Chapter 963: The Strongest Astral Monarch, Winds of Change (2)

"An Astral Monarch unleashing fourth-stage Sovereign combat power? Is this for real?"

"That mysterious Supreme Astral Monarch who disappeared back then has resurfaced? And he's even stronger now?"

"Absolutely impossible!"

"There's never been such an example in the entire history of the universe."

"So-called Supreme Astral Monarchs usually have first or second-stage Sovereign combat power at most! How could one possibly have fourth-stage Sovereign combat power?"

"Even for an Astral Monarch with an Apotheosis root and Xiantian artifact, it should be difficult to reach such a level of combat power, right?" A clamor arose as numerous Sovereigns from the two Saintdoms discussed the matter.

If a Sovereign displayed fourth-stage Sovereign combat power, it wouldn't be worth mentioning.

But an Astral Monarch? That was shocking. After all, the fundamental gap between Astral Monarchs and Sovereigns was vast. Those able to fight opponents from higher phases had to possess higher Dao comprehension levels and more powerful artifacts than their opponents. But if one truly had such deep Dao comprehension, they should have already broken through to the Sovereign phase.

"He had no Xiantian artifact."

“At least, when we fought him, the artifact in his hand did not exude the aura of a Xiantian artifact," said the two Sovereigns who had battled Wu Yuan.

This caused even greater shock. An Astral Monarch displaying mid-stage Sovereign power without wielding a Xiantian artifact? It sparked further speculation.

"Could it be that this Astral Monarch doesn’t just own a Xiantian artifact, but has truly deciphered and mastered it?"

"That's even more absurd."

"Even many Sovereigns can't truly control a Xiantian artifact." More Sovereign powerhouses voiced their viewpoints.

Their limited perspective was understandable. In the history of the Long Shan Universe, such a monster had never appeared before.

Even among the thousands of Supreme Astral Monarchs born throughout the vast megaverse's history, only a tiny fraction possessed third-stage Sovereign combat power. Fourth-stage Sovereign combat power? Not a single one. This mysterious Astral Monarch was the first.

...

Time flowed on.

Soon, with Wu Yuan engaging in fierce battles with two more Sovereign powerhouses, the news finally spread thoroughly among the dozen or so Saintdoms of the Long Shan Universe.

"It's suspected to be Wu Yuan."

"Yes! The Creation Great Dao, that overwhelming yet graceful saber technique – such an unprecedented monstrous prodigy has never appeared before. It's very likely him."

"If it really is him, it's too terrifying. He's already this strong without breaking through to the Sovereign phase. How powerful will he be once he does?"

"He's been cultivating for less than a hundred thousand years, right?"

"Can the Immortal Court sit idly by?"

"It's most likely Wu Yuan. As per usual, the Immortal Court will certainly verify his identity and attempt to kill him."

"Just watch." Various factions looked on with interest, observing the developments within the Creation Dao Realm.

...

In the Immortal Court Voidrealm, three Overlords gathered at the core of the Immortal Court’s Long Shan plane.

"That mysterious Astral Monarch has appeared again."

"Through various channels, we've obtained footage of his two most recent battles. His strength has increased once more, and it’s now much greater than it was fifty thousand years ago."

"Creation Dao Field!"

"There's an extremely high probability it's Wu Yuan." The three Overlords conferred briefly and swiftly made a decision.

"Pursue and kill him immediately."

"Restart the operation."

"Our Immortal Court has over a hundred Sovereigns in the Creation Dao Realm. Order them to find and kill him at once."

"Of the verification teams we dispatched previously, seven are still in the Creation Dao Realm. Have them immediately track this mysterious Astral Monarch's location and route to verify his identity." The three Overlords of the Immortal Court Long Shan Saintdom issued their commands.

With generous rewards offered, numerous Sovereigns sprang into action. However, this operation was limited to the Sovereign level, so other factions were unaware of the Immortal Court's specific plans.

But, the movements of Immortal Court Sovereigns were difficult to conceal completely, and the Eldritch Court also had many Sovereigns stationed in the Creation Dao Realm.

...

In the Long Shan plane of the Eldritch Court Voidrealm was an empty and desolate expanse of void.

An invisible barrier isolated it from the external world, preventing anyone from spying.

An elderly man in cerulean robes stood motionless in the void, his aura vast and mighty as he waited silently.

Whoosh!

A figure in black robes appeared out of thin air in the void.

"Junior Wu Yuan pays his respects to Overlord Ming Zhun," Wu Yuan greeted with a slight bow.

This time, it was not Wu Yuan who sought an audience. Rather, Overlord Ming Zhun had summoned him.

"Rise," Overlord Ming Zhun said warmly, regarding Wu Yuan with clear curiosity.

This was his first time meeting Wu Yuan, but he had heard much about him before – one of the two greatest monstrous prodigies of the current generation in the Eldritch Court. A Saintcrest Prodigy!

Rumors abounded – the suspected strongest Astral Monarch of this era, an Astral Monarch with fourth-stage Sovereign combat power, and more.

"The Ling Jiang lineage has indeed produced an excellent seedling," Overlord Ming Zhun said with a smile. "Before long, you may well stand alongside me as an equal."

"The Overlord is too kind," Wu Yuan replied, neither servile nor arrogant.

"Haha, I speak from the heart. You are indeed the most talented youngster I have ever seen," Overlord Ming Zhun said with a smile. "Very well, I won't beat around the bush. Wu Yuan, are you that blue-robed Supreme Astral Monarch from the Creation Dao Realm?"

Wu Yuan had worn blue robes while traversing the Creation Dao Realm.

"I am," Wu Yuan nodded.

There was nothing to conceal; the news had already spread throughout the various Saintdoms of the Long Shan Universe, sparking widespread speculation.

"The power you've displayed likely ranks you first among the countless Astral Monarchs in the megaverse," Overlord Ming Zhun remarked with a hint of awe as he gazed at Wu Yuan.

First among Astral Monarchs? Wu Yuan nodded slightly. He hadn't even utilized his Xiantian artifacts yet.

However, in reality, he had already become a Matter Sovereign, so being called the top Astral Monarch wasn't particularly something to boast about.

Yet Wu Yuan's calm demeanor only served to elevate him further in Overlord Ming Zhun's estimation.

To remain so unaffected by such praise, truly befitting of one lauded by the Eldritch Progenitors

. Overlord Ming Zhun mused silently. His fondness for Wu Yuan grew with each passing moment.

"Wu Yuan," Overlord Ming Zhun spoke again, "I summoned you to warn you that the Immortal Court has likely dispatched numerous Sovereigns to hunt you down."

"Hunt me?" Wu Yuan echoed softly.

"Indeed." Overlord Ming Zhun nodded. "Though you haven't fully revealed your identity, there are few in the megaverse who match your description, and your power has increased too rapidly... The Immortal Court naturally wishes to verify it.

“However, even if they've guessed your identity, they're unaware that it's your true self here. Thus, the force they've sent isn't overwhelmingly strong, but I estimate there are still over a hundred Sovereigns searching for you in the Dao Realm."

"Over a hundred Sovereigns?" A glimmer flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes. The Immortal Court certainly held him in high regard.

"I've already transmitted the intelligence our Long Shan Saintdom has gathered. You should review it thoroughly," Overlord Ming Zhun advised. "We've also sent some Sovereigns to intercept those from the Immortal Court. However, one can only be a thief for a thousand days, but one cannot guard against thieves for a thousand days. [1]

“Eventually, you'll encounter the Immortal Court's Sovereigns," Overlord Ming Zhun stated matter-of-factly.

"This junior understands," Wu Yuan replied, grasping the Overlord's meaning.

The Eldritch Court could indeed dispatch Sovereigns to aid him. But the Dao Realm was vast beyond measure. Unless a large contingent of Sovereigns protected him around the clock, Wu Yuan would inevitably encounter the Immortal Court's Sovereigns sooner or later as long as he remained in the Dao Realm.

Of course, not only was it difficult to arrange for numerous Sovereigns to protect him long-term, Wu Yuan himself was unwilling to agree to it. There were many secrets that he didn’t want others to know of.

"My advice is that if you truly wish to continue your adventures and tempering, your true self should depart," Overlord Ming Zhun gazed at Wu Yuan. "This way, even if your ether body perishes in battle or misadventure, the impact on you would be minimal."

"Thank you for your counsel, Overlord. I shall consider it," Wu Yuan responded respectfully.

Overlord Ming Zhun's suggestion wasn’t bad; in fact, it was quite appropriate.

Unfortunately, only my true self can enter the Well of Life.

Wu Yuan thought silently.

"Very well, you may leave," Overlord Ming Zhun said. "Should you encounter danger, you can seek aid from the Eldritch Court's Sovereigns in the Dao Realm."

"Understood," Wu Yuan turned to depart.

I hope this Wu Yuan will heed my advice.

Overlord Ming Zhun mused. He could perceive Wu Yuan's extraordinary nature.

To cultivate for less than a hundred thousand years and unleash fourth-stage Sovereign combat power as an Astral Monarch—how terrifyingly impressive!

But precisely because of this, Overlord Ming Zhun could only speak to him with a friendly attitude and offer suggestions.

As for whether Wu Yuan would listen? That was up to Wu Yuan himself to decide.

...

They certainly think highly of me.

Wu Yuan swiftly perused the detailed intelligence Overlord Ming Zhun had provided.

It contained the Eldritch Court's findings on the top Immortal Court Sovereigns in the Creation Dao Realm – an analysis of the profiles of over a hundred Sovereigns.

More than ten late-stage Sovereigns?

Wu Yuan pondered.

It seems the Eldritch Court also has no shortage of powerhouses in the Dao Realm.

In truth, during Wu Yuan's fifty-thousand-year absence, the Sovereigns of the Immortal Court and Eldritch Court had been locked in fierce combat within the Creation Dao Realm. The combined casualties of both sides approached ten. Of course, these were all Sovereign mana or ether bodies.

Having come this far, with fewer than ten years remaining before entering the Well of Life, retreat is impossible.

Wu Yuan's eyes glimmered with a hint of battle intent.

Then let us advance, charging into the Well of Life as fast as I can.

And if I truly encounter Immortal Court Sovereigns? Then I shall slay them. I will defeat all powerhouses, forging my reputation—let's see who can stop me.

Wu Yuan's fighting spirit soared to the heavens.

The path of the strong was paved with blood. Which super powerhouse hadn't weathered countless storms of blood and carnage?

...

Nine years later, in the deepest reaches of the Creation Dao Realm, within the dark void of space.

The Well of Life.

Wu Yuan emerged from a spatial tunnel, gazing at the vast nebula in the dim outer space.

The nebula was over a light-year in diameter, its outermost ring as resplendent as a rainbow ribbon, resembling a colossal vortex as it rotated.

And at the center of the enormous nebula, more than half the area was a pitch-black void, appearing to devour everything.

It was far smaller than Heavenly Wolf Mountain. But its renown surpassed Heavenly Wolf Mountain by hundreds, if not thousands of times.

This was one of the top three super exploration sites within the Creation Dao Realm—the Well of Life.

Also known as the Bottomless Well.

1. 只有千日做贼，没有千日防贼的理. A Chinese proverb meaning it's impossible to be prepared for every potential threat all the time. ☜