Chapter 994: The Azure Saint Watchtower (2)

"Leave?"

"Evacuate the macrocosm?" Upon hearing this, Sovereign Shi Qing and Sovereign Sha Fan’s faces fell.

Ever since Wu Yuan claimed a Saintcrest, the potential relocation of the Voltari Temple had been an issue that came up time and again. However, logic dictated it would take hundreds of thousands, if not millions of years, for Ming Jian or Wu Yuan to attain late-stage Sovereign strength. As for becoming an Overlord? That could consume eons.

Thus, the Sovereigns of the Voltari Temple were in no specific hurry. Who would surrender their territory before an enemy even arrived at their doorstep?

Yet with Wu Yuan’s brilliant performance in the Long Shan Universe, and Ming Jian’s meteoric rise, Sovereign Voltari finally made up his mind.

"Our mana bodies and ether bodies may remain, but the best course for our true selves is departure," Sovereign Voltari intoned slowly. "My true self will soon leave. I won’t force you to follow me. Abandoning our territory is a heavy price, yet it doesn’t necessarily weaken our strength.

‘Each of you should contemplate the matter thoroughly," Sovereign Voltari advised.

"I concur with Voltari," Sovereign Sha Fan stated somberly. "Let’s prepare to depart; Ming Jian may not threaten us for now—it’s unlikely that he’ll slaughter wantonly. But if Wu Yuan returns, and becomes a Sovereign of Life, his strength will likely match Ming Jian’s."

Sovereigns Shi Qing and Sang Cheng exchanged looks, their expressions shifting.

Indeed, Ming Jian was strong, but they could still attempt to negotiate. Wu Yuan? His return from the Long Shan Universe might herald the start of a killing spree.

"Withdraw!"

"Then let’s retreat." At last, the five Sovereigns of the Voltari Temple reached a consensus—to withdraw! Not only would they abandon the competition for treasure, but they would also prepare to relinquish their territory.

"Don’t be too upset," Sovereign Sang Cheng consoled. "In the future, there’s a chance Ming Jian and Wu Yuan might clash... If we survive, there’s always the prospect of returning."

"Indeed!"

"As long as we survive, there’s always hope."

The Sovereigns adjusted swiftly. Having cultivated for countless years and rising to the Sovereign phase, adversities and setbacks were no strangers to them. Yet, the blow this time seemed particularly profound. The emergence of an Overlord in a macrocosm was usually followed by its unification.

"The Immortal Emperor has been informed and will arrive soon," Sovereign Voltari announced abruptly.

In no time, dazzling rays of light converged. An elderly man appeared. He was clad in white robes, radiating an aura both ethereal and grand. He was an Overlord.

"Overlord," the assembled Sovereigns greeted respectfully, bowing in unison.

"I am fully aware of the news and have duly contemplated Voltari's suggestions," the elderly man began, sweeping his glance across the Sovereigns. "Initiate the migration of the Voltari Temple’s territory. Take along all treasures amassed through the ages, as well as Archimmortals, Archdeities, Astral Monarchs, and any promising immortal cultivators.

“Likewise, relinquish any attempts to compete for the ore vein; Ming Jian possesses the might to claim it rightfully."

The gathered Sovereigns listened silently.

In the world of cultivation, the strong prevailed. The ore vein held immense value, reputedly equivalent to a Xiantian artifact. Yet, Ming Jian’s strength compelled even this Immortal Court Overlord to forgo aspirations of obtaining it. It was beyond their grasp.

"The second matter: Sovereign Hai Xuan from Greenridge Immortal World has contacted me." The elderly man’s voice softened. "They intend to integrate their faction completely into the Immortal Court, and hope for our protection."

"Join the Immortal Court?"

"This?"

"So swift?"

Astonishment painted the expressions on Sovereigns Voltari, Shi Qing, and others.

Before this, the relationship between the Voltari Temple and the Greenridge Immortal World was mildly amiable. During the Eldritch-Immortal conflict, the Greenridge Immortal World had subtly supported Voltari’s side. Nevertheless, goodwill aside, Greenridge had remained staunchly independent.

Yet upon reflection, the Sovereigns felt it made sense. Sovereign Qing Ling’s death cast uncertainty over Ming Jian's future actions—would he slaughter indiscriminately?

The Greenridge Immortal World's remaining Sovereigns no longer had the qualifications to remain independent. Without protection from a Saintdom, they could not hope to stop Ming Jian if he turned hostile; they required protection from a Saintdom.

Seeking refuge under the Eldritch Court? Past relations were strained. Their optimal course was to seek the Immortal Court’s help.

"Sovereign Hai Xuan has a single request: to mediate the animosity between the Greenridge Immortal World and Ming Jian," the elderly man said softly. "I have consented.

“However ,I require your aid," the elderly man's gaze landed on Sovereign Shi Qing, "Shi Qing, your mana body remains at the Sacred Flame Ravine, so you shall broker negotiations with Ming Jian."

"Me?" Sovereign Shi Qing's eyes widened, yet he had no option but to comply. "Of course," he responded.

He reassured himself—after all, it was mediation, not combat.

Ming Jian won’t strike me down on sight, right?

He mused inwardly.

"Additionally, Shi Qing, there’s a matter I must privately entrust you with." Unexpectedly, the Overlord’s voice echoed within Sovereign Shi Qing’s spirit.

Perplexed at first, Sovereign Shi Qing soon realized that the Overlord was communicating exclusively with him. It had to be a highly confidential matter.

"What are your instructions, Overlord?" Sovereign Shi Qing replied via transmission.

"The Greenridge Immortal World’s allegiance is of little significance. I want you to help me propose a transaction to Ming Jian..." the voice continued in his mind, "Inform him that I am willing to exchange Azure Saint Token for a Xiantian artifact."

Astonishment rippled through Sovereign Shi Qing. Azure Saint Token? Trading it for a Xiantian artifact? Sovereign Shi Qing hadn’t heard of it, but he dared not question the Overlord. "Understood."

...

In the Core Region of Sacred Flame Ravine, the great battle between two super powerhouses had ceased, and the aftershocks gradually subsided. The expanse of outer space regained its tranquility, though countless ruptured mountain fragments still lingered in the far reaches of the void.

Amidst their shock and exultation, Sovereign Bei You, Sovereign Zhu Yue, and the others continued reinforcing the arrays, deploying even stronger ones.

In reality, while turmoil reigned in the upper echelons of both Greenridge Immortal World and Voltari Temple, barely seven minutes had passed since Wu Yuan killed Sovereign Qing Ling.

Divine Aurora Chart, Water and Fire Twin Swords...

In the void, Wu Yuan meticulously tallied the multitude of treasures dropped by Sovereign Qing Ling.

From a total of twenty-five high-grade Dao Instruments, four could be classified as top-grade Dao Instruments. As for the other treasures, mid-grade Dao Instruments, and low-grade Dao Instruments, they were even more abundant.

Even with Wu Yuan’s seasoned perspective, he could only approximate.

These treasures are equivalent in value to perhaps forty high-grade Dao Instrument flying swords.

It was a truly great harvest.

Pillaging truly remains the swiftest means of amassing wealth.

Wu Yuan mused,

Sovereign Qing Ling undoubtedly lived up to the title of the Greenridge Macrocosm’s mightiest powerhouse.

Even among late-stage Sovereign powerhouses, Sovereign Qing Ling was considered extremely powerful. The immense troves of Dao Instruments and treasures he accumulated were unsurprising to Wu Yuan.

If Wu Yuan had merely killed his mana body, he could perhaps obtain a couple of high-grade Dao Instruments. But Wu Yuan had killed his true self. It was little wonder why Sovereign Qing Ling dared send his true self on expeditions—after all, even an Overlord visiting the macrocosm would find their power restricted to that of a seventh-stage Sovereign by the realm’s essence.

Alas, he hadn’t expected Wu Yuan’s qi refiner self to grow at such a meteoric pace.

When the time is ripe, I’ll submit these treasures to the divine court headquarters, exchanging them for other Dao Instrument flying swords, continually enhancing the Samsara Sword.

Wu Yuan was more than happy with the Samsara Sword’s terrifying Dao resonance.

With it augmenting his power, his nine lifebound flying swords exhibited a destructive potential beyond a Xiantian artifact flying sword. Had it not been for this, Wu Yuan couldn’t have swiftly vanquished Sovereign Qing Ling.

However, amongst all, the greatest acquisition isn’t the Divine Aurora Chart or other top-grade Dao Instruments.

Wu Yuan’s attention drifted towards a storage artifact left by Sovereign Qing Ling.

Within the storage artifact was a vast space spanning tens of millions of li in radius, yet it was mostly empty. In the center, a magnificent azure seven-tiered tower stood, reaching nearly tens of thousands of li into the sky. It radiated a profound aura, and was evidently an extremely powerful Dao Instrument. This storage artifact exclusively housed this singular treasure.

Azure Saint Watchtower?

Wu Yuan's Yuan Soul delved deftly into the tower, deciphering its profundities bit by bit.

Information about the tower flowed into Wu Yuan’s mind through its Dao essence. In reality, the tower resisted Wu Yuan’s incursion, yet it was futile.

Within a mere quarter-hour, Wu Yuan had full control over the azure tower. At last, he confirmed that this top-grade Dao Instrument was indeed the culprit behind Sovereign Qing Ling’s formidable soul attack during their duel.

Top-grade Dao Instrument? No, rather, it’s more accurate to call it a Dao Instrument beyond any standard grading.

Wu Yuan brooded silently; the tower was neither a soul-type nor a defensive artifact, but rather a token.

Secret art ‘Azure Divine Sacrifice'—fusing one’s Yuan Soul, spirit, and will into one, sacrificing it to the Primordium in exchange for the greatest power...

Wu Yuan unearthed the teachings of this powerful method from the Azure Saint Tower's Dao essence. It was a uniquely specialized approach.

A school of thought that focuses on sacrificial rituals?

Wu Yuan mused, intrigued by a rare cultivation ideology. Strictly speaking, it leaned not towards a cultivation ideology per se, but rather resembled the interchange of Faith. It was akin to how, when certain powerhouses propagated Faith, they would occasionally reciprocate the sacrifices of their believers.

The technique Sovereign Qing Ling unleashed should be none other than Azure Divine Sacrifice. It’s a creation of the so-called Azure Saint? No wonder it had such overwhelming power.

Wu Yuan murmured in contemplation.

He couldn’t help but reflect upon the formidable and enigmatic presence that once loomed behind Sovereign Qing Ling during their confrontation. It was likely the founder of this technique—the Azure Saint. [1]

Since the Azure Saint dared to claim the title of Saint, he was surely a powerful eternal being. Yet, Wu Yuan remained uncertain of who this entity was, unable to uncover any concrete intelligence.

However, this Azure Saint must have perished.

Wu Yuan mused silently.

He dared to make such a judgment because the Azure Saint Watchtower's Dao essence provided two primary pieces of information:

First, the teachings of the ‘Azure Divine Sacrifice’.

Second, an intricate, vast map of coordinates, accompanied by a brief message: "Bearing the watchtower, one may enter the Azure Saint Tomb."

According to the map's guidance, this Azure Saint Tomb lies within the cosmic sea near the Ling Jiang Universe?

Wu Yuan pondered.

Wu Yuan couldn't help but think of Sovereign Qing Ling's name, which bore some resemblance to the Azure Saint. [2]

No need to rush. Once my body refiner self returns, I’ll go through the intelligence reports and consult with various Overlords before making a decision.

Wu Yuan thought to himself.

Whoosh!

A series of faint spatial disturbances rippled through the distant void, prompting Wu Yuan to lift his gaze.

"Daoist Ming Jian." Sovereign Shi Qing's face was plastered with a broad smile. He stood in the dim void, bowing slightly, appearing somewhat subservient.

"Shi Qing?" Wu Yuan's voice was as cold as ice. "Have you come to challenge me to a match?"

1. Azure Saint = Saint Qing ☜

2. Both have the word 青 Qing in their names. Yea in hindsight I should have called it Azure Ridge Macrocosm instead of Greenridge. ☜