At this moment, in the Central Region, turmoil was brewing. The reason was simple: the eight forces, led by the Jiang family, had joined forces to stir trouble in the Yun Clan's territory, preparing to launch an attack.
But if that were all, it wouldn't have stirred up such a storm in the entire Central Region.
The eight forces included prominent names: the Jiang family, Jinhua Merchant Guild, Yuanling Merchant Guild, Holy Spirit Sect, and the remaining four—the Demon Spirit Sect, Tianmen Sect, Myriad Beast Mountain, and the Nangong family.
These eight forces held significant influence in the Central Region, renowned for their strength. They were among the top-tier powers. For them to unite just to deal with the Hua Xia Empire, which had taken over the Yun Clan's territory, seemed like overkill.
However, it didn't take long for other forces in the Central Region to understand why the eight factions had united.
Their real target was never the Hua Xia Empire; it was the Yuan family!
As the disciples of Tianmen Sect and Myriad Beast Mountain set off, initially heading towards the territory occupied by the Hua Xia Empire, they suddenly turned and launched an assault on Yuan family land.
The Yuan Clan's disciples were caught completely off guard, never expecting an attack from their own region. The sudden assault resulted in heavy losses, and two provinces quickly fell to the attackers.
Then, the Demon Spirit Sect and Jinhua Merchant Guild joined forces and attacked the Yuan Clan from the south, while the Holy Spirit Sect and the Nangong family launched their offensive from the north.
Meanwhile, the Jiang family and Yuanling Merchant Guild planned to capture the eastern territory held by the Hua Xia Empire before coordinating with the other forces to strike at the Yuan family from all directions.
It was only then that other powers in the Central Region realized that the alliance of the eight forces was, in fact, targeting the Yuan family!
It became clear that the fierce rivalry between the Jinhua Merchant Guild and the Demon Spirit Sect had been set aside for a bigger prize: the downfall of the Yuan family.
However, this move sparked disapproval among many factions. The Yuan family, known as one of the "Guardian Clans," had spent countless years defending the human race's borders, constantly battling against the ambitious foreign races to protect the peace of human territories.
Moreover, the Yuan family was the descendant of Xuan Jun Yuanxiang, making them a significant part of history. Attacking such a family felt unjustified.
But the eight forces pressed on with their plan regardless.
The Yuan family's strongest warriors were stationed at the borders, locked in battles with foreign races. Meanwhile, the disciples guarding the Yuan Clan's own territory were nowhere near as formidable as those on the front lines.
To make matters worse, foreign races at the northern frontier had recently launched increasingly frequent assaults, far more intense than before. As a result, many of the Yuan family's elite warriors had been dispatched to the front lines, leaving their homeland vulnerable to the eight forces' invasion.
In the northern border region of the human realm, inside a city's main residence, Yuan Zhizun sat cross-legged, his face pale as he focused on healing his injuries.
"Father, something terrible has happened!" At that moment, a figure rushed in, panicked and breathless.
The one who entered was none other than Yuan Wudi. Normally, he would never dare disturb his father during recovery unless it was urgent.
Yuan Zhizun slowly opened his eyes, looking up at his son. "Why the panic?"
"Led by the Jiang family, the Jinhua Merchant Guild, Yuanling Merchant Guild, the Nangong family, the Holy Spirit Sect, Tianmen Sect, the Demon Spirit Sect, and Myriad Beast Mountain—all eight major forces have united to attack the Hua Xia Empire. But in reality, they're using that as a cover to target us—the Yuan family. Seven of our provinces have already fallen," Yuan Wudi reported, his face grim with worry.
Hearing this, Yuan Zhizun's eyes flashed with a cold gleam, and a faint smile crossed his face. "How convenient. It's all too convenient. The foreign races have suddenly intensified their assaults, even taking control of the Wasteland Region, while the Elders of the Wu Xing Clan and Xun Yin Clan have appeared, forcing me to take action. And now, the eight forces decide to strike?"
Realizing what his father was implying, Yuan Wudi's eyes widened. "Do you think... Father, could the eight forces have allied with the foreign races?"
"There's a strong possibility. A great battle is brewing, one reminiscent of the ancient war. It will shake the heavens," Yuan Zhizun's voice was dark and heavy, though he quickly regained composure and even began to laugh. "I almost forgot... things aren't the same as before."
"Not the same as before?" Yuan Wudi was momentarily confused, but soon realization dawned on him. "Of course! I nearly forgot. The Emperor's preparations will give them a taste of their own medicine."
"The Yuan family is no longer just the guardian of the human realm; we are now the Yuan family of the Hua Xia Empire. Those who stand against the Emperor will face their worst nightmare," Yuan Zhizun said confidently, his faith in Lin Qian and the Hua Xia Empire unwavering.
In the northern borders, snow swirled through the air, painting the landscape white and covering the towering mountains in a blanket of snow.
On the peaks of these mountain ranges stood massive walls engraved with intricate formations. These soul-powered arrays shimmered, creating a barrier that protected the land.
However, the walls had been secretly modified, housing hidden soul cannons within their structure.
On one of the mountain peaks, a mid-tier Destruction Impact Soul Cannon had been fully installed. Hidden by the thick snow, the cannon was aimed at the snow-covered plains below, its energy quietly charged, ready to unleash its destructive power.
Beside one such cannon stood a small encampment where about thirty young men and women, all disciples of the Yuan family, gathered around a fire. The leader among them was a sharp-eyed, handsome young man who sat silently, staring into the flames.
"Battle's about to start. I heard word from the front lines—foreign races are advancing fast. I was hoping to join the fight, but instead, we're stuck here guarding this giant thing," grumbled a burly youth, stretching his limbs.
"Stop complaining. This is an order from our ancestors. They said this thing could save countless lives during the next battle. We can't afford to let anything happen to it before it's used," a young woman scolded him, wagging a finger.
"Do you really think this thing can reduce our casualties?" the handsome young man suddenly spoke, his voice cold. "That so-called Emperor Lin Qian... he knows nothing!"