122: Chapter 122 Journey to Central Plains, Prosperity of the Divine City

In the Ten Thousand Races Square, hundreds of gazes focused on the two sides facing off in the center.

Heavenly Court versus the Vampire Council.

The fifth versus the sixth in server-wide event contribution.

The rising dark horse versus the established powerhouse race.

The air seemed to freeze, and even the NPC guards around the square gripped the weapons at their waists, watching the scene warily—though combat was forbidden during the council, conflicts between players occurred frequently, and they had to be ready to intervene at any moment.

Blood Prince's crimson pupils stared at Lin Ye, the blood-colored crystal he toyed with in his hand spinning faster and faster, emitting a faint hum.

Behind him, the Auras of twelve core members of the Vampire Council merged into one, each radiating a thick, bloody scent. At least three of them had reached Rank 58 or higher, nearly equal to Lin Ye.

This was a demonstration of power, and also a probe.

Lin Ye's expression remained calm, as if he didn't feel the overwhelming pressure. Behind him, Su Qingyue's icy blue hair moved without wind, and a sliver of extreme cold Qi quietly diffused with her as the center, blocking the bloody Aura of the vampires three feet away.

Zhao Wuji and Qin Ruoxue stood on Lin Ye's left and right respectively; one wore a professional smile while his gaze was sharp as an eagle's, while the other was expressionless, but the recording Jade Slip in her hand was already glowing faintly, rapidly analyzing the strength and characteristics of each opponent.

"Lin Ye..."

Blood Prince finally spoke again, his voice cold as the winds of the Nine Netherworlds:

"You are quite something. Destroying my Blood Altar and wounding my Clone... we will settle this debt slowly."

When he mentioned "wounding my Clone," he was referring to the projection of Blood Prince that Lin Ye had heavily injured with Chaos Heaven Opening during the battle of the Blood Altar. Clearly, that projection was closely linked to the main body; when the projection was severely wounded, the main body was also affected.

"I'm ready whenever you are."

Lin Ye's answer was brief and powerful.

Just five words, without any extra embellishment, yet they carried an unquestionable confidence.

Blood Prince's pupils constricted slightly.

He had thought Lin Ye would explain, defend himself, or at least show a hint of wariness. After all, the Vampire Council was a super power ranked sixth, with the entire Primordial Royal Court as their backing.

But Lin Ye did not.

That calm tone and indifferent gaze were as if he were speaking of a trivial, insignificant matter.

This caused a sliver of vigilance to rise in Blood Prince's heart—either this Lin Ye was an arrogant and ignorant fool, or... he truly had the confidence to back it up.

Judging from intelligence, someone who could lead a newly formed power to fifth in the server within four months could absolutely not be a fool.

Then, the answer could only be the latter.

"Very well."

Blood Prince suddenly smiled, but there was no warmth in that smile:

"See you at the council. I hope that by then, you can still be this... composed."

After saying this, he turned and walked back to his team. The members of the Vampire Council also withdrew their Aura, but those dozen pairs of crimson eyes remained fixed on Lin Ye's group of four.

The representatives of the surrounding powers broke into low whispers.

"That's it? I thought they were going to start fighting..."

"Fight? How could they fight? Combat is forbidden during the council; violators lose 10 Ranks immediately. Blood Prince isn't stupid."

"But this Lin Ye from the Heavenly Court is truly bold. He actually dares to go head-to-head with the Vampire Council..."

"He's ranked fifth, why should he fear the sixth?"

"Ranking is just ranking; the actual foundation is different. The Vampire Council has an organization in reality and had complete plans made before the game launched. Heavenly Court? I heard it's a grassroots power formed only after the server opened..."

"A grassroots group can rush to fifth? Do you believe that?"

Amidst the discussions, Lin Ye's group of four had already crossed the square and continued walking toward Tianshu Palace.

Although the confrontation just now was brief, it was enough to send a signal: The Heavenly Court is not to be trifled with.

That was enough.

"That Blood Prince is at least Rank 59, and the density of the blood Qi on him far exceeds that of ordinary vampire players," Su Qingyue analyzed softly as she walked beside Lin Ye. "That blood-colored crystal in his hand should be the legendary item 'Blood Soul Crystal.' It can store a large amount of essence blood, allowing him to instantly recover his state or activate forbidden techniques at critical moments."

Lin Ye nodded.

Su Qingyue's observation was very accurate. In his past life, Blood Prince relied on that Blood Soul Crystal to turn defeat into victory in many great battles, even slaying powerful enemies in the Dragon Transformation Realm while being at a lower level.

However, in this life...

A cold light flashed in Lin Ye's eyes.

Although the Blood Soul Crystal was strong, it also had weaknesses. As long as a method was found, it wasn't necessarily impossible to break.

"The Vampire Council brought fifteen people this time, all core members," Qin Ruoxue added. "Besides Blood Prince, there are three deputy-leader level figures, all between Ranks 57 and 58. The remaining eleven are also above Rank 55. Their overall combat power... is very strong."

"Their equipment is also excellent," Zhao Wuji lowered his voice. "I took a quick glance just now. Out of those fifteen people, at least eight are wearing full Epic Sets, and the rest have Rare Sets paired with Legendary individual pieces. Just this set of gear alone is worth no less than five million Spirit Stones."

This was the foundation of an established power.

Although the Heavenly Court ranked high, there was still a clear gap compared to these large powers that had laid their foundations early in terms of equipment accumulation, resource reserves, and talent cultivation systems.

"No rush," Lin Ye said calmly. "We've only been developing for four months. Give them four years, and then we'll see."

These words weren't comfort, but a fact.

In his past life, the Vampire Council was indeed very powerful one year after the game launched, but it started going downhill after two years—internal factional struggles, too many external enemies, and strategic errors in several key events. Ultimately, they were besieged by multiple parties during the Dark Turmoil and fell apart.

But for the Heavenly Court in this life, with the guidance of Lin Ye's memories of Rebirth, the growth potential of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body, and the assistance of core members like Su Qingyue, Zhao Wuji, and Qin Ruoxue...

As long as they were given enough time, surpassing the Vampire Council, and even those powers ahead of them, would not be a problem.

As the four spoke, they had already reached the edge of the square.

Ahead was a teleportation Formation leading to a floating island in the sky.

The teleportation Formation was circular, about ten zhang in diameter. The ground was paved with crystal-clear jade inscribed with complex spatial runes. Eight white jade pillars stood at the eight directions of the Formation, each topped with a fist-sized spatial crystal emitting a soft silver light.

[Tianshu Palace Teleportation Formation]

[Type: Special Teleportation Point]

[Usage Condition: Hold a 'Ten Thousand Races Covenant · Temporary Token']

[Teleportation Target: Tianshu Palace Outer Platform]

[Note: Each teleportation can accommodate a maximum of 20 people, cooldown time 30 seconds]

At this moment, a queue had already formed in front of the teleportation Formation.

About thirty or so people were divided into six or seven small groups, entering the teleportation Formation in sequence. After each group went in, the silver light of the Formation flashed, and the people disappeared. Only after 30 seconds could the next group enter.

Lin Ye's group of four lined up at the end of the queue.

While waiting, Lin Ye observed the representatives of the powers ahead.

The first group was five players dressed in golden robes, with an emblem of a sun and a scepter intertwined embroidered on their chests—that was the symbol of the 'Shrine.' Among the five, the leader was a middle-aged man who looked to be around thirty, with a majestic countenance and eyes closed. He held a scepter inlaid with gems, and atop the scepter floated a phantom of a miniature sun, radiating a warm and Holy Light.

[Holy Scepter (Replica)]

[Type: Weapon (Staff)]

[Quality: Legendary]

[Description: A replica of the scepter of the Sun God from mythology. Although a replica, it still contains powerful Light Power.]

[Attributes: Spell Attack +3500-4200, Intelligence +180, Spirit +200]

[Effect 1: Light Blessing—All light-based Spell effects increased by 30%]

[Effect 2: Holy Protection—Generates a holy shield lasting 10 seconds, absorbing damage equal to 50% of maximum HP, cooldown 2 minutes]

[Effect 3: Sun's Wrath—After activation, the next light-based Spell deals 300% damage and adds a 'Burn' effect (loses 1% max HP per second, lasts 10 seconds), cooldown 5 minutes]

[Skill: Summon Holy Guard—Summons two Holy Guards of the same Rank as the wielder (lasts 60 seconds), cooldown 30 minutes]

A replica Legendary weapon already had attributes comparable to an ordinary genuine Legendary item.

Furthermore, from the effects and skills, this scepter was clearly customized for light-based mages, its value at least 30% higher than a universal staff of the same quality.

The Shrine truly lived up to its reputation as the number one power; even a representative possessed equipment of this level.

The second group was representatives from the 'Eternal Kingdom.' All five wore streamlined silver battle armor with blue energy circuits flowing across the surface. They carried rectangular metal boxes on their backs, likely some kind of portable weapon or equipment.

[Starlight Battle Armor Type III]

[Type: Armor (Mecha)]

[Quality: Epic (Set)]

[Description: The latest individual combat mecha developed by the Eternal Star Domain, forged from Starlight Alloy and featuring a built-in miniature energy core.]

[Set Attributes (5/5):]

[Base Defense: +2800]

[Energy Resistance: +40%]

[Movement Speed: +25%]

[Set Effect 1: Starlight Shield—Automatically generates an energy shield when attacked, shield value equal to 20% of max HP, requires 30 seconds to recharge after being broken]

[Set Effect 2: Jet Acceleration—Short burst of acceleration, movement speed increased by 100% for 3 seconds, cooldown 1 minute]

[Set Effect 3: Tactical Synergy—When multiple wearers are in the same party, all attributes increase by 5% (increases by 1% for each additional person, max 10%)]

The equipment system of a technological civilization was completely different from that of a cultivation civilization.

Mecha-type equipment did not increase blood Qi or Divine Power, but instead provided 'Energy Points' and 'Shield Points,' and their primary attack methods were energy weapons. However, their advantages lay in standardization, mass production, and powerful functionality.

The Eternal Kingdom's ability to Rank second was due to this unique development path that combined technology with cultivation.

The third group was representatives of the 'Dragon Clan Alliance.' All five were tall with bulging muscles, and faint dragon scale patterns could be seen on their exposed skin. They wore rugged armor made of a mix of beast hide and metal, with massive battle-axes or heavy hammers hanging from their waists; the ground vibrated slightly as they walked.

[Dragon Blood War Armor]

[Type: Armor (Heavy Armor)]

[Quality: Epic]

[Description: Heavy armor soaked in the blood of a True Dragon, containing a faint Dragon Might.]

[Attributes: Defense +3200, Strength +200, Constitution +180]

[Effect 1: Boiling Dragon Blood—Automatically activates when HP is below 30%, attack power increased by 30%, defense increased by 20% for 15 seconds, cooldown 3 minutes]

[Effect 2: Dragon Might Awe—Deals 10% extra damage to beast and Yao Beast type enemies, with a certain chance to inflict 'Fear' status]

[Effect 3: Scale Armor Protection—Immune to physical projectiles like ordinary arrows and bullets, reduces melee damage by 15%]

Simple, crude, and practical.

That was the style of the Dragon Clan Alliance.

Lin Ye's gaze continued to scan backward.

The fourth group was the 'Mechanical Cult,' also a tech-side power, but their style differed from the Eternal Kingdom—they leaned more toward mechanical modification and rune technology. Three of the five had bodies clearly modified with machinery, their arms or legs gleaming with metallic luster, and glowing mechanical prosthetic eyes installed in their sockets.

The fifth group was a bunch of players in black robes with a sinister Aura, an emblem of a skull and scepter embroidered on their chests—that was the symbol of the 'Kingdom of the Undead,' ranked eighth.

The sixth group was a bunch of elf-like players with pointed ears, blonde hair, and handsome features, wearing nature-style vine armor or cloth robes, their bodies radiating a thick life force—the 'Garden of Nature,' ranked ninth.

...

Each group represented a power standing at the Peak of the server.

Each group had its unique style and powerful foundation.

Lin Ye observed silently, his mind rapidly analyzing.

In his past life, although he knew the names of these powers, he never had the chance to get close to their core members. In this life, standing here and seeing these people's equipment, temperament, and team coordination for himself, he could truly feel the gap.

Compared to these powers, the Heavenly Court indeed still had a long way to go.

"It's our turn."

Zhao Wuji's voice pulled Lin Ye back from his thoughts.

The people ahead had all finished teleporting. The silver light of the teleportation Formation dissipated, waiting for the next batch of users.

Lin Ye's group of four stepped into the teleportation Formation.

After standing firm, Lin Ye held up the temporary token and injected a sliver of Divine Power.

The token bloomed with silver light, resonating with the runes of the teleportation Formation.

In the next moment, the spatial crystals atop the eight white jade pillars lit up simultaneously, and silver light completely enveloped the four of them.

A slight sensation of weightlessness came over them.

The scene before them distorted and reorganized.

When their vision cleared again, they were standing in a completely different place.

This was a massive platform floating above a sea of clouds.

The entire platform was paved with white jade and was at least a thousand zhang across. There were no railings at the edges, only a faint golden light screen as protection. Standing at the edge, one could overlook the entire panoramic view of the Divine City stretching for ten thousand miles below.

In the center of the platform stood a towering palace.

The palace stood nine stories high, with flying eaves, bracket sets, and intricately carved beams and painted rafters. Each floor hung lanterns of different colors, emitting a soft glow. At the apex of the palace, the massive phantom of a star rotated slowly, shedding silver starlight that enveloped the entire palace in a dreamlike halo.

Tianshu Palace.

The venue for the Ten Thousand Races Covenant Council.

At this moment, hundreds of people had already gathered in the plaza before the palace, divided into dozens of areas according to their factions. Some factions were conversing with each other, while others occupied a corner for themselves, resting with eyes closed or discussing in low voices.

As Lin Ye and his three companions stepped out of the teleportation Formation, they immediately felt the weight of several gazes upon them.

There was curiosity, scrutiny, wariness, and even... disdain.

"Another one has arrived."

"Heavenly Court? Is that the fifth-ranked one that suddenly popped up?"

"They don't look like much; only four people?"

"I heard their leader has a special Physique, something called the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body..."

"Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body? The name is quite intimidating, but who knows what his actual combat strength is like."

Whispers drifted in from all directions.

Lin Ye's expression remained unchanged as he led the three toward a relatively empty area.

Since they were being watched, they might as well display themselves openly.

Cowering would only lead to being looked down upon.

Just as the four of them stood still, someone took the initiative to walk over.

It was a young man who looked to be twenty-five or twenty-six, wearing a simple white long robe with a gentle smile on his face. A long sword hung at his waist; the scabbard was plain, but a faint Sword Qi emanated from it.

"You must be the friends from the Heavenly Court?"

The young man stopped three steps in front of Lin Ye and bowed with his hands cupped, his posture impeccable.

"I am Li Qingfeng, a Deacon of the Qingyun Sect. I have long heard of the Heavenly Court's great name; seeing you today, it truly lives up to its reputation."

Qingyun Sect.

Lin Ye remembered this faction—it was ranked 100th in contribution, just barely snagging the final seat for an invitation. In his past life, the Qingyun Sect was a middle-to-upper-tier power consisting primarily of Sword Cultivators; they acted uprightly and had a good reputation.

"Lin Ye, leader of the Heavenly Court."

Lin Ye returned the bow and gave a simple self-introduction.

"A pleasure to meet you," Li Qingfeng smiled. "Leader Lin may not know, but our Qingyun Sect's headquarters is in the 'Zhao State', which is adjacent to the Yan State. During this Yao Beast tide, the Yan State's defense line was constructed with divine speed, which greatly relieved the pressure on our Zhao State. Speaking of which, I must thank your organization."

So that was it.

Lin Ye understood Li Qingfeng's intent—a neighboring power seeking to establish ties early on.

"It was merely our duty," Lin Ye responded calmly. "The Yao Beast tide is a threat to all of humanity; assisting each other is only right."

"Leader Lin is noble," Li Qingfeng's smile widened. "By the way, for this council, our Qingyun Sect has prepared a proposal regarding a 'Joint Defense Network'. If your organization is interested, we can talk in detail after the meeting."

This was an overture for cooperation.

The Qingyun Sect was ranked 100th, so its strength wasn't top-tier, but being able to obtain an invitation meant they had their own unique strengths. Furthermore, they excelled as Sword Cultivators, giving them an advantage in individual combat strength.

Lin Ye thought for a moment and nodded. "Very well. We shall talk after the meeting concludes."

"It is a deal then," Li Qingfeng cupped his hands. "I will not disturb you further. Please, make yourselves at home."

With that, he turned and left, returning to the Qingyun Sect's group.

The entire process was natural and smooth, expressing goodwill without being overbearingly enthusiastic.

"This Li Qingfeng really knows how to handle people," Zhao Wuji commented. "Although the Qingyun Sect Ranks low, any faction that can cultivate such talent must have potential."

"They can be listed as a potential partner," Qin Ruoxue noted on her recording Jade Slip.

Just then, another group of people walked over.

This time there were five people, wearing matching blue robes with an emblem of waves and storms embroidered on the chest.

"Sea God Pavilion, ranked fifteenth," Qin Ruoxue immediately whispered the relevant information. "They specialize in water-based Spells and control several resource points in the 'Endless Sea'. Their leader, the 'Sea Emperor', is a hidden class 'Tide Controller', Rank 58."

While she spoke, the five people had already reached them.

The leader was a rough-looking man in his thirties. He scrutinized Lin Ye, his gaze lingering for a moment before he broke into a grin.

"You're Lin Ye? I heard you took on that Blood Prince kid alone? Well done! That guy is gloomy all day long; I've been annoyed with him for ages!"

This opening was surprisingly blunt.

Lin Ye was slightly taken aback but quickly realized—the Sea God Pavilion and the Vampire Council seemed to have an old grudge.

In his past life's memories, these two factions indeed had a poor relationship, having clashed several times in the Endless Sea. The Sea God Pavilion specialized in water while the Vampire Council specialized in blood; there was a certain elemental counter-relationship between the two.

"It was just luck," Lin Ye maintained his humility.

"Luck? To be able to wound that Blood Prince kid takes real skill!" the man heartily slapped Lin Ye's shoulder (Lin Ye did not dodge, as he felt no malice). "I am the Pavilion Master of the Sea God Pavilion, Hai Dafu! Let's be friends. If you run into trouble at sea in the future, just give them my name!"

Hai Dafu...

Lin Ye had heard of this name in his past life as well.

He was a very interesting person—the owner of a fishery company in reality, yet he became the leader of a top-tier faction in the game. He was bold and loyal, but not lacking in shrewdness. Under his leadership in the past life, the Sea God Pavilion consistently remained in the top twenty, serving as one of the overlords of the sea.

"Lin Ye," Lin Ye introduced himself again. "If there is an opportunity, I hope to cooperate with the Sea God Pavilion."

"Haha, sounds good!" Hai Dafu laughed. "Once the meeting is over, let's have a proper drink! I brought some of my private stash of 'Thousand-Year Sea Soul Wine'. It's brewed from a Deep Sea Spirit Spring; one gulp and your stats will jump!"

After chatting for a few more minutes, Hai Dafu finally led his people away.

Subsequently, several more factions came over to offer greetings.

Some sincerely wanted to make connections, some were testing their strength, and some were simply curious.

Lin Ye handled them all one by one, neither humble nor arrogant.

Through this process, he gained a more intuitive understanding of the top-tier factions across the entire server.

The top twenty factions could basically be divided into several camps:

The Light Faction, represented by the Divine Temple and the Holy Cathedral of Light;

The Dark Faction, represented by the Vampire Council, the Kingdom of the Undead, and the Shadow Council;

The Tech Faction, represented by the Eternal Kingdom, the Mechanical Cult, and Cyber City;

The Bloodline/Nature Faction, represented by the Dragon Clan Alliance, the Garden of Nature, and Hundred Beast Mountain;

And other neutral factions or those following special paths.

The relationships between these camps were intricate and complex.

Light and Dark were in opposition; Tech and Cultivation had both cooperation and competition; and Bloodline factions were relatively insular but powerful...

As for the Heavenly Court, being a newly established power, it currently had no clear camp affiliation.

This was both a disadvantage—lacking a stable alliance system—and an advantage—allowing them to flexibly choose partners without being bound by a camp.

"Dong— Dong— Dong—"

Suddenly, a melodious bell toll echoed from the direction of Tianshu Palace.

The bell rang nine times, resonating above the sea of clouds.

The discussions in the plaza gradually died down as everyone turned their gaze toward the palace gates.

"It is about to begin."

Lin Ye said softly.

The palace gates slowly swung open.

Two columns of silver-armored NPC guards holding halberds marched out, lining both sides. Every one of these guards had an Aura reaching the Dragon Transformation Realm (Rank 90 or higher), with sharp eyes and strict discipline.

Next, a purple-robed old man wearing a high crown walked out from the gates and stood upon the steps.

The old man had a lean, scholarly face and eyes like lightning. As his gaze swept over the crowd in the plaza, even though he didn't intentionally release his Aura, everyone felt an invisible pressure.

[Tianshu Palace Master · Immortal Master Ziwei]

[Rank: ???]

[Identity: Master of Tianshu Palace, one of the protectors of the Big Dipper Star Field]

[Note: Peak Xiantai Realm (Rank 150) powerhouse, holds partial authority over the Heavenly Dao]

Peak Xiantai Realm!

Only one step away from being a Saint!

Such an existence was synonymous with invincibility at the current stage of the game.

Immortal Master Ziwei's gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke slowly. His voice wasn't loud, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly:

"You have all come from afar to participate in the first Big Dipper Council. On behalf of Tianshu Palace and the Big Dipper Star Field, I welcome you."

"This meeting is intended to discuss the response to the upcoming 'Dark Turmoil'. The Heavenly Dao has issued a warning; the Six Great Forbidden Zones are stirring, and the Archaic Race is awakening. The Yao Beast tide is merely a precursor. The true calamity will descend in one year's time."

"At that time, if the myriad races fight for themselves, they will surely be picked off one by one. Only by uniting is there a slim chance of survival."

"Therefore, we are gathered here today to discuss our grand plan."

"Now, will those holding invitations please enter the hall in order."

As his voice fell, Immortal Master Ziwei turned and walked into the palace.

The crowd in the plaza began to enter sequentially according to their rankings.

The five members of the Divine Temple took the lead, their golden robes fluttering in the wind as the light from their Holy Scepters illuminated the path ahead.

Next came the Eternal Kingdom, the Dragon Clan Alliance, the Mechanical Cult...

When it was the Heavenly Court's turn, Lin Ye took a deep breath and led Su Qingyue and the others across the three-zhang-high bronze gates.

Inside the gates was another world.

The interior space of the palace was even more vast than it appeared from the outside, clearly utilizing space expansion technology. The vaulted ceiling was a hundred zhang high, painted with a Map of the Celestial Constellations where stars moved along their true trajectories, shedding dots of starlight.

In the center of the great hall was a circular council floor.

The circle was divided into three tiers. The innermost tier had ten seats, corresponding to the top ten factions by contribution; the middle tier had forty seats for Ranks eleven to fifty; and the outermost tier had fifty seats for Ranks fifty-one to one hundred.

In front of each seat was a jade table laden with spirit fruits and immortal tea, along with a Sound-Transmitting Jade Talisman used for speaking.

Lin Ye and his group found the seats belonging to the Heavenly Court—the fifth seat, located on the left side of the innermost tier.

After taking his seat, Lin Ye looked around.

Most of the top ten seats were already occupied.

First Seat: Divine Temple. Five people sat upright with solemn expressions.

Second Seat: Eternal Kingdom. Five people were whispering to each other, their data pads flashing with light.

Third Seat: Dragon Clan Alliance. Five people sat casually, but their gazes were as sharp as dragons.

Fourth Seat: Mechanical Cult. Three of the five had their eyes closed, likely connecting to a remote auxiliary AI.

Fifth Seat: Heavenly Court. Lin Ye and his three companions.

Sixth Seat: Vampire Council. The Blood Prince was staring coldly at Lin Ye, a sinister smile hanging on his lips.

Seventh Seat: Holy Cathedral of Light. Five people were completely enveloped in Holy Light, their faces obscured.

Eighth Seat: Kingdom of the Undead. Five people were covered in black robes, their Auras gloomy.

Ninth Seat: Garden of Nature. Five people were meditating with eyes closed, emitting a natural Aura.

Tenth Seat: ...Empty?

Lin Ye's gaze narrowed.

The tenth seat should belong to a faction called the "Sword Pavilion", ranked tenth. But at this moment, the seat was vacant.

Had the people from the Sword Pavilion not arrived yet?

Or rather... were they not coming?

While he was wondering, a commotion suddenly broke out at the entrance of the hall.

Everyone turned to look.

Five people were slowly walking into the hall.

The leader was a young man who looked to be in his early twenties, dressed in simple green cloth clothes with a long sword wrapped in coarse cloth on his back. He had an ordinary face and a peaceful temperament; his footsteps were very light as he walked, as if afraid of disturbing something.

But the moment he stepped into the hall—

"Clang!"

Every sword-type weapon in the hall—whether worn by players, held by NPC guards, or even the Sword Qi contained within certain Magic Treasures—emitted a resonant hum at that very moment!

Ten Thousand Swords Resonating!

The young man seemed unaware of this phenomenon as he continued forward until he reached the tenth seat and sat down.

The four people behind him also took their seats. Each of them carried a sword and possessed a restrained temperament, yet sword-light flickered in their eyes.

Sword Pavilion.

Tenth Seat.

Ten thousand swords resonated just to welcome him.

A brief silence fell over the hall.

Everyone stared at the cloth-clothed young man, their eyes filled with shock, wariness, and curiosity...

Lin Ye also looked at the man, waves of emotion rising in his heart.

He knew this person.

Or rather, he knew him from his past life.

"Sword Nameless..."

Lin Ye softly uttered the name.

In his past life, three years after the launch of the 'covering the heavens era', he was the first player to Breakthrough to the Emperor Realm (Rank 271).

One man and one sword, he had ventured alone into life-restricted zones and slain projections of Supremes.

With one strike of his sword, ten thousand laws were extinguished; he was known as the "Sword Emperor".

But now, he was merely the leader of the Sword Pavilion, ranked tenth and appearing unremarkable.

However, the phenomenon of the Ten Thousand Swords Resonating just now had already exposed his extraordinary nature.

"Interesting..."

The corners of Lin Ye's mouth curled up slightly.

This life's Ten Thousand Races Council was proving to be much more interesting than he had anticipated.

With the Sword Pavilion seated, all of the top one hundred factions were present.

Immortal Master Ziwei reappeared on the high platform at the front of the hall, holding a golden scroll in his hand.

"Since everyone is here—"

He unfurled the scroll, his voice echoing throughout the hall:

"The first Big Dipper Council officially begins."

"First item on the agenda: Analysis and Prediction of the Dark Turmoil's Progression."

"Please, speak freely."

The council had begun.