Chapter 481: Chapter 482: Commanding the Winds and Clouds [Third Update, Please Subscribe]

Emperor Zhao self-destructed, but it was not the disaster everyone expected.

People stared at Wu Tian in amazement, unable to comprehend how he had managed it. How had he nullified such a terrifying self-detonation? This ability reminded them of the Immortals of legend, and the scene fell deathly silent.

Wu Tian placed Qiao’er safely inside the Nine Dragon Ring, then looked at Liu Tianji and the others. He smiled and said, "It’s done. We can go."

With that casual remark, Wu Tian turned, picked up the little one, and took Qin Yuhan’s hand to leave.

While everyone else was still stunned, Lin Fa suddenly shouted, "What are you all standing around for? The boss is leaving, hurry up and follow!"

Only then did the crowd snap out of their stupendous shock, hastily trailing after Wu Tian.

The few remaining Hall Masters and their sycophants thought they had escaped disaster. But just as they tried to move, a chilling horror washed over them. They looked down to find their bodies split clean in half, drenched in blood.

This was the undeniable fate of Wu Tian’s enemies.

* * *

"What? The Righteous Alliance is gone?"

When the news reached a certain corner of the Underground World, everyone there had the same reaction. First came the shock, then their eyes bulged in disbelief, and their breathing grew ragged.

"Are you joking with me?"

After coming to their senses, many people suspected the messenger was playing a cruel prank. But upon receiving firm confirmation, a wave of sharp gasps echoed throughout the Underground World, one after another, ceaselessly.

* * *

Wu Tian and his companions returned to Peach Blossom Spring. The people there were first stunned by the news, then became overjoyed. With the Righteous Alliance gone, many felt a great weight lift from their shoulders. They began speaking freely, saying things they would never have dared to before, like how the Righteous Alliance’s so-called Immortal Seekers were nothing but demons. In no time, the Alliance’s reputation was dragged through the mud until it was as foul as a sewer rat’s.

Upon his return, Wu Tian did not immediately rest or begin cultivating. He had to go back to the Surface World, because today was Murong Yezi’s birthday.

He went to find Yin Fengxue and the others to entrust them with watching over Peach Blossom Spring. When he found them, they were discussing the legendary culinary tools. It turned out that the "Lv’s Chronicles" auction house was now featuring a dish made with Peach Blossom Sauce. Furthermore, the news about the legendary culinary tools had created a huge buzz throughout the Underground World. Even Liu Tianji and Yuan Beizheng said they wanted to go see for themselves if the tools truly had a connection to the Immortals.

These were developments Wu Tian had not anticipated, but he was happy about them. The legendary culinary tools had caused quite a stir.

"So you’re all here," Wu Tian said, feigning nonchalance as he approached.

"Yes, my lord," Liu Tianji greeted him with a cupped-fist salute, and the others followed his example.

"I came to discuss something with you," Wu Tian said, cutting to the chase.

Liu Tianji and the others nodded, listening intently. Wu Tian then explained that he was returning to the Surface World to celebrate his mother’s birthday.

"I must go as well!" Lin Fa exclaimed. "How could I possibly miss my aunt’s birthday?"

Liu Tianji and the others glanced at each other, their expressions eager.

"We’ll go too."

"Yes, we must go as well."

Yin Fengxue and the others all voiced their desire to attend.

Wu Tian nodded. "Alright, follow me."

The Teleportation Formation was in the backyard. The little one and Qin Yuhan were already prepared. Yin Fengxue and the others exchanged confused looks. Why is he taking us to the backyard to go to the Surface World?

But Wu Tian instructed them to stand within the Array. The Teleportation Formation activated, their vision blurred for an instant, and they found themselves standing in the Surface World. They were all so astonished they were at a loss for words.

Wu Tian had no time for explanations. Outside his home, a sea of people had gathered. Murong Yezi had temporarily deactivated the Storm Formation for the occasion. Xiao Liang and the others had known about her birthday for a while and had made preparations in advance. Servants from the Xiao and Cui Families bustled about, each attending to their duties in a lively scene of commotion.

The birthday banquet was not held at their home, as it was far too small. Instead, the celebration for Murong Yezi spanned an entire street.

From the street, even before stepping out, Wu Tian could hear a loud announcement from afar: "Black Eight Horse of the United States of America has come to offer birthday wishes!"

Murong Yezi was fond of ancient Eastern-style birthday feasts, and all guests had to respect this. Many of Yang City’s prominent families and wealthy individuals had already arrived, but the appearance of the Monarch of the United States still caused a considerable stir.

Wu Tian saw that Black Eight Horse had arrived and decided not to go out immediately. Let’s see what tricks he has up his sleeve, he thought. The little one did not fuss to go out, either. She stayed in Wu Tian’s arms, equally curious to see if the show would be entertaining.

After a little while, the Lord of the Four Seas from Dragon Country also arrived, electrifying the atmosphere.

As the drinks flowed, Black Eight Horse could no longer contain himself. He had one of his attendants stand and present the birthday gift: a chess set. At first glance, the set looked ordinary, but the one Black Eight Horse presented was anything but.

It was a Charles Holland original. A staggering 320 carats of black and white diamonds were embedded in both the chess pieces and the board, creating a look that was both splendid and elegant. A replica alone would cost $600,000. And Black Eight Horse, with his status as a Monarch, would certainly not gift a replica. This was the genuine article.

"It’s actually that..." Wang Congming was the first to recognize it, crying out in shock.

"What is it?" asked Wang Dawan. In this setting, magnates like him were not as knowledgeable as Wang Congming.

As Wang Congming explained, the other wealthy guests like Yun Ma were left astounded.

The diamonds on this chess set came from the same source as the famous Star of Hope. The Star of Hope, also known simply as The Hope, was valued at $350 million, equivalent to about 2.45 billion Dragon Country currency. It was one of the world’s top ten most famous diamonds, a deep blue gem of 111.5 carats with a history spanning over 300 years. Legend held that it brought misfortune to its owners, who were said to have met mysterious and untimely deaths.

Yet this chess set was considered even more magnificent than the Star of Hope.

The wealthy guests were stunned to see such a treasure here. Even the Lord of the Four Seas was taken aback.

Murong Yezi looked at the chess set, her expression complicated. "This... this is far too precious."

Black Eight Horse just smiled faintly. "Heh, it’s nothing. For the Monarch of the United States of America, a gift like this is a small matter. If I were the Monarch of Dragon Country, I’d be too poor to afford such a thing. But for me, this is a mere trifle—a drop in the ocean."

The guests were rendered speechless. This Black Eight Horse isn’t here to celebrate a birthday, they all thought. He’s here to declare his country’s superiority. He’s making it clear that the United States of America is the number one nation and that Dragon Country shouldn’t even dream of surpassing it.

And sure enough, Black Eight Horse suddenly turned to the Lord of the Four Seas and the other guests from Dragon Country. "Since you are all here for the banquet, the gifts you brought should be on par with mine, shouldn’t they? Bring them out! Let’s all have a look!"