Chapter 119: 135 Canaan Academy

A stream of memories flooded into everyone’s minds. "This... how can such a miraculous thing exist in this world?" they muttered incessantly.

They thought they were dreaming, that it was all a sudden illusion. But as they gathered their wits, they realized it wasn't a fabrication—it was all real.

"Now that I have transmitted the relevant information and technology to you, is there anything you still don't understand?" Qian Mo asked.

"We understand everything, Master!" The group could hardly contain their excitement. Qian Mo had given them more than just electricity; he had provided high-tech knowledge from the 22nd century, including the manufacturing methods for heavy artillery, military weapons, nuclear armaments, and hydrogen weapons. They would become the key figures of Samsara Island—the very island and people destined to be taken away to the Heavens and Myriad Worlds.

Naturally, Qian Mo had placed restrictions: these weapons could not be used against living species that posed no threat, nor could they be turned against Samsara Island itself.

***

After returning, the group summoned their disciples to assist. A week passed.

Samsara Town welcomed a joyous milestone. With the collective help of the people, the first electrical system in the Dou Qi Continent was born in Samsara Town.

"Wow!"

Cheers erupted, and the crowd was overcome with excitement. Qian Mo hovered in mid-air, looking down at the layout of the town—the power station, the utility poles, the wires; everything was in place. He nodded with satisfaction.

"Town Master, we are ready! We can start it at any time," shouted the ten blacksmiths below.

Qian Mo looked at the sky, which was beginning to darken. "Night is falling. When it is completely dark, activate the entire town's electrical system and light up our Samsara Town!"

"Yes, Town Master!" they replied.

As the sky grew darker, the people returned to their posts. Qian Mo remained in the air, eyes closed, arms crossed, his left hand tapping rhythmically against his right arm. Time slipped by, and the darkness of the sky gradually swallowed the clouds, ushering in the night.

"Activate!" Qian Mo opened his eyes and commanded in a clear voice.

Upon hearing the order, the crew smiled and pulled the main switches.

Suddenly, a faint hum resonated throughout Samsara Town, drawing everyone's attention. The moment the sound ceased, the town was bathed in brilliant light. The pitch-black Samsara Town was instantly transformed into a 22nd-century star-lit night.

"Wow!"
"So beautiful!"
"Is this what they call electricity?"

The crowd was stunned, lost for words. Naturally, those who had helped with the construction were the happiest of all. From nothing to something, and from something back to nothing—it was all interconnected, a cyclical process.

"Everyone, quiet, listen to me," Qian Mo said, his voice echoing across the entire town.

"It has been over a week since I unified Samsara Town. Besides providing you with a better life and the individual Heavenly Flames for each of you, I haven't given you much else. Now, I will establish a Task Hall in the town. It will contain missions suitable for your respective levels. Once you register, accept, and complete them, you will receive your own rewards—gold coins, treasures, cultivation techniques, all sorts of things! This Task Hall has no hall master; you need only walk in to receive a task suited to you. During the mission, a protective force will guard you; until the task is complete, not even a Dou Zun, Dou Sheng, or Dou Di can harm you. You are now members of Samsara Town. Everyone carries my Heavenly Flame as a mark of the town, and if you ever travel too far, you need only whisper in your heart to return to Samsara Town."

Qian Mo’s calm voice sent shockwaves through the crowd.

The Task Hall was established, and people flocked to accept missions, though only those marked with Qian Mo’s Heavenly Flame could do so. As time passed, the people of Samsara Town grew accustomed to this new life. The number of Dou Zong and Dou Zun grew, and the ranks of Dou Huang increased as well. Those who had no cultivation were protected by the town's experts and began their own paths of cultivation.

One day, Qian Mo summoned everyone above the Dou Zong level to the main hall. A dozen people stood in a row—five men and five women. Two of the women had reached the one- or two-star Dou Zun level, while the five men were all low-level Dou Zuns. The rest were high-level Dou Zongs.

"Do you know why I have called you here?" Qian Mo asked, walking slowly out of his room.

"Town Master," they greeted respectfully. They shook their heads.

"I have been thinking recently that the strength of Samsara Town is still a bit low; there isn't even a mid-level Dou Zun. I have gathered you here to establish an Enforcement Hall. You must work together to strike down anyone who provokes our town. Samsara Town is merely one of my forces here," Qian Mo said, turning to face them.

The group was stunned, feeling that their mysterious Town Master had become even more inscrutable.

"Samsara Town, Enforcement Hall, Samsara Sect, Samsara Pavilion, Samsara Branch Hall, and the Samsara Main Hall."

"The first three are low-level, the Pavilion and Branch Hall are mid-level, and the Main Hall is high-level."

"Among these, the Town, Hall, and Sect are Mysterious-tier. The Samsara Pavilion is Earth-tier, the Branch Hall is Heaven-tier, and the Main Hall is Emperor-tier."

"Emperor—as in the Emperor of the Dou Di!"

Each word from Qian Mo sent their heads spinning. They were paralyzed by shock.

"These are Mysterious-tier tokens, representing your status within the Samsara series. Naturally, your advancement in strength and your contributions to the series will determine your rank," Qian Mo said calmly. He waved his hand, and ten rays of light flew toward them. A golden flash appeared on their hands, revealing a token engraved with the character 'Mysterious'.

"What you must do now is cultivate a large group of excellent talent. Remember to manage your subordinates well; do not let them commit wrongs, or you, as their leaders, will be held responsible!" As he spoke, a murderous aura bore down on the ten of them.

They felt as though they were on the verge of death. Their breathing grew heavy, sweat beaded on their foreheads, and their faces turned pale. The Town Master was truly terrifying!

"Yes, Town Master!" they replied hastily.

"Ma Lie!"

Following Qian Mo’s voice, a figure in a black robe appeared. Some of those present recognized him, as he was the one who had brought them to this terrifying existence.

Ma Lie removed his hood and said, "Greetings!" He appeared to be only about twenty years old.

"While I am away, he is the person in charge. If there is anything you do not understand, come to him. Although his strength is currently at the Dou Zun level, he can crush a Dou Sheng and rival a mid-level Dou Sheng. Once he breaks through to the Dou Sheng level, even high-level Dou Shengs will not be his match."

Qian Mo spoke slowly, then added, "Naturally, he is also a member of the Samsara Main Hall!"

The group was already frightened out of their wits. This man in front of them was a member of the Samsara Main Hall! Did that mean he was of the Emperor-tier?

"Do your work well, and there will be no shortage of rewards for you," Qian Mo said. "For anything else, ask Ma Lie." He patted Ma Lie on the shoulder, signaling he could go.

Ma Lie nodded slightly and walked toward them. The group, led by Ma Lie, left the hall.

After they departed, a deep blue flame appeared in Qian Mo's hand—the Sea Heart Flame, ranked fifteenth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking. Above it, the Phoenix Divine Flame appeared. Feeling the immense pressure, the Sea Heart Flame shivered. The Phoenix Divine Flame promptly swallowed the Sea Heart Flame, its power increasing once more.

***

Recalling the Phoenix Divine Flame, Qian Mo looked toward the distance—the direction of the Jia Nan Academy, known as the number one academy in the Jia Ma Empire!

Qian Mo merely smiled at the mention of "number one" or "number two."

"Heavenly Flame Ranking, number fourteen, Fallen Heart Flame. I am coming for you," Qian Mo murmured, a smirk playing on his lips.

The changes in Samsara Town had become a mystery to the Jia Nan Academy. At this moment, two figures appeared above the town—the two hidden Dou Zun elders of the academy, their strength around the six- or seven-star level. The recent shifts in the Black-Corner Region had caught their attention. To them, the Black-Corner Region was merely a place for students to gain experience; otherwise, it would have been wiped out long ago.

"Tian Qian, is this still the Black-Corner Region we know?" Elder Zun asked, looking at the scene before him in shock. The region was incredibly peaceful, the architectural style had completely changed, and most terrifyingly, all the territories scattered across the region had been condensed into one place. What kind of powerful being could achieve such a feat?

"Cough, no wonder there were tremors and signs of movement in the Jia Nan area last time. Now I finally understand," Tian Qian said, squinting his eyes.

"Let’s go in and pay a visit," Tian Qian said. "We don't know the other party's intentions, but keep your tone polite. Even our Dean couldn't move terrain like this, let alone us. You understand what I mean."

"Let's go."

They reached the gate but were blocked. The two guards were only at the Dou Ling level, which shocked the elders. Guards at the Dou Ling level? Elder Tian Qian was truly astonished. When had the Black-Corner Region ever seen such a thing?

"You two are not from Samsara Town. State your purpose for coming, so we may record it. Please cooperate," the two guards said, showing no signs of fear.

The two elders were indignant. They were dignified Dou Zun experts, yet they were being blocked by two Dou Ling ants? How could they show their faces if this got out?

"Little friends, we are Dou Zun experts. Are you not afraid of death for blocking us?!" Tian Qian said, his tone irritated. Of course, this was just to scare them; he wouldn't actually kill them.

"Heh, so what if you are Dou Zuns? Even if a Dou Sheng came, if they aren't from Samsara Town, they must register! Let alone you two with only Dou Zun cultivation!" The guards didn't back down. As guards, they were protected by divine power. They knew that even a Dou Di could not break through their protection, so why would they be afraid of a mere Dou Zun?

Samsara Town had four gates—East, South, West, and North. The elders had arrived at the main gate, the North Gate. Hearing that the guards weren't afraid and were even threatening them, the elders were fuming.

"You—you! Do you think I dare not kill you?!" Elder Tian Qian unleashed his killing intent and pressure toward the two guards. Instead of being afraid, the guards were delighted. "Haha, you finally made a move! We can have some fun now."

Elder Tian Qian felt a sense of unease. As they hesitated, the guards' divine protection reacted, and their cultivation instantly surged to the peak of the Nine-Star Dou Zun!

"Refreshing! Haha!"

The people in the town watched as if it were a normal occurrence, continuing their shopping and martial arts practice.

As one of the women from the town approached, she was stopped by Ma Lie.

"Brother Ma?" The woman, a Dou Zun, didn't understand why Ma Lie was stopping them. They were facing Dou Zuns, after all.

"Don't worry," Ma Lie said. "The Hall Master's divine protection is not that simple. Every guard has it. Let them play. Can't you feel it? Their current strength is higher than yours—peak Nine-Star Dou Zun. Those two mid-level Dou Zuns are no match for them. But they will need to rest after the fight."

"I didn't know that," she admitted.

"You aren't from the Main Hall, so there are many secrets you don't know. Once you meet the requirements of the Main Hall, your eyes will be opened. How old do you think I am?"

"Judging by your looks, maybe thirty?" the woman said, her face flushing slightly.

"Wrong. I am nineteen this year. Not even twenty yet," Ma Lie shook his head.

"W-what?! Nineteen? You're not kidding me, are you?" The woman couldn't believe it. A nineteen-year-old eight-star Dou Zun who could kill higher-level experts?

"There is one more thing you won't believe: I haven't even had this cultivation level for two years yet." Ma Lie’s statement left the woman dumbfounded.

"Nineteen, less than two years, and you're a Dou Zun? How many freaks are there in the Samsara Hall? Don't tell me the Main Hall is full of people like you?"

Ma Lie nodded slightly and turned his attention back to the fight.

The woman was in disbelief. She had reached the Dou Zun level only after consuming countless medicinal pills and performing tasks. This man, younger than her, was far more terrifying. She looked at his youthful face, her mind racing, and she felt a strange warmth in her cheeks. She shook her head and focused on the guards' fight.

"How is this possible? Are you two peak Dou Zuns?!" Elder Tian Qian, unaware of what was happening, thought they were playing the "pigs to eat the tigers." Who was this person?

"Haha, do you still want to force your way in? We warned you," the guards said. "I suggest you two cooperate and register. Don't resist, or you'll have to deal with the Town Master. Though, it's not even worth bothering him with such small matters."

"Think twice! Don't be foolish!"

The elders were so angry they were speechless. Their opponent’s cultivation and pressure were both higher than theirs. They had no choice but to soften their tone. "Two friends, we have no hostile intentions."

"We know that, of course, otherwise you would already be two lifeless corpses."

The elders sighed. They shouldn't have unleashed their killing intent earlier; they had completely lost face.

"Little friends, we are guardians of the Jia Nan Academy. We came to pay a visit to your Town Master and inquire about some matters," they said politely.

"Oh? A visit? That's not up to us. You'll have to see if the Town Master permits it. Just register your names and the reason for your visit."

The elders obediently registered. *So, the Black-Corner Region has really become Samsara Town?*

The moment they stepped through the gate, a mechanical voice announced: "Elder Zun, five-star Dou Zun. Elder Qian, six-star Dou Zun."

The voice startled them. "What is this thing?"

The guards smirked. "This is the new 'Gate Spirit' published by our Samsara Town."

*What? Such advanced technology exists?*

"Little friends, when will we have news?" Elder Qian asked, bowing.

"We already have it. The Town Master permits you to enter. He is in Samsara City; you may go find him."

The elders were overjoyed. "Thank you, thank you!" They hurried toward Samsara City.

Seeing that no fight occurred, Ma Lie turned to the woman. "No fight, how boring. Let's go back."

The woman nodded.

***

Inside the hall, Qian Mo sat leisurely. The two elders walked in.

"Is this the place?" Elder Qian asked, his tone filled with shock.

"The Town Master is inside. Go in. I must leave," the guide said, walking away quickly.

The elders were left embarrassed. They stepped forward and saw a young man sitting there, eating grapes. Qian Mo looked at them calmly, ignoring them for a moment.

"We are Elder Qian and Elder Zun from the Jia Nan Academy," they said respectfully. "Are you the Master of Samsara Town?"

Qian Mo looked at them. He hadn't expected the two hidden Dou Zuns of the Jia Nan Academy to look like this; they looked exactly like they did in the manga from his past life.

"Yes, that's right. What brings you to see me? Speak plainly," Qian Mo said, tossing a grape into his mouth.

The elders exchanged glances. They hadn't expected the man to be so young, and he was so different from what they had imagined.

"Well, we felt the movement of this region and came to investigate, and to pay our respects to the powerful being behind it," Elder Qian said politely.

Qian Mo nodded. "This was indeed my doing. Now that you've investigated and seen me, you may return."

"..."

The two elders' faces turned black. They were so embarrassed that they vowed never to come back.

"I was planning to visit your Jia Nan Academy in a few days anyway. Since you're here, I'll go back with you. I might as well see the splendor of the continent's number one academy," Qian Mo said, his mind set on the academy's Heavenly Flame.

"Is that so? Haha, good! Then let us return together," Elder Qian laughed, thinking he had misheard.

Qian Mo stood up and walked toward them. "Ma Lie."

A silent figure appeared instantly, startling the elders. *This person is terrifying! Samsara Town is truly full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers!* they thought.

"I am going out to have some fun. I leave this place to you. Kill anyone who comes here to cause trouble!" Qian Mo said without hesitation.

"Yes, Hall Master!" Ma Lie disappeared.

*What an overbearing man,* the elders thought, speechless.

Qian Mo smiled at them. "Don't be like that. I'm not as terrifying as you think. Just treat me like a guest. Let's go."

Hearing this, the elders felt a bit more relaxed. Qian Mo turned, waved his hand, and a spatial rift appeared. He walked into it.

"This... this is spatial ability! A Dou Sheng?!" The elders' eyelids twitched. They hadn't expected the man in front of them to be a Dou Sheng!

Qian Mo heard "Dou Sheng" and smiled. He hadn't heard that word in years. *Dou Sheng, so be it.*

The two elders changed their attitude toward Qian Mo and followed him in.

The Jia Nan Academy was not far from Samsara Town. Emerging from the other side of the rift, the vast Jia Nan Academy stretched out before them. The grand architecture shocked Qian Mo. "So this is the continent's number one academy, Jia Nan! It's so huge."

"Young Master, let's go in," Elder Qian said.

They didn't enter through the main gate but flew directly over the academy and into the inner courtyard through a spatial portal. The elders took Qian Mo on a grand tour before landing at a house in the woods—their residence.

They sat down, and Elder Qian asked with a smile, "Young Master, I hope the environment here hasn't disappointed you."

Qian Mo took a sip of tea. "Not bad. I like this environment."

"Young Master, if I may be so bold, may I ask your age?" Elder Qian asked cautiously, fearing he might anger him.

Qian Mo remained calm. "Oh? And how old do you think I look?"

"Judging by your appearance, you look like a youth in your twenties." Elder Qian couldn't believe his own words. A Dou Sheng in his twenties? *How is that possible?!*

"I am twenty-one this year," Qian Mo said calmly.

*Pfft!*

Both elders spat out their tea. A twenty-one-year-old Dou Sheng?

"Cough, cough!" They hurriedly wiped their mouths, trying to regain their composure. *He must be a Dou Sheng.*

"And may I ask, Young Master, what is your cultivation..."

Qian Mo’s next sentence made them spit out their tea again.

"Peak Dou Di."

*Pfft!*

The elders' faces turned ugly. "Cough, cough! Young Master, you are truly humorous. A Dou Di? Since the last Dou Di, Tuo She Gu Di, no Dou Di has appeared on our Dou Qi Continent. Let alone a peak Dou Di. You are fond of joking."

Qian Mo didn't mind. He knew they wouldn't believe him. "Have the two elders ever seen the power of a Dou Di? How do you know I am not one?"

"But... Young Master, everyone on this continent knows this!" the elders said, speechless.

Qian Mo shook his head. "Can a Dou Sheng alter the order of the seasons and the cycle of day and night?"

The elders were stunned. "That is absurd! How could that be possible..." To them, even a Dou Sheng could not change the laws of nature.

Seeing them shake their heads, Qian Mo didn't want to argue. He grabbed them, startling them, and before they could react, they were pulled away.

They reappeared high above the Jia Nan Academy.

"Little friend, what are you doing!" the elders shouted.

"You don't believe I am a Dou Di? Then I will let you see the power of a Dou Di!" With a single thought, Qian Mo shifted the four seasons and the order of day and night at will.

The display left the elders frozen, their mouths agape, wide enough to fit an egg. They shivered as they looked at Qian Mo. "Young Master, are... are you truly a Dou Di?!"

"Shh!" Qian Mo made a gesture for silence. They immediately closed their mouths.

Down in the academy, people were whispering about what had just happened. Not just the academy, but the entire continent was in an uproar.

Soul Clan: "What just happened? Why did the order of the weather change? Could there be a Dou Di?"

Ancient Clan: "Someone altered the order of the seasons and day and night! Could there be a Dou Di?"

Other clans: "What just happened?! I must be hallucinating!"

Voices echoed from every corner of the continent.