I Tame Beasts by Feeding

Celestial Killer City, located in the Far West Land of the Martial Continent, was the premier bastion of the continent’s western region. It fell under the direct jurisdiction of the Profound Yin Sect and was not far from the sect’s main grounds.

From the Wanxiang Sect, however, it was a vast distance of over a hundred thousand li. Even traveling nonstop day and night on the sect’s Spirit Ship, the journey to Celestial Killer City would take about twenty days.

During his time on the Spirit Ship, Yu Changsheng didn’t remain idle. In between his cultivation, he familiarized himself with the various powers that would be participating in the Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm.

On the deck of the Spirit Ship, Yu Changsheng and the others sat cross-legged, chatting amongst themselves.

"This trip to Celestial Killer City is arguably the grandest event the Martial Continent has seen in a century. Given the Profound Yin Sect’s fanfare, I’m sure the Three Gates and Six Sects have all dispatched numerous geniuses."

"Additionally, there should be a good number of eligible Loose Cultivators and people from smaller powers. Once we’re inside, the few of us must remember to stick together for safety."

Zhang Tianwen glanced at the others and smiled faintly.

It wasn’t just Yu Changsheng and Li Minghan on this trip to Celestial Killer City. Shen Xingchen, the prized prodigy of Sword Control Peak and Lu Ruikai’s closed-door disciple, was naturally among them.

In short, thanks to their previous trip to Huishui Mountain, there was no awkwardness between them, and they quickly fell in with one another again.

"However, Foundation Establishment cultivators are still the main force in this trial. With our cultivation levels, as long as we don’t go looking for trouble, we should be fine."

Shen Xingchen thought for a moment, then nodded and chuckled, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit as he chimed in.

"That said, I’ve been wanting to see what the young prodigies from the other powers in the Martial Continent are made of. This is a great opportunity."

"After all, staying too long in a place of comfort will only let Jian Xin gather dust."

The Three Gates and Six Sects. The Three Gates were the Profound Yin Sect, the Purple Rainbow Sect, and the Seven Stars Sect. The Profound Yin Sect was the strongest among them, which was the basis for its confidence in issuing this invitation.

The Six Sects were the Wanxiang Sect, the Spirit Dragon Sect, the Cang Lei Sect, the Tyrant Emperor Sect, the No-Mind Sect, and the Red Fire Sect. Although there was no official ranking, the Cang Lei Sect was likely the strongest among them.

Yu Changsheng, Shen Xingchen, and the others were dazzling figures within the Wanxiang Sect, undoubtedly prodigies. But how did they stack up against the talents of the entire Three Gates and Six Sects? That was something Shen Xingchen was eager to find out.

Meanwhile, the other gates and sects also began dispatching their own disciples, each group led by a Sect Elder, all heading for Celestial Killer City.

And so, for a time, the storm gathered over Celestial Killer City. Amidst the chaos, the Dark Stream also found some breathing room.

...

In a dark chamber, deep within an unknown region on the border of the Martial Continent.

The figure of Tong Yuanzheng materialized. He looked at the person before him, a faint smile playing on his lips as he spoke softly.

"King Dongyou. It’s been a long time. I trust you’ve been well."

The one he addressed was none other than King Dongyou!

He was dressed in a platinum-colored robe embroidered with a five-clawed golden Flood Dragon. The creature was baring its fangs and brandishing its claws, its magnificent horns rendered so vividly it seemed alive, writhing with his every move. The man was tall with a mature face, and his entire being exuded a subtle, domineering aura.

King Dongyou’s expression was composed. Standing there, he was like a keen blade; without any conscious effort, he naturally exuded a majesty that made it impossible for others to meet his gaze.

Beneath a cascade of jet-black hair, his eyes were unlike those of an ordinary person. They were a pale, striking gold, innately majestic. He stared silently at Tong Yuanzheng, his gaze shimmering enigmatically.

Yet Tong Yuanzheng remained unmoved beneath that gaze, the faint smile never leaving his lips. After a slow exhale, he spoke again. "What’s this? Judging by your expression, King Dongyou, am I not welcome here?"

At his words, King Dongyou did not deny it, merely giving a slight nod.

"I’m merely curious. You are the Master of the Dark Stream, and it’s said you have close ties to the Profound Yin Sect. For you to seek out someone from the Qingzhou Imperial Family like myself... I can’t help but be wary."

"’Wary?’ Tong Yuanzheng seemed taken aback. He touched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. ’If it weren’t for my Dark Stream, if it weren’t for my lobbying...’"

"...why would the Profound Yin Sect have issued such a grand invitation to the talents of the Martial Continent in Celestial Killer City? This has left most of the continent’s major powers with depleted forces. Even the Purple Rainbow Sect and the Seven Stars Sect, who are responsible for the border defenses, have pulled back numerous frontline disciples and True Monarchs to suppress my Dark Stream and participate in this venture to the Celestial Slaughter Secret Realm."

"And if not for all that, how would you, King Dongyou, have been given such a perfect opportunity to exploit?"

Having said his piece, Tong Yuanzheng exhaled and gave King Dongyou a profound look.

King Dongyou frowned at his words. His lips twitched, and hesitation flickered in his eyes as he seemed to weigh his options.

"You have a point. But how can I be sure this isn’t all just a trap to lure me in?"

King Dongyou was cautious by nature; he was not one to be completely convinced by Tong Yuanzheng’s words alone.

Tong Yuanzheng, however, seemed unconcerned. He simply continued, his tone betraying no emotion, "Whether or not it’s a trap, can’t you find that out with a little investigation?"

"You know full well the Dark Stream’s current situation in the Martial Continent. If the Martial Continent will not tolerate the Dark Stream, then..."

Tong Yuanzheng paused, and an icy light flared in his eyes, sharp as a blade’s edge. A cold smile touched his lips. "Then the Dark Stream... will not tolerate the Martial Continent."

"As for the relationship between the Profound Yin Sect and my Dark Stream that you mentioned... I can only tell you that was in the past. Now, the Profound Yin Sect doesn’t trust us, and the Dark Stream is no longer content to remain subordinate."