44: Nie Li returns after cultivating the territory.

Yun Feng's action of hanging heads and forcefully warning the Feather God Sect was like a basin of ice water, extinguishing the flames of covetousness that various continental forces held for the Northern Region. At least openly, no force dared to easily cross the line again. The Northern Region welcomed its long-awaited period of peaceful development.

Yun Feng did not relax because the external pressure had temporarily eased. He knew deeply that the true Foundation lay in the strength of his own power and the stability of his forces. He remained in charge of the Yun Family, on the one hand continuing to use the System to optimize Cultivation Technique, analyze rules, and consolidate his Realm at the Black Gold Middle Stage; on the other hand, he devoted more energy to the overall management and improvement of the Northern Region.

Under the efficient operation of the Joint Council of Elders, the Northern Region's resources were further integrated. Yun Feng selectively opened up certain Cultivation Technique, Pill Formula, and forging techniques that he had obtained from the Dark Guild and Secret Realm, which were suitable for large-scale promotion, to the entire Northern Region after the System optimized and downgraded them. Although these were only basic or simplified versions, they were enough to raise the overall Cultivation level of the Northern Region by a notch.

At the same time, he ordered the construction of "Spirit Enlightenment Academies" throughout the Northern Region, open to all youths of the appropriate age, offering free Aptitude testing and teaching basic Cultivation methods. This move aimed to break the monopoly of aristocratic families on Cultivation resources and excavate talent from a broader base. This policy received passionate support from the common people, and the prestige of the Yun Family and Yun Feng reached unprecedented heights within the Northern Region.

Nie Li finally emerged from his seclusion after nearly a year inside the Wind and Snow Realm.

When he reappeared in the Yun Family's deliberation hall, his entire demeanor had undergone earth-shattering changes. He was still at the Gold Rank cultivation level (which he deliberately suppressed to solidify his Foundation), but the awe-inspiring imperial might and profound chill surrounding him could not be completely contained. Between the opening and closing of his eyes, it was as if a world of ice and snow was being born and destroyed. He had already initially mastered the Legacy of the Great Emperor Fengxue, and his strength was unfathomable.

"Brother Yun Feng." Nie Li bowed solemnly toward Yun Feng, who was seated in the main seat, his posture more respectful than before. He knew deeply that without Yun Feng, he would not have the fortune he enjoyed today.

"It seems your gains are significant." Yun Feng nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over Nie Li, already seeing through seventy to eighty percent of his true power. "The Legacy of the Great Emperor Fengxue is quite compatible with you."

"This is all thanks to Brother Yun Feng's assistance." Nie Li said sincerely, then changed the subject, his expression slightly grave. "Brother Yun Feng, when I was undergoing the Fusion of the Legacy, I learned some scattered words about the 'Great Calamity' from the fragmented memories remaining in the emperor soul."

"Oh?" Yun Feng signaled for him to continue. This was precisely one of the reasons he had Nie Li accept the Legacy.

"The information is still incomplete, but it is certain that it is not an ordinary natural or man-made disaster, but rather an erosion and confrontation involving the Origin level of the world. The Great Emperor Fengxue, back then, seemed to be one of the 'Watchers.' He was severely wounded during the last 'Great Calamity' and eventually passed away here." Nie Li said in a deep voice. "The emperor soul memories repeatedly mentioned phrases like 'Void Realm Devouring the World' and 'Rule Collapse,' which are chilling."

Void Realm Devouring the World, Rule Collapse... Yun Feng corroborated this information with the fragments collected by the System and his observations in that shattered plane, and the thread in his heart became clearer. This so-called "Great Calamity" was likely a threat originating from outside the world.

"This matter is of great importance; keep it confidential for now." Yun Feng told Nie Li. "The immediate priority is to increase strength. The current stability of the Northern Region was hard-won and requires your diligent attention."

"Nie Li understands." Nie Li responded solemnly. His strength had greatly increased, and having received the Imperial Legacy, his vision and sense of responsibility were unlike before. He already regarded himself as a core force for the Northern Region, and even for responding to the "Great Calamity" in the future.

"You returned at just the right time." Yun Feng took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Nie Li. "These are some of my ideas for the future development plan of the Northern Region, including details on resource allocation, talent cultivation, and defense construction. You should discuss and execute them with the Joint Council of Elders. Furthermore, the coordinates of that shattered plane and the information regarding that demon egg are also included within. You may decide for yourself whether or not to investigate it."

Nie Li accepted the Jade Slip and swept his Divine Sense across it, feeling even more shock in his heart. Yun Feng's planning was far-reaching and meticulous; many of his ideas coincided with Nie Li's own thoughts after the Fusion of the emperor soul memories, and were even more comprehensive. This deepened his admiration for Yun Feng.

"Brother Yun Feng is truly farsighted; Nie Li will certainly do his utmost." He put away the Jade Slip, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Brother Yun Feng, regarding the Feather God Sect..."

"Mere clowns, there is no need to concern yourself with them for now." Yun Feng's tone was calm but carried absolute confidence. "If they dare to reach out again, we will simply cut them down. Your focus should be on the internal affairs of the Northern Region and your own Cultivation. I have a premonition that the time remaining for us might not be as plentiful as we imagine."

Nie Li's heart tightened, and he nodded heavily.

From then on, Nie Li formally participated fully in the management and construction of the Northern Region as the highest authority beneath the Yun Family head. Relying on his powerful strength, fair handling of affairs, and his identity as the Great Emperor Fengxue's Legacy successor, he quickly won the trust of all forces and managed the Northern Region in an orderly manner.

Yun Feng once again entered a semi-seclusion state. On the one hand, he was digesting the gains from the Star Body Tempering, and on the other hand, he began using the System to try and deduce the hatching conditions and control methods for the "Ancient Demon Egg" that came from the shattered plane. He felt that this demon egg might become an unexpected variable in the future.

Under the control of Yun Feng and the management of Nie Li, the Northern Region advanced steadily, like a continuously reinforced giant vessel, accumulating power to meet future storms amidst the seemingly calm but secretly turbulent continental landscape.