Chapter 1386: Chapter 1387: Condolences
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Through the intentional spread of news by numerous experts, the tale of Li Xiaobai leading a group of elites to slay the gods had spread across the entire Central Origin Realm, becoming household knowledge.
Ying Diao officially renamed the Sword Sect to the Villain’s Guild to commemorate Li Xiaobai’s heroic deed and to ensure his name would remain etched in the minds of the people.
Long Xue went to the underground chamber where Li Xiaobai had previously secluded himself and moved out statues, setting them up on the summit of the Second Peak. The sect initially planned to erect a monument and compile chronicles of his life, only to discover that Li Xiaobai had preemptively crafted his own statues, saving them the effort.
Not only were there statues of Li Xiaobai himself, the chamber was crowded with statues of cultivators. Long Xue transported out the statues of Yitilou, Yan Zuzi, and others, arranging them behind Li Xiaobai’s own likeness.
“Perhaps he long ago sensed that his end was near? Otherwise, why would he personally carve his own memorial statue?”
Long Xue couldn’t fathom it, and Ying Diao was equally flummoxed, but for now, this seemed to be the only logical explanation. No matter how one examined the statues, they were plain creations—apart from being made of heavenly treasures, there was nothing particularly special about them.
They could only regard them as memorial statues.
“The guests have arrived!”
Chen Yuan, the diligent chief steward, called out loudly to notify Ying Diao of the arrival of various superpowers.
“Greetings, Sect Master Ying!”
“Sect Master Ying, our condolences. Sect Master Li sacrificed himself for the greater good of the human race. We are deeply saddened!”
“Today, we have brought our sect disciples here to pay their respects. A token of our sincerity, though unworthy of appreciation!”
A group of Saint Realm experts each offered a storage ring in tribute. Ying Diao nodded and accepted the space rings, briefly scanning their contents. All were valuable treasures that showed the sincerity of the gifts—these experts hadn’t skimped on presenting rare and exquisite items.
“Thank you for your kindness, my fellow cultivators. I trust that their spirits, watching over us, will be at peace.”
“With the preservation of the Central Origin Realm and the calamity of the Immortal Gods now past, I believe their sacrifices were worthwhile. Moving forward, the reconstruction of the Central Origin Realm will require all of you to work together and assist my Villain’s Guild. Only then can we truly honor the fallen and repay their sacrifices!”
Ying Diao nodded, speaking slowly.
He subtly reinforced the notion of the Villain’s Guild’s dominance. Although the powerful had perished, the alliance itself was intact. The major sects and powers were all vassals of the Villain’s Guild, a fact that remained unchanged. His words served as a warning to deter anyone from harboring hidden ambitions. The Central Origin Realm no longer had multiple super sects; there was only one voice—the Villain’s Guild.
“Indeed, with the Sword Sect renamed the Villain’s Guild, we believe this was done to better etch today’s events into the consciousness of the realm. We will certainly do all we can to usher in a golden era for the Central Origin Realm!”
“All of you, come closer, kneel!”
“Bow your heads to the statues above. Remember, the reason you’re alive today is thanks to these predecessors who fought with their lives!”
The Saint Realm experts of the super sects, without batting an eyelid, directed their sect disciples to kneel and bow before Li Xiaobai’s statue. They showed no shame or embarrassment for fleeing during the war.
After all, reputation and cultivation strength were meaningless—they had survived, and survival was the ultimate priority.
These individuals remained the pillars of their respective sects, but the Villain’s Guild was not so fortunate. While they had protected the human race and defended the Central Origin Realm, apart from Ying Diao, the sect no longer had any Saint Realm experts. In the long term, once Li Xiaobai’s influence faded, it was inevitable that dissenters would arise and factions would break away from the Villain’s Guild.
“Understood!”
At the foot of the Second Peak, countless disciples knelt down at that moment, bowing respectfully toward the mountain summit. They couldn’t comprehend nor guess the minds of the higher-ups, but their kowtowing was sincere. Li Xiaobai was the spiritual pillar of all beings, and while he had perished, his legacy had not been erased by time—instead, it amplified their admiration and reverence.
A dense Power of Faith became visible to the naked eye, continuously flowing into the lead statue, while a significant portion also dispersed into the other statues.
Outside the mountain gate.
In the mundane world, countless living beings worshipped at this moment. From ordinary peasants to emperors and courtiers, from village women in the wilderness to Demonic Beasts—all bowed and paid respects toward the direction of the Villain’s Guild.
This reverence stemmed from the deepest parts of their beings.
An incessant stream of cultivators flocked toward the Second Peak, seeking to pay their respects and gathering at the foot of the mountain.
On the sea.
On an island surrounded by mist, immortal energy enveloped the scene.
Monkeys leaped joyously, seemingly detached from the events of the outside world.
A woman clad in golden battle armor gazed into the distance, muttering to herself, “He really has died?”
An old ape appeared beside her, speaking, “Xiao Liuzi, his death bought you time. The rift created by the Immortal Gods’ arrival shattered the shackles. In the future, the Central Origin Realm can produce Saint Realm cultivators wielding Three Divine Flames. Focus on your training, and ascend within a century to seek out my uncle!”
“Understood!”
…
In the vast depths of the undersea world, a Kraken let out a mournful cry, causing the ocean’s surface to churn violently.
“My brother is gone… I haven’t yet cultivated to stand beside you as an equal, how could you leave before me!”
The Kraken wailed inconsolably, sending numerous Sea Clan cultivators into stupors with vacant eyes.
“Lu Yifa, stop your bawling!”
A rough, booming voice berated him, cutting his wails short.
“Damn it, can’t I grieve for my brother in peace?”
…
Above the waves, a massive ship sailed by. A stooped old man with two small goat-like beards pointed at a statue erected at the bow.
“Do you see that? That gentleman is Li Xiaobai, the Gang Leader of the Villain’s Guild. He once rode aboard my ship!”
“Back when he headed to the Northern Continent, it was I, Old Mountain Goat, who personally escorted him!”
…
The mood among the crowd was somber. Hearts were filled with reverence. Though the cultivators of the Immortal Spirit Continent felt no affinity with the Central Origin Realm, at this moment, they too seemed to feel as if something precious had been lost. Many experts voluntarily ceased their cultivation, pacing restlessly, unable to discern the source of their inexplicable unease.
Ying Diao led a group of Saint Realm experts into the Sect Master Hall to discuss pressing matters. Some things had to be addressed upfront to avoid trouble later.
“Fellow cultivators, Ying humbly accepts your kindness. Thank you all for participating in today’s memorial.”
Ying Diao clasped his hands, bowing respectfully with a solemn expression.
“Say no more; this was our duty. Without Sect Master Li’s fearless dedication and righteous courage, how could we still be alive today?”
“The war has just ended, and the Central Origin Realm lies in ruins. Sect Master Ying’s summons must be for this very matter, I presume?”
A few Saint Realm experts spoke with polite smiles.
Ying Diao nodded. “Indeed. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share.”
“Well, it’s quite simple when you think about it. Sect Master Ying has seen firsthand the power of the Immortal Gods. During the slaughter, our sects were either destroyed or severely damaged. Be it sect disciples or treasured resources, everything dissolved in the poisonous mist. If the Villain’s Guild could offer some wealth and resources to assist us, I believe the Central Origin Realm could be rebuilt swiftly…”
The high-ranking members of the superpowers furrowed their brows, their eyes flashing with a trace of greed as they rubbed their hands together, feigning difficulty in making the request.