As Meng Changqing retracted his power, the world gradually returned to its original state.
The sky was blue, the sea churned, but one thing was missing — the enormous Divine Spirit Tree had vanished, leaving only a field of ash behind.
Meng Changqing transformed into a streak of sword light, reappearing within the Southern Region camp.
"Uncle Master!" Mo Xiaoyu instantly threw herself at Meng Changqing, looking up with her tiny, adorable face flushed with excitement.
Admiration practically overflowed from her sparkling eyes.
"You were so, so, so, so amazing!!!" Mo Xiaoyu exclaimed with fervor.
"Stay calm, stay calm," Meng Changqing chuckled, gently patting her on the head.
This girl seemed to become more endearing with time.
"How can I possibly stay calm?
"I declare, from now on, I'm your loyal follower!"
Mo Xiaoyu clung to Meng Changqing's leg.
"Didn't you once ask me to be your follower?" Meng Changqing teased.
"Ahhh~ Uncle Master, why are you bringing up old stuff!
"That's all ancient history. We'll just pretend it never happened!"
Her face turned even redder, and she cringed as memories of herself, arms akimbo, surfaced.
Meng Changqing laughed heartily.
Teasing this little one was always entertaining.
Turning his gaze toward the group, he scanned everyone.
Fortunately, no one had perished during the fight against the demonic cultivators, though some bore minor injuries.
Finally, his eyes landed on Yu Hongxue.
"Are you alright?" he asked with a gentle smile.
"I'm fine." Hearing his concern, Yu Hongxue's cheeks flushed slightly, and her gaze rippled with emotion.
So many people here, but he only asked about me…
"That's good." Meng Changqing nodded, withdrawing his gaze.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Figures began to arrive behind him — the prodigies of the three regions, gathering one by one.
Meng Changqing turned to face them.
Even with his power withdrawn, the presence of his Unyielding Will was impossible to fully conceal.
That unique oppressive aura lingered, causing hearts to tremble.
"I never expected Chief Meng to have already condensed a Martial Domain. Truly remarkable," Hui Kong remarked, hands clasped in respect.
"Indeed. We thought the pinnacle of his power was Three Perfected Intents, but who could have guessed he also mastered a Martial Domain? Had it not been for the demonic cultivators, no one would've seen such a trump card," Dongmen Xiangzhong chimed in with a smile.
"This time, we owe you immensely, Chief Meng," he continued.
"Without you, we would have perished to the demonic forces. Please, accept our gratitude." As he finished, Dongmen Xiangzhong bowed deeply.
Seeing this, the others followed suit.
It was an undeniable truth. Meng Changqing had saved them all.
"It was merely a passing effort. No need to dwell on it," Meng Changqing responded with a calm smile.
"Perhaps, but a debt of gratitude is still owed. Should you need assistance in the future, you can count on us," Hui Kong vowed earnestly.
"Hm." For once, Yue Qingchan broke her silence.
Her typically cold gaze softened slightly when directed at Meng Changqing, no longer as unapproachable as before.
"Previously, I spoke without thought. If I've said anything improper, I hope Chief Meng can forgive me," Han Yuanzhen interjected, his hands clasped in apology.
His words surprised those around him.
Han Yuanzhen was notorious for his arrogance.
That had never happened before.
Clearly, he was sincerely impressed.
After all, Three Perfected Intents combined with a Martial Domain?
Even veteran experts might not reach such heights.
It was utterly terrifying.
Mo Xiaoyu clung tighter to Meng Changqing's leg, her admiration growing stronger.
After all, how many in the world could make even other prodigy-level figures yield completely?
Meanwhile, Lin Qingming and other hidden veins exchanged knowing glances, their eyes gleaming.
Their thoughts diverged from Mo Xiaoyu's.
They understood that behind these individuals were the peak factions of the Three Regions.
Building connections with them could create an unparalleled network of allies in the future.
"Chief Han, you overstate things," Meng Changqing replied warmly. "Martial artists live and breathe passion. It's only natural to speak freely."
"Chief Meng's magnanimity commands respect," Han Yuanzhen said with a smile, feeling relieved.
Meng Changqing observed Han Yuanzhen with interest.
Of course, his interest wasn't in the person himself but rather Han's innate blade constitution.
Originally, Meng Changqing had no strong desires regarding other unique physiques.
He had little use for them.
However, after encountering the Chaos Phenomenon, his perspective changed.
Collecting them might be worthwhile, especially if they influenced the mysterious Chaos Figure.
Moreover, his fourth intended path was Blade Intent.
Having Han Yuanzhen's innate blade constitution nearby would significantly boost his progress.
It was worth fostering a relationship.
"The Ancient Lands are rarely accessible, and it's rarer still for us to gather," Han Yuanzhen suggested. "They say adversaries make the best friends. May I have the honor of befriending Chief Meng, so we might learn from each other in the future?"
His words stunned everyone.
Dongmen Xiangzhong shot him a disdainful look.
This guy! So eager to curry favor.
Adversaries making friends?
He! Didn't see you trying this with anyone else!
Transparent and shameless. Such behavior was simply beneath contempt.
"I share the same thought," Dongmen Xiangzhong added, smiling slyly.
【Han Yuanzhen has sent you a friend request.】
【Dongmen Xiangzhong has sent you a friend request.】
Hearing the notifications in his mind, Meng Changqing froze in surprise.
He'd been thinking about how to phrase his invitation to add these peerless prodigies as allies.
Yet now, they'd made the first move!