great sects were undeniably the most formidable threats."
"They have thrived for countless years. Despite suffering a substantial blow, once Feng Monarch leaves the Land of Han-Yang, Ling-Bao Hall might not be able to hold them at bay. Hence, Feng Monarch decided to eradicate them once and for all."
"He won't acknowledge it, not because he fears anyone in this world. However, for the sake of Ling-Bao Hall's future, he deems it necessary. When he departs, Ling-Bao Hall will undoubtedly be placed in a precarious position."
"It would be unwise to expose Ling-Bao Hall to the tempestuous tides. Feng Monarch prefers to stay in the shadows, allowing us to bask in the glory of being the strongest."
"Ling-Bao Hall will be an organization that quietly pulls the strings. That is Feng Monarch's vision."