Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 745: Sovereigns Council (2)

"Haha, I'm not saying I disagree," the other plump elderly man smiled. "It's just that such an enormous reward is far more precious than even a mid-grade Dao Instrument. Shouldn't we be more cautious?

The younger generation should be gradually nurtured. Though Wu Yuan's talent is monstrous, he's only cultivated for a few hundred years and just recently became an Earth Eldritch. It's still early.

I suggest that we first allocate the Faith power of a hundred eldritch continents to him. For more? Wu Yuan should continue to prove himself and strive to obtain his fair share from the Eldritch Court," the plump elderly man said.

He was clearly trying to avoid offending anyone.

"Kua Chi, what about you?" The black-robed man looked towards Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi. "Do you have anything to add?"

"Providing Faith power equivalent to an eldritch nation is indeed not an easy decision. Not only would many Astral Monarchs have their Faith power significantly reduced, but even we would be affected," Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi's gaze swept across the group as he smiled. "However, I have my reasons for making such a request. I'll only add one point."

After a pause, Sovereign Kua Chi slowly enunciated each word: "Wu Yuan possesses an Apotheosis root."

Whoosh! The other three figures in the divine hall simultaneously turned to look at Sovereign Kua Chi.

"An Apotheosis root?"

"How is that possible? It can't be!"

"He's just an Earth Eldritch, how could it be possible? No matter how deep his Dao comprehension is, this shouldn't be possible."

"Could he have had some special encounter?" The three super powerhouses were shocked. In their long years, they had never seen such a monstrous prodigy.

An Earth Eldritch with an Apotheosis root? Even in the endless history of the Eldritch Court, they had rarely heard of such cases. Perhaps there were some, but most were kept secret. The information wouldn't be made public.

"Kua Chi, are you certain?" the black-robed man asked in a low voice.

"I am," Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi nodded. In reality, he wasn't one hundred percent sure, but he believed Wu Yuan wouldn't deceive him. There wasn't much point in lying about such a matter; it would be exposed sooner or later.

"Very well. If Kua Chi says so, it should be true," the leading black-robed man said. "I believe you all understand the significance of an Apotheosis root, and I needn't explain Wu Yuan's talent and comprehension aptitude further.

Therefore, let’s decide on one of the three rewards.

First, Faith power equivalent to an eldritch nation.

Second, Faith power equivalent to five hundred eldritch continent.

Third, Faith power equivalent to one hundred eldritch continents." The black-robed man's gaze swept across the three. "Make your choices."

Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi remained silent; he had already made his choice long ago. Moreover, the options were much better than he had initially anticipated. At the very least, it wouldn't be a complete loss, with a minimum Faith power equivalent to one hundred eldritch continents.

The other two figures exchanged glances, hesitated for a moment, then spoke.

"Wu Yuan's talent is indeed unparalleled, but the Faith power of an entire eldritch nation unit is too enormous. Let's start with five hundred eldritch continent units."

"Mm, I also think we should first grant him the Faith power of five hundred eldritch continent units."

The two super powerhouses made their decisions.

"Good, then it's settled. For the next million years, we'll allocate to Wu Yuan Faith power equivalent to five hundred eldritch continents. Make the arrangements as soon as possible," the black-robed man made the final decision.

Not bad. Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi nodded to himself.

He hadn't dared hope to truly secure the Faith power of an entire eldritch nation for Wu Yuan in one go.

Bid high, settle low. [1]

The Cang Feng Eldritch World encompassed eight hundred eldritch nations, but the Faith power these Sovereigns could independently allocate amounted to only a few dozen eldritch nation units, and any changes to an eldritch nation unit of Faith power involved immense implications.

Each eldritch nation unit was further divided into five thousand eldritch continent units of Faith power. n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The Faith power of five hundred eldritch continents should be enough for Wu Yuan for now. Sovereign Kua Chi pondered. We can only take it step by step.

When Wu Yuan becomes a High Eldritch, I'll find a way to get more from the Eldritch Court headquarters.

"Kua Chi," the black-robed man looked towards Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi.

"Cang Feng," Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi nodded, meeting his gaze.

The black-robed man was none other than the leader of the Cang Feng Eldritch World—Sovereign Cang Feng. He was also one of the three late-stage Sovereign powerhouses standing at the pinnacle of the entire Greenridge Macrocosm.

The other two were Sovereign Voltari and Sovereign Qing Ling. [2]

"Go tell Wu Yuan that resources must ultimately be earned with sufficient talent and strength. His current power is too weak, and his cultivation level isn't high enough. It's impossible to grant him so much Faith power. The eldritch world's resources are also limited," Sovereign Cang Feng said.

“However, when he reaches the High Eldritch phase and can display power equivalent to a late-stage Astral Lord, I will grant him another eldritch nation unit of Faith power."

"Excellent," Eldritch Sovereign Kua Chi's eyes lit up.

The two other Sovereigns furrowed their brows, though they didn’t respond.

Over the long years, the Cang Feng Eldritch World had produced six Sovereigns. Two resided far away in the Eldritch Court headquarters, while the four of them jointly governed the eldritch world.

But Sovereign Cang Feng undoubtedly held the highest status. He was the leader of the Eldritch Court in the Greenridge Macrocosm. The other Sovereigns had to obey his orders. Even if they disagreed, they had to report to the Eldritch Court headquarters and wait for instructions.

In short, Sovereign Cang Feng had the final say. The other three great Sovereigns had the right to advise and report to the higher-ups.

Of course, under normal circumstances, Sovereign Cang Feng wouldn't act arbitrarily and would consider the opinions of the other Sovereigns.

This time was no exception.

...

While the highest echelons of the eldritch world were deliberating...

In the Shan Lin Eldritch Continent, at the headquarters of the Shan Yue Sect.

The Shan Yue Sect was one of the two strongest factions in the entire eldritch continent, presided over by an Astral Lord and even several Archimmortals.

Naturally, the sect's territory was incredibly vast, spanning over a hundred million li, and home to countless immortal cultivators. In a restricted area within the sect, enclosed in an invisible array, were rows of prison cells.

"Damn it."

"Ah! Ah!"

"Stop beating me, I'll talk, I'll tell you everything."

"I've told you everything, really!" Screams of agony occasionally echoed from the cells.

Outside the cells, a group of servants attended to a white-robed youth.

"High Immortal."

"Have some tea!" The youth exuding an extraordinary aura lounged on a chair, leisurely sipping tea. He appeared to find the screams echoing around him melodious and enjoyable, smiling as he savored them.

His expression made the surrounding manservants and maidservants tremble, though they dared not show the slightest trace of unhappiness.

"Bai Mo, has the one called Fang Xia agreed to confess?" the white-robed youth suddenly inquired.

"Not yet," a white-haired servant beside him quickly replied. "Following your orders, we've been flogging him for years, High Immortal. We've even used the Soul-Refining Whip several times, but that Fang Xia still hasn't uttered a word. We're just short of using the soul-search secret art.

High Immortal," the white-haired servant cautiously continued, "The Archimmortal only instructed us to imprison Fang Xia, but not torture him. By punishing him privately, won't we..."

"Little Bai Mo," The white-robed youth shook his head, a dismissive smirk playing on his lips. "What are you worrying about? Fang Xia's just a lucky beggar. The Archimmortal only fears we might accidentally kill him during interrogation. We're not after his life, just teaching him a little lesson.

Besides," the youth continued, his eyes gleaming with ambition, "if we can force him to talk quickly, wouldn't that be a great contribution? The Archimmortal might not only spare us from punishment but even reward us."

"The High Immortal is wise," one servant chimed in.

"Indeed, the High Immortal's wisdom knows no bounds," the others echoed, their sycophantic praise swelling the white-robed youth's ego.

Suddenly, a thunderous boom shattered the air. A presence of overwhelming power descended upon them, causing everyone to turn and stare. The white-robed youth looked over, ready to unleash his fury, but his face quickly drained of color.

"Hierarch?" he gasped, hastily bowing in reverence.

In the Shan Yue Sect, only Archimmortals could hold the title of Hierarch.

"Where is Fang Xia?" the middle-aged Archimmortal in black robes demanded, his voice as cold as frost. His eyes blazed like twin furnaces as he waved his hand.

With a dull thud, Fang Xia's body, covered in bloody gashes, fell to the ground. He was barely clinging to life, countless chains piercing through his flesh, bound by layer upon layer of arrays. Yet, his eyes still burned with an indomitable resolve.

Upon seeing this, the black-robed Archimmortal's eyes widened slightly. He fixed his gaze on the white-robed youth. "Li Guang, who gave you permission to torture Fang Xia?"

"I—" Li Guang began, ready to defend himself.

Pa! A vicious backhand sent him sprawling to the ground, a vivid handprint blooming on his cheek.

"Hmph!" The Archimmortal's contempt was palpable. "Save your excuses. Come with me. You can explain yourself to the Astral Lord."

With a wave of his hand, a mysterious liquid rained down upon Fang Xia. His wounds began to heal at an astonishing rate, flesh knitting together before their very eyes. Simultaneously, the chains embedded in his body loosened and retracted.

In mere moments, Fang Xia's previously wretched appearance had transformed, returning to a semblance of normalcy.

"Let's go," the Archimmortal commanded. An invisible force enveloped the barely-conscious Fang Xia and the trembling Li Guang, whisking them away in an instant.

As they traveled, High Immortal Li Guang's heart pounded with increasing terror. Their destination, he realized with mounting dread, was the most sacred place in the entire sect—the legendary dwelling of the sect's ancestor.

In all his years as a High Immortal, Li Guang had only gotten glimpses of the Archimmortal Hierarchs a handful of times. He had never so much as laid eyes on the ancestor.

Fang Xia, though his vital aura had strengthened slightly, remained in a daze. He had no idea where they were taking him or what new torments awaited.

Before long, the trio arrived at a majestic temple deep within the sacred grounds. An invisible force permeated the area, making it difficult even for High Immortals to fly.

With a casual flick of his hand, the black-robed Archimmortal tossed Li Guang to the ground. He then gently set Fang Xia down beside him.

"Astral Lord, I've brought them as requested," the Archimmortal announced respectfully, keeping his head bowed as he awaited further instructions.

In the blink of an eye, two figures materialized before them, their auras profound and ethereal.

"Senior Hou Qu," one of them, an elderly man with jet-black hair, addressed the other party with utmost reverence. He stood slightly behind, like a servant attending to his master.

This scene sent shockwaves through the black-robed Archimmortal and left the kneeling Li Guang utterly stupefied.

Though Li Guang had never met the black-haired elder in person, he had seen images of him before. This was undoubtedly the sect's ancestor, the legendary Astral Lord. His aura alone was unmistakable.

Our Ancestor is calling him 'Senior'? Who in the heavens is this man in black armor? Li Guang's mind reeled with shock and confusion.

"Fang Xia?" Astral Monarch Hou Qu's gaze fell upon the young man, his eyes softening with an unexpected warmth.

Witnessing this, Li Guang's heart sank. He knew, without a doubt, that he was in deep, deep trouble.

1. 漫天喊价，落地还钱. It can be used to describe a negotiation tactic where one starts with an unrealistically high offer or demand, knowing they'll eventually have to come down to a more reasonable level. ☜

2. Qing Ling = Greenridge ☜