The Eight Empresses Betrayed Me, Only to Deeply Regret It After Being Reborn

Chapter 57: Stirring the Shadows:

“This is the current map of the Prodigy’s Ancient Battlefield, showing the distribution of sanctuaries occupied by the various races.”

“The human race remains the strongest. Although the other races are clearly forming alliances, our human race has many powerful individuals, so we have little to fear. Moreover, the hearts of the non-human races are not united.”

“According to the map, humans occupy 45% of the sanctuaries, the Buddhist sect 15%, the gods 10%, the demons 10%, and the ghosts and spirits, which share a peculiar arrangement, jointly occupy the remaining 10%.”

In a large tent, Shangguan Wuchang addressed the gathered human powerhouses with a faint smile, explaining the current situation of the battlefield.

Shangguan Huanling, who had entered with the group, remained distant from the other humans. She rarely showed herself and had barely interacted with anyone. Shangguan Wuchang paid no attention to his sister. At first, he had planned to use this opportunity to get rid of her. However, over the past six months, Shangguan Huanling had changed significantly, treating him with unexpected respect and care. For now, Shangguan Wuchang set his plans aside.

The powerhouses studied the map and nodded. Humans controlling nearly half of the sanctuaries was a significant achievement. With such a stronghold, the strength of human prodigies had grown exponentially, making them worthy of their titles.

“What about this blank area? Why is it unoccupied?” asked a powerful cultivator from the Calamity Sect, pointing to a part of the map.

Shangguan Wuchang had anticipated this question. “That area is surrounded by Buddhist forces. Although it could be considered part of our human territory, the individual occupying it is incredibly powerful.”

“According to reports, that place is called the Enlightenment Tree, a heavenly treasure that aids in comprehending the Dao. It’s currently guarded by a single person. Judging by the corpses of Buddhist monks found around the tree and the lack of retaliation from the Buddhist sect, one can only imagine his strength.”

His words caused an uproar.

“Is this true?”

The reputation of Buddhist disciples was well-known—they rarely backed down from a fight. However, their distinct philosophies often alienated them from the rest of the human race.

“Absolutely true,” Shangguan Wuchang confirmed. “Judging by his attire, he’s a disciple of the Grand Dao Sect.”

Shangguan Wuchang was well aware of Lu Ye’s identity. Before entering the battlefield, Shangguan Huanling had warned him not to provoke Lu Ye, claiming he would be beaten to death otherwise. 

Judging by Lu Ye’s current reputation, it seemed those warnings were well-founded. Lu Ye had single-handedly suppressed the entire Buddhist sect, keeping them silent.

However, cultivation wasn’t just about fighting. The Enlightenment Tree was a coveted treasure—how could one person monopolize it?

“He’s from our sect?” Grand Dao Sect disciple Ding Yuqing asked in surprise.

“His name is Lu Ye.”

That name… Ding Yuqing wasn’t the only one who recognized it. Many others did too. Some had even encountered him when they first arrived, dismissing him as an impatient young man unlikely to survive long in the battlefield. Yet now, he had reached the Enlightenment Tree, slain numerous Buddhists, and was thriving.

“That’s indeed our disciple,” Ding Yuqing said with a smile. “Not bad, not bad at all.”

“Since the Enlightenment Tree is under human control, shouldn’t we classify it as part of our sanctuaries?” Shangguan Wuchang asked.

Ding Yuqing raised an eyebrow, immediately grasping Shangguan Wuchang’s intent. “I don’t think that’s necessary. He’s cultivating under the tree without utilizing any of our sanctuaries. There’s no reason to force him to give it up.”

Shangguan Wuchang maintained a warm demeanor. “I wasn’t suggesting he give it up. The Enlightenment Tree isn’t limited to one person—it can support multiple people comprehending the Dao simultaneously. He could continue using it, while the rest of us could also benefit. Wouldn’t that be a win-win?”

Ding Yuqing’s tone turned firm. “There’s no need for word games. If you want to comprehend the Dao, go on your own. If Lu Ye refuses to share, will you make it his fault? If you want something, take responsibility for your actions instead of dragging others into it. Everyone here can see through your intentions.”

Another voice chimed in, this time from a cultivator of the Yin-Yang Sect. “I also think the Enlightenment Tree should be shared. It’s an extraordinary treasure, and its value is best realized when it benefits the entire human race.”

Several others from the Yin-Yang Sect echoed this sentiment.

But a cultivator from the Mountain River Treasure Pagoda Sect objected. “I disagree. This matter can be discussed, but it shouldn’t be forced.”

The Nine Li Celestial Dynasty, usually at odds with the Supreme Imperial Court, voiced support for Shangguan Wuchang’s suggestion, drawn by the tree’s allure.

Opinions diverged sharply.

“Let’s ask him first. I also believe the Enlightenment Tree shouldn’t belong to just one person,” said a silent young man, finally speaking.

All eyes turned toward him—Gu Qingtian of the Eternal Sect.

Even in the Prodigy’s Ancient Battlefield, the Eternal Sect wasn’t particularly active. With their unique cultivation methods and abundant resources, they had little need to compete here. Still, this time they had sent people. Two, to be exact: Gu Qingtian and a young woman named Lu Qingyan.

“What if he refuses?” Ding Yuqing asked.

Gu Qingtian smiled faintly. “Then it’s simple. I’ll make him agree.”

Ding Yuqing’s anger flared. “You’d use your seniority to bully him?”

Lu Qingyan interjected with a cold laugh. “Fellow Daoist, this Lu Ye has single-handedly suppressed the Buddhist sect. If we were to fight him, would that really be considered bullying?”

She added indifferently, “But if you find that argument unpalatable, I’ll put it plainly. Yes, we would be bullying him. What will your Grand Dao Sect do about it?”

“You’ll pay for your arrogance!” A sharp voice rang out from outside the tent as a figure in red rushed in, bringing a powerful gust of wind. 

With a fierce cry, a spell imprint flew toward Lu Qingyan.

Lu Qingyan snorted, her body glowing with light as a silver leaf appeared in her hand. The single leaf split into two, then four, then eight, forming a shimmering silver shield.

“Boom!”

The imprint struck the shield with immense force, causing Lu Qingyan’s expression to shift as she staggered backward out of the tent.

“What incredible strength!” she muttered, her tone tinged with surprise.