Chapter 657: Surge

Over ten powerful figures had gathered at the Galactic Core of the Yin Luo Galaxy. Among them were Yuan Xinghai, Shang Tiange, and Ji Wanfa, the three Divine Beings specially trained for combat. Representatives from local Yin Luo Galaxy factions were also present, including Shuo Caihua of the Shuo Clan and Ying Wuzong of the Ying Clan.

Ji Wanfa's eyes widened in astonishment. "Disappeared?"

He turned to Yuan Xinghai, the person responsible for bringing the news. "Wasn't Li Pin supposed to be undergoing the assessment for the Eternal Ascent of Humanity Initiative? How could he just vanish like that?"

"Exactly," Shang Tiange chimed in, his expression equally perplexed. "Our Shang Clan's Grand Patriarch lost a meticulously crafted combat avatar to him and was initially furious.

"But upon learning that Li Pin had gone to participate in the Eternal Ascent of Humanity Initiative's assessment, he suppressed his anger. After careful deliberation, our clan even decided to send me with generous gifts to the Gaian Civilization.

"No matter the cost, we intended to resolve our conflict peacefully if Li Pin truly became part of the project... And now you're telling me he's disappeared? How is that possible?"

"He really has vanished," Yuan Xinghai stated firmly. "The Sacred Flame Hall is trying to keep this under wraps to avoid causing panic, but the Eternal Ascent of Humanity Initiative is too significant to ignore.

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Li Pin isn't the only one who's gone missing. Several others, including some top-tier prodigies, have also disappeared. Given the scale of this incident, even the Sacred Flame Hall can't completely contain the leaks. Our clan's Grand Patriarch only recently confirmed this through a high-ranking source."

"Are you certain?" Ji Wanfa pressed.

"Almost without a doubt," Yuan Xinghai replied firmly. "All we need to do is test the Gaian Civilization. If Li Pin doesn't show up, that will confirm the news."

A sharp glint flashed through Shang Tiange's eyes. "Li Pin... He's now our only real competition left for the Astral God's inheritance."

As for Ai Sa? Not long ago, the Grand Patriarch of the Golden Emperor Clan confronted certain high-ranking figures for publicly permitting violations of the Homo Sapien Alliance's internal regulations. This move left those who had secretly targeted him in an awkward and uncomfortable position

The details of the subsequent negotiations remained unknown, as did the specific benefits the Golden Emperor Clan secured.

However, after reaching a settlement, their Grand Patriarch made a public announcement: Ai Sa, the clan's prodigy, regarded the Yin Luo Galaxy merely as a training ground. Once his trials were complete, he would depart the galaxy and would not participate in the competition for Astral God Yin Luo's inheritance.

Many considered this decision to be reasonable. After all, Ai Sa was a prodigy. He was a figure with the potential to reach the realm of Cosmic Radiance. While accepting Yin Luo's inheritance would significantly enhance his chances of achieving the Cosmic Radiance Realm, it would also limit his potential, confining him to that stage and extinguishing any hope of surpassing it.

Under these circumstances, his choice to withdraw from the competition was understandable.

Of course, there may have been other factors at play as well. For example, certain influential figures might have been unwilling to see the Golden Emperor Clan produce two Cosmic Radiance powerhouses. However, the specifics of these internal dynamics remained unclear. Likely, even their Solar Flare Grand Patriarchs didn't know the details.

"I had thought all hope was lost, but after so many twists and turns, a new opportunity has finally emerged," Ji Wanfa remarked.

"Our Aristocratic Alliance has paid a heavy price... Even our Grand Patriarchs were severely punished by the Homo Sapien Alliance, being sent to guard Abyssal Rift No. 26 for an entire era. But in the end... it seems the heavens never truly close all doors," Shang Tiange said, a smile spreading across his face.

Sho Chaihua, however, remained hesitant. "The Homo Sapien Alliance has reassigned an Eternal Solar Flare to replace Lan Yunguang in guarding the Yin Luo Galaxy. This new Solar Flare, Yan Qing, is rumored to be the disciple of a formidable figure. Interfering in the inheritance now will likely be far more difficult for us."

"What do we have to fear?" Ji Wanfa declared confidently. "When Li Pin was around, we had no choice but to step back. But now that he's gone, what does the Gaian Civilization amount to? Even if they've taken control of the entire Candle Light Star Ring, how can they possibly match our deep-rooted strength?"

"Exactly," Shang Tiange chimed in. "I've looked into Gaia's chosen candidate. She only received so many resources because she's Li Pin's sister. In reality, her talent is so mediocre that she wouldn't even qualify as a direct-line member in any of our clans.

"If Li Pin were still here and they kept investing in her, we might have had to reconsider. But now that he's missing, most likely dead, why should we fear such a failure?"

Shang Tiange chuckled. "Any decent genius from our Aristocratic Alliance could easily surpass her."

Yuan Xinghai nodded in agreement. "This incident has dealt a significant blow to the reputation of the Homo Sapien Alliance. The upcoming competition for the Astral God Yin Luo's successor will undoubtedly be under the strictest scrutiny. We must adhere to the rules and compete fairly.

"However, when it comes to that young girl, Li Yunyao, any talented individual from our ranks should easily surpass her. With several stellar decades still ahead of us, we have more than enough time to prepare."

Shuo Caihua, hearing this, nodded as well.

"With the most formidable threat now out of the picture, the competition for the successor will be a fair contest among our clans," Ji Wanfa added.

His statement was met with unanimous agreement from the others.

They quickly moved to discuss the details. Families that chose to withdraw from the competition would receive compensation from the Aristocratic Alliance, while those who remained would compete on equal footing.

For a moment, the atmosphere was one of harmony, as if the position of Astral God Yin Luo's successor was already within their grasp.

***

In the Yin Luo Galaxy, the nearly dissolved Aristocratic Alliance experienced an unexpected reversal of fortune, entering a moment of triumph.

Meanwhile, within the Void Divine Treasury Hall, the atmosphere was heavy with tension.

Outside a palace hall, Judiciary Astral God Xuan Jian, Hall Master Mi Meng of the Mara Divine Treasury Hall, and Vice Hall Master Bai Chao stood waiting.

The palace doors opened, revealing the figure of Second Hall Master Yun Tu. The three quickly stepped forward.

The three spoke one after another.

"How did it go? What did the Hall Master say?"

"Have we found Li Pin's whereabouts? He's the key to unlocking the Void Divine Treasure World."

"How could something happen on the way to the Humanity Sanctum? Who would dare target a Cosmic Radiance Seed of the Sacred Flame Hall?"

Yun Tu glanced at them and waved his hand. "This matter... is far more complicated than we anticipated. It's beyond the capabilities of the Void Divine Treasury Hall to handle."

He paused briefly, then added, "In fact, even the intervention of the Main Hall might not be enough to resolve it."

"The Main Hall might not be able to resolve it?"

Bai Chao was stunned. "The Main Hall might not be able to resolve it?"

Then, as if realizing something, his pupils dilated sharply.

The Void Divine Treasury Hall operated under the authority of a Supreme Being from the Supreme Council. If even that figure might be powerless to resolve the situation... doesn't that mean Li Pin's disappearance involved a being of such immense stature?

Astral God Mi Meng was visibly shaken. "How could this be? Li Pin may have his quirks, but given his standing and the circles he moves in, how could he possibly have offended someone of that caliber?"

Yun Tu sighed. "It seems he was simply caught in an unfortunate twist of fate."

He glanced at the group and continued, "Over the past ten thousand stellar years, a powerful entity has been abducting geniuses from various races.

"Initially, his targets were limited to those below the level of prodigies, so the Supreme Council paid little attention. However, as he began targeting actual prodigies, the Council had no choice but to intervene. After all, prodigies have the potential to achieve Cosmic Radiance, and beings of that level are considered the backbone of our Human Race."

Mi Meng, Bai Chao, and Xuan Jian exchanged uneasy glances.

"This is ..."

"There's no need to be overly pessimistic," Yun Tu reassured them. "The Supreme Council has recently begun to take this matter seriously, and a resolution should be forthcoming.

"Moreover, the Hall Master has gone to the Supreme Council to discuss this with the Main Hall Master. According to him, he should be able to persuade the Main Hall Master to act."

"

Hm?

" Bai Chao keenly picked up on something. "All this just for Li Pin?"

"Not just for him," Yun Tu said thoughtfully. "Recently, the research team has been conducting in-depth studies on the Void Divine Treasure World. Combined with the information the Hall Master obtained during his meeting with Li Pin... they've arrived at a startling hypothesis, though they're hesitant to confirm it just yet."

He glanced around at the group. Mi Meng, Xuan Jian, and Bai Chao were all seasoned members of the Divine Treasury Hall, so there was no need to withhold this information from them.

He went on without hesitation, "Based on the researchers' findings, they've proposed an astonishing possibility: the Void Emperor might still be observing this divine treasure world."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's pupils dilated sharply.

The Void Emperor... still watching over this divine treasure world!?

Bai Chao found it hard to believe. "This... is just a divine treasure world. How could that be possible...?"

"It does seem highly unlikely, but since the Hall Master has spoken, there must be some truth to it. This makes breaking open the Void Divine Treasure World even more crucial. Li Pin's significance will also rise considerably.

"Additionally, given that the Supreme Council has already taken notice of the disappearance of human prodigies, this revelation might just be the final push needed to prompt them to take action and rescue Li Pin."

As Yun Tu spoke, a hint of uncertainty crept into his voice. On one side stood the Supreme Council, the highest governing body of the Human Race. On the other was a single Divine Being—Li Pin.

Even if he was exceptionally gifted, in the eyes of the Supreme beings, he was still insignificant. Would they really intervene personally against another entity of their own level for the sake of one individual?

After a long pause, Yun Tu shook his head. "For now, all we can do is wait. If even the Void Divine Treasury Hall couldn't hold Li Pin, I believe fortune favors him. He won't be defeated by such a minor setback."

Bai Chao, Mi Meng, and Xuan Jian exchanged uneasy glances. Though deeply concerned, they knew there was nothing they could do.

This matter involved forces far beyond their reach. All they could do was wait patiently.