Chapter Fifty-Seven: Valley of Reincarnation

The strength of Nine Immortal Island ranked at least among the top three in Eastern Wilderness. In his previous life, he had crossed swords with experts from Nine Immortal Island; they were formidable, though he had little connection with them.

“Big brother, I've told you everything I know. Could you let me go this time? I promise I’ll never dare provoke you again.”

Seeing Chu Han deep in thought, fear crept into the speaker’s voice as he hurriedly begged for mercy.

Chu Han nodded, saying nothing, and walked straight down the mountain. These men were no longer worth his attention. As he left, he sensed an exceptionally powerful aura—no doubt from some beast. Struck by his lightning paralysis, these men could not move, and would soon become prey for the wild creatures. In truth, Chu Han had never intended to spare them. Those who dared threaten him would always pay the price; it was a lesson learned from his previous life. Though they were insignificant, a thousand-mile dam can collapse from an ant’s burrow; sometimes, it is the small people who bring about one’s downfall.

After descending the mountain, Chu Han returned directly to Eastern Wilderness. Although these men knew there was a relic left by a Dao Severing expert atop the mountain, they had never seen his face, so he was safe and untroubled. Upon inquiry, he learned that three days had passed since he entered the cave. He immediately sought out Li Fu to ask if there was any news of the Young Prince.

Upon arriving in Eastern Wilderness, he had instructed Li Fu to liaise directly with the Young Prince, allowing him to stay abreast of developments on both sides. Yet, according to Li Fu, the Young Prince required more time, and the Emperor of Great Chu was traveling, absent from the imperial capital. Thus, his investiture would have to wait.

Hearing this, Chu Han felt at ease; he now had time to attend to matters in Eastern Wilderness. He harbored little fondness for the sects and families there, so he planned to make his mark.

Still, he did not head straight for Nine Immortal Island. Their strength was formidable, and he alone was not enough; careful planning was needed.

On the road, all anyone talked about was the destruction of Lingxu Cave Heaven. Chu Han was surprised. Though he had caused chaos there, he hadn’t expected its direct ruin, especially since the sect master still lived.

“Brother, what’s this about Lingxu Cave Heaven being destroyed?”

Chu Han pulled aside a burly man and asked quietly.

“You must be from elsewhere. A few days ago, a powerful expert stormed Lingxu Cave Heaven and injured the sect master. The sects and families of Eastern Wilderness have never been peaceful, so with Lingxu Cave Heaven in such shambles, it was the perfect chance for others to strike.”

“Last night, three sects joined forces and wiped Lingxu Cave Heaven out. The sect master died, and the disciples suffered heavy casualties. Now, Lingxu Cave Heaven has been erased from Eastern Wilderness.”

Chu Han nodded at the man’s words; it was hardly unexpected. In this world, strength reigns supreme—the fist determines the ruler. After all Lingxu Cave Heaven had endured, their power had waned, offering an opening for the sects and families.

Chu Han was about to ask after news of Nine Immortal Island when a brash voice rang out nearby: “Clear the way for this young master, or if you get trampled, don’t blame me!”

With that, a rush of hooves thundered down the street; a team of riders charged through, stirring up a storm. The crowd parted, all wearing expressions of disgust—clearly, this was not the first time such a scene occurred.

“There he goes again, arrogant as ever,”

The burly man who had answered Chu Han clenched his teeth and cursed under his breath, but then went about his business.

Chu Han had never had any patience for such arrogance. He debated whether to teach the young man a lesson when suddenly a cry of alarm rang out nearby.

He turned quickly; it was a young woman who had shouted. Beneath the hooves of the brash rider, a child of four or five stood, blissfully unaware, a pure and innocent smile on his face.

The rider showed no intent to slow, his face alight with excitement as he lashed his mount onward. The young mother tried to rush forward, but those around held her back; to intervene would only cost her life, without saving the child.

Just as the rider was about to trample the boy, a flash of lightning appeared. A figure stood before the child, blocking him. A bolt of lightning struck the horse, which screamed and collapsed, throwing the rider painfully to the ground.

Chu Han watched coldly, saying nothing. Seeing the child unharmed, he relaxed, picking him up and returning him to his mother, who thanked him profusely. Chu Han merely shook his head, offering no words.

“Who the hell did that? Come out here! You dare block my way? Do you know who I am?”

The fallen youth scrambled to his feet, shouting arrogantly, as if eager for all to hear his name.

Chu Han walked over silently, regarding him with icy eyes. “It was me.”

“And who are you, daring to block my path? Are you tired of living? Don’t you know a good dog never blocks the way? I’ll give you a chance—kneel and apologize, or I’ll break your legs today.”

Seeing Chu Han’s demeanor, the youth grew angrier, pointing and shouting, his true energy leaking out, clearly preparing to strike.

“Heh. I only beat dogs, not men. Since I hit you, perhaps you should reflect on your actions.”

Chu Han spared him no dignity. He had already sensed the young man’s aura—at the peak of the Heavenly Palace realm, about equal to himself, but in a real fight, who knew if he could withstand a single blow?

Seeing Chu Han’s own arrogance, the youth flew into a rage, raising his fist and charging. The crowd gasped; they all knew him well.

Chu Han stayed still. As the youth lunged, Chu Han kicked him square in the abdomen, sending him screaming to the ground.

When the youth attacked, Chu Han could see he was nothing but a spoiled wastrel—his body ruined by wine and women. Though his realm was decent, his strength was pitiful; a single kick felled him.

“Boy, you’re finished. Do you know who you’ve offended? He’s the son of the Valley of Reincarnation’s sect master,”

Two old men rushed over, quickly hauling the youth up and glaring coldly at Chu Han.

Chu Han snorted in disdain. The son of the Valley of Reincarnation’s sect master meant nothing; even if he were the crown prince himself, Chu Han would strike him all the same.

“The Valley of Reincarnation is nothing. Even if I kill him, what of it? If you’re unhappy, come at me together—whether I beat one dog or three, it’s all the same.”

At this, lightning crackled around Chu Han’s body, his eyes frosty. If the old men uttered another word, he would not hesitate to strike.