Returning his awareness to the outside world, Evan Chu could only marvel at the events in his Chaos World. An independent self, with a mind of its own?
It sounded almost impossible to accept, but that was the reality. Of course, Evan Chu still held the dominant will; even though his own strength was much weaker compared to Lynton Chu, who now stood at peak Saint Lord Realm, a single thought from Evan could dissolve Lynton, re-merge all Star Souls, and restore them within his own divine soul.
Still, Evan had no intention of doing that. Reabsorbing the Star Souls into himself would actually limit his power—after all, his main soul was still human. Rather than that, letting Lynton Chu exist independently, nourishing Stellar Power with Star Souls and transforming the Chaos World, would also help Evan’s main soul grow stronger.
But there was a drawback: Evan could rely on his own talent and effort to cultivate and grow stronger, while Lynton Chu could only advance by absorbing more Star Souls—a process that gave Evan quite a headache.
Obtaining even a single star was incredibly difficult, let alone destroying one and injecting its Star Soul into Lynton Chu.
“So it’s true—power like this isn’t something you can just have because you want it. If I want to stay invincible among my peers, I’ll have to command even more stars than anyone else! In the Star-River Dominion, in the end, it’s all about the stars!”
With all that clear, Evan felt an even stronger urge to break through to the Holy Emperor Realm. Only then could he reach regions where meteors fall like rain—and finally learn the methods for capturing stars.
Time flew by. Five days later, Violet Thunder suddenly showed up to find Evan. “Senior brother, the investiture ceremony has started. Everyone’s just waiting for you.”
Evan gave a wry smile. “Jun Yang is really something—making such a fuss over appointing a mere vanguard commander.”
“I’m afraid it’s not that simple. This time, even the four Temple Masters have come in person, and all Seven Thrones have been recalled. Only the deputy commanders and garrison generals are left at the front lines. I have a feeling something big is about to happen.”
Evan’s heart skipped a beat—he felt the same way. All Seven Thrones gathering together, plus all four Temple Masters showing up? There’s no way this is just for his investiture as vanguard commander. Something big is definitely brewing.
Inside the main hall of Frostbane Dynasty’s imperial palace, aside from the supreme Holy Emperor’s throne at the top, the four Temple Masters, the Seven Thrones, several top-ranking military authorities, and Henry Lin—whom Evan hadn’t seen in days—were all present.
“You’re here? We’ve just been waiting for you.”
As soon as Evan and Violet Thunder entered the hall, Violet Thunder hurriedly excused himself and left.
Everyone seated in the hall was a major figure in Frostbane Dynasty, and except for a few whose cultivation was still at peak Saint Venerable Realm, most were at least Holy Emperor Realm.
Forget looking them in the eye—just the sheer pressure in the air was enough to crush any ordinary Saint Lord. Violet Thunder, who was only late-stage Saint Realm, could barely breathe.
“Waiting for me?”
Evan was startled by the lineup. Wasn’t this supposed to be a simple investiture ceremony? With this kind of setup, it looked more like a summit that could change Frostbane Dynasty’s fate!
“Uh... Did I walk into the wrong place or something?”
Jun Yang laughed. “Relax! The reason we only called you here is because this concerns you, and you have every right to speak up.”
“Jun Yang, don’t mess with me.”
Evan shook his head, glancing around. Even the Blazing Flame Legion’s strategists, who outranked him by three levels, weren’t here—let alone someone like him.
“Alright, let’s get started. Evan Chu, take your seat—the meeting is about to begin.”
Nightdream Ye glanced at him, then waved her hand. A meteor-stone chair materialized in front of Evan, and to his astonishment, his seat was placed on the same level as the Seven Thrones. He couldn’t help feeling a bit overwhelmed.
“Very well, I’ll preside over this meeting. First, let’s congratulate the Blazing Flame Legion for annihilating the Monroe and Sky Tiger Legions in the last battle, and congratulate Evan Chu on assuming the post of Vanguard Grand Commander. I hope he will continue to excel and bring glory to Frostbane Dynasty.”
After Nightdream Ye finished speaking, everyone in the hall smiled at Evan Chu—their eyes said it all.
In a setting like this, no one would drop their guard and get close to Evan Chu. Status and strength were what mattered—before you had power, face didn’t mean much.
Evan responded with a matching smile. He knew the so-called investiture ceremony was already done—now the real business was about to begin.
“Everyone, Frostbane Dynasty’s development over the years owes everything to your contributions. So, I’m sure you all know exactly what awkward position we’re in now, in the southeastern part of the Star-River Dominion.”
Below us, there are over a hundred dynasties watching, just waiting for us to falter or decline so they can move in and swallow us whole.
Above us, Phantom-Star and Rivengrace Dynasties are like two mountains pressing down—they see us as a thorn in their side, desperate to get rid of us. Why? Because for a thousand years, only Phantom-Star and Rivengrace have been able to contest for the overlord seat. But now, that pattern’s been broken.
Our Seven Legions have grown stronger and stronger. Now, we finally have the strength to challenge for hegemony!
After saying this, Nightdream Ye looked to Zhan Chen, who would now add his part.
“This time, Jun Yang’s Blazing Flame Legion suffered a truly devastating blow—surrounded by unprecedented forces and driven to the brink. To put it plainly, if nothing unexpected had happened, Blazing Flame would have been wiped out, and our Frostbane Dynasty’s fate…
But who could have predicted it? Our Seven Legions were blessed with heaven-defying fortune—Evan Chu was bestowed upon us, letting us reverse what was certain defeat and instead deal a crushing blow to Phantom-Star and Rivengrace. These two legions were the ace forces of their dynasties.
The total annihilation this time not only caused tremendous losses, but also dealt a staggering blow to the morale and confidence of their other legions.
Today, what we need to discuss is: with the Sky Tiger Legion and Monroe Legion destroyed, how will we campaign to seize their territories and star-regions?
This move will determine whether we can truly ascend to the position of hegemon in the future!
Zhan Chen’s words made everyone fall silent; the Seven Thrones all wore grave expressions and said nothing.
Phantom-Star and Rivengrace Dynasties have only two options now: first, to retaliate even more fiercely; second, to retreat and withdraw from the struggle for hegemony.
But everyone feels the first outcome is much more likely. So, to ‘inherit’ the Sky Tiger and Monroe territories is to run headlong into a steel wall.
Magnus Liao saw that no one spoke, then said, “The four Temple Masters have discussed it—we’ll abandon the Sky Tiger Legion’s star-region, and focus all our forces on conquering Monroe Legion’s former domain. This way, we can station four legions to guard the four directions, with one legion resting and garrisoning the dynasty.
Splitting our forces to fight on two fronts would only lead to defeat. It’s better to concentrate and take Phantom-Star’s territory in one push!”
“Good! I support the Temple Masters’ plan!”
“Mm, there’s really no other way.”
Among the Seven Thrones, almost everyone nodded. But when Evan Chu heard it—abandon one of the two fat prizes? Based on what? Why?!
“No! I object!”
Evan Chu stood up, directly facing the Seven Thrones and the four Temple Masters as he spoke.