Chapter 228: Welcoming the Lord of White Cloud City Back!
On the moon, Ye Cheng's entire being was enveloped in brilliant, multicolored light, as an endless stream of cosmic energy surged into his body, nourishing his rapid growth.
When he reached the critical threshold, the influx of energy gradually began to slow. The once radiant moon, illuminated like a second sun, started dimming again, returning to its dull, gray, and unremarkable state.
"So this… is the realm of the gods."
Ye Cheng slowly opened his eyes. His appearance had not changed, but the golden halo encircling him spoke volumes about the transformation he had undergone.
A single, massive ring, over ten meters in diameter, glowing with resplendent golden light, was now floating around him. It was inscribed with intricate and mysterious patterns, exuding an indescribable presence.
There was no doubt this was a true divine ring!
Feeling the sheer difference between his current power and what he had before, Ye Cheng found himself at a loss for words. Only by reaching this level could one truly understand the magnificence of this realm. It was as if he could grasp the very essence of the universe itself.
A divine ring was simply an external manifestation of his power, not something that stored his strength. If necessary, he could modify its shape, adjust its size, or even shift it to his back to disguise himself as a god from the Divine Realm. Hiding it entirely was just as effortless.
Honestly, Ye Cheng always felt that soul rings and divine rings were more for show, a way to intimidate or impress others. But since this was how the world understood power, he saw no need to change it.
With a faint smile, he stood up.
Then, he took a single step forward.
Ripples spread through space.
In the blink of an eye, he vanished from the moon's desolate surface and returned to the Douluo Continent.
White Cloud City
Countless people stood outside, gazing at the sky, their eyes locked onto the moon that had, just moments ago, shone as brightly as the sun.
Now, its brilliance had faded.
They knew the event had come to an end.
But had their City Lord succeeded?
The video had shown that he would, but reality was not the same as the future that had been predicted. In the video's timeline, the Abyss had already invaded, increasing the planet's energy density. Here, in the present, conditions were slightly different…
Would such small differences change the outcome?
Just as doubts began creeping into people's minds
A strange sensation suddenly spread throughout White Cloud City.
It was an indescribable warmth, a feeling as if something beyond mortal comprehension was awakening.
Then, the miracles began.
Trees and plants started growing at an accelerated rate.People suffering from illnesses some at death's door were suddenly healed, regaining their strength.Even the elderly regrew their teeth, and those with missing limbs found them restored.Cultivators who had been stuck at bottlenecks for years suddenly broke through.
Everything, from humans to animals to the very land itself, was blessed by an unknown force.
For a moment, the entire city was in stunned silence.
Then, the realization dawned on them.
Could it be…?
Was it truly…?!
Had the City Lord returned… as a god?!
"WELCOME BACK, CITY LORD!"
A thunderous cry erupted throughout White Cloud City as countless citizens cheered in celebration. Their hearts swelled with pride they were now under the protection of a god!
They lived in a city built by a god!
They were followers of a true deity!
This was a story they could tell for generations.
The Summoning of the City's Leaders
As the commoners rejoiced, White Cloud City's high ranking officials received an urgent summons.
For the first time in three years, their lord was calling for them.
Without hesitation, they rushed toward the City Lord's Mansion.
At the forefront were the three patriarchs of White Cloud City's Three Great Clans
Niu Gao, leader of the Defense Clan,Bai He, leader of the Speed Clan,Yang Wudi, leader of the Breaking Clan.
Behind them were other noble families and influential figures.
Upon stepping into the hall, they laid eyes on Ye Cheng, seated upon the throne at the head of the room.
Their emotions surged.
Without a second thought
"We pay our respects to the City Lord!"
With one synchronized movement, they all knelt before him, their voices ringing through the grand hall.
It had been three long years since they had last seen him.
Without his protection, maintaining order in White Cloud City had been a constant struggle. Though no fool had dared attack, the fear of an unexpected crisis had never left them.
Now, with his return, they could finally breathe easy.
Ye Cheng studied the faces before him.
The years had taken their toll. These once vibrant men now bore signs of age and exhaustion.
"Rise," he said, waving his hand.
Without touching them, an invisible force lifted them to their feet.
Then, he spoke the words they had all been waiting for:
"After three years of tireless research alongside the Medicine King, we have finally perfected the Condensation Ring Method and the Path to Godhood."
His golden eyes swept across them.
"Today, I stand before you as a god."
Silence.
Then, as the realization struck
Excitement erupted like wildfire.
The leaders of White Cloud City had already known what this meant.
Ye Cheng could now confirm what had only been theoretical before.
Becoming a god was no longer a dream.
The possibility of ascending without a divine inheritance was real.
But then
"However," Ye Cheng's voice turned serious, silencing the room, "as the video foretold, anyone who wishes to become a god must abandon the old path and embrace the Condensation Ring Method."
The hall grew tense.
"Are you prepared to destroy your current soul rings and start over?"
A heavy question.
The patriarch of the Defense Clan, Niu Gao, was the first to step forward.
"City Lord, we place our trust in you!" His voice was firm. "The old system is already at its limit. We have trained for decades, yet we remain stuck at our current levels. If there is even the slightest chance to break through, we are willing to take it!"
"That's right!" Bai He and Yang Wudi followed.
"We humbly request your guidance, City Lord!"
Soon, everyone in the room was voicing the same plea.
None of them were fools.
They had all seen the video they had seen what the future held.
No matter whether the Abyss invaded or not, the Condensation Ring Method was the key to the future.
It was a chance to become a god, something that had only ever existed in legends.
Even if the odds were low, who would dare let this opportunity slip away?!
Seeing their determination, Ye Cheng nodded approvingly.
"Very well," he said.
With a wave of his hand, streams of golden light flowed into their minds.
Instantly
They understood.
The secrets of how to erase soul rings and reform them anew were now imprinted within them.
This was the beginning.
The Age of the Condensation Ring Method had truly arrived.
(End of Chapter)
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