Chapter 1231: Tian Chan’s Dao Devouring (1)

Immortal Eminence Jiu You's voice cut through the chamber, instantly drawing every True Saint's gaze toward True Saint Xiao Yao and True Saint Jiu Fang. The two powerhouses felt their hearts constrict beneath the collective scrutiny, a helpless sensation washing over them.

The Immortal Eminence's logic could not be faulted. The Azure Saint Tomb lay significantly closer to their two Saint Realms—merely a hundred years' journey away. For the other True Saints present, it would require several hundred years at minimum, potentially extending to a thousand under normal circumstances. If any True Saint were to undertake this mission, they would be undeniably the most suitable candidates.

Nevertheless, both True Saint Xiao Yao and True Saint Jiu Fang were reluctant, particularly Xiao Yao, who had just recently been revived after his previous demise.

"Immortal Eminence," True Saint Xiao Yao stepped forward, his voice low and measured. "It's not that I fear Wu Yuan himself, but we must consider that this is the cosmic sea. If Wu Yuan dares venture there, he likely has immense support."

He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "Should I make my move and fail, that would be one concern. But I fear the Eldritch Court might have concealed some lethal countermeasure," he shook his head. "I have perished multiple times recently, and this revival was already fortuitous. If I should fall again..."

The unspoken remainder of his statement hung in the air, its meaning clear to all present: he was afraid of dying.

None could criticize him for this sentiment. The fear of death was natural, especially among eternal powerhouses who had endured countless trials across vast ages to achieve immortality. At the core of their existence lay the fundamental drive for perpetual life.

"Xiao Yao." Immortal Eminence Jiu You's voice softened, but it still resonated with authority. "This task merely requires you to eliminate one of his ether bodies. If you deploy your true self in battle, would you truly fear a mere ether body? This Wu Yuan has yet to undergo Dao Enlightenment, after all."

The process of undergoing Dao Enlightenment and receiving the baptism of the Primordium was a great spectacle. No matter where one underwent the process in the River of Universes, the Immortal Court wouldn’t fail to detect it. Wu Yuan's body refiner self, despite having forged an Eternal Matter Body, had not yet fully transformed his Eternal Psyche and thus had not received the Primordium’s baptism.

"As for his hidden countermeasures," the Immortal Eminence continued, "I can promise you—if you truly die, the Immortal Court will expend every resource to ensure your revival and return."

A heavy silence descended upon the two True Saints. Expend every resource? They were not Saints, but True Saints. Even if the Immortal Court exhausted its considerable power, should the Eldritch Court interfere, revival remained far from certain.

"In the conflict between our Immortal Court and the Eldritch Court, when critical moments arise, even I must take action. Are you unwilling to shoulder even the slightest risk?" Immortal Eminence Jiu You's voice turned harsh.

His penetrating gaze swept across them. "This Wu Yuan emerged from the Ling Jiang Universe. Should we investigate thoroughly, it would reveal your collective failure to detect his rise. The responsibility falls partially upon your shoulders."

The vast hall plunged into oppressive silence.

"We obey your command," True Saint Jiu Fang and True Saint Xiao Yao finally conceded with bowed heads, "and will do our utmost to slay Wu Yuan."

Though they could retreat to their own Saint Realms where even a Dao Zenithel could not harm them, the immense gap in power and status between a True Saint and a Dao Zenithel was undeniable. Moreover, with Immortal Eminence Jiu You invoking the greater good of the Immortal Court, stubborn refusal would constitute defiance against the highest echelons of the Court—a transgression with far graver consequences.

"Excellent," the Immortal Eminence nodded. "Successfully eliminating Wu Yuan's ether body will earn you significant merit. Remember—capturing him alive would be preferable." His gaze swept across each True Saint present. "This mission doesn’t serve any individual, but the entire Immortal Court. I trust all Saints will collaborate effectively."

"For the Immortal Court!" The assembled True Saints intoned in perfect unison, raising their hands halfway in salute. [1]

...

Within the core of the Xiao Yao Saint Realm, where multiple Saints had once convened, a solitary figure clad in black armor stood in contemplation.

Space suddenly rippled like disturbed water. The projection of True Saint Jiu Fang materialized nearby, his intense gaze fixed upon the black-armored figure. "Xiao Yao, are you truly committed to this course?"

"Do we have any choice?" True Saint Xiao Yao's response emerged as a weary sigh.

"This is unjust," True Saint Jiu Fang's voice trembled with barely contained anger. "For me, it's manageable—even if I fall, revival won't be exceptionally difficult. But you? How recently have you returned to life? Your imprints must have been thoroughly depleted, with barely any accumulated since then. How can you risk your true self again?"

He paced, gesticulating sharply. "Consider how long your previous revival required! Countless years of accumulated power, wasted. Even if we successfully eliminate Wu Yuan's ether body, what tangible benefit will we gain?"

True Saint Jiu Fang's voice grew vehement. "For all we know, the Eldritch Court has orchestrated this as an elaborate trap. Immortal Eminence Jiu You fears igniting a catastrophic war between the Immortal and Eldritch Courts, so rather than risk himself, he dispatches us as expendable assets!"

His fists clenched. "As members of the Immortal Court, our duty involves fighting for its causes, but not blindly sacrificing ourselves!"

True Saint Jiu Fang's anger was well-founded. He and True Saint Xiao Yao shared a deep bond forged through countless shared trials of life and death. His dissatisfaction with Immortal Eminence Jiu You's directive was strong.

"The Immortal Eminence has issued his command—what alternative do we have?" True Saint Xiao Yao shook his head gently. "This is the path fate has decreed for us. We can only hope that all goes smoothly."

His expression softened slightly. "Jiu Fang, there’s no need for such concern. Gather all available Saints and Perennials. With sufficient numbers, reconnaissance will be far easier."

"Mm. I know," True Saint Jiu Fang nodded reluctantly.

...

Merely three days later, Perennials and Saints assembled in the various worldlets of the Jiu Fang Saint Realm.

Two or three eternal powerhouses assembled in each wordlet. The Saints sent their true selves, while the Perennials sent mana bodies or ether bodies.

"Rao Shao, you've been summoned as well?" one Saint asked another.

"Indeed. I received direct orders from the True Saint, stating that this was a matter of great importance."

"Me too," confirmed a third. While they were unaware of the specific mission they had been gathered for, all three Saints understood that it was a serious matter. After all, it was unusual to have their true selves summoned.

A figure in pristine white robes materialized in the void above them, his aura vast and encompassing, blanketing the entire world with his presence.

"True Saint," the three Saints bowed in perfect synchronization.

"This mission differs from ordinary assignments," True Saint Jiu Fang announced, his voice cool as he gazed down at them. "Not only will your true selves be deployed, but my true self shall also participate."

"What?" The Saints couldn't conceal their shock.

"The True Saint's true self will join the mission?"

"What task warrants the True Saint risking his true self?" Their astonishment rippled through the air.

"I shall reveal the specifics once we reach our destination," True Saint Jiu Fang stated. With a casual wave of his hand, he drew the three Saints into his grotto-heaven artifact.

Similar scenes unfolded repeatedly throughout the Jiu Fang Saint Realm. Before long, True Saint Jiu Fang had amassed the true selves of over fifty Saints, accompanied by several hundred Perennial mana or ether bodies.

Naturally, these eternal powerhouses remained unaware of the operation's true magnitude.

Such a force should prove sufficient.

True Saint Jiu Fang contemplated.

Xiao Yao's gathered forces likely match or exceed my own in number.

Even if the Saints fail to capture Wu Yuan's ether body, they should be able to occupy him.

For Perennials, little difference existed between their true selves and mana or ether bodies, making the summoning of their true selves unnecessary. Their task would be to spread out, searching for traces of their target throughout the region.

In the plan conceived by True Saint Jiu Fang and True Saint Xiao Yao, the Saints would form elite tactical units. Upon encountering Wu Yuan's ether body, they would coordinate to impede and entangle him.

Immortal Eminence Jiu You had explicitly clarified that although Wu Yuan's true self possessed combat prowess reaching the Threshold True Saint level, his ether body's capabilities were estimated to reach only Standard Saint or Peak Saint level, certainly not True Saint caliber.

Theoretically, a coordinated assault by the true selves of multiple Saints should prove sufficient to challenge Wu Yuan's ether body.

Unless Wu Yuan dispatches his true self.

True Saint Jiu Fang thought, a gleam flashing in his eyes. Should Wu Yuan's true self appear? That would transform a dangerous situation into a potentially tremendous opportunity.

Thereafter, True Saint Jiu Fang and True Saint Xiao Yao each led their assembled forces along the Saint Realm passage toward the Azure Saint Tomb.

True Saint Jiu Fang's group was faster, capable of reaching their destination in approximately eighty-six years.

True Saint Xiao Yao would require over ninety years for the journey, though both remained within the hundred-year timeframe specified for their mission.

...

Within Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu’s hall in the Eldritch Voidrealm, Wu Yuan performed a respectful bow.

"I offer my respects, Eldritch Progenitor," he greeted with deference.

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu smiled. "You have returned from your journey to the Azure Saint Tomb?"

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"The Eldritch Progenitor is wise," Wu Yuan acknowledged with a nod. "The expedition proved fruitful. Once my ether body returns, my qi refiner self will proceed with Dao Enlightenment, followed by my body refiner self."

Surprise flickered across Hou Tu's features. "So quickly? Did you not mention your body refiner self could wait a hundred million years more?"

In Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu’s estimation, the longer Wu Yuan remained in the sempiternal stage, the more swiftly he might establish a Saint Realm after stepping into eternity. After all, those who wished to establish their Saint Realm within a universe had to do so within a hundred million years after undergoing Dao Enlightenment.

"This disciple feels adequately prepared. Further delay seems unnecessary," Wu Yuan replied with a smile. "As you yourself once counseled, Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu, the cultivation path stretches endlessly; when one's heart yearns for the summit, hesitation becomes one's enemy."

A faint smile touched Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's lips. "After millions of years apart, your eloquence has only sharpened. Very well—if your confidence is sufficient, I shall not interfere."

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu observed how Wu Yuan's aura had grown increasingly ethereal and subtle over the millions of years—unmistakable evidence of his tremendous advancement.

"There are still two matters requiring your attention, Eldritch Progenitor," Wu Yuan continued. "While my ether body was leaving the Azure Saint Tomb, I encountered two Immortal Court Overlords. I fear they may have recognized me..."

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's brow creased momentarily before smoothing. "Immortal Court Overlords? A troublesome development. But there is no need for concern, I shall dispatch True Saint Luan Jiang as your escort."

"True Saint Luan Jiang?" Wu Yuan asked with startled concern. "Will this not provoke the Immortal Court's Dao Zenithels to intercede?"

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's laughter rippled through the hall. "Fret not, Wu Yuan. Should any Dao Zenithel stir, neither I nor the Spacetime Dao Master within the Heartland would fail to detect their movements."

Wu Yuan's astonishment grew.

"At most, they might send the true selves of True Saints," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu explained. "Perhaps two or three will arrive. I shall send not only Luan Jiang but another True Saint as well. That should suffice for your protection."

Warmth bloomed in Wu Yuan's heart. Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu clearly regarded him with great importance, offering him protection before he'd even requested it.

"If no Dao Zenithel will come to hunt me, there's no need to trouble the True Saints," Wu Yuan demurred. "I've already secured a companion with the strength of a Full True Saint. His strength should be ample for most dangers."

Surprise flashed in Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's eyes. "Full True Saint power? Who? A powerhouse from the Blood Dream Alliance?"

"An eternal being born within the Azure Saint Tomb who fortuitously chose to accompany this junior to the cosmic sea," Wu Yuan explained vaguely. "I wondered if he might join our Eldritch Court?"

A curious smile crossed Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's face. "A native of the Azure Saint Tomb? That explains much. The Tomb exists under its own rules, separate from the Primordium... such powerful eternal beings could certainly arise there."

She gave Wu Yuan an appraising glance. "A Full True Saint has willingly chosen to follow you? I trust your judgment. If you deem him reliable, our Eldritch Court welcomes him—we've few powerhouses of that caliber. Any additional strength is welcome."

"Thank you, Eldritch Progenitor," Wu Yuan said with evident relief. "His name is Tian Chan. Once he establishes his Saint Realm and after I’ve achieved eternity, I shall bring him before you to pay his respects."

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu acknowledged with a nod, and Wu Yuan departed.

"This youngster," she murmured to herself, her eyes deepening into unfathomable wells that seemed capable of piercing all worldly mysteries. "He appears to have made extraordinary discoveries in the Azure Saint Tomb."

Her brow furrowed slightly. "Tian Chan? Why can I not trace his origins? Could it be... he predates this Primordial Era?"

1. I never knew they had a salute?? And it seems kinda awkward? ☜