"Hmm?"

The three Martial Sovereigns were taken aback, instantly turning to gaze at the distant figures. From the void, two silhouettes gradually emerged, stepping slowly towards the scene.

Witnessing this, the head of the Nine Profound Sect widened his eyes, seemingly in disbelief. "Elder Lin...?"

"Yes, it's Lin Fei," the leader of the Nine Profound Sect reaffirmed.

"Has Lin Fei returned?"

Lin Fei had set out on a journey across the sea in search of enlightenment. It had only been a mere two years since he left. Returning so soon, wasn't he just asking for trouble?

Even if Lin Fei had grown stronger over these two years, he would, at best, still be a Martial Saint. With the emergence of so many Martial Sovereigns in Great Chang, how could a mere Martial Saint, no matter how powerful, pose any threat?

However, Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin had indeed returned.

A glint of surprise flashed in the eyes of the three Martial Sovereigns. "Are you Lin Fei, the National Guardian Martial Saint of the Great Chang dynasty?"

"National Guardian... Martial Saint…" Lin Fei murmured, a title he had not heard in a long time. Every time he heard it, he was reminded of a woman – one who chose power over passion, worldly pursuits over the martial path, and ascended to rule as an empress.

"Were you planning on destroying the Nine Profound Sect?" Lin Fei asked the three Martial Sovereigns, ignoring their question.

"What if we were? If you hadn't shown up, we would have leveled the Nine Profound Sect!"

"How could mere Martial Saints like you fathom the true power of the martial path? We are Martial Sovereigns! Even in the Ancient Continent, the status of a Martial Sovereign is revered. Why would we care about a minor sect or a mere Martial Saint?"

"Lin Fei, as the apex martial artist of Great Chang, you must be aware of its secrets. Tell us, where is the treasure of Great Chang?"

The three Martial Sovereigns demanded, their gaze as sharp as blades, locking onto Lin Fei.

"You shouldn't have come to Great Chang," Lin Fei calmly retorted. "Whether Great Chang harbors any treasures, I do not know. But one thing's for certain - it will be your graveyard."

The Martial Sovereigns were taken aback. "Killing intent? Against us? Do you not understand the difference between a Martial Saint and a Martial Sovereign?" They laughed at the perceived absurdity of Lin Fei's bravado.

However, their laughter froze when Lin Fei took a step forward. An immense Life Wheel, unparalleled in its magnitude, manifested behind him. The oppressive aura it exuded made even the three Martial Sovereigns tremble. Their Life Wheels, in comparison to Lin Fei's, seemed insignificant. Lin Fei's Life Wheel shone brightly like the sun, while theirs merely flickered like fireflies.

The triumphant smiles on the faces of the three Martial Sovereigns vanished. They could no longer find their voice to mock. With every step Lin Fei took, it felt as though he was stepping directly into their hearts, making the three of them shudder with unease.

"Six layers of radiance, six Divine Abilities!"

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"And this life force pressure... it's terrifying beyond belief."

"Six Divine Ability... It's clearly all Great Divine Abilities, possibly even top-tier Great Divine Abilities!"

"How is it that in Great Chang, where the martial arts have declined, such a formidable warrior exists?"

"This can't be! It's impossible!"

For a moment, the three Martial Sovereigns were in complete shock, hardly able to believe their own eyes. Even if Lin Fei had journeyed outside to seek the Dao, it had only been two years. What can a Martial Saint achieve in just two years? To become a Martial Sovereign in such a short time was a tale too fantastical to believe.

"Who... who exactly are you? Who are you to impersonate the Martial Saint of Great Chang? If you're after the treasures, we are willing to hand them over without a fight."

The three Martial Sovereigns were no longer able to maintain their composure.

"Divine Ability, Gravity Domain!"

The next moment, a second layer of radiance from the Life Wheel behind Lin Fei shone brilliantly.

"Attack!"

Feeling a jolt, the three Martial Sovereigns realized Lin Fei was about to make his move. They unleashed their powers without hesitation, simultaneously activating their Divine Abilities. Combined, they possessed a total of eight Divine Abilities, which they used all at once, undoubtedly releasing an earth-shattering force.

However, as soon as Lin Fei's Gravity Domain was activated, a series of loud bangs resounded. The three Martial Sovereigns, without even having a chance to scream, were instantly crushed by the overwhelming gravitational force, exploding into a cloud of blood mist.

Dead. The three Martial Sovereigns had been killed without warning. Lin Fei hardly had to lift a finger. He had merely taken a few steps closer to the Martial Sovereigns, and as a result, they exploded into a mist of blood.

To Lin Fei, these three Martial Sovereigns were inconsequential. Their powers were of the Lesser Divine Ability, and even their realms were inferior to Lin Fei's. Their level was merely in the early stages of Martial Sovereign, while Lin Fei was in the mid-stage of Martial Sovereign.

Not to mention, Lin Fei's Gravity Domain was a top-tier Great Divine Ability that had reached perfection. These low-level Martial Sovereigns, practicing Lesser Divine Abilities, stood no chance against him. In Lin Fei's presence, the idea of them even retaliating was a luxury. They were utterly crushed in an instant by Lin Fei.

"Master, Sect Leader. I've returned!"

Step by step, Lin Fei approached the entrance of the Nine Profound Sect and spoke slowly to his master, Zhao Kongming, and the sect leader.

"It really is Lin Fei..."

Zhao Kongming was overwhelmed with emotion. He glanced at Shen Lianxin, now completely certain that Lin Fei had indeed returned. Although he was astounded by Lin Fei's unimaginable growth in just two years, no matter how Lin Fei changed, he would always be a part of the Nine Profound Sect. This was indeed their good fortune.

Consequently, both the sect leader and Zhao Kongming welcomed Lin Fei into the main hall.

"Master, what's the current situation in Great Chang? How is Liu Yibai? What about the Empress of Great Chang? And my family?"

Lin Fei bombarded them with questions. The sect leader and Zhao Kongming exchanged glances, and finally, Zhao Kongming sighed deeply, "Lin Fei, your family is safe here in Nine Profound Sect. As for Liu Yibai, it's rumored that he was exterminated by a Golden Core True Person. Liu Yibai is dead, and the Hidden Sword Sect is no more. The Great Chang Dynasty has long been controlled by Golden Core True Persons. The Empress, while still alive, is now controlled and manipulated by them. The royal family of Great Chang is essentially defunct. Only our Nine Profound Sect has been somewhat fortunate. But if you hadn't returned in time, we might have faced the same fate."

Both Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin fell silent. Liu Yibai was a close friend of theirs. The three of them were once known as the three Martial Saints of Great Chang. Lin Fei and Liu Yibai shared a kindred spirit - Lin Fei was the Saber Saint, and Liu Yibai was the Sword Saint. Unfortunately, the Sword Saint was now dead at the hands of a Golden Core cultivator. Moreover, the Hidden Sword Sect Sect, which Liu Yibai had always protected, was eradicated.

"Perhaps if Liu Yibai had joined us on our journey to explore the oceans, things might have turned out differently," murmured Shen Lianxin.

"Who killed Liu Yibai? Who destroyed the Hidden Sword Sect? Anyone in Great Chang who slaughters at will will be executed!"

A chill flashed in Lin Fei's eyes, and a cold murderous aura emanated from him. Being recognized as the National Guardian Martial Saint who protected Great Chang, he felt the responsibility that came with that title. After all, Great Chang was his homeland. He would not allow anyone to harm it.

"Elder Lin, how far have you progressed in your martial arts?" The head of Nine Profound Sect asked cautiously, his eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.