Close to four hundred years before the current events, there were three cultivators who shared fortune and misfortune as brothers.
Although each of them came from different powers and even regions, from the moment they met, and for over twenty years, they indeed turned into brothers. The three abandoned their homes and traveled the entire plane, cultivating and obtaining both experience and treasures.
Still, every talented and ambitious cultivator reaches a point when the thought of leaving a legacy, or at least something for the future to remember, makes one's mind change.
It was the same for Kongbai Qiang, Linghun Shan, and Lei Guanting.
"Our brotherhood will remain unchanged, but we can not help or interfere with our legacies, as it is something that each of us has to create by ourselves. Let's meet in thirty years, and show what we have attained to each other!"
Reaching such a decision, the three arrived at [Zhongyang City], the principal city of the [Fanrong Region], and separated.
***
Kongbai Qiang believed that the void was the correct path to power, and since obtaining the ability to, had advanced on it. While planning to found a power from the start, he did not count on the resources to do so. But a mix of luck and charisma allowed him to gain the support of a few clans on the border of the [Fanrong] and [Ten Families] regions, and he found himself with both funds and people to do so.
And so, after just 11 years since he started his journey, the fundaments of the [Gazing into the Void Sect] were placed.
Pledging itself to the [Fanrong Region] overlord of that time, the [Harmonious Mountain Palace], he obtained a small territory and support.
Only he would be able to know what he had to do, offer or take on, but thirty years after the separation, Kongbai Qiang arrived at [Zhongyang City] as the head of a minor but functional sect.
***
Linghun Shan had always thought that a cultivator's body was nothing more than a vessel, and it could be ignored entirely while one's soul was strong enough. Basing his theory on the fact that the Sky realm cultivators of legend did not require the body, he created his method. One where he concentrated all of his efforts on strengthening his soul.
The results that he showed had been impressive, as he always had shown a prowess and speed of advancement far above the other cultivators. And so, when he released the news of taking disciples, he not only garnered the attention of several young geniuses but also the attention of one of the strongest powers in the [Fanrong Region], the [Eternal Fog Sect].
And just 18 years after he separated from his friends, Linghun Shan founded a small school, one that just ten years later would develop into the [Seven Souls Sect], at that time a branch of the [Eternal Fog Sect].
So when he arrived at [Zhongyang City], he was the head of a separate part of one of the strongest sects in the region and the master of nearly fifty disciples.
***
Lei Guanting never understood his brothers' paths finesse, always considering that the stronger was the one to win more battles and train more. His ambitions and charisma weren't enough to garner the support of many people either, and so, he chose another way to leave a legacy.
Forming a small group of rogue cultivators, Lei Guanting delved into the most dangerous areas in search of the rarest treasures and resources. Between his uncanny luck and true power, he quickly found renown, far more than the one he had before, from the days as the [Plane Walking Trio].
Twenty years later, he married Xuan Yuhan, the daughter of the [Stone Mountain Cult] master. And six years later, he assumed the leadership, although shared, of the cult itself.
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And so, when he arrived at [Zhongyang City], he was not only the only to be married but also the master of a small but old and established power.
***
Their agreed meeting had shown that neither of the three brothers had failed in their goals. After, they agreed on an alliance and full cooperation between their respective powers. Seventy years later, Lei Guanting was killed after losing a duel against a mysterious challenger who claimed to be from the [Blood Mist Sect].
Another forty years later, Kongbai Qiang died after contracting a strange disease, or at least what passed as a disease.
And yet another forty years later, the events leading to the fall of the [Fanrong Region] and the establishment of the [Demon Worshipping Alliance] would start.
***
Ten years of clashes, battles, and an all-out war later, the [Eternal Fog Sect], assuming their hidden identity of [Blood Mist Sect], took the region as its own.
Linghun Shan's [Seven Souls Sect], one of the closest allies for the new overlord, quickly gained in size and power. Although deep inside, the last of the three brothers would always know that it wasn't just because of that...
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Somewhere close to a year before the current events, a talk took place in the rainbow-colored, crystal halls of the [Seven Souls Sect].
The identities of the two men and a woman remained concealed from anyone, even between themselves. Although, it would not be hard to understand just who could be present in the hall of the Sectmaster.
Woman's voice - "Are you sure? They possess the [Three Fangs Beacon]?"
Young man's voice - "Yes, it has been confirmed. It is embedded in the throne of the founder."
Old man's voice - "I see, so my father had not been wrong. It was Kongbai Qiang responsible for its disappearance."
Young man's voice - "I doubt that founder Linghun Shan could have been mistaken. After all, he did choose his backers wisely in a time of uncertainty, didn't he? So how could he miss the actions of his so-called brother?"
Old man's voice - "Still, our current strength isn't higher than the [Void Palace], and the [Blood Mist] will not send anyone to help."
Woman's voice - "Even if I add my men, we will be unable to deal with them before the [Great Forest] is alarmed."
Old man's voice - "Several powers owe us not a single favor, so gathering enough men will not be the problem. But, how to deal with their defenses?"
Young man's voice - "That, I can deal with. But, my services will come at a cost."
Old man's voice - "The beacon is far more important than any riches. Your cost will be paid."
Young man's voice - "A year. Prepare a couple of thousands of sacrificial pawns as well."
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2nd day of the [Void Palace] siege.
"Activate!" A loud voice filled a room of the courtyard prepared for guests and visitors, one bare except for the column-like obelisk of a pure white color that occupied most of the room. And in response, dozens of blue runes and golden lines expanded from beneath his unassuming black cloak.
"Feed!" He continued, and the obelisk in front of him shuddered and then glowed.
*Glimmer*
As the obelisk started to shine in warm light, no one would believe that it was a demonic item, but it was. And not a mere decoration either, but the source of power for the formation that the young voice had activated.
"Now, it is time to take some precautions. Who knows if there will be someone crazy enough to risk crossing the Palace grounds as a mortal?" The cloaked figure stood up and asked no one with a chuckle...