The Day of Domination, the Time to Leave

With a single word from Chen Chang'an, from that day onward, the Blood Demon Sect and the Phantom Shadow Sect ceased to exist in the Chaotic Region.

Yet, faced with Chen Chang'an, none dared to resist—after all, their lives now rested entirely in his hands. A single command from him, and they would lose everything, just as the Blood Demon Sect and Phantom Shadow Sect had become mere footnotes in history.

"Senior, the Bloodthirsty Alliance will disband starting today."

"Might Senior be willing to take us in?" Hong Yuan asked, barely containing his excitement.

With Chen Chang'an's presence, Hong Yuan believed the Chaotic Region was bound to undergo earth-shaking changes. His efforts to build the Bloodthirsty Alliance had only been for survival—but aligning with Chen Chang'an was the far wiser choice.

"Senior, please accept us as well! We wish to join the Unreturned City."

"Yes, yes! And us—the Phantom Shadow Sect also pledges allegiance to the Unreturned City. We beg for your acceptance, Senior!"

Take them in?

Though Unreturned City hadn't yet reached full capacity, absorbing all three major factions at once seemed unwise. Moreover, integrating them smoothly would pose a significant challenge.

After some deliberation, Chen Chang'an made his decision.

"I will allow you to join the ranks of Unreturned City."

"From this day forth, the Chaotic Region shall recognize only one power—Unreturned City."

"However, you will remain in your original territories, maintaining order in the Chaotic Region on my behalf."

"Effective immediately, the Bloodthirsty Alliance shall be renamed the Bloodthirsty Hall, the Blood Demon Sect as the Blood Demon Hall, and the Phantom Shadow Sect likewise."

"The three of you will serve as Hall Masters."

"These two are the Deputy City Lords of Unreturned City. To see them is to see me."

"Your task now is to stabilize the Chaotic Region."

Hearing Chen Chang'an's words, Hong Yuan and the other two nodded in agreement. As long as they could join his faction, they would abide by his arrangements without question.

"As for other matters and future developments, you will be informed in due time."

"Yes, City Lord!"

"Good. Then let this King-Sealing Conference come to an end."

Murong Qingrou and her sister had known Chen Chang'an's intervention would make the conference effortless—but they never imagined it would be this effortless.

He had arrived, done nothing overtly, and yet subdued the three major factions of the Chaotic Region in one stroke?

Even as they left the Nether Valley, the sisters struggled to process it—was it truly over just like that?

Meanwhile, back in Unreturned City, unease had settled over everyone.

"What do you think the City Lord was thinking? Just three people and a dog, marching straight into the Nether Valley?"

"Ah, I can't fathom his reasoning either. It was far too reckless. Honestly, Unreturned City didn’t even need to participate. Why not conserve our strength and let them tear each other apart?"

"Do you think… the City Lord and the others will return alive?"

Though Murong Qingrou had assured them that Chen Chang'an was stronger than both sisters combined, the three factions were not lacking in formidable experts. Their confidence in him wavered.

"I think we shouldn’t worry needlessly. The City Lord must have had his reasons for acting this way."

"I believe he went with absolute certainty. Perhaps when he returns, he’ll already be the undisputed ruler of the Chaotic Region!"

"Exactly. I choose to trust the City Lord."

Where some doubted, others held firm belief—and Wei Fengtang was the most steadfast among them. After all, of all present, he alone had faced Chen Chang'an in direct combat.

Days passed. Unreturned City appeared calm, yet the usual liveliness was absent. Anxiety and anticipation flickered across every face.

"He’s back!"

"The City Lord has returned!"

A sudden shout drew the attention of all nearby.

The City Lord had returned?

Word spread like wildfire—ten told a hundred, a hundred told a thousand—until the news of Chen Chang'an's return echoed through every street and alley of Unreturned City.

Joy erupted on every face as people surged toward the city gates without hesitation.

The moment Chen Chang'an and his group stepped inside, they were met with the fervent gazes of the crowd. Everyone stared at him, desperate to hear the answer they longed for.

The City Lord’s retinue arrived first, for his safe return alone was cause for celebration.

"City Lord, has the King-Sealing Conference concluded?" Wei Fengtang asked eagerly.

"It has."

"And the outcome?"

"The outcome?"

"From now on, the Chaotic Region acknowledges only one power—Unreturned City."

"The other three factions have all submitted to us!"

The moment these words left his lips, deafening cheers erupted like a tidal wave, shaking the heavens and earth.

Wei Fengtang and the others stood dumbfounded. They hadn’t dared imagine this would truly be the result.

Did this mean Unreturned City now stood unchallenged at the pinnacle of the Chaotic Region?

"All hail the City Lord!"

"The City Lord’s might shakes the world, unrivaled under the heavens!"

"City Lord—"

Amid the jubilant cries, Chen Chang'an and his entourage returned to the City Lord’s residence.

Now, the entire city basked in the glory of victory.

"Leaving?"

"When?"

"Can’t you stay?"

Back at the residence, Chen Chang'an informed Murong Qingrou and her sister of his impending departure.

The news struck them hard. Though they had only been with him a short while, they had grown deeply attached to him.

"I have many matters to attend to. I cannot remain here indefinitely."

"So, the two of you must safeguard this place in my stead."

"When the time is right, I will summon you."

"Use this period to consolidate the Chaotic Region and focus on your cultivation."

"Don’t worry. We will reunite someday." Chen Chang'an smiled reassuringly.

Seeing his resolve, they reluctantly acquiesced. Though they yearned to follow him, they understood—Unreturned City needed stewards.

After all, this was now Chen Chang'an’s foundation!

"If you must go… could you grant us one request?" Murong Qingrou asked, her voice tinged with reluctance.

"What request?"

"These next few days… you belong to the two of us."

"Hm? What do you mean?"

"Still playing dumb? Qingwu, don’t waste this chance—wear him out!"

"Yes, sister."

With a seductive smile, the sisters pounced on Chen Chang'an.

Time flew. Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

Murong Qingrou and her sister stood at the city gates with the City Lord’s retinue, watching Chen Chang'an’s distant figure with hearts full of longing.

Wu Mingdao glanced at the frostblade in his hand, his gaze hardening with resolve.

"Brother Chen, I won’t let you down."

At this moment, a surge of power seemed to awaken in the depths of everyone's hearts—an unyielding belief to strive relentlessly.

Though Chen Chang'an's departure left them with a sense of loss, it only strengthened their resolve to grow stronger.

"Where do we go next? Any ideas this time?" Da Huang looked at Chen Chang'an curiously.

"I don’t know. We’ll go wherever the path takes us."

"Let fate decide."