Barbaric Land was once a wilderness, but that was many years ago.
The name “Barbaric Land” refers to a time when that area was truly wild and barely touched by humans. Eventually, it was developed by a certain dynasty and gradually became prosperous, reportedly even serving as the capital of that dynasty.
However, even after being developed, the name “Barbaric Land” was not changed.
The region had many forests and swamps and, before Shuzhou underwent its strange change, it was just like Miao State—a land abundant in Spiritual Medicine. Nearly all major forces had their branches here just to harvest these medicines.
As such, although it bears the prefix “Barbaric,” it is actually quite thriving.
Those powers did not mind managing a place rich in Spiritual Medicine.
Even when Shuzhou experienced anomalies, they did not give up on Barbaric Land.
However, after the death of the Master of Destiny from the Great Zhou Dynasty, other places became chaotic, and attention towards Barbaric Land significantly decreased.
But now things are different.
A being claiming to be the White Lotus Demon King has emerged, commanding countless Demon Beasts.
Taking advantage of the major powers’ focus elsewhere, he led his army of Demon Beasts to purge human forces in Barbaric Land, especially the powerful ones, ultimately making Barbaric Land his “monopoly.”
Not just that, the White Lotus Demon King also seduced humans and established a sect known as the White Lotus Sect.
It seems members joining the White Lotus Sect were all bewitched, even offering their lives for the White Lotus Demon King without any resistance.
Of course, this was not something that could be achieved overnight.
According to returned investigation reports, it seems the White Lotus Demon King had already been preparing six or seven years prior.
As the imperial officials were corrupt and the citizens suffered, the White Lotus Sect appeared under the banner of serving the people and quickly rallied many to its side.
Ultimately, taking advantage of the Master of Destiny’s death, they swiftly took control of Barbaric Land.
Under the suppression of the White Lotus Sect, this information had actually been concealed for over a year. Had it not been for someone risking their life to escape, it might still be unknown even now.
Perhaps knowing they could no longer keep it secret, the White Lotus Demon King decided to go all in and officially declare the establishment of the White Lotus Demon Country.
Additionally, he claimed that the White Lotus Demon Country does not discriminate; it treats all races with equality and vows to establish an empire where all beings are equal.
This announcement caused a huge uproar.
Demon Beasts!
Demon Beasts are the sworn enemies of humanity, feeding on humans. Just this fact alone makes it impossible for humans and Demon Beasts to coexist peacefully.
Yet now, a Demon Beast has established a so-called “Human-Demon Country” and seeks to be recognized as an empire.
Instantly, public sentiment was inflamed, and countless heroes wanted to head to Barbaric Land to kill the White Lotus Demon King.
All eyes were now focused on Barbaric Land.
It was half a month later when Wang Sheng learned of this news.
Hearing the words “White Lotus Sect,” he felt somewhat speechless inside.
“It really has appeared…”
The villainous White Lotus Sect of the myriad realms.
He had not expected it to emerge in this manner; thankfully, it did not invoke phrases like “Lifeless Mother, True Void Homeland”; otherwise, he would have seriously doubted.
However, the seductive power of this White Lotus Sect was strong.
To keep Barbaric Land silent for an entire year, secretly expanding, was not something an ordinary sect could achieve.
It was not much different from the legendary White Lotus Sect.
If the White Lotus Demon King was allowed to grow powerful, perhaps the so-called Lifeless Mother would indeed appear.
Li Yongfeng, who had come to relay the news, was puzzled and asked, “Yun Sheng, what has really appeared?”
Wang Sheng did not reveal his thoughts but said, “It’s about the Demon Beasts. Actually, when I was dealing with the Evil Flood Dragon, I had considered this possibility. I hadn’t expected it to actually come true.”
At that time, the Evil Flood Dragon had already shown signs of turning three counties into a Human-Demon Country.
Furthermore, encountering the Blood Locust King, a Demon Beast with strength comparable to a Great Grandmaster, revealed that the Demon Beasts hiding in the dark were considerably strong.
A similarly acting and powerful Demon Beast emerging was not impossible.
The White Lotus Demon King was a clear example.
He hadn’t expected it to erupt so quickly.
“Human-Demon Country, what a majestic name, Brother Yongfeng, don’t bother about this issue. It won’t be long before this so-called Demon Country is destroyed.”
Human-Demon Country, while imposing, would also become a target for everyone.
Those human Grandmasters will definitely not allow such a Demon Country to exist, especially now when the situation has stabilized.
In fact, all major forces were able to intervene.
Although Barbaric Land was not as important as the current condition of Shuzhou, it still held many interests. Even for the sake of those interests, those people would take action.
Naturally, Li Yongfeng would not bother with such matters. With such a big issue as the Human-Demon Country, what could his small efforts achieve? It wouldn’t even suffice as a gesture.
However, he was still curious and said, “Yun Sheng, do you think what the White Lotus Demon King said about ’not discriminating against any race, treating all beings equally’ is true?”
Having been a courier before, he had seen many things and knew how difficult true equality was.
Thus, even though he understood some things, he couldn’t help but yearn for it.
Wang Sheng looked at Li Yongfeng, roughly guessing his thoughts. The concept of equality was extremely difficult for people in this world.
However—
“Brother Yongfeng, the White Lotus Demon King established what’s called the ’White Lotus Demon Country.’ It’s a ’Demon Country,’ do you understand?”
Even without discussing the concept that different races harbor different intents, just by looking at the words “Demon Country” you can tell something, not to mention that Demon Beasts feed on humans.
“It’s said to be accommodating humans, but it’s more likely domesticating them like lambs, whose ultimate fate is only to be devoured.”
Li Yongfeng, upon hearing Wang Sheng’s words, fell silent.
These years had been peaceful, his family prosperous, and he was not as cautious as he had been during his escort years; he had failed to notice such an obvious matter.
Finally, Li Yongfeng said, “I was naive,” and then took his leave.
Wang Sheng watched Li Yongfeng depart and shook his head, saying nothing.
Though he didn’t mention it, he would definitely protect the Li family for at least three generations. Beyond that, it would depend on fate.
“Troublesome times indeed!”
Demon Beasts had even established a Demon Country among humans—this news was truly shocking.
“What a pity for those righteous men!”
While the major powers would indeed take action, they would never act without a clear understanding of the situation.
And to clarify the situation, those righteous men filled with righteous indignation would inevitably become the best guinea pigs.
Free and voluntary labor; there was no one better suited than them.
For such a matter, one could only lament. He had received news in Shuzhou; those men probably had already entered the Barbaric Land, and perhaps the outcomes had already emerged.
Even with other ideas, there was no way to stop it.
Thus, Wang Sheng simply waited for the next piece of news to arrive.
However, the news did not come; instead, Yue arrived.
“Yue, a rare guest indeed!”
It was uncommon for Yue to visit proactively.
But soon, he noticed something was amiss—Yue’s expression was somewhat grave.
“Yue, has something happened?”
Yue disliked idle talk and said directly, “Lord Wang Sheng, you must have heard about the Demon Country among humans, right?”
Wang Sheng nodded. It was not surprising that Yue knew these pieces of information, as the intelligence within the village was always shared with Yue.
“Is there a problem with that?”
“It seems there’s no issue, just a powerful Demon Beast causing trouble. However, according to the traditions of Stargazing Valley, such an event has never occurred in the history of dynasties—the establishment of a Demon Country among humans is unprecedented.”
“Such a thing has never happened before?”
Yue shook his head and said, “No, at least it’s not recorded in the annals of Stargazing Valley.”
Wang Sheng fell silent. The heritage of Stargazing Valley was ancient, dynasties changed, but Stargazing Valley had always maintained its traditions. If it was not recorded in their traditions, it might truly have never occurred.
But he still wanted to confirm.
“Is there a possibility that it wasn’t recorded?”
“Unlikely. Stargazing Valley always records major events. It’s impossible that something like a Demon Country among humans wouldn’t be recorded.”
“First time, huh… Yue, you must have deduced something!”
Wang Sheng knew Yue; unless he had learned something significant, he absolutely wouldn’t have such an expression nor would he have come to find him especially.
Yue nodded and said, “Because it’s the first appearance of a Demon Country among humans, I found it odd and directly deduced some things.”
“What are they?”
“An unprecedented great change!”
Yue’s voice was heavy, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.
“An unprecedented great change…?” Wang Sheng repeated.
“The matter of the Demon Country among humans is definitely not simple; establishing a Demon Country, even if ultimately unsuccessful, has set an ’example’ for other Demon Beasts, and that’s no good!”
If it were merely human conflicts, Yue would not care to involve himself.
But if Demon Beasts were also entering the fray, it would be different.
The top powerhouses among Demon Beasts were not few.
“I have even deduced a possible catastrophe for humans.”
Yue emphasized again.
“Can it be certain?”
“Lord Wang Sheng, the Stargazing Skill’s predictions about the future are never one hundred percent, but even a possibility should be taken seriously!”
Wang Sheng knew Yue didn’t speak without basis.
The situation with the Demon Country among humans wasn’t as simple as it appeared and might represent many things.
“I’ll pay attention, and you do the same. Keep an eye on the White Lotus Demon King, since it’s an unprecedented great change, things definitely won’t just end simply. And try to increase your strength; although you follow me, having your own strength is still most reliable.”
Yue nodded but also expressed helplessness, saying, “Breaking through to Great Grandmaster isn’t so easy…”
He had been a Grandmaster for over a decade, yet still had no clue about progressing to Great Grandmaster.
“If you encounter any difficulty, you can ask for my help.”
After all, Yue was one of his people, and an increase in strength would be a good thing for him.
Finally, Yue departed as well—he needed to continue keeping an eye on the White Lotus Demon King.
Not just him; throughout the vast region, many were watching the White Lotus Demon King—be they humans, Demon Beasts, or even the mysterious spiritual beings!
(There’s one more update to come, if just one today, then four tomorrow… My schedule’s become quite erratic again, trying to get it back in order…)