Lin Moyu witnessed firsthand the astonishing speed of a god-level powerhouse as Yan Kuangsheng transported them across dozens of kilometers in an instant. The sheer wind pressure was overwhelming, nearly crushing him as they traveled, and his ears rang with an eerie silence—sound itself had been left far behind.
The once familiar Bloody Land had vanished, replaced by a vast emptiness stretching endlessly before him. Lin Moyu noticed something peculiar: the world appeared to be encased in a glass-like barrier. Beyond the barrier, it seemed as though another world existed, one that strangely felt familiar to him...
Suddenly, it clicked. Lin Moyu remembered his time after the Dragonkind Frontline Outpost dungeon explosion. He had fallen into the void, a chaotic place where swirling energy currents threatened to destroy him. The glass-like barrier before him was now holding back that same deadly energy, separating this world from the void.
"Teacher, what is that?" Lin Moyu asked curiously.
Yan Kuangsheng responded casually, "That’s a spatial barrier. Beyond it is the void. It looks fragile, like glass, but it's incredibly strong. Even I would struggle to break through it. But it’s not something you need to worry about right now. Let’s just watch the show."
"Watch the show...?" Lin Moyu followed his teacher's gaze.
In the distance, a warship cut through space at high speed, leaving a bright trail in its wake. Several figures stood aboard, each radiating an extraordinary presence. Although Lin Moyu couldn’t precisely gauge their power, his instincts told him they were formidable—likely level 80-plus top-level, possibly even god-level class users. Yet, despite their impressive aura, the disdain in Yan Kuangsheng’s eyes made it clear that none of these individuals were stronger than him.
"See those old guys at the front? They’re Grand Councillors of the empire." Yan Kuangsheng said with a smirk.
Lin Moyu felt an immediate sense of respect. In the empire, Grand Councillors were highly revered, often retired members of the Twelve Councillors—the empire's governing body. Though they no longer held active roles, their counsel was sought on major decisions. Even the Twelve Councillors had to defer to them at times.
"Teacher, are these Grand Councillors all god-level powerhouses?" Lin Moyu asked, genuinely curious.
Yan Kuangsheng sneered, "God-level? Not even close. Have you ever seen a Councillor who made it to god-level? Those who fail to reach god-level end up becoming Councillors, plain and simple. When they retire and become Grand Councillors, they’re no closer to god-level. At best, they’re level 90 fake gods—nothing but rubbish."
His tone was dripping with disdain. As a mighty level 95 god-level powerhouse, Yan Kuangsheng stood at the pinnacle of power. He had even slain several Demon Kings from the Abyss. Naturally, he looked down on these fake gods.
Lin Moyu asked, "Why do you call them fake gods?"
Yan Kuangsheng spat, "They got stuck at level 89 and had to rely on potions to scrape past into level 90. But they can't fuse their skills or achieve the true evolution required to become god-level. How could they not be considered fake gods?"
Lin Moyu's curiosity deepened, "Is the gap between fake gods and true god-level powerhouses really that big?"
Yan Kuangsheng’s eyes narrowed, "They’re worlds apart. Even if both are level 90, a true god-level can wipe out dozens of these fake gods without breaking a sweat."
Despite Yan Kuangsheng's dismissive attitude, Lin Moyu could still sense the overwhelming presence of the Grand Councillors. Their aura alone was enough to make his heart tremble, and while they may not be true god-level powerhouses, they could still crush someone like him without effort. Their oppressive presence wasn't too far from that of actual god-level figures.
As Yan Kuangsheng observed them from a distance, the Grand Councillors also turned to look at him and offered a respectful greeting, "Greetings, Lord Mad God [1]."
Even though they held the prestigious title of Grand Councillors, they were still well aware of their place beneath a true god-level powerhouse like Yan Kuangsheng. They knew better than to show arrogance in front of someone like him.
Yan Kuangsheng suddenly chuckled. "Young Lin, this princess isn't bad-looking. Interested?"
Lin Moyu shook his head, "I already have someone I like."
Yan Kuangsheng’s eyes gleamed with interest. "Who is she? Is she pretty?"
Lin Moyu nodded, "Very much so."
"When are you getting married and having kids?" Yan Kuangsheng pressed.
...
Lin Moyu was at a loss for words. His teacher’s thought process was too erratic for him to keep up.
Suddenly, a hoarse roar echoed through the air—a sound deep and oppressive, like the hiss of a snake but deeper, instilling a sense of suffocation and oppression in those who heard it.
Yan Kuangsheng’s expression turned serious, "Bloodthirsty Python!"
Even a god-level expert like him remained on high alert, aware of the threat posed by the creature. Lin Moyu wondered how the Grand Councillors, who were only fake gods, would handle it.
According to Yan Kuangsheng, these so-called fake gods were no match for the Bloodthirsty Python, leaving Lin Moyu to suspect there were things he still didn’t understand.
A massive python over 200 meters long slithered into view. Its eyes glowed blood-red, a pair of horns jutted from its head, its body was covered in thick scales, and sharp claws extended beneath its body. When it appeared, the smell of blood filled the air.
Lin Moyu recognized the smell instantly—it was the same scent that permeated the Bloody Land. He realized that countless Bloodthirsty Pythons must have perished there, leaving behind that lingering, oppressive odor.
When the beast appeared, Yan Kuangsheng swiftly pulled Lin Moyu back, "We're just here to observe. Let them deal with it."
Yan Kuangsheng had no intention of intervening.
Lin Moyu watched as Dongfang Yao’s warship charged toward the Bloodthirsty Python. A circular shield formed around the vessel, protecting it. He could tell that the shield was a fusion of human formations and abyssal barriers, powered by something related to Dragonkind. It was a blend of strengths from all three races.
A thin beam of light shot from the warship, striking the Bloodthirsty Python like lightning. The giant python trembled violently, letting out an even deeper and more hoarse cry.
[1] - the character kuang (狂) in Yan Kuangsheng's name means mad, hence the moniker Mad God