Chapter 367

Chapter 367: The Great Gathering of Heroes in the Southern Region’s Western Desert

Yaoruoxian’s transformation, her journey into becoming ordinary had inspired even Zhang Yang; he found himself staring in silence, as though suddenly enlightened.

This was, in fact, the first time that Yaoruoxian had provided Zhang Yang with insight in return, an unmistakable sign of how extraordinary her transformation truly was.

This event also caught the attention of Lie Qingshan.

Lie Qingshan rushed over to witness the scene and was visibly impressed by Yaoruoxian’s seemingly profound realization. After hearing Zhang Yang’s comments regarding Demon Sword Yi, he appeared dazed and quickly returned to seclusion.

Soon after, Bing Yuyan learned of the event. After some reflection, she also chose to enter seclusion.

Next came Tiger Howl Wind, a genius who was no weaker than Demon Sword Yi. Having advanced entirely on his own, he might have even been slightly stronger. After remaining stunned for half a day, he too decided to enter seclusion.

Observing this chain of events, Demon Sword Yi felt that if he didn’t enter seclusion as well, it would make him appear inferior. So, he loudly declared that he was entering seclusion too.

The busy continued their tasks, and the enlightened went into retreat.

Zhang Yang, rarely enjoying such a moment of calm, immediately considered entering closed-door training. The Opening the Sky realm had long beckoned him. He only needed a brief period of seclusion, as the Spirit Saint Stones he possessed would greatly accelerate his progress.

However, someone came to visit.

The visitor was Tong Lieyang, the son of the Divine Tiger King of the Crimson Flame Dynasty, the very one whom Demon Sword Yi had slapped twice.

He had come to pay his respects and made it clear that he wished to meet Zhang Yang.

Zhang Yang agreed.

This time, Tong Lieyang adopted a far more humble demeanor, displaying none of his previous arrogance.

In fact, as soon as they met, he began by sincerely apologizing for his past behavior.

Then, he presented an invitation.

Zhang Yang took a glance, it was personally written by the Emperor of the Crimson Flame Dynasty, inviting him to attend the Summit Conference.

Someone, however, was not pleased.

It was Yuluan.

This woman, now in charge of the Falling Star Holy Place just like Xue Feishuang before her, had been overwhelmed with responsibilities. Finally finding a brief moment of rest, she exploded upon seeing the invitation.

“What does the Crimson Flame Dynasty mean by this? Our dignified Lord of the Sacred Forest is reduced to receiving an invitation from a mere young duke’s son? This is blatant disrespect toward our sacred place!”

Zhang Yang didn’t initially take offense, but after hearing Yuluan’s words, he found her point convincing.

Tong Lieyang quickly explained, “No, no! There’s been a misunderstanding. Our Emperor originally intended to send a royal uncle. But later, everyone agreed the Summit Conference was meant for the younger generation. Since the Lord of the Sacred Forest is also young, it seemed more appropriate for a young envoy to extend the invitation.”

Yuluan let out a cold laugh. “Ridiculous. If that was the case, why didn’t you notify us in advance? Proper communication would have avoided this. This clearly shows contempt.”

Tong Lieyang broke into a cold sweat. “I assure you, I didn’t mean any disrespect!”

“Then explain clearly why this happened. Otherwise, hm!” Yuluan’s tone turned icy. “For the dignity of the sacred place, I might just offer your head to your Emperor and see how he explains that.”

Tong Lieyang nearly collapsed in fear.

Zhang Yang watched the scene unfold with amusement.

At first, he had thought Tong Lieyang was somewhat like Liu Feijue of the Liu family, a bit of a fool.

But later, at Star Tiger Mountain in the Tiger King Palace, he realized that Tong Lieyang, though appearing foolish, actually possessed a sharp mind.

Now, it seemed Tong Lieyang had not only courage but was genuinely trying to grow.

“Alright, I’ll explain,” Tong Lieyang said, wiping his sweat. “Before I left, our Emperor told me he intended to invite the Lord of the Sacred Forest to the grand event. This decision was made when the Crimson Flame Dynasty’s Star Flame Saint spoke with your esteemed Chi Zhenyi in the Vast Forest, they are old friends.”

Hmm?

Zhang Yang and Yuluan exchanged glances, surprised by the news.

It seemed Chi Zhenyi hadn’t mentioned anything about it.

However, Zhang Yang knew such matters couldn’t be fabricated, they were far too easy to verify.

This realization caused Yuluan to lose interest in making things difficult for Tong Lieyang, and she promptly sent him away.

Before leaving, Tong Lieyang added, “There’s one more message that our Crown Prince asked me to convey to the Lord of the Sacred Forest.”

“What is it?” Zhang Yang asked.

Tong Lieyang replied, “The Crown Prince sent me primarily to deliver the invitation to the Lord of the Sacred Forest. Additionally, he wishes to invite Mu Shaoyang, the Seventh Prince of the Great Xia Empire, and Ghost King Yu Lie, the top expert below the Immeasurable Stage at the Ghostly Divine Platform.”

Zhang Yang and Yuluan exchanged another glance, realizing the Summit Conference was far more significant than they had initially thought.

A great number of elites from the Western Desert would be attending, and now, even elites from the Southern Region were being invited.

What was going on?

More importantly, Zhang Yang didn’t believe that only the Seventh Prince and the Ghost King would be invited. If they were attending, there would surely be others.

Was this to be a grand gathering of heroes from the Southern Region and the Western Desert?

He was actually looking forward to it, he missed the Seventh Prince quite a bit.

Zhang Yang asked whether any participants from the Northern Plains, Central Region, or Eastern Domain had been invited, but Tong Lieyang responded that no invitations had been sent to those regions. It was uncertain whether anyone from those places would show up on their own.

Only then did Zhang Yang dismiss Tong Lieyang.

“What is Chi Sheng up to?” Yuluan asked, puzzled.

Zhang Yang chuckled. “Let’s just ask.”

They used the Spirit Communication Stone to inquire, only to be informed that Chi Zhenyi was currently in seclusion.

Zhang Yang suddenly remembered that he had given Chi Zhenyi the Great Perfection Slaughter Sacred Thunder. It was likely that Chi Zhenyi had set aside all other matters to begin secluded cultivation.

Zhang Yang then sought out Xue Feishuang.

At present, all matters regarding the Vast Forest were being overseen by her.

Her response was straightforward.

“It’s an agreement between Chi Sheng and the Star Flame Saint. You’ll learn the details when you get there.”

Once that was confirmed, Xue Feishuang issued Zhang Yang a firm ultimatum.

“After the Summit Conference, you must return.”

“Now that the sacred place has been established, it’s unseemly for the Lord of the Sacred Forest to continue wandering outside.”

“The official announcement of your title, as well as the handling of matters regarding the new sacred place, are still pending. Meanwhile, you’ve been out here enjoying yourself.”

Zhang Yang could only smile awkwardly and agree.

Though he had been tacitly acknowledged as the Lord of the Sacred Forest by the people of the Vast Forest, he had not officially ascended to the position. He had not made any public proclamations, let alone issued formal decrees in his role.

He knew he should return soon.

This meant the Summit Conference would likely be his final chance to enjoy a bit of freedom. After this, would he be followed by a crowd wherever he went?

He resolved to make the most of the Summit Conference while he still could.

Originally, Zhang Yang had planned to spend a few days training while everyone else remained in seclusion. However, Yuluan insisted he help with various tasks, since she couldn’t manage everything on her own.

As a result, Zhang Yang stayed busy and couldn’t enter seclusion. The feeling was quite frustrating, it reminded him of his earlier days defying the heavens, only to be continually met with setbacks that balanced out his fortune.

Three days later, everyone gradually emerged from seclusion.

Zhang Yang finally shook off the entanglements of fate and prepared to set off.

Accompanying him was Cold Thief Tian, a man who had been involved in various matters across the Western Desert. He acted as their guide.

He had a hidden stronghold in Liu Town, located just outside the capital of the Crimson Flame Dynasty.

Using an ancient teleportation array in that stronghold, Cold Thief Tian activated the formation and transported Zhang Yang, Bing Yuyan, Demon Sword Yi, Tiger Howl Wind, Ironback Blue Bull, and others to the location.