Chapter 20:

Chapter 20: "Secret Kingdom Emerges and the Path of Decision" Jiang Yun stood atop a peak, his eyes closed as the cool wind brushed against his face. He felt a sense of tranquility wash over him, but his mind was filled with complex thoughts.

"What has happened over the past three months?" Jiang Yun asked calmly after instructing his clone to gather news about the movements in the Tian Yuan domain.

The clone that appeared before him nodded slightly and reported, "In the Central Continent, the 'Secret Empire of the Emperors' has been discovered. It is believed to offer a chance to break through to a level beyond Emperor, which has created quite a stir in the world." Searᴄh the Nôvel(F)ire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Jiang Yun furrowed his brow slightly. "Go on."

The clone continued, "Initially, the Central Continent intended to keep the Secret Empire of the Emperors confidential and use it exclusively. However, the news leaked, and the other four continents rejected this. They united to pressure the Central Continent, which eventually agreed to compromise and decided to hold a grand conference."

Jiang Yun smiled coldly. "A grand conference?"

"They invited representatives from 32 Sacred Lands, 13 Imperial Families, 4 Imperial Dynasties, as well as the Dark Forest with 48 Emperor Beasts, and families of special beasts such as Dragons, Phoenixes, and Qilins. Moreover, the Sword Emperors, independent cultivators, and those on the brink of breaking through to a level beyond Emperor also attended the conference," the clone said with a firm tone.

Jiang Yun listened with interest. "And what was the outcome?"

"The discussions were tense. The Secret Empire allowed only 15,000 people to enter, and the condition was that participants must be below the Saint level. Each faction agreed to send only 100 people, leaving 500 spots available. The Sword Emperors proposed that the remaining quotas be given to independent cultivators to provide opportunities for them. Ultimately, everyone agreed to this proposal," the clone reported.

Jiang Yun laughed softly. "How will the selection be conducted?"

"There will be a selection competition for the unaffiliated cultivators in the Five Elements Sacred Land, which is the strongest of the 32 Sacred Lands. This will occur in three months," the clone said with a smile.

Jiang Yun nodded. "This is a good opportunity for us to intervene and send our own people."

Then, Jiang Yun asked the system, "Do you have anything to help conceal my cultivation level?"

The system immediately responded with confidence, "Of course. I offer the 'Heaven Concealment Talisman' for only 100 million points each. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yun immediately split the system into two parts.

The system, shocked, responded, "I'm sorry, Host! We should discuss things reasonably, not through intimidation. I'll reduce the price to 10 million per piece. What do you say? (? ?????????) "

Feeling dissatisfied and not waiting any longer, Jiang Yun punched the system, but it swiftly evaded and fled.

Jiang Yun sighed. "Give me 46 of them then."

The system sighed and said, "This investment must be worth it. It has to be worth it because right now, I'm... losing over 4 billion. If it's not worth it... I might go bankrupt! (╥﹏╥) "

Jiang Yun laughed softly. "Just trust me."

After receiving what he wanted, he asked, "Are there any other updates?"

The clone nodded and continued, "There's news about a battle between the Sacred Land of Blood Demons and the Sacred Land of Green Wood, but it ended quickly when they heard about the Secret Empire, and they dispersed."

"Also, the competition in the Northern Domain has been canceled, and the Sacred Land of Mist will select 100 disciples to send to the Central Continent in three months."

Jiang Yun listened with interest as he gathered information to plan his next steps.

"And one more thing, Li Xinyuan has become a direct disciple of the Holy God. Everyone was shocked because no one had heard of her before and wondered why she became a disciple of the Holy God. Additionally, there's talk about her background; some say she was once a servant disciple, but these stories gradually faded as she never appeared."

Jiang Yun nodded. "Is there anything else important?"

The clone shook its head. "That's all the major news. There are only minor details left. Are you interested?"

Jiang Yun waved the clone away and closed his eyes to focus his thoughts. Suddenly, he felt the presence of someone arriving at the peak.

"Senior Brother, are you inside?" a familiar voice asked.

Jiang Yun opened his eyes and looked at the door. There stood a girl with green hair—Mu Shuyuan.

"Come in," he said calmly.

Mu Shuyuan opened the door and stepped into Jiang Yun's new hall, visibly surprised by the changes. She bowed her head in greeting and began discussing the Secret Empire and the selection in the Sacred Lands. She also brought up some martial arts topics before her expression turned serious.

"Senior Brother... If one day... a force stronger than Emperor level comes to take me away, would you help me?"

Jiang Yun looked at her with a warm yet amused gaze. "Do you think I would help you?"

Mu Shuyuan was silent for a moment before gritting her teeth and saying, "If it were the Senior Brother from a year ago, you would help me without hesitation, regardless of the force. But... you have changed, and I believe you wouldn't help me unless it didn't affect your interests or you were personally impacted."

Jiang Yun laughed. "Is that what you think?" He asked nonchalantly. "Don't you want anyone to control your thoughts or fate? You want to chart your own path and stand firm on your own legs without relying on others, right?"

Mu Shuyuan was silent before stammering, "I... I... I..."

She laughed softly, trying to lighten the mood. "I was just joking, Senior Brother. No need to take it so seriously."

She said her goodbyes and turned to leave, but Jiang Yun didn't let her go so easily. "Do you want to become my disciple? I can protect you, but you must prove your worth. Are you interested?"

Mu Shuyuan hesitated, then replied with a trembling voice, "I... I don't have that ability, Senior Brother."

Jiang Yun said coldly, "You already have that ability. You will realize it in due time. Do you want to live a life you enjoy and die or live a life you don't enjoy and die? It's up to you. Just try and let the future decide the outcome."

He paused before asking again, "I will ask one last time. Do you want to follow me—"

Before Jiang Yun could finish, Mu Shuyuan wiped her tears and knelt before him, saying,

"Master, please let me travel with you."

Jiang Yun smiled and immediately tossed three books to her. "You will be under me alone, but you will be above millions. You made the right choice because I am kind to my own people and ruthless to my enemies. Remember that."