Chapter 1321: The Zenithels Gather, The Great Battle Begins (1)

"Indeed, he is stronger than I," Eldritch Progenitor Zhu Rong acknowledged with a slight nod. His passion had always leaned toward equipment forging rather than the relentless pursuit of power, making it easier for him to accept Wu Yuan's superior strength.

"Comparable to Fu You? Are you suggesting he stands a level above me?" Eldritch Progenitor Gong Gong's face flickered with disbelief.

Unlike the measured Zhu Rong, Gong Gong had always been the most combative among the Eldritch Progenitors.

Faced with Gong Gong's probing question, Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu remained deliberately vague. She understood that Wu Yuan had shared the information about possessing 3000 times True Saint mana with her as a token of trust. This didn't mean she had the permission to broadcast his secrets to other Dao Zenithels, even if those present formed the inner circle of the Eldritch Court.

Hou Tu offered only enough clarity to give the others a general measure of Wu Yuan's capabilities, then kept silent on the matter.

"Impressive," Dao Zenithel Fu You remarked, his shadowy eyes shifting toward Wu Yuan with a smile. "Once you acquire the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, it seems you'll stand shoulder to shoulder with Di Jiang. I suspect my position on the Eternal Rankings will soon drop by one."

"Dao Zenithel Fu You flatters me," Wu Yuan replied with a modest smile.

On the Eternal Rankings: the Heavenly Imperator stood first, followed by Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu, then Great Emperor Yan Tuo, Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang, and Dao Zenithel Wan Yu. These five not only possessed extraordinary Dao cultivation levels, but also wielded a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure each, making their positions virtually unshakeable.

Now, with his body refiner self breaking through, Wu Yuan had become a legitimate contender for the top five.

"Wait." Eldritch Progenitor Zhu Rong's brow furrowed as realization struck him. He glanced at Hou Tu with confusion before turning to Wu Yuan. "Saint Yuan, you've broken through, but where is your Xuanhuang Dao Treasure? Did you not bring it with you from the Tenth Chaos Void?"

"That's right!" Gong Gong's just realized it too. "Where is your Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?"

Wu Yuan exchanged a meaningful glance with Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu.

"This is precisely why I've summoned you all," Hou Tu explained deliberately. "Wu Yuan possesses an ability similar to the Five Elements Dao Master. Though limited to cultivating a single ether body, this body can develop a complete Eternal Psyche."

Her gaze swept across the gathering. "The one who confronted True Saints from various factions in the Tenth Chaos Void was merely Wu Yuan's ether body. The Xuanhuang Dao Treasure remains in its possession."

"What?"

"An ether body with an Eternal Psyche?"

"A complete one, no less!"

"Isn't that even more extraordinary than the Five Elements Dao Master's five ether bodies?"

Shock rippled through the assembly. Di Jiang, Fu You, Zhu Rong, and Gong Gong all stared at him in disbelief. This revelation was even more staggering than Wu Yuan's strength.

Wu Yuan’s ability to rival Dao Zenithel Fu You could be attributed to exceptional talent; remarkable but still within reason. But an ether body capable of cultivating an Eternal Psyche? Such a thing was unprecedented, not just in the history of the Eldritch Court, but throughout the cosmic sea since the Primordium.

Countless Eternal powerhouses, from Dao Zenithels above to Saints and Perennials below, possessed mana bodies and ether bodies incapable of nurturing Eternal Psyches. At best, they maintained Overlord-level mana.

Even the legendary Five Elements Dao Master, who commanded the Great Dao's Authority, could only cultivate incomplete Eternal Psyches in his five ether bodies, limiting them to True Saint-level mana on par with True Saint Luan Hai and True Saint Luo Quan. They had utility, certainly, but minimal impact in confrontations at the highest level.

Wu Yuan listened to their reactions, inwardly composed. Years ago, when he first obtained the Xuanhuang Essence and returned from the Azure Saint Tomb, caution had been essential. The fear of arousing covetousness had limited him to confiding in Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu alone.

Now? Such concerns were behind him. His strength had grown sufficient to weather any storm.

"Saint Yuan, does this mean your ether body could also become a Dao Zenithel? Exerting power equal to your true self?" Di Jiang's eyes gleamed with fascination.

"Correct," Wu Yuan confirmed.

"Incredible!"

"This changes everything!"

"He can dispatch his ether body into battle, and even if it falls, he can cultivate new ones repeatedly," Fu You and Zhu Rong marveled in unison, astounded by the implications.

The concept was terrifying. Dao Zenithels like themselves, though immensely powerful, possessed only a single combat body and rarely risked sending them into battle. Their mana or ether bodies paled in comparison to their true selves, offering little tactical advantage.

"Saint Yuan, your abilities far surpass my own," Fu You acknowledged with genuine admiration.

The perspectives of these Dao Zenithels had transformed. Before, they had merely seen Wu Yuan as another powerhouse comparable to Di Jiang. It was cause for celebration, certainly, but insufficient to shift the balance of power across the infinite cosmic sea.

Now, everything had changed. A fearless peak-stage Dao Zenithel combat body that could strike devastating blows against rival factions, fearless against encirclement or deadly traps, was unprecedented. And if it fell, another could be cultivated to take its place.

"This ability was acquired by sheer luck, and it does have limitations. The number of uses isn't infinite," Wu Yuan smiled modestly.

Though the Xuanhuang Essence was profoundly mystical, and Wu Yuan had yet to discover any flaws even after his mana body's breakthrough, he suspected its power might have limits. He had resolved not to squander his mana and ether bodies recklessly, ensuring their survival whenever possible.

"Even with restrictions, such an ability defies the heavens," Di Jiang laughed appreciatively. "Even without taking risks, having an additional combat body is fearsome enough. Moreover, it vastly enhances your overall strength."

The assembled Dao Zenithels nodded in agreement. In the future, Wu Yuan's true self, wielding a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure, would rival Di Jiang in strength, while his ether body, comparable to Fu You, would be equally formidable.

Though renowned as one of the greatest factions of the cosmic sea, the Eldritch Court had only three individuals who had reached the Full Dao Zenithel level.

"I believe everyone here now understands Saint Yuan's strength," Hou Tu suddenly interjected. "Now, please quiet down for a moment."

Instantly, the hall fell silent. Though Di Jiang was the oldest individual present, revered as an elder brother by all Eldritch Court Dao Zenithels, Hou Tu's status stood uncontested at the pinnacle. When she spoke, none dared disobey.

"Normally, Saint Yuan's breakthrough would warrant a grand celebration with all Dao Zenithels present," she continued in a low voice. "But I've summoned just a few of you for a specific reason."

Everyone listened with rapt attention.

"As you've heard, Saint Yuan's ether body remains in the Tenth Chaos Void," Hou Tu explained. "My divinations reveal that the Immortal Court, Wan Yu Tower, and several other factions have gathered secretly outside the Tenth Chaos Void, preparing to hunt down Saint Yuan's ether body.

"Dao Zenithel Wan Yu possesses a method to divine the location of Xuanhuang Dao Treasures. Their target is Saint Yuan’s Xuanhuang Dao Treasure."

"They court death! That bastard Wan Yu!" Gong Gong's face flushed with fury. "How dare they scheme to steal our Eldritch Court's Xuanhuang Dao Treasure? We should seize an opportunity to snatch his Xuanhuang Dao Treasure instead."

Fu You and Zhu Rong's expressions darkened in agreement.

"I propose we turn their plan against them," Hou Tu declared. "We'll engage them in battle to uphold the Eldritch Court's prestige and announce Saint Yuan's rise to the cosmic sea's apex. Are you willing to participate?"

"Of course!"

"Let's fight!"

"We'll slaughter those bastards!"

Fu You, Zhu Rong, and Gong Gong responded without hesitation, each radiating battle intent. Even Zhu Rong, typically averse to conflict, now emanated unmistakable combat readiness.

"Those who covet our Eldritch Court's treasures must face consequences," Zhu Rong added quickly. "However, with the Immortal Court and Wan Yu Tower united, they've surely made thorough preparations. Can we prevail with our current numbers? Should we summon additional Dao Zenithels?"

The Eldritch Court boasted nearly thirty Dao Zenithels. Beyond those present, six more Peak Dao Zenithels remained, making their collective might truly formidable.

"That won't be necessary," Hou Tu replied. "For this battle, Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang will guard the Eldritch Progenitor Hall and cannot move freely. Saint Yuan and Fu You will handle direct combat, prioritizing contact with Saint Yuan's ether body."

She continued, "Zhu Rong and Gong Gong, you two will employ your fusion technique, using your domain to control the battlefield. I shall act personally as well.

"Additionally, Saint Yuan's ally, Dao Zenithel Ming Jian, will join us. His strength rivals the Dream Emperor's."

"Ming Jian has ascended to Dao Zenithel? As powerful as the Dream Emperor?"

"He’s the Spacetime Dao Master, and he's likely obtained a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure. Such strength is expected." This revelation didn't shock Fu You and the others as deeply as Wu Yuan's secret had.

The difference between wielding a Xuanhuang Dao Treasure and lacking one was simply too immense.

"Good," Fu You nodded. "Though our numbers are few, our individual power is exceptional. It should suffice, provided the Immortal Court and Wan Yu Tower don't deploy their full forces or ally with multiple factions."

"The Immortal Court wouldn't dare commit all their forces," Di Jiang added with a confident smile. "If they did, I would immediately rally our remaining Dao Zenithels and strike their key territories."

"Excellent. Then we are decided."

Time flowed as Wu Yuan, Hou Tu, Fu You, and the others refined the strategy, addressing every detail of their plan.

Finally, led by Hou Tu and accompanied by Wu Yuan, Fu You, Zhu Rong, and Gong Gong, they set forth toward the Chaos Void.

...

In the Eldritch Court Voidrealm, within the Eldritch Progenitor Hall, Wu Yuan bowed respectfully to Hou Tu, maintaining proper deference despite his confusion. They were already traveling together; why had she summoned him alone within the voidrealm?

"Since becoming a Dao Zenithel, have you encountered Daoist Tian Xu?" she asked directly.

"I have," Wu Yuan confirmed.

"That stands to reason. Once your qi refiner self broke through, you likely sensed many special locations throughout the cosmic sea." Hou Tu nodded slightly. "Does he know our current plans?"

"Senior Tian Xu guessed some details, but I shared nothing specific," Wu Yuan replied.

"Do not tell him," she instructed firmly.

"Understood." Wu Yuan nodded, though perplexed. "Are you concerned Senior Tian Xu might reveal information?"

"I am," Hou Tu confirmed without hesitation.

"Surely not," Wu Yuan protested, his impression of Daoist Tian Xu remaining overwhelmingly positive.

"Don't misunderstand. I'm not suggesting he bears you ill will," Hou Tu smiled faintly, then sighed. "It's simply that Daoist Tian Xu is more complicated than you imagine."

Her voice lowered. "Do you know he once guided Goddess Nüwa, even instructing her in creating the human race?"

"I've heard something to that effect," Wu Yuan acknowledged.

"In one sense, he could be considered a predecessor to our Eldritch Court," Hou Tu continued. "Yet he's also the founder of the Blood Dream Alliance and maintains close ties with many Dao Masters. His relationship with the Heavenly Imperator is particularly close. The Imperator Mountain in the Heavenly Imperator's possession was obtained through Daoist Tian Xu's guidance."

Wu Yuan couldn't hide his shock. Even the Heavenly Imperator's Xuanhuang Dao Treasure was connected to Senior Tian Xu?

"Is that true?" he asked incredulously.

"Would I deceive you?" Hou Tu replied with a wry smile.

Wu Yuan fell silent.

"You're now a Dao Zenithel with tremendous power. By all rights, I should no longer address you as my junior, nor do I wish to create tension between you and Daoist Tian Xu," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu said, her tone measured yet warm. "I can see he treats you with genuine respect."

"However," she continued, "I hope you understand that Daoist Tian Xu's ambitions may not always align with the interests of our Eldritch Court."

Wu Yuan felt his chest tighten as the implications of her words sank in. Though not explicitly stated, her meaning was unmistakable.

"Rest assured, Eldritch Progenitor," he replied with solemn conviction. "I am of the human race, and have received immeasurable kindness from the Eldritch Court. In all matters, the interests of the Eldritch Court shall remain my priority."

"Good." Hou Tu nodded slightly, satisfaction glimmering in her eyes. "Should you ever face challenges you'd rather not handle directly, simply inform me. I will see them resolved."

"Understood."