Chapter 266

Chapter 266: The Whirlwind Beneath the Undercurrents

Zhang Yang had a clear understanding of the talent and potential within the Vast Forest, especially after the addition of Green Sparrow Palace.

Aside from the four key figures, there were still many extraordinary individuals who had the potential to shock the Southern Region in the future.

Among them, the most notable were the Ironback Blue Bull and the golden ape.

Both had undergone astonishing transformations thanks to the Small Tree King. They had received many hidden rewards within the Vast Forest, some even unknown to Zhang Yang himself.

This was evident when the Ironback Blue Bull surpassed Mo Ding Tian, Yi Piaopiao, and Yu Yihang during the final competition for the Great Path Sacred Fruit Tree at the Daybreak Phoenix Ruins.

Zhang Yang’s beast companion, the Ironback Blue Bull, had started from humble beginnings, much like himself.

Its growth had begun with just a drop of Zhang Yang’s blood, forming a Blood Contract that bound them together.

This was what Zhang Yang valued most.

He sought to overturn the old order of the Southern Region—to redefine the rules so that even those without talent, bloodlines, or strong foundations could still rise against the odds.

Even if that chance was one in a million, at the very least, he would ensure that the path remained open.

Unlike the current Saint-level forces, which sought to completely sever the chances of growth for the less privileged, he wanted to create a system that allowed opportunities for all.

Zhang Yang had many thoughts on this.

After the Vast Forest had survived two Holy Wars and solidified its status as a sacred ground, the Top Ten Saint-level Forces had been forced to acknowledge its existence.

A new identity had emerged for Zhang Yang.

The moment he had stepped out of the Daybreak Phoenix Ruins, Bing Yuyan had proclaimed him the Master of the Vast Forest for the first time.

Whether he accepted it or not, whether he liked it or not, this title belonged to him.

Because, upon closer reflection, it was clear that everyone in the Vast Forest existed because of him.

They came together because of him.

They thrived because of him.

They grew stronger because of him.

For that reason, he had to consider many things.

Thus, as the Top Ten Saint-level Forces realized they could not crush the Vast Forest through Holy War, the next phase of the battle would shift to competition among the middle generation and then the new generation.

In these two contests, he had to seize control.

He wanted to announce to the world, and to the Southern Region that the new era led by the Vast Forest had arrived!

As the sun set, Zhang Yang finally calmed his mind.

He entered a semi-closed state, continuing to refine his Consummate Slaughter Thunder Saint Power.

The perfection of the Slaughter Thunder Saint Power was truly peculiar. Even though Zhang Yang felt it was complete, he still thought he needed to review it further and solidify his foundations. Otherwise, there remained a persistent sense of insecurity and instability in his heart.

Thus, an enchanting scene unfolded.

As the red sun sank toward the horizon,

The evening glow painted the sky.

Twilight spread from the east.

The vast mountains and rivers shimmered with a faint golden hue.

At the foot of the mountains stood a stunning beauty, bathing in the legacy of the thunder path. Her raven-black hair, like a cascading waterfall, billowed in the wind. Her flowing dress gave the impression that she could ascend into the realm of immortals at any moment.

Beside her stood a suave man, hands clasped behind his back, gazing at the sky with half-closed eyes, feeling the warmth of the world around him.

In their tranquil silence, it was as if they had entered a mysterious state of enlightenment.

Heaven, the setting sun, twilight, mountains, rivers, the beauty, the man, and the thunder path, all seemed to harmonize in that moment, merging quietly together, as if they had become one with the heavens.

At that moment, as Zhang Yang sensed through his meticulously refined Consummate Slaughter Thunder Saint Power, he noticed that Bing Yuyan was undergoing a transformation reshaping herself.

Beneath her calm exterior, waves of change raged within.

And where those waves passed, a faint glow seemed to emerge.

Was it Immortal Light? Holy Light? Or Divine Light?

He could not determine.

He could only confirm one thing, Bing Yuyan was on the verge of an unprecedented metamorphosis.

The atmosphere suggested that she was steadily solidifying her foundation, heightening her talent, enhancing her roots, and refining her bloodline.

She was becoming even more unique and peerless.

Zhang Yang continued to sense and comprehend his Slaughter Thunder Saint Power. He activated it, attempting to refine himself with killing thunder, but after a moment, he could only laugh.

It was of no use.

Having survived the Ascending to Heaven Calamity, his restructured physical body was already too formidable.

His pure physical strength alone was invincible.

As the crescent moon rose and twilight completely covered the land and mountains, the place fell into silence.

However, beyond this serenity, the Southern Region was in an abnormal state of unrest.

Following another victory in the Holy War of the Vast Forest, the Top Ten Saint-level Forces stirred up public opinion.

They made sarcastic remarks, claiming the Vast Forest was weak and undeserving of its sacred status, saying it had only relied on Chi Zhenyi for its victories.

Some even boasted,

"If they truly step out of the Vast Forest, we will obliterate them!"

Yet, despite these words, the Southern Region was no longer stagnant.

Ambitious individuals felt an awakening surge within them and turned their gazes toward the Vast Forest.

Many small sects even disbanded voluntarily, seeking refuge there.

This alarmed the Top Ten Saint-level Forces.

They realized an undercurrent was surging toward them, one that needed to be suppressed.

Thus, they shifted their target to the Vast Forest.

The plans for conflict below the Saint level were immediately modified.

That very night, the major Saint-level forces dispatched fifty Great Boundless experts, led by a Great Boundless Perfect Stage entity.

From ten directions across the Southern Region, they set out toward a single destination, the Green Sparrow Palace!

"Zhang Yang remains in Green Sparrow Palace. He is the core of the Vast Forest.

As long as he does not leave, he will force the Great Boundless experts of the Vast Forest to emerge.

This makes Green Sparrow Palace the perfect battlefield, to annihilate the powers beneath the masters of the Vast Forest in a single blow."

This statement determined the location of battle.

The speaker was Yilie, the Third Elder of Moonview Tower.

And he made this declaration in front of Yi Ren Zui, his own daughter.

His words were accepted by the Top Ten Saint-level Forces.

Thus, that night, five hundred Great Boundless experts converged toward Green Sparrow Palace, like rivers rushing toward the sea.

As the news spread, the Southern Region erupted once more.

That night was destined to be unrestful.

Yilie sat alone with Yi Ren Zui.

"Have you noticed?" Yilie said, his voice filled with pride.

"My words are being taken more seriously than ever.

It was my suggestion that prompted the Top Ten Saint-level Forces to act."

Yi Ren Zui had a grace like an orchid hidden in a quiet valley, with a temperament that was both refined and elegant.

Otherwise, she would not have relinquished her claim to the Great Path Sacred Fruit.

She looked at Yilie, and without knowing when, she had begun to feel a deep desire to change him.

And that urge was growing stronger.

Yilie sneered.

"Why are you silent? Do you think Zhang Yang is doomed this time? That the Great Wind I stirred up will tear him apart?"

Yi Ren Zui, calm as ever, replied,

"Father, have you considered this—"

"Everyone in the Southern Region knows you intend to make Green Sparrow Palace the battlefield.

Do you think Zhang Yang is unaware?

Do you think the Vast Forest is oblivious?"

Yilie paused.

Yi Ren Zui continued, "Since he knows and yet remains there, do you think he wouldn’t be prepared?

Just like before, when you confidently led an attack, even setting secret traps, yet in the end, you still had to rely on Moonview Tower, the Great Xia Empire, and the Golden Cauldron Sacred Land for help.

And what happened?

You retreated in disgrace, losing Mu Yujing and Ying Wuji in the process."

She sighed.

"Father, you are blinded by hatred and greed.

Wake up. Stop opposing him."

Yilie’s face contorted in rage, like a cat with its tail stepped on.

"You wretched child!" he exploded,

"Who are you calling blind? Do you even see me as your father? Listen well, with me, there is no Zhang Yang! With Zhang Yang, there is no me! Only one of us will survive in this world! You can handle it however you want!"

With that, he stormed away.

Yi Ren Zui rubbed her forehead, distressed.

What should she do?

After a moment, she took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart.

Then, she took out her communication stone—

And contacted Zhang Yang.

From the other end, Zhang Yang’s calm voice echoed through the stone.

"Are they coming?"

"The era belonging to the Vast Forest begins tonight!"