Chapter 270

Chapter 270: The Challenge from the New Generation of the Southern Region

Six months ago, in Mo City, Zhang Yang had single-handedly challenged the Golden Cauldron Sacred Land’s entire generation. No one had believed in him, yet he had effortlessly overwhelmed his opponents and killed Jiang Chao, the Son of the Golden Cauldron Sacred Land. His victory had shaken the Southern Region, instantly distinguishing him as an extraordinary force among the new generation.

Now, six months later, at Green Sparrow Palace, Zhang Yang had issued another challenge.

But this time, he challenged the entire new generation of the Southern Region.

Such boldness!

The timing of this challenge was significant. It came after successfully defending the Vast Forest against the Second Holy War, counterattacking the Saints, and staining the sky with Saints’ blood. It also followed Bing Yuyan’s astonishing feat, single-handedly crushing five hundred Great Boundless cultivators and stepping over their corpses to claim the title of the number one Great Boundless figure in the Southern Region.

If Zhang Yang could now step over all his peers and emerge as the undisputed number one among the new generation, the impact would be immeasurable.

The Southern Region had long been under the oppressive control of the Top Ten Saint-level Forces, whose ruthless methods had effectively stifled any paths to becoming a Saint. Those who reached such heights but refused to join them faced only one fate—death.

But now, an eleventh Sacred Ground had emerged, breaking through the suffocating gloom that had plagued the region.

It was a beacon of hope, a glimmer of light.

The prospect of a new path, one outside the control of the Top Ten Saint-level Forces, sent countless people into a frenzy.

Especially in the Vast Forest, where even Saints were suppressed to the Returning to Origin Realm, safety was guaranteed.

Everyone understood that if Zhang Yang successfully defeated his peers, the Southern Region would transform.

No longer stagnant waters, but a surging tide of talent.

Countless prodigies would flock to the Vast Forest.

And at that moment, voices began to rise.

The first to respond was Yun Tiange, the Son of Ziyang Sacred Land.

He had faced Zhang Yang multiple times, though they had never fought directly. Their paths had crossed during the final contest over the Great Path Sacred Fruit at the Daybreak Phoenix Ruins, but his battle had been interrupted by Ye Kuanglan.

Though he had gained nothing from that encounter, it had driven him to train in one of Ziyang Sacred Land’s most perilous secret realms—a place reserved exclusively for its Son.

Having recently emerged, he had undergone a tremendous transformation. His strength had surged, and most importantly—

He had officially stepped into the Opening the Sky Realm.

His voice rang out powerfully:

"I, the Son, accept the challenge!"

"Zhang Yang, I have long wanted to experience your so-called Holy Power martial arts techniques."

Next came the Third Princess of the Great Xia Empire, Mu Xiaor.

For over a thousand years, the Great Xia Empire had never had a female emperor.

Nor had the Mu Family, its ruling clan, ever produced a female clan leader.

But Mu Xiaor was different.

She was the strongest contender to become the first female emperor in history. Her talent, beauty, and martial prowess had long stunned the Southern Region.

She was ambitious.

She wanted to become the first female emperor of the Great Xia Empire.

Her voice was calm yet commanding:

"While the Seventh Prince remains in seclusion, I will accept your challenge."

"You have walked a glorious path alongside the Seventh Prince—do not disappoint me."

She, too, accepted the challenge.

Then, from Golden Cauldron Sacred Land, came a voice none had ever heard before.

The Son, Jiang Chao, had already been slain in Mo City.

The new Saintess, Qiu Lingshui, was currently leading the Demon Slayer Team in a battle against the Vast Forest, rendering her unable to respond.

Instead, a completely unknown figure stepped forward.

A man named Yue Longxiang.

And he claimed to be a naturally born Son.

His identity caused an immediate stir.

A naturally born Son, meaning that either his father or mother was a Saint.

Such individuals were born close to the Great Path, possessing extraordinary comprehension, unparalleled Roots, and peerless talent. If their Saintly blood was fully activated, they could even manifest innate characteristics, such as the Holy Body.

Thus, for a naturally born Son, reaching the Holy Body stage was never a question, it was inevitable.

His voice was calm yet brimming with arrogance:

"The Ten Thousand Years Sacred Land is not something a mere upstart can compare to."

"I will personally take your life, you should consider it an honor."

His pride was absolute.

But he had the qualifications to be arrogant.

And as these three spoke, countless others followed suit.

The Divine King Zhen Tian of the Ghostly Divine Platform and Demon Sword Yi of the Demon Sword Forbidden Area were among the strongest of the new generation.

Particularly noteworthy was Demon Sword Yi, who claimed the title of the foremost figure in the Demon Sword Forbidden Area, naturally surpassing Yaoruoxian. Regardless of his age or cultivation realm, his position alone signified his extraordinary nature.

At present, Demon Sword Yi had already stepped into the first level of the Opening the Sky Realm.

At that moment, the Southern Region stirred with excitement.

The young dragons of the new generation roared, eager to slay Zhang Yang and establish their dominance.

The entire Southern Region erupted once more.

Many believed Zhang Yang was merely seeking attention and courting disaster.

Others thought his confidence hinted at a real chance of victory.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing was certain—Zhang Yang was continuing to elevate the prominence of the Vast Forest, subtly shifting the already unstable dynamics of the Southern Region.

Although Zhang Yang had taken a seemingly straightforward path, he had gathered a notable number of supporters. He was no longer entirely dismissed.

However, challenging the entire new generation of the Southern Region, rather than just the talents of the Vast Forest, introduced significant uncertainty.

Some keen observers remarked:

"Perhaps Zhang Yang is truly confident. The so-called month of preparation serves not only to strengthen himself but also to push his opponents to grow stronger. It allows those currently in seclusion enough time to emerge and catch up. In other words, he genuinely aims to challenge all of the new generation in the Southern Region, this is no bluff."

This perspective gained traction.

Soon, Zhang Yang’s name was discussed daily across the Southern Region, and countless speculations surrounded the impending battle.

Among the Top Nine Saint-level Forces, their strongest representatives had already stepped forward to issue challenges.

Yet, one faction remained peculiarly silent, that was the Moonview Tower.

The reason being their recognized strongest figure among the new generation was Yi Ren Zui.

Initially, four or five so-called elite figures from the Moonview Tower had stepped up, claiming to be the strongest and vying to represent the faction. Their actions seemed opportunistic, yet each was ruthlessly defeated by the first killer and Zhuo Yutang.

Just as people assumed these two were Moonview Tower’s true elites, the two victors shook their heads and declared:

"Even together, we cannot withstand ten moves from the young lady."

At that moment, it became clear to all—the true strongest among Moonview Tower’s new generation was Yi Ren Zui.

However, Yi Ren Zui refused to fight.

Her stance was unambiguous.

"I am friends with Zhang Yang."

Her words sent shockwaves through the Southern Region.

Yaoruoxian was infuriated upon hearing this.

Driven by anger, she declared she would seek accountability.

Yet, before tensions could escalate, Ye Xiao, the newly appointed successor poised to challenge for the Saint Realm, intervened.

Ye Xiao publicly voiced his support for Yi Ren Zui, stating:

"The Moonview Tower is an information hub, not an ideological battlefield. We cooperate with various factions, having both allies and adversaries is in our best interest."

His words quelled the internal uproar.

The conflict within the Moonview Tower gradually subsided.

Then, a goddess spoke.

Her Holy Voice resounded like a divine decree:

"Is my disciple someone you all dare to challenge?"

With that single statement, all opposition fell silent.

Yi Ren Zui now carried the unquestionable status of a disciple under a Saint.

Even Yaoruoxian had no choice but to retreat.

Moreover, this turn of events indirectly cemented Yi Ren Zui as the strongest contender for the next leader of Moonview Tower.

Later, Yi Ren Zui approached her father, Yilie.

She spoke in her usual straightforward manner.

"Father, there is no need to thank me. It was not my intention."

Her bluntness made Yilie chuckle, though her words caused his expression to shift slightly.

He had always prioritized interests above all else.

And now?

His daughter had become the disciple of a Saint, one of the key pillars of Moonview Tower.

This was an unparalleled opportunity.

With a grin, Yilie laughed softly.

"Hehe, Zui’er, you misunderstand me. Everything I have done along the way was for you."

Yi Ren Zui did not respond to his empty sentiment.

Instead, she asked plainly, "What do you think will happen as a result of Zhang Yang’s actions?"

Yilie smirked playfully.

"I’m not concerned."

His nonchalance caught Yi Ren Zui off guard.

"Whether he lives or dies, this battle means little to me." Yilie continued. "In fact, I would prefer to see him perish. He has driven a wedge between my daughter and me. However, at the same time, his troubles have indirectly solidified your position as a disciple of a Saint—something that makes me quite happy."

Yi Ren Zui sighed.

Her father was always self-serving.

But he wasn’t finished.

"Furthermore, I must admit I am grateful."

A gleam flashed in his eyes.

"Because of him, the Top Ten Saint-level Forces mobilized fifty Great Boundless experts each. Our Moonview Tower’s forces were led by the Grand Elder himself… yet all of them were slaughtered by Bing Yuyan!"

A laugh escaped his lips.

"Haha! Now, my only true rival for the next leadership position is the Second Elder. With the Grand Elder out of the picture, my odds of ascending have doubled!"

He leaned forward slightly, his tone brimming with amusement.

"In truth, I have reaped great benefits from this battle. It has made me reconsider… perhaps utilizing Zhang Yang would be more advantageous than eliminating him."

His gaze sharpened.

"And if Zui’er is willing to assist me, we can leverage his influence to achieve greatness."

A brief pause.

Then, with a knowing smile, he asked:

"Zui’er, what do you think?"