Chapter 1: The Mysterious Battle King Arrives in Wutan City

A figure streaked across the azure sky—not bird nor beast, but a man with ethereal wings unfurling behind him. He sped forward until a city appeared in his sight.

At last, he had arrived. He hoped he was not too late.

Landing atop a mountain peak, he gazed thoughtfully at the city's name, murmuring softly to himself, "Wutan City..."

His voice had barely faded when he again spread his wings. His powerful aura radiated without restraint, drawing countless eyes from the streets and ramparts.

"Battle Aura Wings! At least a Battle King!"

"What's going on? Why is there a Battle King here in Wutan City?"

"Careful what you say. He might be a Battle Emperor for all we know."

Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd, faces alight with envy, curiosity, and excitement. Wutan City had not seen the likes of a Battle King for at least a hundred years.

Within the city, several figures leapt onto rooftops, their gazes heavy as they sensed the oppressive force of the newcomer descending from the heavens. After a moment’s pause, they hurried toward his location.

"Wutan City, Galle Family, Galleby, greets you, honored sir!"

"Wutan City, Mittel Auction House, Guni, greets you, honored sir!"

"Wutan City, Xiao Clan, Xiao Zhan, greets you, honored sir!"

"Wutan City..."

Representatives of Wutan City's most powerful factions had all come forth, bowing respectfully to the man who had just landed.

"Hmm," he replied nonchalantly, his eyes sweeping over them, lingering briefly on Xiao Zhan.

Galleby clasped his fists and was first to speak: "May I know how to address you, sir? Have you come to Wutan City on business? The Galle Family stands ready to serve your every command."

At his words, the other representatives glanced sideways, cursing the old fox inwardly. Then, in the next instant, they all echoed his offer.

"King Cang," the visitor said, his tone indifferent. Upon hearing this, their hearts skipped a beat. Their eyes swept over his unnaturally youthful face.

Battle Aura Wings, and he called himself King!

Clearly, this young man—who appeared barely past his twentieth year—was truly a Battle King.

Xiao Zhan swallowed hard, thinking of his own son, Xiao Yan, hailed as the most brilliant genius of the Xiao Clan in a century. Even without the setbacks that followed, Xiao Yan could hardly reach the level of a Battle King at this age.

The thought made Xiao Zhan all the more awed by King Cang's terrifying talent—and, surely, the formidable power behind him.

What could bring such a man suddenly to Wutan City?

King Cang spoke calmly, "There is no need for alarm. I am simply searching for someone. If I find them, all is well; if not, I shall leave."

Searching for someone?

Xiao Zhan and the others were momentarily confused, their faces showing their doubts, but none dared to question him.

"I'm a bit thirsty," King Cang said, unconcerned with their scrutiny.

"Honored sir, please rest at the Mittel Auction House," Guni responded quickly.

"Very well." King Cang nodded, indicating for him to lead the way.

Galleby watched as King Cang was led toward the auction house, smacking his thigh in regret. Such a rare opportunity to befriend a Battle King, and he'd let it slip away. If he could forge a connection, there would be no place for the other families in Wutan City.

Inside the auction house, King Cang sat in the main seat, and a serving girl soon brought him tea. He took a cup and sipped it, then noticed a gaze upon him. Looking back, he caught sight of a beautiful woman peeking from behind a curtain. Their eyes met—she seemed startled, quickly lowering the curtain.

That must be Ya Fei... he murmured inwardly, setting his cup down with a hint of a smile as he looked at the others, who sat stiffly, barely daring to breathe.

While Xiao Zhan and the others plotted how to offer help and display their abilities to win King Cang’s favor, he flipped his left hand—ring glinting—and a stack of papers appeared.

With a wave, the sheets floated apart and landed in each person's hands.

Before they could read, King Cang spoke quietly, "Post these up as quickly as you can. Whoever can answer the three questions written here, come to see me. One correct answer earns a Gathering Qi Pill, two earn a ground-level battle skill, three earn a ground-level cultivation method!"

The hall erupted with gasps. Eyes widened in disbelief, as if doubting their own ears.

A Gathering Qi Pill was a precious elixir, coveted by all clans, able to help cultivators condense their qi cyclones and become Fighters. But in comparison to ground-level battle skills and cultivation methods, it seemed almost insignificant.

Xiao Zhan snapped out of his daze, quickly unfolding the paper and scanning it—then froze.

"Odd remains odd, even changes—what comes next?"

"What is the meaning of the phrase 'Descendants of Yan and Huang'?"

"What is the Earth like?"

What kind of questions were these?

Xiao Zhan looked up and saw the same bewilderment on everyone else's faces. Normally, wouldn't searching for someone involve a name or a description?

"King Cang..." Galleby couldn’t restrain himself and tried to ask, but was silenced by King Cang’s raised hand.

His calm gaze swept over them. "Do not ask. Knowing too much is not good for you—do you understand?"

The subtle threat in his words made everyone shrink back, not daring to utter another word.

Xiao Zhan, Galleby, and the others reluctantly departed. After all, this was the Mittel Auction House, and they had matters to attend to; it was not appropriate to linger.

"Honored sir, do you wish to rest now? The guest rooms are prepared; allow me to show you the way," Guni said, smiling politely.

After several days of travel, King Cang was indeed weary. He nodded.

On the way, he asked casually, "Has anything interesting happened in Wutan City lately? Perhaps some grand ceremony?"

Guni pondered for a moment and replied, "If you mean recently, tomorrow... the Xiao Clan will hold their juniors’ strength assessment—a test of their Battle Aura, to measure a year’s progress. Speaking of the Xiao Clan, one cannot overlook Xiao Zhan’s son Xiao Yan. He became a Fighter at eleven, famed throughout Wutan City. Sadly, these past three years, his strength has waned year by year. Who knows if, in tomorrow's test, his Battle Power can break through level four..."

"Oh? I see." Hearing this, King Cang's eyes flashed with joy—he had arrived just in time.

Once in the guest room, King Cang excused himself to rest, sending the eager Guni away.

He lay upon the bed, gazing at the ceiling, murmuring softly in a voice only he could hear, "Never did I imagine I would one day traverse into the world of Battle Through the Heavens..."

Though he appeared illustrious before others, King Cang’s days were far from easy.

And all of it began with the very identity he now held.