Chapter 1544 (2): Trap and Substitution

In the Floating City of the Wanyun Association on the Wanyun Continent...

Gong Zhuo, a fifth tier True Immortal and the director of the Wanyun Association, sat opposite the second tier Elysium True Immortal of his faction.

“We’re not afraid of Sage Chen Ji Or Sage Yu Tang!”

After sending away the envoy sent by the Chen Dynasty Emperor, facing the confused Elysium True Immortal, Gong Zhuo pondered for a moment and eventually explained, “What we are really worried about is the Chen Dynasty Emperor himself.”

Unable to control his curiosity, the Elysium True Immortal asked, “Why is that?”

Gong Zhuo sighed lightly, “Director Zhang told me this before he passed away... During the battle of the Qi Dynasty Dao Field, I had discussions with leaders of other Elysiums and can almost confirm that Director Zhang's words were true. Now, let me tell you!”

The Elysium True Immortal was slightly shocked, seemingly realizing something. Just as he was about to speak, Gong Zhuo gestured for him to stop before speaking, “Our Essence Xing World appears larger and more powerful compared to other Essence Worlds, but in reality, it was achieved at the expense of sacrificing other worlds. That is also the reason we can support 3 Sages.”

Realizing the gravity of what Gong Zhuo was about to reveal, the Elysium True Immortal momentarily forgot what he was thinking about.

“However, the existence of 3 Sages has nearly reached the limit of our world. Moreover, the dependency of the Sages on our world is unprecedentedly high!” Gong Zhuo added, his gaze faintly revealing disdain for their world’s Sages. “This means every continent, the World Origin Source, every Elysium, even every Holy Land in our world can affect the Sages to some extent, including their cultivation level, combat strength, stability of their realm, and the degree of support the world gives them, among other things.”

Gong Zhuo saw the blood draining from the Elysium True Immortal’s face and knew that he would be able to think of many other implications from his revelation. He chuckled, “Does it seem unbelievable?”

The Elysium True Immortal swallowed hard and asked, “Is this why, after Sage Qi Jing’s death, the Elysiums of our world would dare to collude and plot against the Qi Dynasty under the noses of Sage Chen Ji and Sage Yu Tang?”

Gong Zhuo nodded. “Exactly! Those Sages also fear us, especially a sect like our Wanyun Association, which has incorporated an Elysium into our continent. We can leverage the Elysium’s secrets to influence the World Origin Source, affecting the Wanyun Continent and the stability of the Sages.”

𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

The Elysium True Immortal sighed, “Then our expulsion from our original territory by the Chen Dynasty...”

Gong Zhuo nodded. “It was because our Wanyun Association did not do it properly. Due to the special nature of the floating city, our association never rooted itself in the World Origin Source or take control of the World Origin Source of any continent.”

“In fact, looking back, several sects like the Ten Winged Sect Sect that remained within the territories of the 3 great dynasties appeared submissive and compliant, but aside from reputation losses and some superficial benefits, they barely suffered any damage to their foundations. In contrast, our association was expelled...”

The Elysium True Immortal asked, “Is this why Director Zhang collaborated with the Twin Star Pirates and took the risk to enter the Essence Ling Heavenly Field to plunder the Spirit Dawn World?”

Gong Zhuo nodded solemnly, “Yes, it was to secure a true foundation for our association, a territory that even Sages of our realm would not dare to underestimate.”

The Elysium True Immortal was puzzled. “If so, why is the Chen Dynasty Emperor so aggressive but you’re still complying?”

Gong Zhuo replied helplessly, “Because the Chen Dynasty Emperor chose a good time, and he indeed possesses the power to threaten us.”

The Elysium True Immortal quickly grasped Gong Zhuo's meaning and pondered, “Is it because after Sage Qi Jing’s death, the number of Sages our realm is supporting decreased from 3 to 2, ensuring the waves we would kick up in the World Origin Source wouldn’t affect the remaining Sages too much?”

Gong Zhuo nodded and explained. “But a more direct reason is the Chen Dynasty Emperor’s strength, which is unmatched below the Martial Emptiness Realm, is enough to threaten our association even without the intervention of the Sages.”

The Elysium True Immortal frowned in response. “So what about it? If the Chen Dynasty Emperor wishes to transcend the shackles of our world to ascend to the Martial Emptiness Realm, he can only do so strengthening our Essence Xing World and give back to our world without taking anything in return. If he really moves against our association, it will only increase his reliance to our world making his ascension much less likely.”

“What if he no longer cares? Or if he has given up his original method of ascension?” Gong Zhuo’s voice grew deeper, “Even if he destroys the Wanyun Continent, he would only need more time and effort to recover later. He might have more than enough lifespan to wait.”

After explaining, Gong Zhuo and the Elysium True Immortal fell silent for a long while.

After some time, the Elysium True Immortal mumbled, “You’re telling me all this because...”

Gong Zhuo sighed, “I want to check out that trap. So, if I don’t come back, you will be the next director of the Wanyun Association.”

The Elysium True Immortal’s expression grew grave, and he asked solemnly, “Will you take action? Which side will you choose?”

Gong Zhuo appeared uncertain, “I... I don’t know!”

“You don’t have to go!” the Elysium True Immortal said earnestly.

Gong Zhuo hesitated but eventually responded, “No, I have to. Otherwise, my martial will would be clouded.”

The Elysium True Immortal couldn’t help but mumble, “True Immortal Shang is truly very strong. He might not perish in a situation where the Sages don’t make a move.”

Gong Zhuo shook his head and sighed, “That’s because you haven’t seen the Chen Dynasty Emperor’s true strength. He has been at the grand completion stage of the Martial Void Realm for a very long time. His reputation as someone undefeatable below the Martial Emptiness Realm isn’t unfounded. During the battle of the Qi Dynasty Dao Field, the Qi Dynasty Emperor is also at the grand completion stage of the Martial Emptiness Realm and he had the support of the Qi Dynasty Dao Field. Even so, he was wounded in a confrontation with the Chen Dynasty Emperor who was too far from his Dao Field to gain significant support. The Qi Dynasty Emperor suffered even more severe injuries, revealing the Chen Dynasty Emperor’s formidable combat strength. Moreover, the Chen Dynasty Emperor’s reputation has been earned through countless battles with peers across various worlds.”

As Gong Zhuo set out, Shang Xia, aboard his small Star Ship, was gradually nearing a remote Earth Star where he had arranged to meet Gong Zhuo, keeping his tracks as hidden as possible.