Chapter 1291: Void Temple

"Dong Yi, what are you doing?" Wu Yuan transmitted. "You haven't taken the fourth step of your self-created Dao. The Chaos Nucleus is what you need most right now. There's absolutely no reason for you to take the risk of competing for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure."

According to the azure-robed youth's warnings, vying for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure posed tremendous danger. True Saint Luan Hai and the others would undoubtedly stake everything on the line. From Wu Yuan's perspective, True Saint Dong Yi would face great difficulty intervening in a conflict of this level.

"Don't worry, Wu Yuan," True Saint Dong Yi replied with a casual grin. "Had True Saint Ming Jian accompanied you, I might have remained behind. I have no desire to compete against you for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure."

He paused momentarily before adding, "Besides, if I chose to pursue the Chaos Nucleus instead, my chances of success would be high.

"But since you stand alone now, and I previously pledged my support, I naturally intend to honor that commitment fully. Don’t worry too much about me, I wouldn’t come if I didn’t have confidence. You will understand when the time comes." True Saint Dong Yi spoke with utmost seriousness.

A faint gleam flickered across Wu Yuan's eyes as a certain suspicion came to mind.

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu had entrusted him with a task. If True Saint Dong Yi had indeed experienced a breakthrough in power, he too likely operated under Hou Tu's instructions. Though perhaps unaware of the connection between Wu Yuan's true selves, Dong Yi's participation in this battle was almost certainly guided by Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's hand.

"Dong Yi?"

"He’s joining the battle? Is he intending to assist Wu Yuan?" True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu, True Saint Luo Quan, and the others exchanged wary glances.

They all knew that True Saint Dong Yi had acquired a Chaos Jade Crystal long ago. There was a chance that he had taken the fourth step of his self-created Dao. Yet logically, had Dong Yi already achieved this breakthrough, he should have immediately entered the competition for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure rather than delaying until now.

"Very well, it appears we have another participant," announced the azure-robed youth, standing tall amidst the endless void, his penetrating gaze sweeping across all present. "Do any other True Saints wish to participate in the competition for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

Silence settled over the assembly. No other True Saints stepped forward.

Compared to pursuing the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, where their chances of success were extremely slim, the vast majority of True Saints were more interested in the Chaos Nucleus that could support them in their advancement to Dao Zenithels. This priority remained unchanged, even under direct orders from their Dao Zenithel superiors.

"Alright. Then the final competitors for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure shall be you six," the azure-robed youth proclaimed with a casual wave of his hand. "Proceed."

Whoosh~

As his hand swept through the air, an invisible ripple expanded outward, instantly causing Wu Yuan's ether body, True Saint Dong Yi, True Saint Luo Quan, True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu, and True Saint Chen Yu to vanish completely from the core region of the spacetime vortex.

No one knew where they had been transported to.

"Now, let the competition for the Chaos Nuclei commence," the azure-robed youth's voice reverberated throughout the boundless spacetime, immediately igniting fervor in the eyes of over a thousand True Saints.

My ether body is still being teleported?

Wu Yuan's mana body narrowed its eyes contemplatively.

So be it. My mana body shall do its best to secure the Chaos Nucleus.

Though his mana body stood alone, Wu Yuan maintained unwavering confidence.

“Watch.” As the azure-robed youth pointed to the distance, the five-colored realm transformed. Countless light streams converged, revealing three immense void temples in three separate directions.

Each temple stood majestic and boundless, as if existing in a separate dimension. The three magnificent temples established a subtle tripartite balance, each positioned in distinct regions of the five-colored realm.

Void temples? Three of them?

Wu Yuan’s mana body contemplated this development.

The other True Saints, being no fools themselves, harbored their own suspicions.

"Your assumptions are correct. Each void temple contains one Chaos Nucleus," the azure-robed youth explained dispassionately. "You may compete in any temple of your choosing.

"Should you obtain one, you may proceed to compete for the others.

"If you lack the courage to compete, or after successfully acquiring one, you may depart from the five-colored realm at any time through various channels," he continued, gesturing once more.

Instantaneously, three spacetime vortex channels materialized in the void between the three great temple clusters.

"After one thousand years have passed, should the three Chaos Nuclei remain unclaimed, the void temples will vanish, and the opportunity to compete for them will be lost," the azure-robed youth concluded with a faint smile before his entire form dissipated completely.

His task had evidently been completed.

Throughout the vast five-colored realm, over a thousand True Saints exchanged uncertain glances.

All of them comprehended the rules, yet no True Saint moved first. Nearly everyone's attention turned toward that figure in azure robes—True Saint Ming Jian.

As the only powerhouse publicly acknowledged to have taken the fourth step of his self-created Dao, the deterrent force of his presence remained unmatched.

I'll take this temple.

Wu Yuan decided, soaring skyward and swiftly racing toward the nearest void temple.

However, Wu Yuan quickly noticed that no light streams surrounded his body to enhance his speed this time round, forcing him to rely solely on his natural speed.

It will take three to four days just to reach the temple.

Wu Yuan realized instantly.

In that case, even if I secure one Chaos Nucleus and wish to compete for the others, traveling between temples would consume ten days or more.

During such an interval, other True Saints could easily compete and escape with their prizes.

It seems...that azure-robed youth doesn't wish to see me effortlessly claim all three Chaos Nuclei by myself.

The thought flashed through Wu Yuan's mind, though he didn't dwell on it further.

No matter. Seizing the opportunity to obtain at least one Chaos Nucleus remained the top priority. Whether he could acquire more would depend on fortune and circumstance.

In truth, Wu Yuan had briefly considered positioning himself at the center of the five-colored realm, waiting for other True Saints to claim Chaos Nuclei before attempting to seize them, but he abandoned this strategy after a moment of consideration.

With three exit channels available, he couldn't possibly guard all passages simultaneously by himself.

Relying purely on interception would yield at most one Chaos Nucleus.

Wu Yuan reasoned.

Even if I plan to intercept others, I should first secure one Chaos Nucleus for myself.

Whoosh!

As Wu Yuan's mana body streaked toward one of the void temples, the thousand-plus True Saints who had been hesitating suddenly burst into motion.

"Ming Jian has chosen that void temple. He won't reach the other two quickly."

"Hurry!"

"We must claim the Chaos Nucleus before Ming Jian arrives, then escape immediately.”

Various True Saints transformed into brilliant streaks of light, rushing toward the remaining two void temples.

These True Saints maintained extreme wariness toward True Saint Ming Jian.

After all, True Saint Ming Jian had demonstrated the power to kill with a single thought, even before taking the fourth step of his self-created Dao. Who wouldn't fear him? The wisest strategy was clearly to avoid him entirely.

Not a single one dares to compete with me; not even the True Saints from the Eldritch Court and Blood Dream Alliance.

Wu Yuan observed this phenomenon, inwardly shaking his head.

Such was the power of deterrence.

Four days went by.

Whoosh!

Wu Yuan finally arrived at his chosen void temple and flew directly inside.

Spacetime subtly shifted around him.

What is this?

Wu Yuan immediately beheld the temple's vast, seemingly endless interior, which held thirty-six void channels, each lined with numerous statue-like puppets. The ends of these thirty-six void channels converged into a single focal region.

In that region floated a dazzlingly bright golden crystal that emanated endless mysterious fluctuations.

The Chaos Nucleus?

A glimmer of desire flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes.

As Wu Yuan crossed the threshold into the void temple, two critical pieces of information flowed into his consciousness:

First, anyone who overcame the guardian puppets' defensive line, successfully crossing a void channel, would be rewarded with the Chaos Nucleus.

Second, each void channel had a strict capacity limit of ten individuals.

So the True Saints in the other two void temples can form teams?

Wu Yuan realized.

He was alone, while other True Saints would inevitably band together. With such limited access to the void channels, cooperation wasn't merely advantageous, it was essential.

Time is of the essence.

He thought.

Without a moment's hesitation, Wu Yuan's mana body transformed into a brilliant streak of light and plunged into one of the void channels. He knew it made little difference which path he chose; each contained the same number of puppets spaced at identical intervals.

The instant Wu Yuan stepped into the void channel, the first four puppets snapped to alertness. Their eyes flickered open, pupils glowing with purple light and intelligence.

"So much time has passed.”

"At last, a challenger has come.”

"An eternity has passed since the day our Great Leader created us. Finally, we have awakened." The four humanoid puppets brandished their long swords, their auras radiating overwhelming power.

"Engage. Eliminate all who trespass on the channel." The four puppets launched their attacks against Wu Yuan as one.

Swish! Swish! Swish! Dazzling arcs of sword light blossomed through the void.

Myriad Rebirths Tribulation.

Wu Yuan focused his will to influence the puppets' consciousnesses, attempting to lure them into his illusions.

Even puppets possessed spirits, and where the spirit existed, the psyche dream world could exert its influence, though the degree of susceptibility varied greatly.

The four puppets faltered momentarily, their gaze growing unfocused, but clarity returned to their eyes almost immediately.

"Kill!"

"Destroy him!" Their fury seemed intensified by the attempted manipulation, their eyes fixed unwaveringly on Wu Yuan as killing intent radiated from them.

Their mental resistance matches Full True Saints equipped with soul-type Chaos Treasures.

Wu Yuan noted, inwardly shaken.

Primordial Golden Lotus! Heavenrend!

Without further delay, Wu Yuan's mana body unleashed his two strongest physical techniques. Beneath his feet blossomed the Primordial Golden Lotus, layer upon layer of golden petals unfurling in an endless cascade, their power working to ensnare the puppets and reduce their speed.

Simultaneously, brilliant streams of sword light erupted from the golden lotus domain, hammering relentlessly against the puppets.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Both sides clashed with lightning speed, and the four puppets found themselves driven backward.

Attack power nearly matching a Full True Saint.

Wu Yuan assessed.

And their physical defense is extraordinary, fully comparable to a Full True Saint as well.

How troublesome indeed.

While Wu Yuan's mana body possessed enough strength to defeat these puppets, destroying them completely would require time.

In a burst of speed, Wu Yuan charged forward, streaking into the deeper reaches of the void channel. His advance immediately triggered the awakening of more puppets.

“Attack!”

"Those who dare intrude upon the channel deserve no mercy."

This time, six puppets awakened, their arsenal more varied. Long spears and curved sabers glinted alongside traditional swords.

They swiftly joined the fray against Wu Yuan.

Within moments, ten puppets encircled him completely. Though they were repeatedly blasted away by Wu Yuan's divine sword, they soon returned to join the attack.

Will I face more guardians each time I advance?

Wu Yuan realized, troubled by the implications.

There are over three hundred puppets stationed along each void channel. Am I expected to withstand attacks from all three hundred simultaneously?

Each puppet possessed strength nearly equivalent to a Full True Saint. Facing three hundred at once? If Wu Yuan’s ether body were present, he might have been able to force his way through. But with only his mana body, he had almost no hope of success if he relied on physical combat alone.

The mana body's greatest strength lay in psyche dream techniques, with physical methods serving merely as supplementary measures. Though his self-created Dao had reached an extraordinary level, far surpassing True Saints Shen Yan and Qing Yan, it remained significantly inferior to powerhouses like True Saint Luan Hai.

But, if even I am struggling this much, can the True Saints in the other temples succeed with just ten of them working together?

The thought rose to his mind.

I suspect it would require ten True Saints ranked within the top twenty or thirty of the True Saint Rankings to stand a chance.

The Chaos Nucleus was clearly not a prize that could be easily claimed.

As time flowed on, Wu Yuan stopped advancing and chose to engage in protracted combat with the ten puppets, testing various approaches. Eventually, he confirmed a disturbing truth: these puppets possessed truly undying, indestructible forms.

After battling for half a day, he had repelled them thousands of times. Any normal True Saint would have died long ago under such an onslaught, or at least have been weakened significantly. Yet the puppets' auras remained completely unchanged, as vigorous as when the battle began.

I'll charge through. It's all or nothing now.

Setting aside his hesitation, Wu Yuan summoned his full strength and transformed into a streak of light, rocketing toward the depths of the void channel.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Instantly, more puppets jolted awake, immediately launching frenzied attacks against Wu Yuan. Their methods grew increasingly diverse and sophisticated.

Sword techniques erupted alongside saber techniques. Whips cracked while spears thrust. Domains overlapped with close combat maneuvers and ranged assaults. Different combat secret arts flourished, each applying the principles of a different Great Dao.

The puppets seemed capable of executing every technique Wu Yuan had ever witnessed, along with many he hadn't. Numerous combat methods opened his eyes to entirely new possibilities.

In frighteningly little time, nearly two hundred puppets had awakened, surrounding Wu Yuan in overwhelming numbers. This subjected him to unimaginable pressure, forcing him entirely onto the defensive.

Each forward step became a desperate struggle.

As their numbers swelled, the puppets' coordination grew increasingly refined, their diverse techniques complementing each other. The pressure bearing down on Wu Yuan increased exponentially.

This frenzied combat is tempering me even more intensely than when I was cultivating with the Chaos Jade Crystal.

Wu Yuan realized with sudden clarity.

The void channel was not merely a path; it was a crucible for refinement.

In a remarkably short time, Wu Yuan's mana body had gained numerous insights into new methods of wielding the Primordial Golden Lotus, executing sword techniques, and mastering various other combat arts.

My mana body has accumulated a deep theoretical understanding of its self-created Dao, but lacks practical combat experience. To craft ultimate techniques, I must undergo extensive battle.

Wu Yuan realized with dawning excitement.

If I continue fighting and tempering myself here, I might even develop a Dao Zenithel ultimate technique.

The opportunity this place presented extended far beyond the Chaos Nucleus.

The void channel itself represented an extraordinary chance for growth. Even the Eldritch Court or Immortal Court couldn't provide hundreds of powerful True Saints, each skilled in different combat specialties, as sparring partners.

Boom!

Wu Yuan's mana body surged into an even deeper region of the void channel. This time, over fifty puppets awakened simultaneously.

These new opponents wielded no visible weapons, but their eyes flickered with an eerie crimson light.

In the next moment, they launched a perfectly coordinated attack, waves of invisible force assaulting Wu Yuan from all directions. He immediately recognized the nature of their assault: soul attacks.

These puppets could even unleash psyche dream illusions!