Chapter 1678: Missing Only One Thing (III)

Red Moon major world.

The Red Moon master was preoccupied with integrating Orchid Forest into his own. The addition of the Orchid Forest exalted emperors fully compensated for Red Moon’s losses.

He’d previously lost more than a dozen exalted emperors, many of whom were sixth ranks. While Orchid Forest didn’t have numerous sixth ranks, the entire dao universe was strengthened by the addition of over a dozen new exalted emperors. It resulted in some breaking through on Red Moon’s side.

Although no one made it to seventh rank, leaving the Orchid Forest master and Griefstricken the only ones, some peak sixth ranks had peered into the mysteries of seventh rank. That also meant that when Orchid Forest fully assimilated into Red Moon, another one or two seventh ranks might be born from the integration.

This calmed the Red Moon master’s raging temper. He was in a much better mood now!

Despite not locating the Sword Sovereign or finding clues as to New Martial’s movements, he could be certain that New Martial was not nearby. Otherwise, they would’ve taken action long ago.

Losing three seventh ranks for one goal had thrown the Red Moon master off balance. Thank goodness he’d gained the Orchid Forest master instead. That one was strong in battle, so although Red Moon’s strength seemed to have diminished somewhat, they were going to recover to peak condition very soon.

Within the massive hall.

The Red Moon master sat primly in the head seat, flanked by two seats below him. The Orchid Forest master and Griefstricken sat in them. Sixth ranks sat beneath them; Yan Fang was included among them.

“We should have proclaimed Orchid Forest’s joining to the rest of the chaos.” The Red Moon master flashed a rare smell. “The entire universe should celebrate with us! Alas, we do not know where New Martial is these days and Skyward is engulfed with confusion. We should not irritate the chaos with our actions now. You don’t mind, do you, Orchid Forest?”

“It’s better to keep a lower profile.” The Orchid Forest master shook his head.

The Red Moon master nodded, his smile broadening. He’d wanted nothing more than to kill the guy in front of him before when he dared make a move to stop him. But now, he rather admired the man some. Those who could become masters of the world were different, alright. They exercise more self-autonomy compared to other seventh ranks in Red Moon.

Of course, this new fondness was predicated on the other joining Red Moon and becoming one of his. The Orchid Forest master could still leave at the moment; he wouldn’t be able to once the assimilation was complete.

However, was the Red Moon master concerned about that?

The Orchid Forest master had already surrendered. If he dared leave after that, he might not even be able to retain his cultivation level as a seventh rank. In another year or two, he’d have to relinquish all of his energy to leave. Would Orchid Forest do so?

“Some problems developed at Red Moon a while back,” chuckled the Red Moon master. “That resulted in New Martial occupying some first mover advantage and giving them room to laugh at us. But now, we have greatly recovered. Hence, there are two things we need to immediately address.

“The first is locating the foundations of New Martial! The second is investigating the changes at Skyward!

“The first goes without saying, whereas the dao universe has appeared at Skyward for the second. Red Velarium and Siren previously paid a visit, but were sadly jointly killed by two bastards. Fog Mountain and the New Martial Human King have made it so that Red Moon has become the region that has infiltrated Skyward the least. We are the most uninformed about that major world!

“Fog Mountain made another move not long ago and challenged Flare Sun. The New Martial Human King appeared at that clash as well. Fog Mountain left quickly and resumed a holding pattern at Demon Summit. There are some rumors at Skyward that Demon Summit is the key to accessing the Skyward dao universe!

“In addition, Fog Mountain may wish to utilize the dao universe to ensure his independence from Skycloud. Skycloud is making no secret of that fact. Since its world master has released that information, he either wishes to trap someone with it or to force Fog Mountain to stay. If it is real, Fog Mountain’s enemies will come for him!”

As an eighth rank master of a world, the Red Moon master paid a great deal of attention to Skyward. He wouldn’t have sent two seventh ranks over otherwise. The Red Moon master just hadn’t anticipated that the trip would end in their deaths.

Now with the Human King’s continual presence there, it seemed likely that Fog Mountain had allied with him. Demon Summit was possibly the key to accessing the Skyward dao universe, yet Fog Mountain had occupied it!

The Red Moon master could tolerate someone else, such as Fog Mountain, seizing a ninth rank dao universe, but he could never swallow the Human King seizing it!

Once the Human King claimed it and truly entered eighth rank, the Red Moon master was well aware that he would no longer be a match for the Human King. Such was the harsh, naked truth!

The chaos did not award strength based on seniority. One wasn’t automatically stronger just because one was older or had ascended for a longer period of time.

The New Martial Human King was a maestro in sword dao, as well as cultivating both yin and yang. Not only that, but he established another new dao within yin and yang. That new dao was linked to a new world!

Red Moon would be in grave trouble if a fellow like him truly entered eighth rank!

“Do the two of you think that we should be involved in the matters at Skyward?” The Red Moon master looked at the two seventh ranks.

Griefstricken’s expression changed drastically at the question—two seventh ranks had just died! To be honest, he was extremely frightened by the possibility of being sent there as well. Both Fog Mountain and Human King had already killed Red Moon seventh ranks.

“Milord... there are many masters of the world over there,” Griefstricken offered in a small voice. “It’s said that the eighth ranks of Blazing Sun, Dragon, Light, and Skycloud all lie in wait...

“I rather think that we should devote our immediate time to recruiting the three major worlds in our vicinity instead. We should bring those four seventh ranks under our banner while no one else has the energy or time to spare for them!

“The alliance is too weak at the moment. They even wanted to attack Red Moon earlier...”

He didn’t wish to head to Skyward, no matter what. He also hoped that the world master would give up the Skyward ambition. Staying here to bring the other three major worlds into their ranks may not be a worse decision.

It was safer, in any case.

The three major worlds only had four seventh ranks among them. Red Moon currently had two seventh ranks and one eighth rank. They stood a chance of conquering all three worlds. The odds were even higher if they made the attempt one by one!

It was also a very safe endeavor.

The Red Moon master didn’t say anything. Griefstricken’s words were not without their logic. However, he glanced at the Orchid Forest master and smiled. “What are your thoughts, Orchid Forest?”

“Me?” The man was surprised considering he’d just joined Red Moon. “Milord Red Moon makes sense, but so does the Exalted Griefstricken Emperor! There are many eighth ranks at the unrest of Skyward. If milord goes... you may not find success!

“Not to mention, it’s only speculation as to whether or not the dao universe will open. It might take a few decades, centuries, or even longer before it comes to fruition! I think it is more practical to take in the three major worlds nearby!

“Granted, if the Skyward dao universe really does open, then a ninth rank dao universe....” the Orchid Forest master sighed with emotion. “If Red Moon misses out on it or other eighth ranks seize it, or even the New Martial Human King, that might give rise to a new ninth rank or facilitate the Human King into entering eighth rank!”

In other words, his response was useless because it rehashed what everyone already knew! It was also why the Red Moon master hesitated from taking action.

“Milord, why don’t we settle the three major worlds first,” Griefstricken hastily interrupted. “If the Skyward dao universe still does not open during this time, that means an opportunity for us...”

The Red Moon master nodded.

“Our only concern is that something unexpected develops halfway,” frowned the Orchid Forest master. “What if the Skyward dao universe appears during our recruitment effort? Do we forsake the task at hand and head to Skyward? We should either focus on one aspect or relinquish both of them!

𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

“Otherwise, should milord go or stay if conflict arises between Red Moon and the three major worlds during this period? If milord goes, the three worlds might turn on us. If milord does not go, that means a complete lack of opportunity at Skyward!”

The Orchid Forest master made sense. How could they be certain that the Skyward dao universe wouldn’t open while they focused on the three major worlds?

If it did and they were still struggling with the three major worlds, it would create a massive problem in their backyard to leave for Skyward then. The three major worlds would have been gravely offended!

And yet, if the Red Moon master did not head to Skyward, then he could only watch as someone else took the ninth rank dao universe.He wouldn’t be able to do anything about it!

These were heartfelt words! Although Griefstricken was irked by this outsider opposing him as soon as they arrived, he didn’t voice his discontent upon further thought. If such a situation developed and he insisted on his perspective, then the Red Moon master was sure to blame him. Things would be very dicey then.

The Orchid Forest master’s considerations were also true. What if such a coincidence just so happened to take place?

The Red Moon master was clearly aware of the possibilities—he wouldn’t be so conflicted otherwise.

“Orchid Forest speaks truly,” he said at this time. “But it would be a complete loss of an opportunity if we ignored either side. My consideration now is that I need to make a decision—either we temporarily give up the three major worlds or we relinquish Skyward!”

He looked at the group. “What do the rest of you think?”

No one dared make a sound. And so, the Red Moon master suddenly looked at a corner, at an exalted emperor that’d curled up on himself.

“What do you think, Pagoda King?” he asked faintly.

A hush stole over the scene. Contemptuous gazes appeared in everyone’s eyes.

The Pagoda King? That New Martial traitor!!

He was the height of shame as he’d lost face for all exalted emperors, kowtowing as he had to the Red Moon master in front of everyone. To be honest, not even Red Moon exalted emperors had ever done so. Perhaps they’d done so when they were yet to reach the exalted emperor level, but no one would do so once they were an exalted emperor.

Neither would the Red Moon master make such demands. Exalted emperors had their dignity to consider.

Most important was that the Red Moon master had spared him. Not only that, but the world master actually asked him this critical question. What an absurdity!

The Pagoda King walked out apprehensively and cowered on the ground. “How can this humble one participate in such important matters? But since milord asks, this humble one only has one point to add since I am too familiar with New Martial!”