Then let them offer their loyalty!

Page 497

Meanwhile, at the Eighth Shelter, in a quaint garden villa...

Huang Shangzong was chatting with a sprightly old man.

The old man looked to be in his seventies or eighties. He was dressed in Hanfu (traditional Han clothing), had a kind face and a somewhat otherworldly air about him, and just sitting there gave people a sense of warmth and approachability.

But... only those who know him well know that he is actually a complete devil.

Not only did he command a large army, but he also had countless lives on his hands from his campaigns in the north and south.

He is Rao Shou, the leader of the "Ironblood Faction," the de facto ruler of the Eighth Sanctuary, the Speaker of the Supreme Council, and a Tier 5 Cataclysm.

After several hours of arduous travel, Huang Shangzong finally arrived at the shelter.

He simply tidied himself up and arrived at Rao Shou's house at the agreed time.

At this moment, Rao Shou had finished eating and was sitting in the courtyard, fishing and cultivating his mind.

Therefore, Huang Shangzong naturally stayed by Rao Shou's side to help him catch fish and bait them.

The two chatted idly while fishing.

Although they belonged to different factions, they were both high-ranking members of the Eighth Sanctuary. In addition, Rao Shou was the actual ruler of the Eighth Sanctuary, and Huang Shangzong was his junior, so the two had a fairly good relationship.

This led to their conversation delving into many private matters.

Old Rao leaned back in his bamboo rocking chair, holding a fishing rod, and said while fishing, "Shangzong... do you know? This incident has taught me a lesson."

"If we fall behind, we will be bullied; only by strengthening ourselves can we stand tall among the nations of the world."

Upon hearing what Elder Rao said, Huang Shangzong looked up at him.

Speaker Huang, who was known for his volatile temper and absolute authority in Dongye Prefecture, was as obedient as a child in front of Elder Rao.

He tentatively asked, "Mr. Rao, what happened?"

Old Rao nodded slightly, then said with a distant gaze, "We've always thought that the highest level of human strength is only the peak of the fourth rank. Actually... we're wrong."

"Wrong?" Huang Shangzong was somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

Old Rao gave a deep "hmm," then stroked his snow-white beard and said, "The reason we thought humanity's highest level was the peak of the fourth tier is because... their contributions to the human camp are insufficient. Other shelters have blocked information about it."

"The intelligence level was only unlocked after Tang Feifei obtained information about 'Yellow Demon' and we proactively shared it with other shelters."

Upon hearing Elder Rao's words, Huang Shangzong's eyes flickered slightly, and his mind raced.

After a moment, he said, puzzled, "But, Elder Rao, isn't there something wrong with this?"

"If other sanctuaries have Tier 5 or even Tier 6 Cataclysms, how could they possibly not know the truth about the 'Yellow Phantom'?"

Upon hearing this, Rao Shou picked up a cup of tea from the bamboo table next to the rocking chair, took a sip, and then said, "The reason is very simple."

"They... forced their way through."

"Walk through it by force?" Huang Shangzong muttered these four words.

Old Rao nodded slightly and explained, "The reason why 'Yellow Demons' are so terrifying is precisely because they absorb spiritual energy and life force without being detected, right?"

"Therefore, some shelters, though unaware of the reasons for the loss of spiritual and vital energy by their regional lords, are unable to address the root cause."

"However... they can continuously replenish the spiritual and life force of the newly born 'Regional Lords,' treating only the symptoms."

"Having ensured the safety of the newly created 'Regional Lord,' they will continue to provide him with resources to help him accelerate his cultivation."

"And as long as this newly born 'Regional Lord' cultivates quickly enough, before the 'Yellow Demons' gather, once his strength reaches a certain level, the 'Yellow Demons,' fearing discovery, will voluntarily leave..." (Chapter 393)

"It was precisely through this method of using great force to throw bricks that they created a group of masters."

Upon hearing this, Huang Shangzong's eyes revealed deep thought.

After a moment, he commented, "But... the casualties will be very heavy."

As he gazed at the frozen pond, Old Rao nodded. "Yes."

"But...their situation is different from ours. As one of the first shelters established, they faced greater pressure and were in greater danger."

"Furthermore, don't forget, the 'Boundless Ocean of the Mind Expansion Project' was originally proposed, implemented, and tested by them."

"In order to completely exterminate the evil god, they deliberately lured him, tried every means to kill him, and then seized the territory he controlled." (Chapter 300)

"Of course, once the situation stabilized, they were extremely cautious about the 'regional ruler,' neither opposing nor encouraging high-ranking officials to become 'regional rulers.'" (Chapter 397)

"However, even so, due to the 'Boundless Heart Sea Expansion Project,' their high-ranking members have still accumulated a group of fifth- and even sixth-tier experts."

After listening to Elder Rao's words, Huang Shangzong's face showed a hint of realization.

In that case, everything will make sense.

No wonder other sanctuaries were able to withstand the onslaught of the evil gods and gradually build their own shelters. It wasn't because the evil gods were merciful; it was all about strength!

Thinking this, Huang Shangzong couldn't help but ask in a deep voice, "Then... after making enough contributions and unlocking the permissions, is there any valuable intelligence?"

Upon hearing Huang Shangzong's words, Rao Shou straightened his Hanfu and then said in a dignified and otherworldly manner, "The most valuable intelligence is the advancement to the fifth-tier Cataclysm."

He said, "There's a reason why our Eighth Shelter hasn't had a single Tier 5 Cataclysm in all these years."

Huang Shangzong asked, "What's the reason?"

Old Rao said, "The prerequisite for a fifth-tier Cataclysm to advance is to become a 'Regional Lord' and to raise one's own strength to the peak of the fourth tier..." (Chapter 300)

"Become the 'Lord of the Region' and reach the peak of the fourth rank?" Qiu Tu muttered to himself, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

He had indeed heard from Shen Lingshuang that the title of "Regional Lord" was related to advancing to the fifth-tier Cataclysm. But he hadn't expected it to be so important, actually being one of the prerequisites?

Qiu Tu was thinking even further.

What is a "Regional Lord"?

It is the world's recognition of the ownership of a region by "Boundless Heart Sea".

Becoming the "Lord of the Region" means being recognized by the origin of the world.

So... those at the fifth rank or higher who are Cataclysmic Beings must receive "authorization" from the world in order to advance, right?

As for the peak of the fourth tier, Qiu Tu felt that this condition was within his expectations.

Because, upon closer examination of these two conditions, isn't this still a "fake" promotion?

The only difference is that the pseudo-fourth-tier advancement can use various external things such as cataclysmic abilities, cataclysmic treasures, and rank as "pseudo-ranks" to carry power.

Among them, the "regional central hub" is the most powerful and the best pseudo-structure.

However, to advance to the fifth rank, one can only use the "Regional Lord" position.

However, this makes almost all of Qiu Tu's path before advancing to the sixth rank clear.

He's already the "Lord of the Region." So... all he needs to do is raise his true strength to the peak of the fourth tier!

When his true strength reaches the peak of the fourth tier, and with the pseudo-status of "Regional Lord", he can attempt to hold a ceremony to begin his advancement!

After advancing to the fifth rank, he can follow the path of Zhao Ji and Mu Ye and continuously annex new areas.

Once he had mastered all nine regions and held all nine stars, he reached the peak of the fifth rank and then attempted to advance to the sixth rank!

Therefore, his entire path to advancement was incredibly smooth.

The only problem is: how to advance to the peak of the fourth tier.

Aside from his own gradual accumulation and cultivation, Qiu Tu's strength was only linked to his position.

He is currently the vice speaker of Dongye Prefecture, and his true strength is at the early stage of the fourth rank.

Therefore... in theory, he only needs to be promoted to speaker to raise his strength to the peak of the fourth tier!

And to be promoted to speaker...

Thinking this, Qiu Tu's eyes suddenly became firm.

Because, besides gradually accumulating seniority and merit, the quickest way to become the speaker is to: kill Mu Ye, a peak fifth-tier evil god! Make a tremendous contribution! And get the nomination!

At that moment, just as Qiu Tu was thinking this, Zhao Ji also led him away from the "Eastern City Area" and plunged into the "Area Mist".

In that instant, Qiu Tu felt as if he were enveloped in icy, cool moisture. He opened his eyes, trying to see his surroundings.

But looking around, all that could be seen was a thick white fog, and nothing was clearly visible.

Qiu Tu recalled the knowledge about "regional fog" that La Riluo and Tang Feifei had told him.

The cause of this fog is unknown, as is its duration.

All the catastrophic beings who have entered the "Regional Fog" know that this fog possesses a very strange spatial power.

You're clearly walking forward, but... as you walk, you might find that the area ahead is the "area" you came from.

You clearly wanted to go to the next area, but after crossing the fog, you found yourself in an area tens of thousands of kilometers away.

The space here is completely chaotic; you don't know where it leads, and even if you return the way you came, you'll only find that the way back is not the way you came...

Thinking this, Qiu Tu looked at Zhao Ji beside him and asked, "Your Highness, do you know how to get to the 'Regional Fog'?"

Zhao Ji seemed to be trying to figure out her direction. She gave a curt "hmm" and then dragged Qiu Tu along, leading him through a maze of winding paths.

Seeing this, Qiu Tu asked curiously, "Do you know which area Mu Ye is in?"

Zhao Ji glanced at Qiu Tu expressionlessly and asked in return, "Why do I need to know?"

Qiu Tu was stunned for a moment, then said, "Mu Ye can control 8 areas. And... he can also wander around randomly."

"If we don't know which area He is in, how do we find Him?"

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Zhao Ji said with a cold gaze, "Why don't we just find any area of ​​His territory and forcibly refine it?"

“If He dares not to come out, then refine all eight of His regions. I don’t believe that He would rather fall in cultivation level than come out.”

Qiu Tu:......6.

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Two chapters, 10,000 words each. Requesting monthly votes! There will be a giveaway for monthly votes!

Chapter 470 Qiu Tu's Second Regional Lord (10,000 words, please vote!)

Looking at Zhao Ji, who had no expression but exuded boundless confidence, Qiu Tu's eyes were full of admiration.

Although my sister-in-law is a bit aloof, has a bad temper, and isn't easy to fool, she is undeniably domineering.

Perhaps it truly is the confidence that great power originates from within itself.

After all, in the outer regions, a fifth-tier peak Great Evil God like her has virtually no rivals.

Thinking about this, Qiu Tu was also a little envious: Does the world really have to stop functioning just because there's one more fifth-tier peak like him?

When will I be able to break through to the peak of the fifth rank...?

Thinking this, Qiu Tu continued to follow Zhao Ji through the "regional fog".

It was as if Zeki truly understood the workings of the "Regional Fog," and every step she took seemed meticulously planned.

And strangely enough, as we walked forward step by step, the fog in front of us began to thin out, gradually increasing the visibility from pitch black to increasingly clear visibility.

From only being able to see what's right in front of you, to being able to see one meter, two meters, five meters, or even ten meters...

After walking for an unknown amount of time, as he passed through the last layer of mist, Qiu Tu suddenly found himself in a completely new area.

It was a dark, boundless world of frozen tundra. Ice and snow covered the earth, and without the warmth of the sun, cold was the eternal ruler of this place.

Looking at the brand-new area in front of him, Qiu Tu was stunned for a moment.

He blinked, then looked at Zhao Ji beside him and asked, "Sister, I remember it's daytime in the 'Boundless Sea of ​​Hearts' right now? Why is it dark?"

Zhao Ji keenly noticed Qiu Tu's change in address.

She gave Qiu Tu a cold look, her eyes conveying a warning.

Qiu Tu pretended not to see it and continued to look at Zhao Ji with that innocent gaze.

Seeing that Qiu Tu was acting like a rogue, Zhao Ji was too lazy to correct him.

She only likes to make decisions based on "life and death".

If you can tolerate it, then tolerate it; if you can't tolerate it, then kill him.

Words are too weak to be as effective as fists.

"This is the 'Eternal Night Zone,' one of the major zones controlled by Twilight."

"Under the transformation of twilight, there is no sun, no daytime, only endless darkness."