Chapter 940: The Search

The nine Supreme races all took a stand, choosing to distance themselves from Li Pin. The Astral Beast Ruler Race and the Intelligent Lifeforms were the only races that maintained their neutrality, their intentions yet unknown.

Matrix Mother of the Intelligent Lifeforms was rapidly running calculations. If someone were to hack into its core database at this moment, they would find a report analyzing Li Pin's potential and future.

The report was almost entirely upward-trending, but as it approached a certain height, it split into two trajectories. One path was abruptly severed, halting where it was. The other... shot upward at a ninety-degree angle, soaring skyward.

These two starkly different outcomes represented the possible consequences the Intelligent Lifeforms would face depending on their choice.

While analyzing the data, the Matrix Mother also transmitted messages directly to the Ocean of Time, the First Galaxy, Sasha, and other Intelligent Lifeforms to gather more data support.

The final outcome caused them to maintain silence in expressing their stance. They neither supported the Human race nor sided with Creator Miao Ya.

Several Supremes from the Astral Beast Ruler Race sneered and said, "We came to discuss resolving the problems of the Astral World. Until that's settled, do whatever you want. We, the Astral Beast Ruler Race, will not participate."

With that, their Supremes and Highlords turned and left.

This scene prompted Supreme Genesis to speak urgently. "Can't you see this is their divide and conquer strategy? If the Human Race loses, you'll have no room left to resist. Then you'll only face two options, submission or death."

Supreme Primordial sighed. "They do see it, but..."

"We will not fight for the Human Race's interests," Ancestral God Hentian said.

With that, he retreated far with the surrounding Supremes. It was a clear statement that they would not intervene in the battle between the Humans and the Creators.

The same was true for the other factions. It was evident they intended to let the Humans clash head-on with the Creators first. If the Creators could crush the Humans, it would prove they were so powerful that they need not limit themselves to interests in the starry cosmos. Their future truly lay in the endless worlds of the Void of Chaos.

But if the Creators and Humans fought to mutual ruin, that would be even better.

"I don't understand,” said an Intelligent Lifeform Supreme. "Is Origin not talented enough? If they gave him their full support, the future of the starry cosmos would be boundless, whether in helping them break through to higher realms or leading them into conquest across the Void of Chaos. So why?"

"Different levels of existence perceive things differently. In the mortal world, the impoverished are willing to fight to the death over a source of water, simply because it allows them to plant rice.

“But the rice they risked their lives for isn’t worth as much as a wealthy man’s lunch.

“You could look at them and call them ignorant, but to these people, growing that rice means survival. It is the hope that keeps their families from starving."

Matrix Mother sighed. "It's the same with the Supremes. The starry cosmos is the rice field they desperately try to cultivate, the foundation of their power and identity. But to the great beings of the Void of Chaos, it's nothing more than a meal for a day. The Supremes just can't see that. They stubbornly believe what they do is fundamental to survival and reject all change."

Hearing Matrix Mother’s explanation, the Intelligent Lifeform Supremes fell silent.

Seeing that these Supreme races had all made their choice, Creator Miao Ya revealed a faint smile at the corner of his mouth. "The outcome is clear."

He turned his gaze toward Supreme Regalheaven, Supreme Primordial, and Supreme Genesis. "Will you still stubbornly resist? Handing over Origin is already your only option."

The Human Race Supremes exchanged glances. Eventually, Supreme Genesis stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Whether you believe it or not, we truly don't know where Origin is. If you want to find him, do it yourselves. If you expect us to hand him over willingly, sorry, that's impossible!"

A hint of resolve appeared in Supreme Genesis's eyes. "Perhaps, you can try attacking us. But once you’ve wiped out all of our Supremes, let’s see whether we can drag one or two of you down with us!"

The other Human Supremes remained silent, but the cold glint in their eyes revealed their stance. If push came to shove, they wouldn't mind perishing together.

Supreme Primeval and Supreme Foundation had secretly asked and communicated with them privately. They truly did not know where Li Pin was.

The Creators glanced at the resolute Human Supremes, seemingly prepared to fight to the bitter end. They focused especially on Regalheaven.

If Regalheaven tied down one of them, and the remaining Human Supremes launched a fearless assault, there was indeed a chance that one or two of the Creators might fall.

The Supremes within the starry cosmos were not of one mind, and neither were the six Creators.

Among them, Creator Li and Transcendent Black White might not have chosen to cooperate if not for the mysterious being following the traces of the ancient Transcendents, prompting them to seize the Power of Eternity left behind by the Eternal One to sever their karma and advance a step further.

Now, the Humans had already yielded, and they had news of the Eternal.

"We will trust you this once when you say you don’t know where Origin is,” said Creator Miao Ya. “But if we discover any interference from the Humans’ side during our search... don't blame us for being merciless."

He gazed coldly at Regalheaven. "Using the Transcendence-level power, you've temporarily replaced the will of Heaven with your own, wielding the entire cosmos's strength. In this state, you are indeed stronger than ever before.

"But the moment your Transcendent form fused with your Supreme form, it could no longer remain completely free of karma, nor truly omniscient. So even if we can't defeat you quickly, time will ensure you pay the price for breaking your word."

Supreme Regalheaven didn't reply. He simply looked calmly at Miao Ya.

At that moment, Miao Ya’s gaze passed over Regalheaven and the Humans before landing on Transcendent Black White.

Seeing this, Transcendent Black White turned to the other Supremes. "Everyone, now is the time to contribute. Whoever can first find information on Origin will not only receive our legacy and insights on cultivating the Power of Reincarnation, but will also be invited to join us in exploring the mystery beyond Creator, the Power of Eternity."

Transcendent Black White's promise was quickly endorsed by the other Creators.

"Black White's stance is our stance."

Hearing these words directly from the Creators, the other Supremes were immediately stirred. They spoke up one after another.

"Leave it to us."

"No matter where Origin is, we will find him."

"Hahaha, though I haven't founded a force of my own, I specialize in tracking. There's no one in this cosmos I can't locate."

Transcendent Black White turned to the other races' Supremes. "The same goes for you. Whoever can first help us find the whereabouts of Origin, we will accept them–and their entire race—into our ranks, to use the Power of Eternity to comprehend a realm beyond the Creator Realm."

He even added, "If you're concerned about appearances, we could even keep your cooperation confidential."

These words stirred the hearts of the Supremes of the major Supreme races.

Though none voiced their stance, the Creators were perceptive and noticed the temptation flickering in their eyes. They simply held back due to the uncertain situation.

Creator Miao Ya chimed in as well. "We'll count on you all."

With that, the few Creators, surrounded by Creator Li, swiftly headed toward the inner regions of the starry cosmos.

As they entered the cosmic interior, Transcendent Black White secretly messaged Creator Li. "Why didn't we emphasize that the reason we're urgently searching for clues to the Power of Eternity is to quickly attain a breakthrough, to counter the crisis that could destroy the entire starry cosmos? If we highlighted the severity, maybe the situation would improve."

Creator Li understood what Black White meant. Appealing to the safety of the cosmos would indeed sound noble.

But....

"It's meaningless. These Supremes care only for their benefit and future. If we emphasized the cosmic crisis, they'd abandon the Humans and the cosmos itself in a heartbeat, perhaps even side with that terrifying being," Creator Li said gravely. "If it comes to that, the consequences will be disastrous."

Transcendent Black White heard this and said no more.

He had a hunch that Creator Li had his own thoughts too, but what exactly—that remained to be seen.

***

Following the Creators' order, all Supremes began searching with all their strength for Li Pin's whereabouts.

Those allied with the six Creators did so, the neutral Supremes did so, and even the Supremes of the nine Supreme races joined in. Even the Humans were no exception.

Of course, the Human Supremes searched for Li Pin for a different reason. They wished to reunite with him as soon as possible and discuss how to respond to the coming crisis.

The situation changed so quickly that it now seemed whoever found Li Pin first would seize the initiative.

At one point, everyone started to believe that if Li Pin—a being who was rumored to be above Supreme—wished to hide, not even a thousand years would be enough to track him down.

Yet, only ten stellar years after the search began, a Sky Clan Supreme sent back news—Origin had been found.

To be precise, he had revealed himself.