Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 702: Fellow Daoist, Please Hold On

The Myriad Mountains Ice Plain was a moderately dangerous area within the Inner Region of the Snowlight Mist Realm. While not particularly abundant in treasures, it occasionally yielded extraordinary artifacts.

As such, those who dared to explore this area were primarily High Immortals. Archimmortals were a rare sight, encountered only on occasion.

It must be him, no doubt about it! Wu Yuan, comprehending both Space and Time, possessed an acute sensitivity to the fluctuations of Space. Furthermore, his perceptive abilities had undergone a qualitative transformation since his soul’s breakthrough.

The person he sensed was none other than High Immortal Zhuo Hao, the Sixth Tribulation High Immortal he had encountered during his first Sovereign-level spacetime mission.

Back then, in order to seize the Genesis Divine Pillar from Zhuo Hao, Wu Yuan struck him from a higher spatial dimension, killing his mana body. In that battle, Wu Yuan had exposed his comprehension of Life True Intent, but he had no regrets. Obtaining the Genesis Divine Pillar was worth the risk.

High Immortal Zhuo Hao had only lost his mana body, but his true self was still alive, which Wu Yuan saw as an unresolved threat. However, Wu Yuan had been unable to locate him since, thus he could only let the matter rest.

Unexpectedly, after several centuries, they crossed paths once more in the Snowlight Mist Realm.

Under normal circumstances, it takes tens of thousands of years for a High Immortal to nurture a new mana body. To expedite the process, one would need a Tribulation Immortal Life Pill worth ten thousand divine crystals. Wu Yuan's thoughts raced. A Sixth Tribulation High Immortal like him shouldn't possess such wealth.

Then again, it's not impossible. Given that he owns a treasure like the Genesis Divine Pillar, perhaps he has a substantial fortune, or he might have powerful connections.

Typically, would a Sixth Tribulation High Immortal’s true self dare to venture into the Snowlight Mist Realm? Wu Yuan speculated. There's a fifty percent chance it's his true self.

There was a fair distance between them, and they had yet to engage in direct combat. Thus, he couldn't be entirely certain.

But for Wu Yuan, this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. If he could eliminate Zhuo Hao's true self, it would remove a potential threat.

It's unfortunate though. Although the Myriad Mountains Ice Plain isn't highly dangerous, it's similar to the Snow Devil Cave in that it suppresses spatial fluctuations, preventing entry into the Fragmentary Spatial Layer. Wu Yuan mused.

This was the norm in the Snowlight Mist Realm. The Core Region completely suppressed spatial fluctuations, while most hazardous areas in the Inner Region also dampened them.

If I could comprehend the Law of Space to the seventh-level True Intent stage, the Astral Lord level, I'd be able to traverse the Turbulent Spatial Layer and move freely throughout the Snowlight Mist Realm. Wu Yuan muttered to himself.

Unfortunately, it was incredibly challenging. After shifting his focus towards the Law of Time, Wu Yuan remained stuck at the third-level True Intent stage of Space, unable to break through.

Whoosh! Wu Yuan concealed his aura and accelerated to the speed of light.

He soared past glaciers that stretched millions of li into the sky, racing towards the source of the spiritual qi fluctuations.

...

"A treasure is emerging, and it's close to us!"

"Hurry!"

...

"This is our chance. Even if it's not a celestial artifact, with such intense fluctuations, it must be a treasure of similar caliber."

"Let's head over!"

...

The immortal cultivators in the vicinity sensed the disturbance and rushed towards it with frenzied determination.

Among them were two cultivators.

"Hao Zhuo, let's go. We need to get there," a purple-robed High Deity's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "A treasure like this could be worth thousands of divine crystals."

"Agreed. Let's move." The black-robed High Immortal exuded a palpable killing intent, his aura formidable. "I’m a Sixth Tribulation High Immortal while you’re a Fifth Tribulation High Deity. Between us, we can handle anything short of an Archimmortal."

"Let’s go!"

The black-robed High Immortal was none other than High Immortal Zhuo Hao.

Fearing retribution after his battle with Wu Yuan centuries ago, he had changed his identity upon leaving his old lair.

Following the coordinates left by Sovereign Black Devil, he had come to the Snowlight Mist Realm, only to discover the myriad dangers that awaited him.

Allowing his true self to venture here was extremely perilous, but he had no choice. Cultivating a new mana body would take tens of thousands of years – time he didn't have.

I must take this risk! My true self is more powerful than a mana body. If pushed to the brink, I'll activate the Black Devil Star. Even against an ordinary Archimmortal, I'd stand a fighting chance. High Immortal Zhuo Hao felt confident.

Fortune favors the bold. If I can survive a thousand years in the Snowlight Mist Realm, I might amass tens of thousands of divine crystals with luck. Such were his thoughts.

How could one acquire a wealth of divine crystals and treasures in a short time without taking risks?

...

As he approached, Wu Yuan sensed more than ten vital auras converging on the emerging treasure’s location. The energy fluctuations hadn't diminished in the slightest, suggesting an ongoing battle.

Soon, Wu Yuan got a clear view of the situation.

The area where the treasure was emerging was a vast plain over a million li wide. The plain was encircled by several towering mountains.

Around the plain, three or four groups totaling nearly twenty High Immortals/High Deities had gathered, with High Immortals making up the majority.

Most of the immortal cultivators weren't engaged in combat, instead waiting on the sidelines. The real battle was between three figures.

One was a black-armored High Deity, his aura wild and overwhelming. Standing ten thousand zhangs tall with eight arms, he wielded four silver spears. His spear techniques were bold and powerful, each thrust appearing to tear through space itself, leaving lingering trails of his attacks in the void.

Despite facing two opponents alone, he showed no fear.

His adversaries were a High Deity and a High Immortal, who held a slight advantage while fighting together.

I don't recognize two of them. That black-armored High Deity must be at the Sixth Tribulation level, with power approaching that of a first-stage Archimmortal. Wu Yuan assessed, his gaze shifting to the other side.

A Fifth Tribulation High Deity? And a Sixth Tribulation High Immortal?

That Sixth Tribulation High Immortal was none other than High Immortal Zhuo Hao.

At this moment, the purple-robed Fifth Tribulation High Deity wielded nine battle sabers, fighting with frenzied intensity against the black-armored High Deity.

High Immortal Zhuo Hao stood at a distance, continuously casting powerful arcane arts, either to restrain their opponent or to launch attacks. Working together against a single opponent gave them the upper hand.

At the center of the battlefield, emerging from a spatial vortex, was the coveted treasure – a massive crystal emanating a rich aura of spiritual qi.

“They're all at the Fifth or Sixth Tribulation level. It'll be hard to snatch the treasure.”

"We're no match for any of them one-on-one."

"The treasure hasn't fully emerged yet. We still have a chance. Let's wait and see." The majority of the spectating High Immortals and High Deities had limited strength, mostly at the Third or Fourth Tribulation level.

This was the norm. For most High Immortals, reaching the Third Tribulation level through diligent cultivation wasn't overly difficult. Beyond that? It depended on talent and opportunities.

Naturally, with their level of power, they dared not interfere in a clash approaching the Archimmortal level – they would be killed in mere moments.

That was unless these ordinary High Immortals amassed in sufficiently large numbers, say a hundred. If such a group launched a joint attack, even an Archimmortal would have to retreat.

Suddenly, some of the observing High Immortals and High Deities noticed Wu Yuan's presence and turned to look.

"An Earth Immortal?"

"An Earth Immortal dares to interfere? Though, he gives me a dangerous feeling."

"He's probably not ordinary." These High Immortals and High Deities were initially startled, but quickly dismissed their concern.

Earth Immortals, generally speaking, were considered exceptional if they could unleash power equivalent to a First or Second Tribulation High Immortal. Anything beyond that? They had rarely encountered such individuals.

But in the next instant, Wu Yuan, who had just approached, suddenly charged directly towards the three High Immortals and High Deities locked in fierce combat.

"What?"

"Is that...?" At that moment, all the High Immortals and High Deities who had been observing from afar, waiting for an opportunity to act, were shocked.

Did they just witness an instantaneous burst of speed at the speed of light?

“It's the Spacetime Sword Immortal. It's him." Someone finally recognized Wu Yuan.

During his adventures in the Snowlight Mist Realm, Wu Yuan often changed his appearance and attire.

Though intelligence about him and Zhuo Haiyue had long circulated among the major factions of the Spacetime Dao Realm, most people wouldn't recognize them on sight.

It was only when they took action, unleashing their power, that they could no longer hide their strength. And in the entire Spacetime Dao Realm, how many Earth Immortals could unleash such formidable might? Not a single one!

Among the tens of billions of Earth Immortals across Spacetime Island and the Spacetime Dao Realm, only he and Zhuo Haiyue could unleash power rivaling a Fifth Tribulation High Immortal or above, at least, according to public knowledge.

So when Wu Yuan exploded into action, he was immediately recognized.

"The Spacetime Sword Immortal!"

"It's him."

"That monstrous prodigy from the Spacetime Island." The gathered High Immortals and High Deities erupted in commotion. Even though they weren't part of the core of the nine great factions of the Dao Realm, they had all heard legends of Wu Yuan during their years of exploring the Snowlight Mist Realm.

Zhuo Haiyue was nicknamed the Thunder Knife Fairy. Wu Yuan was nicknamed the Spacetime Sword Immortal, both named for their signature killing techniques.

One might mistake their given names, but never their nicknames.

...

With a thunderous boom, the colors of the world shifted.

From his arrival to his approach and outburst, Wu Yuan moved in one fluid motion. He was already charging towards the center of the plain.

Whoosh! A hazy spacetime domain materialized, enveloping hundreds of thousands of li and pressing down on the three High Immortals/High Deities.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Nine celestial swords appeared, orbiting Wu Yuan's body. In an instant, they transformed into threads of sword light, circulating endlessly. The sword qi surged boundlessly, forming an incredibly powerful spacetime sword domain.

Hundreds of thousands of li? He crossed it in an instant.

"Not good."

"It's the Spacetime Sword Immortal."

"He's here." The three High Immortals/High Deities were stunned, for Wu Yuan's attack came too swiftly and ferociously.

Moreover, they never expected to encounter this legendary monstrous prodigy of the entire Dao Realm.

It’s him? He’s the Spacetime Sword Immortal? High Immortal Zhuo Hao was particularly shocked.

As he sensed and confirmed Wu Yuan's vital aura, his expression changed in an instant. This was someone he never wanted to encounter again in this lifetime.

Furthermore, he was absolutely certain that the one who had ambushed and nearly killed him years ago had wielded the True Intent of Life in his killing move. Yet that same person was now renowned throughout the Dao Realm for his mastery of the Laws of Space and Time? What kind of monster was this?

Deep down, High Immortal Zhuo Hao had a premonition that Wu Yuan was likely targeting him specifically.

In that split second, High Immortal Zhuo Hao had only one thought - flee for his life!

Without hesitation, he retreated towards the side where the purple-armored High Deity and black-armored High Deity were battling, accelerating to his highest speed. He hoped to use the two High Deities to delay Wu Yuan.

"Fleeing?" The black-armored High Deity was stunned.

"Hao Zhuo? You're running away just like that?" The purple-robed High Deity was even more bewildered. In his view, though Wu Yuan's approach was fierce, they should still be able to put up a fight.

But there was no time for the two High Deities to think further.

Boom! Wu Yuan, wielding his vast and mighty sword array, had already crossed hundreds of thousands of li, charging straight for High Immortal Zhuo Hao.

But this also meant he was charging towards the two High Deities in the same direction.

Whoosh! Four silver spears danced through the air, their radiant spear lights sweeping across a hundred thousand li, stabbing directly at Wu Yuan.

Whoosh! Whoosh! The purple-robed High Deity likewise instinctively swung his battle saber, attempting to block Wu Yuan's path.

At this moment, the High Immortals and High Deities surrounding the ice plains all watched the battle from afar. Even the fleeing High Immortal Zhuo Hao looked back to observe.

That black-armored High Deity possesses power approaching a first-stage Archimmortal. Combined with a Fifth Tribulation High Deity going all out, their strength should rival a Sixth Tribulation High Immortal. They should be able to hold off the Spacetime Sword Immortal for a while... High Immortal Zhuo Hao thought to himself.

But then, a look of stark incredulity swept across his face. All the observing High Immortals and High Deities also wore dumbfounded expressions.

"Kill!" Wu Yuan's eyes were cold as ice as he pointed from afar. His sword domain instantly transformed, six celestial swords streaking across the sky in a deadly assault. Sword lights flashed as the flow of time began to change.

Two times the speed of light! Three times! Four times the speed of light!

Schlik! Schlik! Three celestial swords sliced through the air, their terrifying power instantly sweeping over the purple-robed High Deity. His body exploded with a thunderous boom, and the sword qi within the sword domain shredded his flesh and blood.

Boom! Clang! Clang! Though the black-armored High Deity was stronger, he could barely parry the three mighty celestial swords. The impact sent him flying backwards. Under the assault of the terrifying sword lights, his vital aura rapidly diminished. The attack was utterly unstoppable.

My strength nearly matches an Archimmortal. According to intelligence reports, I should be evenly matched with the Spacetime Sword Immortal in direct combat. How am I being utterly crushed? The black-armored High Deity was shocked.

This Spacetime Sword Immortal's power has definitely reached the Archimmortal level. An Earth Immortal unleashing Archimmortal-level power? He could scarcely believe it.

Information on Zhuo Haiyue's true strength had only circulated within the Spacetime Island so far, and had not yet spread to the nine major factions of the Dao Realm. Thus the black-armored High Deity was naturally unaware of it.

Over these decades, Wu Yuan had made tremendous progress in both the Law of Time and the Law of Space. Naturally, the power he could unleash from the Nine Swords of Spacetime had grown exponentially.

Without relying on the Genesis Divine Pillar, his mana body alone could now unleash Archimmortal-level power.

This scene left the many observing High Immortals and High Deities in an uproar.

His strength has grown again? Flee! I must flee. High Immortal Zhuo Hao's heart raced as he fled frantically, seeing that the two High Deities could not stop Wu Yuan.

“Fellow Daoist, please hold on." Wu Yuan's voice carried a hint of amusement as it echoed through the air.

Boom! The flow of time around Wu Yuan's body changed and his speed grew eerily fast – several times that of High Immortal Zhuo Hao’s. It was impossible for him to escape.

"Kill!" Though Wu Yuan's voice held a trace of mirth, his eyes were utterly cold. The nine celestial swords surrounding him instantly exploded into action, sweeping toward their target.

Three swords were enough to defeat a Sixth Tribulation High Deity earlier. All nine? High Immortal Zhuo Hao's pupils constricted.

High Deities had a slight edge over High Immortals in short bursts of power due to their ability to use grand ether arts.

High Immortal Zhuo Hao understood he could not afford to hold back anymore.

Boom! A pitch-black sphere about a hundred zhangs tall appeared behind High Immortal Zhuo Hao, resembling a miniature star.

The black sphere radiated an endless aura of cruelty and bloodthirst, vaguely merging with High Immortal Zhuo Hao.

The moment the black sphere appeared, High Immortal Zhuo Hao's vital aura began to surge violently, climbing to the Archimmortal level in the blink of an eye.

Is that... a Black Devil Star? Wu Yuan's eyes flashed with recognition.

This was a treasure of Sovereign Black Devil’s lineage, an even higher level artifact than a Black Devil Divine Pillar!