Chapter 157: The Sovereign's Divine Power, The Eastern Domain's Crusade

"Hmm, Ji Xuanyuan's death was likely orchestrated by someone to frame you. Combined with that light projection, it conveniently serves as evidence."

"As for Qi Huang... that was probably an accident," Qin Chuan calmly analyzed.

"An accident?" Qin Zi's eyes widened.

"Yes, I suspect there are two possibilities," Qin Chuan raised two fingers.

"First, the person didn't intend to kill Qi Huang initially, but Qi Huang witnessed them gaining control of the relic, so they had to silence him."

"Second, perhaps the person who killed Ji Xuanyuan to frame you was Qi Huang himself, but... he was caught off guard by someone else."

"As for who ultimately benefited from all this, it's hard to say. It could be someone you know, or someone you don't," Qin Chuan said, patting Qin Zi's head.

"It's all in the past now. Don't dwell on it. No matter who's behind this, it won't affect us."

Qin Zi looked up suddenly, his face lighting up in surprise. "Really, no trouble will come of it?"

He had been a bit nervous.

In his mind, causing such a big mess surely meant he'd face punishment, which was why he rushed home to complain first, hoping his father would see how difficult things had been for him and show mercy.

It seemed like his plan had succeeded.

He had dodged another scolding. What a relief!

"Heh, what trouble could there be? At worst, a group of people will come to Shenxia Mountain to cause a scene, and your father will deal with them with a wave of his hand," Qin Chuan said with a light laugh, his tone as steady as ever.

Seeing this, Qin Zi completely relaxed, a warm sense of happiness rising in his heart.

Indeed, home was a safe harbor, and his father was his eternal refuge.

Having his father was truly wonderful!

Soon, Qin Zi skipped back to the palace, saying something about needing a bath and then a good night's sleep.

Apparently, the poor kid had been so terrified while out on his journey that he hadn't dared to sleep, living in constant fear.

Meanwhile, Qin Chuan once again fell into thought.

"Previously, after Lu Chong was charged, he died. Jiang Shennong also died after being charged. Now Ji Xuanyuan... It seems that charging someone strips them of their fortune. Without fortune, even walking down the road could get someone killed by a falling star."

"As for Qi Huang, based on my observations, he seemed like a very patient individual. Is he really dead?"

"Maybe he isn't dead, just using a false death to fool everyone, silently cultivating in the relic."

"And if he truly is dead... it's likely that someone close to him ambushed him. After all, he was hailed as having the potential of a sovereign. His talent was immense, and his means were many. In a direct confrontation, it would have been difficult for even Qin Zi to silently kill him."

Qin Chuan narrowed his eyes.

In his mind, the image of a plain-looking young man surfaced. That kid appeared unassuming, but he harbored ambition!

Such a person is like a dormant dragon. Once they rise, they are destined not to submit to anyone.

If they lower their head, it's merely to endure hardship for future success!

"What an interesting kid. I'm curious to see how far you'll go. Don't let me down."

Suddenly, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

He always held high expectations for young talents—whether they followed the righteous path or the demonic one, whether they were good or bad.

He never feared their growth.

Because no matter how strong they became, they could never threaten him. His cultivation progress was too rapid to be surpassed. And if they aimed to harm his son... well, wasn't that exactly what he wanted?

However, they couldn't do anything to Qin Zi, nor could they help him advance in cultivation. At most, they would contribute a little "father's merit"...

The saying that "the waves behind push the waves ahead" doesn't apply here. He could sweep away all challengers with a casual gesture!

...

Three days passed swiftly.

Rumors of Qin Zi obtaining the relic's inheritance and committing murder spread like wildfire, fueling heated discussions.

At the same time, Qin Zi's talent and strength were finally recognized by the various factions of the Eastern Domain.

No matter how they felt about him, even those who despised him had to admit—this man had the potential of a sovereign!

On this day, Qin Chuan suddenly received a system notification:

"Ding! Congratulations, you have completed the system task—your son Qin Zi has shown sovereign potential. As promised, you are rewarded with a Sovereign's Divine Power!"

"Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained the top-tier Sovereign Divine Power—Sovereign's Boundless! This divine power contains the force of space and is primarily used for support. It can bypass all defenses below the Martial Emperor level. Once activated, the target has no choice but to withstand it!"

Instantly, Qin Chuan's eyes gleamed.

Bypass all defenses!

This divine power wasn't only practical, it was flashy, exactly his kind of thing.

"Boom!!"

"Boom!"

Just then, thunder echoed across the sky.

Massive dark clouds rolled in from the distance, enveloping the skies above Shenxia Mountain, like a looming storm!

Within those black clouds were countless experts—a coalition army formed by the major factions of the Eastern Domain, brimming with murderous intent.

"Qin Chuan, hand over Qin Zi!"

"Qin Zi has slaughtered the geniuses of many factions. His crimes are unforgivable, and he must be executed!"

"Qin Chuan, come out and give us an explanation!"

The voices of various experts rang out from within the black clouds, their tone righteous and accusing, as if they had come to deliver justice.

"Heh, you've come at just the right time."

Qin Chuan chuckled softly and headed outside.

When the crowd, who had been shouting arrogantly, saw a figure in white step forward, they all suddenly fell silent.

Qin Chuan raised his head, his calm gaze sweeping over the vast array of experts in the sky, and asked, "Who wants an explanation?"

Woosh!

In an instant, the previously boisterous crowd fell deathly quiet. Even the swirling black clouds seemed to stop in their tracks.

"What's the matter? Weren't you all shouting quite loudly just now? Why is it that none of you dare to speak now?" Qin Chuan said lightly. "If you lack the courage, why come all this way just to embarrass yourselves?"

"Qin Chuan, don't be so arrogant!" Finally, an elder at the Seventh Heaven Saint level gathered his courage and shouted.

"I've always been this arrogant. Do you have a problem with that?" Qin Chuan gave him a sideways glance and responded calmly.

"Of course! We came here today to..."

"Boom!"

"Pu—"

Before the elder could finish his sentence, he was sent flying.

Not only that, his clothes were torn to shreds.

This elder wasn't weak; he had instinctively put up a defense at the last moment. But his protective aura was torn apart like paper, utterly useless.

"Hiss!!"

The rest of the crowd gasped in shock, retreating hastily, each person looking at Qin Chuan with newfound respect.

A Seventh Heaven Saint had been seriously injured in a single exchange. Qin Chuan truly lived up to his terrifying reputation.

"Does anyone else have any objections?" Qin Chuan calmly glanced around.

The crowd lowered their heads.

They were all prominent figures in the Eastern Domain, but none had the courage to meet Qin Chuan's gaze.

"I thought I was facing a formidable enemy, but it turns out you're all just a bunch of cowards. In that case, get out of here. Stop wasting my time."

Qin Chuan shook his head, preparing to return to his palace.

Just then, a cold voice interrupted him, "You should know, this matter won't be resolved so easily."

Qin Chuan turned to see a middle-aged man wearing a golden crown, resembling Ji Xuanyuan, leading a group of people from the sky.

"The Ji family?"

Qin Chuan raised an eyebrow.

"And us," another middle-aged man, who bore little resemblance to Jiang Shennong, stepped forward with a group.

"The Jiang family?"

Qin Chuan smirked.

He studied the middle-aged man closely, guessing that he must be Jiang Shennong's father. After all, they didn't look alike.

Last time, Jiang Shennong's uncle had come, and he bore a striking resemblance to Jiang Shennong. Therefore, his father should logically look different.

"Qi Huang's death also requires an explanation to the Qi family!" Yet another group approached.

"Hand over Qin Zi!" the Jiang family man demanded.

"Turn over Qin Zi, and we'll spare your life!" the Ji family's expert said coldly.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Suddenly, three overwhelming auras converged, surrounding Qin Chuan like a crushing tide.

The three families had each sent several Nine-Heaven Saints, their combined aura forming an imposing, terrifying force.

At this moment, the lesser warriors around them seemed to regain their resolve and began to clamor once more.

"Qin Chuan, hand over Qin Zi!"

"Bring Qin Zi out to face his punishment!"

"Turn Qin Zi over!"

These individuals also released their auras, and the combined force of so many people was as vast as a mountain or ocean.

Qin Chuan stood alone, facing the entire world's crusade, a sense of being opposed by all rising within him.