Chapter 265: Natural Disaster

Chapter 265: Natural Disaster

On the way back.

Gu Xuan’s expression was somewhat dazed.

Only when he returned to the Void Holy Land did he truly calm down from the shock, understanding that Liu Cangfeng’s words were indeed true.

Immediately.

Gu Xuan felt a mix of joy and worry.

He was joyful that his father was so powerful, capable of sweeping through ancient holy lands with just one person, but he was worried that Gu Xiu had entered the Ancient Teleport Array, and his life and death were currently unknown.

"My strength is still too weak!"

"If my strength were sufficient, how could I allow my third brother to be bullied by the forces of the Southern Region!"

Thinking of some matters in the Southern Region, a trace of killing intent flashed in Gu Xuan’s eyes.

Even the destruction of the Ancient Wasteland Holy Land did not truly quell the anger in his heart.

But there was nothing he could do.

Gu Xuan himself was only at the First Level of the Divine Transformation Realm, far from being a significant force.

Even if he wanted to settle accounts with other forces, he would need sufficient strength to back him up.

Subsequently.

With a thought, Gu Xuan summoned a long sword from his dantian, which fell into his hand.

The Immortal Yang Sword!

This was the greatest fortune he had gained on this journey.

He originally thought the secret realm that emerged was left behind by a Dao Palace Realm cultivator, but it turned out to be the legacy of an ancient Sage.

Unfortunately.

The secret realm was somewhat incomplete, and Gu Xuan did not obtain the Sage’s inheritance. He only carried away this Sacred Weapon.

Even so, it was a tremendous gain for Gu Xuan.

The power of a Sacred Weapon.

Far exceeded that of any so-called ancient weapon.

Even in the Void Holy Land, the number of Sacred Weapons could be counted on one hand. Each Sacred Weapon was a powerful treasure capable of suppressing an entire region.

Gu Xuan, relying on the power of the Immortal Yang Sword, had already slain many top-tier experts at the Divine Transformation Realm.

Afterward.

With another thought, Gu Xuan retracted the Immortal Yang Sword back into his dantian.

He then focused inward and saw the Immortal Yang Sword lying quietly in his dantian, with terrifying and solemn sword qi continuously seeping out, refining his physical blood and qi.

This was another benefit of a Sacred Weapon.

Cultivating the body with a Sacred Weapon.

Even if Gu Xuan did not deliberately practice, his strength would slowly increase.

Of course.

The increase would not be too significant, and the effect would diminish over time.

But the change was still there.

If two cultivators of the same realm were to compete, one with a Sacred Weapon nurturing their body and the other without, the difference would naturally be evident.

Afterward.

Gu Xuan began to tally up the other gains from his journey.

...

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has received the recognition of a Sacred Weapon from the secret realm, greatly enhancing his strength!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has consumed Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, slightly advancing his cultivation!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has consumed Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, breaking through to the Second Level of the Divine Transformation Realm!"

"Reward: 300 Enhancement Points!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has gained insight from practicing the Nine Heavens Scripture, enhancing his strength!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has gained insight from practicing the Nine Heavens Scripture, slightly advancing his cultivation!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has vigorously developed the Divine Martial Academy, spreading the path of cultivation throughout the Nine Provinces, significantly increasing the number of cultivators in the Divine Martial Dynasty and enhancing its foundation!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has gained increasing popularity and is revered by the people!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' learned of the drought in Wu Province, where no rain had fallen for three months. He then used the power of the Dynasty’s Fortune to change the weather, bringing sweet dew to Wu Province, benefiting the people!"

"Your descendant..."

...

In the Gu Family Manor, Gu Qingfeng, checking the changes on the information panel from time to time, saw that the sky over Wu Province was already filled with thunder and dark clouds, shading the sun and bringing a bit of coolness to the scorching summer.

At the Divine Martial Sect.

The sect leader, Gu Yun, looked up at the dark clouds, his eyes filled with surprise and uncertainty.

With his perception, he naturally understood that these clouds were not ordinary.

"Could it be related to the imperial court?"

Gu Yun was hesitant.

However, from the current situation, the appearance of these clouds should be more beneficial than harmful to Wu Province.

For the past three months, Wu Province had been suffering from a severe drought, with no rain at all.

Fortunately, it was a time of peace, and the imperial court had the capability to provide relief. Otherwise, if this had happened during the end of the previous dynasty, the three months of drought would have caused widespread suffering and death.

Even so.

Three months of natural disaster had already taken a heavy toll on the people of Wu Province.

Regarding this.

Gu Yun wanted to take action but felt powerless.

After all.

Even as a cultivator at the Divine Transformation Realm with the ability to move mountains and fill seas, he could not resolve the natural disaster or alleviate the drought of an entire province.

Indeed!

Gu Yun had already broken through to the Divine Transformation Realm.

He received the Divine Sun Scripture from Gu Qingfeng, which allowed him to glimpse the path ahead. With the current increase in the Nine Provinces' heavenly essence and the exchange of resources with the outside world, many previously rare and precious Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures are no longer as scarce as they once were.

Moreover, the Divine Martial Sect was once the paramount sect and the dominant force in Wu Province, so it naturally has a rich heritage.

Furthermore, the Divine Martial Sect has made significant contributions to the dynasty.

Therefore, the court has provided considerable support to the Divine Martial Sect.

To outsiders, the "Divine Martial" in the Divine Martial Dynasty is closely associated with the Divine Martial Sect, which makes many forces hesitant to offend the Divine Martial Sect.

As a result, the Divine Martial Sect's influence has naturally grown.

As the sect master, Gu Yun has also benefited greatly, which allowed him to break through to the Divine Transformation Realm.

Of course, in terms of talent, Gu Yun is not lacking.

Otherwise, he would not have been able to reach the peak of the Grandmaster Realm in such a harsh environment, let alone have the qualifications to challenge the Half-Sage Realm.

However, even after breaking through to the Divine Transformation Realm, Gu Yun did not entertain any improper thoughts. He also frequently warned the sect disciples not to provoke the court.

After all, Gu Yun is well aware that the Divine Martial Sect's current status is entirely due to the court.

In Gu Yun's view, the current Divine Martial Dynasty is unfathomably deep. If they were to foolishly oppose the court, the Divine Martial Sect would likely be annihilated in an instant.

Gu Yun has no doubt about this.

At this moment, as he gazes at the dark clouds in the sky, he senses a terrifying divine aura that makes his breathing slow down, as if he is being watched by some terrifying presence.

Before he can think too much, a stern voice covers the entire Wu Province, reaching the ears of everyone.

"Wu Province has suffered from drought for three months, and the people are struggling to survive. I am deeply pained. Now, I am issuing an imperial edict to bring down sweet dew and save the people!"

As the words fall, a yellow divine light cuts through the sky and unfolds above Wu Province, revealing the text of the imperial edict written by Gu Yang.

In the next moment, the edict dissipates, transforming into divine light that ascends into the sky.

After a while, a thunderclap splits the clear sky, and rolling thunder covers Wu Province.

Amidst everyone's shock, rain finally falls on Wu Province, which has been dry for three months.

"It's raining!!"

"The people thank His Majesty!!"

The people of Wu Province are overjoyed, many rushing out of their homes to let the cold raindrops fall on their bodies, dispelling the heat within them.

The dry, cracked earth is nourished by the rain, and many trees on the verge of death are rejuvenated.

Dry riverbeds gradually fill with water, flowing through the mountains, bringing life back to the entire Wu Province.

When external cultivators witness this scene, they are also moved.

"A single imperial edict can change the weather and resolve a province's drought. The dynasty's methods are indeed extraordinary, far surpassing other sects!"

While it is true that top-tier cultivators can also change the weather, especially those with special divine arts for calling wind and rain, there are limits to what they can do.

Although each of the Nine Provinces is not as large as the 108 provinces of the Eastern Region, Wu Province is not considered small either.

At least, cultivators at the Dao Palace Realm would find it difficult to change the weather of an entire province.

To achieve this, only a Sage, as rumored, might be possible.

Moreover, according to their understanding, the current Emperor Gu of the Divine Martial Dynasty is only at the initial stage of the Divine Transformation Realm, far from the Dao Palace Realm.

From this, it is evident that the methods of a dynasty with dynastic luck have their merits.

However, it is also extremely difficult to strengthen a dynasty's luck and further elevate it to an imperial dynasty.

{full}

They came here to seek opportunities in the Nine Provinces, not to oppose the Divine Martial Dynasty.

After all, they have not forgotten the destruction of the Ancient Wasteland Holy Land. With the Gu Family's presence, who would dare to touch the Divine Martial Dynasty?

In a world where the strong rule, a top-tier cultivator is enough to ensure the long-term prosperity of a force.

Moreover, in this era where Sages do not appear, Gu Qingfeng, who can slay Great Sage Realm cultivators at the Half-Sage Realm, is considered a peak cultivator.

On a larger scale, Gu Qingfeng can be regarded as the strongest cultivator of the End Law Era.

After all, in the End Law Era, where Sages do not appear, anyone who can slay a Great Sage Realm cultivator at the Half-Sage Realm can be considered the strongest.

...

"Wow, this is the court's method, truly inconceivable!"

On the Divine Martial Sect's mountain, Gu Yun took a deep breath, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Even with his current perspective, such an event still left him in shock.

It wasn't just Gu Yun who was shocked.

All the disciples of the Divine Martial Sect were also filled with horror.

"That's the voice of Emperor Gu!?"

"A single imperial edict can resolve the drought in Wu Province; this person's abilities are truly terrifying!"

For a moment,

The disciples of the Divine Martial Sect felt an even greater reverence for the court.

After all, if Gu Yang could resolve the drought in Wu Province with a single imperial edict, then wouldn't it be possible for him to destroy the Divine Martial Sect with a single edict as well?

Thinking of this,

Many disciples who usually relied on the status of the Divine Martial Sect and disregarded the court's rules now instinctively felt a deep sense of fear.

They secretly vowed never to offend the court again.

Otherwise,

Even the sect might not be able to protect them.

---

In the capital,

Gu Yang looked in the direction of Wu Province, took a deep breath, and then, sensing the decrease in the dynasty's fortune, shook his head helplessly.

"From the looks of it, the progress towards becoming an imperial dynasty will be slowed down considerably!"

This time, using the dynasty's fortune to resolve the drought in Wu Province was a last resort.

Since the drought began in Wu Province three months ago, Gu Yang had used a large amount of resources to alleviate the disaster, trying to minimize the losses caused by the drought.

The reason he didn't use the fortune right away to resolve the disaster was that Gu Yang wanted to reserve some fortune for the future advancement to an imperial dynasty.

As long as the disaster relief efforts were effective, the impact of the drought wouldn't be so significant.

On the contrary,

If the fortune was used to alleviate the disaster, it would inevitably result in a loss of the dynasty's fortune, and it would take some time to recover.

However,

Over the past three months,

Despite the court's extensive disaster relief efforts, the drought in Wu Province showed no signs of easing and instead worsened.

Seeing that the disaster relief efforts were about to fail and the people of Wu Province were becoming restless, Gu Yang had no choice but to act, directly using the dynasty's fortune to bring down sweet dew in Wu Province.

This sweet dew

Used up the fortune accumulated by the Divine Martial Dynasty over a year.

Such a consumption naturally left Gu Yang feeling heartbroken.

Fortunately,

With the sweet dew now falling, the hearts of the people in Wu Province have stabilized again. As long as the people's hearts remain stable, these losses can eventually be made up.

If the dynasty is likened to a pond, then the fortune is like the water in the pond, and the people of the Nine Provinces are like a stream, constantly injecting water into the pond.

Each time the fortune is used, the accumulated water decreases.

But similarly,

As long as the stream representing the people does not dry up, the used water will eventually be replenished over time.

However, if the people lose their loyalty, the dynasty's fortune will become stagnant, and over time, it will gradually dry up.

Therefore,

Gu Yang clearly understood the trade-offs.

"As long as the people's hearts remain stable, the used fortune is just used. It merely delays the speed of advancing to an imperial dynasty. Whether it happens earlier or later, it won't significantly affect the current Divine Martial Dynasty!"

Gu Yang thought to himself.

In the past, Gu Yang would have hoped to advance the Divine Martial Dynasty to an imperial dynasty as soon as possible.

Because once the dynasty could advance to an imperial dynasty, the Divine Martial Dynasty's foundation would greatly increase.

An imperial dynasty

Is capable of suppressing Dao Palace Realm experts.

If it's a top-tier imperial dynasty, even Sages would have to give way.

Therefore,

In the past, Gu Yang would have wanted to advance the Divine Martial Dynasty to an imperial dynasty as soon as possible. This way, he would have a powerful trump card, and even if a Dao Palace Realm expert invaded, he would have the confidence to resist.

If given more time to allow the Divine Martial Dynasty to enter the ranks of top-tier imperial dynasties, then within the imperial dynasty, Gu Yang, even as a Divine Transformation Realm cultivator, would be equivalent to a Sage.

But now, things are different.

With Gu Qingfeng destroying the Ancient Wasteland Holy Land, the Divine Martial Dynasty already has a trump card even stronger than a top-tier imperial dynasty.

After all, to kill a Great Sage, it would take at least an imperial state.

Therefore,

In certain aspects, the Divine Martial Dynasty's deterrent power can rival many imperial states.

Moreover,

According to Gu Yang's understanding, there are not many imperial states in the Ancient Desolate Realm.

Additionally,

These imperial states also have their limitations.

Within the territory of an imperial state, the ruler can use the fortune to suppress a Great Sage, but outside the territory, such fortune has little effect.

Therefore,

Compared to an imperial state that is limited to its territory, Gu Qingfeng, who can leave the Divine Martial Dynasty at any time and has the strength to kill a Great Sage, is undoubtedly more terrifying.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end