Chapter 847:- Shadows of the Past, Hopes for the Future

Chapter 847:- Shadows of the Past, Hopes for the Future

The Crimson Dunes Conflict had finally ended. For the first time in 15000+ years, the Six Continent had seen such a massive shift in power. The Dune Sovereignty had essentially wiped out the existence of Sects from the Six Continents. Now, the only place where Cultivation Sects or Schools can be found is the Main Continent. At the end of the previous Era, under Charles's leadership, the Dune Sovereignty Empire rose to power, becoming an unstoppable force that no one dared to challenge. Their strength and influence sent waves through the continents, inspiring the belief that cultivation sects were more of a burden than a benefit to the growth of any kingdom or empire.

From the Dune Sovereignty, this new idea spread—the belief that sects only held kingdoms back, draining resources, occupying vast lands, and acting as a roadblock to true power. The Dry Savanna, home to the Dune Sovereignty, was the first to embrace this shift. Here, the empire's success without sect interference became a model that others began to consider.

Cultivation sects demanded enormous resources to maintain their schools, training grounds, and armies. They nurtured young cultivators but also claimed many of the most talented ones for themselves, keeping them from their Kingdoms and Empires.

Over time, these sects had become a bone no ruler could swallow or spit out, controlling land, resources, and loyalty that even kings could not ignore.

Their military strength and influence forced kings to show them respect, even to the point where the support of powerful sects could decide who would sit on the throne.

If a sect was displeased, they could even launch wars, overthrowing rulers and placing puppets on the throne to ensure their interests were protected. This meant that many kings were constantly under the thumb of these powerful sects, unable to act freely.

But the Dune Sovereignty changed all that. Charles showed that a kingdom could rise without bowing to the demands of the sects, proving that an empire could reach power and stability without being tied down by their influence.

By pushing sects out of the way, the Dune Sovereignty inspired others to imagine a path to power where only the empire and its people mattered.

But there was a downside to getting rid of the sects. Once a kingdom lost its sects, it also lost a large part of its military power. During foreign invasions, these sects would always lend their forces to defend the kingdom. Now, without the support of the sects, kingdoms were left exposed, with fewer fighters to rely on when trouble came from outside.

Many of these sects, instead of dissolving, packed up and left for the Main Continent. There, some powerful leaders founded new sects, while others joined forces with established ones, hoping to grow stronger in a new land. As for the cultivators who weren't strong enough, those below the 5th order who couldn't make the journey to the Main Continent. As a result, many were left with no choice.

About half of them became rogue cultivators, wandering the lands without a home or allegiance.

Others chose to become adventurers, using their skills to make a living on their own.

This was also when adventurer guilds started appearing everywhere, giving these lone cultivators a place to find work and purpose.

Click!!!

With a conflicted look, Soraya walked inside his room.

Before today, she had never dared to enter his bedroom. The last time she came to his bedroom was when she was about 11 years of age, and her mother was still alive. Last time, she came to look for her mom. And this time, she came to look for her dad. She noticed a man with long, messy hair sitting on a chair by the window. Typically, he would tie his hair in a ponytail, keeping his appearance tidy and clean. But now, his appearance looked really messy. That handsome face of his seems to have aged by a few centuries within a single day. His red pupils looked hollow and lifeless. It was like he had lost a part of himself in that defeat. He no longer had a dignified, proud expression on his face. He now looked like a broken man who had lost his will to live. As she walked towards him, Charles also looked towards his daughter. His eyes were also complex. Before today, he had never realized that his daughter had grown this much. Charles always thought of this daughter as a protected woman who needed to stay inside the Dragon Palace all the time. He never really had any expectations from her since birth. This is why, she received a different kind of education from Garrick. Where Garrick was groomed to be the Next Empire, she was taught how to be a loving and gentle wife. But she had surpassed all of his expectations. 'I have done so much for Garrick, yet he disappointed me.'

'But I rarely did anything for you yet you have become someone bigger than me.' At this moment, Charles felt just how little he knew his daughter. Just how disconnected he had become from his daughter. Over the centuries, Soraya had become nothing but a stranger to him. 'Perphaps, I neglected my fatherly duties too much.' Charles felt a strong sense of guilt. "I heard from some of the servants that you are going to be the Next Ruler of this great Nation." Charles started the conversation. Soraya sat opposite her father. For the first time, Soraya was speaking to her father as an equal. Now their position had changed. Now, her status and social ranking were higher than his. Charles was nothing but her captive. "Yes, Father!!" She replied in a slow but heavy tone. Charles knew it. She knew it. It was time for them to have a deep conversation. It was time to reveal everything.

"When did all of this begin?" He asked in a low tone. There was no anger in his voice. After accepting his defeat, Charles lost his motivation to Rule. He no longer saw himself as a King who was above all. He saw himself as another human. This big change within him has made him calmer than before. If this was Charles of the past, then by now, he would be fuming in anger. He would have screamed and shouted at his own daughter. Although he felt disappointment at his daughter's betrayal, there was no anger in his heart, as he had completely given up.

"It all started with a letter that I secretly sent to His Majesty after their war with Merchant Felix had ended."

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Thank you very much to all those who sent support with valuable golden tickets and gifts. I hope we can keep it up!!!

Sorry, but I have been really busy the last two days. Now that the fight between Aditya and Robert is finally over, and hopefully, you guys enjoyed the whole fight, it's time for me to show you all the skills that Robert had. Please note that I added each time only after writing each chapter, so I might have forgotten to include a few.

『_Name: - Robert Antony _Race: - Human _Clan: - Ice Mystic Clan

_Title: - Enemy of Dragons

_Class: - Hero

_Cultivation: - Peak 5th-order

_Innate Skill: - Ice Manipulation, Gravity Manipulation

_Passive skill: - Dragon Slayer, Snowball Momentum, Ice Clone, Winter's Chill, Frost Terrain Density Shift, Cryo-Gravitic Spikes, Eternal Anti-Dragon _Artifact: - Mystic Ice Spear』