Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent-Chapter 333: Fear

Under Li Pin's instructions, the Dragonfist Sect had covertly helped the Xiangye Territory a lot. Before the Black Gold City's battle, the Xiangye Territory had swept through its enemies, and the Dragonfist Sect had played a crucial role in that.

Now that the Xiangye Territory was defeated, Dragonfist Sect naturally wasn't naive enough to think it could remain unaffected. Shi Shihu didn't even wait for Li Pin's orders. He swiftly recalled many Dragonfist Sect disciples and stationed them around Hualong Mountain.

At the same time, they kept a close eye on the movements of the Molong Country's army.

The Dragonfist Sect had control over the Hualong Mountain area, creating a trend toward becoming a nation within a nation. Not only did they control the tens of square kilometers of Hualong Mountain, but they also controlled the surrounding areas spanning tens of kilometers. That included four towns primarily inhabited by the families of Dragonfist Sect disciples, over which the Xiangye Territory had no authority to interfere.

Previously, they had to consider the attitude of the Molong Royal Family, but now, with the tension escalating, the Dragonfist Sect just went ahead and sealed off the surrounding areas.

***

As the Dragonfist Sect was implementing a series of measures to face the coming storm, Molong Country's royal family was celebrating their victory over the tens of thousands of troops from the Xiangye Territory.

Other forces that participated in the celebration included those who held grudges against the royal family of Great Moon and the few opportunistic lords and kings. The Crimson Gold Kingdom, which was supported by the Royal Empire, and the Starshower Kingdom, which was supported by Great Shang in secret, were among them as well.

Due to concerns about sparking international criticism, the Top-Tier Astral Cultivators from the Royal Empire and Great Shang did not attend the celebration. Nevertheless, several High-Class Astral Cultivators stayed on-site, conversing casually with these Top-Tier Astral Cultivators.

At this moment, Wu Muxuan, the king of Molong Country, was laughing heartily, calling out to the dozen distinguished guests in the hall, "Let's sing and dance!"

He raised his glass high as he laughed loudly. "The success in crushing the remnants of Great Moon is all thanks to your righteous assistance. I'll raise a toast."

The other Top-Tier Astral Cultivators in the hall showed him respect, drinking freely the rare and luxurious alcohol that ordinary people could never enjoy.

It wasn't just the alcohol, but the food they consumed was also exclusive to their circle, completely on a different level from the food ordinary people have.

"This swift victory over the remnants of Great Moon is thanks to the coordination of Lord Lan Qi and Lord Yun Wu. Though they couldn't attend today, their disciples are here. Let's toast to Lan Ya, Ling Guang, and the others. Let's show our gratitude to Lord Lan Qi and Lord Yun Wu for their humanitarian aid, which spared thirty million citizens of Molong from the ravages of war."

Wu Muxuan again shifted his gaze toward several High-Class Astral Cultivators in the hall.

The High-Class Astral Cultivators graciously responded.

"Your Majesty is too courteous. Under Great Moon's rule, the people here were suffering. Thanks to your efforts and the people's determination, the feudal regime was finally overthrown. We cannot allow them to poison lives again."

"Indeed, under the rule of King Wu Muxuan, Molong Country thrives in peace and happiness. Yet, instead of seeking peace, the remnants of Great Moon have crazily provoked war. This is an inhumane crime that no righteous person can ignore."

Both representatives exchanged polite remarks.

With the support of the kings from both the Crimson Gold and Starshower Kingdoms, the atmosphere in the hall was extremely harmonious.

At this moment, Chief Sen, paying no heed to the fact that Wu Muxuan was hosting distinguished guests, hurried over and whispered something in his ear.

Immediately, Wu Muxuan's expression turned rigid, and a look of utter shock crossed his face.

He wasn't the only one to receive the news. The Crimson Gold King, Starshower King, and the High-Class Astral Cultivators representing Great Shang and the Royal Empire also took out their phones or had someone report the latest news to them directly.

Countless people, including hundreds of disciples from the Dragonfist Sect, had witnessed Li Pin kill Liang Chi.

Following that, Li Pin pursued Yun Wu and Hei Sha, with the battlefield stretching over several kilometers. They even passed through a small town controlled by the Dragonfist Sect at the foot of Hualong Mountain. This matter was impossible to conceal.

Given that everyone paid enough attention to the Dragonfist Sect, there were naturally people keeping a constant watch on its every move. Hence, after the three Top-Tier Astral Cultivators from Great Shang were killed, it didn't take long for the news to spread to several intelligence-focused factions.

"That's impossible! That's definitely impossible!" Ling Guang, Yun Wu's eldest disciple, cried out in shock. "My master is one of the best among Top-Tier Astral Cultivators, and he had the help of Liang Chi and Hei Sha, who were both Top-Tier Astral Cultivators. How could he fall at the hands of the insignificant Dragonfist Sect!?"

One of the High-Class Astral Cultivators quickly looked at Lan Ya, Lan Qi's disciple, and asked, "Didn't they say that a Martial God's Celestial Force Field is useless against the Starlight Bodies of Top-Tier Astral Cultivators? What's going on here!?"

Lan Ya quickly explained, "It indeed can't. My master defeated Wen Xingcheng, that so-called Martial God, without much effort."

The disciple demanded sharply, "Then how do you explain this? Or did you guys deliberately provide us with false information to mislead us!"

His attitude displeased Lan Ya.

The Royal Empire and Great Shang were both part of the Six Extremities. Although Great Shang had developed the Astral Palace system, gaining over a dozen Legendary Mages and becoming much stronger overall, it was still not enough to widen the gap with the Royal Empire.

In this situation, Lan Ya naturally wouldn't indulge him. "What's going on? Your master is just weak! He lacks strength but thinks that he can just barge into the Dragonfist Sect's headquarters to capture someone. Did he think that the Dragonfist Sect, who dared to rebel alongside Great Moon, wouldn't have any tricks up their sleeve?"

"Lan Ya, you—!"

Wu Muxuan stepped forward to mediate. "Gentlemen, now is not the time for arguments. We must quickly find out what happened at the Dragonfist Sect."

He felt slightly panicked at that moment.

Yun Wu, the minister of the Martial God Hall, had personally led two Top-Tier Astral Cultivators to the Dragonfist Sect to capture their sect leader. Yet, they were wiped out instead...?

Those were three Top-Tier Astral Cultivators! Among them, Minister Yun Wu was just as powerful as Wu Muxuan, but now, all three of them were gone—killed at Dragonfist Sect.

What kind of monster was hiding in the Dragonfist Sect?!

Starshower King quickly turned to the panicked Ling Guang and urged, "Minister Yun Wu was not considered weak among Top-Tier Astral Cultivators. And with the assistance of Liang Chi and Hei Sha, unless a Master Astral Cultivator intervened, there's no way they couldn't escape. This matter should be reported as soon as possible."

"Yes, yes, I must report to Hall Master Ying Zhao immediately." Fretting about it, Ling Guang stood up in haste. "Gentlemen, please excuse me."

After saying this, he hurriedly left with the Great Shang group.

"Looks like Wen Xingcheng's master is far stronger than him? Is this strength truly his own, or do they have a way to counter the starlight bodies, forcing mutual destruction?"

As Lan Ya watched Ling Guang and the others leave, his heart was filled with unease, and he couldn't sit still.

Great Shang's Top-Tier Astral Cultivators were dead. This land was no longer safe. He had to leave Great Moon as soon as possible.

With this thought, Lan Ya quickly found an excuse and left with his disciples.

After both Great Shang and the Royal Empire departed, the Crimson Gold King and Starshower King dared not linger either.

The strength of the Dragonfist Sect far exceeded their expectations, and they were even colluding with the remnants of Great Moon. If they retaliated with full force, Molong would definitely not be able to withstand it. Even they could be in danger.

"Three Top-Tier Astral Cultivators are dead. The Martial God Hall won't let this go easily. Let's wait and see what Great Shang does before making a move. If it doesn't work out, we'll have to leave Great Moon for now. We came here for resources and to enjoy life, not to risk our lives."

With these thoughts, the two kings and the other Top-Tier Astral Cultivators quickly departed.

In the blink of an eye, the once-bustling celebration quickly quieted down.

Wu Muxuan's face alternated between pale and flushed as he struggled with his thoughts.

"Damn it! The Dragonfist Sect's master was able to kill Minister Yun Wu, Hei Sha, and Liang Chi, so he can definitely kill me... Fortunately, Great Shang's Martial God Hall lost three strong men, and they definitely won't let this slide..."

Wu Muxuan quickly made a decision; he could no longer stay in the country he ruled over.

A wise man doesn't stand under a crumbling wall. I must leave first.

Wu Muxuan could wait until after Great Shang eliminated the Dragonfist Sect to return to Molong Country.

Thinking of this, Wu Muxuan immediately ordered, "Issue a decree. As the scorching season approaches, I intend to lead my family to a cooler place for the summer. The second prince will act as regent, and all ministers will assist him fully."

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***

Wu Muxuan fled swiftly.

Meanwhile, Lan Ya quickly informed Lan Qi, who was already on his way back home.

Lan Qi watched Lan Ya's video report with a frown.

Originally, he planned to use force to find out the secret of how Wen Xingchen became a Martial God as soon as he returned. However, now that things had taken this turn, Lan Qi decided to take a diplomatic approach. He didn't want to worsen the tensions with the Dragonfist Sect.

He wanted to see if he could convince their sect leader to voluntarily join the Supreme Holy Sanctuary. At worst, he could offer him an empty title as vice hall master.

"Master, what should we do next?" Lan Ya asked nervously.

Lan Qi responded quickly, "Molong Country is no longer safe. With Dragonfist Sect's strength, this rebellion won't end easily. You should retreat to the Crimson Gold Kingdom first and then send people to infiltrate Hualong Mountain to monitor Dragonfist Sect's movements."

Lan Ya was surprised. "We... aren't going to do anything?"

"We must learn to have a sense of priority," Lan Qi said in a deep tone. "The Supreme Holy Sanctuary is a specialized institution for studying the Martial God system. We're not like Heavenly Martial Pavilion, a strategic department rooted in Great Moon."

"But hasn't Heavenly Martial Pavilion already redeployed its people to defend the boundary?"

"Which is why I said that we must learn to assess the priorities in dealing with matters," Lan Qi answered.

He continued, "With the Human Alliance about to undergo restructuring, every nation is looking to use the Special United Squad to exert influence on the global stage. Everyone wants to prove they're worthy of leading humanity to defeat the ferocious beasts and demonic creatures, restoring the greatness of humankind. We're no exception. In comparison to this national destiny, Great Moon's matters can afford to be delayed."

Then he added, "In any case, we already have Wen Xingchen, the Martial God. The rest of it can be Great Shang's headache."

Lan Ya bitterly smiled. "Compared to us, Great Shang is more ambitious. They've invested more manpower and resources into the Special United Squad, but I doubt they can spare much for the situation in Great Moon...."

"Though I hate to admit it, Great Shang's overall strength is still above the Royal Empire's. No matter how short-staffed they are, they can still send one or two Master Astral Cultivators. We can only sit back and watch the show," Lan Qi said, looking completely relaxed.

Hearing this, Lan Ya also relaxed.

It was Great Shang's Top-Tier Astral Cultivators who had died, so why should they be worried? It was Great Shang that should be concerned.

They would follow along, retreat if there was danger, and take advantage of the situation if there was profit to be gained. In other words, they would just act as the situation demanded.