News of the Nine Domains Grand Assembly being held in the Liu Domain spread like wildfire throughout the corners of the Northern Spiritual Realm, shaking the entire realm.
The Nine Domains Grand Assembly was the most solemn event in the Northern Spiritual Realm, usually only held when something extremely important occurred. The previous assembly was to determine the status and territories of the nine domains, shaping the Northern Spiritual Realm as it was to this day.
However, now the Liu Domain had suddenly invited all forces to attend the Nine Domains Grand Assembly. What was the reason for this event?
Although everyone was confused and uncertain, they could vaguely sense some undercurrents beginning to flow. Perhaps the peaceful scene of the Northern Spiritual Realm, which had lasted for many years, would not continue for much longer.
...
Mu City, Mu Manor.
In the living room, the atmosphere was extremely heavy. Mu Feng sat in the main seat, his expression constantly changing. Mu Chen and Zhou Ye were both present, and most of the high-ranking leaders of the Mu Domain had gathered there.
Mu Feng spoke slowly, his voice sharp:
"The Liu Domain suddenly organized the Nine Domains Grand Assembly... What do they want to do?"
Everyone was silent. The Liu Domain's action was too sudden; no one understood their intention. The Nine Domains Grand Assembly was not something that could be casually organized.
Mu Chen narrowed his eyes and frowned. His intuition told him that the Liu Domain certainly had a scheme, and this scheme would definitely be extremely detrimental to his Mu Domain.
"The Liu Domain's actions are too sudden, making me feel a bit uneasy. If we don't understand clearly, we shouldn't pay attention to them, and not participate in the Nine Domains Grand Assembly." Zhou Ye said thoughtfully.
"We cannot not go. The Nine Domains Grand Assembly is a regulation established with the agreement of all nine domain lords. No matter who invites, the other eight domains must participate. If we unilaterally break that rule, it will not benefit us in any way." Mu Feng shook his head and continued, "Moreover, if they are truly targeting our Mu Domain, even if we don't attend, it will be difficult to avoid. On the contrary, it might even create an opportunity for the Liu Domain to employ some tactics, dividing us from the other domains..."
Zhou Ye sighed, saying, "Then what should we do?"
"Tomorrow morning, gather our forces. Bring the strongest power of the Mu Domain to attend the Nine Domains Grand Assembly." Mu Feng slammed his hand on the table and said coldly, "I don't believe the Liu Domain can swallow our Mu Domain whole. Send word to Domain Lord Tang Shan and the other domain lords. I think they are as uneasy as I am. But if the Liu Domain dares to act recklessly, let's see what they'll do when all eight domains oppose them."
Zhou Ye nodded. Although he didn't know what scheme the Liu Domain had, even if they had more guts, they wouldn't dare to offend all eight other domains at once.
Mu Chen looked at Mu Feng's tense expression, his own eyes becoming much more serious. It seemed his father also vaguely sensed a hint of danger. However, if those in the Liu Domain dared to lay hands on his Mu Domain, Mu Chen would absolutely not let them have their way easily.
...
The venue for the Nine Domains Grand Assembly was a central area of the Northern Spiritual Realm, a city called Nine Domains City. The previous Nine Domains Grand Assembly was held here, and it was because of that event that the city was named as such.
This area was neutral territory, not under the control of any domain. But once someone wanted to organize an assembly, they would be the host, responsible for receiving the other forces.
This city was not usually very crowded, but ever since the Liu Domain announced the Nine Domains Grand Assembly, it instantly became the most watched area in the Northern Spiritual Realm. Everyone's attention was even higher than the recent Northern Spiritual Academy's Quota Competition.
After all, only a select few were qualified to compete in the Quota Competition, so the outcome of that event did not concern too many people; most of the interest was merely from excited and boisterous spectators.
But the Nine Domains Grand Assembly was different; it was the destiny of the Northern Spiritual Realm, an event that would shake all the forces within the Northern Spiritual Realm. Regarding something directly related to themselves, perhaps no one in the Northern Spiritual Realm was not paying attention.
When Mu Feng led a large number of elites to Nine Domains City, the city was already bustling with people coming and going. Everywhere, various forces could be seen gathering, with large numbers of mighty troops and horses entering the city.
The Mu Domain had brought all its elites this time. Not only was Mu Feng personally leading, but Zhou Ye, Mu Chen, and the four city lords were also accompanying him. Even Wen Ling, who had just advanced to a Tier 2 Spiritual Array Master, was with the group. The Mu Domain's contingent of over 1000 people moved slowly, exuding an imposing aura.
Nine Domains City also stirred quite a commotion due to the arrival of the Mu Domain's large contingent. Many forces proactively came out to greet them, and Mu Feng returned their courtesies meticulously.
The Mu Domain's troops stopped at a stone palace in the center of the city. Mu Feng's gaze swept around, catching sight of several sizable armies, which were undoubtedly the forces of other domain lords. It seemed they had also been warned and were secretly vigilant.
"Brother Mu."
Not far away, a laughing greeting came. Mu Feng turned his head to see Tang Shan leading his trusted aides, walking quickly towards him.
"Brother Tang."
Mu Feng also hurried to greet him. Mu Chen quickly followed, and looking behind Tang Shan, he was surprised to see that even Tang Tian'er was accompanying her father.
Tang Tian'er also noticed Mu Chen's gaze, her beautiful eyes sparkling with joy. She looked at him, widened her eyes, and then smiled softly.
Mu Feng and Tang Shan quickly approached each other, speaking in low voices about something, their expressions very serious.
"Why did you also come along?"
Mu Chen stood behind Mu Feng, looking at the girl beside him, asking with a surprised expression.
"Father seems to attach great importance to this Nine Domains Grand Assembly. It's boring for me to stay in the Tang Domain, so I came along to watch."
Tang Tian'er smiled clearly, but her willow-like brows quickly furrowed. Her large eyes darted around, and she leaned closer to Mu Chen, whispering:
"I heard that the Liu Domain wants to use this opportunity to do something."
"Otherwise, why would they expend such great effort to open the Nine Domains Grand Assembly just for fun?"
Mu Chen chuckled softly:
"Although all nine great domains are qualified to hold the assembly, it hasn't been held once since the last assembly concerning the destiny of the Northern Spiritual Realm."
"Have you ever heard of Liu Jingshan?"
Tang Tian'er said quietly:
"I heard my father mention that name very solemnly..."
"Liu Jingshan?"
Mu Chen was startled, his pupils constricted, and he replied in a low voice:
"Liu Jingshan is Liu Qingtian's father. He was once the strongest expert in the Northern Spiritual Realm, but he disappeared three years ago. Why would your father mention that old man?"
Tang Tian'er shook her head, saying:
"I don't know either."
Mu Chen frowned, the unease in his heart growing more intense. That Liu Jingshan was once the strongest person in the Northern Spirit Realm, his cultivation was at the late stage of the Spirit Soul Realm. It was said that he was only one step away from entering the Three Thousand Realm, but later he mysteriously disappeared. Rumor had it that he died from severe injuries due to a cultivation mishap...
"Could it be that old man never died?"
Mu Chen trembled. If Liu Jingshan hadn't died, and he were to appear, wouldn't the Liu Territory immediately have two late-stage Spirit Soul Realm experts? And with Liu Zong, that would be a total of three Spirit Soul Realm experts. With such combat power, no other territory in the Northern Spirit Realm could stand against them alone.
Moreover... the feeling of unease was that Liu Jingshan already had late-stage Spirit Soul Realm strength three years ago. If he were truly still alive, and had made progress, then wouldn't he now be... in the Three Thousand Realm?
Thinking this, Mu Chen shivered and took a worried breath. The Three Thousand Realm, for so many years, had never appeared in the Northern Spirit Realm. If the Liu Territory had an expert of that realm, then truly no force in the Northern Spirit Realm would dare to oppose them.
Mu Chen quickly came to his senses, his expression grim. Beside him, Tang Tian'er saw this and could only stick out her tongue, her hands clasped behind her back, saying nothing more.
After entering the stone hall, Mu Chen also clearly saw that Mu Feng's gaze was very serious, even containing a hint of unease. This was the first time in many years he had seen his father show such an expression.
It seemed Tang Shan had also reported some unfavorable news.
The stone hall was extremely spacious, with figures bustling about. Many other territory lords were already seated on the stone platforms, laughing and chatting. However, Mu Chen clearly noticed a subtle undercurrent of instability in those somewhat unnatural laughs.
It seemed that the news had spread far and wide without wings.
Mu Feng also found a seat on a stone platform, and Mu Chen and Zhou Ye stood behind him, their gazes directed opposite. There, a beautiful young woman wore a completely red outfit. The beautiful woman's smile was clear and bright, drawing attention with just a glance. Behind her, Mu Chen spotted an acquaintance, Hong Ling. He hadn't expected even she would follow her mother to this place.
Hong Ling also saw Mu Chen, and she smiled, her eyes like sparkling peach blossoms, inheriting a hint of her mother's captivating charm.
"Girl, do you like that boy from the Mu family?"
Ever since Mu Feng entered, the beautiful woman's eyes had been fixed on him. She gritted her teeth slightly, then suddenly cast a glance at the young man beside her, asking Hong Ling unexpectedly.
"Mother, what nonsense are you talking about?"
Hong Ling blushed and smiled, a little embarrassed and annoyed.
"Mu Feng is no good, so his son certainly won't be much better. If you don't like him, keep your distance."
The beautiful woman said indifferently, a trace of resentment in her voice.
"Now that you've secured a spot in the Ten Thousand Phoenix Spiritual Academy, your future prospects are not small. By then, you'll meet many talented young people far more outstanding than that boy from the Mu family."
Hong Ling looked strangely at her mother. She had heard some stories from when her mother was young. It seemed that in the past, she had also pursued Mu Feng, but failed, and in her disappointment, married into the Hong family. Later, her father died from severe injuries in a battle, and for many years, her mother had managed the Hong Territory alone. Although years had passed, it was clear that her mother still harbored some resentment towards Mu Feng.
"Mother, I just want to cultivate well at the Ten Thousand Phoenix Spiritual Academy right now. Other matters can be dealt with later."
Hong Ling softly replied, her gaze still stealing glances at the handsome young man on the other side, a complicated feeling stirring in her heart.
The beautiful woman patted Hong Ling’s small hand, then once again cast a resentful look towards Mu Feng.
“Father… that side has been looking at you this whole time.”
Mu Chen was always very observant; the movements on the other side could not escape his eyes. He lightly cleared his throat, teasing Mu Feng.
“Shut up.”
Mu Feng glared fiercely. You little brat, always saying things you shouldn’t.
Mu Chen chuckled. It seemed his father was quite the ladies’ man in his youth.
Inside the main hall, time gently passed. The various domain lords gradually arrived, and in addition, some renowned forces from the Northern Spirit Realm were also invited to attend.
Even though more and more people arrived from all over, the main hall grew increasingly quiet. Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the back hall. The curtain was lifted, and a few figures slowly and leisurely emerged, followed by Liu Qingtian’s hearty laughter.
“Haha, thank you all for honoring our Liu Domain. To see everyone gathered here truly makes me feel honored!”
Liu Qingtian, with a beaming smile, walked out and took his seat on the main stone chair. Right behind him, Liu Zong, Liu Ming, and Liu Mubai followed closely.
As soon as Liu Mubai arrived, his gaze immediately fixed on Mu Chen. A cold killing intent briefly emanated before receding, and a smile played at the corner of his mouth.
Mu Chen, today, this place, will be the burial ground for you and your father!