Chapter 120: Establishing the Strongest Awakener Organization, Named the Celestial Court!

Zhou Yunqiong did not hesitate and immediately summoned Uncle Zuo.

“Miss, what are your orders?”

Uncle Zuo appeared, still bearing the same respectful expression as before. Yet, upon closer observation of the aura he exuded, it became clear that this man was also within the Shackles Realm—and a very powerful one at that, having broken through more than ten shackles.

“Have you seen the news about the Three Immortal Island?” Zhou Yunqiong asked calmly, her voice soft but steady, regaining the composure she had shown earlier.

“I have. Lu Yuan single-handedly dominated the Three Islands; not even those at the Golden Body Realm could match him. He’s very strong,” Uncle Zuo nodded, visibly shocked upon seeing the report. Before the anomaly, he had met Lu Yuan once when the latter was as ordinary as one could be. But since then, the man had risen like a comet, astonishing all with his rapid ascent. Now, he could even easily overpower those on the Three Immortal Island. How could one not be amazed?

“Lu Yuan is destined to become a significant figure. The Zhou family cannot afford to let him slip away,” Zhou Yunqiong mused. “We must win him over and have him abandon past grievances.”

She knew it was time to act without delay. Although the Zhou family had already established contact with the Heavenly Clan and even the Ji lineage, the emergence of such a formidable individual in this world could not be overlooked. Moreover, she had a series of plans to carry out, and having Lu Yuan’s cooperation would make everything much smoother. Winning him over was imperative.

“But, Miss, this might be difficult,” Uncle Zuo frowned. From what he remembered, Lu Yuan had a very strong and domineering personality. Anyone who provoked him would face his ruthless retaliation. Such a person held some resentment toward both Yi and the Zhou family, making reconciliation a tall order.

“That means we must use special means,” Zhou Yunqiong replied. “Select several divine artifacts from the family as a token of my sincerity to clear up the misunderstandings.”

She believed that Lu Yuan had once been fond of her; with some goodwill and tangible benefits, even if not all grievances could be erased, at least the resentment in his heart could be softened. When the time was right, she would speak to him personally. Persuading him should not be a great challenge then.

“Understood. Should I go to the Taishan Trial Institute for this?” Uncle Zuo asked, nodding without hesitation at the order.

“Not only you, but Yi as well. Let Yi go too,” Zhou Yunqiong added. “If we want to resolve the misunderstanding, we must be sincere. Yi must apologize to Lu Yuan in person.”

In her mind, Lu Yuan’s value had already surpassed that of Yi Tian Shen. She had suspected Yi’s involvement in various incidents outside the Lishan Imperial Tomb, so letting the main party humble themselves was the utmost expression of sincerity.

“The Heavenly Clan will arrive soon. Won’t this upset them?” Uncle Zuo hesitated.

“No worries. I have already been in contact with one of the Heavenly Clan’s elites. There won’t be any problems,” Zhou Yunqiong shook her head. The so-called Yi Tian Shen was merely a pawn in her grand design. Now that she had encountered more powerful figures, her focus had shifted. Besides, she had the Ji lineage’s backing. The Ji lineage from a distant star region cared deeply for her bloodline and had informed the Heavenly Clan accordingly. In this matter, Zhou Yunqiong had no concerns. Her bloodline strength was her greatest support.

“Understood,” Uncle Zuo nodded promptly but then pondered aloud, “What if, in the end, Lu Yuan remains as unyielding as ever?”

“Refuses?” Zhou Yunqiong was momentarily taken aback but said nothing further, simply looking at him.

“I understand,” Uncle Zuo bowed and left the room.

As for Zhou Yunqiong, her eyes remained fixed on the news before her. Seated on the sofa, she was lost in thought.

---

At the Taishan Cultivation Institute, an ancient-style building housed several elders: Elder Ji, Elder Yun, and two others from the highest seven-member council had all gathered. Opposite them sat a resigned-looking Lu Yuan, listening silently.

“King Lu, arrangements concerning the Three Immortal Island’s people have been made. Those above the Shackles Realm will be assigned to various Zhendan Academies as teachers or assistants. Their breathing methods and visualization techniques are numerous and systematic, and instruction will be tailored accordingly,” said one elder known as Elder Wu, who oversaw the Zhendan Academies and the education of Awakened Ones. His eyes shone with excitement, knowing that with these additions and available resources, many more talents would be nurtured swiftly. Elder Wu had not anticipated the profound foundation of the Three Immortal Island; its integration into the official institutions was like a blessing in disguise—all thanks to King Lu.

Of course, having learned from past experiences, he planned to allocate more resources to a select few to cultivate true powerhouses.

“That is correct. The Three Immortal Island’s sect leader has also expressed willingness to assist whenever needed. Should Beast Kings cause trouble again, we will have more effective countermeasures,” Elder Yun added with a smile. These were all Golden Body Realm practitioners—formidable allies who greatly enhanced official strength. Given time, their power would only increase, readying them for future crises.

“Actually, you can handle these matters yourselves; there’s no need to consult me,” Lu Yuan finally responded, a hint of helplessness in his tone. He had no choice; now, any major decisions were reported to him, even seeking his opinions, making him feel like the supreme ruler. Though he was indifferent to such matters—finding them burdensome—he knew that no matter how much power he had, personal strength was paramount.

“We understand,” Elder Ji and the others replied dutifully, though their true thoughts were unknown. To them, the current stability was entirely due to Lu Yuan. Hence, they had to inform him of significant affairs. However, most problems were theirs to solve. The official strength was growing, especially in terms of powerful individuals, arguably second to none in the world today. This meant they had to become stronger themselves.

With that, the elders dispersed to their duties, aware this was the best time to build strength. Who knew when beings from beyond the realm might suddenly arrive? That would be the real test.

Watching them leave, Lu Yuan shook his head. Now that various issues were settled, the next crisis would come with the world’s second awakening—preparing for extraterrestrial beings. Such entities were far from the simple folks of this world. The great clans across star regions each harbored terrifyingly powerful figures, with ever-expanding divine abilities. He had to advance beyond the Shackles Realm.

He was now only eight shackles short of breaking through the one hundred and eight shackles—the pinnacle of the Shackles Realm. Once achieved, he was confident he could surge forward to the Golden Body Realm. That state granted the ability to traverse the skies and a physical transformation that greatly amplified his combat power. After some accumulation, he could reach the fifth stage of evolution—the Sovereign King Realm. At this level, one truly became a king, able to break through the atmosphere and survive briefly in space, transcending human limits.

Lu Yuan knew he had to hurry; he had already lost too much time in the Shackles Realm.

Soon, he began his breakthrough. Eight genetic shackles remained—no assistance required, as his foundation was solid. This final step would take time but that was no concern; time was no longer scarce.

---

While Lu Yuan prepared to reach the Shackles Realm’s peak, the official institutions, bolstered by the Three Immortal Island’s integration, finally established a relatively standardized path for Awakened Ones’ evolution. The five supercities’ Zhendan Academies were vigorously recruiting. Meanwhile, increased efforts were made to cultivate prodigies such as the Ice Fairy, Zhu Qingyu, and the Pure Yang Little Celestial Master, aiming for them to reach the Shackles Realm and proceed further.

Elder Ji and others devised a series of plans to create a genuinely powerful Awakened One organization, akin to the Seven Elders’ Moonwatch Pavilion—but distinct in that it would comprise elite geniuses. Entry would require passing various trials. It would become the official and even China’s core force. This organization would have a supreme leader, and they already had someone in mind—Lu Yuan.

They invited him to take the position. No actual duties were required; a nominal role would suffice, with others handling the details. Lu Yuan, after consideration, did not object. He understood the officials sought a paragon, an idol figure to inspire students and geniuses. Currently, he was indeed the ideal candidate.

However, naming the organization proved difficult. Many suggestions were rejected until they turned to Lu Yuan for his input. Though initially reluctant, he suddenly recalled the ancient decree of the Heavenly Emperor in his mind and proposed the name: “Heavenly Court.”

Elder Ji and the others agreed without much deliberation. The name carried mythic grandeur and perfectly represented China. Henceforth, all who passed the trials would be admitted to the Heavenly Court, with Lu Yuan as its head. This organization stood above officialdom, the true core power. For now, Lu Yuan was the sole member. The Ice Fairy, Pure Yang Little Celestial Master, and others, despite their talents or bloodlines, did not yet meet the conditions and would join in time.

News of the Heavenly Court’s founding spread quickly across the Zhendan Academies. The students were thrilled to learn that Lu Yuan would lead it. Everyone aspired to join and follow King Lu, a testament to the power of having an idol to inspire goals. Elder Ji and the others’ plan was indeed excellent.

Lu Yuan, however, paid it little mind, remaining at the Taishan Trial Institute. In the following days, he broke through five more genetic shackles, leaving only three to reach the pinnacle.

Yet, just as he prepared to continue his breakthrough, word arrived that Zhou Yunqiong had sent people.

(End of chapter)