Chapter 1261: First Battle, Death To Those Who Block My Path (1)

In the fathomless depths of the cosmic sea, near the border of the Eastmoon Megaverse.

The mountain ranges here stretched beyond comprehension, their peaks disappearing into the void, their depths illuminated by intense flames.

This was no ordinary fire. Though it appeared mundane at first glance, it contained such power that a Saint who dared touch it would be reduced to ash in an instant.

Atop this endless inferno sat two figures in lotus position: a woman draped in pristine white and a man clothed in deep purple. The hungry flames licked at their forms but couldn't disturb a single thread of their immaculate robes.

𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

The woman radiated an otherworldly presence, exuding a sanctity that seemed to purify the space around her. Beneath her floated a special cauldron, emitting a soft, hazy radiance that wrapped around her like a protective barrier.

The man, by contrast, emanated raw power and valor.

"Hmm?" The purple-robed man's eyes suddenly snapped open, sharp and alert. "Little Yu."

His companion's eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes of mesmerizing depth. "Dear, what is it?" Confusion colored her melodic voice.

"Good news," he replied, his lips curving into a smile. "Have you heard of the Nine Chaos Voids?"

"I have," she nodded. "One of the eight elite exploration sites in the endless cosmic sea, and the most popular one for True Saints."

The man leaned forward. "The Tenth Chaos Void has been born. Word has already spread across the realms. Ancestral Saint Eastmoon just contacted me, hoping we will participate in the coming battle.

"The various factions of the Central Megaverse, along with the Ancient Megaverse, the Bladeborn Megaverse, and others... Most True Saints from across the cosmic sea will likely converge there. The most powerful among them will certainly appear, all competing for the ultimate prize—the Chaos Nucleus and Chaos Jade Crystals."

"Chaos Nucleus?" The white-robed woman straightened, desire flashing like lightning in her eyes.

As a Full True Saint, she understood all too well the value of such a treasure. A Chaos Nucleus was the ultimate artifact they coveted, something that even Dao Zenithels regarded with importance.

When the Fourth Chaos Void first appeared, few knew about it, and the competition was less fierce. But with the emergence of each new Chaos Void, the True Saints of the cosmic sea also grew increasingly frenzied in their pursuit of treasures.

"Dear," her gaze met his, "what are you suggesting?"

He lowered his voice, "Our gains from the Blood Expanse Realm were substantial. I'm now confident in my ability to ascend to the Dao Zenithel stage.

"For me, a Chaos Nucleus would be beneficial, but its allure isn't that great... But for you, the situation differs greatly.

"Your harvest in the Blood Expanse Realm was impressive, but becoming a Dao Zenithel would still prove exceedingly difficult for you. With the aid of a Chaos Nucleus, however, things will be completely different.

"If both of us, husband and wife, become Dao Zenithels, that would be a tale to be told throughout the cosmic sea," he declared with conviction.

The white-robed woman nodded slightly.

"However, it will be dangerous," she cautioned. "Dear, are you certain we can succeed?"

He threw his head back and laughed, the sound rolling across the fiery landscape. "Haha! Before our journey to the Blood Expanse Realm, I wouldn't have dared make such a claim. But now?

“In single combat, I fear neither True Saint Luan Hai nor Cloud Saint. I could overpower them both."

Once, the purple-robed man had been merely one among many Full True Saints. But with his recent breakthrough, having taken the fourth step of his self-created Dao, his strength had multiplied exponentially. He was no longer the same as before.

"With your support, Little Yu," he continued, his voice softening as he spoke her name, "your psyche dream illusions combined with my combat prowess make us the perfect team. Together, we can dominate the entire Tenth Chaos Void."

"Mm." She nodded, but caution still tempered her enthusiasm. "We should proceed with vigilance. Many of the top powerhouses from the Eldritch Court and Immortal Court possess compatible Chaos Treasures, making them extraordinarily formidable. And we cannot assume their cultivation has remained stagnant all this time."

"I understand," he acknowledged with a solemn nod. "Some True Saints haven't revealed themselves in countless years. It's only natural that they harbor hidden strengths we cannot anticipate."

For sempiternal lifeforms such as Overlords, they had to venture on frequent expeditions and partake in battles in their quest to achieve eternity, making it nearly impossible to conceal their true capabilities. True Saints were different.

The endless cosmic sea stretched beyond comprehension. Many True Saints adventured in secret. Official records might show that they hadn't been active for several samsara cycles of heaven and earth, or even longer.

Had they broken through to new levels of power? To what degree had their abilities transformed? Until they truly unleashed their might, none could say for sure. The True Saint Rankings could only serve as a rough guide.

"The Dao Zenithel promised to lead us swiftly to the Tenth Chaos Void," the purple-robed man said, rising to his feet in one fluid motion.

Soon after, the two Dao companions departed, setting course for the Nine Chaos Voids. Yet even with a Dao Zenithel guiding their path, the distance was so vast that it would require at least several thousand years to traverse.

...

Elsewhere in the cosmic sea was a vast and majestic Saint Realm. Its structure differed greatly from typical Saint Realms, with a myriad of strange and mysterious spacetime realms carved out in this domain.

Countless spacetime realms interconnected in impossible patterns, all subtly pointing toward a single node that formed the core of the entire Saint Realm.

Atop a throne cloaked in fog, a towering gray-robed figure sat in silent meditation, his form reaching ten thousand li into the void.

Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and a majestic, blood-robed projection materialized.

The gray-robed figure's eyes snapped open instantly. He rose and bowed with respect. "Greetings, Blood Emperor."

The projection was none other than the supreme leader of the Blood Dream Alliance, the Blood Emperor, one of the greatest Dao Zenithels in the entire cosmic sea. His reputation rivaled that of Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang and Great Emperor Yan Tuo.

"Meng Guan, it's been a long time," the Blood Emperor's voice rolled like distant thunder across the realm. "You must have heard the news about the birth of the Tenth Chaos Void. Have you prepared to join the expedition?"

Had Wu Yuan been present to hear the gray-robed figure's name, he would certainly have been startled.

True Saint Meng Guan.

He was the most brilliant of the Spacetime Dao Master's many successors, save for Wu Yuan himself. Through countless eons, he had cultivated to the Full True Saint level, standing just one step away from breaking through to become a Dao Zenithel.

"I haven't decided yet," True Saint Meng Guan replied, his face betraying no expression.

"You've maintained your position among the top ten of the True Saint Rankings for a long time," the Blood Emperor observed. "And with the Spacetime Dao Master's nurturing, by all rights, you should have broken through to Dao Zenithel already. You've lingered at this bottleneck far too long. Perhaps it's time to seek external assistance. Even if a Chaos Nucleus eludes you, the Chaos Jade Crystals would likely prove immensely beneficial."

The massive projection shifted slightly before adding, "Of course, I merely offer a suggestion. Whether you go or not remains entirely your decision."

"Thank you for your counsel, Blood Emperor," True Saint Meng Guan replied.

"By the way," the Blood Emperor's tone shifted to one of casual inquiry, though his eyes gleamed with keen interest, "have you managed to contact the Spacetime Dao Master, or that Little Junior Brother of yours, True Saint Ming Jian?"

"I haven't attempted to contact the Dao Master," Meng Guan shook his head firmly. "The Dao Master explicitly ordered that we are not to seek him out without his direct command."

He hesitated briefly before continuing, "As for True Saint Ming Jian, I've never personally encountered him. He appears to have been in secluded cultivation within the River of Universes all this time."

"I see," the Blood Emperor nodded. "Consider your options carefully."

With that, the Blood Emperor's projection dissolved, leaving True Saint Meng Guan alone in his mysterious spacetime.

The Tenth Chaos Void?

His brow furrowed in thought.

The Chaos Jade Crystals hold no value for me. Senior Tian Xu already had me utilize them long ago.

While other True Saints might desperately crave such treasures, his heart remained unmoved. As the Spacetime Dao Master's once most promising successor, he had already received benefits and opportunities others could only dream of.

Unfortunately, the chasm between True Saint and Dao Zenithel had proven wider than he could imagine. It had trapped him for many samsara cycles of heaven and earth.

A Chaos Nucleus?

He shook his head slightly, resigned.

The chances of me actually obtaining one are too small...

He possessed enough self-awareness to recognize the truth: far too many formidable True Saints roamed the cosmic sea. Unless he could single-handedly match thousands of True Saints in battle, success would depend entirely on luck.

However, I should at least make an appearance for such a monumental event. Even if I perish, resurrection would merely cost resources.

As for the Blood Emperor... For the past several billion years, he's been relentlessly attempting to contact Senior Tian Xu and Little Junior Brother. He's sent me inquiries about them multiple times.

Meng Guan's expression grew thoughtful.

It seems that before Senior Tian Xu underwent reincarnation, he withheld certain truths from the Blood Emperor.

His expression hardened.

The Blood Emperor cannot be trusted.

Though the Spacetime Dao Master, Blood Emperor, and Dream Emperor had united to establish the Blood Dream Alliance long ago, their alliance had never equated to absolute trust.

As for Little Junior Brother, the Immortal Court will likely spring a deadly trap targeting his body refiner self. Very well. I shall go observe, to witness firsthand how he surpasses me, to understand why Senior Tian Xu ultimately chose him over me.

He smiled.

Perhaps I'll even extend a helping hand to this Little Junior Brother of mine.

After all, he was one of the contingency plans the Spacetime Dao Master had left in place, aside from Wu Yuan.

...

Throughout the boundless expanse of the cosmic sea, whenever great opportunities arose, many eternal powerhouses who had secluded themselves for eons would emerge from hiding to stake their claims.

It was during such momentous times that the True Saint Rankings would experience their most dramatic upheavals.

...

Three thousand years vanished in an instant.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Twin streaks of radiant light cut through the murky emptiness of the void. These luminous trails belonged to none other than Wu Yuan and True Saint Tian Peng.

Shortly after departing from the Darklight Sea, Wu Yuan had caught up with True Saint Tian Peng. Following a concise discussion, they had agreed to journey together, forging a temporary alliance that served both their interests.

When venturing into unknown territories in search of precious treasures, no cultivator wished to find themselves at a disadvantage. Thus, only individuals with comparable might would willingly combine forces.

Though Wu Yuan had complete confidence in his own capabilities, he recognized that True Saint Tian Peng was no weakling either, making him a suitable companion. At the very least, their shared journey would offer greater protection against unforeseen dangers.

"Brother Wu Yuan," True Saint Tian Peng remarked with a warm smile, "I calculate we'll reach our destination in just a few more decades. We should be among the first True Saints from the Eldritch Court to arrive."

"Mm." Wu Yuan acknowledged with a slight nod.

They were stationed in the Ninth Chaos Void to begin with, and had departed immediately upon receiving word of the opportunity. Their swift response had naturally placed them ahead of many others.

According to intelligence gathered by the Eldritch Court's network, the majority of the top-tier True Saints remained en route.

"This event has stirred tremendous excitement throughout the realms," True Saint Tian Peng continued, his voice animated. "Dong Yi, Bai Bing, and Pu Yang have all emerged from seclusion and are making haste toward the site. I wonder if any of them have broken through."

"Perhaps," Wu Yuan replied with a faint smile.

The individuals Tian Peng mentioned were indeed the most powerful True Saints of the Eldritch Court.

True Saint Dong Yi stood third on the True Saint Rankings.

True Saint Bai Bing claimed the eighth position.

True Saint Pu Yang held the twelfth rank.

By comparison, Wu Yuan was currently fourth among the Eldritch Court's True Saints.

The True Saint Rankings are merely rankings after all.

Wu Yuan mused silently.

True superiority can only be determined through direct combat. Besides, there might well be inconspicuous True Saints who harbor terrifying power, waiting for the right moment to unleash their full strength.

History provided ample precedent for such occurrences. The Eldritch Court's top True Saint, True Saint Dong Yi, had established his reputation through a single decisive battle where he had erupted with devastating might, slaughtering several True Saints in a single confrontation. That display had catapulted him from the top 3000 directly into the top ten of the True Saint Rankings.

As for Wu Yuan himself, who could truly fathom the current depths of his terrifying strength? Thirteenth in the True Saint Rankings? Wu Yuan remained unconvinced of this assessment.

Suddenly, True Saint Tian Peng's expression shifted.

"Hm?" A flicker of surprise and unmistakable anger flashed across his eyes as he turned toward Wu Yuan. "Wu Yuan, you must have received the message from Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang, correct?"

"Yes, I received it," Wu Yuan confirmed, his gaze turning cold as ice.