After the fierce battle against Zhou Li, the grand hall of the Zhou clan's headquarters was eerily silent. The blue flames surrounding Xiao Yan's body slowly faded, merging back into him. A deep stillness enveloped the room, broken only by the echoing sound of Xiao Yan's high steps, signaling that he had become the sole ruler here.
Xiao Yan gazed toward Zhou Li's shattered remains scattered across the floor. Though his enemy had been defeated, the overwhelming feeling within him was relief—not because of the victory itself, but because Zhou Li, once a close ally, had betrayed him. The world would not tolerate chaos, and as the ruler of this world, Xiao Yan bore the responsibility to maintain balance and eliminate all threats.
Yet, even after vanquishing Zhou Li, his heart was not fully at peace. There were still many challenges ahead. Zhou Li's betrayal was only a piece of a larger, more intricate game. The world, even under his control, would continue to move. Hidden forces still threatened the stability he fought so hard to protect.
"I won't allow this world to be ruled by forces beyond my control," Xiao Yan murmured to himself. This world was not a place for those who sought power for personal gain. Xiao Yan's power was something higher—a force for harmony and the protection of all existence.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded from behind him. Xiao Yan turned to see a group of survivors from the Zhou clan entering the hall. They appeared hesitant, fearful, yet deeply curious. They knew Xiao Yan now ruled the world, but they sought certainty—a future they could trust.
"Will we be destroyed like Zhou Li?" one of them asked, his voice trembling.
Xiao Yan looked at them calmly. "Zhou Li was a traitor. You had no part in his betrayal. You still have the chance to choose the right path."
Xiao Yan's words were wise and authoritative. He didn't speak like a ruler seeking mere obedience, but as a leader who understood that in every world, every individual had a choice. That choice determined their fate.
However, even as they were given this opportunity, Xiao Yan knew the path ahead would not be easy. As the ruler of the world, he had to continue overseeing everything to ensure no one dared challenge the natural laws he established. Every betrayal would be crushed, but he would give a chance to those who sought to return to the righteous path.
"But be careful," Xiao Yan continued with a more serious tone. "This world will not tolerate those who pretend to be righteous for personal gain. If anyone tries to betray again, none will survive. Remember that."
Those present nodded, burdened by the weight on their shoulders. They understood that Xiao Yan wasn't just a powerful ruler, but a leader who left no room for mistakes. This world now rested in his grasp, and chaos had no place.
After ensuring they grasped his message, Xiao Yan turned and began walking toward the hall's exit. Yet, just as he prepared to leave, a powerful aura suddenly engulfed the room. Xiao Yan paused, sensing a force unlike anything he had encountered before.
"What is this?" Xiao Yan questioned himself, his eyes scanning the room sharply.
Without warning, a tall figure dressed in black emerged from the shadows, moving toward Xiao Yan. He wore a long cloak that seemed to emanate from a different dimension, with a sharp, cold gaze. In his right hand, he held a glistening black sword.
"Xiao Yan, I have come to test you," the man's voice echoed sharply, filled with challenge. "I am the guardian of the balance of this world, and though you have defeated Zhou Li, that does not mean you can easily control this realm."
Xiao Yan wasn't surprised. As the ruler of the world, he knew there were deeper, more mysterious powers beyond his reach. This man before him was no ordinary being—he existed beyond the scope of conventional strength.
"The guardian of the balance?" Xiao Yan asked, his voice calm yet wary. "You come to oppose me?"
The man smiled faintly, his expression carrying a hint of secrecy. "No. I have come to test you, for only after this trial will you be deemed the 'True Ruler.' Many believe that conquering enemies is the path to world control. However, true power lies in the ability to control everything—yourself, the forces beyond human understanding."
Xiao Yan realized that this trial wasn't just about physical strength or combat. It was a test of destiny itself—a trial to ensure he could maintain the balance of this world wisely. Xiao Yan stared at the man with sharper intensity, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead.
"I am ready," Xiao Yan responded confidently. "Because I am the ruler of this world, and its fate lies in my hands."
The man nodded, then, with a swift motion, unleashed a wave of dark energy that enveloped the room. A powerful energy field formed around them, signaling that the true trial had begun.
Xiao Yan prepared himself, his body brimming with unstoppable power, ready to face not just the test of strength but the challenge of wisdom as the ruler of this world. This world was now in his grasp, but his true journey as ruler had only just begun.