Yuan’s Ascension

Chapter 1363: The Heavenly Imperator’s Dao! Primordial Samsara!

Trillions of sword silhouettes erupted with blinding speed, launching last yet arriving first, completely engulfing Wu Yuan.

Hum~ Countless sword silhouettes dispersed, leaving only the core components of their attacks: the sword light and blade ray.

On one side stood a Supreme Divine Object, the Original Sword, embodying Great Destruction—a force capable of annihilating all things, laws, Daos, and even Void itself.

On the other was a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, the Saber of Oblivion, which cycled between destruction and creation, representing a near-perfect fusion of ten Great Daos.

These two peak powerhouses had reached the pinnacle of their Daos, brushing against the Primordium.

Boom! Wu Yuan felt a terrifying force reverberate through his body. His arm trembled visibly as the impact sent him hurtling back.

Whoosh! In stark contrast, the Heavenly Imperator remained perfectly still in the void, wielding the Original Sword with absolute control. He was the embodiment of destruction.

A profound silence fell across the battlefield.

“Your mana?” Wu Yuan’s pupils contracted as he stared intently at the distant Heavenly Imperator.

“This?”

“The power Saint Yuan unleashed far surpasses a Full Dao Zenithel. He can easily suppress us, yet he’s still at an absolute disadvantage? He can’t even make the Heavenly Imperator flinch? Is this the power of the Original Sword?”

“The Heavenly Imperator is truly terrifying.” Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang, Blood Emperor, Dao Zenithel Fu You, Great Emperor Yan Tuo, and the other Eldritch Court members stood stunned.

They had all witnessed Wu Yuan’s strength firsthand. The saber technique he had just employed had displayed the ultimate profundities of his Dao, yet he was at such a clear disadvantage. Was the Heavenly Imperator truly this powerful? Or was a Supreme Divine Object simply unstoppable?

“Saint Yuan, can you hold off the Heavenly Imperator? Don’t let him kill you outright.” Great Emperor Yan Tuo and Blood Emperor exchanged glances, both already contemplating retreat.

With the strength the Heavenly Imperator had displayed, he could likely devastate the entire Eldritch Court army single-handedly. They had joined the battle with ulterior motives, but they weren’t willing to truly die alongside the Eldritch Court.

“Heavenly Imperator!”

“Too strong,” Imperial Majesty Dong Huo, Imperial Majesty Nan Guang, and their allies exclaimed, elated and excited.

They had worried when witnessing Wu Yuan’s burst of power earlier, but now those concerns seemed entirely unfounded.

“Thank goodness,” the Lord of the Abyss, Lord White Devil, and the others transmitted, exchanging relieved glances.

They had chosen the correct side. Joining the Immortal Court was indeed more promising than aligning with the Eldritch Court.

…

Outside the Eldritch Court Universe, Wu Yuan’s body refiner self and the Heavenly Imperator faced each other across the void.

“Saint Yuan, surely you understand by now.” The Heavenly Imperator smiled faintly.

“Earlier, I was quite curious,” Wu Yuan replied, his gaze never wavering. “Even if you comprehended Great Destruction and were on the verge of forming true Supreme Destruction, there was absolutely no reason to destroy your own Immortal Court Universe. That would merely sever your own wellspring of power. It would also eliminate your path of retreat.

“Now I understand. You already possess an even stronger source of power.” Wu Yuan’s voice lowered. “Your mana…How much stronger is it compared to a True Saint? Four thousand times? Five thousand?”

Their clash had revealed to Wu Yuan that the Heavenly Imperator’s sword strike wasn’t necessarily more profound than his own. The Original Sword was undeniably powerful, but even a Supreme Divine Object required immense mana to wield effectively.

Clearly, the Heavenly Imperator’s mana had reached an inconceivable level, shattering the supposed limits of a Dao Zenithel.

Hearing Wu Yuan’s assessment, the Heavenly Imperator couldn’t help but smile.

“Saint Yuan, you truly are the most exceptional prodigy since the Primoridum. In just one clash, you’ve discerned so many of my secrets.” His smile remained unchanged. “You’re right, the Immortal Court Universe is no longer my power source. Rather, it has become my shackle. This is precisely why I wish to destroy it completely.

“You must be an Ancestral Pagoda Archon,” he continued, “but judging by your appearance, you’re still far from able to control the Ancestral Pagoda’s essence.” The Heavenly Imperator’s smile deepened. “That’s understandable. The Ancestral Pagoda is the origin of all things. Throughout countless Primordial Epochs, no being has truly controlled it. Even Lord Hong and Heavenly Imperator Han, who created it, can’t fully control it.

“Controlling the Ancestral Pagoda is indeed extraordinarily difficult,” he sighed. “If you manage to gain a basic degree of control over it and comprehend its depths, you will understand.” The Heavenly Imperator spoke with calm certainty.

“The Ancestral Pagoda, Original Sword, and Heavenly Cauldron inherently represent three aspects of Primordial Rules’ operation. They manifest the essence of the Primordium.

“The Original Sword represents Great Destruction; not merely the destruction of laws, but Primordial destruction, the annihilation of Supreme Rules.” His voice carried absolute conviction. “The Heavenly Cauldron embodies Great Creation, containing the vitality of all things.”

“The Ancestral Pagoda combines both. While it cannot surpass the Original Sword and Heavenly Cauldron in any single aspect, it achieves perfect fusion of their powers.”

Wu Yuan listened, inwardly shocked.

He realized the Heavenly Imperator’s strength and knowledge far exceeded his own. He clearly possessed a profound understanding of all the Three Supreme Divine Objects, knowing secrets Wu Yuan himself did not.

“Mastering the Original Sword or Heavenly Cauldron is far simpler, as you need only comprehend one aspect,” the Heavenly Imperator continued. “Once you master them to a basic degree, you’ll understand that the so-called sword, cauldron, and pagoda are merely external manifestations of their operation.

“The core is the essence power of the Nine Megaverses Spacetime!”.

“Essence?” Wu Yuan’s eyes widened as understanding dawned. “Your power source is the Primordial essence itself?”

Though Wu Yuan had yet to control the Ancestral Pagoda, he had spent countless years studying it, and his mana body had traversed the nine megaverses. His knowledge of secrets ranked among the highest in the entire cosmic sea, far surpassing most Full Dao Zenithels.

“Impressive! You are correct.” The Heavenly Imperator regarded Wu Yuan with approval. “Dao Zenithels use their Eternal Realms as their power source, so their mana power typically reaches about a thousand times that of a True Saint.

“Hou Tu, Yan Tuo and my past self each drew our power from a universe, so ours reached around two thousand times.

“Your self-created Dao is near flawless, and most aligned with the Primordium’s operation, so it’s inherently near-perfect. Judging from our clash, you’ve reached approximately three thousand times.

“But three thousand isn’t the limit; that’s merely the Eternal Realm’s limitation.” The Heavenly Imperator’s gaze pierced through Wu Yuan. “In the future, if your Eternal Realm merges with a universe’s essence, you might reach 3600 times, perhaps even 4000.

“But no matter how powerful it becomes, it remains beneath the Primordium, just another part of the River of Universes.

“Only by using the Primordium as one’s foundation and power source can one truly reach the most perfect state.” He sighed deeply. “And to use the Primordium as a foundation, one must first merge with it.

“Only through the Three Supreme Divine Objects can this be achieved.

“I remained in the Realm of Destruction for countless samsara cycles, striving to fully comprehend and master the Original Sword.” The Heavenly Imperator’s expression brightened. “For this, I should thank both you and Hou Tu.

“During our battle in the Realm of Destruction, your ultimate move, resembling the Primordium itself, provided tremendous inspiration, allowing me to grasp a basic degree of control over the Original Sword.” A smile touched his lips. “During our three-move agreement, the third move I had originally prepared didn’t actually involve wielding the Original Sword.”

Wu Yuan’s expression remained cold and silent.

“Hou Tu’s final technique granted me a profound glimpse into the cycle of life and death, completing my understanding of the cycle of destruction within Void’s laws. This revelation allowed me to connect and merge with Great Destruction’s essence hidden within the Primordial Rules.

“My power now surpasses a True Saint by 4800 times,” the Heavenly Imperator stated, fixing his gaze on Wu Yuan. “You two are both my tribulation and the Immortal Court’s greatest challenge, yet paradoxically, you provided the catalyst for my transformation.

“Blessing and misfortune are indeed two sides of the same coin. The workings of destiny are truly remarkable,” sighed the Heavenly Imperator.

Wu Yuan listened in silence.

Across the battlefield, Dao Zenithels trembled as they absorbed these words. Harnessing the Primordium as a power source? The concept lay beyond their imagination, let alone their capabilities. As for wielding mana power 4800 times that of a True Saint? This revelation sent ice-cold dread through the hearts of Great Emperor Yan Tuo, Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang, and their allies.

Despair settled over them. How were they supposed to continue fighting? The Heavenly Imperator had reached the absolute zenith in ultimate techniques, artifacts, mana and other aspects—the true limit of what a Dao Zenithel could achieve.

“You revealed so much, sharing so many secrets,” Wu Yuan said, meeting the Heavenly Imperator’s gaze. “You must have absolute confidence.”

“In truth, I have no desire to kill you. Nor do I wish to destroy Hou Tu,” the Heavenly Imperator replied with a faint smile. “Unfortunately, you are an Ancestral Pagoda Archon, and the Dao you’ve mastered aligns perfectly with wielding that artifact, making you too dangerous to my plans. Hou Tu’s Eldritch Court Universe presents a similar threat. I have no choice but to act.

“The same applies to Yan Tuo. I refused an alliance with him because he, too, blocks my path forward,” the Heavenly Imperator continued. “None of you can escape.

“Your collective arrival serves me well; I can eliminate all threats in one sweep.

“I simply wanted to tell you the truth before your end. Without that revelation, victory would feel empty.”

In the distant void, Great Emperor Yan Tuo’s expression shifted to ashen gray as comprehension dawned. Being a universe controller made him a target the Heavenly Imperator could not ignore.

Source of destruction! Great Destruction! The samsara tribulation represents the most extreme form of destruction of the Primordium’s operation within the Nine Megaverses Spacetime. Wu Yuan realized, grasping the Heavenly Imperator’s intent.

Samsara had two aspects.

The samsara cycle of heaven and earth represented the eternal dance between Great Destruction and Great Creation, waxing and waning under Primordial Rules.

Throughout the Nine Megaverses Spacetime, universes at their peak prosperity marked the period where Great Creation was at its most brilliant.

During the samsara tribulation, as megaverses collapsed into pure Primordial essence, Great Destruction reached its zenith.

But the continued existence of Hou Tu’s Eldritch Court Universe and Yan Tuo’s universe prevented Great Destruction from achieving its ultimate expression across the Nine Megaverses. This, in turn, kept the Heavenly Imperator from perfecting his power.

“What happens after everything is destroyed?” asked Wu Yuan. “When the samsara tribulation concludes and rebirth begins anew, won’t the power of Great Destruction fade as well?” Wu Yuan stared at the Heavenly Imperator, still harboring one last doubt in his mind.

“Then there’s no need for rebirth.

“This samsara cycle of heaven and earth will be the final one.” The Heavenly Imperator’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Your destruction carries the seeds of new life within it.

“But when my destruction reaches its end, only destruction remains.

“Ultimate destruction, completely suppressing Great Creation’s power until even the Primordial Rules transform into destruction. That will be my opportunity to seize control of the Ancestral Pagoda,” the Heavenly Imperator said. “Saint Yuan, what are your thoughts on this?”

Wu Yuan’s pupils contracted sharply as comprehension dawned.

He grasped the full scope of the Heavenly Imperator’s ambitions. Controlling the Original Sword had never been the true goal. If that were all he desired, this final war would have been unnecessary.

His actual aim was to transform the Nine Megaverses Spacetime entirely into destruction, allowing Great Destruction’s power to dominate the Primordial Rules.

Ultimately, he sought to control the Ancestral Pagoda through the Original Sword.

“Alright. I respect you enough to share the complete truth. Now, it’s time for you to depart,” the Heavenly Imperator said, his calm smile never wavering.

Boom! The Heavenly Imperator moved with blinding speed, his form transforming into a streak of black light as he charged directly at Wu Yuan.

“Such speed!”

All Dao Zenithels trembled as they witnessed the scene, stunned by the terrifying burst of speed.

“I fear only Dao Zenithel Ming Jian could match it.”

“Can Saint Yuan escape?”

“If Dao Zenithel Ming Jian intervenes, escape might be possible.” This realization struck all the Dao Zenithels simultaneously.

Fighting seemed futile; the power the Heavenly Imperator revealed was too horrifying for Saint Yuan to match.

Wu Yuan’s expression hardened. I have no choice!

Boom! His body refiner self transformed into a streak of light, but instead of retreating, he advanced, charging to meet the attack.

Flight was not truly an option. If he fled, the Eldritch Court Universe would certainly be destroyed, and the Eternal Realms of his two true selves would likewise face annihilation.

Even Great Emperor Yan Tuo’s universe would be eliminated.

The Heavenly Imperator would only grow more terrifying afterward, perhaps gaining the opportunity to control the Ancestral Pagoda.

Where could he possibly escape to?

Moreover, once the Eldritch Court Universe was destroyed, Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu would lose all chance of resurrection!

Let’s fight then. I’ll stake my life on it!

Wu Yuan’s body refiner self brandished ten battle sabers, slashing toward the lightning-fast Heavenly Imperator.

At that precise instant, a white-robed figure appeared beside Wu Yuan as if from thin air, his vital aura surging.

“Who is that?”

“Another Dao Zenithel Ming Jian?”

“Dao Zenithel Ming Jian’s mana body has also cultivated an Eternal Psyche?” The other Dao Zenithels stared in disbelief, but what shocked them most was what they saw beneath the white-robed figure’s feet.

A blood-red lotus platform.

The Xuanhuang Dao Treasure—Samsara Platform!

“This?”

“The Eldritch Court trusts Dao Zenithel Ming Jian to this extent? Entrusting him with the Samsara Platform?”

“That’s Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu’s ultimate treasure.” The Dao Zenithels reeled with disbelief, finding the scene before them almost absurd.

This was a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure! How could it be given away so freely? Weren’t they concerned that Dao Zenithel Ming Jian might never return it?

Extinguish! Atop the Samsara Platform, spacetime fluctuations rippled around Dao Zenithel Ming Jian, forming two enormous blood-colored wheels of light that resembled terrifying spacetime constructs.

The wheels existed in a state between illusion and reality.

These massive blood-colored wheels, merging with the dazzling blade rays sent out by Wu Yuan’s body refiner self, formed a wondrous resonance, fusing perfectly with each other.

It was like eternity itself, impossible to surpass!

The two powers melded seamlessly, transforming into a strange stream of light that seemed to transcend spacetime, descending directly before the Heavenly Imperator.

This was the ultimate technique Wu Yuan had crafted after trillions of years of research, the strongest physical fusion move his two true selves could employ: Primordial Samsara!