Chapter 971: War Summons, Inter-Saintdom War (1)

In the distant void, the nine Sovereigns observing the battle communicated telepathically with each other.

"This Wu Yuan's strength is too formidable; he could practically disregard Sovereign You Hong's domain."

"His techniques are quite peculiar, I've never seen anything like it."

"What was that azure light surrounding his body? Some secret art?"

"If he couldn't withstand the suppression of Sovereign You Hong's domain, they'd have struggled to slay Sovereign You Hong even with Sovereign Xiang Yun's arrival."

"His movement technique is only slightly inferior to Sovereign Jian Shi's."

"It's hard to say." The Sovereigns discussed, their curiosity about Wu Yuan growing.

While powerhouses like Sovereign Feng Huang and Sovereign Xiang Yun were formidable, their techniques were well-known after billions of years of fame. Meanwhile, Wu Yuan only recently emerged as a monstrous prodigy. The power he revealed in this battle was truly frightening.

Though merely an Astral Monarch, his physical defense surpassed body refiner Sovereigns, his attacks rivaled late-stage Sovereigns, his movement technique matched Sovereigns of Space, and he possessed that mysterious domain around his body. Aside from the lack of powerful long-range techniques, he seemed practically flawless, too well-rounded.

"If I encountered Sovereign Feng Huang, I might still manage to escape, but facing Wu Yuan? Nearly impossible! I'd likely perish."

"Never has such a terrifying Astral Monarch been born in the history of the megaverse." The observing Sovereigns, mostly mid-stage Sovereigns, were extremely wary of Wu Yuan. Yet they couldn’t help marveling at his power.

The deterrence Wu Yuan posed surpassed even Sovereign Feng Huang and Sovereign Xiang Yun. This was also why they unanimously abandoned thoughts of seizing his Xiantian artifacts – the power gap was simply too vast. This world respected strength above all.

"Esteemed Sovereigns." Wu Yuan's true self suddenly turned towards the nine Sovereigns observing from afar.

"Daoist Wu Yuan, what is it? After slaying several Immortal Court Sovereigns, do you now intend to kill us as well?" A burly man in crimson armor among the group of Sovereigns spoke loudly, seemingly unafraid. His aura was powerful, no weaker than Sovereign Feng Huang's.

"Sovereign Pu Hang jests. You haven't attacked me, and we Eldritch Court powerhouses never slay the innocent indiscriminately," Wu Yuan replied with a smile.

This Sovereign Pu Hang was also a late-stage Sovereign. Moreover, as a Sovereign of Life who comprehended the Great Dao of Creation, his self-preservation ability was exceptionally strong.

"Then what is it?" Sovereign Pu Hang frowned, the eight Sovereigns beside him silently watching.

Though they came from different factions, they subtly stood united, ready to resist the pressure from Wu Yuan, Sovereign Feng Huang, and the other Eldritch Court Sovereigns.

"I merely hope you might convey a message to the other Sovereigns," Wu Yuan said with a smile. "Though my true self ventured here boldly, I did not bring any Xiantian artifacts."

Sovereign Pu Hang's pupils contracted slightly, and all the Sovereigns present, including those from the Eldritch Court, were stunned. No Xiantian artifacts?

"Hmph!" Sovereign Pu Hang snorted coldly. His stance was clear - he didn't buy it.

"Believe it or not, it's up to you," Wu Yuan said with a faint smile. "I did bring some top-grade Dao Instruments, but my ability to unleash such power originates from secret arts created specifically for me by the Eldritch Progenitors. You should also consider this: given how powerful a Xiantian artifact's essence is, could an Astral Monarch truly control it?"

These words stirred a wave of doubt among the group of Sovereigns.

Indeed! No matter how strong Wu Yuan was, he was still just an Astral Monarch. In the history of the megaverse, there had never been an instance of an Astral Monarch wielding true control over a Xiantian artifact. Earlier, Wu Yuan's display of power had subconsciously led the various Sovereigns to assume he was using a Xiantian artifact. Thinking carefully now, there were indeed perplexing aspects.

"What you say does make sense, but for an Astral Monarch to unleash such power without using a Xiantian artifact? Who would believe that? Perhaps the Eldritch Progenitor is simply covering for you," Sovereign Pu Hang sneered. "If you have the guts, swear a Great Dao Oath, and we'll naturally believe you."

"That's right."

"Swear an oath if you dare." The other eight Sovereigns also clamored. They were curious too, wanting to confirm if Wu Yuan truly possessed a Xiantian artifact.

Rumble~

The earthy-yellow sea of fog dissipated.

"A bunch of fools. Who do you think you are, asking Brother Wu Yuan to swear a Great Dao Oath?" An angry, cold shout rang out as a large man in earthy-yellow robes strode through the void, his icy gaze sweeping over the figures. "It's hard to reason with those bent on self-destruction.

“Let me remind you, even if Brother Wu Yuan did bring a Xiantian artifact, which of you can seize it? Do you have that capability?"

Silence fell. Even Sovereign Pu Hang was struck dumb, unable to maintain his bravado.

"Use your brains and think carefully." Sovereign Xiang Yun said coldly, "In the war between the Eldritch and Immortal Courts, can you interfere? If any of you dare to target Brother Wu Yuan and cause his demise, can you bear the wrath of the entire Eldritch Court?"

The nine Sovereigns looked at each other, realizing Sovereign Xiang Yun had touched on the most crucial point.

With Wu Yuan's true self revealed, the Immortal Court would undoubtedly go berserk now, pulling all the stops to make sure he died. But apart from the Immortal Court? Any other Saintdom faction probably wouldn't want to bear the blame for killing Wu Yuan. Whoever did so would have to face the fury of the Eldritch Court.

"Hmph. Xiang Yun, there's no need to threaten us," Sovereign Pu Hang sneered. "We’re all Sovereigns here, none of us are intimidated by your scare tactics. Can your Eldritch Court really destroy a Saintdom just for one Wu Yuan?"

At that moment, a gruff voice abruptly rang out, "Daoist Xiang Yun, Daoist Pu Hang, we have matters to attend to, so we'll take our leave first." Before Sovereign Pu Hang could say more, two Sovereigns swiftly departed.

"Daoist Pu Hang, I also have business to handle, so I'll be going."

"I just remembered something I need to do too." In the blink of an eye, three more Sovereigns quickly spoke up and rapidly left. [1]

This scene left the remaining Sovereigns looking at each other in dismay, all inwardly leaning towards retreat.

Treasures were only valuable if one lived to claim them.

"A bunch of cowards, scared off by the slightest threat," Sovereign Pu Hang gritted his teeth.

He glanced again at Wu Yuan, Sovereign Feng Huang, Sovereign Xiang Yun, and the others gathered in the distance, his heart also wavering. If the other Sovereigns left and he remained alone, he might perish if surrounded and attacked.

Thinking of this, Sovereign Pu Hang turned and fled, and seeing this, the other Sovereigns immediately escaped as well.

"Haha."

"They ran off just like that?" The Eldritch Court’s Sovereigns all burst into laughter.

"Everyone, let's leave this place for now," Sovereign Xiang Yun said. "Although several Immortal Court Sovereigns have fallen and the others are unlikely to approach, we can't entirely rule out the possibility of drawing the attention of a super powerhouse."

"Mm."

"Let's go." Wu Yuan and Sovereign Feng Huang both nodded, and the group swiftly departed.

...

The five Eldritch Court powerhouses traveled deeper into the Well of Life, only stopping quite some time later.

"My brothers, many thanks for your help," Wu Yuan said with a smile, cupping his hands. "These treasures obtained from slaying the Immortal Court Sovereigns shall serve as a gesture of my gratitude."

With that said, Wu Yuan waved his hand, and a multitude of artifacts materialized in the void. Most were low-grade and mid-grade Dao Instruments, along with some rather precious treasures and high-grade Dao Instruments.

The most eye-catching, of course, was Sovereign You Hong's top-grade Dao Instrument – the Heavenly Ennead Chains.

"Brother Wu Yuan, there's no need," Sovereign Feng Huang said with a smile. "You are a brother of our Eldritch Court, we naturally won’t stand by and allow the Immortal Court to kill you. Helping you was only right, and these are treasures you seized from the enemies you slew, so they should belong to you."

"That's right, Brother. Mutual aid is only natural between us," Sovereign Xiang Yun also said with a smile.

"Indeed." Sovereign Bai Zai and Sovereign Wu Gong, who had initially felt some desire for these artifacts, also came to their senses.

Compared to Wu Yuan's goodwill, these treasures were insignificant.

"Rest assured, my brothers," Wu Yuan said with a smile. "Wu Yuan will remember this favor in his heart. But these treasures were obtained through our joint efforts, so I cannot keep them all for myself."

For Wu Yuan, the value of these acquired treasures wasn't particularly high. Keeping them all would only displease the Sovereigns. If word got out, it would also tarnish his reputation unnecessarily.

"How about this," Sovereign Xiang Yun said with a smile. "Brother Wu Yuan, you've made the greatest contribution by slaying several Immortal Court Sovereigns. The Heavenly Ennead Chains shall be yours. As for the remaining treasures, Feng Huang and I will each take 30%, while Bai Zai and Wu Gong will take 20% each. How does that sound?"

"I think that's appropriate," Sovereign Feng Huang agreed with a smile. "Brother Wu Yuan, there's no need to refuse."

The Heavenly Ennead Chains were the most valuable among this pile of treasures. They were worth ten high-grade Dao Instrument flying swords, surpassing the value of all other treasures combined.

With the two late-stage Sovereigns speaking up, Sovereign Bai Zai and Sovereign Wu Gong naturally had no objections.

"Alright," Wu Yuan no longer insisted.

The five Eldritch Court powerhouses swiftly divided and collected the treasures, all feeling satisfied.

"You Hong must be devastated, losing the Heavenly Ennead Chains, along with that Yin-Yang set composed of nine hundred silver needles," Sovereign Feng Huang laughed. "She probably won't show herself for a long time."

"Indeed."

"Over a million years ago, she was already killed once by Feng Huang. This time, she was slain by Brother Wu Yuan and lost the Heavenly Ennead Chains. I fear she's lost a good half of everything she's accumulated since becoming a Sovereign," Sovereign Xiang Yun also said with a smile.

Watching the two great Sovereigns converse, Wu Yuan nodded slightly.

It was extremely difficult to truly kill a Sovereign. In the boundless megaverse, battles between Saintdoms raged frequently, often resulting in the fall of numerous Sovereign mana or ether bodies. If every battle led to the demise of a true self, soon no Sovereign would dare to venture out for battle.

In a single macrocosm teeming with countless living beings, only a few dozen Sovereigns emerged over hundreds of billions of years. Powerful cultivators, blessed with longevity, could each survive till the end of the samsara cycle of heaven and earth, and thus cherished their lives dearly.

If there was a chance to become an Overlord or reach the supreme level, they would risk their lives. But for ordinary skirmishes and adventures, they were naturally cautious.

Being able to slay a Sovereign's mana body or ether body was already quite an accomplishment.

Firstly, it took a Sovereign considerable time to cultivate a mana or ether body, so destroying one would render the opponent powerless for an extended period.

Secondly, while mana and ether bodies could be recreated, the lost treasures were not easily replaced. For instance, the Heavenly Ennead Chains that Sovereign You Hong lost this time likely accounted for two to three-tenths of her entire wealth.

"Brother Wu Yuan," said Sovereign Xiang Yun, turning to Wu Yuan. "Your true self actually ventured out here? I advise you to leave the Well of Life quickly and send your true self back to the Saintdom headquarters.

“Although we've won this battle, the exposure of your true self will undoubtedly cause an uproar throughout the entire Immortal Court’s Long Shan Saintdom. I fear a large number of late-stage Sovereign powerhouses, or even Overlords, will soon arrive."

"Yes, Brother Wu Yuan."

"We'll return to the Saintdom headquarters with you."

"Better yet, have the Overlords come to escort us." Sovereign Feng Huang, Sovereign Bai Zai, and Sovereign Wu Gong all chimed in, offering their suggestions.

Their main point was to persuade Wu Yuan's true self to leave this risky exploration site and head to a safe location.

1. Oh no, I left the stove on ☜