Chapter 953: Number One In The Eternal Sun Immortal World (2)

It was the eighth form of the Nine Swords of Spacetime—All Things Return To Nothingness.

Normally, Wu Yuan Dao comprehension level would barely allow him to execute this move. However, empowered by his Apotheosis-level Sovereign mana and nine lifebound flying swords, he unleashed it with flawless precision.

"What a powerful sword domain."

“This?” Sovereign Bei You, Sovereign Zhen Guang, Sovereign Zhu Yue, and the others stared in disbelief. As Sovereigns, they could instinctively feel the terrifying power of the sword domain that Wu Yuan had unleashed. Even within the Vacuum Spatial Layer, the domain stretched a staggering hundred thousand li, an astonishing feat that left them speechless.

For Sovereign Zhen Guang and Sovereign Zhu Yue, the sheer intensity of the domain sent a ripple of unease through their minds.

Yet, they were mere spectators. It was Sovereign Heng Yang, facing the lethally sharp sword intent, who truly realized he had underestimated Wu Yuan. He finally understood the reason for Wu Yuan's unwavering confidence: strength. Overwhelming strength.

"Kill!" cried Sovereign Heng Yang, his aura blazing intensely. He brandished his divine swords, striking into the heart of the sword domain with the speed of lightning.

"Seal!" Wu Yuan's voice rang out from a distance. With a mental command, sword qi wrapped around Sovereign Heng Yang, drastically hindering his movements.

Six divine swords should be employed as the sword domain’s foundation, and three for offense.

Wu Yuan naturally understood this principle.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Three brilliant sword lights erupted, cutting through the dark void and targeting Sovereign Heng Yang.

Clang! Clang!

Sovereign Heng Yang's divine swords clashed against the three flying swords, each collision sending waves of destructive force crashing into him, forcing him to retreat.

Despite his formidable defensive ether arts and sturdy battle armor, his vital qi churned violently within him. The onslaught was too terrifying.

Sixth-stage Sovereign power? No, this has gone beyond that. Ming Jian’s overall strength must be nearing seventh-stage Sovereign power.

Sovereign Heng Yang thought, his heart pounding as his eyes darted to Wu Yuan. There Wu Yuan stood, calm and composed amid the swirling fury of the sword domain.

Wu Yuan had just broken through, yet already wielded such immense strength?

Still won't admit defeat?

Wu Yuan's brow furrowed slightly.

Well, it’s understandable. Sovereign Heng Yang, at his full power, wields close to sixth-stage Sovereign power. But he's still a step behind me. Very well, I'll make him accept the truth.

In terms of Dao comprehension, Wu Yuan acknowledged that he was weaker. However, in mana, artifacts, and his Yuan Souls’ capacity to control his weapons, he eclipsed his opponent, reaching a level that allowed him to contend with Overlords. This edge enabled him to overpower Sovereign Heng Yang.

Wu Yuan had carefully considered his options before deciding to fight. Either he would refrain from battle entirely, or he would obliterate his opponent, leaving no room for doubt among the Sovereigns of the Eternal Sun Immortal World.

Samsara Sword, Dao resonance.

Wu Yuan gave a mental command.

𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Within the internal space of his immortal body, the Samsara Sword suddenly emitted tendrils of radiant light. This ethereal glow silently permeated Wu Yuan's being, infusing his nine lifebound flying swords with newfound power. Almost immediately, a subtle yet profound transformation occurred in the Dao essence of these swords, gracing them with a hint of eternal Dao resonance.

Hmm?

A flicker of surprise crossed Overlord Xin Ya's face. While the other Sovereigns remained oblivious, he detected a delicate shift in Wu Yuan's aura. It had evolved into something more ethereal and mysterious, almost illusory.

Whoosh!

At that precise moment, Wu Yuan, now activating the Samsara Sword's Dao resonance, launched a fresh assault. One of his flying swords sliced through the sky once more. It was the same sword, yet this strike brought about a transformation in the expressions of all onlookers.

The sword light spanned a hundred thousand li. Within this expanse, countless life forms seemed to spring into existence, thrive, and then perish. In its depths, innumerable Gods and Devils appeared, locked in struggle and roaring defiantly. These myriad visions, akin to dreams and illusions, ultimately coalesced into a vast, flowing river. The sword light mirrored the great river, capturing the essence of all living creatures.

This was the ninth form of the Nine Swords of Spacetime—My Reflection In The Long River! A technique far beyond Wu Yuan's current level of Dao comprehension, forced into existence by the immensely empowered lifebound flying swords.

Boom~

Sovereign Heng Yang stood utterly astounded, vividly recalling his past battles against late-stage Sovereign powerhouses; the resemblance was uncanny.

Even as he summoned his full might, swinging nine swords to defend himself, he was hurled backward like a meteor. The flames surrounding him were extinguished, and blood trickled from the corners of his mouth. Beneath his battle armor, countless wounds bled openly.

After being flung back more than a hundred thousand li, Sovereign Heng Yang finally landed with a thud, staring at Wu Yuan in disbelief. "Seventh-stage Sovereign combat power? Late-stage Sovereign strength?" he murmured, shaking his head in resignation. "I concede."

There was no contest. Wu Yuan's display with a single sword was already fearsome. If he unleashed several more, he might genuinely slay Sovereign Heng Yang. In battles against other Sovereigns, even when overpowered, there were often avenues of escape. But when facing a Sovereign of Space, escape became nigh impossible.

"Did he concede?"

"This?"

"That sword strike was terrifying, undeniably reaching the level of a late-stage Sovereign.” The group of Sovereigns observing from a distance were stunned.

"It seems to be at the seventh-stage Sovereign level.”

“It was incredibly fast and sharp, reflecting all living things. It was as if we were facing the very river of space and time."

"It's hard to believe. Ming Jian has barely been cultivating for long." The Sovereigns were all baffled by the sheer terror of Wu Yuan's sword techniques, Sovereign Bei You included.

Incredible.

Overlord Xin Ya was completely shocked as he processed his thoughts.

Wu Yuan managed to unleash late-stage Sovereign power without using any Xiantian artifacts?

Wu Yuan had decisively defeated Sovereign Heng Yang while wielding merely Dao Instrument flying swords. If he were to employ his Xiantian artifacts, his power would be unimaginable.

As the chaos subsided, the void slowly returned to calm. Two streaks of light zipped back—Wu Yuan and Sovereign Heng Yang, returning to the others.

"Brother Ming Jian," spoke Sovereign Heng Yang, his low voice tinged with admiration, "if you had defeated me using a legendary Xiantian artifact, I might not have accepted the outcome. But as it stands, I fully acknowledge your superiority." His change in address signified sincere respect for Wu Yuan's strength.

"Late-stage Sovereign power," Sovereign Zhu Yue said, a glimmer of calculation in his eyes. "Should Sovereign Ming Jian wield a Xiantian artifact, he could potentially rival Sovereign Qing Ling." [1]

"Absolutely," agreed Sovereign Zhen Guang, casting an impressed glance at Ming Jian. "With your prowess, you are a strong contender for the title of the Greenridge Macrocosm's greatest powerhouse."

"Sovereign Qing Ling’s renown is long-standing," Wu Yuan smiled, understanding the meaning behind their words.

Sovereign combat power was divided into nine stages, each more challenging to reach than the last. The assessment criteria not only included one’s Dao comprehension and ultimate techniques but also mastery over artifacts, mana, and numerous other elements.

In the final three stages, the gaps grew increasingly vast. Most late-stage Sovereigns wielded seventh-stage combat power, requiring seventh-level Dao Field stage comprehension and a complete set of high-grade Dao Instruments. Without powerful artifacts, their mana or ether bodies typically only surpassed sixth-stage Sovereigns by a slight margin.

Sovereign Qing Ling was able to lay claim to a large area of territory as his true self could unleash eighth-stage Sovereign power, making him nearly as formidable as an Overlord when in his stronghold.

When foreign Overlords invaded a macrocosm, they faced suppression by the macrocosm's essence, limiting those with Xiantian artifacts to eighth-stage Sovereign combat power, and those without to seventh-stage Sovereign combat power.

In various macrocosms, if powerful Sovereigns like Qing Ling refused to submit to larger factions, the various Saintdoms would only be left at a loss. Though the Saintdoms might be able to eliminate them at a great cost, the price would be exorbitant and, ultimately, not worth the effort.

"Long-standing renown means his potential has been exhausted," Overlord Xin Ya smiled. "You, Ming Jian, have just broken through, yet your strength already nearly matches his.

"Once your comprehension of the Laws increases further, surpassing him will be effortless."

Wu Yuan nodded gently.

Indeed! For a Sovereign with a first-degree immortal root, achieving ninth-stage Sovereign combat power was incredibly difficult, but with the Samsara Sword’s Dao resonance and his Xiantian artifacts, it would be relatively easier for him.

By Wu Yuan's own estimation, once his Dao comprehension reached the sixth-level Dao Field stage of Spacetime, he should be able to unleash ninth-stage Sovereign combat power.

The power of the Samsara Sword still has room for growth, justifying the consumption of so many high-grade Dao Instruments.

Wu Yuan mused silently.

The vast majority of treasures and resources acquired by his two true selves had been poured into the Samsara Sword. Its power was indeed extraordinary.

...

"Ming Jian, from today onwards, you will be our leader, and we shall follow you," Sovereign Heng Yang said with a smile. "Why don't we rename the Eternal Sun Immortal World to Ming Jian Immortal World?" [2]

He was a magnanimous fellow, readily accepting defeat after their duel. Moreover, Sovereign Heng Yang was convinced that following Wu Yuan would bring greater rewards in the future.

Sovereign Zhen Guang and Sovereign Zhu Yue both looked toward Wu Yuan.

"The title of leader is merely for outsiders. To you all, I am still your junior," Wu Yuan shook his head.

"As for renaming the immortal world? That's even more unnecessary. The Eternal Sun Immortal World is your life's work, Sovereign Heng Yang. I won't take that from you.

“As the Overlord said, I am the leader of the Greenridge branch of the divine court headquarters," Wu Yuan smiled. "In the future, if we unify the macrocosm and expand our territory, perhaps we'll have not just the Eternal Sun Immortal World, but establish many more immortal worlds.

“We should aim to expand our domain, not limit ourselves to what's before us."

Sovereign Zhen Guang and Sovereign Zhu Yue's eyes lit up, grasping Wu Yuan's unspoken meaning. In the future, the Taiyuan Divine Court would continue to expand its territory in the macrocosm.

"Yes, let's expand our domain," Sovereign Heng Yang agreed excitedly. "Previously, we lacked the strength, but now with Brother Ming Jian, we shall give it our all."

He had been prepared to lose the Eternal Sun Immortal World, but the situation had taken an unexpected turn.

"Very well. You've decided on the overall direction, so I won't say more," Overlord Xin Ya smiled. "Remember one thing: stay united and spread the glory of the True Saint."

"Yes," Wu Yuan, Sovereign Bei You, Sovereign Heng Yang, and the others bowed slightly.

Then, this incarnation of Overlord Xin Ya dissipated.

"Ming Jian, come see me when you enter the Taiyuan Voidrealm later," Overlord Xin Ya's voice echoed in Wu Yuan's ears.

1. Qing Ling = Greenridge ☜

2. Ming Jian Immortal World = Sword’s Cry Immortal World, but I don’t wish to confuse your poor brains further so let’s just leave it as his name. ☜