Chapter 252: We’re Close Friends with the Human Sovereign Jiang
A Tong really didn’t know who Jiang Li was. When he left the secret realm, Jiang Li had only just reached the Nascent Soul Stage and hadn’t made a name for himself. A Tong had been trapped in his illusion for five hundred years, repeating the same scenes over and over, completely disconnected from the outside world.
Whether Jiang Li had become the Human Sovereign or crushed Outer World Fiends—he’d heard none of it.
“No problem at all. You’ve been in seclusion for five hundred years—it’s only natural you haven’t heard of me.” Jiang Li repeated himself to make it clear he wasn’t the slightest bit embarrassed.
“You’re right, Daoist Jiang. Maybe it’s time I try stepping out of the past.”
A Tong rose and, without using any spiritual power, began digging with his bare hands. He buried his grandfather, uncle, aunt, and the other villagers, erecting tombstones with their names engraved.
Jiang Li’s words weren’t some miracle pill—no instant enlightenment. He just gave A Tong the chance to take that first step.
A Tong hadn’t fully untied the knot in his heart, but at least he’d started moving forward.
A Tong bowed again to thank Jiang Li and Li Nian’er.
“I, Tong Liu, have nothing to offer in return. These are treasures I gained in the secret realm. Daoist Jiang, if you fancy anything, just take it.”
Tong Liu took out a number of valuable items and offered them to Jiang Li.
They were all high-grade treasures—even Fusion Stage cultivators could use them.
“No need, no need. Daoist Tong Liu, you keep them for yourself.”
“Please, Daoist Jiang, no need to be so polite.”
“I’m not being polite.”
The two of them genuinely refused each other for a while, until Li Nian’er suddenly said, “Senior Tong, Uncle Jiang is the current Human Sovereign—he’s at the Mahayana Stage.”
“M-Mahayana Stage?!”
Jiang Li nodded politely.
Tong Liu instantly felt awkward. He’d thought Jiang Li was just being modest. Who’d have thought the man was two whole stages above him—and the Human Sovereign, no less. No wonder he didn’t care for any of his treasures.
“Young lady, then… how about these treasures for you?” Tong Liu turned around and changed his target.
Jiang Li interjected, “Her father is Li Er of the Dharmakaya Sect, and her mother is the First Princess of the Western Sea Dragon Palace.”
“I-I see.”
Li Er’s name was thunderously famous to Tong Liu. Five hundred years ago, Li Er had already been a renowned Tribulation Stage cultivator.
Tong Liu also knew that among the Four Seas Dragon Palaces, the East Sea was the richest, and the West Sea came second.
After thinking it over, Tong Liu acted like nothing had happened, cupped his hands, and left.
“He’s got the makings of a great commander—shame he’s too green, too soft-skinned, and hasn’t seen the ugliness of the world. He still needs the tempering of the mortal world,” Jiang Li said softly as he watched Tong Liu leave.
Tong Liu’s loyalty and sentimentality were strengths, but his heart hadn’t caught up with his strength. He still had a long way to grow.
Jiang Li was curious what kind of person Tong Liu would eventually become. He’d make a decision then.
Commander Liu called Jiang Li through a Remote Communication Talisman.
“What’s up?”
“Palace Master, do you remember what day it is seven days from now?” Commander Liu wore a serious expression.
“Sixth of the second month.”
Commander Liu gave Jiang Li a long, heavy look filled with resentment. “…I haven’t aged to the point where I can’t count days. Seven days from now marks the 300th anniversary of your ascension as Human Sovereign. By law, a grand ceremony must be held. The Nine Provinces will celebrate.”
Celebrating Jiang Li’s ascension symbolized peace. The event took place once every ten years. This was the 300th anniversary—a historic, unprecedented occasion. All major powers would be in attendance to offer congratulations. It was one of the Nine Provinces’ rare grand festivals—everyone looked forward to it.
Most importantly, it meant a ten-day holiday.
Jiang Li gave a sheepish smile. “Just joking. How could I, a Mahayana Stage cultivator, forget such a big day?”
Commander Liu stared silently at his Palace Master. If you actually cared, you’d definitely remember. But if you didn’t…
“Well, since you remember, I assume your speech is ready.”
“Of course,” Jiang Li replied stubbornly.
“Let’s hear it.”
“On this beautiful, sunny, clear-sky day, welcome, everyone. Eat well, drink well.”
“That’s it?”
“Drink well, eat well.”
Commander Liu let out a resigned sigh. He knew Jiang Li had completely forgotten. “Forget it. I’ll handle the speech.”
He couldn’t count on Zhang Konghu—his writing skills were… hard to describe. His drafts were incoherent messes. Commander Mu loved to show off—his writing reeked of a petty man flaunting success. Commander Huang was gloomy—his texts made people depressed just reading them.
The best writers in the Human Sovereign Hall were Marshal Ma and his wife—they wrote the most books.
Even if you beat Commander Liu to death, he wouldn’t let that couple write anything.
He hadn’t expected Jiang Li to be of any help. He contacted him just to remind him—not to go wandering off and forget to return for the celebration ten days later.
Now, it seemed the reminder had been absolutely necessary.
Commander Liu got to work. Writing the speech was just the start—he also had to handle stage setup, seating arrangements, performance areas… everything fell on him.
After hanging up the communication talisman, Jiang Li felt a bit sorry for Commander Liu. The guy managed the Human Sovereign Hall all alone, while the actual sovereign ran wild all over the place.
Jiang Li’s last shred of conscience stirred. He decided to return to the Human Sovereign Hall to lend a hand.
Li Nian’er asked to go with him, and Jiang Li gladly agreed.
…
The Human Sovereign Hall sat at the center of the Nine Provinces, occupying its own designated territory. The celebration would revolve around this area.
By now, things around the Human Sovereign Hall were already lively. Countless temporary inns, restaurants, stalls, merchant streets, and exhibition halls had sprung up. Once the event ended and the crowds dispersed, their owners would take them down and leave with full pockets.
Aside from those doing business, some were here for promotion.
“Fellow cultivator, interested in joining our Observing Mahayana Sect?” someone cheerfully called out, using the opportunity to expand his sect’s influence.
“Observing Mahayana Sect? Weren’t you the eldest senior brother of the Observing Stars Sect?” someone asked, confused.
The senior brother of the Observing Stars Sect wore a solemn expression. “Our sect’s mission was to observe the stars and track human fate. But stars can be shattered by Fusion Stage cultivators. How could such things reflect the workings of mankind?”
“The power of stars has its limits. But the might of Mahayana cultivators is infinite. Our sect has realized that the Mahayana Stage is the true root of human destiny. Therefore, we have corrected our path and renamed the sect to reflect that.”
“I see. Then what’s your relationship with the Human Sovereign Jiang?”
The senior brother of the Observing Stars Sect lowered his voice and revealed a secret: “We’re very close with the Human Sovereign Jiang.”
Everyone gasped. “There’s such a connection? I’d like to join the Observing Mahayana Sect!”
“Here, sign and leave your handprint. From now on, you’re one of us.” The senior brother warmly welcomed his new junior brother.
When word spread, others became interested in joining the Observing Mahayana Sect.
Jiang Li, listening nearby, couldn’t help but ask, “So the Human Sovereign Jiang is really close with you guys?”
The area was crowded, so Jiang Li had changed his appearance.
The senior brother waved it off. “Now that’s just hurtful. If we’re familiar with him—even if it’s just one-sided—that still counts, doesn’t it?”
The crowd instantly realized they’d been scammed and teamed up to drive the senior brother of the Observing Mahayana Sect out.