Yuan’s Ascension

A soul attack was transmitted through the Destiny Voidscape, the virtual aspect of heaven and earth. Its speed in any spatial dimension was a staggering million times faster than light! In essence, unless one was beyond the target's Voidspace reflection range or couldn’t be detected, escaping such an attack was nearly impossible.

Boom! This powerful soul attack launched from tens of millions of li away struck Wu Yuan almost instantaneously, causing his soul to shake violently.

Hum~ Above Wu Yuan's mana body and soul essence, a purple jade disc revolved. It suddenly flared with brilliant light. Combining with his soul, it unleashed its might, blocking the incoming soul attack.

The purple jade disc was a low-grade celestial artifact that protected one's soul. Wu Yuan’s mana body had brought it along on expeditions after his soul's metamorphosis.

Hum~ The soul attack persisted relentlessly, but Wu Yuan's soul defense proved even more formidable, successfully resisting it.

To execute such a powerful soul attack, the attacker likely possesses the strength of an Astral Lord. Wu Yuan was astonished despite fending it off. This Archimmortal’s power has reached the Astral Lord-level? And he was aiming to annihilate my soul.

Directly obliterating an enemy's soul was extremely difficult. Even for fellow mana bodies, it was incredibly challenging for an Archimmortal to destroy a High Immortal's soul outright. Usually, one had to be exceptionally skilled in soul attacks to accomplish such a feat.

Of course, merely disrupting the opponent or causing momentary soul disorientation was far easier.

Which Archimmortal is this? I don't recognize him. Wu Yuan sensed the attacker's vital aura and committed it to memory.

He hadn't encountered this individual before. Though he had been exploring the Snowlight Mist Realm, Wu Yuan only spent around a century here and had only met a handful of Archimmortals during this time.

Since he wasn’t a core member of any of the Dao Realm's nine major factions, he lacked access to information on various powerful figures across the realm.

“Haha, I'll remember this grudge. Rest assured, I will pay it back in the future.” Wu Yuan's voice rang out, echoing through the air.

Flee! Wu Yuan's speed remained unaffected.

Simultaneously, the flow of time shifted, rapidly accelerating to four times the speed of light. In a single second, he could traverse millions of li, escaping like a bolt of lightning.

Wu Yuan had no intention of engaging in combat. In a direct confrontation, without the Genesis Divine Pillar, Wu Yuan could barely match a first-stage Archimmortal. Facing a powerful Archimmortal was pure suicide.

Moreover, having just acquired the Black Devil Star, Wu Yuan's top priority was to safely deliver it to his true self.

…

Hearing Wu Yuan's voice and witnessing his escape, a hint of bewilderment appeared in the eyes of the white-robed Archimmortal, who was currently plunging down from a glacier. He blocked it completely? It didn’t affect him at all?

As a sixth-stage Archimmortal, his direct combat prowess wasn't exceptionally terrifying, but he excelled in soul attacks. The previous strike was delivered with his full power. Theoretically, any mana body below a Fourth Tribulation High Immortal would have insufficient soul strength to resist it, and would be instantly annihilated.

In his view, although the Spacetime Sword Immortal's talent was inconceivable, he was still merely an Earth Immortal. His soul strength likely matched that of a High Immortal at best.

Even with a low-grade celestial artifact guarding his soul, he should have been greatly affected, if not killed outright. At least, his speed should have plummeted.

Could it be that he possesses a mid-grade celestial soul defense artifact? The white-robed Archimmortal's eyes flickered as he speculated.

Low-grade celestial artifacts generally ranged in value from over a thousand divine crystals to tens of thousands, and were typically wielded by High Immortals and ordinary Archimmortals.

Mid-grade celestial artifacts, even the most common ones, were worth at least hundreds of thousands of divine crystals. The most expensive could reach tens of millions of divine crystals. Usually, only Astral Lords could afford them.

Their value was determined by their function. Items used purely for physical attacks like flying swords and sabers were the cheapest, while special celestial artifacts used for soul attacks or spacetime manipulation were the most expensive.

Soul defense celestial artifacts? Though not the most costly category, they were still extremely valuable.

A mid-grade celestial soul defense artifact is worth millions of divine crystals at least. The white-robed Archimmortal's eyes flashed with greed.

His entire fortune, accumulated over countless years of expeditions, barely approached ten million divine crystals.

Little did he know that Wu Yuan's soul rivaled that of an Archimmortal, and his mana body's soul was also exceptionally powerful. Even with just a low-grade celestial soul defense artifact, he could withstand the Archimmortal's soul attack.

Whoosh! Whoosh! The two rapidly left the group of High Immortals and High Deities behind, beginning a high-speed chase. No one dared to follow and observe the battle.

The environment of the Myriad Mountains Ice Plain was harsh and populated with towering mountains. The white-robed Archimmortal pursued with all his might, even resorting to paying a great price to employ a powerful secret art, but still couldn't catch up to Wu Yuan. The distance between them grew increasingly larger.

Finally, Wu Yuan abruptly dove into a crevasse in an ice layer, taking advantage of the Myriad Mountains Ice Plain's unique environment which hindered the Archimmortal's soul detection abilities.

Having lost his target, the white-robed Archimmortal had no choice but to give up. In his anger, he struck the ground with a casual blow, creating a massive crater.

He truly has powerful backing and great wealth! A mere Earth Immortal mana body dares to carry a mid-grade celestial soul defense artifact? The white-robed Archimmortal hovered in the ice layer, still reluctant to let his target go. Not to mention the Black Devil Star he just acquired.

The Black Devil Star was even more precious, its value so high that it simply couldn't be measured in divine crystals.

If I seize it, I could offer it to the Astral Monarch. With the Astral Monarch's aid, my chances of overcoming my Ninth Immortal Tribulation and becoming an Astral Lord would greatly improve. I too could possess an eternal lifespan... The white-robed Archimmortal was filled with regret. A monumental opportunity slipped through his fingers just like that.

Whoosh!Soon after, a figure in black armor flew over at a leisurely pace of three to four hundred thousand li per second.

It was the sixth-stage High Deity in black armor who had fought High Immortal Zhuo Hao for the treasure earlier. He was the one who had sent a message to the white-robed Archimmortal.

"Senior Uncle," the black-armored High Deity bowed respectfully, "Did you succeed?"

"I couldn't catch him," the white-robed Archimmortal shook his head, displaying no anger.

He was aware of the black-armored High Deity's strength. This junior had a significant chance of overcoming his Seventh Immortal Tribulation and becoming an Archdeity, thus he was naturally willing to show some courtesy.

"He escaped?" The black-armored High Deity was stunned.

"Yes," the white-robed Archimmortal didn't elaborate further.

"Senior Uncle, will we face retaliation from the Spacetime Sword Immortal?" The black-armored High Deity asked hesitantly, a hint of fear on his face.

"What’s there to fear? He's just a member of the Spacetime Island, bound to leave our Dao Realm eventually. Even if he grows powerful in the future, what of it? Even Sovereigns from the world outside can't enter the Dao Realm, so there’s no need to worry," The white-robed Archimmortal shook his head.

"Besides, if there’s anyone he hates, it's me. He doesn't know you were the one who sent the message," the white-robed Archimmortal added.

The black-armored High Deity sighed inwardly in relief.

"Did you manage to acquire the treasure?" the white-robed Archimmortal inquired.

"Yes, I obtained it," the black-armored High Deity nodded.

"Continue with your expedition. You did well to send me the message, so I'll reward you with one thousand divine crystals. I've already transferred them to you," the white-robed Archimmortal said, "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."

With that, the white-robed Archimmortal's form blurred as he swiftly descended into the depths of the ice crevasse. He was still unwilling to give up just yet, and wanted to search a bit more.

"Farewell, Senior Uncle," the black-armored High Deity called out, his heart filled with joy.

A thousand divine crystals? Though he possessed strength approaching that of an Archimmortal, this was still a small fortune, especially for simply passing along a message.

…

In an ice crevasse over a hundred million li away.

Whoosh! Throughout his escape, Wu Yuan hadn't dared to relax for even a moment. He fled frantically until he was certain he had completely shaken off his pursuer. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

I've struck it rich! Haha, I've made a fortune! Wu Yuan's heart was filled with excitement as he examined the numerous treasures he’d gotten from High Immortal Zhuo Hao.

The other celestial equipment, spirion equipment, and various miscellaneous treasures were worth an estimated tens of thousands of divine crystals in total. But the most crucial treasure was the Black Devil Star!

Upon inspection, Wu Yuan discovered eleven Black Devil Divine Pillars inside the Black Devil Star. Moreover, these Black Devil Divine Pillars were not an integral part of the Black Devil Star. Even if removed, they wouldn't affect the use of the Black Devil Star itself.

It was truly a massive haul!

From the intelligence I gathered, I only knew that Black Devil Divine Pillars were inferior to Black Devil Stars. I never imagined they were actually a part of it. Wu Yuan thought excitedly. Including the one I already possess, that makes twelve Black Devil Divine Pillars.

As long as I can deliver them back, cleanse them with Genesis Power to restore their essence, and then infuse them with Genesis Power, my mana body will be able to carry Genesis Divine Pillars while on expeditions. Wu Yuan mused inwardly.

Why hadn't his mana body dared to bring the divine pillar with him all this time? The reason was he had only one Genesis Divine Pillar. If his mana body were to fall or lose it during an expedition, he wouldn't be able to visit the Black Devil Blood Hollow any longer.

Let's go back to Spacetime Island. Wu Yuan was eager for his mana body to deliver the Black Devil Star safely.

He no longer had any desire to continue exploring.

…

The Hundred Mysteries Palace, one of the nine major factions of the Dao Realm which had a Sovereign presiding over it, occupied a vast region within the Spacetime Immortal Voidrealm.

In a special plane within the Spacetime Immortal Voidrealm belonging to the Hundred Mysteries Palace, a figure clad in white robes appeared out of thin air. After reviewing several reports, he wasted no time making his way to a majestic hall.

"Greetings, Astral Monarch!" The white-robed figure stood in the grand divine hall, bowing respectfully.

"Jing Qu, you said you had an important matter to report? What is it?" A figure in black armor sat on the throne at the far end of the divine hall. He emanated a vast aura, waves of oppressive pressure sweeping out from his body.

Even within the Spacetime Immortal Voidrealm, the Astral Monarch exerted immense power. His gaze was calm.

As an Astral Monarch, he ruled over vast territories with tens of thousands of Archimmortals under his command. Only the Astral Lords, who possessed eternal lifespans, were worth some attention.

As for ordinary Archimmortals? With lifespans of merely a hundred million years, they died in batches over the long years, and he hardly paid them any mind. Under normal circumstances, it was difficult for them to even catch a glimpse of him.

Of course, Archimmortal Jing Qu was very close to the Astral Lord phase, and coupled with his claim of having important news to deliver, the Astral Monarch naturally didn't mind granting an audience.

However, if he detected any deception, severe punishment would undoubtedly follow.

"Astral Monarch, I've discovered traces of a Black Devil Star," Archimmortal Jing Qu quickly reported.

"A Black Devil Star?" A cold glint flashed in the black-armored Astral Monarch's eyes. "Is this true?"

"It's absolutely true. It's in the Snowlight Mist Realm," Archimmortal Jing Qu hurriedly continued. "Here's the battle footage."

With a wave of his hand, a projection appeared, showing the entire process of Wu Yuan's mana body engaging in combat with High Immortal Zhuo Hao's true self.

As the projection ended, Archimmortal Jing Qu swiftly recounted the events once more.

"Spacetime Sword Immortal? A member of the Spacetime Island?" The black-armored Astral Monarch murmured softly, seemingly lost in thought.

The great hall fell silent.

Archimmortal Jing Qu waited anxiously but respectfully. After another fruitless attempt at searching, he had immediately decided to report this matter.

The appearance of a Black Devil Star was of great importance! According to the publicized rules of the nine major factions in the Dao Realm, it was indeed a forbidden item. No powerhouse was allowed to use it freely.

Archimmortal Jing Qu understood that capturing Wu Yuan was beyond his capabilities alone.

What he didn't know was that the Astral Monarch had already sent a sliver of consciousness to a special plane within the Spacetime Immortal Voidrealm.

…

The sky in this place was filled with purple flames, as if it were a world of fire.

"Great Sovereign." The black-armored Astral Monarch appeared and bowed deeply.

"Ya Hei, what brings you here?" A cold voice resonated from within the endless purple flames, and a blurry figure began to coalesce in the sky, bearing down on the black-armored Astral Monarch. Yet its face remained indiscernible.

“I’m here regarding a member of the Spacetime Island, known as the Spacetime Sword Immortal. His mana body is currently fleeing with a Black Devil Star,” the black-armored Astral Monarch said respectfully. "Given his talent, he's likely the most valued prodigy of the Spacetime Island, possibly even someone who has caught the Dao Master's attention.

If he intends to visit the Black Devil Blood Hollow, his true self will certainly proceed there. If our Hundred Mysteries Palace were to pursue him with full force, it might endanger his life.

What should we do? I humbly seek the Sovereign's guidance," the black-armored Astral Monarch said respectfully.

"Is this all you came for?" The cold voice echoed from within the endless purple flames. "Remember, you absolutely cannot trespass onto the Spacetime Island, but outside of it, no one will interfere. You may use any means necessary.

If you want the Black Devil Star, then feel free to take action. Even if the Dao Master values him, should you truly kill him, you won't be held responsible. It can only be blamed on his inability to withstand the hardships of tempering.

Moreover, you should be aware that if the Dao Master truly cares for someone, he can even bring the dead back to life by reversing time.

Now go! Don't bother me with such trivial matters again." A hint of anger seeped into the cold voice.

Boom! As if heaven and earth were shattering, Astral Monarch Yai Hei's wisp of consciousness was instantly expelled from this immortal voidrealm plane.