Chapter 1289: Xuanhuang Dao Treasure

At the mention of an Immutable Dao Artifact, the thousand-plus True Saints gathered in the chamber didn’t think much of it, having never heard of it before. Yet when the words "Xuanhuang Dao Treasure" followed, the atmosphere transformed instantly. A collective gasp rippled through the gathering. Pure, heart-stopping shock seized every individual present.

"Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

"This..."

"The ultimate treasure of the Tenth Chaos Void is actually a legendary Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

"How is it possible?!"

One True Saint clutched his chest, eyes wide with yearning. "If I could obtain the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure! Ah! Ah!"

"Stop dreaming," another scoffed, though his voice trembled with equal desire. "You, obtain the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure? You'd have every Dao Zenithel in the cosmic sea hunting you down before your first breath with it."

Xuanhuang Dao Treasures were beyond their wildest aspirations. These were truly legendary ultimate treasures. While Chaos Treasures were rare, some True Saints did possess them, and most Chaos Treasures wouldn't attract a Dao Zenithel's gaze.

After all, even without particular skill in equipment forging, Dao Zenithels could nurture one or two Chaos Treasures compatible with them over the eons using the essence of their Eternal Realms. The Dao Zenithels also traded amongst themselves, ensuring that while they might not possess many Chaos Treasures, they never truly lacked them.

For this reason, they seldom stooped to robbing True Saints of their Chaos Treasures.

But the gulf between Chaos Treasures and Xuanhuang Dao Treasures was like that between heaven and earth. They were utterly incomparable in value.

Practically speaking, no matter how difficult forging a Chaos Treasure might be, someone with several hundred Xiantian Instruments could still exchange them for a single Chaos Treasure.

A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, however?

Even a thousand Chaos Treasures combined could not equal the value of one Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.

These were the ultimate artifacts of the endless cosmic sea. Each represented a component of the Order of the Primordium; each held inconceivable power and divine abilities. The emergence of even one was enough to shake the foundations of the entire cosmic sea.

For Dao Zenithels, possessing just one meant the freedom to roam the cosmic sea without fear of any being save the Heavenly Imperator and the Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu.

Consider those first-generation Dao Masters. Their personal strength ranked at the bottom among Dao Zenithels, yet with a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure in hand, they wielded the might of a Peak Dao Zenithel. The Primordial Rules decreed that only thirty-six Xuanhuang Dao Treasures would ever exist.

A hint of madness rose in the eyes of True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu, True Saint Luo Quan, and the other True Saints present. A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure! They never believed they would have the chance to obtain one, even in their dreams.

Xuanhuang Dao Treasure...

True Saint Luan Hai's heart thundered.

If I obtain it and later break through to the Dao Zenithel stage... my power would rival even Master's.

The mere thought made True Saint Luan Hai tremble uncontrollably. His Master, Great Emperor Yan Tuo, possessed a reputation second only to the Heavenly Imperator and Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu themselves.

...

Across the chamber, True Saint Luo Quan's eyes reddened with desire as he transmitted urgently to his Dao companion: "Little Yu! This is absolutely our greatest opportunity ever, bar none! None!

"Seizing a Chaos Nucleus would merely be icing on the cake for us. Even with one, we'd just become another Dao Zenithel Ancestor of the megaverse. Though we'd rank among the top tier of the cosmic sea, we'd remain far from the pinnacle. We'd still be vastly inferior to the Ancestral Saint.

"But if we seize the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, we'd have hope of standing alongside the Ancestral Saint, becoming new Ancestral Saints of the Eastmoon Megaverse." His voice quivered with excitement.

"Ancestral Saint..." Little Yu whispered, her face flushing with excitement.

In the Eastmoon Megaverse, only those who surpassed the Peak Dao Zenithel level qualified for the title of Ancestral Saint. Thus, only Ancestral Saint Eastmoon bore this revered title. He stood as the supreme existence of the entire Eastmoon Megaverse.

...

Wu Yuan, meanwhile, appeared only slightly dazed by the revelation, not truly surprised. Having been informed by Daoist Tian Xu in advance, he had expected something momentous, though even this knowledge couldn't prevent his mind from wavering.

According to what Senior Tian Xu once said, guided by the invisible hand of destiny, I am fated to obtain a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure as the Creation Dao Master.

A thrill of anticipation coursed through Wu Yuan.

Could this be the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure meant for me?

The three Chaos Nuclei had merely stirred Wu Yuan's interest as valuable items he could trade with the Eldritch Court and Senior Tian Xu, but they hadn't been enough to shake his composure. After all, whether Chaos Nuclei or even more Chaos Treasures, they would merely be supplementary assets when he eventually broke through to the Dao Zenithel stage, unable to induce a qualitative leap in his strength.

But a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure? Now this truly ignited Wu Yuan's desire and excitement.

Destiny!

He thought, his eyes flashing with fierce determination.

Perhaps the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure's appearance in the Tenth Chaos Void has to do with me.

This thought came naturally to him.

I must seize this Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.

Wu Yuan knew that he was fated to encounter a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure. But whether he could ultimately claim it still depended entirely on his own abilities.

...

The mysterious azure-robed youth's words had ignited the hearts of not only the thousand True Saints within the five-colored realm, but also the many Dao Zenithels from various major factions across the cosmic sea observing through the voidrealm.

"A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?" The unkempt elderly man and Dao Zenithel Wan Yu stared in utter shock at the scene displayed on their light screen.

Though they had anticipated something special, they hadn't expected the emergence of a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.

"This shouldn't be," the filthy elderly man muttered, shaking his head. "A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure... How could it be tossed to a group of True Saint youngsters to fight over? Wan Yu, how much effort did it take for you to obtain the Eternal Register?"

"Another Xuanhuang Dao Treasure!" Dao Zenithel Wan Yu appeared slightly flustered before composing himself. "Indeed, I still have much to learn in divining destiny. I didn't anticipate that it would be this kind of ultimate treasure."

After pondering for a moment, Dao Zenithel Wan Yu added: "Perhaps it's related to Wu Yuan. After all, he is the new Creation Dao Master. But he's only at the True Saint stage now, and his Dao Master artifact shouldn't emerge so early. It's truly strange."

"We can only say that the Tenth Chaos Void is very unusual."

The two beings gazed at the light screen from afar.

"Does that little one under your command have any hope?" the filthy elderly man suddenly asked.

"His chances are slim."

...

Elsewhere, the Blood Emperor and Dream Emperor of the Blood Dream Alliance watched with reddening eyes.

"A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

"It's actually a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure? And it’s a bunch of True Saints fighting for it?"

They both felt somewhat helpless. As the two founders of the Blood Dream Alliance and its strongest members, they had both surpassed the Peak Dao Zenithel level, yet neither possessed a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure of their own.

...

"A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

"This..."

"The Tenth Chaos Void concealed such an ultimate treasure all this time?"

"What an unconscionable waste!"

"To bestow it upon mere True Saints? The Primordium is truly committing an injustice!"

Indignation swept through the Dao Zenithels across the endless cosmic sea. Their faces darkened with envy, their hearts burning with desire.

Until moments ago, these Dao Zenithels had observed the True Saints' desperate struggle for Chaos Jade Crystals and Chaos Nuclei with detached amusement, like immortals watching ants fight over crumbs. Now, everything had changed. The lofty, condescending attitude vanished in an instant, replaced by raw, unfiltered jealousy.

A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure. Such an ultimate artifact was beyond precious.

Throughout the boundless cosmic sea, stretching across infinite realms, over ninety percent of Dao Zenithels did not possess one.

In no time, the myriad factions across the endless cosmic sea arrived at a unanimous conclusion: "The emergence of this Xuanhuang Dao Treasure must be connected to the new Creation Dao Master, True Saint Wu Yuan.

“To claim the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, True Saint Wu Yuan will represent the greatest obstacle." In moments, Wu Yuan had become the primary target of countless powerhouses.

...

Within the Tenth Chaos Void, in the five-colored realm, the assembled True Saints wrestled with their own turbulent thoughts. Their gazes toward Wu Yuan had transformed, laden now with new calculation and wariness. Despite this, they remained attentive to the azure-robed youth's every word.

"A Chaos Nucleus is rather precious," the youth stated.

"The worth of a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, however, is beyond calculation." The blue-robed figure's gaze seemed to land on every True Saint at the same time, his voice traversing the boundaries of spacetime to echo throughout tens of light years. "These two prizes cannot both be obtained by the same individual. Those who wish to compete for the Chaos Nucleus, remain in your current positions.

"Those who wish to compete for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, proceed to the spacetime corridor at the core of this five-colored realm.

"You must choose one or the other."

"Remember, there is only one Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, while there are three Chaos Nuclei." the youth said lightly.

"You have precisely one quarter hour to contemplate your decision."

Profound silence descended upon the gathering.

None of the True Saints had expected to face such a choice between two options. They had automatically assumed that the battle for the Chaos Nuclei would take place first, followed by a second battle for the greater prize.

"Choose one?"

"Which one?"

"Is deliberation even necessary? Of course we should go for the Chaos Nuclei! The Xuanhuang Dao Treasure may be unparalleled, but we are merely True Saints. Even if one of us claimed it, could we retain it? The Dao Zenithels would inevitably seize it."

"The top-ranking True Saints will certainly choose the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure. This presents an opportunity."

"The Chaos Nuclei!"

"Taking the fourth step of one's self-created Dao is still the top priority.” The vast majority of True Saints reached their decision almost instantaneously.

Though the emergence of a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure had initially shaken them to their cores, most quickly regained their composure. They understood the meaning of the azure-robed youth's “gentle reminder”.

Indeed! While the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure presented irresistible allure, there was only one, and survival was a prerequisite for claiming it. For most True Saints, the Chaos Nuclei represented the more pragmatic choice.

However, among the few True Saints who had already taken the fourth step of their self-created Dao, there was no hesitation. Their decision crystallized even before the azure-robed youth finished speaking.

I shall compete for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.

The Chaos Nucleus? For us, such treasures are mere embellishments! Only the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure has the power to reshape our destinies.

True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu and the others recognized that they were destined to become Dao Zenithels, but without extraordinary intervention, Peak Dao Zenithel would mark their ultimate ceiling. Transcending that level? More than ninety percent of Dao Zenithels throughout the cosmic sea never achieved such heights.

But, should one acquire a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, even with marginally inferior personal strength, they could establish themselves among the dominant powerhouses of the endless cosmic sea!

For Wu Yuan, the answer came easily.

My body refiner self has only reached the third step of its self-created Dao, yet its Dao cultivation already approaches the Dao Zenithel level. The Chaos Jade Crystal would scarcely improve my progress, and while the Chaos Nucleus is more effective and mystical, both emerge from similar sources. Their benefit to me would be minimal.

This realization explained Wu Yuan's willingness to trade with Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu, Daoist Tian Xu, and the others. After completing the exchanges, he would gain only additional Chaos Treasures—valuable, but not transformative.

The Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.

He concluded, eyes hardening with resolve.

I must give it my all.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Several streaks cut through the five-colored realm, heading directly toward the spacetime corridor's core. Each represented a powerhouse who had taken the fourth step of their self-created Dao.

True Saint Wu Yuan, True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Luo Quan, True Saint Yin Yu. Only these four had chosen to compete.

Whoosh~ Whoosh~ Whoosh~

As they soared through the void, they were soon surrounded by streams of light that accelerated their progress. Clearly, the azure-robed youth had invoked the special properties of the five-colored realm, enabling them to traverse several light-years rapidly and reach the spacetime corridor without delay.

Without such assistance, their journey would have consumed far more than the allotted quarter hour.

...

As Wu Yuan's physical form streaked through the void...

In the Eldritch Court Voidrealm, within the Eldritch Progenitor Hall, in Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's residence.

Hum~

Countless motes of light coalesced, and Wu Yuan's avatar materialized. He bowed in greeting. "Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu."

"I did not expect to summon you again so soon," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu remarked, studying Wu Yuan.

"What are your instructions, Eldritch Progenitor?" Wu Yuan replied.

"I don’t have too many instructions for you this time," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu sighed. "It is unfortunate. Had we known about the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure earlier, your two true selves could have departed the River of Universes dimension after completing their breakthroughs.

"Then, with your four combat bodies united, no one would be able to stop you."

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

Revealing the special abilities of the Xuanhuang Essence over a mere Chaos Nucleus would’ve been a waste. But a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure? It was worth it! After all, possession of such an artifact would render him virtually untouchable once he became a Dao Zenithel.

"A missed opportunity remains just that—missed," Wu Yuan smiled. "No one can foresee all possibilities."

Perhaps Senior Tian Xu had glimpsed parts of this future. Yet, even he likely remained unaware that Wu Yuan had acquired a treasure as extraordinary as the Xuanhuang Essence.

It was far too rare for all things to align perfectly.

"The reason I summoned you again is simply to urge you to give it your absolute all," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu stated gravely. "Though you are a Dao Master, this Xuanhuang Dao Treasure may represent your final opportunity."

"Final opportunity?" Wu Yuan's composure faltered momentarily.

"Yes!" Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu nodded gently, releasing another subtle sigh. "At your current level, you cannot truly comprehend the rarity of Xuanhuang Dao Treasures.

"Throughout the entire cosmic sea, excluding those wielded by the Ten Dao Masters, only six Xuanhuang Dao Treasures have emerged since the beginning of time."

"Six?" Wu Yuan was taken aback.

Previously, he had gleaned from Daoist Tian Xu that fewer than twenty such treasures existed across the boundless cosmic sea.

But the precise number and which Dao Zenithels possessed them had remained unclear.

"Our Eldritch Court possesses two: the Eldritch Progenitor Hall, wielded by Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang, and the Samsara Platform under my control." Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu revealed with a faint smile. "Yes, contrary to common belief, Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang currently controls the Eldritch Progenitor Hall."

Wu Yuan absorbed this news with silent surprise. As with most others throughout the cosmic sea, he had always assumed that Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu personally controlled the Eldritch Progenitor Hall.

"The Immortal Court possesses one: the Imperator Mountain in the Heavenly Imperator's hands," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu continued.

Imperator Mountain? Wu Yuan committed the name to memory.

It appeared that the Eldritch Court maintained an advantage over the Immortal Court in terms of Xuanhuang Dao Treasures.

"Great Emperor Yan Tuo wields the Armor of Myriad Origins, the ultimate artifact for physical defense, rendering its user virtually undying and indestructible," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu added.

Wu Yuan listened intently. A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure in armor form? This explained the legends of Great Emperor Yan Tuo's indestructibility.

"Regarding the remaining two, one is the well-known Eternal Register, under Dao Zenithel Wan Yu's control," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu stated.

"That accounts for five. What about the last?" Wu Yuan inquired.

"The final treasure remains the most mysterious. When it manifested long ago, it triggered an unprecedented commotion, but by the time I, the Heavenly Imperator, and numerous other Dao Zenithels arrived, it had vanished." Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's expression reflected a trace of hopelessness. "At that time, Dao Zenithel Wan Yu and I cast a joint divination to determine its nature. We only ascertained that it appears to be a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure called the Samsara Sword.

"But who claimed it, and what capabilities it possesses, remain unknown to this day. This Xuanhuang Dao Treasure has never resurfaced since its initial appearance."

Samsara Sword? Upon hearing this name, Wu Yuan stood completely stunned.