Chapter 1545: Trap and Substitution Pt.2

In the vast void surrounding the heavenly screen of the Essence Xing World, thousands of Earth Stars and floating land masses of various sizes were scattered. Some of those places were bustling hubs, while others were desolate. Those situated in remote areas often became havens for clandestine activities.

Shang Xia, in accordance with the agreement with Gong Zhuo, arrived at one such desolate and bitterly cold Earth Star located far from the Essence Xing World's heavenly screen. It was so desolate that no one would visit usually.

Despite several collaborations that had built a foundation of trust between Gong Zhuo and Shang Xia, the latter still cautiously circled the Earth Star thoroughly before descending, ensuring there were no signs of danger.

As Shang Xia was stowing his Star Ship and surveying the area, a voice tinged with disappointment emerged from the void behind him. "I had hoped that the foreign expert who stirred up trouble in our world and stole world origin from Dynasties Edge would be an expert with profound skill. Seeing you today, I'm disappointed to find just a lucky nobody."

Shang Xia's face changed dramatically, and he spun around. Peering into the void, he yelled, "Who’s there?!”

Before his words faded, the distant void where he pointed to cracked open.

From within the shattered and twisted void, a towering figure with a formidable aura but a somewhat sinister demeanor approached Shang Xia with a dragon-like stride.

Despite the considerable distance between them, the invisible pressure he exerted felt like tidal waves, incessantly crashing towards Shang Xia, forcing him off balance for a moment.

However, Shang Xia quickly regained his composure, though he kept his distance, facing the approaching figure as if ready for an intense battle.

Seeing Shang Xia's defensive stance, the figure stopped and sneered dismissively, "So, you are Shang Xia, the man from the Spirit Luxuriant World in the Heaven Observation Field?"

Recognizing the unfaltering aura of his opponent, Shang Xia responded in a grave voice, "Grand completion stage of the Martial Void Realm? Such cultivation and demeanor must belong to one of the emperors of Essence Xing World's great dynasties. How did you know I would be here?"

Instead of answering directly, the figure growled in a cold voice, "I forced Gong Zhuo to arrange this meeting, hoping you would return what you stole and perhaps connect with a fellow outsider. Yet, your presence is underwhelming."

Shang Xia's expression darkened, "So, it was Gong Zhuo. Very well!"

The figure already appearing confident of victory added, "Now that I'm here, you should realize your fate. It's futile to resist. If you return the world origin you stole and hand over the methods to enter and exit the Heaven Observation Field, I will allow you to serve under me."

Shang Xia scoffed and suddenly tried to escape into the void, activating a teleportation talisman.

Unperturbed, the figure stood with his hands behind his back, a cold smile on his lips. "Given your ability to sneak into our realm, besides Gong Zhuo's secret aid, you must have unique methods. Did you think I'd be unprepared?"

As he spoke, the space around the Earth Star they stood on suddenly solidified into a net, sealing everything within.

Though the net-like seal lasted only a moment, it was enough to thwart Shang Xia's escape attempt. It was the first time someone had countered his Teleportation Talisman since he had crafted and refined it.

A disheveled Shang Xia fell through the void as he warily scanned the space around him before facing the figure who stood unperturbed opposite him. "So, it is indeed Emperor Chen! To stop me, you go to such lengths. Well then, show me what you’re capable of!"

"Oh? Now you recognize me?" Emperor Chen stepped forward, and the void beneath him formed steps that allowed him to step on. His pace seemed leisurely, but he swiftly repositioned himself in front of Shang Xia. "Since you are so confident, everyone, come on out!”

At Emperor Chen's command, the once calm void stirred again, and 3 figures emerged. All of them had the aura of a high-level True Immortal.

"3 high-level True Immortals, plus Emperor Chen himself. This is quite the reception…" Shang Xia noted calmly despite the desperate situation he was in. It was as though the outcome was of no concern to him.

"This is slightly disappointing. Someone capable of causing such turmoil beneath our noses turns out to be a mere thief! If not for the value of the Heaven Observation Field behind you, I would deem today's elaborate preparations overly exaggerated!" Emperor Chen's aura now fully suppressed Shang Xia. "You cannot escape! But, my word stands, this is your last chance."

Sensing Emperor Chen's killing intent, Shang Xia still smiled, apparently resigned to his fate.

Just as he was about to speak, Emperor Chen gasped softly and looked away, his attention drawn from Shang Xia as though he had spotted something or someone. He turned away such that his attention was no longer on Shang Xia. He was looking at a figure 10 miles away, but such a distance could be crossed in a second by a high-level True Immortal.

The Chen Dynasty Emperor's action seemed to expose a significant vulnerability, but it actually displayed his supreme confidence and utter disdain for Shang Xia as an opponent.

"Unexpectedly, Gong Zhuo has personally come. I wonder what his intentions are this time…" Emperor Chen's expression turned to one of intrigue, not bothering to hide his curiosity.

Even Shang Xia turned in surprise, following Emperor Chen's gaze to see Gong Zhuo, the director of the Wanyun Association, emerging slowly from the depths of the void.

As their eyes met, a flicker of emotion crossed Gong Zhuo's typically impassive face. His steps momentarily faltered before he resumed his approach, positioning himself strategically in the void outside the Earth Star alongside the other three high-level True Immortals, reinforcing the spatial seal around it.

"It seems Gong Zhuo has made a wise choice!" Emperor Chen's mood which had reached a new low after meeting Shang Xia took a turn for the better.

With a neutral expression, Gong Zhuo stated, "I am merely acting in the best interests of all, ensuring the growth of our Essence Xing World. It is where the Wanyun Association and I belong.”

"Well said!" Emperor Chen praised, then gestured at Shang Xia. "Let's conclude this quickly; today's meeting has truly disappointed me."

Emperor Chen didn't bother to act personally as the four high-level True Immortals, including Gong Zhuo, in the void outside the Earth Star, simultaneously launched powerful attacks.

…

Meanwhile, in a secluded valley within a mountain range inside the Chen Dynasty's territory of Essence Xing World, a figure holding a long banner emerged. The once majestic valley was left in ruins.

Pausing slightly, the banner unfurled itself and the figure revealed his appearance as the other Shang Xia. Raising his head, he mumbled, “Have I been discovered? It seems I need to hasten my pace.”

As soon as he spoke, he disappeared from the valley, heading northwest.