Chapter 1290: Exposed! Another Dao Master!

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu and Dao Zenithel Wan Yu divined the existence of the Samsara Sword?

Wu Yuan's mind reeled at this revelation.

He recalled Senior Tian Xu's assertion that the Samsara Sword had never manifested in the world and remained unknown to all. Clearly, this wasn't entirely accurate. While the sword's capabilities remained shrouded in mystery, its existence wasn't completely a secret.

Xuanhuang Dao Treasures truly are rarer than I imagined.

Wu Yuan reflected.

Besides those wielded by the ten Dao Masters, only a handful have ever emerged throughout history.

The list of owners was short but illustrious: Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu, the Heavenly Imperator, the Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang, Great Emperor Yan Tuo, and Dao Zenithel Wan Yu.

Even without a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, they already stood at the apex of the cosmic sea; with them, their might eclipsed all other Dao Zenithels.

Since the Primordium, through hundreds of samsara cycles of heaven and earth, if we exclude those obtained by Dao Masters...That means only one Xuanhuang Dao Treasure emerges approximately every hundred cycles?

The realization struck him forcefully.

No wonder Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu warned that missing this opportunity might mean never encountering another.

A perplexing question surfaced in his mind.

In terms of raw strength, the Dao Masters rank among the weaker Dao Zenithels. Was there such upheaval when their Xuanhuang Dao Treasures appeared?

Could they have prevailed against other Dao Zenithels in a large-scale conflict?

More curious still, from everything Wu Yuan had learned, most Dao Masters maintained low profiles. The process of them acquiring their Xuanhuang Dao Treasures seemed remarkably discreet, with scant information reaching the broader world.

Why was his situation so dramatically different?

Perhaps when the Dao Masters claimed their Xuanhuang Dao Treasures, it was during the earliest dawn of the Primordial Era. That was an age when Dao Zenithels were scarce, let alone True Saints.

Wu Yuan thought of a possibility.

They may well have been the only Dao Zenithels in the entire cosmic sea at that time.

Soon afterward, Wu Yuan's avatar bid farewell to Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu.

...

Though Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's words had left him more vigilant and determined, they offered little practical assistance in his immediate struggle for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.

Ultimately, claiming the treasure comes down to strength.

Wu Yuan thought, his confidence unshaken as his gaze swept over True Saint Luan Hai and the others gathered nearby.

He could easily anticipate that the top True Saints would unite against him once the struggle began in earnest. But so what?

With my mana body and ether body working together, I can easily sweep them all aside.

He was confident enough.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

All eyes were fixed on four streaks of light cutting across the heavens.

Wu Yuan, True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu, and True Saint Luo Quan soared swiftly toward the edge of the spacetime vortex.

Here, streams of five-colored lights drifted, each wisp containing power so profound it made one’s mind tremble instinctively. Even Wu Yuan sensed the mortal threat they posed.

What exactly are these lights?

Wu Yuan observed them carefully, filled with caution.

Nearby, True Saint Luan Hai and the others arrived in succession, their expressions similarly wary as they surveyed their surroundings.

Hmm?

At that moment, a flicker of surprise crossed True Saint Luo Quan's features as the streams of light flared brilliantly, flowing like liquid to envelop him completely.

It wasn't just True Saint Luo Quan. Almost simultaneously, countless streams of light surged toward Wu Yuan's ether body, enveloping him.

"What's happening?"

"True Saint Wu Yuan and True Saint Luo Quan?"

"Those two?" This anomaly immediately captured the attention of True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu, and the throng of True Saints hovering in the surrounding void. They observed Wu Yuan and True Saint Luo Quan with barely concealed schadenfreude.

Anyone could see that being enveloped by the light streams wasn’t a good thing.

Whoosh!

The azure-robed youth in the void suddenly flickered, traversing tens of light-years in an instant to the core of the spacetime vortex. Yet bizarrely, his form seemed simultaneously everywhere, reflected across every area in an eerie, omnipresent manner.

"You two are both harboring other eternal powerhouses," the youth's penetrating gaze swept over Wu Yuan and True Saint Luo Quan. His voice, though soft, carried perfectly to every ear present. "Whether they contend for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure should be their own choice."

This revelation instantly ignited curiosity among the gathered True Saints. True Saint Yin Yu and True Saint Luan Hai both furrowed their brows, exchanging glances.

Most had anticipated that True Saint Ming Jian accompanied Wu Yuan. But True Saint Luo Quan? Who could be accompanying him in secret?

Swish! Swish!

Beside Wu Yuan's ether body, a white-robed figure materialized, his aura vast and ethereal, his gaze cold and stern.

𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Similarly, a white-robed woman appeared next to True Saint Luo Quan, equally transcendent in bearing. She resembled a divine maiden descended from the Nine Heavens, radiating sacredness and purity.

"True Saint Chen Yu."

"It's her!"

"She’s rumored to be True Saint Luo Quan's Dao companion. We thought she hadn't entered the Tenth Chaos Void, but she was concealed within True Saint Luo Quan's grotto-heaven artifact all along."

"She's ranked among the top 300 on the True Saint Rankings."

"But why does her aura feel different?"

The True Saints present, hailing from every corner of the cosmic sea, quickly identified the white-robed woman.

True Saint Chen Yu commanded respect in her own right, her reputation well-established.

Wu Yuan's mana body narrowed his eyes, his gaze settling on the white-robed woman.

While the other True Saints might not be able to tell, Wu Yuan sensed a familiar aura emanating from the white-robed woman.

Could it be...

A theory crystallized in his thoughts.

It was worth noting that True Saint Luo Quan had obtained a Chaos Jade Crystal quite early on. Given the time that had elapsed, it would have been sufficient for True Saint Chen Yu to refine it thoroughly.

This white-robed woman may very well have taken the fourth step.

As Wu Yuan contemplated this possibility, the situation took an unexpected turn.

"I didn't expect a Dao Master to participate too," the azure-robed youth suddenly smiled. "Earlier, separated by the grotto-heaven artifact, I couldn't detect your presence."

The youth turned to Wu Yuan's mana body. "May I address you as Spacetime Dao Master?"

Wu Yuan's mana body tensed, his pupils constricting sharply.

He'd been recognized? Who exactly was this mysterious azure-robed youth?

The youth's words resounded throughout the five-colored realm like a thunderclap.

Silence! All the True Saints stared at Wu Yuan's mana body in shock, including the observing Dao Zenithels, who appeared equally stunned and bewildered.

What had they just heard? Spacetime Dao Master? True Saint Ming Jian?

"Dao Master? True Saint Ming Jian is a Dao Master?"

"He's actually the Spacetime Dao Master?"

"How can this be true?"

"There was never any indication before, and the Spacetime Dao Master has never fallen. How could a new Spacetime Dao Master emerge?"

A clamor erupted as countless True Saints and Dao Zenithels were left utterly astonished.

When news that True Saint Wu Yuan had succeeded the Creation Dao Master first spread, many eternal powerhouses were surprised but quickly accepted it, given that the Creation Dao Master had “fallen” countless eons ago.

But the Spacetime Dao Master? To this day, the Spacetime Dao Realm remained intact and unbroken. There had never been any signs suggesting the Spacetime Dao Master's demise.

However, the azure-robed youth had demonstrated abilities that defied the heavens, making the True Saints and Dao Zenithels hesitant to dismiss his words.

In that suspended moment, every gaze was fixed on the white-robed figure in the void. The question hung heavy in the air: could True Saint Ming Jian truly be the Spacetime Dao Master?

"Does it truly matter whether I am or not?" the white-robed figure responded.

The azure-robed youth's lips curved into a slight smile. "No, it doesn't," he replied, then gestured toward Wu Yuan's ethereal form. "Just as I care little that he is the Creation Dao Master.

"However, I detect something far more interesting about you; not merely the aura of a Dao Master, but the unmistakable aura of a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure." The youth's smile deepened. "You already possess a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, don't you?"

Though the white-robed figure's expression remained perfectly composed, his words sent shockwaves through the assembly. Countless True Saints stared in absolute disbelief, their faces contorted with astonishment.

"Impossible!"

"True Saint Ming Jian isn't just the Spacetime Dao Master; he controls a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

"Is it true?" Many could scarcely believe it.

Had Ming Jian become a Dao Zenithel and subsequently acquired such a treasure, they would have accepted it. But to possess a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure while being a mere True Saint?

True Saints Luan Hai, Yin Yu, and Luo Quan exchanged glances, unable to fully suppress the jealousy flickering across their faces.

"A True Saint... with a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

Throughout the boundless cosmic sea, countless Dao Zenithels received the news, their eyes gleaming with unmistakable greed. While these powerhouses might hesitate to challenge a Dao Master over such a treasure, the moment they saw it in the hands of a mere True Saint, the thought of seizing it immediately crossed their minds.

...

"The azure-robed youth appears to speak the truth," observed the Blood Emperor, studying the light screen with narrowed eyes.

"Ming Jian actually possesses a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?" The Blood Emperor's voice carried disbelief. "Yet we've detected no emergence of one in these billions of years!"

"It must be Tian Xu's doing," the Dream Emperor replied in a low voice. "I've suspected for ages that Tian Xu controlled multiple Xuanhuang Dao Treasures. I never imagined he would entrust one to Ming Jian."

No matter how much one valued a successor or junior, no one would prepare a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure for them.

"Blood Emperor," the Dream Emperor asked suddenly, "do you believe we could... acquire that treasure?"

"Seize it?" The Blood Emperor's eyes flashed with undisguised temptation.

...

Elsewhere, Eldritch Progenitors Hou Tu and Di Jiang exchanged incredulous glances.

"Wu Yuan's qi refiner self has a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

“This!”

They had only recently confirmed that Wu Yuan's qi refiner had become the Spacetime Dao Master. This new revelation left them momentarily speechless.

“He hid it impressively well." Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Excellent. Most excellent!"

Wu Yuan's growing strength brought Hou Tu increasing delight.

"If Wu Yuan can secure another one," Di Jiang mused, "our Eldritch Court would effectively control four Xuanhuang Dao Treasures. Should Wu Yuan possess two...I suspect even the Heavenly Imperator himself would find Wu Yuan unstoppable."

Having crossed blades with the Heavenly Imperator multiple times, Di Jiang understood the terrifying extent of that being's power. Yet Wu Yuan's consistent ability to surpass expectations sparked real hope that he might someday overcome him.

"Let's observe patiently," Hou Tu counseled. "There's no need to rush."

"But who is this azure-robed youth?" Di Jiang frowned. "His perceptive abilities are unnervingly acute. With such sensitive information spreading, many within the cosmic sea must be growing restless. Countless Dao Zenithels are likely planning to target Wu Yuan's qi refiner self."

"Should we travel to the Tenth Chaos Void to escort Wu Yuan?" he suggested.

"That's unnecessary," Hou Tu replied with quiet confidence. "Let’s trust Wu Yuan's abilities. If he requires our assistance, he'll surely request it."

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu understood that Wu Yuan had only dispatched his mana body and ether body to the Tenth Chaos Void. He certainly wouldn't carry Xuanhuang Dao Treasures with him. The schemes of opportunistic Dao Zenithels would prove futile. In fact, their actions might simply provide Wu Yuan with valuable combat experience, tempering him further.

...

Within the five-colored realm of the Tenth Chaos Void, Wu Yuan maintained outward composure while inwardly sighing at his predicament.

This azure-robed youth has completely exposed me.

He thought ruefully.

He had planned to reveal these secrets at a time of his choosing. Instead, fate had other plans.

If only my identity as the Spacetime Dao Master had been revealed, I could manage. But he even detected the aura of my Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.

Thoughts raced through Wu Yuan's mind.

Now, countless Dao Zenithels across the cosmic sea likely covet what my qi refiner self possesses.

His gaze swept across the assembly, noting the envious stares of numerous True Saints.

Unlike his body refiner self, who enjoyed the protection of Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu and the Eldritch Court, his qi refiner self belonged openly to the Blood Dream Alliance, an organization with significantly less deterrent power. This combination of circumstances—inferior strength, possession of ultimate treasures, and insufficient backing—naturally attracted predatory attention.

Yet Wu Yuan remained unafraid, not because he could rely on others, but because he would soon be capable of roaming the cosmic sea freely with his power alone.

"This junior doesn't understand Senior's meaning," Wu Yuan's mana body replied with deliberate ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying the claims.

"If you were merely another Dao Master seeking to compete for this Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, I wouldn't object," the azure-robed youth explained with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "But since you already possess such a treasure, you're disqualified from this competition."

"Disqualified? On what basis?" Wu Yuan's mana body frowned slightly.

True Saints Luan Hai, Yin Yu, and the others brightened visibly. To them, eliminating True Saint Ming Jian meant one less major competitor for them.

"Rules," the azure-robed youth stated flatly. "You need not concern yourself with what they are. They exist, and you must abide by them.

"Of course, while you cannot compete for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, you remain eligible to vie for the three Chaos Nuclei. I trust I've made myself perfectly clear."

Wu Yuan's mana body remained silent, eyes flickering.

After a measured pause, he inclined his head slightly. "This junior shall comply," he stated, transforming into a streak of light that separated from his ether body and flew out of the spacetime vortex.

True Saints Luan Hai and Luo Quan exchanged satisfied smiles, while True Saints like Shen Yan, Mu Jing and others felt their hearts plummet. After witnessing Cloud Saint's fate, these relatively strong True Saints would rather face Luan Hai or Wu Yuan than cross blades with Ming Jian.

On the contrary, most relatively weaker True Saints felt that Ming Jian's presence might prove beneficial. Being the only challenger for the Chaos Nuclei who had taken the fourth step of his self-created Dao, the relatively stronger True Saints would be forced to unite against this single overwhelming threat.

"Excellent," the azure-robed youth proclaimed. "Besides these five, does anyone else wish to participate in the competition for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

Silence settled over the gathering. No True Saint was willing to challenge multiple opponents who had reached the fourth step of their self-created Daos.

Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice shattered the stillness. "Senior, include me as well. I wish to fight."

A brilliant streak of light cut across heaven and earth, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Even Wu Yuan's ether body turned, his expression shifting with surprise.

True Saint Dong Yi approached with a faint smile. "Brother Wu Yuan, I've come to assist you," he announced as he flew into the spacetime vortex.