Chapter 1260: Gathering Of True Saints (2)

The path of one’s self-created Dao grew exponentially more arduous with each advancement. Those who created Daos with limited potential or took misguided approaches often found themselves trapped at bottlenecks for hundreds of samsara cycles, unable to progress despite their best efforts.

Throughout the boundless cosmic sea, there were certain rare treasures that could help eternal beings shatter these bottlenecks. While Chaos Jade Crystals were extraordinary, a handful of other cultivation aids of similar caliber could be found if one searched diligently enough.

But the Chaos Nucleus was different. It stood alone, universally acknowledged as the supreme treasure for cultivation advancement, valuable beyond measure even to Dao Zenithels themselves.

Throughout history, only eight Chaos Nuclei had ever appeared. Two had been claimed by Dao Zenithels from the Yonder Cliff, while the remaining six had emerged from the Chaos Voids and been seized by six different True Saints.

Five of those six True Saints eventually went on to become Dao Zenithels.

"In terms of raw power," the elder continued, "you already match or exceed those six True Saints who claimed Chaos Nuclei in ages past. Should you secure one for yourself, your chances of ascending to Dao Zenithel will exceed ninety percent."

Yin Yu nodded gravely. Ninety percent? Such certainty was virtually unheard of. Even the most gifted prodigies dared not claim such confidence unless they were already Dao Masters.

"However," the elder cautioned, "the danger cannot be overstated. The strength of the True Saints who roam the cosmic sea only continues to grow. If you undertake this quest, you risk not just failure but annihilation." He turned to Yin Yu. "The choice is yours."

"Of course I must go," Yin Yu answered without hesitation, a fierce grin spreading across his face.

The elder laughed, approval shining in his eyes. "Excellent! I shall personally escort you to the edge of the Nine Chaos Voids. Beyond that boundary, you will have to rely on your own abilities."

He rose. "Word of this opportunity has already begun to spread. But apart from the few True Saints already dwelling within the Nine Chaos Voids, you should be among the earliest to arrive."

Yin Yu bowed deeply. "Thank you, Ancestor.”

...

Six years after the Abyss Alliance first detected the disturbance, news of the Tenth Chaos Void could no longer be contained. Like wildfire through a dry brush, the information spread throughout the cosmic sea.

Every major faction across the vast cosmic expanse—the Eldritch Court, Immortal Court, Blood Dream Alliance, Wan Yu Tower, Nine Saints Alliance, Demon Glory Alliance, Nine Peaks, and eight Megaverses Alliance—all received word of this momentous discovery. Without delay, these major powers relayed the news to their subordinate True Saints.

...

Deep within the Ninth Chaos Void, at the boundary of the Darklight Sea, a gathering of Eldritch Court True Saints had assembled. Wu Yuan and True Saint Qi Guang were present as well, though True Saint Tian Peng remained absent, still patrolling distant reaches of the void.

"I'm certain you've all heard the news by now," True Saint Qi Guang declared from the host seat, his eyes sweeping across the assembled Eternals. "The Tenth Chaos Void has opened. I need not elaborate on the intelligence we've gathered.

"Beyond the incomplete Chaos Treasures and rich Chaos Orichalcum veins, the most coveted prizes are the Chaos Nucleus and Chaos Jade Crystals. These are ultimate treasures that may provide the key to ascending to the Dao Zenithel stage."

The assembled True Saints listened with rapt attention.

Wu Yuan remained silent. When he had first received the news, his heart had stirred. The evidence from historical records was clear and compelling: of the six True Saints who had obtained Chaos Nuclei, five had become Dao Zenithels. Among the dozens who claimed Chaos Jade Crystals, over half ultimately achieved the same.

The odds were staggeringly favorable.

Of course, most True Saints in recorded history who successfully seized these treasures had already reached the Full True Saint level, standing just one step below Dao Zenithel in cultivation. Naturally, their breakthrough chances would be higher. Still, the potency of these two Dao comprehension treasures was undeniable.

"Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu has issued a decree," True Saint Qi Guang continued. "Any True Saint in our Eldritch Court who wishes to embark on this journey may do so.

"For most cultivators, whether from our Eldritch Court or other factions, the journey to the Tenth Chaos Void will require at least five to six thousand years. Some may take more than ten thousand.

"But we are already stationed in the Ninth Chaos Void. For us, the journey will take merely one or two thousand years. This is to our advantage.

"Those willing to venture forth may depart immediately. But I must warn you, entering a newly born Chaos Void is extremely dangerous. Historical records show that each time a Chaos Void opens, at least a thousand True Saints perish in the ensuing rush."

A ripple of silent shock passed through the assembly.

Over a thousand True Saints fell each time? The image conjured was both terrifying and brutal. Even with the possibility of revival, some would surely suffer permanent death. Such was the cruel reality of cultivation; even after achieving effective immortality, those who pursued the ultimate heights, who yearned to stand at the pinnacle of the cosmic sea, still risked true oblivion.

"The choice to go is entirely yours," True Saint Qi Guang concluded.

Not long after, most of the True Saints departed from the Darklight Sea. Though the Tenth Chaos Void promised danger, their yearning for the Dao Zenithel stage had clearly surpassed their dread of death.

Soon, only Wu Yuan and True Saint Qi Guang remained in the now-silent hall.

"Brother Qi Guang," Wu Yuan asked, his brow furrowed with genuine puzzlement, "will you not be joining the expedition?"

"I shall remain for now," Qi Guang replied with a subtle shake of his head. "Though the Tenth Chaos Void brims with treasures, the Darklight Sea requires guardians to remain behind to protect our territory and guide future True Saints who arrive. Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu has entrusted me with this duty and has promised suitable compensation.

"This time, you and Tian Peng will lead our Eldritch Court's first wave into the Tenth Chaos Void. Among all our brothers, I believe you two possess the greatest hope of securing the Chaos Nucleus and Chaos Jade Crystals."

Wu Yuan nodded slightly. Among the dozens of True Saints in the Eldritch Court, he and True Saint Tian Peng were indeed the strongest. Being part of the initial expedition naturally afforded them the highest probability of success.

"I've held you back specifically to offer one crucial reminder," True Saint Qi Guang said, looking intently at Wu Yuan. "For the past two billion years, the Immortal Court has struggled to find an opportune moment to launch their killing strike. A mass mobilization of their True Saints would have been easily detected by our scouts, so they've refrained from setting targeted death traps.

"But now, with the emergence of the Tenth Chaos Void, we anticipate that over ten thousand True Saints from various factions will flood into that space. While other powers seek treasures, the Immortal Court will likely exploit this chaos to eliminate you in one decisive stroke.

"Even with your ability to revive, each death they inflict weakens you significantly.

"My gravest concern is Cloud Saint. He will, without doubt, make his move against you." True Saint Qi Guang concluded.

Wu Yuan's pupils constricted at the name.

Cloud Saint?

Being no novice to the True Saint stage, Wu Yuan knew precisely who Qi Guang was referring to. It was the figure ranked second on the True Saint Rankings: Cloud Saint, the top True Saint of the Immortal Court.

"True Saint Luan Hai, who ranks first, hasn't made any appearances for dozens of samsara cycles," Qi Guang explained. "The Wan Yu Tower confirms he still lives, but there's been no news of his advancement to Dao Zenithel. He may not emerge from seclusion for this opportunity.

"Cloud Saint, therefore, may well be the strongest True Saint to participate."

Qi Guang sighed softly. "True Saint Tian Chan's strength might rival or even surpass Cloud Saint's, but as you mentioned, he has secluded himself in cultivation, striving to break through to Dao Zenithel in a single attempt."

Wu Yuan nodded, feeling rather helpless. Such were the cruel whims of destiny. Had True Saint Tian Chan not withdrawn to attempt his breakthrough, his assistance would have dramatically increased their chances of success in the Tenth Chaos Void.

Yet for one standing at the threshold of the Dao Zenithel stage, neither the Chaos Nucleus nor the Chaos Jade Crystal would offer much benefit. They were unlikely to help Tian Chan take that legendary fifth step either. The so-called Dao comprehension treasures were most effective for those at the Saint and True Saint stages after all.

"Go then," True Saint Qi Guang said finally. "Remember to send an avatar to the Eldritch Progenitor Hall. Our Eldritch Court's True Saints will gather there to exchange intelligence. I cannot aid you directly in this campaign; I can only wish you success in claiming the Chaos Nucleus."

"Your auspicious words are enough, Brother Qi Guang," Wu Yuan replied with a warm smile.

Shortly thereafter, Wu Yuan departed from the Darklight Sea, setting course directly for the spacetime rift that would lead to the Tenth Chaos Void.

...

As he soared through the dim void, Wu Yuan read through the messages he had received.

True Saint Qi Guang wasn’t the only one. Tian Peng, Taiyuan, Luan Jiang—they've all sent messages cautioning me about the Immortal Court's death traps.

Wu Yuan mused.

Messages from friends and elders flooded in, and Wu Yuan couldn't suppress a smile at their concern.

The Immortal Court’s death traps?

A cold gleam flashed in his eyes.

In these past billions of years, aside from that initial conflict at Twin Purple Mountain, I've never deliberately provoked the Immortal Court's powerhouses.

This expedition's priority remains treasure-hunting. But if the Immortal Court foolishly seeks conflict...

A surge of anticipation rushed through him.

We’ll see who comes out on top.

Cloud Saint?

Wu Yuan's thoughts turned contemplative. Despite possessing two Chaos Treasures, Wu Yuan had never found the perfect opportunity to unleash their full potential.

If my mana body and ether body join forces, I wonder if you’ll be able to withstand it, Cloud Saint?

His gaze turned glacial.

Of course, his ultimate desire was still the Chaos Nucleus.

The Chaos Jade Crystals mean little to me; their effects are likely negligible.

Wu Yuan mused silently.

Even the Chaos Nucleus may not drastically impact the deduction of my Limitless Dao. But the Chaos Nucleus would undoubtedly hasten the breakthrough of my qi refiner self to the fourth step.

His thoughts continued.

Most crucially, it could hasten my progress to the pinnacle of the Dao Zenithel stage.

As a Dao Master, Wu Yuan never doubted that he would eventually become a Dao Zenithel; it was merely a question of time. But what about the path beyond? Dao Zenithel Nanga, Eldritch Progenitor Zhu Rong, Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang, and the Heavenly Imperator were all Dao Zenithels, yet they were clearly not equals in power or prestige.

With such an opportunity before me, how can I not seize it?

Wu Yuan's determination hardened.

Whoever stands in my way shall die.

Killing intent surged through him, yet his heart remained untroubled by worry.

After all, it was his mana body and ether body venturing forth. In the worst scenario, his true self would not truly perish. Of course, should his mana and ether bodies fall, the loss of the numerous artifacts they carried would represent a severe setback.

But in the vast cosmic sea, what worthwhile endeavor came without risk?

...

As Wu Yuan journeyed toward the Tenth Chaos Void...

In the Immortal Court Universe was a secluded world devoid of spiritual qi. This was the mundane realm, an ordinary city bustling with mortal activity.

"A thousand years ago, the nation migrated due to the Central Plains' weakness..." A man in pristine white robes gave a lecture on history to his attentive students.

Suddenly, a flicker of awareness crossed his serene features.

The Tenth Chaos Void has emerged? A Chaos Nucleus?

Surprise briefly illuminated his eyes.

The white-robed man continued his lecture without pause, though his true body had already silently departed from this mundane world.

Beyond the world, a figure clad in gleaming silver armor stood. His presence dominated heaven and earth like a war god of ancient myth.

"Imperial Majesty Dong Huo." The white-robed man approached with a faint smile, cupping his hands in greeting.

Had other True Saints witnessed this scene, they would have been astonished. A True Saint merely cupping his hands when meeting one of the Four Imperial Majesties?

"The Heavenly Imperator's prophecy was indeed correct," Imperial Majesty Dong Huo observed with a soft sigh. "Our Immortal Court's next Dao Zenithel will undoubtedly be you. You've spent countless eons living as a mortal in that mundane world, finally achieving complete transformation of your essence."

He studied the scholar carefully. "Yun Xing, advancing to Dao Zenithel likely requires but a single thought from you now." [1]

The scholarly white-robed man merely smiled, offering no verbal response.

"Yet, such is the nature of destiny," Dong Huo continued. "Had you already broken through, you would have missed this chance to venture into the Tenth Chaos Void.

"As you are now, you'll be truly invincible there. I suspect that even if True Saint Luan Hai appears, he might not match your power."

The Imperial Majesty's expression grew solemn. "This time, beyond treasure hunting, you have one mission: to slay Wu Yuan of the Eldritch Court."

"Wu Yuan?" The white-robed man's eyebrows rose slightly. "The new Creation Dao Master?" He nodded with understanding. "I've heard of him, purportedly the foremost genius since the Primordium."

His voice grew cold. "I shall end him."

With a single step, the white-robed man vanished into the endless darkness, leaving not even a ripple in space.

1. Yun Xing (云星) = Cloud Star ☜