Chapter 57

Chapter 057: Stirring from the Shadows

“This is the current distribution map of the fortuitous lands occupied by all clans in the entire **Genius Ancient Battlefield**.”

“The **Human Clan** remains the strongest. Although the various clans have noticeably united, our **Human Clan** possesses numerous powerful individuals, so we need not worry—the different races aren’t all that united.”

“According to the distribution map, the **Human Clan** occupies 45% of the fortuitous lands, the **Buddha Sect** holds 15%, the **Divine Clan** has 10%, the **Demon Clan** accounts for 10%, the **Demon Clan** also takes 10%, and the **Ghost Clan**, due to their unique location, can only manage 10%, but it’s a partnership with the **Spirit Clan**.”

Inside the big tent.

**Shangguan Wuchang** wore a faint smile as he spoke about the current situation of the various factions to the powerful individuals present.

**Shangguan Huanling** had been in a corner, keeping her distance from the numerous **Human Clan** members, rarely making her presence known.

**Shangguan Wuchang** didn’t pay much attention to his sister.

He had originally planned to take this chance to dispose of **Shangguan Huanling**, but for some reason, over the past six months, she seemed to have transformed into a different person, treating him with deep respect.

Thus, **Shangguan Wuchang** temporarily abandoned that idea.

The many powerful individuals nodded in agreement as they examined the distribution map.

The **Human Clan** claiming 45% of the fortuitous lands was indeed a remarkable feat.

However, it was precisely because of this abundance that the **Human Clan** members’ strength surged dramatically, living up to the title of **Tianjiao**.

“What place is this? Why is it blank?” A member of the **One Tribulation Sect** pointed at the distribution map and asked.

**Shangguan Wuchang** had anticipated this question.

“This area is surrounded by the **Buddha Sect**. It can be considered our **Human Clan** territory, but there’s a strong individual here.”

“According to our scouts, this place is called the **Tree of Enlightenment**, a heavenly treasure that aids **Cultivation**. It’s occupied by a single individual, who is extremely powerful. There’s a body of a **Buddha Sect** disciple lying outside the **Tree of Enlightenment**, yet we haven’t seen any retaliation from the **Buddha Sect**, which speaks volumes.”

As **Shangguan Wuchang** concluded, the crowd erupted in excitement.

“Is that true?”

The temperaments of **Buddha Sect** disciples are often understood.

What’s more, due to their unique ideology, even though most **Buddha Sect** members are **Human Clan**, they have gradually become less accepted by their own.

“Of course it’s true.”

“Look at that attire; this person is a disciple of the **Grand Dao Sect**.”

**Shangguan Wuchang** certainly knew of **Lu Ye**. **Shangguan Huanling** had warned him before entering the **Genius Ancient Battlefield** to steer clear of **Lu Ye**.

She even said if she provoked him, he might end up dead.

It appeared that **Lu Ye** indeed had some serious clout, single-handedly keeping the entire **Buddha Sect** silent.

But **Cultivation** isn’t just about fighting.

The **Tree of Enlightenment** was something he coveted too; such treasures shouldn’t belong solely to one person.

“Is this person from our sect?” **Ding Yuqing** from the **Grand Dao Sect** was taken aback.

“His name is **Lu Ye**.”

That name…

Not only did **Ding Yuqing** recognize it, but a few others did too, as they had encountered him upon entry.

That little guy seemed a bit scatterbrained, and everyone figured his anxious temperament meant he wouldn’t last long in the **Genius Ancient Battlefield**.

Yet, he ended up single-handedly taking on a bunch of **Buddha Sect** disciples and was thriving, monopolizing the **Tree of Enlightenment**.

“He truly is a disciple of our **Grand Dao Sect**, no doubt about it,” a smile crept onto **Ding Yuqing**’s face.

“Since the **Tree of Enlightenment** is occupied by a member of the **Human Clan**, can it not be included in the **Human Clan’s** fortuitous lands?” **Shangguan Wuchang** inquired.

**Ding Yuqing** raised an eyebrow.

She wasn’t foolish; within moments, she grasped **Shangguan Wuchang**’s intent.

“I don’t think it’s necessary. He’s practicing alone beneath the **Tree of Enlightenment**, without using the fortuitous lands we occupy, so there’s no need to force him to relinquish it,” she replied.

**Shangguan Wuchang**’s expression softened.

“I’m not saying he should give it up. The **Tree of Enlightenment** can’t be solely for one person. It can be shared, allowing him to continue while also utilizing other fortuitous lands under **Human Clan** control—wouldn’t that be a win-win situation?”

**Ding Yuqing** was quite assertive at this moment.

“You needn’t overcomplicate things. If you wish to pursue enlightenment, you can do that yourself. It sounds nice in theory, but if **Lu Ye** refuses to share the **Tree of Enlightenment**, won’t that put the responsibility on him?”

“So, you see, sometimes if you want to do something, just go ahead and do it without dragging others into it; it’s not like everyone lacks common sense. Who doesn’t see through your thoughts?”

“I also believe the **Tree of Enlightenment** should indeed be shared. I was planning to pursue enlightenment as well, but I don’t want to come into conflict with the **Grand Dao Sect**. If he adamantly refuses to allow others to share, should I take action?”

At that moment, another person spoke up.

A practitioner from the **Yin-Yang Sect**.

“Some reasoning applies; the **Tree of Enlightenment** is indeed valuable, a great opportunity that should belong to the **Human Clan**; only then can it fulfill its utmost potential.”

Another member from the **Yin-Yang Sect** echoed his sentiment.

“I think that’s inappropriate. This matter can be discussed but shouldn’t be forced,” said a member from the **Mountain River Pagoda Sect**.

Although the **Nine Li Heavenly Court** held a grudge against the **Supreme Imperial Court**, they were somewhat coveting the wonders of the **Tree of Enlightenment**, siding with **Shangguan Wuchang**’s viewpoint.

Some people agreed while others disagreed.

“Let’s go ask. I also feel the **Tree of Enlightenment** shouldn’t be owned by just one person.”

Then, a previously silent young man suddenly spoke up.

As soon as he did, all eyes turned toward him.

Because of the young man’s strength and his identity.

**Eternal Order Sect**, **Gu Qingtian**!

Even in the **Genius Ancient Battlefield**, the **Eternal Order Sect** wasn’t particularly keen, and not many people came.

This was because the **Eternal Order Sect** had its unique **Cultivation** methods; the resources sent down from above were enough for their needs.

However, they still had some representatives present.

The first batch of under-twenties didn’t come, but two from the second batch under sixty did.

These two were a man and a woman; the man’s name was **Gu Qingtian**, and the woman’s was **Lu Qingyan**.

“What if he doesn’t want to?” **Ding Yuqing** asked.

**Gu Qingtian** smiled lightly.

“Well, that’s simple; I’ll just make him agree.”

**Ding Yuqing** fumed, “You’re going to bully the weak with your strength?”

**Lu Qingyan** also chuckled gently.

“This fellow Daoist occupies the **Tree of Enlightenment** by himself, suppressing the entire **Buddha Sect** into silence. If we truly engage him, could it really be considered bullying the weak?”

“Of course, if that sounds offensive, I can rephrase it.”

**Lu Qingyan**’s expression gradually turned cold.

“Let’s say we are indeed bullying the weak; what can your **Grand Dao Sect** do about it?”

“Feasible fighters are hard to come by!”

A sharp voice rang out from outside the big tent, and a red figure flew in like a whirlwind, casting a spell toward **Lu Qingyan**.

**Lu Qingyan** let out a cold snort. Brilliant light illuminated as a leaf split into two, then four, then eight…

Countless faint silver-white leaves formed a shield.

“Bang!”

The spell struck fiercely against the leaf shield.

**Lu Qingyan**’s expression shifted slightly, and she retreated out of the tent.

“That’s some serious strength!”