Sudden Change of Situation

As the Meteor Star Ancient Ship approached the shore, the cultivators aboard grew increasingly restless. Before the vessel could dock properly, several figures couldn't resist leaping off, soaring through the air toward the land.

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

More and more figures landed on the coast, their feet finally touching solid ground. The tangible sensation beneath them ignited a surge of exhilaration, and joyous cries erupted across the shoreline.

"We've arrived! We've finally arrived!"

"This is the Land of Fallen Gods!"

"Destiny favors me! To reach the Land of Fallen Gods unscathed—I am destined to ascend the pinnacle of the Great Dao!"

"Hahahaha!"

Men and women alike strode excitedly across the sandy beach, their unrestrained delight spreading like wildfire. The ship, now fully docked, lowered its gangplank.

Some stepped cautiously onto the shore, refraining from flight out of reverence for the unfamiliar land, while others soared past the sands, eager to tread upon firmer ground.

Amid the fervent crowd, Lin Ruowei's eyes shimmered with quiet brilliance.

With her maidservant close behind, she walked steadily across the beach. Though the joy of her dream coming true was evident in her delicate features, she remained composed—neither laughing wildly nor recklessly dashing forward.

Within moments, the entire group from the Meteor Star Ancient Ship had crossed the sands. Their initial euphoria began to settle, replaced by curiosity as they surveyed the new continent.

Standing at the edge of a mangrove forest, many wore puzzled expressions.

Eventually, their gazes turned toward the captain of the enforcement squad.

"Captain,"

"What should we do now? Should we act independently or stick together?"

"This Land of Fallen Gods doesn’t seem all that different..."

"Where should we head first? Are there truly formidable beings here?"

Bombarded with questions, the captain frowned, at a loss. He, too, was setting foot in the Land of Fallen Gods for the first time—how could he know?

Just as the crowd pressed closer—

Suddenly!

The sky rippled with countless spatial distortions!

"Swish! Swish! Swish!"

In the blink of an eye, countless figures materialized overhead, their numbers so vast they blotted out the sky like a dark cloud. The very air seemed to freeze under their oppressive presence.

The crowd fell silent, their faces paling as they looked up in shock.

Even the enforcement captain stiffened, his eyes widening with awe and disbelief.

"This..."

"Their cultivation... how is it so terrifying? I can't even sense a trace of their aura!"

His words sent a ripple of fear through the group.

"Impossible!"

"If even the captain can't perceive their strength... who are these people?!"

"They must be the permanent residents of the Land of Fallen Gods!"

"Tsk..."

The sudden display jolted everyone awake. Tension mounted as the cultivators noticed the cold, almost hostile expressions of the figures above. Instinctively, they huddled together.

After several tense moments, murmurs broke out among them.

"What’s happening?"

"They don’t seem friendly."

"That can’t be. We’re fellow human cultivators who’ve crossed vast seas to get here. Why would they be hostile?"

"I disagree! Something’s definitely wrong!"

Whispers of suspicion spread, thickening the oppressive atmosphere.

The initial elation of arriving in the Land of Fallen Gods had been doused like cold water. Every nerve was on edge, as if a storm were brewing.

Lin Ruowei stood protected at the center, her maidservant trembling beside her.

"Y-young mistress... what’s going on?!"

She didn’t answer, only shook her head slightly. Yet, a shadow of unease flickered in her eyes—an ominous premonition spreading relentlessly through her heart...

---

Cliffbreaker City.

Inside an opulent hall, Yao Qianji sat upon a dragon-carved throne, idly flicking his fingers. Jade slips hovered before him, flashing with streams of information.

A black-armored guard strode in, clasping his fists in salute.

"Reporting, my lord!"

"The outsiders have arrived by ship and are now surrounded on the coast. How should we deal with them? Awaiting your orders!"

Yao Qianji lifted his cold gaze.

"Deal with them?"

"Vermin like them have only one fate."

"If I recall correctly, the Northern Barren Wastes recently uncovered a Meteor Star Heaven Mine—an ancient deposit with extreme extraction difficulty. They’re short on labor. Send these wretches there."

The guard hesitated before speaking again.

"My lord, this..."

"Wouldn’t this be... inappropriate?"

"Though those outsiders are insignificant, the Ten Thousand Domains Alliance is largely composed of their kind. After tens of thousands of years of growth, their influence has expanded greatly. They’re fiercely united—if they hear of this, they may not stand idly by."

Yao Qianji’s expression darkened, his lips curling into a disdainful sneer.

"Hmph."

"What of the Ten Thousand Domains Alliance?"

"Even if they learn of this, would they dare sever ties with our Black Dragon Divine Guards over a few lowly newcomers? The Alliance may be powerful, but they’re nothing more than outsiders clinging together for warmth. Their foundations are shallow—they’d never risk major losses for such trivial matters."

His contempt deepened, as though all outsiders were mere ants unworthy of his attention.