NOVEL NEXT Chapter 12: Chapter 12: The Truth of Zhou Kingdom and Qingchuan Sect
The first ray of morning sun pierced the night, and Zhang Hao slowly opened his eyes from his meditation. After a night of cultivation, he felt the power within him become more solidified; his cultivation at the second layer of Body Refinement had stabilized. He stood up, stretched his muscles and bones, and prepared to begin the new day's training.
At that moment, the mysterious little boy appeared before him, a faint smile on his face. The boy's eyes revealed a depth beyond his years as he looked at Zhang Hao and nodded, seemingly satisfied with his progress.
"Your progress is swift; you have stabilized at the second layer of Body Refinement," the boy's voice carried a hint of appreciation.
Zhang Hao smiled slightly, feeling an inexplicable trust towards the boy. He knew the boy's appearance was no accident but a significant guide on his path of cultivation.
"Do you know about our country?" the boy asked suddenly.
Zhang Hao nodded, aware that the country they were in was called Zhou Kingdom, named after the current ruler.
The boy continued, "Zhou Kingdom is actually just a small country. There are many countries like Zhou in this world, all of which are vassal states to larger nations. These larger nations form an organization known as the 'Fengshen Hidden Alliance,' and there are many such alliances in the world."
When the boy mentioned the "Fengshen Hidden Alliance," Zhang Hao's heart couldn't help but stir. The name reminded him of the familiar "Investiture of the Gods" story from before his transmigration—stories of immortals, heroes, and epic wars. He remembered those legendary figures like Nezha, Yang Jian, Jiang Ziya, and their tales widely circulated and celebrated in the world before his transmigration.
A complex emotion welled up in Zhang Hao's heart as he tried to find clues in the boy's words, wanting to understand if this "Fengshen Hidden Alliance" had any connection to the Investiture of the Gods he remembered. However, beyond the name, he found no concrete links and had no further leads. This alliance seemed to hold many secrets, secrets that seemed to be both connected and distant from the Investiture of the Gods story he knew.
He knew there was a mysterious connection between this world and the one before his transmigration, but what that connection was, he could not fully comprehend yet. Zhang Hao's heart was filled with doubts, but he also understood that these questions could only be gradually revealed as his strength increased and his exploration of this world deepened.
The boy seemed to notice Zhang Hao's contemplation, a profound meaning flickering in his eyes, but he did not say more. He just stood there quietly, waiting for Zhang Hao to come back from his reverie.
Zhang Hao took a deep breath and temporarily set aside his doubts. He knew the most important thing now was to enhance his strength; only by becoming stronger could he uncover these secrets and find the hidden truths in the depths of history.
"So, what are these alliances? How do they operate?" Zhang Hao asked curiously.
The boy sat on a rock and began to explain in detail, "These alliances are formed by some powerful nations with common interests and goals. Nations within the alliance can trade with each other, exchange cultivation insights, and even support each other when necessary. However, there is competition and confrontation between alliances, and the balance between them is very delicate."
Listening to the boy's explanation, Zhang Hao's curiosity about this vast world grew stronger. He realized that his path of cultivation was not just about enhancing personal strength; he also had the opportunity to explore the mysteries of the world and even participate in the games between alliances.
"Why are you here?" Zhang Hao asked suddenly, always curious about the boy's identity.
The boy smiled mysteriously, not answering directly, but said, "I am here because our destinies intersect at a certain moment. You will become an important figure in this world, and I am just a passer-by on your path of destiny."
With that, the boy's figure gradually disappeared into the morning mist, leaving Zhang Hao alone on the mountaintop to ponder. He knew his path of cultivation had only just begun, and the vastness of this world awaited his exploration.
Zhang Hao took a deep breath, his gaze becoming more resolute. He wanted to become stronger, not just for himself but also to unveil the mysteries of this world and understand the secrets behind those alliances.
As the sun rose, Zhang Hao's figure cast a long shadow on the mountaintop. He knew it was a long journey, but he was ready. He would use his strength to explore this world full of mystery and the unknown.
The boy's voice sounded again in Zhang Hao's ear, "Before you become stronger, you need more experience. In our Zhou Kingdom, there is a small sect called Qingchuan Sect. You can go there for training your will and body strength."
Zhang Hao turned around, and the boy's figure reappeared, his eyes filled with anticipation.
"Qingchuan Sect?" Zhang Hao repeated the name, his heart full of curiosity.
"Yes, although Qingchuan Sect is not large, it has a long history and a profound heritage. The cultivation environment and resources there will be of great help to your growth," the boy explained.
Zhang Hao nodded, knowing this was an opportunity for him to delve deeper into this world and enhance his strength.
"I will go," Zhang Hao said firmly.
The boy smiled, knowing Zhang Hao had made his decision, and his journey was about to begin.
"Go, Qingchuan Sect will be your new starting point," the boy's figure disappeared again into the morning mist.
Zhang Hao stood on the mountaintop, gazing into the distance, his heart filled with anticipation. Qingchuan Sect, there he would begin his new cultivation, explore the mysteries of this world, and find his place.