Strong Bull Mountain was not a particularly remarkable mountain. It was neither tall nor low, with barren and desolate surroundings, and its terrain was quite ordinary. Adding to its insignificance, it was located in a remote area far from any city. As a result, hardly anyone ever visited this place.
However, two days ago, it became the site of two phenomenal events that shocked all five continents. These events stirred fear in people's hearts and set hidden undercurrents across the world in motion, threatening to erupt at any moment.
The current situation in the Eastern Continent mirrored the thick fog enveloping Strong Bull Mountain—gloomy and eerily silent. The entire area, spanning over 20 miles, was shrouded in dense fog, unaffected by external weather changes. This turned the place into a vast sea of clouds, creating an oppressive and ominous atmosphere.
Even under the blazing sun, the fog did not dissipate.
Outside Strong Bull Mountain, five of the most powerful military corps of the Eastern Continent had gathered, split into three factions, each guarding a side. The warhorses stood ready, prepared for battle at any moment. The tension was palpable.
On a rock outcropping to the west, Celestial Star Sage sat cross-legged, his starry eyes fixed on the sea of clouds before him. He had been sitting like this for an entire day.
This man had an appearance brimming with righteousness, with large eyes, phoenix-like brows, snow-white hair, and a rosy complexion. Even though he remained motionless, his presence inspired respect and admiration in others.
He wore opulent clothing embroidered with gold and silver thread, depicting a celestial sky adorned with constellations. The design was intricate and mystifying.
Every movement and breath he took seemed to exude a starlike brilliance, as though he himself was a shooting star crossing the heavens.
Beside him stood two prominent generals—Liu Cheng and Wang Luo—representing the Vast Prosperity Dynasty and the Primordial Spirit Kingdom, their hands clasped in silent reverence.
---
After a while, Celestial Star Sage opened his eyes, his gaze brimming with confidence and absolute arrogance.
"Everyone, I can now confidently tell you this:
Since the celestial phenomena began, all predictions and analyses have led to the same conclusion. Strong Bull Mountain is utterly ordinary, with nothing of significance occurring here.
However, that dense fog was formed by natural forces of heaven and earth, not by any formation. Fog like this should not exist under such blazing sunlight.
Thus, there is only one explanation: this place naturally aligns with the heavens and earth, or it may serve as a gateway to another realm.
Furthermore, everyone who has entered the fog has had their memories erased by some unknown force—be they martial generals or great scholars, none could escape this phenomenon. Such an occurrence is beyond the scope of natural law.
The entities erasing those memories seem to harbor no ill intent; only information about the forces within has been concealed, as if they wish to remain hidden from the world.
Therefore, regardless of the circumstances, you must not recklessly attack this place. Any force capable of such feats must be of noble or extraordinary origin. Acting rashly would not only be unwise but could also tarnish the Eastern Continent's reputation.
Moreover, you must also prevent those factions from causing trouble and disturbing their secluded cultivation. That would bring shame upon the Eastern Continent."
Wang Luo and Liu Cheng remained silent for a moment before clasping their hands.
"Thank you, Sage, for your guidance."
---
To the east of Strong Bull Mountain, on a flat clearing, a group of five was gathered, deeply engrossed in discussion.
The group consisted of two armored soldiers in heavy but stylistically distinct armor, two elderly scholars in plain robes, and an old man with graying hair, wearing simple, tattered clothes that seemed to have been worn for years.
The old man stood out with his profound and melancholic eyes. His voice, deep and raspy, carried the weight of storms and time.
"Gentlemen, this place defies the laws of nature. From the fragments of information shared by those who ventured inside, it's clear that a mysterious force is at work here.
This serves as proof that humanity can achieve anything. We must seek friendly relations with this force. However, if misunderstandings arise and they view us as enemies, we must find ways to reconcile. What do you all think?"
The others nodded vigorously.
"The teacher's words are wise."
"We must exercise caution to avoid being perceived as hostile."
"Peace is precious. What they've accomplished is truly admirable."
The old man nodded in agreement. "Then let us not delay. Organize our formations and ensure we remain vigilant. We must prevent any rash actions from the others."
---
At dusk, Bui Tuyên, upon receiving permission from the manor lord, hurriedly descended the mountain with his belongings.
His mind was filled with unease. Those of great power rarely acted in ways that could be easily understood. The manor lord's decision to send him down the mountain couldn't merely be to fetch supplies for cultivation.
If materials were needed, the mountain was abundant in treasures such as Enlightenment Trees and herbs that enhanced aptitude—infinitely superior to ordinary pills.
Perhaps something was amiss at the foot of the mountain, or the manor lord had a hidden agenda that required his intervention.
As soon as Bui Tuyên exited the fog, he encountered Celestial Star Sage sitting opposite him, beside a tea table.
Celestial Star Sage slowly opened his eyes, his expression calm and self-assured.
"General Bui, it seems fate has brought us together. At last, you have arrived. I have been waiting for you. Come quickly—the tea is about to cool."
Recognizing the figure before him, Bui Tuyên took a deep breath, exuding a resolute aura.
"Thank you for your kindness, Sage Star Sage. Unfortunately, I am carrying an urgent matter and must take my leave. I will offer my apologies another time."
Celestial Star Sage laughed heartily, his tone cheerful.
"I assume the urgent matter lies in the bag you're carrying. But worry not—I have no intention of stealing it. I merely wish to understand the situation within."
Hearing this, Bui Tuyên let out a sigh of relief. Yet, when he tried to speak, the words seemed to catch in his throat, as if something was preventing him from uttering them.
Simultaneously, his command token transmitted a message: "Do not reveal anything about the manor." He realized that a Sage had intervened. Before such power, the laws of heaven made lying or concealment impossible.
"Celestial Sage, forgive me. I have sworn not to disclose anything about the manor. I beg you not to make things difficult for me."
Celestial Star Sage remained silent, his gaze deep and piercing as he observed Bui Tuyên. The man carried an intense yet underdeveloped will—like the sharpness of a blade he had only recently discovered.
The bundle on his back contained an object the Sage couldn't discern. It must be from the mountain.
As for the axe at his side, though it emitted no aura and appeared utterly ordinary, something about it felt amiss.
"It seems there is indeed something extraordinary happening on the mountain," the Sage mused.
"General Bui, since you insist, I will not press further. However, may I ask one thing: Are those who entered with you still alive?"
After a moment of thought, Bui Tuyên nodded.
"They are alive and well."
The Sage nodded. "Good. Are you certain you won't stay for tea?"
Bui Tuyên lowered his head. "Forgive me, but I must decline. Time is of the essence."
The Sage gestured westward. "You'll find those you're looking for in that direction."
Bui Tuyên bowed deeply. "Thank you, Sage, for your guidance," he said before departing.
Watching him leave, Wang Luo approached the Sage.
"Master, why did you let him go? I don't understand."
The Sage stared at the sea of clouds, shaking his head slowly.
"No. Even if all of you joined forces, you would not be his match. His current strength surpasses yours entirely."
"Moreover, he carries items that I cannot perceive. If heaven wills it so, I have no need to pry. Let him go."
Wang Luo and Liu Cheng were stunned. Bui Tuyên had only recently advanced to the level of Martial General, yet in just two days, he had undergone such profound changes.
The revelation that there existed items even the Sage could not discern left them even more shaken. Could such things truly exist? Or were they the workings of immortals?
---
Bui Tuyên continued running straight toward the military camp of the Tian Tzu Empire.
With his current strength, none but a Sage could stop him. It didn't take long for him to reach the commander's tent.
Inside, the Red Dust Sage, Supreme Commander Bui Hung of the Tian Tzu Empire, and Commander Charles of the Domain of Chromatica, along with the Great Scholars of both nations, were already waiting.
However, Bui Tuyên revealed nothing, merely stating that everyone inside the manor was safe and well.
After some thought, he presented an axe and a piece of wood.
"Can anyone discern what makes these two items special?"
Bui Hung stepped forward to pick up the axe and inspect it, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't lift it.
As for the wooden fragment, it appeared to be some sort of rare herb or plant material.
Red Dust Sage shook his head.
"This axe, no matter how ordinary it looks, feels like just a tool for chopping wood. But it is precisely its simplicity that makes it strange. I have never encountered an axe that exudes such purity. Yet, I cannot lift it."
Bui Tuyen remained silent. Not even a Sage could discern its secrets?
He carefully retrieved the axe, securing it at his waist.
Items from the manor could not be stored in spatial storage bags...