Swallowed Star: Lord of the Wolf

The shattered space was rapidly healing, but the lingering aura of destruction and annihilation in the air, along with the charred marks on the ground left by the river's erosion, resembling those from strong acid corrosion, silently testified to the horror of what had just happened.

The golden-feathered divine bird stood proudly atop the parasol tree, its brilliant feathers noticeably dimmed, especially the dozens of main wing feathers used to construct shields and domains, whose edges were still stained with fine, indelible black conceptual pollution.

Its golden eyes were fixed on Xu Yang below, filled with unprecedented solemnity, astonishment, and even... a trace of fear! That strange black river, with its terrifying characteristics of ignoring the laws of cutting, devouring, assimilating, and polluting, and being immortal and indestructible, made it feel a real threat!

This is by no means a simple energy method, but a power that touches the source of destruction and carries forbidden characteristics!

After a brief silence, the hostility in the golden-feathered bird's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a complex, almost egalitarian, recognition. It let out a low cry, no longer high-pitched, but rather carrying a deep meaning.

After a moment of contemplation, it lowered its head and carefully pecked off a small piece from one of its main back feathers, which was flowing with the purest spatial essence and also possessed the strongest defensive capabilities.

This feather fragment was only the size of a fingertip, and its entire body was like a piece of the purest bright golden crystal. Its edges flowed with tangible spatial ripples, and it contained an incomparably pure aura of spatial cutting origin and its own destructive Dao rhythm.

Most importantly, at the core of the fragment, a tiny yet incredibly resilient black mark faintly appears—it is the annihilation pollution mark left behind by Xu Yang's River of Destruction. At this moment, however, the Golden Feathered Divine Bird forcibly suppresses and seals it within the fragment with its own power, forming a strange symbiotic state!
The fragments transformed into a bright golden streak and flew towards Xu Yang.

Xu Yang reached out and caught it.

The fragments felt heavy and cold to the touch, their sharpness penetrating straight to the soul.

It contains fragments of the Golden Feathered Divine Bird's profound understanding of the laws of spatial cutting, as well as the unique fluctuations and operating methods of its own destructive power.

Of course, there is another precious thing—that sealed mark of annihilation originating from Xu Yang's River of Destruction.

This is equivalent to a "sample" and a "key".

Xu Yang can use it to reverse-engineer how the Golden Feather Divine Bird resisted and even attempted to merge with this annihilation pollution, thereby optimizing his own River of Destruction and even exploring a deeper level of fusion between destruction and spatial cutting.

The value of this fragment far exceeds the simple insights I had previously anticipated.

It represents the Golden Feathered Divine Bird's approval of Xu Yang's Path of Destruction.

"The gift from the divine bird is of immense importance, and Bai Yu will certainly not fail to live up to its promise!" Xu Yang bowed to the golden shadow atop the paulownia tree, his tone extremely solemn.

The golden-feathered divine bird let out a soothing cry, nodded slightly, then folded its wings, landed back on the branch, and began to preen its feathers, which were stained with the marks of black annihilation.

It is no longer arrogant and disdainful; it treats those of equal strength as equals with respect.

……

Originating in Xuanhu City on the continent, the central hub of the prefecture.

The majestic Xuanhu City, like an ancient behemoth covered in black scales, lies prostrate at the heart of a vast territory. Its city walls soar into the clouds, flowing with countless living runes that sometimes light up and sometimes disappear, exuding an indestructible and overwhelming aura that suppresses the universe.

Three smaller but equally imposing fortresses—Rock, Green Edge, and Flowing Fire—are like loyal claws of a giant beast, guarding the central main city and together forming a vast and formidable defensive system.

At this moment, the atmosphere on the Chaos Altar in the central government building of Xuanhu City was extremely solemn.

The altar was carved from a single piece of Chaos Jade, its surface naturally flowing with patterns interwoven with chaotic vortexes and spatial laws. At this moment, these patterns resonated with the state talisman suspended at the core of the altar, emitting a soft yet all-encompassing dark divine light.

Xu Yang stood with his hands behind his back at the highest point of the altar, wearing a dark blue robe symbolizing the core guardian of the Mother River of Life, with subtle life runes flowing across the robe. He was not particularly burly, but standing there, he seemed to become the pillar of the sky for the entire Xuanhu State's three hundred million light-year territory.

Without needing to deliberately exude pressure, the invisible aura originating from the life essence of the Chaos Ruler silently swept over the altar like a tide, spreading to the core area of ​​the entire state capital and even enveloping the massive main city.

Beneath the altar, a dense mass of former officials, garrison commanders, and heads of various departments of the Xuanhu Prefecture knelt in submission.

The group numbered over ten thousand, all outstanding among the Eternal True Gods, with several possessing profound auras and faintly touching the edge of chaos—peak beings at this moment. Without exception, they all bowed their heads, their foreheads pressed against the cold jade ground, not daring to breathe.

The air was filled with awe, trepidation, and a hint of bewilderment about the unknown fate of the new master.

Marquis Qing Teng stood a step behind Xu Yang, a gentle yet undeniable smile on his face. His voice, though not loud, resonated clearly in the depths of the souls of every kneeling person: "By the decree of the King, from this day forward, Xuanhu City, the capital of Xuanhu Chaos State, along with its core territory spanning three hundred million light-years and its three guard cities, shall all be under the control of the Ancient Nether Lord! The state's governance, military affairs, internal affairs, and the ownership of all its output and profits shall all be decided by the Ancient Nether Lord with a single word!"

Although it was no secret to the high-ranking officials of the Origin Continent that the Green Tide Kingdom was a force under the command of the Mother River of Life, the lower and middle classes considered the Mother River of Life and the Flame Wind Ancient Kingdom to be mortal enemies. Therefore, on the surface, everyone still referred to the Green Tide Kingdom as the official name.

"You must do your utmost to assist the new master. If you are disloyal or neglect your duties... the laws of the kingdom are merciless, and the ancient sovereign is not one to be soft-hearted."

"The order for reorganization will be issued shortly. Now, pay homage to your new master—the Ancient Netherworld Sovereign!"

"Greetings, Lord Gu You!" A thunderous roar erupted in response, filled with absolute submission. The sound waves rolled on, even causing the runes on the city wall to light up slightly.

Xu Yang's gaze calmly swept over the prostrate figures below, like a god looking down upon the mortal world. With a slight thought, the state talisman suspended at the core of the altar suddenly shone brightly.

Om-!
An invisible ripple spread from the altar to the entire Xuanhu City and even the three guard cities in an instant.

At this moment, all the runes flowing on the city walls lit up simultaneously, bursting forth with an unprecedentedly dazzling mystical light, illuminating the entire sky as if it were shrouded in jade. The spiritual forest within the city rustled without wind, its branches and leaves seeming to cheer and leap for joy. The core of the mineral vein emitted a deep hum, and the subterranean fire burned even more fiercely. In the cluster of cultivation caves, countless cultivators in seclusion were awakened by this overwhelming yet vibrant power of law, and they stared in astonishment toward the center of the city.

The top floor of the most renowned Youhuang Restaurant in Xuanhu City.

A middle-aged man dressed in a simple gray robe was leaning on the railing, gazing at the soaring light rising into the sky in the direction of the prefectural capital.

His name is Qi Yan, the owner of the "Youhuang" restaurant, and a peak Eternal True God who has struggled to survive in Xuanhu City for millions of epochs. He is neither an official nor has a distinguished background; he has established himself in this chaotic state capital city by relying on his brewing skills and a bit of shrewdness.

"New Lord of the State... Ancient Netherworld Ruler..." Qi Yan murmured to himself, his eyes showing both awe for that vast power and a deep-seated worry.

He thought of his hometown, a small town where the eternal true God reigned supreme.

At that time, he was one of the top figures in the city, wielding immense power and enjoying a carefree life. But in order to break through the elusive Chaos Realm, and for a more powerful inheritance and resources, he resolutely came to Xuanhu City, a behemoth with a Chaos Ruler presiding over it.

"Is it worth it?" This thought had churned in his mind countless times.

In Xuanhu City, he witnessed true prosperity and terror. He exhausted his family fortune, even mortgaging the core of his ancestral brewing recipe, to obtain a fragmented Chaos Realm inheritance that suited him and some precious resources. With this inheritance and the city's resources, his strength advanced by leaps and bounds, reaching the pinnacle of Eternal True God, and even touching the threshold of Chaos, seeing that glimmer of hope.

However, opportunities come with risks.

The forces in Xuanhu City were deeply entrenched, including former subordinates of the Qing Teng Marquis, rising local tyrants, and pawns planted by various factions… He, with no powerful backing, treaded cautiously, as if walking on thin ice, daring not to offend any influential figure. Yet, even so, trouble still came knocking.

Because of a friend, he was drawn into a dark force outside the Green Tide Kingdom and threatened to be used as a pawn and a spy, or else they would kill him. At the same time, the dark force also offered him a portion of their inheritance as a temptation...

The carrot and stick approach is an old-fashioned method, but it has endured because it is so effective.

If this were an ordinary large city, Qi Yan wouldn't be so worried. With his strength at the limit of the Eternal True God realm, he could easily escape even if his strength was exposed.

But this is a great city where the Lord of Chaos resides!
If the Chaos Ruler finds out that some insect dares to cause trouble right under its nose, wouldn't it be easily crushed?
"I've gotten the opportunity, but this vortex... is too deep." Qi Yan looked at the vast, mysterious light in the prefecture that symbolized the change of power, and felt a mix of emotions.

We can't afford to offend either side, and the future looks bleak.

Is the arrival of a new governor a blessing or a curse?

With the old order broken, will a nobody like him be able to catch his breath amidst the chaos, or will he be completely swallowed up by the new storm?

……

Xuanhu City, the "Rock" garrison city defense camp.

The city's garrison commander, Dong Yue, clad in heavy black armor and exuding an aura as fierce as an ancient beast, knelt on one knee in the barracks. Through a massive water mirror, he clearly saw the figure that ruled over heaven and earth on the state altar.

He felt none of the trepidation of a 'small person' like Qi Yan; only the iron will of a soldier and absolute awe of power.

He could clearly feel the terrifying power emanating from the "Zhenzhou Divine Array" that enveloped the entire Xuanhu City defense system the moment the new governor arrived. This power was more restrained than before, yet more profound and terrifying, as if a sleeping ancient dragon had opened its eyes.

"Such a powerful pressure! Such pure life laws... yet it carries a... destructive edge?" Dong Yue felt a chill run down his spine. He was an old subordinate of Qing Teng Hou, and his loyalty was beyond question.

But at this moment, facing this new master, he sensed a completely different aura. The Green Vine Marquis was like a towering ancient tree, brimming with vitality; while this Ancient Netherworld Ruler was like a blade of life rooted in chaos, where vitality and destruction coexisted, and it was even more sharp.

"The state seal has completely changed hands... The great formation is fully responding." Dong Yue silently sensed the connection with the core of the city's defenses, confirming that the supreme authority had been transferred to the figure at the top of the altar.

"Pass down the order!" He stood up abruptly, his voice like the clash of metal, resounding throughout the entire city defense camp, "From this moment on, the entire city of Rock Guard must be of one mind, strengthen patrols, and double the patrol density! If there is the slightest mistake before the Lord, military law will be merciless!"

……

Xuanhu City, the central hub of the prefecture.

Xu Yang slowly raised his hand and gently grasped the state talisman that radiated endless mysterious light and was closely connected to the origin of his life.

The moment he grasped the talisman, an unprecedented sense of control welled up within him.

He seemed to have transformed into this 300 million light-year territory itself. He could "see" the life force surging in every street of the main city, "hear" the roaring of the raging fire deep in the mine, "smell" the vibrant life emanating from the billions of plants in the spirit forest, and clearly perceive the powerful heartbeat of the three watchtowers, as well as the terrifying divine array power lurking beneath the foundation of the cities, enough to make the Lord of Chaos tremble.

His will is the destiny of this land!

"Get up, all of you." Xu Yang's voice rang out calmly, yet it carried an undeniable authority, clearly reaching the ears and souls of every kneeling person.

The crowd below felt as if they had been granted a pardon, and with immense awe, they all rose to their feet, but still stood respectfully with their hands at their sides, not daring to look directly at the altar.

Xu Yang's gaze swept over them, finally landing in the distance, as if piercing through the thick city walls, and seeing countless cultivators like "Qiyan" struggling and hoping, and generals like "Dongyue" loyally guarding the city.

"Xuanhu City, very good." Xu Yang spoke, his voice not loud, but like the sound of law, echoing in the core area of ​​the state capital, and even faintly transmitted to every corner of the main city and the garrison city through the resonance of the great formation.

"From this day forward, this city, this place, this region shall be the foundation of my ancient You."

"Rules will be established. Rewards and punishments will be clearly defined."

"Those who make contributions will be rewarded! Resources, inheritance, and status are all within their grasp."

"Those who are capable should be employed! Regardless of their background, only those with talent should be promoted."

"Those who commit crimes, those who outwardly comply but inwardly defy, those who neglect their duties... this city's divine array will be your burial ground!"

His words carried no murderous intent, yet they exuded a chilling authority and absolute will, causing all listeners, whether they were subordinates close to the altar or Qi Yan far away in the Youhuang Restaurant, to feel a shiver run through their souls.

That was not a threat, but a declaration of an impending, iron-clad order.

"Officials of the prefecture, garrison troops, and heads of various agencies shall submit detailed records of their respective affairs and personnel rosters to the Privy Council within three days. Those who fail to do so shall be dismissed and investigated."

"Within seven days, this council will promulgate the new 'Xuanhu City Law' and 'Governance Outline'."

"Now, everyone return to your posts and perform your duties. Maintain the operation of the state government and ensure the stability of people's livelihoods; there must be no mistakes!"

The command was concise and clear, displaying the swift and decisive action of a new master.

"We will obey Your Majesty's decree!" the crowd below responded in unison, their voices now carrying a greater sense of solemnity and anticipation of a new beginning. The ceremony of the transfer of power was now truly complete.

As Qing Teng Hou watched Xu Yang calmly and authoritatively issue his orders, his eyes gleamed with even greater approval. This Ancient Nether Protector was not only exceptionally talented, but also possessed a remarkable understanding of the art of governance; he was far from being a reckless brute who only knew how to cultivate diligently. Entrusting Xuan Hu City to him might truly be a brilliant move.

Xu Yang then turned his gaze once again to the magnificent city beneath his feet, feeling the vast power and endless information emanating from the talisman.

Taking over a city is not just about taking over power and resources, but also about taking over the fate and hopes of hundreds of millions of people.

"Xuanhu City..." he murmured to himself, a surge of pride and ambition rising within him as he felt a sense of control over the entire situation and the potential to create a new chapter.

The path of cultivation on the Origin Continent will begin in this giant city, truly taking root in the Mother River of Life, and stepping towards a higher level.

This city, and the diverse people within it, will become indispensable scenery and foundations on his path. (End of Chapter)