Chapter 1133: What Goddess Nwa Left Behind

The youngest? The shortest time? Wu Yuan had taken two hundred and fifty million years. That was considered young?

"Thank you, Senior," Wu Yuan sincerely marveled.

"No need to thank me," White Emperor smiled faintly.

He knew Wu Yuan had basically grasped the situation, understanding that the Path of Dreams and Path of Light were actually opportunities, not purely danger zones.

"If you want to thank someone, thank Goddess Nüwa. Everything here was left behind by her." White Emperor stood up, came to Wu Yuan's side, then pointed to the far end of the temple: "Wu Yuan, look over there."

As Wu Yuan gazed in that direction, his pupils constricted slightly. "That is?"

Only now did he notice a statue standing at the far end of the temple. The statue wasn't particularly tall, only about ten meters high, quite inconspicuous compared to the magnificent temple.

As Wu Yuan shifted his attention and began to notice this statue, he realized its special nature. Clad in white robes, with lowered brows and eyes, her gaze exuded warmth and tranquility, as if embodying the Dao resonance itself, eternal and everlasting. Wu Yuan's heart felt completely serene, involuntarily feeling a sense of closeness and security.

Around this statue, it seemed like all Dao fluctuations ceased to exist.

Outwardly, Wu Yuan remained impassive, but inwardly, towering waves of shock surged in his heart. It was worth noting that he was now extremely powerful; after attaining an Eternal Psyche, even if a True Saint appeared in person, it would be difficult to shake his spirit. Yet what stood before him was merely a statue, not even the true body of a powerhouse.

"This is one of the remnant forms Goddess Nüwa left behind," White Emperor sighed slowly. "To be precise, this was once one of Goddess Nüwa's incarnations. After Goddess Nüwa's departure, the residual power transformed into this statue, which is also one source of this Dream River of Universes’ power."

One of Goddess Nüwa's incarnations? Wu Yuan now understood why it gave him such a special feeling. Goddess Nüwa was one of the strongest beings of all time, after all.

"Goddess Nüwa's made numerous achievements. She fully comprehended numerous Great Daos, and even pioneered more than one self-created Dao," White Emperor glanced at Wu Yuan. "You should understand the reason."

"Different true selves?" Wu Yuan couldn't help but ask.

White Emperor nodded: "Goddess Nüwa was similar to you, having two true selves, both ultimately reaching the Dao Zenithel stage. In that era, the eight Dao Masters jointly revered Goddess Nüwa as supreme.

"She was the undisputed strongest in the early Primordial Era."

Wu Yuan marveled inwardly. Pioneering two Daos, both true selves reaching the Dao Zenithel realm? Truly a mind-blowing feat.

"Of course, Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu and the Heavenly Imperator aren't necessarily weaker than Goddess Nüwa, but they never truly clashed," White Emperor shook his head. "If Goddess Nüwa were still alive, perhaps she would have taken the fifth step, and everything would be different."

If she were still alive? Wu Yuan's expression changed slightly: "Senior White Emperor, has Goddess Nüwa perished?"

In the legends and tales he knew, Goddess Nüwa had ventured deep into the cosmic sea, disappearing without a trace.

"I don't know," White Emperor said frankly.

Wu Yuan was taken aback.

"When Goddess Nüwa left, she didn't go alone, but took a large group of powerhouses with her, all with a common goal.

"At that time, the cosmic sea wasn't as prosperous as it is now. Besides the Dao Masters, there weren't many Dao Zenithels, less than ten in total.

"And on that occasion, most of the True Saints and a few Dao Zenithels from the cosmic sea followed Goddess Nüwa," said White Emperor.

"For a common goal?" Wu Yuan was surprised.

What goal was worth so many super powerhouses of the Primordial Era setting out together?

"It seems you truly don't know. It's normal, after all, you're just a sempiternal lifeform," White Emperor smiled. "Many samsara cycles of heaven and earth have passed, and the cosmic sea is peaceful now. In this era, many True Saints probably don't know about it either."

Wu Yuan listened attentively.

"It was a cataclysm," White Emperor said solemnly. "A cataclysm capable of annihilating everything, ending all spacetime. Back then, Goddess Nüwa crafted the Five-Colored Stones as one of the countermeasures to prevent this cataclysm.

"The Five-Colored Stones, later known as the Nüwa Stones, were used in that battle of the Primordial Era. The entire boundless cosmic sea had just been created and was evolving, spacetime had just begun, and the severity of the cataclysm was just the tip of the iceberg. It was Goddess Nüwa who united the various Dao Masters, numerous Dao Zenithels, and True Saints to fight, and only then did they win that battle," said White Emperor.

Wu Yuan listened in shock. He knew nothing of these secrets.

"Back then, I was just a step away from the Dao Zenithel stage, and I completely perished in that battle," White Emperor shook his head and sighed.

"Completely perished?" Wu Yuan was stunned. "Then Senior, your current self?"

White Emperor before him seemed very much alive, didn't he?

Hearing this, White Emperor smiled, but he didn't explain further.

"Winning that battle in the Primordial Era only delayed the cataclysm," White Emperor continued. "Goddess Nüwa worried that if we remained passive in our defense, allowing it to spread unchecked, we would repeat the fate of the previous Primordial Epoch."

"The previous Primordial Epoch?" Wu Yuan was increasingly confused.

What was a Primordial Epoch?

"Primordial Epochs may not necessarily exist, it's just a conjecture of Goddess Nüwa and the others," said White Emperor. "You should know that there are many incredible relic sites and legends in the boundless cosmic sea, such as the Origin Saint, and the Azure Saint Tomb. Yet, they had already existed since the beginning of the Primordial Era."

Wu Yuan nodded.

The Origin Saint seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, leaving behind only legends of invincibility. The Azure Saint Tomb was confirmed to have been left behind by a supreme being known as the Azure Saint, but who exactly was the Azure Saint? There had never been such a powerhouse from the Primordial Era till now.

"Many signs indicate that there was an even more ancient era before the Primordial Era," said White Emperor. "However, according to the deductions of many Dao Zenithels, the source of all time and space was the moment the Primordial Era began. That was the starting point of spacetime, and before that? There was no before."

The starting point? The source of everything?

Wu Yuan pondered.

So, Goddess Nüwa and the others speculated that this current Primordial Epoch occurred when spacetime was created anew? And figures like the Origin Saint and Azure Saint belonged to the completely annihilated previous Primordial Epoch, of which not even traces of spacetime remained?

"Goddess Nüwa and the others believed that if they allowed that cataclysm to spread, the entire cosmic sea would eventually be destroyed," White Emperor said gravely. "Not only would all living beings be slaughtered, but this stretch of time, this span of years, this realm of spacetime that belongs to us would be completely annihilated, everything ceasing to exist."

Wu Yuan listened in astonishment.

"So, Goddess Nüwa and the others embarked on a journey? Into the depths of the cosmic sea?" Wu Yuan asked.

"They did embark on a journey," White Emperor smiled faintly. "When your strength is sufficient, Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu will tell you about it. Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu knows far more than I do."

Wu Yuan nodded.

"You are still weak now, there's no need to worry too much about these things. Knowing a little is enough," White Emperor smiled. "After all, this era is much stronger than the Primordial Era. Over the long years, a large group of Dao Zenithels have been born.

"Moreover, after so much time has passed, no cataclysmic battles have erupted in the cosmic sea. Perhaps Goddess Nüwa and the others have already ended all disasters," said White Emperor.

Wu Yuan nodded slightly.

The fact that the cosmic sea had been peaceful for so long, without any major incidents, indicated there were no great dangers.

The ongoing war between the Eldritch Court and the Immortal Court showed that there was no great doomsday threat that required all powerhouses to stand united.

"Before leaving, Goddess Nüwa made many arrangements for the human race and for all beings in the cosmic sea. This Dream River of Universes is one such arrangement," said White Emperor.

"Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu received a great opportunity from this Dream River of Universes, and now you have too."

Wu Yuan nodded in agreement.

Indeed, this Dream River of Universes was truly extraordinary. Without its special environment and the special spirit worlds of the two guardians, he wouldn’t have been able to create a Dream World so quickly.

"Having passed the two consecutive trials, you now qualify to receive one of the treasures left behind by Goddess Nüwa," White Emperor smiled. "The Goddess left thirteen treasures in total, seven of which remain. You may choose any one of them to take with you."

Seven? This meant six powerhouses had previously passed the trials set by Goddess Nüwa.

𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Where are these treasures?" Wu Yuan asked curiously, his gaze sweeping across the temple. It was completely empty, with no sign of any treasures.

"I know you're eager, but be patient," White Emperor smiled faintly.

With a wave of his hand, a dreamlike scene unfolded as seven items emanating hazy, vast auras appeared in the void not far away.

One was a leaf, radiating an endless, rich vital aura, like a vast universe unto itself.

Another was a mountain peak, completely golden, its radiance seemingly solidified. Even Wu Yuan dared not look at it directly, finding it somewhat painful.

There was also a suspended drop of water...

These treasures?

Wu Yuan's gaze swept over each item. He couldn’t tell what they were right away.

But with his level of discernment, he could vaguely judge that each treasure was likely far superior to the Azure Origin Armor or the Mo Yuan Sabers.

After all, these were ultimate treasures specially left behind by Goddess Nüwa.

"Goddess Nüwa said that ultimate treasures are a matter of fate. Before you make your choice, I won't explain further. Perceive them carefully. The treasure chosen depends on your destiny..."

As White Emperor was speaking, he saw Wu Yuan already walking directly towards one of the treasures. It was a huge stone emanating a hazy white light.

It was somewhat similar to the white Nüwa stone fragment in Wu Yuan's possession, but its aura was clearly more majestic and vast.

Perhaps due to being sealed, the pressure emanating from this huge stone wasn't too strong. Yet it couldn't conceal the fact that it was an ultimate treasure.

"Senior White Emperor, I choose this one," Wu Yuan suddenly spoke, pointing at the white stone, his eyes fixed upon it.

"You won't change your mind?" White Emperor couldn't help but ask, "Do you know what this treasure is?"

"I don't," Wu Yuan shook his head.

"This is the White Stone Essence of the Nüwa Stones," White Emperor looked at Wu Yuan. "Such a large piece of White Stone Essence, if in the hands of a powerhouse skilled in equipment forging, could be forged into a soul-class Xiantian Instrument. It might even have the potential to be crafted into a soul-class Chaos Treasure."

"Chaos Treasure?" Wu Yuan was startled.

"Beyond Xiantian Instruments are Chaos Treasures," White Emperor seemed to realize Wu Yuan didn't know this information. "But Chaos Treasures are difficult to forge, even for Dao Zenithels.

"Above Chaos Treasure are Xuanhuang Dao Treasures."

Wu Yuan listened with bated breath.

In the past, he only knew of Xiantian artifacts. Today was the first time he learned of Chaos Treasures and Xuanhuang Dao Treasures.

"Xuanhuang Dao Treasures are also known as supreme treasures. The birth of each one is a convergence of circumstances, born of destiny, not something that can be forcibly forged," said White Emperor. "For example, the Eternal Register, and the Qiankun Vase wielded by Goddess Nüwa were both born due to very special reasons."

"The Eternal Register is a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?" Wu Yuan was increasingly shocked. He immediately understood why the Eternal Register was so special.

"Most Dao Zenithels don't possess Xuanhuang Dao Treasures," White Emperor smiled. "Any Dao Zenithel wielding a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure would instantly see their power rise to the peak among Dao Zenithels.

"So, do you understand the value of this piece of White Stone Essence?" White Emperor pointed at the white stone not far away.

Wu Yuan nodded.

By such reckoning, this White Stone Essence was precious enough to make countless True Saints green with envy or even drive them mad with desire.

However, the reason Wu Yuan was so determined to choose it was not because it could be refined into a Chaos Treasure.

"Are you still planning to choose this?" White Emperor inquired.

"Yes," Wu Yuan nodded, without further explaining his reasoning.

"Very well. Put it away then," White Emperor waved his hand. "It's already been sealed. With your strength, you should be able to take it."

Wu Yuan waved his hand, attempting to store the massive white stone. He felt as if he were a young boy again, straining to move a great boulder – immensely difficult, yet manageable with effort.

And this is with the seal in place?

Wu Yuan marveled inwardly.

If unsealed, how overwhelming would its pressure be? I fear I wouldn't be able to make it budge at all.

Only with the seal did Wu Yuan have any hope of storing it.

"Rise," he commanded through gritted teeth, pouring his will into the task.

His body refiner self flew out, and with both true selves working in tandem, they finally shifted the White Stone Essence a little. At last, his qi refiner self managed to draw it into his internal space.

Without question, whether for crafting artifacts or other purposes, the qi refiner self was better suited to hold it.

The other treasures?

Wu Yuan's gaze swept over the remaining items, only to see the other six ultimate treasures gradually fade into the void, vanishing from sight.

If he could obtain them all... The thought had barely flickered through Wu Yuan's mind when his heart clenched.

Stop. To have progressed so far and obtain such an ultimate treasure is already a tremendous gain. How could I be greedy for more?

Wu Yuan cautioned himself, drawing on the wisdom of countless lifetimes. Unbridled greed was taboo.

"Now that you have your treasure, it's time to send you on your way," White Emperor smiled. "Is there anything else you desire?"

Wu Yuan asked, "If I may, Senior White Emperor, I have a dear friend who was also lost within Ancient Dream Mountain. Her name is Lan Yan. I wonder if you might..."

"Sovereign Lan Yan? She carried a fragment of the white stone, and being of the human race, she did not perish," White Emperor said with a faint smile. "She was meant to remain trapped here for eons, but since you've asked, you may take her with you when you leave.

"However, this is a one-time courtesy. In the future, such things will not be granted so easily."

"She's alive?" Wu Yuan's heart leapt with joy. He had worried that Sovereign Lan Yan might have long since died after billions of years.

If she had perished, his only recourse would have been to implore the Spacetime Dao Master to resurrect her.

"Thank you, Senior White Emperor," Wu Yuan said gratefully.

"Senior, before I depart, this junior wishes to pay my respects to Goddess Nüwa," Wu Yuan said.

This request seemed to startle White Emperor, who revealed a hint of an enigmatic smile. "Very well, go ahead."

Whoosh!

Wu Yuan arrived reverently before the statue and knelt in deep obeisance. "Junior Wu Yuan offers thanks to Goddess Nüwa."

This was a bow of sincere admiration from Wu Yuan.

In his past life, she had been the progenitor of legend. In this life, she had still created the human race, and moreover stood as a leader of the cosmic sea, embarking tirelessly on her journey. He himself had even received her inheritance.

No matter what, having come here, he ought to pay his respects.

Thud! Thud!

Wu Yuan began to kowtow solemnly. As he was about to complete the third bow...

Hum~

An invisible wave of energy flew out from Goddess Nüwa’s statue, enveloping Wu Yuan in an instant. Immediately, a torrent of information flooded into his mind.

The 'Eternal Dream Codex'?

Wu Yuan was thunderstruck.