36: Northern Region Integration: Nie Li's Choice

The news of Yun Feng's decisive victory in the Broken Blade Canyon, where he effortlessly annihilated the Legendary Rank Demon King Heaven-Burning Lion King and repelled the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain army, spread like the fiercest gale. It not only cleared the last trace of gloom from the northern region's sky but also deeply etched the name "Yun Feng" into the hearts of all forces across the entire Demon Spirit Continent, transforming their previous shock and apprehension into reverence, and even fear!

After this battle, no force dared to easily challenge the Yun Family's dominant position in the northern region. Those remaining northern region forces that were still observing, or even secretly colluding with the Feather God Sect, immediately severed their ties at the fastest speed. They sent their core members, bearing heavy gifts, to the City of Radiance to express their complete submission.

Yun Feng did not personally handle these trivial matters, entrusting them entirely to his grandfather, Yun Fengs Grandfather, and Nie Li, whose prestige had grown significantly.

Inside the Yun Family's deliberation hall, a new atmosphere now prevailed. Yun Fengs Grandfather sat in the main seat; although he was only Legendary, with Yun Feng backing him, he exuded an Aura of authority without needing to be angry. Nie Li sat on the lower left, his Qi composed. After a series of major battles and an influx of resources, he had stabilized at Gold Three Stars, and his true combat power far surpassed others of his rank, making his reputation in the northern region second only to the Yun Family's core members.

Below them were representatives from various forces in the northern region, each holding their breath, their postures humble.

"Effective immediately, the northern region will establish a 'Joint Council of Elders,' led by the Yun Family. Representatives from each city and Family will be selected based on their strength and contribution to participate and jointly discuss the northern region's development, resource allocation, and defense matters," Yun Fengs Grandfather announced in a steady voice, laying out the regulations set by Yun Feng. This was not a simple annexation, but an Alliance integration under the Yun Family's absolute leadership. It allowed for concentrated power while also granting various parties a certain degree of autonomy and avenues for advancement, making it more readily accepted.

Nie Li supplemented the details. His thoughts were clear, and he handled matters fairly, quickly explaining all the clauses and beginning to coordinate the interests of all parties. Seeing that the Yun Family did not simply exert overwhelming pressure but offered practical solutions, everyone felt a little more at ease and also became more convinced of Nie Li's capabilities.

The meeting lasted a full day, laying the preliminary framework for the northern region's new order.

After the meeting, Nie Li did not leave but stayed behind.

"Senior Yun," Nie Li respectfully said to Yun Fengs Grandfather, "Now that the northern region is initially settled and external threats have temporarily subsided, it is time to recuperate and accumulate strength. This Junior believes that the most urgent tasks are, first, to consolidate the new order, and second, to discover and Cultivate more talents."

Yun Fengs Grandfather nodded approvingly: "Little Li is absolutely right. Feng'er also instructed me earlier; this matter will require your diligent attention. You may allocate the Family's stored resources as needed."

"This Junior will certainly do my best." Nie Li cupped his hands, hesitated for a moment, then added, "Senior Yun, I wonder about Brother Yun Feng's recent activities..."

Yun Fengs Grandfather understood his meaning and smiled: "After Feng'er returned from the canyon, he has been in seclusion in the Forbidden Ground behind the mountain, saying he had some insights. If you have urgent matters, you may seek him outside the Forbidden Ground."

Nie Li understood in his heart and bowed his farewell. He did not go directly to the back mountain but first found Yun Hao and Yun Qiao, who were supervising the disciples' Cultivation.

"Brother Nie Li!" Yun Qiao greeted Nie Li happily upon seeing him. Yun Hao also nodded in acknowledgment. After fighting side-by-side multiple times, they had become quite familiar with each other.

"Brother Hao, Sister Qiao'er." Nie Li smiled, "I see the Family disciples are progressing rapidly, which is delightful. I've organized some Cultivation Techniques and Martial Skills obtained from Secret Realms and the Dark Guild that are suitable for general Cultivation; perhaps they can be a good supplement." He handed over a Jade Slip. This was his way of returning the favor, and also a gesture to further integrate into the Yun Family's core.

Yun Hao took it, and his Divine Sense swept over it, revealing surprise in his eyes: "Thank you, Brother Nie Li! These Cultivation Techniques can perfectly make up for some deficiencies in the Family's foundational Legacy!"

Yun Qiao also curiously extended her Divine Sense, exclaiming in wonder: "Brother Nie Li, you know so much!"

Nie Li smiled, then asked, "Do you know why Brother Yun Feng is in seclusion this time?"

Yun Hao shook his head: "We don't know about Brother Feng's matters. However, before he went into seclusion, he reinforced the city's grand Formation again and left several 'Spacetime Beacons,' saying that if there was an urgent matter, we could contact him through the Beacons."

Spacetime Beacon? Nie Li's heart trembled slightly; this was another mysterious method he had never heard of.

After exchanging some Cultivation insights with Brother Yun Hao and Sister Yun Qiao, Nie Li finally arrived outside the Yun Family's back mountain Forbidden Ground. Here, mist swirled, and Formations were strict; he could feel an invisible barrier separating the inside from the outside.

He did not force his way in but respectfully bowed towards the Forbidden Ground, transmitting a message with his Divine Sense: "Brother Yun Feng, the northern region's affairs have been initially sorted out, and all parties are loyal. Nie Li has come specifically to report and has a matter to consult with you."

After a moment of silence, Yun Feng's calm voice echoed in his mind: "Well done. What is it?"

Nie Li organized his words and said: "Now that external pressure has somewhat eased, I think... it's time to explore the depths of the Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm. That day, we only caught a glimpse, and I feel that it is far from as simple as we saw; perhaps it concerns ancient secrets. What do you think, Brother Yun Feng?"

Inside the Forbidden Ground, Yun Feng slowly opened his eyes. His current seclusion was mainly to digest the insights gained from controlling power during his battle with the Heaven-Burning Lion King, and to further analyze the ancient Formation Incomplete Manual and some ancient documents collected by the Dark Guild using the System. Nie Li's suggestion was exactly what he wanted.

The Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm indeed hid more secrets. Rather than letting Nie Li explore it alone, it would be better to conduct it under his "guidance," allowing him to control the pace and maximize benefits.

"Agreed." Yun Feng replied, "You go ahead and prepare, selecting reliable personnel. In half a month, I will emerge from seclusion and accompany you."

Nie Li was overjoyed: "Yes! I will go prepare immediately!"

With Yun Feng's approval, Nie Li felt greatly relieved. He immediately turned and left, beginning to select candidates for this exploration of the Sacred Realm.

Inside the Forbidden Ground, Yun Feng's gaze was profound.

"Heavenly Illusion Sacred Realm... Perfect. I'll take this opportunity to see if I can find more fragments of this world's ancient rules; perhaps it will help with the System's upgrade."

"Nie Li, Nie Li, your growth, I hope you don't disappoint me."

He closed his eyes again, and Dao runes flickered around him as he continued to immerse himself in the exploration of power and knowledge. The integration of the northern region was steadily progressing, and a new adventure was about to begin. Everything was moving forward at a steady pace, according to the trajectory he had set. The turmoil on the continent seemed to have temporarily subsided, but deeper undercurrents were still quietly surging in unnoticed corners.