Chapter 1014: Azure Saint Tomb

"True Saint, you recognize the Azure Saint Token?" Wu Yuan asked softly, surprised the True Saint had identified it before he could explain.

His earlier hesitation to reveal the Azure Saint Watchtower was deliberate, not out of forgetfulness.

Based on his previous exchange with Overlord Gu Nian, the Azure Saint Token was likely extremely precious. Moreover, Wu Yuan had deduced from the secret arts and other information gleaned from the Azure Saint Watchtower that the so-called Azure Saint Tomb likely held even greater secrets. Naturally, he had reservations.

However, their recent conversation and exchange of treasures had alleviated some of Wu Yuan's initial concerns.

"Indeed, I've seen one before. The Azure Saint Tomb is quite renowned in the cosmic sea." True Saint Taiyuan gazed at Wu Yuan before continuing, "It's an extremely dangerous immutable relic site and is of unimaginable antiquity, perhaps the oldest immutable relic site in the cosmic sea. At the very least, it’s far more ancient than the Creation Dao Realm."

Wu Yuan nodded slightly.

Though the Azure Saint Watchtower contained some information, it was mostly general descriptions without much detail.

"The Azure Saint was an inconceivable being." A hint of reverence and awe shone in True Saint Taiyuan's eyes. "Like the Origin Saint, he left behind only legends, before disappearing without a trace.

“The sole difference is that the Origin Saint left mere words and messages in many immutable relic sites, with no concrete deeds. But the Azure Saint left behind a complete relic site, said to be his tomb," True Saint Taiyuan explained.

"Yet over countless eons and many samsara cycles of heaven and earth, though numerous sempiternal lives and eternal powerhouses have attempted to explore it, none have confirmed whether the Azure Saint's remains truly lie within. I'm inclined to believe he still lives."

"Still alive? Then...?" Wu Yuan was taken aback.

He knew little about the Origin Saint. When it came to Azure Saint, he knew even less.

"Are the Azure Saint and Origin Saint powerhouses from the Primordial Era?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask.

The Primordial Era was the era of all beginnings.

"Likely not." True Saint Taiyuan shook his head gently. "The period of their emergence was probably even earlier."

"Even earlier?" Wu Yuan was shocked.

In his previous understanding, the origin of all things in the vast heaven and earth, as well as the most ancient era of the megaverse, was the Primordial Era.

Figures like the Spacetime Dao Master and Creation Dao Master seemed to have risen to power and become Dao Masters in that era.

An even earlier era? What could that be?

In truth, if Wu Yuan's two true selves shared their consciousness, he would have a deeper understanding of the Creation Dao Master. But with their minds currently isolated, Wu Yuan's two true selves had slightly differing levels of knowledge.

"I rose to power in a later era, so many secrets remain unknown to me. Perhaps in the future, you can inquire with the Eldritch Progenitors of the Eldritch Court," True Saint Taiyuan said, shaking his head slightly. "I'll just tell you about this Azure Saint Tomb."

"Yes, please," Wu Yuan nodded repeatedly.

"The boundless megaverse is filled with unfathomable mysteries," True Saint Taiyuan began. "The Primordial essence envelops the entire megaverse, its power permeating endless spacetime. At the very core of the megaverse lie thirty-six rivers of space and time.

“In the future, should you achieve eternity and observe from the cosmic sea, you'll discover that the thirty-six universes are like tributaries branching off from a massive river of space and time, converging and intertwining.

So the core of the entire megaverse, the thirty-six universes, actually exists within a single, enormous river of space and time?

Wu Yuan listened intently, having previously thought each universe was independent.

Upon reflection, it made sense. Their convergence explained why all universes were simultaneously affected during the samsara cycles of heaven and earth.

“The thirty-six universes, and the region enveloped by their essences, are known as the Heartland. Here, spacetime is relatively stable. Not only Overlords, but even many late-stage Sovereigns can venture in," True Saint Taiyuan explained softly.

"Due to this stability, eternal beings often establish their realms here as strongholds. My own dwelling is within the Heartland. The Azure Saint Tomb is also located in the Heartland, not far from the Ling Jiang Universe," True Saint Taiyuan continued. "If you were to journey there, you could arrive in just a few months."

"A few months?" Wu Yuan was surprised. "That long?" With Wu Yuan's current travel speed, he could traverse an entire universe in mere hours.

"It's quite close, actually. Don't measure the cosmic sea by the universe’s standards," True Saint Taiyuan smiled. "The thirty-six samsara universes are the core of the entire megaverse, the locus of providence.

“But in terms of sheer territory, each universe is but a drop of water in the vastness of the cosmic sea, minuscule in comparison.

“The cosmic sea is boundless. Even eternal beings, roaming for millions of years, have yet to find where it ends. One can get hopelessly lost within its expanse," True Saint Taiyuan explained.

Wu Yuan listened with bated breath.

The boundless cosmic sea? Truly endless! Its vastness and mystery stirred a longing in Wu Yuan's heart.

"Before stepping into eternity, one should not venture beyond the Heartland," True Saint Taiyuan continued.

"The Azure Saint Tomb is extraordinarily dangerous, safeguarded by numerous mechanisms established by the Azure Saint," True Saint Taiyuan said, turning to Wu Yuan. "Without a token, entering it means certain death. However, with a token, the risks are significantly reduced, offering a chance to encounter some fortuitous opportunities."

“There are two types of Azure Saint Tokens: the sempiternal token you possess, and the eternal token.

“A sempiternal token can typically be exchanged for a low-grade Xiantian artifact and allows one sempiternal lifeform to enter the Azure Saint Tomb once.

“An eternal token is relatively more precious. My suggestion is for you to wait until you're stronger, at least when you’ve attained third-stage Overlord strength, before attempting to enter. Your gains will likely be greater then," True Saint Taiyuan advised.

Third-stage Overlord strength?

Wu Yuan made a mental note.

Overlords of such caliber were extremely rare, truly capable of dominating the universe.

"The Azure Saint Tomb holds many opportunities, but there's one thing I must warn you of: don't grow obsessed with Divine Sacrifice," True Saint Taiyuan warned gravely. "Divine Sacrifice is a widespread cultivation school of thought in the cosmic sea, most popular among naturally-born eternal lifeforms. But it's extremely dangerous and one can lose themselves completely in it."

"Divine Sacrifice?" Wu Yuan was startled.

He immediately recalled the Azure Divine Sacrifice mentioned in the Azure Saint Watchtower. Sacrificing oneself to the Primordium to obtain the mightiest power.

"All Divine Sacrifices claim to draw upon the Primordium, but in truth, they originate from some unknown, mysterious power sources," True Saint Taiyuan said solemnly. "These power sources are all terrifying. The more you borrow, the deeper you sink, until you fall completely under their control.

“Many eternal beings suspect that the Azure Saint Tomb itself is a source of Divine Sacrifice. But it can't be confirmed," True Saint Taiyuan said. "In any case, approach with extreme caution."

"Understood," Wu Yuan replied.

Inwardly, he was in awe. It seemed the information left in the Azure Saint Watchtower couldn't be fully trusted. However, since True Saint Taiyuan hadn't forbidden him from going, Wu Yuan figured it should be safe to explore as long as he refrained from employing the Azure Divine Sacrifice.

"Ming Jian. This is the Taiyuan Talisman." True Saint Taiyuan suddenly waved his hand, and another streak of light flew out, landing before Wu Yuan. "With this talisman, you'll receive subtle guidance within the Heartland when you enter the cosmic sea in the future, allowing you to reach the Taiyuan Tower."

"Yes," Wu Yuan reached out to accept the talisman, which emitted a hazy glow. Though not a Xiantian artifact, it was clearly special.

"Alright, you may go," True Saint Taiyuan said softly. "If you have urgent matters, report to me through the Taiyuan Voidrealm."

"Understood." The True Saint had dismissed him, so Wu Yuan naturally didn't linger. He bowed respectfully and swiftly departed.

Upon sensing Wu Yuan's departure from the Taiyuan Hall, a cold glint flashed across True Saint Taiyuan's gentle countenance.

Time to return. This battle requires my full concentration. It would be embarrassing if those people from the Yan Long Megaverse manage to snatch it away.

Whoosh~

His figure, along with the surroundings, dissolved into countless motes of light, vanishing like a mirage. The entire temple quickly returned to normal.

...

After leaving the Taiyuan Hall, Wu Yuan didn't tarry. As he prepared to return to the Taiyuan True Realm, he received a message from Overlord Xin Ya. Thus, he headed there directly.

The Xin Ya Realm was vast and magnificent, a world specially created by Overlord Xin Ya, home to countless lifeforms.

"Senior Xin Ya." Wu Yuan arrived outside the black temple at the highest reaches of the Xin Ya Realm's void.

Numerous Astral Monarchs patrolled the outside of the temple. Seeing Wu Yuan descend, they nodded slightly in greeting.

Boom~

Soon after, a powerful aura emanated from the temple as a towering figure shrouded in black mist emerged. It was Overlord Xin Ya.

"Ming Jian, I told you before, just call me Xin Ya. No need to be so formal," Overlord Xin Ya said with a chuckle, his voice ringing clearly through the temple's void without restraint.

Call him Xin Ya? The surrounding Astral Monarchs were instantly shocked, the way they looked at Wu Yuan completely changed. They had assumed Wu Yuan was merely a Sovereign, not realizing he was the divine court headquarters' newly ascended Overlord.

Indeed, in the vast territory of the divine court headquarters, with countless Astral Monarchs, the majority were unaware that Wu Yuan's qi refiner self was now an Overlord.

"Alright," Wu Yuan smiled.

"Ming Jian, I've already instructed several Sovereigns to construct your Overlord Divine Realm," Overlord Xin Ya said. "With the inclusion of auxiliary cultivation arrays, the process will take some time. Once it's complete, your true self will be able to reside permanently in the Taiyuan True Realm."

"That won't be necessary! Senior Xin Ya, I estimate I'll be spending most of my time in the Greenridge Macrocosm from now on," Wu Yuan shook his head.

Deep in his heart, Wu Yuan still preferred staying in the Greenridge Macrocosm, as it brought more peace to his spirit. Whether a golden nest or a silver nest, none is better than one's own nest. [1] For someone like Wu Yuan, who had reached such an advanced level of cultivation, further Dao comprehension relied heavily on his inner sentiments.

"Very well, as you wish," Overlord Xin Ya said with a smile, understanding Wu Yuan's choice. "But know that your Overlord temple will always be here, waiting for you."

Most Overlords, when faced with such a decision, would choose as Wu Yuan had.

"There is one more matter," Overlord Xin Ya continued, his tone growing serious. "It concerns Overlord Bloodforge."

"Overlord Bloodforge?" Wu Yuan echoed softly.

His thoughts drifted to the Bloodforge Devil Hall in the macrocosm. According to the intelligence he'd gathered, the Bloodforge Devil Hall seemed to have been established specifically for Overlord Bloodforge.

"Bloodforge seeks your aid," Overlord Xin Ya stated plainly.

1. 金窝银窝，不如自家窝 The meaning of this proverb is that material wealth or luxury cannot replace the feeling of belonging and comfort that one's own home provides. ☜