Capítulo 1398: Chapter 1372: Victory

With a command from the Demon tribe Crown Prince, the Demon tribe’s army surged forward like a swarm, furiously charging at their enemies.

The Demons are naturally bloodthirsty, and their obedience to orders is terrifying. Hence, when the Demon tribe Crown Prince issued his order, the Demons dared not defy it and rushed forward with unparalleled fervor.

Tangyu shook his head; since there was no way to avoid it, they could only kill.

Tuoba Kui, with high spirits, charged at the forefront. Having just broken through to the Zifu Realm, he had yet to indulge in a grand battle. Today presented such an opportunity, naturally making his blood boil with excitement. Shi Jian also rushed forward to fight, having just achieved the Zifu Realm, eagerly seeking to elevate and sharpen himself through combat.

A hundred and nine Puppets charged valiantly. The South Sea Sect Master and the others were brimming with a powerful fighting spirit.

Seeing everyone’s enthusiasm, Tangyu felt a sense of relief in his heart. This camaraderie, he sincerely appreciated and noted well.

In this decisive battle, due to significant numerical advantage, the Demon side was continually losing ground, having little ability to resist. The overwhelming superiority led to heavy casualties among the Demons. Yet, the Demon tribe Crown Prince kept silent, signaling no surrender or ceasefire. For him, the Demons fought, shedding blood and sacrificing without a hint of retreat.

Finally, after a grueling three days and nights, the force of over a thousand Demons was completely wiped out on the battlefield. Tangyu’s side also suffered substantial losses, with over six hundred personnel fallen. Despite the cost, it was still a victorious grand battle.

The Great Prince of the Demons wore a very grim expression. He had meticulously planned for so long, only to face defeat. The Demons had been his ultimate trump card, but alas, they still suffered defeat.

“Hmph, just wait and see!” the Demon tribe Crown Prince snorted, leaving these harsh words with Tangyu before departing. He no longer bothered with the scene.

Tangyu curled his lip, ignoring the Demon tribe Crown Prince. The battle had finally concluded, and the overcast skies would finally clear.

“Haha, victory, we have finally won.” An Shitong laughed heartily, though with a tinge of bitterness. This victory was hard-won, built on the blood and lives of countless individuals. A mountain of corpses and a sea of blood were the prices for victory. The cost was indeed terrifying.

Fortunately, victory was achieved at last.

Soldiers of the Anyang Empire cheered, celebrating victory. No longer did they have to fight, no longer sacrificing their lives, and finally, the peace in the world was restored. For countless people, this was the greatest of joys.

Meanwhile, the faces of those from the Demon Empire were ashen, and many had already cast away their armor, fleeing in disarray.

Tangyu looked toward Tuoba Kui, the South Sea Sect Master, and the Master of Qinghai Island, cupping his hands to them: “Gentlemen, I won’t express my gratitude in words, but everything is remembered in my heart. With your help, we secured a great victory, even though it was at great loss to you. This gratitude, I, Tangyu, shall remember. The peace of the world owes to your contribution.”

Tuoba Kui laughed heartily: “Haha, Brother Tangyu, there’s no need for formalities with us. As cultivators of Eastern Island, our mission has always been to uphold peace. Witnessing such grandeur is something we cultivators of Eastern Island welcome wholeheartedly.”

The South Sea Sect Master smiled gracefully: “Indeed, Daoist Friend Tangyu, there’s no need for such courtesy. This battle was quite enjoyable for us. Though we of the South Sea have always coexisted peacefully with the mainland without disputes, this time the conflict’s reach was wide. We heroes of the South Sea stepped forth to maintain peace and justice in the world.”

Tangyu nodded with a smile, clasping his hands again, acknowledging that without their aid, he would certainly have faced defeat.

Their friendship may not mean much to them, but to Tangyu, it held immense significance. A defeat would have brought great dishonor to Tangyu. Critically, the outcome of this battle was tied to the destiny of the Cultivation World. The fate of the Cultivation World was connected to countless small worlds. If the Cultivation World fell to Hongchen Palace, those small worlds would surely suffer.

Thus, the actions of the South Sea Sect Master and the others held extraordinary significance. However, these matters were not something Tangyu could openly express.

“Daoist Friend Tangyu, the remaining matters are now in your hands. We’re returning to the South Sea for now; until we meet again. Our South Sea always welcomes you as a guest.” The South Sea Sect Master bowed courteously.

Tangyu nodded with a smile: “Alright, farewell, everyone. I will certainly visit your South Sea Fairy Island when I have the chance.”

Tuoba Kui approached: “Brother Tangyu, we’re heading back as well. Visit Eastern Island when you have time. Haha, until we meet again.”

“We shall meet again.” Tangyu patted Tuoba Kui’s shoulder. Although he said they would meet again, Tangyu was about to leave the Mystic Spirit Continent. This promise of reunion was likely something he could not fulfill.

Xiao Yu and the others looked at Tangyu. They wanted to approach him but felt somewhat awkward to do so.

Tangyu smiled and proactively walked towards the five, appraising them. “Not bad at all. You’ve greatly improved your strength. You’re all at the Golden Core Realm Third Layer now. At this rate, you’ll have a good chance of breaking through to the Zifu Realm in the future. Keep working hard. Your future is bright.”

As Xiao Yu and his companions looked at Tangyu with some excitement, they realized that everything they had now was due to Tangyu’s help. Without him, they would likely have died in the South Sea and never achieved their current power. This immense gratitude is why the Green Sea Island Master brought his followers to lend a hand.

Win hearts, gain support.

After seeing off the three groups, Tangyu entrusted the remaining matters to An Shitong.

Next, it was time to clean the battlefield, subdue the remnants of the Demon Empire, unify the Mystic Spirit Continent, and establish a new order. It was a grand undertaking that couldn’t be accomplished overnight. Fortunately, the reputation of the Anyang Empire was soaring, gaining the hearts of the people and making actions easy, without any obstructive forces.

Three days later, Tangyu called An Shitong and Shi Jian to him as he prepared to leave.

Looking at the two disciples, Tangyu felt reasonably satisfied. “Shitong, Shi Jian, there is something I’ve never told you. I am not originally from your Mystic Spirit World. I come from the Taoism Cultivation World.”

“What? The Taoism Cultivation World?” An Shitong and Shi Jian were visibly shocked, exchanging bewildered glances. Despite their many guesses about their master, they had never imagined he wasn’t from the Mystic Spirit Continent but from the Taoism Cultivation World—a world unimaginable to them, from the legendary cultivation of the Ancient Times. Nowadays, no one can enter the Taoism Cultivation World.

The Taoism Cultivation World seems to only exist in legends now.

Tangyu nodded. “Yes, the Taoism Cultivation World is real. It’s a world you may have heard of but does indeed exist. The Mystic Spirit Continent is just a minor part in the grander scope of the Taoism Cultivation World. My journey to the Mystic Spirit Continent was for a specific mission, and now that it’s fulfilled, I must return.”

Upon hearing Tangyu was leaving, An Shitong and Shi Jian felt deeply reluctant. Their master had transformed their fates. Everything they possessed was given by their teacher. Without encountering their master, An Shitong would have died long ago, and Shi Jian would merely be a minor Golden Core cultivator, far from his current achievements. Their destinies had drastically changed due to Tangyu.

This transformation made their gratitude towards Tangyu profound beyond measure.

Tangyu smirked and patted their shoulders. “Every gathering must eventually part. Your journey will be your own. Shi Jian, I am not worried about you. With your talent, your path can extend much further. Unfortunately, the Mystic Spirit Continent limits you. If I ever return, I’ll take you to the Taoism Cultivation World, where your life’s dreams should unfold.”

“As for Shitong, your talent isn’t as impressive as your junior, Shi Jian. Your lifetime accomplishments may be limited, but reaching the Golden Core Realm Ninth Layer is my great expectation for you. However, I believe you can be a good emperor, ruling well and prospering your realm. With Shi Jian and the others assisting you, I have no concerns. You possess the talent of an emperor, and this is sufficient. I’ll leave those puppets for you to govern the Anyang Empire, aiding in the unification of the world.”

“If trouble arises, seek help from the South Sea Immortal Sect. Yet, I hope you can resolve all issues using your own abilities. Conquering realms is easy; maintaining them is difficult. Governing the enormous continent of Mystic Spirit is no small feat. This will test your capabilities.”

“Just remember, the people’s hearts are fundamental. You must focus on cultivating new strengths and establishing a comprehensive framework for developing talent. With sufficient power, your rule will be stable. For now, no power seems threatening to the Anyang Empire, but do not be complacent; caution must always be exercised.”

An Shitong nodded heavily, as did Shi Jian.

They firmly etched Tangyu’s words into their hearts, not daring to overlook a single word.

Tangyu shook his head, silently sighing in his heart. “I’ve committed so much slaughter on the Mystic Spirit Continent—who knows how many billions died. This era of sin should end. What’s within my grasp is to ensure that the Mystic Spirit Continent remains stable, reducing conflicts, allowing life to recover. World peace, simple words, yet hard to achieve.”

“Alright, it’s time for me to go. If fate allows, we shall meet again.” Tangyu solemnly spoke, and with a flicker, he vanished from Shi Jian and An Shitong’s sight.

Watching Tangyu leave, An Shitong and Shi Jian had red eyes, dropping to their knees with a ‘thump’, kowtowing thrice to the empty air, muttering words of gratitude, reluctance, and remembrance of their master’s teachings.

Tangyu was gone, and only Shi Jian and An Shitong knew the secret, but on the Mystic Spirit Continent, he left an immensely mysterious and glorious legacy. In time, he might be revered as a deity, an immortal, a legend.