Chapter 4: The Clone Emperor's Ambition
Chapter 4: The Clone Emperor's Ambition
The moon hung low over Blackstone City, bathing the bloodstained ruins of the Black Serpent Sect in pale light. The once-mighty rulers of the city had fallen—crushed beneath the unstoppable wave of Shen Ziyan's clones.
At the city's edge, Shen Ziyan stood tall, his black robes fluttering as the wind carried the scent of blood. His heart pounded with raw power as the system's voice echoed in his mind.
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[System Update: Clone Progress]
400,000 Clones: Qi Condensation (4th Layer) – 90%
500,000 Clones: Qi Condensation (5th Layer) – 70%
400,000 Clones: Qi Condensation (6th Layer) – 40%
Host Cultivation: Qi Condensation (7th Layer – 10%)
Clone Limit: 1,500,000
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A shiver of excitement coursed through him. With his current growth rate, Foundation Establishment—a realm that ordinary cultivators spent decades pursuing—was only days away.
"I'm no longer a powerless orphan," Shen Ziyan whispered, his fingers curling into fists. "Now… I write my own destiny."
Yet, this was only the beginning. Blackstone City had fallen under his shadow—but beyond it lay greater threats.
The Azure Cloud Sect, rulers of the entire region. If he wanted to climb to the peak, they would become his next stepping stone.
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"System," he commanded, "Deploy 1,000,000 clones. Spread across the region—gather intelligence, infiltrate sects, and cultivate silently."
[Command Accepted.]
At his words, the air shimmered. A million figures rippled into existence, each a perfect copy of himself. Without hesitation, they dispersed in every direction—some fading into the forests, others slipping unseen into the city's underworld.
Information. Power. Control.
He would seize them all.
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Azure Cloud Sect – Inner Hall
Far above Blackstone City, atop the towering Azure Cloud Mountain, the halls of the Azure Cloud Sect buzzed with power. It was the ruling sect of the entire province—an ancient institution that crushed all opposition.
Within the grand inner hall, a young woman stood with an icy, commanding presence.
Lan Yue, the Azure Cloud Sect's Core Disciple, and a prodigy said to be unmatched beneath the Foundation Establishment realm. Her long, silver-blue hair glimmered under the lanterns as she scanned the latest report.
"Black Serpent Sect… destroyed overnight?" Her voice was as cold as winter frost. "Who did this?"
The kneeling disciple trembled. "W-We don't know. The survivors claim it was a young man controlling thousands—no, millions—of copies of himself."
Lan Yue's piercing gaze sharpened. "A clone technique?"
She had seen many strange cultivation methods—but nothing on this scale. If it was true, this unknown figure posed a serious threat.
"Find him," she ordered. "If he can be used… recruit him. If not—"
A wave of icy killing intent filled the hall.
"—I'll erase him myself."
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Meanwhile – Shen Ziyan's Hidden Lair
In a secluded valley beyond Blackstone City, Shen Ziyan's true body sat cross-legged, surrounded by a swirling vortex of spiritual energy. His clones cultivated tirelessly across the land, feeding his rapid growth.
Suddenly—
[System Alert: Clone Mutation Detected.]
Shen Ziyan's eyes snapped open. "Mutation?"
A new panel appeared before him.
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[Clone Evolution Unlocked!]
Combat Clone: Enhanced battle abilities, 150% stronger.
Spy Clone: Perfect stealth, undetectable by most cultivators.
Cultivation Clone: 200% cultivation speed but unable to fight.
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A thrill coursed through him. This wasn't just raw numbers anymore—he could now specialize his army.
"System," he said quietly, "Convert 100,000 clones into Combat Clones. 50,000 into Spy Clones. The rest will continue cultivating."
[Conversion in Progress… Complete.]
Shen Ziyan felt a surge as a portion of his power shifted. These new clones weren't just faceless copies—they were weapons.
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A New Mission
His eyes gleamed with ruthless intent. The Azure Cloud Sect would learn soon enough—no force in this world could suppress him.
"Next," he murmured, "I'll tear down their ivory towers."
And in the shadows of the night, his infinite army marched toward their next prey.
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End of Chapter 4.