Chapter 1999: Kou Chongxue’s Discovery

In the void outside the Spirit Frost World, within the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field, Shang Xia revealed to Kou Chongxue the news about ancient powerhouses from over 1,000 years ago who had prolonged their lives by sleeping within the stars at the edges of the Chaotic Sea of Stars.

That only raised more questions in Kou Chongxue’s mind. In particular, those existences from over 1,000 years ago... If they had been sleeping in the great stars, they definitely severed their connection with their origin worlds or Heavenly Fields.

Kou Chongxue couldn’t help but think of Shang Xia and the way he severed his karmic bonds from the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field.

Shang Xia clearly guessed what Kou Chongxue was thinking and said, “The Star Origin Lord did not state the details, but it should be related to the great suns they chose for slumber. Also, those beings who have slept until now may not have completely severed their connection with their Heavenly Fields either.”

Upon hearing the revelation, Kou Chongxue seemed to have grasped something vaguely. In fact, both of them had already seen similar cases before. For example, Zhuo Gudao, who, after losing the support of his Spirit Observation World, could still temporarily maintain his cultivation with just a Dao Field. He later even seized the opportunity of Yuan Ping’s death to forcibly take over the Essence Hong Heavenly Field. Another example was Sage Jin. Even after his Heavenly Field collapsed and his world was thrown into the Nebula Forbidden Region, he survived all the way and maintained his cultivation as a mid-level Sage. His cultivation only regressed at the very end, causing him to avoid fighting as much as possible.

Recently, similar things had happened to the Chen Dynasty Emperor of the Essence Xing World and Yan Yu of the Essence Du Heavenly Field.

Kou Chongxue pondered for a moment and said, “If their Heavenly Fields still exist, would the newly advanced Sages know of their existence? Or would they sense their relationship with their Heavenly Field?”

Shang Xia shook his head and said, “Perhaps they know, perhaps they don’t. But even if they do, what difference would it make? First, the newly advanced Sages, whether in cultivation or strength, are surely no match for the seniors slumbering within the great stars. Second, if the Heavenly Field truly faces danger, at least there is someone to hold the line. Third, those who choose to sleep to slow the loss of their vitality will minimize their own consumption. Even if they need the support of their Heavenly Field, their drain on the world’s origin will likely be far less than that of a normal Sage. So, even if they knew, the Sages would likely keep it secret.”

Kou Chongxue nodded slowly before muttering in a low voice, “Then this suggests the appearance of Beast Warriors might be experiments by those ancient beings who chose to sleep, attempting to prolong their lives when their lifespan is insufficient?”

Kou Chongxue continued thoughtfully, “That would explain it. Now, with the forbidden regions in the eight great Star Regions of the Chaotic Sea of Stars becoming active, and a new round of invasion from beyond about to begin, those ancient beings from over 1,000 years ago no longer have any need to continue sleeping to prolong their lifespans.”

Shang Xia added, “As for why Star Beasts have become less active in the Chaotic Sea of Stars... It’s likely because of the impending invasion. After all, Star Beasts excel at traveling through the void and are probably the most sensitive to spatial changes in the Chaotic Sea of Stars. They must have sensed danger approaching in some mysterious way.”

Kou Chongxue clearly agreed with Shang Xia’s judgment, but still had one more question. “I am just curious, what is the Star Origin Lord’s purpose in telling us this? Is it to warn us, or to do something?”

Shang Xia thought for a moment before offering a bold guess. “Perhaps he wants to take revenge.”

Kou Chongxue was startled. “Those beings once took part in the battle to destroy the Heaven Observation Sect?”

Shang Xia replied, “It is said that over 1,000 years ago, the Stargazers of the Heaven Observation Sect could locate the great stars where those great beings were sleeping. Another reason for destroying the Heaven Observation Sect was likely to eliminate that threat.”

As the two conversed, they continued walking around the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field, and soon arrived in the void surrounding the Essence Luxuriant World.

Kou Chongxue suddenly said, “Have you noticed an interesting phenomenon regarding the incorporation of Essence Worlds into the Four Essence Heavenly Field?”

Shang Xia frowned. “What phenomenon?”

“Except for the Essence Ping World, the other Essence Worlds there, including the newest remnant of the Essence Xing World, used to house first star Sages. Moreover, all of them hadn’t cultivated for long.” Kou Chongxue continued, “Moreover, when the Spirit Observation World was first accepted into the Heavenly Field, the second star Zhuo Gudao was instantly expelled. Even with the Essence Du Heavenly Field submitting to the Star Origin Lord, the third star Yan Yu was chased away. Instead, he took the Chen Dynasty Emperor, who had just advanced...”

Shang Xia pondered over Kou Chongxue’s words before speaking again. “If you hadn’t pointed it out, I really wouldn’t have noticed. You mean...”

Kou Chongxue shook his head. “I don’t know either, but the Star Origin Lord now has only one goal, to break through to the Martial Eternity Realm. So, his actions must be related to that breakthrough. Perhaps having Essence Worlds guarded only by first star Sages makes it easier for him to control the Heavenly Field?”

This last statement was clearly more speculation than certainty.

Shang Xia said slowly, “Your guess is not without reason. Regardless of the truth, the Star Origin Lord deliberately controlling the cultivation level of Sages in his Heavenly Field is probably real.”

At the same time, a thought suddenly rose in Shang Xia’s mind, and a smile appeared on his face. “I wonder if others have noticed this peculiarity. Perhaps we should share this with other Sages. Brainstorming with others is always good.”

Just then, the two Sages stopped, and Shang Xia realized they had arrived near his temporary residence hehad established in the void back then.

Surprisingly, it looked completely different. Not only had the small floating island been expanded and set with multiple formations, but the interior space had also been greatly enlarged. In the void not far outside, a massive foundation of a plaza had already been completed. Under the guidance of several Formation Masters and Stargazers, many workers were working tirelessly to build it. Judging by its current scale, one could easily imagine how grand it would be once completed.

“What is this?” Shang Xia looked at Kou Chongxue beside him with some surprise.

Kou Chongxue smiled. “It’s not ideal for you to always stay in this shabby temporary residence. Since you will rarely return to the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field in the future, we might as well arrange this place properly. As for this building, I think you’ve already guessed. It’s the base of a Star Observatory. The Star Observatory in our Dao Field is no longer keeping up with Yuan Qiuyuan’s progress, so it’s time to build a grander one. Of course... Building it near your residence will ensure its absolute safety.”

Shang Xia thought for a moment and said, “Very well. Once the Star Observatory is completed, perhaps Little Yuan and the others can use it to perform their stargazing techniques and locate those ancient beings slumbering within the great stars at the edge of the Chaotic Sea of Stars.”