Chapter 331: The Immense Gap, Post-War Reconstruction

Chu Cangming struggled to stand up, looking at Zhou Chen not far away, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

Shock, awe, and a trace of an indescribable sense of loss.

Once upon a time, he was the first-tier Saint of the Taichu Holy Land, pursued and admired by countless people.

While Zhou Chen was just an ordinary Disciple who had just entered the sect.

But now, the gap between the two had grown so large that it was beyond his reach.

Chu Cangming gave a bitter smile and shook his head.

He knew that from today onwards, the heavens of the Taichu Holy Land were about to change.

Zhou Chen turned around and looked at Chu Cangming.

"Senior Brother Chu, are you alright?"

Chu Cangming was stunned for a moment, then shook his head.

"I'm fine, just some minor injuries."

"As for you, Junior Brother Zhou… no, I should call you Elder Zhou now."

"With your current strength being so formidable, the position of the next Holy Lord must belong to you."

Zhou Chen shook his head.

"I don't care about being an Elder or not."

"I just want to know how great the Holy Land's losses are."

Chu Cangming's face darkened.

"Great, very great."

"During this siege by the Jiang Family in league with the Demonic Path and the Demon Race, we lost three Sovereign Realm Ancestors, over a dozen Emperor Realm Tenth Layer Ancestors, and hundreds of Disciples."

"The mountain-protecting formation was completely destroyed, and more than half of the main hall has collapsed."

"If you hadn't rushed back in time, I'm afraid…"

He did not continue, but the meaning was already clear.

If Zhou Chen had arrived one step later, the Taichu Holy Land would likely have been wiped out.

Zhou Chen was silent for a moment, a flash of killing intent appearing in his eyes.

"The Jiang Family, the Demon Race—I have noted this debt."

Just then, several powerful auras suddenly came from the distant horizon.

Zhou Chen frowned and looked up.

Several streaks of light were seen flying rapidly from the distance, reaching the skies above the Taichu Holy Land in the blink of an eye.

The light dissipated, revealing several figures.

The leader was a young man in green robes, elegant and as refined as jade.

The newcomer was Han Li.

Behind him followed several Sovereign Realm First Layer Cultivators, who all seemed to be Han Li's followers.

"Big Brother Zhou, I've arrived late."

After Han Li landed, he looked at Zhou Chen with a trace of apology on his face.

"I rushed here immediately after receiving the news, but I was blocked by Demon Race Cultivators on the way, so I was still a step late."

Zhou Chen shook his head.

"I am already very grateful that Brother Han could come."

"Thanks to you this time, otherwise the Holy Land's losses would likely have been even greater."

Han Li waved his hand.

"Big Brother Zhou, between us, there's no need for politeness."

Having said that, he handed Zhou Chen dozens of storage rings, which, as expected, contained various Medicinal Pills and resources.

Zhou Chen instantly understood his intention; this was to provide him with resources to rebuild Taichu.

"Brother Han, great kindness needs no words of thanks. Once this matter is settled, we shall catch up."

Zhou Chen nodded, not standing on ceremony with him.

The Demon Race had always been regarded as the public enemy of the Tianxuan Continent. Any power that colluded with the Demon Race would be attacked by all.

By going so far as to join forces with the Demon Race to deal with the Taichu Holy Land this time, the Jiang Family had already incited public outrage.

Just then, another aura came from the sky.

This aura was even more terrifying, carrying a sharp Sword Intent that made one shudder.

Zhou Chen looked up and saw a white sword light flying from the distant horizon at extreme speed.

The sword light stopped above the Holy Land, revealing a young man dressed in white robes.

The young man had a handsome appearance, with a trace of arrogance between his brows, and an ancient longsword on his back.

It was the Imperial Son of the Sword Clan's Ji Family, Ji Wuming.

[Name: Ji Wuming.]

[Realm: Sovereign Realm First Layer.]

[Recent Opportunity: None for now.]

A flash of surprise crossed Zhou Chen's eyes.

He didn't expect that since their parting in the Secret Realm, Ji Wuming's Realm had actually broken through to the Sovereign Realm First Layer. It seemed the guidance he gave him back then had a profound influence.

After Ji Wuming landed, a trace of admiration flashed in his eyes as he looked at Zhou Chen.

"Big Brother Zhou, we meet again. I am truly sorry; the Family resources I could mobilize were limited, and I only managed to intercept some of the Sovereigns from the Demon Race and the Flame Clan's Jiang Family."

Ji Wuming cupped his fists.

A flash of gratitude appeared in Zhou Chen's eyes.

For Ji Wuming to stand up at this time, not hesitating to offend the Jiang Family of the Middle Six Clans, was indeed like providing charcoal in snowy weather.

"Thank you."

Ji Wuming waved his hand.

"Big Brother Zhou, no need for politeness. I am only doing what I should. I haven't even repaid the favor of your guidance in the Secret Realm yet."

Ji Wuming also briefly bid farewell to Zhou Chen and left. He even put out word in the Central Continent that if any power dared to be an enemy of the Taichu Holy Land, they would be his enemy, which truly moved Zhou Chen.

Taichu Holy Land, Temporary Discussion Hall.

The original main hall had been destroyed in the battle, so a side hall could only be used as a temporary meeting place.

Inside the hall, Zhou Chen sat in the main seat, with several Elders and Disciples of the Taichu Holy Land standing below.

Holy Lord Dao Xuan was in seclusion to heal his injuries, and several Taichu Old Ancestors had returned to the depths to sleep. For now, the affairs of the Holy Land were being presided over by Zhou Chen.

"Everyone, the Holy Land has suffered a heavy blow and massive losses this time."

Zhou Chen looked around at everyone and spoke slowly.

"But we cannot fall here. We must rebuild the Holy Land and restore its vitality."

Everyone nodded one after another, their eyes flickering with a determined light.

Although the losses in this battle were heavy, they were not crushed.

On the contrary, Zhou Chen's appearance gave them hope.

"First, we must take stock of the losses, tally the casualties, and provide compensation for the families of the deceased."

Zhou Chen looked at an Elder.

"This matter will be handed over to Elder Li."

That Elder quickly bowed.

"This Disciple obeys."

"Secondly, we must repair the mountain-protecting formation and rebuild the main hall."

Zhou Chen looked at another Elder.

"This matter will be handed over to Elder Wang."

"However, repairing the Formation and rebuilding the main hall requires a vast amount of resources."

"The Holy Land's current resources are likely insufficient."

Elder Wang's expression was somewhat troubled.

Zhou Chen shook his head.

"Don't worry about the resources."

"I will find a way."

As he spoke, he took out a pile of Spirit Stones and Materials from his storage ring and piled them on the ground.

Those were all spoils of war he had obtained from the Golden Crow Demon Emperor and the Jiang Family Head, plus some gifted by Han Li.

Various High-Grade Spirit Stones, Top-Grade Spirit Stones, and countless precious Artifact Refining Materials and Medicinal Pills.

When everyone saw these treasures, a trace of shock flashed in their eyes.

"These are…"

"This should be enough, right? If not, I still have plenty more."

Zhou Chen said indifferently.

Elder Wang nodded hurriedly.

"Enough, it's definitely enough!"

"With these resources, let alone repairing the Formation and rebuilding the main hall, it would be enough even to build ten more main halls!"

Hearing this, Zhou Chen nodded.

"That's good."

"Also, we must strengthen the Holy Land's defenses."

"The fact that the Jiang Family easily broke through the mountain-protecting formation this time shows that our defenses were not strong enough."

"Next, I will personally set up a new mountain-protecting formation."

"With this Formation, even a Venerable Realm Expert can forget about easily breaking through."

When everyone heard this, a trace of surprise flashed in their eyes.

Not only was Zhou Chen's combat power terrifying, but he was actually also proficient in Formations?