An immeasurably vast sea of grey-white clouds filled every nook and cranny of the domain, stretching out in a bleak expanse as far as the eye could see, boundless and infinite.

Upon the boundless sea of clouds floated immense tracts of land, scattered far apart from one another. These lands contained mountains and rivers, lakes, living creatures and wild beasts, shimmering currents of energy, and everything else observable in a normal world.

This was the Cloud Territory, formed through the condensation of nature itself—it was the world of the Cloud Clan.

“The Cloud Clan is considered a second-rate race; not a single member has ever broken through to the Domain Ancestor realm. The Cloud Clan members rarely leave this place; they all reside within the Cloud Territory. Back when our Phantom Race conquered this domain, we also paid a heavy price and expended considerable effort. The Cloud Clan members possess immense power within this Cloud Territory. This misty sea of clouds can be manipulated by them to amplify their strength. Here, they are like fish reveling in the advantages the cloud sea grants them, an ability incomparable to beings from other domains.”

A single Star of Life hung lonely in the vast cloud sea. Mandis gazed out over the clouds, recounting the nature of the Cloud Territory to Shi Yan.

The moment Xi Luo, Guy, Dracula, and the skeletal kin of the Little Skeleton tore through space from the Sea of Annihilation to enter the Cloud Territory, they immediately returned to the Void Sea through a Domain Gate, heading for the Bone Race's territory.

The Cloud Territory, much like the Desolate Domain, was not situated within the Void Sea, yet a Domain Gate provided easy access to it.

That Domain Gate stood before Shi Yan and his companions—a colossal cloud mass guarded by numerous members of the Phantom Race who were permanently stationed in the Cloud Territory.

Passing through that gate would lead everyone into the Void Sea. The entrance to this Domain Gate was located at a peculiar nexus between the territories of the Bone Race and the Phantom Race.

Listening to Mandis’s explanation, Shi Yan leisurely drifted out from above the Continent of Divine Grace. He noticed that the gravity within the Cloud Territory was extremely peculiar. Here, everyone felt as light as a swallow, able to soar through the skies like birds. Even the most ordinary martial artists of the lowest realms could circulate their power and streak across the cloud sea.

Focusing his gaze, he saw numerous beings indeed traversing the cloud sea, flying between the various continents.

There were also many warships resembling great birds moving between the continents. The races inhabiting this domain were diverse—there were Human, Demon, and Fiend Races—but the overwhelming majority were members of the Cloud Clan.

The Cloud Clan were natives of the Cloud Territory, distinct from normal races. Though they possessed flesh and blood, they seemed to lack meridians. Their bodies were intricately interwoven with flowing rivers of cloud; their focal points of energy were condensed masses of cloud clusters. They cultivated by absorbing the ambient energy of the Cloud Territory, which carried a faint mist and cloud essence. Over time, the source of their internal power solidified into cloud-like structures, a truly marvelous phenomenon.

Mandis paused above the Continent of Divine Grace, conversing calmly with Meiji as they waited unhurriedly.

After about a quarter of an hour, while Mandis was still describing the Cloud Territory to Shi Yan, several massive, bird-like warships slowly emerged in the distance. Many Cloud Clan martial artists stood aboard these vessels. On one particular warship were several handsome men and women of the Phantom Race, one man among them exceptionally striking.

This man wore a long silver robe; his eyes were like stars, and his facial proportions were impeccable, marking him as a standout handsome figure even among the Phantom Race men.

He appeared to be about thirty, possessing an elegant and scholarly demeanor, standing with his hands clasped behind his back at the forefront of the warship. Behind him, numerous Phantom Race men and women awaited respectfully, and even the powerful Cloud Clan warriors looked upon him with genuine reverence.

“Fandler truly enjoys the Cloud Territory; he’s still cultivating here. How interesting,” Mandis chuckled coquettishly upon seeing the man approach with such ceremony, casting a meaningful glance toward Meiji. “That boy Fandler used to take good care of you, and I heard he had designs on you. Now that he knows you’ve broken through to the Domain Ancestor realm and are with Shi Yan, I wonder if he’ll make things difficult.”

Meiji’s expression stiffened slightly. “He wouldn’t dare defy Grandma’s orders.”

“Heh heh,” Mandis smiled slyly, saying no more.

Beside Mandis and Meiji were only members of the Phantom Race. Xue Mo, Yang Qingdi, Ming Hao, and others were inside the continent, not appearing outside.

“Fandler is the strongest male of the Phantom Race in terms of cultivation level. He broke through to the Domain Ancestor realm three hundred years ago. I used to regard him as an older brother; we lived in the same tribe, and he took good care of me,” Meiji quickly explained, fearful that Shi Yan might misunderstand. “He expended great effort to conquer this Cloud Territory. The original inhabitants, the Cloud Clan, respect him, and many Cloud Clan women regard him as their dream lover. He has established himself here over many years, so he might not relinquish this place easily this time.”

Shi Yan listened quietly, then suddenly frowned, turning to Mandis. “Since this domain presents trouble, why not simply choose another? Your Phantom Race surely has more than one domain, correct?”

“Our Phantom Race certainly has more than one domain, but the ambient energy here is rich, the environment is suitable for cultivation, and it lies perfectly between the Phantom Race and the Bone Race territories. There truly is only the Cloud Territory,” Mandis replied casually, twirling a strand of her blue hair, her expression serene and unhurried. “What are you worried about? Are you afraid of Fandler?”

“I’m not afraid of him; I just find trouble annoying,” Shi Yan said with palpable impatience. “If it’s going to be too much hassle, perhaps I should talk to Xi Luo and see if the Bone Race has any nice places.”

Mandis’s eyes shifted, suddenly firming. “Relax! There absolutely will be no trouble!”

Her expression grew serious. She beckoned to Fandler and his entourage approaching from afar, calling out in a clear voice.

The bird-like warships immediately halted. Fandler arrived in a snow-white flying carriage, accompanied by several dozen Phantom Race members and some Cloud Clan individuals who had come personally. From a distance, they bowed deeply. “Greetings, Grandma!”

Among the Phantom Race, few held a higher seniority than Mandis. Having used the law of time to perpetually freeze herself at the developmental stage of a young girl, Mandis’s actual age might exceed that of Ega or Xi Luo.

Having frozen her time at the female child stage, Mandis’s mentality aligned with that era, making her appear genuinely girlish and naive at times. However, her wisdom and experience were those of a true, peerless ancient monster. She had worried that Fandler might become a complication before coming here, which was why she had come in person.

“All of you may rise,” Mandis commanded imperiously, waving her hand. Her clear, bright eyes swept over Fandler and the others. Their expressions were solemn, their bowed waists bending even lower.

Under Mandis’s gaze, they felt a terror as if their entire past and present lives were being scrutinized. Especially the Cloud Clan members, this was their first time seeing the true foremost figure of the Phantom Race, a peak existence among the ten great Domain Ancestors of the Void Sea. Every one of them was struck with dread, unable even to utter a word.

“May I ask why Grandma has personally honored the Cloud Territory with her visit?” Fandler straightened his back, his tone grave. “If Grandma has any directives, you need only issue a summons. Young Fan will undoubtedly dedicate himself wholly to the race without the slightest hesitation! For someone of your stature to personally visit the Cloud Territory is an overwhelming honor.”

Meiji’s gaze turned strange. Unconsciously, she frowned slightly.

The lower-ranking members of the Phantom Race might be unaware of her and Mandis’s journey into the Desolate Domain, but Fandler, holding a high position within the race, possessed numerous informants and could not have missed the details. With Shi Yan standing right beside them, Fandler’s scouts certainly knew, yet he adopted an air of complete ignorance. This immediately made Meiji realize that this situation might be troublesome, and Fandler might not genuinely consent to the change of ownership of the domain.

“I did not come because of you,” Mandis narrowed her eyes as well, recognizing Fandler’s subtle game. “Let me introduce this is Shi Yan—yes, the one who obtained the Mystical Rune Pagoda at the bottom of the Sea of Annihilation. We went to the Desolate Domain because he invited us. Let me be direct: Shi Yan has just left the Desolate Domain with a Star of Life. I intend for them to settle in the Cloud Territory and live here from now on…”

“I see,” Fandler replied with an expression of sudden enlightenment, smiling gracefully as he glanced warmly at Shi Yan. “It is truly the honor of the Cloud Territory, and my honor, for little brother Shi Yan to come here to live and cultivate! You can rest assured; I will certainly select a fine location for you, guaranteeing you complete comfort and satisfaction here.”

He still maintained the posture of the master, as if he genuinely failed to grasp the underlying meaning in Mandis’s words.

“All of our Cloud Clan members will cooperate with Lord Fandler and will reassign the optimal territory for their cultivation,” an elderly Cloud Clan member, whose white beard reached his chest, promised earnestly.

They were subtly, yet clearly, stating their allegiance: they would follow Fandler’s lead. This was meant to convey to Mandis that here, they only listened to Fandler.

Meiji’s face gradually darkened.

The location where the Continent of Divine Grace was currently situated was the very center of the Cloud Territory, the area with the densest ambient energy. This spot had previously been the holy ground for the Cloud Clan, where they worshipped their ancestors. It had only become vacant after Fandler attacked and cleared the area, making it perfectly suitable for the Continent of Divine Grace to settle. In the entire Cloud Territory, no other location was more suited for the Continent of Divine Grace.

Yet, judging by the Cloud Clan elder’s words, they intended to select a new location for the Continent of Divine Grace, which clearly went against Mandis’s intentions. They were even disobeying Mandis’s explicit command!

“There’s no need to trouble yourselves with moving; this spot is quite good. I don’t mind it,” Shi Yan interjected with a smile, deeply fixing his gaze on the Cloud Clan elder. “Originally, I was still debating whether to choose the Cloud Territory for my cultivation and survival. Since you have invited me with such sincerity, I have thought it over—I will stay here! Well, one shouldn't refuse your face, right?”

He directed this last statement toward Mandis.

Mandis, whose face had already lost some of its pleasant color, let out a silvery laugh upon hearing his words. “Interesting, very interesting!”

The Cloud Clan members, hearing Shi Yan’s declaration, had fierce glints flicker in their eyes, suppressing their rising anger as they focused their gazes on Fandler.

They were waiting for Fandler to take the lead…

ps: Uh, sorry, I was too drunk yesterday and completely out of it. Updating was impossible~