Chapter 1633: Accelerating The Ascension

Since Shang Xia forcefully started the world ascension process for the Azure Ruling World, the Ying Brothers had been working tirelessly in order to make up for the lack of world origin. They had been traveling through the sea of stars. Not only did they fuse the Earth Star they branded with their souls during their ascension process, but they also threw the resources their Twin Star Pirates had gathered for close to 100 years into the Azure Ruling World.

Additionally, they had spent all the connections and favors they had accumulated over decades. It could be said that they used up everything they had for the world ascension and to establish their foundations.

They even resorted to their old trades, secretly attacking and looting several small Star Pirate bases. They specially targeted those assholes who had once participated in attacking them. After looting the smaller bases, they barely managed to sustain the ascension process.

Of course, even though they were stretched thin from the contributions required for the transformation of the world and were exhausted, the World’s Will contributed just as much.

"It seems we still need to ask for help from True Immortal Shang…" Ying Lianquan said with a hint of resignation as he looked at a massive pillar in the distance.

After a moment of silence, Ying Lianxi mumbled, "According to the usual schedule, wouldn't True Immortal Zhu Nang and his merchant fleet arrive 3 months ago?"

"That Zhu Nang is, after all, a subordinate of True Immortal Shang. The fleet he commands serves only the powers standing behind True Immortal Shang. Moreover, Zhu Nang, being a first tier True Immortal, only controls a small portion of the fleet. Even though the resources he brings are helpful, it fails to solve our fundamental problem. Most importantly… They are under no obligation to help us!” Ying Lianquan replied.

To that, Ying Lianxi could only remain silent.

Seeing his brother's reticence, Ying Lianquan, knowing his twin's thoughts well, continued, "I know you're reluctant to involve outsiders too much in our world's affairs, fearing we might owe True Immortal Shang too much or that he might turn around and attack us. However, everything will only matter if we complete the ascension of our world!”

Ying Lianxi sighed softly. Even though the Heaven Supporting Jade Pillar accelerated the transformation of the Azure Ruling World, it felt like a thorn in their throats.

They saw the Azure Ruling World as their territory, but the presence of the massive pillar gave them a stark reminder that their assumption was a joke!

Seeing his elder brother remain silent, Ying Lianquan pointed directly at the pillar and said bluntly, "Moreover, if True Immortal Shang really decides to intervene, do you think we could refuse him?"

Ying Lianxi sighed deeply. "You're right, let's ask for help!"

...

Shang Xia, Yan Ming, and Shang Xia’s External Avatar were once again crossing the vast spatial vortex in the small Star Ship.

This time, Yan Ming steered it while Shang Xia’s External Avatar assisted her in crossing their carefully charted path.

Shang Xia, however, was once again drawn to the massive vortex below them. Not being able to extend his divine soul deep into the vortex, his intuition told him that something terrifying was stewing deep in the eye of the vortex below.

"Hey, don't keep staring directly at the space vortex below…" Yan Ming had noticed Shang Xia's gaze. When they had first entered the vortex, she had been warned that staring too long at it could create an irresistible urge to jump in.

Raising his head to look at her, Shang Xia smiled before turning back to the vortex below.

Yan Ming, frustrated by his actions, turned her stern gaze to his External Avatar.

Seeing her look, Shang Xia’s External Avatar gave her a wry smile and made an innocent gesture, signaling her not to worry.

"What is he actually looking at?" Since Shang Xia's attention was on the center of the vortex, Yan Ming had no choice but to ask his External Avatar.

Glancing at his true body, Shang Xia’s External Avatar mumbled, “I think he believes there is something in the middle of the vortex.”

Yan Ming was startled by the revelation before turning to look at the endless vortex. A shiver ran down her spine the next moment.

It took several days to cross the vortex, and during that time, Shang Xia's focus remained on the center of the vortex until they re-entered the chaotic streams. Seeing as he had snapped back to reality, Yan Ming asked, "Did you find something?"

Shang Xia knew that she probably learned something from conversing with his External Avatar and he simply shook his head while mumbling, "It’s hard to say. However, after I enter the Seven Star Realm, I might discover some clues.”

Yan Ming pursed her lips and remained silent.

The next second, Shang Xia’s External Avatar, who was piloting the Ship Ship, frowned. “This is strange. There seems to be someone coming.”

Both of them quickly ran to the bow of the ship. Even though the chaotic streams prevented their divine soul from going too far, the fact that Shang Xia’s External Avatar sensed the newcomer meant they were very close.

Sure enough, moments later, the chaotic flow in front of them split apart, and another small Star Ship burst forth. The other side didn’t seem to expect to see another group right in front of them and they slowed down to approach cautiously.

Upon seeing the unfamiliar Star Ship, they didn’t flee. However, seeing as they had arrived, their target was clear.

From how hastily they stopped and how they obstructed Shang Xia’s Star Ship, all of them could tell that the newcomers came from the Azure Ruling World.

In the particular region of chaotic streams, Shang Xia knew there were only the Azure Ruling World and Spirit Frost World. The latter was ruled by spiritual beasts and they were unlikely to be using Star Ships.

Moreover, when Shang Xia appeared at the bow, he already sensed that the people controlling the Star Ships. They were the newly promoted first tier True Immortal twins after they settled down in the Azure Ruling World.

The first tier True Immortals on board the Twin Star Pirates’ ship also recognized Shang Xia and Yan Ming. Stepping out with excitement, they called out from across the chaotic streams, "True Immortal Shang and Stargazer Yan… Is that you?”

Compared to the 2 who had to shout to be heard through the chaotic streams, Shang Xia's voice was much calmer. "It is I. I brought Stargazer Yan to meet True Immortal Ying this time.”

"That's great!" The elder brother, Shi Chongyuan exclaimed with excitement, "My brother and I were sent by our leaders to invite you to our world for a discussion.”

Hearing their intention, Shang Xia exchanged a glance with Yan Ming before they started to move to the other Star Ship.

As they drew near and saw the happy expressions on the Shi Brothers' faces, Shang Xia smiled. "Is something the matter for True Immortal Ying to invite me to your world?”

Glancing at each other, Shi Chongyuan eventually stepped forward and clasped his fists respectfully. "True Immortal Shang, it’s related to the matter of the ascension of our world. Our leaders hope that you can lend us a hand once again…”

“Oh.” Shang Xia raised an eyebrow before turning serious. “Is there a problem with the process?”

The Shi Brothers hesitated for a moment, and finally, Shi Chongyi mumbled, “There shouldn’t be a problem, but we’re not very clear on the specifics. Senior Shang, you and Stargazer Yan should head over to our world for a discussion. Our leaders should know more.”

Shang Xia, already suspecting something, maintained his gentle demeanor. "That's perfect, I haven't seen them for several years!”

The Shi Brothers turned their ship around to lead the way back to the Azure Ruling World as Shang Xia’s ship followed closely behind.

After some time, the chaotic streams started to thin out. After passing through a short turbulent belt, they entered the void around the Azure Ruling World.

By the time they emerged, the Ying Brothers already received a transmission from Shi Chongyuan and Shi Chongyi and rushed over as quickly as they could.

…

"This…” Shang Xia couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow curiously after seeing how excited they were to see him.

This time, without waiting for the more straightforward Ying Lianquan to speak, Ying Lianxi took the initiative. "It's embarrassing to say, but our abilities were not up to par. The ascension process has begun to slow down, and us brothers have been unable to find the resources to make up for the deficiency in the world origin. In desperation, we sent the Shi Brothers to the Chaotic Sea of Stars to seek True Immortal Shang's help. We hope that you can once again lend us your strength!”

Ying Lianquan quickly added, "It's true that True Immortal Shang has already helped us a lot, and we shouldn't have disturbed your peace with this matter. But for the sake of our world's ascension, you sacrificed a Heaven Support Jade Pillar. We have exhausted all the resources of our Twin Star Pirates and it would be a pity to fail now… In recent years, we borrowed and even plundered everything we could. We’re truly out of options now and that is why we would like to shamelessly ask you for a favor…”

Ying Lianxi revealed a look of embarrassment and muttered, "It's shameful, indeed!"

In response, Shang Xia broke out into laughter. "So, that’s really it! You might not believe it, but the reason I came this time is to hasten your ascension into a Spirit World.”

Ying Lianquan revealed a look of astonishment, and while Ying Lianqi was also surprised, flashes of doubt crossed his eyes. There was also a trace of hesitation.

Shang Xia chuckled after seeing the look in their eyes. "You need not wonder, I indeed have another motive, but it will not fundamentally harm your world even after the world ascension.”

The Ying Brothers exchanged a serious look before Ying Lianxi spoke, “True Immortal Shang, pray tell.”

Shang Xia then became serious. "To be frank, this matter relates to my upcoming ascension to the Seventh Order."

The moment the words left his lips, the Ying Brothers’ eyes widened in shock. They didn’t know what to say, and the Shi Brothers beside them were also dumbfounded.

After a while, the Ying Brothers regained their composure, but when they looked at Shang Xia again, there was complex emotions in their eyes. Interestingly, they seemed a lot more relaxed.

"True Immortal Shang, you actually reached such a high level already…” Ying Lianxi paused for a second before he continued, “In that case, we have less of a reason not to cooperate. We shall do whatever you command! Moreover, we hope to offer an early congratulations for your ascension to the next level to become a Sage!”

After hearing how Shang Xia would be able to advance after helping their world, they knew that they couldn’t refuse his help. Also… They never intended to refuse.

They might have been suspicious before, wondering if Shang Xia had ulterior motives in helping them complete the Azure Ruling World’s ascension and may have been somewhat defensive. All that seemed unnecessary after hearing he was about to break through.

If Shang Xia's ascension was successful, there was no need to worry any longer. With the help of a mighty Sage, all their petty schemes would be a joke in his eyes. Shang Xia wouldn’t covet a newly ascended Spirit World.

𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

If Shang Xia's attempt to break through failed… All bets were off. They wouldn’t need to worry about his schemes anyway since he might not even survive.

The Ying Brothers no longer cared about their little schemes and decided to show their cards. At the very least, if Shang Xia succeeded, they would be able to gain the grace and gratitude of a Sage.

As for sabotaging Shang Xia's ascension… The thought barely formed before they squashed it completely.

What a joke! The massive Heaven Supporting Jade Pillar was propping up their heavens! If it collapsed or was removed, who knew what would become of their world? It might simply shatter and explode to bits!

Seeing the Ying Brothers so forthcoming, Shang Xia laughed, "Then I'll accept your congratulations!"

Soon after, Ying Lianquan couldn't help but ask, "True Immortal Shang… How do you plan to hasten the process of our transformation?”

With a wide smile on his face, Shang Xia explained, "It’s simple! Our previous forceful approach was akin to draining the pond to catch the fish. All we need to do is to replace the world origin.”

Ying Lianxi was greatly taken aback. “How much world origin would we need? Even if we bring back an Origin Holy Artifact back that has been filled to the brim, it would be far from enough!”

Shang Xia laughed heartily in response. "You’re right. The amount of world origin required is indeed significant, but there’s another aspect we need to consider. The quality of world origin!”

Ying Lianquan's eyes lit up the next second. "True Immortal Shang, did you bring world origin from another Spirit World?”

Ying Lianxi also looked expectantly at Shang Xia.

Roaring with laughter, Shang Xia loudly declared, “No, no, no… It’s not from a Spirit World. It’s world origin from an Essence World!”