Chapter 277

Chapter 277: Trembling with Fear

He had proclaimed himself the strongest of the new generation in the Southern Region. He had declared himself the Battle God of the Southern Region. These two titles were highly provocative, either people would mock him for being too weak, turning him into a joke, or they would rise up against him. However, when Zhang Yang made this declaration, no one opposed him.

After a brief silence, someone even spoke up.

“To push through an entire generation in the Southern Region—he is naturally the strongest and deserves the title of Battle God!”

The crowd erupted into a commotion. Some sneered in disdain.

“Proclaiming oneself is laughable. Are you so desperate to become the strongest of the new generation? So eager to claim the title of Battle God? Are you afraid someone will challenge and defeat you?”

Others scoffed.

“With millions too terrified to challenge him, he truly deserves it!”

Some, however, laughed coldly.

“This title is amusing. Self-proclaimed—it’s bound to backfire. Do you really think the Top Ten Saint-level Forces of the Southern Region will allow him to oppress them like this?”

Opinions were divided, yet despite the strong words, no one stepped forward to take action against him.

Not because they didn’t want to, but because they didn’t dare.

Zhang Yang had fought his way to this point. Who would risk standing against him now?

Though many grumbled, deep down, they warned themselves not to let their emotions cloud their judgment. Acting recklessly would only lead to their demise.

The atmosphere remained chaotic until a figure appeared above the Green Sparrow Palace.

“Everyone!”

A clear and melodious voice echoed across the sky. Under the surge of power, it resonated throughout the battlefield, instantly silencing the restless crowd.

Xue Feishuang gazed around and spoke with authority.

“The Vast Forest has already risen as the eleventh Sacred Land of the Southern Region. However, unlike the other Sacred Lands, we will not cruelly exploit, plunder, or suppress the future of the younger generation. Instead, we will offer our full support.”

Her words sent ripples through the crowd.

“From this day forward, I declare that any sect or family oppressed or bullied by the Saint-level forces may join the Vast Forest and receive our protection.”

“Anyone persecuted by the Demon Slayer Team may also seek refuge in the Vast Forest.”

“And those who are willing to stand with us, to become part of the Vast Forest Sacred Land, will have the opportunity to be nurtured and trained. As long as you possess talent and loyalty, even if your goal is revenge—so long as it is justified, the Vast Forest will be your strongest backing.”

“The Vast Forest welcomes all!”

In an instant, the crowd erupted in excitement.

Yun Tiange’s expression darkened. He understood the significance of this moment.

Through this holy war, through Bing Yuyan’s ascension as the number one in the Great Boundless of the Southern Region, and through Zhang Yang’s overwhelming domination, proclaiming himself the Battle God. The Vast Forest was rising with unstoppable momentum, shattering the long-standing structure of the Southern Region.

This decision would undoubtedly provoke the Top Ten Saint-level Forces into action, but at the same time, it would strengthen the Vast Forest tremendously.

Their greatest weakness had always been their limited numbers. But once they gained enough members, especially with the power of the Great Path Sacred Fruit, the changes they could bring were unimaginable.

Yun Tiange’s heart grew heavy. Under this overwhelming pressure, even if he wanted to incite chaos among the crowd, it was now impossible.

As he retreated, he overheard many people expressing their eagerness to join. The excitement in their voices was undeniable, with some even shouting that their families had already made the decision.

In the end, Xue Feishuang made the final announcement.

“Those who wish to join may proceed immediately to the Vast Forest.”

And just like that, people began to move.

The once densely packed crowd around the Green Sparrow Palace started to disperse.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yang and Xue Feishuang quietly returned to the palace.

Inside, many were already waiting for Zhang Yang’s return, and as soon as he entered, they gathered around him, speaking all at once.

In the end, it was Xue Feishuang who intervened.

“This isn’t over yet.”

Some looked at her in confusion.

Xue Feishuang’s voice remained calm but carried a hint of coldness.

“In every generation, there are those who claim to be the strongest in the Southern Region. Do you think the ten powerful Saint-level forces will just stand by and allow this? If they cannot defeat us directly, they might resort to sending a Saint next.”

Yuluan’s eyes widened in shock.

“Aren’t they afraid of retaliation? Our Sacred Land is about to have five Saints, and there will be more to come. No one would act recklessly.”

Others echoed her disbelief.

A Saint targeting them?

That would be an outright attempt to kill Zhang Yang, essentially declaring war. No Sacred Land would want to be singled out in such a way that it could lead to their downfall.

Xue Feishuang remained unfazed.

“You’re too naïve.” Her tone was indifferent. “Many wars have been lost due to unconventional strategies. Who says it has to be a Saint from the Southern Region?”

She looked around at everyone and asked,

“What if it’s a Saint from outside the Southern Region? If they kill and leave no trace, tracking them down would be nearly impossible. Even Chi Sheng wouldn’t be able to find the killer if he sought revenge.”

Everyone suddenly understood.

Zhang Yang was shocked as well. This was entirely possible. Previously, he hadn’t considered this scenario. After Xue Feishuang’s reminder and some careful thought, the likelihood seemed significant. If someone wanted to kill them without leaving a trace, the best choice would be a Saint.

Even the Great Boundless wasn’t safe, not when they had Bing Yuyan, the strongest in the Southern Region.

“We should leave immediately,” Yuluan suggested.

Xue Feishuang shook her head. “If they’re truly resorting to this, it’s already too late to run. Even if we try, we may not make it in time.”

“Haha, the young lady is quite clever.”

A slightly aged voice unexpectedly echoed within the Green Sparrow Palace.

An old man, frail and seemingly at death’s door, slowly stepped out from the depths.

His hair was nearly gone, deep wrinkles criss crossed his face like a weathered map, and his thin frame looked as though a gust of wind could topple him.

His sudden appearance made everyone’s hearts tighten.

The old man smiled. “I am Lie Qianlong from the Taixu Sacred Gate of the Northern Plains. I should be waiting for death, but an old friend from the Southern Region sent me a life-extending potion—on the condition that I kill you.”

Even the most elite young experts from the Vast Forest were deeply shaken by his words.

Only Xue Feishuang remained composed.

She spoke firmly, “You all see this, right? This is what a Saint is. You instinctively fear them, but look at him. Saints are just people—people who tremble before death, people willing to commit any atrocity just to survive. So tell me, are Saints truly terrifying? No! Saints are not to be feared!”

Her words had an impact, though unease still lingered among them.

Lie Qianlong chuckled softly. “How interesting. Little girl, you’re trying to shatter their fear of Saints, to instill bravery in them, to make them fearless so they can advance further in martial arts. Tsk, tsk. Impressive. Truly impressive, unfortunately.”

Before he could finish, Xue Feishuang cut him off. “Enough with the chatter. You’re just a Saint. Did you really think we wouldn’t be prepared? Yuluan, go. Kill him.”