Yuan’s Ascension

Chapter 1277: Dong Yi’s Promise (1)

Is he truly gone? Wu Yuan’s mana body and ether body watched True Saint Luan Hai’s retreating presence until it vanished completely from their perception.

That man is absolutely terrifying. Even with my mana body and ether body working together, I’m not convinced we could defeat him in a life-or-death struggle. Wu Yuan mused to himself.

If his mana body unleashed its full power, wielding its psyche weapon, it would be catastrophic for both sides—a pyrrhic victory at best, as good as destroying a thousand enemies while sacrificing eight hundred of his own forces.

Could he actually slay True Saint Luan Hai outright? Wu Yuan didn’t have a shred of confidence. Even if he managed to inflict serious wounds and his ether body moved in for the killing blow, victory remained dubious at best.

The reason was simple: True Saint Luan Hai possessed overwhelming strength. He had not only taken the fourth step of his self-created Dao but also crafted a Dao Zenithel ultimate technique. His power had multiplied exponentially as a result.

Take Cloud Saint. Despite creating a top-tier self-created Dao, he hasn’t yet developed a corresponding Dao Zenithel ultimate technique. He’s likely not True Saint Tian Chan’s match. Wu Yuan’s thoughts deepened. True Saint Luan Hai’s self-created Dao surpasses that. With his Dao Zenithel ultimate technique, his power will only be more formidable.

Ordinary self-created Daos, superior self-created Daos, and top-tier self-created Daos.

Different tiers of self-created Daos led to differences in strength at the same cultivation level, though the gap wasn’t insurmountable. They were, after all, merely fragments of the Primordium gradually being refined toward perfection, representing potential more than immediate power.

True Saint Tian Chan illustrated this perfectly. Despite taking the fourth step ages ago and developing a Dao Zenithel ultimate technique, he remained unable to break through. The limitation was his self-created Dao’s low potential, leaving him without absolute confidence in transforming his Saint Realm into an Eternal Realm.

One had to understand that a fallen cultivator might be revived, but a failed breakthrough often exacted a price far steeper than death itself.

Only Dao Masters, blessed by the essence of the Great Daos, could effortlessly establish Eternal Realms with superior self-created Daos.

Beyond Dao Masters, virtually 99.9% of all other Dao Zenithels in the cosmic sea pioneered top-tier self-created Daos.

While some True Saints achieved top-tier self-created Daos, most only managed superior self-created Daos.

In terms of Dao cultivation, the Full True Saint level essentially represented the pinnacle of True Saints.

Take True Saint Wan Hai and True Saint Jing Qiu, both slain by Wu Yuan’s mana body. Their self-created Daos had reached the absolute limit of the third step. Why didn’t their strength manifest more impressively? Their self-created Daos lacked potential, naturally weakening their overall power and diminishing the True Saint ultimate techniques they created.

Those who distinguished themselves among the hundreds of Full True Saint powerhouses across the cosmic sea, earning positions at the top of the True Saint Rankings, almost universally pioneered top-tier self-created Daos. True Saint Shen Yan, True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Dong Yi, True Saint Qi Guang…All followed this pattern.

Pioneering a top-tier self-created Dao didn’t guarantee a high rank. But securing a position at the summit of the True Saint Rankings absolutely required a top-tier self-created Dao. Without this foundation, how could one possibly compete with other Full True Saint powerhouses?

As for True Saint Luo Quan… Wu Yuan mused thoughtfully. His reputation wasn’t particularly strong before, ranking only around 100th on the True Saint Rankings. I wonder if his self-created Dao qualifies as top-tier.

From what Wu Yuan understood, ordinary True Saints faced nearly insurmountable odds when attempting to take the fourth step with merely a superior self-created Dao. Since the Primordium’s inception, only a handful had ever succeeded.

True Saint Tian Chan was a special case, as he was not originally a lifeform but the spirit of Xuanhuang Essence. His fundamental nature placed him closer to Dao Masters than ordinary cultivators.

In essence, True Saint Tian Chan was fated to become a Dao Zenithel.

Regardless, this Chaos Jade Crystal is now mine. Wu Yuan’s lips curved into a satisfied smile. Time to leave.

Whoosh! Wu Yuan transformed into a streak of brilliant light and vanished into the distance. He deliberately avoided reconvening with the True Saints from the Eldritch Court and Blood Dream Alliance. After all, the Chaos Jade Crystal was indivisible.

Nevertheless, Wu Yuan dispensed payment through the Eldritch Court Voidrealm and Blood Dream Voidrealm, approximately 40 million Xuanhuang merits and 50 million Blood Dream points respectively, to thank the hundreds of True Saints from both major factions for their invaluable assistance.

The gesture resolved any lingering karma between them.

Though the cost wasn’t insignificant, Wu Yuan considered it a worthwhile investment.

The two factions had collectively fielded over three hundred True Saints. Without their efforts distracting the True Saints from rival factions, Wu Yuan would never have escaped so cleanly.

This incident demonstrated the tangible benefits of belonging to two major factions simultaneously.

He could call upon the combined might of powerhouses from both organizations.

Officially, it was True Saint Ming Jian who obtained the Chaos Jade Crystal. Wu Yuan reflected. So despite the Blood Dream Alliance contributing fewer True Saints, I ultimately paid them more treasures to balance the karma.

For Wu Yuan’s current circumstances, any karma resolvable through material wealth posed little concern.

He couldn’t help it—he was simply that affluent.

…

The race and ensuing battle for the first Chaos Jade Crystal had captured widespread attention. Although only Wu Yuan, True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yan Huo, True Saint Xuan Xin, and a few other elite True Saints actively participated in the confrontation, the level of interest reached extraordinary heights.

Countless True Saints and Dao Zenithels from major factions throughout the cosmic sea observed through their voidrealms.

Consequently, the moment Wu Yuan and True Saint Luan Hai burst out from the array’s boundaries, news spread like wildfire.

“True Saint Xuan Xin lives?”

“That old monster…Wasn’t his death confirmed? How did he survive?” Many True Saints and even Dao Zenithels expressed astonishment.

A True Saint that was universally presumed dead had somehow returned to life?

“True Saint Xuan Xin seems no weaker than before, but True Saint Luan Hai has actually taken the fourth step!”

“Another True Saint reaching the fourth step of their self-created Dao! And he’s even crafted a Dao Zenithel ultimate technique!”

“Number one on the True Saint Rankings! Still unquestionably number one!” Countless True Saints and Dao Zenithels marveled in awe.

They had assumed True Saint Luan Hai had fallen behind Cloud Saint and True Saint Luo Quan. None anticipated that his strength would increase so dramatically, exceeding their wildest expectations.

This battle catapulted True Saint Luan Hai’s reputation to new heights. His position atop the True Saint Rankings became virtually unshakeable. Even the Dao Zenithels of the Immortal Court, who had consistently championed Cloud Saint, adopted a more subdued stance.

Yet as True Saint Luan Hai’s prestige grew, it simultaneously highlighted Wu Yuan’s remarkable capabilities.

“True Saint Luan Hai displayed such overwhelming might, yet Wu Yuan withstood it! If the other top rankers hadn’t broken through recently, he would rightfully claim the top position on the True Saint Rankings.”

“Fifth place on the True Saint Rankings; this position is entirely deserved.”

“He clearly surpasses True Saint Dong Yi.” On this point, consensus emerged even within the Eldritch Court. True Saint Dong Yi himself acknowledged his inferiority to Wu Yuan.

Imperceptibly, True Saint Wu Yuan had become the number one True Saint of the Eldritch Court, his reputation expanding exponentially.

“Wu Yuan and Ming Jian truly exemplify what brotherhood means, both willing to brave dangers together.”

“Both rank among the top ten. For True Saint Ming Jian to achieve such a position as a Psyche Dream practitioner is already remarkable, given that soul attacks better suit group confrontations. Yet they remain inseparable.”

“Perhaps they ventured separately at first and reunited only after learning of the Chaos Jade Crystal.”

“Regardless, the bond between them must run extraordinarily deep.” Countless True Saints discussed and marveled at their relationship.

In this confrontation, True Saint Ming Jian emerged as the undisputed victor.

…

Within the Ancient Megaverse existed a voidrealm encompassing the infinite cosmic sea, the Ancient Voidrealm.

Within the Ancient Voidrealm was a vast, boundless world, where countless stars glittered across the firmament.

At the world’s edge, upon a throne nine light-years tall, sat a figure who seemed to have existed alongside heaven and earth since time immemorial.

Whoosh! Countless rays of light materialized from nothingness, swiftly coalescing into True Saint Luan Hai’s avatar.

“Master,” True Saint Luan Hai intoned respectfully.

Beyond these walls, he roamed unfettered like a prodigal son, but before his master, he displayed profound reverence.

He placed absolute trust in his master, the most important figure in his life.

“How did you find your encounter with Wu Yuan?” Great Emperor Yan Tuo inquired, his thunderous voice rolling down from above.

“He is very strong,” True Saint Luan Hai answered candidly. “This disciple employed a Chaos Treasure, yet still failed to completely overpower him. Had I not developed a Dao Zenithel ultimate technique, I might have secured only a slight advantage.”

He paused momentarily before adding, “Had this disciple not taken the fourth step, defeat would have been inevitable.”

“Indeed.” Great Emperor Yan Tuo acknowledged with a slight nod.

“Master, since you’re asking about this, does it mean you already know the source of his strength?” True Saint Luan Hai’s voice carried unmistakable curiosity.

Great Emperor Yan Tuo chuckled. “I merely sought to confirm certain suspicions. The Dao you’ve pioneered possesses potential nearly equal to my own. When you finally break through to Dao Zenithel, your power will rapidly approach mine.

“Among all who have claimed the number one position on the True Saint Rankings since the Primordium, you would undoubtedly contend for a place among the top five.” The Great Emperor’s expression grew thoughtful. “For someone of your caliber to find him so troublesome… his Dao must truly be extraordinary.”

“His Dao?” True Saint Luan Hai repeated, surprise flickering across his features.

“That’s enough questions for now,” Great Emperor Yan Tuo said, raising a hand to halt further inquiry. “Remember, this is merely the first Chaos Jade Crystal. There are still eight more, not to mention the Chaos Nucleus itself.

“Though you’ve achieved your breakthrough, you’ve never utilized these two treasures before. Their effect is the most potent the first time you use them; they will provide tremendous assistance to you.”

True Saint Luan Hai bowed his head. “Yes, Master. This disciple pledges to exert every effort.”

…

Within the Immortal Court Voidrealm, in Imperial Majesty Dong Huo’s residence.

Numerous avatars of sempiternal lifeforms and eternal powerhouses stayed in this immense residence year-round.

Beyond their perception existed a temple that shimmered between reality and illusion.

“Imperial Majesty,” True Saint Xuan Xin’s avatar intoned, bowing respectfully. “This is the complete account of my encounter. I humbly request Your Majesty’s guidance.”

Behind him, a colossal projection materialized, replaying his battle against True Saint Luan Hai, Wu Yuan, and Ming Jian in vivid detail.

At the temple’s far end sat Imperial Majesty Dong Huo, his silver armor gleaming, embodying the essence of a war deity.

“Yan Tuo has nurtured an exceptional disciple,” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo remarked. “In time, this True Saint Luan Hai may wield power rivaling my own.”

True Saint Xuan Xin lowered his head further, saying nothing. Having witnessed True Saint Luan Hai’s abilities firsthand, he recognized the truth in his superior’s assessment.

“Xuan Xin,” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo abruptly called his name.

“Yes, Imperial Majesty,” True Saint Xuan Xin responded.

“What is your assessment of the relationship between Wu Yuan and Ming Jian?” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on his subordinate. “You’ve observed them both in battle.”

“They appear to be close friends willing to sacrifice everything for each other,” True Saint Xuan Xin replied carefully.

“Merely friends?” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo’s lips curved into a subtle smile. “Nothing more significant?”

“More?” True Saint Xuan Xin hesitated, his brow furrowing. “This subordinate cannot say with certainty, but their connection does seem unusually profound, beyond ordinary friendship. Even brothers by blood or father and son rarely share such an intimate bond.”

He gathered his thoughts before continuing. “Consider the Chaos Jade Crystal. Logically, both should have coveted it desperately, yet I detected no hint of conflict between them.

“And before that incident, when both had ascended to eternity, Wu Yuan willingly relinquished his home universe.” True Saint Xuan Xin continued. “Though he is the Creation Dao Master, such sacrifice remains remarkable.”

He chose each word with meticulous care, uncertain of the Imperial Majesty’s intentions and fearful of causing offense. Chapters first released on novlfire.net

“Indeed.” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo nodded almost imperceptibly. “You may withdraw now. Remember, your resurrection already demanded extraordinary effort. You must rely on your own efforts to become a Dao Zenithel.”

“Understood, Imperial Majesty.”

True Saint Xuan Xin’s avatar dissolved into motes of light.

A moment later, the void rippled and parted. A figure emerged, clad in flowing robes. It was Immortal Eminence Jiu You.

“What have you discovered?” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo asked without preamble.

“I have secretly examined their timelines and karmic threads,” Immortal Eminence Jiu You reported. “I’ve scrutinized their past, present, and future. Everything appears pristine and unaltered, without the slightest evidence of manipulation.

“Though Ming Jian and Wu Yuan originate from the same macrocosm, their ages differ. Their upbringings share no commonalities, and both were separated by billions of light-years.”

His expression grew more serious. “I can detect no indication of a shared origin.

“When I trace their histories backwards, their first meeting occurred at the Megaverse Crossroads. After that encounter, their relationship progressively deepened,” Immortal Eminence Jiu You concluded solemnly.

“Is that truly so?” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo’s brow creased in contemplation.

“Do you still suspect they might be a single person?” Immortal Eminence Jiu You asked, unable to mask his curiosity. “This marks my third investigation, and as their powers continue to grow, peering into their histories becomes increasingly challenging.

“In my assessment, despite their numerous connections, the possibility of them being the same being is virtually nonexistent.” His voice carried absolute conviction. “Even if Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu and Tian Xu combined their powers to obscure the truth, they cannot conceal all traces from my perception.”

Immortal Eminence Jiu You’s confidence in his mastery over spacetime and karma remained unshakable. Destruction might be simple, but creation demanded infinitely more.

“Furthermore,” he added, “both individuals possess extraordinary, unprecedented potential. The emergence of one such prodigy constitutes a cosmic miracle. To simultaneously cultivate two true selves to such heights…” He shook his head in disbelief. “It defies comprehension—it’s simply too implausible.”

“Perhaps I’m overthinking the matter,” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo conceded with reluctance.

With that acknowledgment, Immortal Eminence Jiu You bowed and departed.

Are they truly separate individuals? Imperial Majesty Dong Huo murmured.

He gazed into the distance. The Heavenly Imperator might know the truth. He mused, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. How unfortunate that the Heavenly Imperator appears with decreasing frequency. Who can fathom what grand designs are currently in motion?

Many samsara cycles had passed since Imperial Majesty Dong Huo had last seen the Heavenly Imperator. Yet with each fleeting appearance, the Imperator seemed to grow more formidable, more enigmatic. He even managed the impossible feat of fully resurrecting True Saint Xuan Xin, whom all had believed permanently destroyed.

And Imperial Majesty Dong Huo knew a secret few others did: True Saint Xuan Xin was not the only eternal powerhouse to be brought back from oblivion.

Could it be that the Heavenly Imperator doesn’t even consider Wu Yuan worthy of concern?