Chapter 1229: Xuanhuang Essence, Revived (3)

"Remember, only a single consciousness can be imprinted on the Xuanhuang Essence," the silver-robed figure cautioned, his gaze penetrating. "Your two true selves share one consciousness, allowing simultaneous cultivation. However, should you be completely annihilated, the Xuanhuang Essence might fall into another's possession. I believe those Dao Zenithels would hunger desperately for such an ultimate treasure.

"Anyone below the level of Grand Supreme can claim ownership," he continued. "Only Grand Supremes, whose self-created Daos grow too powerful for the Xuanhuang Essence to contain, cannot use it to grant their mana and ether bodies Eternal Psyches.

"I strongly advise against spreading knowledge of this treasure," the silver-robed figure warned. "Refrain from cultivating it until you've established your Saint Realms and are fully capable of concealing the threads of destiny and spacetime. Otherwise, you risk exposing yourself."

"This junior understands," Wu Yuan replied, tension gripping his heart.

He suddenly realized the significance of the silver-robed figure’s earlier mention of Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu and the Heavenly Imperator; it indicated that he had comprehensive knowledge of the current situation in the cosmic sea. Yet he still counseled Wu Yuan against using the Xuanhuang Essence until he was capable of protecting himself.

If Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu learned of this treasure, she would undoubtedly covet it.

Wu Yuan thought to himself.

To Dao Zenithels, the Xuanhuang Essence likely held even greater allure than Xuanhuang Dao Treasures. Possessing it meant being able to deploy peak combat power recklessly without fear of true death.

I must ensure this remains an absolute secret.

Wu Yuan resolved.

Upon my return, I'll refrain from cultivating it until I step into eternity and open my Saint Realm

.

It wasn't that he distrusted Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu. Rather, the human heart was naturally vulnerable to temptation. The wisest approach was to avoid such temptation entirely.

"Senior, may I inquire about the second major function?" Wu Yuan asked respectfully.

"The second effect will be revealed when the time arrives," the silver-robed figure replied enigmatically. "Knowing it early on would hinder rather than help your cultivation journey."

"Hinder rather than help?" Wu Yuan was taken aback. What could be so mysterious?

"Very well," the silver-robed figure continued. "I've granted you the most precious treasure. You may make one additional modest request—an inheritance of ultimate techniques, rare artifacts, or even an eternal puppet. Choose as you wish, but moderate your expectations. You remain, after all, merely a sempiternal lifeform. If you request an artifact, I can bestow a Chaos Treasure at most. Do not even think about asking for a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure. Not a single one exists within the entire Azure Saint Tomb."

Moderate my expectations? At most a Chaos Treasure? Wu Yuan pondered silently.

Indeed, at different perspectives, one’s valuation of the same treasure differed.

What Wu Yuan hadn't fully grasped was the extraordinary significance of receiving the Xuanhuang Essence. To the silver-robed figure, this represented one of the two most precious treasures under his guardianship, now gifted to Wu Yuan.

While Chaos Treasures held great value, to beings of the Azure Saint's caliber, they weren't considered particularly remarkable. Only Xuanhuang Dao Treasures truly stood apart as exceedingly rare objects that even the Azure Saint couldn't create at will.

Wu Yuan took a moment to contemplate, weighing his words carefully before speaking.

"Senior," he asked with measured respect, "I made a promise to True Saint Tian Chan that I would set him free. What are your thoughts on this matter? He vowed to follow me for ten samsara cycles of heaven and earth if I released him from his imprisonment."

A peculiar smile flickered across the silver-robed figure's face. "True Saint Tian Chan?" he echoed, amusement evident in his tone. "That unfortunate fellow!

"Do you know his true identity?" the silver-robed figure asked, his smile lingering.

Wu Yuan shook his head slowly. Their encounter had been brief, just a single meeting.

"He was originally the spirit of the Xuanhuang Essence," the silver-robed figure stated.

Spirit? The word sent a jolt through Wu Yuan's mind. He had entertained various theories about True Saint Tian Chan—perhaps a surviving powerhouse from the previous Primordial Epoch, or maybe some unfortunate True Saint trapped within the Azure Saint Tomb's confines.

Never had he imagined that the being before him was the spirit of the Xuanhuang Essence itself.

Yet as Wu Yuan contemplated it, pieces began falling into place. How else could Tian Chan move freely through the Grand Supreme Realm? What other explanation could account for his intimate knowledge of the hall's inner workings?

"He was once the primordial spirit of the Xuanhuang Essence," the silver-robed figure continued. "But later, he underwent certain... unusual transformations, cultivating independently. That's the source of his two techniques: Eternal Incarnation and Dao Devouring."

The silver-robed figure gestured smoothly as he explained. "Consider his Eternal Incarnation technique. After gaining independence, he chose to comprehend the Great Dao of Five Elements, allowing him to cultivate five ether bodies.

"However, what you've encountered is no longer his original form. The Eternal Psyches cultivated by his ether bodies are significantly weaker, a full level below his true self, and have inherent flaws that prevent them from accommodating his Dao perfectly."

Wu Yuan absorbed this information with silent amazement. Even if that were the case, Tian Chan possessed power equivalent to five ether bodies, each with Saint-level strength. Though perhaps it fell short of matching the abilities of the true Xuanhuang Essence, it far surpassed the mana and ether bodies of ordinary True Saints.

A question lingered in Wu Yuan's mind: if True Saint Tian Chan commanded five ether bodies, why did he have six Holy Emperor incarnations? Before he could voice this curiosity—

"If you wish to take him with you, I won't object," the silver-robed figure said, interrupting Wu Yuan's thoughts. "He's longed to traverse the Path of One's Dao and escape this place, though he's never succeeded.

"However," he added, a faint smile playing at his lips, "ten samsara cycles of heaven and earth are far too brief. Allow me to negotiate more favorable terms on your behalf."

With a casual wave of his hand, the silver-robed figure sent ripples of distortion through spacetime. Suddenly, True Saint Tian Chan's remarkably ugly form materialized in the hall.

"Dao Emissary!" Tian Chan's eyes brightened instantly, and he turned to Wu Yuan with undisguised excitement. "Haha! Daoist Wu Ji, you truly didn't deceive me! Thank you, thank you!"

He understood that Wu Yuan must have interceded with the silver-robed figure to secure his freedom.

"Tian Chan, restrain your jubilation," the silver-robed figure said, looking down at him with measured calm. "Though Wu Yuan has indeed requested your release, you should remain mindful of your transgressions."

His voice cooled. "Abandoning the Xuanhuang Essence without permission constitutes a grave offense."

"Dao Emissary, surely you cannot fault me for that," Tian Chan protested, shaking his head emphatically. "It was by mere chance that I was able to cultivate as a normal lifeform. In my position, would you not have done the same?"

His voice rose with passionate conviction. "Would you choose eternal existence as a Dao spirit? Never knowing when you might be extinguished into nothingness?"

Wu Yuan observed this exchange from the side, secretly astonished. The familiarity between True Saint Tian Chan and the silver-robed figure was unmistakable; they spoke like old acquaintances with a history stretching across ages.

"Your tongue remains as sharp as ever," the silver-robed figure remarked, his smile returning. "I've bantered with you for endless eons, and I have no desire to continue these circular arguments."

He nodded slightly. "You are right. If freedom is offered, any being would struggle with all their might to attain it, even if that means becoming a true lifeform with a limited lifespan. That remains preferable to existing as a spirit across endless eons."

The silver-robed figure fixed his gaze on Tian Chan. "So I shall offer you this chance: follow Wu Yuan and serve him faithfully for one hundred samsara cycles of heaven and earth.

"If you agree to these terms, I will permit Wu Yuan to take you from this place. What say you?"

One hundred samsara cycles?

Wu Yuan thought with surprise. Wasn't the original agreement for ten?

True Saint Tian Chan showed no anger at this new condition. Instead, he turned to regard Wu Yuan with newfound curiosity. "One hundred samsara cycles of heaven and earth? Wu Yuan?" he repeated. "Overlord Wu Ji, your true name is Wu Yuan?"

After a moment's consideration, he nodded firmly. "Very well."

With surprising dignity, True Saint Tian Chan knelt, his voice resonating with formal solemnity: "I, Tian Chan, swear by the Origin Saint to follow Wu Yuan for one hundred samsara cycles of heaven and earth, serving him as my master..."

The oath flowed from him without hesitation, and the moment it was completed, waves of invisible energy swept over them, enveloping Tian Chan completely.

Swearing by the Origin Saint.

Wu Yuan's eyelids twitched involuntarily. With his level of insight, he immediately recognized the profound significance of such a binding oath.

Its implications were truly heart-shaking.

"Tian Chan doesn't belong to this era," the silver-robed figure explained, turning to Wu Yuan. "Only after leaving this place and returning to the cosmic sea can he establish his mark in the Primordium again. Any Primordial Oath made before that transition would lack binding power.

"Only by swearing by the Origin Saint does his oath gain true permanence. He wouldn't dare violate such a vow. You may rest assured."

Wu Yuan nodded in understanding.

The silver-robed figure glanced back at Tian Chan. "You've shown remarkable decisiveness. One hundred samsara cycles of heaven and earth...Can you truly endure such a commitment?"

"It's merely one hundred samsara cycles," Tian Chan replied with a grin that split his toad-like features. "Besides, my master possesses extraordinary talent. I believe it won't be long before he becomes a Dao Zenithel."

His grin widened. "After countless eons, when my master ascends to Grand Supreme, my freedom should be a trivial matter."

Wu Yuan noted how promptly Tian Chan had adopted the address of "master," and found himself somewhat uncomfortable with the sudden deference.