Chapter 952: Number One In The Eternal Sun Immortal World (1)

"Let them in, Bei You," Overlord Xin Ya instructed softly.

"Understood." Sovereign Bei You nodded in acknowledgment. The Bei You Realm was the stronghold he had meticulously crafted. Without his consent, no other Sovereign across the macrocosm could find it.

Wu Yuan turned his attention to the distance, sensing the approach of several formidable entities. Overlord Xin Ya’s incarnation and Sovereign Bei You followed suit, their gazes fixed on the distance.

Less than a breath passed.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Three imposing figures arrived, each emanating an aura as commanding as Sovereign Bei You's. At their forefront was a large man clad in red robes.

"Greetings, Overlord," they intoned, bowing slightly before straightening to examine Wu Yuan.

"Is that Ming Jian?"

"Could it be him?"

“What a powerful vital aura.” The three Sovereigns stared at Wu Yuan in shock. His aura far surpassed theirs, confirming the many legends they had heard.

Given his recent breakthrough to the Sovereign phase, Wu Yuan had yet to wield full control over his mana. Given some time, he would naturally be able to conceal his aura perfectly.

Overlord Xin Ya broke the silence, a smile on his lips. "Allow me to introduce Ming Jian, a Saintcrest Prodigy from our divine court headquarters. He has just ascended to the Sovereign phase and will henceforth dwell in the Greenridge Macrocosm."

He gestured toward the trio. "These are Sovereign Heng Yang, Sovereign Zhen Guang, and Sovereign Zhu Yue."

Wu Yuan acknowledged each with a nod. He was already familiar with the Eternal Sun Immortal World, which had produced five Sovereigns. Besides those present, there was Sovereign Yan Chong, who seldom left the divine court headquarters.

Among those who resided permanently in the immortal world, Sovereigns Heng Yang and Bei You were mid-stage Sovereigns, while the others were early-stage Sovereigns in terms of combat power. Unless one was a monstrous prodigy, comprehending the Great Dao was a laborious and slow journey.

"Sovereign Ming Jian," the trio greeted him, their voices cordial and respectful. Wu Yuan reciprocated their politeness with a warm smile.

Addressing them, Overlord Xin Ya said, "Heng Yang, I've summoned you here not only for introductions. There is a significant matter we must discuss with you."

"Please enlighten us, Overlord," Heng Yang replied promptly. Though a Sovereign, his power had yet to reach the late-stage Sovereign level, and he did not command the authority of a Sovereign of Space, thus he maintained a deferential attitude toward the Overlord.

"Allow me to be direct," Overlord Xin Ya continued, casting a glance at the assembled Sovereigns. "Ming Jian's prowess and extraordinary talent have garnered the admiration of the True Saint himself. His choice to return and protect the Eternal Sun Immortal World is indeed our fortune. I assume you're all familiar with Wu Yuan from the Cang Feng Eldritch World."

Both Sovereign Heng Yang and Sovereign Zhen Guang nodded in agreement.

Overlord Xin Ya confidently stated, "With Wu Yuan's potential, ascending to Overlord in the future will be no challenge. If the Eternal Sun Immortal World aspires to endure through the ages, we will undoubtedly need to depend on Ming Jian. I trust that all of you grasp this necessity."

The Sovereigns exchanged glances, silently acknowledging this undeniable truth concerning the fate of the immortal world. Despite previous discussions, they felt a sense of powerlessness; Wu Yuan of the eldritch world had the formidable Eldritch Court's backing after all.

"With Ming Jian becoming a Sovereign first, we have currently seized the advantage," Overlord Xin Ya continued. "Therefore, I propose that he assumes the role of leading the divine court headquarters in the Greenridge Macrocosm. Does anyone object?"

Silence descended. Sovereign Zhen Guang and Sovereign Zhu Yue found themselves glancing at Sovereign Heng Yang.

Possessing merely early-stage Sovereign strength, they lacked the strength to vie for leadership or challenge it. To them, the identity of the leader held little significance. However, Sovereign Heng Yang was a different matter.

Previously, the Taiyuan Divine Court had refrained from appointing a clear leader, as none had attained late-stage Sovereign strength. Yet, the naming of the Eternal Sun Immortal World revealed subtle hints of its stance.

"That’s not appropriate," Sovereign Bei You interjected, breaking the silence. The Sovereigns' eyes turned towards him, intrigued by his unexpected objection.

"Oh?" Overlord Xin Ya expressed mild surprise.

"The role of leader has always been reserved for the strongest," Sovereign Bei You remarked. "While Ming Jian shows immense potential, that is a matter for the future. To lead the divine court headquarters' Greenridge branch, one must demonstrate their strength in battle, not merely through words."

His gaze locked onto Sovereign Heng Yang. "Brother Heng Yang, you are arguably the strongest among us. What is your opinion?"

By this point, Sovereigns Heng Yang, Zhen Guang, and Zhu Yue had discerned the intentions of Overlord Xin Ya and Sovereign Bei You. None of them were naïve.

"Bei You, there's no need to tiptoe around my feelings. The Overlord's argument holds merit," Sovereign Heng Yang responded with a knowing smile. "Sovereign Ming Jian, I admire your talent, but to be blunt, yielding the leader's position without contest would leave me unconvinced.

“I have invested immense effort into building this immortal world over countless years," Sovereign Heng Yang continued, meeting Wu Yuan's gaze. "As Sovereign Bei You suggested, let's engage in a friendly spar—not one to the death. Should your strength exceed mine, I will gladly acknowledge you as the leader of our immortal world. What do you say?"

A tense hush fell over the assembly.

Overlord Xin Ya and Sovereign Bei You maintained their composure. This was the ideal outcome—Sovereign Heng Yang not only understood the situation but also took the initiative to issue a challenge. On the road of cultivation, might makes right.

"Very well," Wu Yuan agreed with a calm nod, understanding Sovereign Heng Yang's perspective.

Yet, understanding was one matter; on the journey of cultivation, one had to strive for their goals. Rather than resorting to indirect actions, it was better to be straightforward and honorable.

"Let’s avoid holding your spar in my Bei You Realm," Sovereign Bei You suggested with a polite smile. "Head to a higher spatial dimension. Choose your coordinates, and we shall all bear witness to the duel."

Sovereign Bei You could still manage an Astral Monarch level conflict, making sure the Bei You Realm was shielded from its impact. But a confrontation among Sovereigns? That would obliterate the realm effortlessly.

…

Far beyond the confines of the Bei You Realm, an expanse of outer space stretched out within the Vacuum Spatial Layer. It was a dark, murky chaos. Without an acute sense of navigation, one would be utterly lost within this dimension.

Today, this very place would host a decisive battle for leadership over the Eternal Sun Immortal World.

Observing from a safe distance were Sovereign Bei You, Sovereign Zhen Guang, Sovereign Zhu Yue, and Overlord Xin Ya. The four of them stood far apart, their eyes fixed on two figures in the distant void—one in white and the other in red robes.

Sovereign Bei You and Overlord Xin Ya watched with serene smiles.

Sovereign Zhen Guang sent a transmission, “Zhu Yue, who do you think will emerge victorious?'"

Zhu Yue responded thoughtfully, "It's difficult to predict. We've long known Heng Yang's strength; in direct combat, even Bei You isn't his equal. However, the Overlord wouldn't have spoken up without some assurance. Rumor has it that Ming Jian wields a Xiantian artifact, which, combined with his Apotheosis root, could grant him the edge to defeat Heng Yang."

“Mm.” A glimmer of envy flashed through Sovereign Zhen Guang's eyes.

As Sovereigns, they all possessed first-degree immortal roots, seemingly just a step away from an Apotheosis root. Yet, only upon reaching the Sovereign phase did they realize the daunting challenge of breaking that shackle. As for Xiantian artifacts? They were legends among Sovereigns.

…

In the immense void, Wu Yuan and Sovereign Heng Yang faced each other, their gazes locked.

"Sovereign Ming Jian, you've mastered the Law of Space. If you decide to flee, I won't be able to pursue you," Sovereign Heng Yang said in a low voice.

"Fear not, Sovereign Heng Yang," Wu Yuan replied with a confident smile. "I won't retreat during our spar, not even to the Spacetime Intersection Layer."

Sovereign Heng Yang's eyes narrowed. How audacious.

"So brazen.”

"A Saintcrest Prodigy indeed.”

“Well, I’ve never seen a humble peerless prodigy at least." At a distance, Sovereign Zhen Guang and Sovereign Zhu Yue exchanged astonished glances, taken aback by Wu Yuan's boldness.

"Very well," Sovereign Heng Yang's voice turned steely. "Let me witness your prowess, Sovereign Ming Jian." With that, he stepped forward, the void shuddering under his might as he expanded to a towering ten thousand zhangs, his vital aura surging like a tempest.

With a thunderous rumble, layers of flames unfurled, enveloping him and transforming him into a blazing entity akin to a miniature sun, though immeasurably more powerful. His red robes morphed into a fiery red armor that radiated a fierce, imposing energy.

Clang!

In his nine arms, he brandished divine swords, each a high-grade Dao Instrument, exuding an overwhelming force.

Sovereign Bei You, Overlord Xin Ya, Sovereign Zhen Guang, and the others instantly understood that Sovereign Heng Yang had come prepared. Otherwise, why would his ether body carry so many artifacts?

"Attack!" boomed Sovereign Heng Yang. Like an unstoppable blazing sun, he surged towards Wu Yuan with the speed of lightning, distorting the very fabric of space around him. One had to remember that they were in the Vacuum Spatial Layer.

“How powerful.”

"Sovereign Heng Yang has brought out all his trump cards," communicated Sovereign Zhen Guang and Sovereign Zhu Yue as they watched in awe. If they were up against him, retreat would be their only option after just a few exchanges.

Ming Jian

. Sovereign Bei You observed the battle, concern flickering in his eyes. Wu Yuan's earlier bold declarations seemed to have put him in a tight spot now.

On the battlefield, Wu Yuan watched this opponent quietly.

Sovereign Heng Yang is indeed formidable, having fully comprehended the Solar Dao. Within extreme yang, extreme yin is infused, a testament to his deep understanding of the Great Dao of Yin and Yang.

The Solar Dao, a convergence of the Intermediate Laws of Fire, Metal, and Space, embodied a fearsome power and brilliant majesty.

The Great Dao of Yin and Yang, with its ceaseless changes, held boundless strength.

If I’m going to win, I should put up a good show.

Wu Yuan resolved, his eyes flashing with determination. Initially, he had intended to reveal only a fraction of his strength, but the situation now demanded more.

Boom!

With a thunderous explosion, Wu Yuan unleashed his mana, summoning an array of lifebound flying swords by his side.

In Wu Yuan’s control, these high-grade Dao Instrument lifebound flying swords rivaled the strength of top-grade Dao Instruments and perhaps even surpassed them. Infused with his late-stage Sovereign mana, they reached terrifying levels of power.

𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The nine swords hovered, creating a world unto themselves. Space within a hundred thousand li around Wu Yuan warped visibly, as interwoven sword qi radiated in vast waves. Within the shimmering sword light, visions of the universe’s evolution and the genesis of countless life forms flickered.