Da Xuan Martial Saint

Chapter 685: Chapter 389: Dragon Wood Sea Region

Chen Mu traveled with Yan Hong, not out of idleness, but because he had basically deduced that Yan Hong must be from the Central Prefecture Royal Family, holding a status akin to a Commandery Princess or Princess. Furthermore, with her nearly top-tier Grandmaster proficiency, she was bound to possess extensive knowledge of the many secrets of the Da Xuan Dynasty, and even a wealth of information about the entire world.

He originated from the Cold North, and although he had engaged in long nightly conversations with Qin Mengjun and debated the way of the world with Yin Heng, his knowledge about the overall landscape of this world was still just a fraction; after all, for the most part, he had spent his time rigorously practicing and training in Martial Arts. Before this journey to the Outer Sea, he had only traveled through Yu State and Ice State.

As they traveled together.

Chen Mu also casually inquired Yan Hong about some of the matters he wished to understand, such as the chaotic times of Martial Arts from thousands, and even tens of thousands, of years ago. Yan Hong was quite open and candid, withholding no information, and shared many details about the ancient history and borders she knew, deepening Chen Mu’s understanding of the Da Xuan Dynasty’s terrain.

Thus, the two of them traveled through the deep sea. Along the way, they occasionally encountered attacks from various monsters, and even the appearance of a Seventh Rank Demon King, but Chen Mu almost never took action; Yan Hong could eliminate them with a flick of her finger.

Even though the Outer Sea was perilous, for those near the pinnacle of Grandmasters, it wasn’t so much a walk in the park as it was within their capability to traverse with ease. Aside from some extremely dangerous areas and the rare occurrence of meeting a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, there wasn’t much that could threaten them.

So it went.

After six or seven consecutive days.

Chen Mu and Yan Hong ventured deeper into the Outer Sea and finally arrived at the Dragon Wood Sea Region.

The moment they entered this sea region, Chen Mu felt something different. On one hand, the Power of Heaven and Earth in this sea region, compared to the mottled and disorderly nature of other regions, seemed more orderly. On the other hand, the vitality between heaven and earth also felt more abundant.

The Dragon Wood Sea Region did not consist of only Dragonwood Island as the main island. Instead, there were dozens of islands, with Dragonwood Island at the center, forming an archipelago. Some of these islands were extremely vast, almost tantamount to a small landmass, each carrying millions, and even tens of millions, of people.

Of course, ordinary people could thrive and reproduce not just because the islands were large enough but also because the region fell under the jurisdiction of Dragonwood Island, with the Dragonwood Island Master and Tingchao Cliff providing a seat of power. The Seventh Rank, and even Eighth Rank Demon Kings of the Outer Sea knew this region was too dangerous to invade, which provided the region with relative peace.

In the sea.

Two figures advanced side by side.

“…So it seems that the Imperial Court never claimed the Outer Sea, not because it couldn’t, but because it wouldn’t,” Chen Mu commented thoughtfully, glancing at Yan Hong.

Yan Hong nodded gently and said, “The Martial Emperor at the time had already pacified the land and achieved greatness that would last through the ages. Although the three Great Sects of the Outer Sea have long-standing traditions, they were no match for the entire Da Xuan Dynasty. However, attacking and subjugating the Outer Sea was pointless, as the current state of the Outer Sea would require immense human and material resources to bring under control, and success was still not guaranteed.”

“Indeed.”

Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, “Different circumstances lead to different developments. We cannot generalize. A forced conquest of the Outer Sea might bring most of its territories under control in the short term, but with the mutual isolation, they’d probably split apart again after some time.”

It was somewhat amusing to think about it. When he had discussed the Outer Sea with Yin Heng, during a casual chat, Yin Heng mentioned that the Da Xuan Martial Emperor, Ji Hao, failed to rule the Outer Sea due to the resistance of the three Great Sects, leading to an unresolved situation. But with Yan Hong, the narrative shifted from ‘couldn’t’ to ‘wouldn’t’—a small difference in wording leading to a vast divergence in interpretation.

In fact.

Chen Mu tended to favor Yan Hong’s explanation more.

The three Great Sects of the Outer Sea indeed held great power, with more than one individual at the Supreme level of the Blood Exchange Realm, and the Celestial Human Level inheritances were unbroken. Saying that the union of the three Sects could withstand Ji Hao alone was indeed plausible. However, by that time Ji Hao ruled over the Da Xuan Dynasty, with the Ninety-Nine State all submitting to the authority of the Imperial Court. Gathering the entire power of the Da Xuan Dynasty was far beyond the reach of the three Great Sects of the Outer Sea.

But indeed, there was no necessity for a forceful conquest and domination of the Outer Sea, given its unique environmental circumstances. Not to mention those scattered islands lying in the chaotic sea regions—even in the relatively calm Dragon Wood Sea Region, most people would not be able to cross the sea and reach another island in their lifetime, even between islands that are relatively close.

With hundreds of islands, there are hundreds of languages, ecologies, and communities. Even if one were to conquer them by force and unify them, it would take a long time to assimilate slowly. During this period, any minor disturbance could lead to a re-separation, making it indeed pointless.

Instead, the three Great Sects, high above and uninvolved, allow hundreds of countries in the Outer Sea to stand, governing without being governed, which is more suited to the ecosystem of the Outer Sea.

“Brother Mu speaks with great wisdom,”

Yan Hong looked at Chen Mu and said, “I see that Brother Mu has unique insights into governance. Why not go to Central Prefecture to showcase your abilities? I have a considerable family background and could recommend Brother Mu to the Imperial Court to take charge.”

Chen Mu shook his head and responded, “These are but gleanings from others, armchair strategies at best. Besides, I am a recluse, accustomed to leisure. I seek only the freedom of a carefree life and am not that interested in the governance of the world.”

Hearing Chen Mu’s words, a hint of regret flickered in Yan Hong’s eyes, but she nodded and said, “Brother Mu’s mindset is open, and you are indeed straightforward. Once the matter of Dragonwood Island is settled, should you have the leisure and taste to visit Central Prefecture, I shall be most happy to offer you the hospitality of a host.”