Yuan’s Ascension

Chapter 1308: Return, The Target Of All Arrows (2)

Spacetime quivered and twisted. Wu Yuan felt reality blur around him, his senses momentarily disoriented before snapping into clarity as he materialized in a familiar realm. Before him, magnificent five-colored lights erupted across the endless void. Three imposing void temples stood in the emptiness.

The five-colored realm. Right away, Wu Yuan knew where he was.

This was where they had battled for the Chaos Nuclei all those years ago. Though over sixty million years had passed since that fierce competition ended, the five-colored realm persisted, yet to disappear. The three void temples remained unchanged by the passage of time.

Throughout the years, countless True Saints had ventured into the void channels within these temples, testing their mettle against the puppets that dwelled inside. These battles served as crucibles for their growth, allowing them to temper themselves.

Yet as the years stretched on, with no new treasures emerging from their depths, fewer True Saints maintained a constant presence here. Most came only occasionally, seeking brief challenges before returning to their own pursuits. Wu Yuan already knew about this situation.

Hm? Wu Yuan’s eyes narrowed, his gaze cutting to the distance to where several figures hovered in the void. They were all familiar faces.

True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu, True Saint Luo Quan, True Saint Chen Yu, and True Saint Dong Yi.

Evidently, when Wu Yuan successfully completed the last trial, all six True Saints had been simultaneously transported out.

“Wu Yuan.”

“Wu Yuan has emerged as well.”

“He’s the last to appear. It seems he obtained the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.”

The five True Saints immediately noticed Wu Yuan’s arrival.

Whoosh! True Saint Dong Yi streaked through the void toward Wu Yuan, his excitement evident.

“Wu Yuan,” Dong Yi transmitted. “Congratulations on obtaining the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure. This is fantastic news for our entire Eldritch Court.”

“Mm.” Wu Yuan acknowledged with a slight nod. Clearly, they all deduced he was the one who claimed the treasure.

“Also,” Dong Yi continued, his tone shifting, “you should be careful. True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Luo Quan, and the others have all lingered here without departing. I believe they’ve been waiting specifically for you.”

“Waiting for me?” Wu Yuan mused thoughtfully.

In the distant reaches of the void, more than a dozen scattered True Saints observed the unfolding scene. They quickly detected the powerful auras converging in one location.

“It’s Wu Yuan!”

“And True Saint Luan Hai.”

“Those must be the six True Saints who competed for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure. They’ve all emerged.”

“The battle for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure must be over. Who claimed it?”

“Quick, report this immediately!” These True Saints swiftly relayed the information to the Dao Zenithels behind them.

They represented various major factions across the boundless cosmic sea. Their presence here wasn’t to challenge the void temples. Instead, they had been positioned strategically such that when the six competing True Saints returned to the five-colored realm, they would instantly receive the news.

Within moments, news that “the battle for the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure has concluded” raced across the cosmic sea like wildfire, reaching the highest echelons of every major faction.

A Xuanhuang Dao Treasure—merely mentioning it could quicken the pulse of any Dao Zenithel, touching their most primal ambitions.

The Eldritch Court, Ancient Megaverse, Eastmoon Megaverse, and Wan Yu Tower had already confirmed that True Saint Wu Yuan had claimed the treasure. Meanwhile, the Immortal Court still sought verification.

Deep within the Immortal Court Voidrealm, Imperial Majesty Dong Huo issued his commands, his voice low and tense.

“Confirm immediately whether Wu Yuan has indeed claimed the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.”

As a super powerhouse ranking among the top three within the Immortal Court and top ten across the entire cosmic sea, few things could shake his composure. Yet the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure was one of them.

I pray it hasn’t fallen into Wu Yuan’s hands. He thought to himself.

His hope was short-lived. A message arrived from Wan Yu Tower: “It’s confirmed. True Saint Wu Yuan has acquired the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.”

So Wu Yuan did get it in the end. Imperial Majesty Dong Huo’s heart sank like a stone.

Without hesitation, he commanded, “All Immortal Eminences of the Immortal Court, assemble at the Celestial Palace immediately.”

With the Heavenly Imperator absent, his authority was absolute.

…

“Wan Yu Tower has released official confirmation.”

“Wu Yuan has obtained the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure!”

The news spread with alarming speed. As the cosmic sea’s most powerful intelligence organization, Wan Yu Tower’s pronouncements carried immediate credibility among all factions.

…

Within the Eldritch Court Voidrealm, inside the Eldritch Progenitor Hall, Eldritch Progenitors Hou Tu and Di Jiang exchanged satisfied glances, their faces breaking into rare smiles.

They had received Wu Yuan’s succinct message: “I have acquired the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure.”

“Send word to Wu Yuan,” Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang said. “Tell him not to rush his departure from the Tenth Chaos Void. He is still a True Saint after all; we shall personally escort him.” His eyes narrowed. “I suspect multiple Dao Zenithels may attempt to intervene.”

“Indeed,” Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu agreed. “Wan Yu’s hasty broadcast to all factions suggests ulterior motives. He likely hopes to incite Dao Zenithels to action.” Cold light flashed in her eyes. “Let’s see who dares make a move. Perhaps it’s time to remind everyone of our might.”

Her voice hardened. “The boundless cosmic sea remembers only Jin Yi these days. They’ve nearly forgotten the true power of our Eldritch Court’s human race.”

Suddenly, Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang’s expression darkened. “Dong Yi reports that True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu, and the others appear to be plotting against Wu Yuan.”

“They’re forming an alliance?” Hou Tu’s brow furrowed with concern.

…

As Wan Yu Tower’s announcement spread, the cosmic sea erupted in commotion.

For most True Saints, this was merely fascinating gossip. But for the Dao Zenithels at the peak of power, schemes were already forming, each coveting the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure for themselves.

They recognized this moment as their best opportunity. Once Wu Yuan departed with his prize, their chances would diminish dramatically. Yet even the most ambitious Dao Zenithels would have to wait for Wu Yuan to exit the Tenth Chaos Void before attempting any ambush.

Within the five-colored realm of the Tenth Chaos Void, True Saint Luan Hai, True Saint Yin Yu, and two other True Saints approached from different directions, subtly surrounding Wu Yuan and True Saint Dong Yi.

“What is the meaning of this?” Wu Yuan asked, his voice carrying an icy edge as his gaze swept across the four.

“Daoist Wu Yuan,” True Saint Luan Hai offered a diplomatic smile. “Congratulations on obtaining the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure. None of us here has ever beheld such an incredible artifact before. Perhaps you might display it, allowing us to admire its splendor?”

“Indeed,” True Saint Yin Yu added, his clear eyes fixed on Wu Yuan. “Would you honor us with a glimpse, to expand our limited understanding?”

True Saint Luo Quan and True Saint Chen Yu remained silent, but their intent shone clearly in their focused gazes.

“You want me to reveal the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure?” Wu Yuan’s lips curved in a cold sneer. “Could it be that you all intend to seize it from me by force?”

The True Saints exchanged glances. Their silent communication confirmed what Wu Yuan suspected—they had already reached their decision.

They were well aware of Wu Yuan’s strength. Having completed the trials of all three realms, he certainly outmatched any one of them individually. With the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure now in his possession, his power had certainly grown even further.

They also knew that behind Wu Yuan stood the Eldritch Court, a behemoth whose might exceeded any of their respective factions.

But the allure of the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure proved too powerful. This might be the greatest opportunity of their lives.

It’s time to put everything on the line. True Saint Luan Hai thought, resolve hardening in his eyes. Offend the Eldritch Court? Offend Wu Yuan? Even if I fall today, after my eventual revival and countless years of cultivation, I might reach the Peak Dao Zenithel stage. With my Master’s support, I need not fear the Eldritch Court.

“Why do you hesitate?” True Saint Luan Hai suddenly roared.

With a thunderous boom, his form shifted, transforming into towering waves that crashed toward Wu Yuan.

True Saint Luo Quan and True Saint Yin Yu echoed his battle cry as they attacked from different angles.

These three stood at the absolute limit of True Saints. Not only had they taken the fourth step of their self-created Daos, but they had also created Dao Zenithel ultimate techniques during their long years on Frostheaven Peak. True Saint Luan Hai’s strength had progressed further as well.

This fueled their confidence to challenge Wu Yuan.

“A bunch of trash!” True Saint Dong Yi’s anger exploded, his vital aura surging as he prepared to join the battle.

“Dong Yi, there’s no need to step in,” Wu Yuan said.

“Wu Yuan?” Dong Yi hesitated, confusion evident in his voice.

“Don’t interfere. I am their target,” Wu Yuan’s eyes hardened to chips of ice. “If these fools wish to die, I’ll gladly oblige them.”

Dong Yi understood immediately—Wu Yuan intended to face all four challengers alone.

At that moment, a mysterious ripple spread through the void, invading the divine bodies of both Wu Yuan and Dong Yi.

“Hmm?” Confusion flickered briefly across Dong Yi’s face before clarity returned.

A soul attack! A psyche dream illusion!

“Chen Yu?” Wu Yuan turned sharply, his eyes blazing with killing intent as he stared at the beautiful, shocked face at the void’s edge.

“Wu Yuan, you—?” True Saint Chen Yu’s expression revealed her astonishment. How could her Dao Zenithel ultimate technique fail to affect him at all?

“You thought your psyche dream illusion could shake my mind? What a joke!” Wu Yuan’s voice dripped with contempt, his killing intent palpable.

“All of you!” he declared. “Go to hell!”

With a deafening boom, Wu Yuan finally unleashed his attack.