Eight days later, Wu Guang took part in the so-called Lordship ceremony, held in the main square of Boundary Hill City.

The healing had gone even better than he could expect, with his cultivation restored, and his body free from any side effects. At least if he ignored the fact that he could not call upon his soul to strengthen his aura, leaving him with the power of a normal 3rd level of the Soul realm cultivator. Still, this would be solved during his future cultivation, and so, it was nothing more than a small inconvenience. After all, it wasn't like he would have to fight anyone now. Especially when he was permanently surrounded by half a dozen Black Empire Honorbound, which Chen Jiahao had been adamant about leaving to guard him. Not to mention his usual, at least lately, three guard dogs consisting of Kass Shaa'r, Chun Hua, and for some reason, Lan Yanzhi.

The ceremony had been skilfully timed to meet with the moment in which the formation would be disabled, and so, practically all the refugees, numbering hundreds of thousand people would either participate or be close enough to observe it.

The entire city was filled up with people, and not a single one of them left until the ceremony was completed. Some hoped to understand the entire situation, while others simply wanted to hear what would become of the island. Not that it truly affected the mortals, after all, whatever power change occurred, except for the Eagle Kingdom extermination plan, it would not change much for them. Powers usually just taxed the villages while the Cities were either subject or allies, so whoever was in charge, the mortals would probably continue in the same way of life as before.

***

Wu Guang ignored most of the ceremony, turning a deaf ear to everything that was related from the specially built stage occupied by several low-ranked officers and clerks from the Empire. He already had heard the more-or-less true version of the events from Chen Jiahao, not to mention that he had lived through a lot of them. So why would he listen to the heavily doctored version presented to the mortals? Where did the Empire enter the war just to save the plane, and not because they had planned for it?

He did not consider this to be bad, after all, explaining everything would simply be impossible considering that most mortals, especially the ones that dedicated themselves to the village life would simply not understand the true changes on the plane. And so, they were given the easy explanation, with the bad and good sides clearly explained. Obviously, the latter being comprised of the Black Empire, the Clans, a few cultivators from the Island, and amongst the latter, Wu Guang.

In fact, Wu Guang was so heavily praised by the Empire and Clans alike that even he doubted some of the heroic feats. Still, this was no time to openly doubt anything, and so when he was called, he simply made a show of being that acclaimed hero. Waving to the mortals, accepting these honors, and throwing a small speech about him doing what his own morals required. Namely, fighting for the island where he was born, grown, and lived until now.

The so-called lordship was actually just a recognition of him being the only, alive, hero of the ones that fought for the island, and so, just because of that reason, he was asked by the Empire to make all decisions about it. Objectively speaking it smelled fishy and getting down to the facts it was even worse. After all, Wu Guang had only taken part in some small clashes of the war, even the one on the island, and albeit he had probably saved the Wildlands, it wasn't such a feat as to be called the savior of the entire island.

Not that anyone cared, with his name being chanted by the people. With all of them having been in the Wildlands at the moment of Wu Guang's last stand, they simply connected the provided dots and decided he was their savior.

The Clans did not do anything except add fuel to the fire, by proclaiming him the savior of the Clan Heads, who almost fell to an enemy ploy.

Curiously, this ploy was described as one hatched by the Eagle Kingdom, and not one from the Sect. Chen Jiahao had explained this as a way to maintain the previous way of living, and albeit Wu Guang thought that they simply were covering their own reputation after missing such treachery, he did nod and even say a few words to enforce this idea.

He did not try to hug the glory, graciously sharing it with others, and mentioning everyone who fought with him. But however it was, Chen Jiahao had been right, Wu Guang was easily, if not almost forcibly, accepted as the man to be the nominal lord of the island.

The Empire did not forget to add that they would be in charge as the true overlords, but their previous play and the figurehead presented by Wu Guang was enough for everyone to simply acknowledge it without questions.

A few other announcements like a change in City lords and territories were made. As well as solemn prayer for the people that were killed on the Qiu's and Leaf Shadow's territory. One that quickly developed into a speech about how good it would be for that land to be resettled under the protection of the 'Three Hills Sect' and the Black Empire garrison that would be hosted in Goldeport, the Qiu family city returning to its previous name.

The only true notable changes on the islands were the new city lords and the head of the last remaining power, the 'Three Hills Sect'. And Wu Guang only paid attention to this part.

Boundary Hill City would be now ruled by the four main Clans, with a rotating council created under the Clan laws. Initially, this made most of the locals wary, but as it was announced by Lang Mu that it would include the lowering of taxes and that most laws would be unchanged, at least for the original residents, it was almost acclaimed by the residents.

Coastal Hill City would be now ruled by Lady Shenlan, who had escaped along several dozens of cultivators on the late Lord's order to search for reinforcements. She had sailed towards Green Pastures, effectively falling into the hands of the Black Empire. And the local commander, by previous order or his thoughts, made sure for her to be treated well and to return her right in time for the moment when Chen Jiahao and a few imperial advisers were reorganizing the island. Nominally for Wu Guang's approval, though in truth, it was truly just a gesture for the so-called lord. Not that the city would be left to fend alone after the battle that had effectively decimated their guards. The Empire would provide a temporal garrison, or probably just a means to control Lady Shenlan, which would be based in the Black District. "The district's name is now extremely on the point" Wu Guang could only note this as he listened.

Blue Tree City was a minor city not considered in the overall picture normally, but the distance and affiliation to the Sect, as well the heroics of the late Lord Xiao and his soldiers described by Wu Guang made it an important part of the announcements. The city itself would continue under the rule of the Xiao's, namely of Xiao Feng. Still, considering his youth and the fact he had not yet even left the Sect, it was announced that a temporal council will be in charge, one led by no one else than by Head Administrator Shishi, who being a mortal had not truly participated in the war. Something that could be not said about his brother, the runemaster that Wu Guang had met. Elder Shishi had remained in the city and then sought asylum in the Sect as soon as he made sure that Lord Xiao and the guards left... Only to be never seen again, even by now.

Flowing Leaves City was a special case, with practically none of the residents, not to mention the ruling class to survive. Either they believed that the 'Leaf Shadows Sect' would protect them or the Wangs promised something, but the city had fallen to the Kingdom's Blue Army. And it was massacred. With practically no residents and no one to take charge of, the Empire had recommended for the city to be a haven for anyone who wanted to move into it. Laws would be enforced by a temporal garrison, and no taxes will be collected until a Lord appeared. Probably the offer was simply too great, as a few hundred shouts about moving in there were heard almost immediately. Not that it was strange, after all, most of the refugees did not hope to see their villages and towns intact, and a place where they could take over a house and be protected by a true army, not to mention without paying, was a true blessing.

Goldenport faced a similar situation, but the Empire had declared its ownership over the city and its surrounding lands. Not that anyone objected, but basically, the city would become the true capital of the Island.

But actually, the place to suffer the most changes was the Sect. Most of them were not mentioned, but even the small amount that was made the image clear. First, it was declared that the Headmaster, as well most of the High Elders had fallen for a ploy of the Eagle Kingdom. One meant to make the Sect work with them in exchange for the safety of the island inhabitants. It was a crude lie, but as only a few select hundred, from which some were dead and others had been imprisoned could call it out, Wu Guang considered that it would probably never be discovered. And even if it was, the truth wasn't so distant, just the true roles were somehow reversed.

And hopefully, by the point it was discovered, the new generation of the Sect, disciples that had not been a part of all this would have already proven themselves and be known amongst the islanders. Making any possible hate vanish in the aura of righteousness and justice that, hopefully, the new headmaster would enforce. Speaking of the new headmaster, Wu Guang could only whistle. Indeed, who could expect that Zhen Mang, the Head enforcer and aide of Teng De to be placed on that post? Even with a new council formed from a few uninvolved elders under Deng Zian's leadership. And a Lady Xian that was now officially the Head Core Elder? The only people to remain in his position were Master Sikou and Zhen Gan, who like his brother had never participated or even had knowledge of the full plan. Something made apparent by sending them both to help, or basically to die, on the Eagle Kingdom's campaign. As for the Discipline Palace Master, he had known of the plan, but surprisingly had been against it, making him a pariah of the council, and sending him to oversee the capture of the Eagle Kingdom remnants around Goldenport during Wu Guang's and Xiong Yaoting's confrontation.

One could doubt their involvement, but the Empire had made sure to interrogate, truly interrogate Zhao Zhihao and Mo Tai, allowing them to confirm this fact. And speaking of them, as well as most of the Core personnel that had been truly involved, they all were escorted to the Black Island, where they will be judged as traitors to the Emperor, at least if Chen Jiahao's explanation was to be believed.

***

A lot of other things were announced or discussed, but Wu Guang hadn't the chance to listen to them, even if he wanted. As soon as his appearance and nominal lordship part were finished, he was quickly moved towards a place called 'Unclaimed Flatlands'.

This 'Flatlands', just a pair of square miles of territory in the middle of the four main clans and the assembly territories, was the location of the pocket realm gate. A gate that Chen Jiahao had already sent people to stabilize, and the same gate that Wu Guang would be crossing along with a few select people to indulge in the untouched qi, resources, and energies of the pocket realm.

"Are you sure that even you seniors will not enter alongside us?" Wu Guang asked the four clan heads that had come along to oversee the first opening of the gate.

"No, we all agreed that this should be a fitting reward for you, and so, grateful how we may be for the offer, and willing as we normally would be to accept, we will not" Hai Heng answered after looking at the other three clan heads.

"I see, but are you sure you don't want to even send someone of your clans along? I am taking both a Wolf and Boar along, so..." Wu Guang turned towards the Snake Patriarch and the Bear clan head.

"No, your invitations are your own, and we can not simply force you to bring someone from our clan" Kongtou De responded.

"My clan never sent anyone to the Sect or to fight along with you, so there was no chance for you to even meet one of our youngsters. So as the Bear said, we can not force you to go and bring someone unknown along" Patriarch Si confirmed their standing as well.

"I see, then, I can only wish you the best and hope that when we return the Island is a peaceful, and better place than it was" Wu Guang smiled and bowed to the four heads. He did not consider it to be a bother or a show, after all, the four of them had fought alongside him, and now, they would be in charge of rebuilding not only the Wildlands but the territories around the Boundary Hill City as well.

"Mmm, go and train to your heart's content. And be sure that on your return, we will have a far better view to show you" Lang Mu said with a small smile before his expression turned serious and he glared at the Assembly representative.

"And you? Will you not say anything?"

"Ah! Sorry! Young Hero, please be safe and cultivate earnestly! May the heavens bring you luck and success! Before you leave though, I would hope that you spare some time to get acquainted with..."

"Shut up before I lose my temper!" Hai Heng rudely interrupted the spokesperson, just a Spirit realm cultivator, before he tried, for the 6th time, to introduce and hopefully get Wu Guang to invite a few cultivators from the assembly. Conspicuously the sons of the Assembly leader and his three closest aides.

Except for the Clans Heads and their entourage, as well Wu Guang's group, there were only the six silent black-armored guards assigned with Chen Jiahao, with the latter being simply too busy to come. Not that he did not send a glyph with his best wishes just a moment ago or wished it in person a few hours ago in any case.

As for the Runemasters that had set up the gate, they had retired as soon as it was finished.

"In such a case, we will be going then! Everyone, follow me" After looking around and being sure that he had spoken to everyone who deserved it, he simply commanded, before making the first step into the Pocket Realm. One that he already had scanned before, and found that Chen Deming's words had even not touched half-the truth. It was indeed a small, not more than ten square miles pocket realm. But not only did it have an extremely dense qi concentration, at least twenty times the normal one, but even the herb numbers visible with a simple mental power sweep were at least in the hundreds!

Even more noteworthy was the absolute lack of life signs except the ones from the herbs, which meant that not a single beast, spirit, or some kind of native cultivator would pose them a threat!

***

Wu Guang had invited a fair amount of people, from which only just his closest friends accepted. Not that the others did not want to, simply being told, at least as Wu Guang suspected, by others to let this opportunity pass.

In the end, the only ones to accompany him, the same ones that right now disappeared one by one in the strangely ondulating miasma that comprised the gate were just a dozen.

Kass Shaa'r and Chun Hua, his two non-human companions.

Lan Yanzhi, his follower, servant, friend, and lately permanent guard.

Xiao Feng, no, the present Lord Xiao of Blue Tree City.

Lang Juan and Duqi, the first and practically only Clansmen Wu Guang had befriended by 'himself'.

Yuan Taotu, who only appeared an hour before the ceremony and for some reason was now treated with respect even by the Imperial officers. Not that Wu Guang had tried to ask him anything, hoping that he would reveal everything by himself at some point.

Li Xia, who albeit a mortal was invited, and Wu Guang hoped to allow her to cultivate at least the Body realm, granting her a longer life.

The Kuang siblings, who had so bravely fought and practically died during the battle on the beach.

Wei, who had only now recovered from a heavy wound received in the same battle, one provoked by his attempt to shield the men he led during the explosions.

And a hooded woman who had not revealed anything about herself except a young, melodious voice.

***

"They are in. Brother, assume guard along with the Imperials" As soon as the last person entered, Lang Mu said.

"Yes" Lang Zheng nodded in response, and albeit he considered that the six imperial cultivators were enough, he would have never turned down such an order. Especially as the initial idea of assigning a Clan's guard was his own.

"Don't forget to notify us as soon as he returns" Patriarch Si said before leaving along with the other Clansmen.