Of course, everyone knew the rise of the Regal Pill Palace had to do with Sacred Peafowl Mountain. It had risen again entirely by borrowing the greater factionâs strength, as well as Jiang Chenâs status there as young lord.
Upon Jiang Chenâs return to Sacred Peafowl Mountain, he discovered that the human domain was much calmer than he imagined.
His greatest worry back at Myriad Abyss had been the outbreak of the demonic invasion. He wouldnât have been able to do anything about it, given his removed distance.
Thank heavens for the human domainâs extraordinary calmness. Even the criticism from the rabble had quieted down. Having dealt with Pillfire City, the Embittered Savage Tribe, and the Order of Wind and Cloud, the main threats to peace had been eliminated.
There were a number of empyrean experts hidden away from the rest of the domain, whom Jiang Chen had visited before his journey. The benefits and presents he had given them had had considerable effect.
He had gifted them the Way to Grand Ascension to convince them of his righteousness and morals. He wanted them to feel more of a sense of duty to the human domain and recognize his worth.
These hermit experts wisely came to Sacred Peafowl Mountain to meet Jiang Chen upon hearing of his return. The young man was completely different from when heâd left. He had only been a great emperor back then. After weathering Myriad Abyssâ storms, he was growing into the prime of his strength.
After the countless empyrean experts heâd seen in Myriad Abyss, the handful in the human domain somewhat paled in comparison. That didnât mean they were to be underestimated though.
The Way to Grand Ascension had helped these human domain experts a great deal, and Jiang Chen wanted to unify them under one banner.
Though he wanted to stay a bit longer with his family, he needed to respect the time and greeting cards of these empyreans. He had fought many more far stronger than they in Myriad Abyss, but they nevertheless represented the human domainâs peak strength.
Because of Jiang Chenâs past gifts and displays of ability, these experts showed immense respect to the young lord of Veluriyam.
âLong time no see, young lord Jiang Chen. You seem to be much, much stronger than you once were.â Old Crane was the leading man among these human domain empyrean experts, with a keener eye than most. He instantly noticed the drastic difference in Jiang Chenâs aura compared to years prior.
Liu Yuan and Zhu Yun had grown quite close to Old Crane in this time, becoming his dedicated assistants. The old manâs words piqued their interests. They scrutinized Jiang Chen carefully.
Instead of boasting about his newfound strength, Jiang Chen smiled faintly in reply. âThe peace this world has enjoyed is all thanks to your help, fellow daoists. It looks like youâve benefited from studying the Way to Grand Ascension!â
If they hadnât, that would throw into question their ability to do much of anything.
âWhat else could we do, young lord Jiang Chen? We accepted your request. Now that youâve come back, we old-timers can let out a breath of relief.â
Jiang Chen wasnât so optimistic. âOld Crane,â he smiled wryly, âdo you think this an age of peace has arrived for the human domain?â
âAh, Iâve been thinking whether I should retire. Iâve still got a bit of fire left in me, but...â
Jiang Chen chuckled. âIt would be a tremendous loss for the human domain if you were to retire back into solitude, Old Crane. Plus, you know so much about empyrean realm and the finer points of cultivation. Donât you think it a shame for you to simply put all that away? In the age of strife that is to come, everyone is champing at the bit to reveal their strength. You have a lot more to lean on than most!â
âDo you mean to ask my old and decrepit bones to labor awhile longer, young lord Jiang Chen?â
Jiang Chen smiled coolly. âThereâs no need to be so humble, sir. Even if the human domain grits its teeth in the wake of such a huge loss, what if the demons end up seeking you out?â
He wasnât trying to scare the old man. That possibility definitely existed.
If the demonic invasion broke out into full swing, the human domain wouldnât have an inch of ground anywhere spared.
If the demons knew that a hermit empyrean expert like Old Crane existed, he would be their top priority. In fact, they would likely want to consume his body with their spirit. Demons didnât much care for consequences with their reckless behavior. Thus, it would be impossible for Old Crane to live quietly for long.
The old man thought about this for a moment before glancing at Jiang Chen thoughtfully.
The young man shrugged nonchalantly. The look from Old Crane didnât garner much of a response from him. He wasnât the one at a crossroads here. On the contrary, he didnât like forcing people into doing anything.
Suddenly, Old Crane chuckled. âYouâve inspired and spurred me to understand and care a bit more about mortal life, young lord Jiang Chen. I suppose I canât ignore the common folkâs plight. If I did, I would be too ashamed to face my ancestors.â
âIndeed. There will be great suffering in the demonsâ wake. We hermit experts should do something about that, yes?â
âYoung lord Jiang Chen has sacrificed so much on the human domainâs behalf. How can we drag him down with our actions?â
Old Craneâs sentiments were echoed by the other empyrean experts as well. They uniformly realized that it was no longer the right time to live in seclusion. It was high past time to set aside their lofty pride.
Jiang Chen smiled at the old manâs budging attitude. âIf we look upwards to the sky, there is no limit. Thatâs what my trip to Myriad Abyss taught me. The human domain has fallen behind. If we all close ourselves off out of pride, that will be even more disastrous than the demonic invasion.â
If heâd said this before the trip, it would have been very disrespectful towards Old Crane. After his baptism by fire, however, he stood at a higher vantage point.