My Crazy Upgrade System

News of the great battle in the Celestial Cloud Imperial City spread like wildfire. In truth, many spies had been watching the situation unfold. Numerous Empires, eager to see the Celestial Cloud Empire's fate, had sent their agents to observe.

But to everyone's surprise, the outcome was a shocking reversal. The Celestial Cloud Empire was completely unharmed; instead, two of the World Dragon Empire's Divine Generals had fallen! A nation with Five Kings had instantly become one with three. The loss was devastating.

The numerous Empires that had believed the Celestial Cloud Empire was doomed were utterly stunned, their hearts filled with a mix of shock and anger. None of them had expected Yi Tianyun to be so ferocious, capable of slaying even powerful Spirit King Stage experts. 'If the World Dragon Empire compromises and makes peace, or if it's conquered by Yi Tianyun...'

...then they would be finished. They had shown Yi Tianyun no respect at all back then. If the World Dragon Empire fell, who knew what he would do next?

If his fury turned on them, they would be doomed. Yet, they didn't dare try to curry favor with him now. If the Celestial Cloud Empire ultimately failed to withstand the World Dragon Empire's wrath, they would be doomed all the same.

However, remaining neutral was an even worse choice. It meant being a fence-sitter, and no matter which side won, the fence-sitters would suffer the most tragic fate.

The situation had now become a matter of choosing which Empire to support. This was a war for the title of First Empire. If Yi Tianyun won, that title would change hands, and the smaller Empires would be in a miserable position.

Unless they all defected to the Celestial Cloud Empire's side. If Yi Tianyun won, they'd face no pressure and might even reap considerable benefits. But if he lost, the World Dragon Empire would undoubtedly annihilate them!

Even though Yi Tianyun's display was shocking, very few Empires chose to stand with him. Most still sided with the World Dragon Empire. The World Dragon Empire's foundation was simply too deep. It had existed for over a thousand years, perhaps even ten thousand. How could its heritage be weak?

Even with two Divine Generals slain, they believed the World Dragon Empire remained invincible! The so-called "Five Kings" title was just to intimidate lesser factions; the other Empires didn't really buy it.

The World Dragon Empire occupied the best resources, the continent with the densest Spiritual Power, and enjoyed the finest legacies. It was even rumored they had connections to Divine Kingdoms in both the Netherworld and the Celestial Realm.

Under such circumstances, who would dare to side with Yi Tianyun?

Nevertheless, a handful of Empires did choose to bet on the Celestial Cloud Empire, though they were all minor powers, not medium-sized ones.

"I hear the Profound Soul Empire is supporting the Celestial Cloud Empire. They're too naive, actually choosing to bet on the Celestial Cloud Emperor..."

"Exactly. Celestial Cloud Emperor is powerful, but he's still just one man. If he dies, the Celestial Cloud Empire is doomed to fail!"

"Mm, two Divine Generals are dead, but they have other experts to hold down the fort. If the Celestial Cloud Emperor dies, what will the Celestial Cloud Empire have left? Nothing but an empty shell!"

"The Spirit Race has some strength, yes, but they've been in decline for ages. They're irrelevant."

Upon hearing the news, the Empires that supported the World Dragon Empire began to relentlessly mock those backing the Celestial Cloud Empire, considering it the stupidest decision ever made.

Those who chose to side with the Celestial Cloud Empire immediately voiced their support, even publicly declaring that any invasion of the Celestial Cloud Continent would be met with their combined attack!

It was a bold move to show support at such a critical juncture. These were not powerful Empires, yet they chose to place their bets on the Celestial Cloud Empire. No one knew where they found such courage.

When Yi Tianyun learned of this, he simply smiled faintly and said nothing. 'If people are willing to stand with me, then naturally, there will be rewards for them after the war is over.'

He never mistreated the friends who stood by him. As for his enemies... the consequences went without saying.

While the outside world was in an uproar, the World Dragon Empire was in turmoil. Two of his Divine Generals were dead. How could Emperor Shilong not be grief-stricken?

"That brat is that powerful?" Emperor Shilong's face turned ashen. He had already considered Yi Tianyun a serious threat, which was why he had dispatched two Divine Generals to attack him together. Working in tandem, they should have been able to kill an expert at the seventh or even eighth layer of the Spirit King Stage!

'Isn't that taking him seriously enough?' he thought. And yet, despite teaming up, they were still easily slain. The news sent shockwaves through the entire World Dragon Empire, so much so that it even roused the previous emperor from his seclusion.

This wasn't just about the loss of two Divine Generals; more importantly, it meant they had provoked a monster!

"Chen'Er, you were too reckless! Your actions led to the deaths of our two Divine Generals. This was an act of irresponsibility toward the World Dragon Empire, and even more so toward the generals themselves!" said an old man standing nearby. He looked ancient, as if he had one foot in the grave, but his eyes blazed with surging Blood Qi and a sharp light that completely betrayed his frail appearance.

This was the previous emperor of the World Dragon Empire, Chen Xuan. The current Emperor Shilong's name was Chen Chen. Upon ascending to the throne, every Great Emperor inherited the title "Emperor Shilong" without exception.

"I know... but our intelligence indicated he was at the second or third layer of the Spirit King Stage at most. He shouldn't have been that strong. Who could have known..." Chen Chen's face was wracked with pain. Who could have imagined the intelligence would be so drastically wrong?

"What's done is done. Let's not dwell on it. Let's focus on how to restore our prestige!" Chen Xuan said coldly. "Even if he's a true dragon, he'll have to grovel before us! The Mortal Realm isn't his to command—it's ours, the World Dragon Empire's! No matter who is backing him, we will make the Celestial Cloud Empire and the entire Mortal Realm understand that the World Dragon Empire is still the strongest! Even the Qianyuan Empire must step aside!"

"Indeed!" A glint flashed in Chen Chen's eyes. Their foundation was not so simple. "Then, Father, what should we do now?"

"Simple. We, father and son, will take to the field ourselves. We will bring out the two Guardian Divine Dragons and completely obliterate the Celestial Cloud Empire!" Chen Xuan sneered. "We will let the world know that the World Dragon Empire is not to be trifled with! And as for those Empires who chose to support that wet-behind-the-ears brat? We'll flatten them too!"

Only through ruthless methods can one show the world their true power. If you stay cooped up at home all the time, how will anyone know how strong you are?

"Excellent!" Chen Chen felt a surge of excitement. His eyes flickered as he asked, "What about the Supreme Ancestor?"

"There is no need to disturb him. He will not act personally unless the Empire's very survival is at stake..." Chen Xuan shook his head and sneered. "If even this is not enough to deal with him, then our World Dragon Empire has truly wasted all its years!"

"Yes. The two of us, father and son, will surely cut him down!" Chen Chen nodded firmly. Just like that, they had settled on their strategy.

But even as they were plotting their strategy, Yi Tianyun was already flying alone toward the World Dragon Empire. He had no intention of waiting for them to attack—he was taking the fight to them!

To deal with an Empire, he didn't need a massive force. He alone was enough!