The celestial proclamation thundered across the Saint Origin Universe like the voice of a wrathful deity. Planets trembled, oceans roared, and stars seemed to dim, as if bowing in submission to the divine decree:
"A time of war is upon us. Empires shall rise, and empires shall fall. The heavens decree that only 100 empires shall remain, each transcending to the Saint Grade or higher. For 100,000 years, the cosmos will burn with ambition, betrayal, and bloodshed. Those who falter shall be erased, their legacies forgotten."
In a quiet corner of the vast multiverse, on a 6-star tier planet known as Celestara, the proclamation ignited both awe and despair. The weakest of Celestara's six continents, Nanshan, was no exception. Here, in the declining Black Dragon, the proclamation was both a curse and an opportunity.
As the celestial decree reverberated, a soul drifted across the ether. This soul belonged to Alexander Steele, a man of unmatched intellect and ambition in his previous life. Born into poverty, Alexander had clawed his way to the top, founding a corporate empire that dominated the modern world. A visionary who inspired loyalty among his allies and struck fear into his enemies, he was a man of paradox: benevolent to his employees yet ruthless to those who dared oppose him.
In his final moments, Alexander had stood atop a skyscraper, watching the world he'd built flourish even as his body failed him. Disease had claimed his mortal shell, but his soul carried the indomitable will that had defined him.
"If there's another chance," he had thought, "I will rise again, stronger than ever."
And so, the cosmos answered.
Alexander's soul was drawn into the intricate threads of Celestara's fate. When the Eternal Sovereign System bonded with him, a calm yet commanding voice resonated in his consciousness:
"Reincarnation initiated. Welcome, Host. You are now bound to the Eternal Sovereign System. Your journey to dominion begins anew."
The Black Dragon Kingdom, nestled in the southernmost region of Nanshan, was a shadow of its former glory. Once a burgeoning realm known for its trade routes and skilled artisans, it now teetered on the brink of collapse. Decades of poor leadership, internal strife, and external threats had reduced it to a fractured state.
The kingdom operated under a feudal system, with power concentrated among four major factions:
1.The Royal Court: Led by King Tian Zhao, the royal family's authority was waning. King Tian Zhao's failing health and indecisive leadership had emboldened the nobility and sects, each vying for control. Among his children, the two eldest princes, Tian Liang and Tian Feng, openly competed for the throne.
2.The Noble Houses: Comprising five influential families, the noble houses wielded considerable power. Their interests lay in maintaining their privileges, often at the expense of the kingdom's stability. Alliances and betrayals were commonplace, as each family sought to outmaneuver the others.
3.The Martial Sects: Three prominent sects dominated the cultivation landscape—the Azure Sky Pavilion, the Crimson Blade Sect, and the Verdant Moon Temple. While ostensibly loyal to the crown, they pursued their own agendas, often clashing with one another and the nobility.
4.The Merchant Guilds: Controlling trade and commerce, the guilds' influence extended far beyond the borders of Yunxiao. The most powerful, the Golden River Guild, had begun financing rival factions, further destabilizing the kingdom.
The interplay of these factions created a volatile environment, ripe for a visionary to exploit—or for chaos to consume.
In the opulent yet austere throne room of the Royal Palace, an uneasy council was in session. King Tian Zhao, his once-regal frame now frail and bent, sat upon the jade throne. His sharp eyes, however, retained their clarity as they surveyed the gathered lords and ministers."The proclamation changes everything," he rasped. "We cannot afford to remain stagnant. We must unite or perish."
His words were met with polite nods but little genuine agreement. Among the gathered, Prince Tian Liang stood tall, his martial aura dominating the room. Known for his aggressive tactics and support from the Azure Sky Pavilion, he was a favorite among the martial faction.
"Father, unity requires strength. Allow me to lead our armies. The neighboring kingdoms will tremble before us," he declared.
Opposite him, Prince Tian Feng, a shrewd and calculating man, smirked. "Brute force will only invite more enemies. We must secure alliances through diplomacy and trade. The merchant guilds are key."
The two princes exchanged icy glares, their rivalry evident.
Nine months passed, and the day of Tian Yu's birth arrived. The skies over The Palace were unusually clear, a stark contrast to the kingdom's grim fortunes. Inside the royal chambers, Consort Lan, Tian Yu's mother, struggled through labor. Her face, pale and drenched in sweat, reflected both pain and determination.In the ethereal plane, Alexander Steele's soul stirred. The Eternal Sovereign System's voice echoed once more:
"Host, the moment of your rebirth is at hand. Prepare to inherit your new destiny."
Alexander's consciousness began to merge with his new body. He retained his memories, his ambitions, and his indomitable will. But now, he also possessed the potential to wield power beyond his wildest dreams.
As the midwife's cry of joy announced the birth, the palace filled with whispers. A new prince had been born. Yet, few would have guessed that this seemingly ordinary child would one day alter the fate of the Black Dragon Kingdom—and perhaps the entire Universe.
In the cradle, Tian Yu opened his eyes, their depths reflecting a wisdom far beyond his years. The Eternal Sovereign System chimed:
"Congratulations, Host. Your journey begins now."