My gorgeous wife Chapter 2029 - 1997: The Origin of Black River

In this minor world, Black River was indeed an anomaly. He arrived over ten thousand years ago, his origins and method of entry to this realm remaining unknown. Even his followers only knew him as a powerful member of the Demon Race, the sole representative of his kind in this world. For a millennium, Black River roamed and explored in solitude. Once intimately familiar with the minor world, he suddenly rose to prominence. His emergence was marked by victories over several renowned figures, and with his formidable power, he swiftly carved out his own territory and established a force, attracting a multitude of unaligned cultivators to his banner.

These independent cultivators were, themselves, quite powerful! Though this minor world was not vast by absolute standards, it was indeed a world unto itself, considerably larger than ordinary planets and boasting a population exceeding ten billion across its various races. After consolidating his power base, Black River initiated a rapid expansion, propelling his faction into becoming one of the preeminent powers within the minor world in mere decades.

Within the domains under Black River's control, he established cities—a concept entirely alien to the other races dwelling there. For instance, demons like Niu Meng typically preferred a life in the wild, perhaps forming a village or tribe at most. The Elf Race, similarly, dwelled within forests, their settlements, if they could be called cities, being constructed from giant ancient trees. The Yaksha Race favored the desolate wilderness, finding their haven in the nocturnal landscape. As for the Aquatic Race, it was almost a given that they rarely ventured onto land unless absolutely necessary.

But Black River was different. Possibly attributed to his external origins, he commenced the construction of cities almost immediately after solidifying his forces. It is important to note that beyond the major races, numerous minor races inhabited this minor world. While individually insignificant compared to the major races, their collective numbers were substantial. Following the construction of Black River's cities, these minor races and independent cultivators experienced the benefits of urban life—prosperity and security, free from the constant threat of predation by ferocious beasts or rival races. Many subsequently gravitated towards Black River, swelling his ranks.

Consequently, Black River's influence grew exponentially, transforming his faction into one of the minor world's leading powers. The other major races, wary of Black River's ambition and potential designs against them, found themselves compelled to emulate his methods, beginning the construction of their own city-like settlements. Black River's arrival undeniably catalyzed a profound shift in the minor world's societal structure, transitioning it from an era of independent, nomadic tribes to one dominated by city-based empires.

Naturally, had Black River's impact been limited to mere societal transformation, figures like Niu Meng would not harbor animosity towards him. What truly instigated the widespread vigilance among the various races was Black River's subsequent actions: after fortifying his domain, he systematically visited each major race, seemingly in search of something specific. Legend spoke of an ancient, powerful being who, upon creating this world, perished from exhaustion. His "treasures," remnants of his physical form, his very power, and the inheritance of his divine techniques, were said to have been scattered across the world, hidden in undisclosed locations.

This, of course, remained purely a legend. Yet, Black River appeared exceedingly captivated by this tale. For millennia, he had relentlessly pursued the whereabouts of these supposed treasures. Ancient races, possessing knowledge of the world's history, might hold fragments of these secrets, but it was self-evident they would not readily share such information with Black River. Undeterred, Black River employed various strategies to unearth these hidden truths, inevitably leading to friction, disputes, and outright conflicts over the centuries. This perpetual struggle cemented an almost insurmountable animosity between the major races and Black River.

"So, that is the story behind it," Li Chen acknowledged, gently stroking the head of a creature with remarkably smooth fur beneath him. "Very well, since you have shared this, I shall not cause you further trouble." With that, he rose, mingling with the villagers, his gaze drawn upwards to where Niu Meng and Gui Mo continued their fierce aerial duel. The creature with sleek fur, witnessing its companions incapacitated around it, felt an overwhelming wave of despair wash over it. From whence did such a terrifying being emerge?

Meanwhile, Gui Mo was growing increasingly desperate. He knew he was no match for Niu Meng and his earlier aggressive stance had been purely impulsive. However, witnessing Li Chen effortlessly subdue his subordinates only amplified his frenzied state. He couldn't contend with Niu Meng, and his own men were powerless against that human cultivator. Was he destined to return empty-handed once more? As a favored general of Lord Black River, repeated failures would undoubtedly incur penalties. The more Gui Mo pondered his predicament, the more his anxiety escalated, quickly clouding his judgment and leading to critical errors.

Seizing a moment of weakness, Niu Meng landed a devastating kick square on Gui Mo’s chest.

"Crack, crack..."

Gui Mo’s chest, known for its resilience, buckled instantly, the sickening sound of bone snapping echoing through the air.

Just how potent was Niu Meng’s kick?

It was far beyond anything Gui Mo’s frail body could endure.

With a single, powerful strike, Gui Mo was gravely wounded, sent hurtling to the ground.

"Boom!!"

The impact cratered the earth, and Gui Mo remained on the spot, unable to rise for an extended period.

"You… Niu Meng, how dare you defy Lord Black River!" Gui Mo’s voice trembled, though he attempted to project bravado.

"As I stated, this is a personal duel between us; it has no bearing on any external forces. Your inadequacy is your own problem. Do you even grasp the concept of accepting defeat?" Niu Meng sneered, his gaze dismissive as he emphatically labeled this a personal matter.

Gui Mo let out an indignant snort, deliberately ignoring Niu Meng as he turned to Li Chen. "You! Regardless of your origins, you have harmed General of our Lord Black River. Escape is impossible; even the ends of the earth won't shield you!"

"And what course of action do you propose?" Li Chen inquired, a smile playing on his lips.

"Accompany me, offer your sincerest apologies to Lord Black River, and provide suitable restitution. Our Lord Black River is a magnanimous figure; this being your inaugural transgression, he might show leniency! Perhaps a mere crippling of your limbs or a portion of your cultivation base!" Gui Mo suggested, a shrewd glint in his eyes.

"Very well." To the astonishment of all present, Li Chen readily agreed. "I shall accompany you to meet Lord Black River."