Chapter 334: Passing the Torch - The Ming Xu Star Realm Settles

Chapter 334: Passing the Torch - The Ming Xu Star Realm Settles

The Nine Leaf Star Realm? The Nine Mountain Star Realm?

Li Yuan couldn't help but ask, "Alliance Leader, are these two Star Realms exclusive to our Seven Star Civilization?"

"Yes," Dong Fang Ji nodded. "The Nine Leaf Star Realm is a Tier Three Star Realm, and the Nine Mountain Star Realm is a Tier Four Star Realm. There aren't many artifacts within these two Star Realms, but each has a separate passage leading deep into the Nine Leaf and Nine Mountain worlds."

Li Yuan was secretly astonished.

This was indeed a great opportunity for the Seven Star Civilization.

Moreover, the highest level allowed in the Nine Leaf Star Realm is the Flying Heaven Rank.

"The Immortal Burial Ancient Domain is incredibly mysterious, with invisible rules in operation. Its core, which we call the 'Ancient Domain,' is located in the starlit fissures between dimensions," Dong Fang Ji explained slowly. "Therefore, deities from various Dimensional Realms can directly enter, and even deities from the Divine Realm can descend upon it... Over the long years, the treasures easily obtained from the Ancient Domain's periphery have all been taken away."

"Now, if those deities dare to enter the Ancient Domain again to seek precious treasures, they must venture deeper, and it's a life-threatening journey," Dong Fang Ji said solemnly.

Li Yuan listened quietly.

"So, the Thousand Demon Civilization wants to invade our Seven Star Civilization because of these two Star Realms?" Li Yuan asked in confusion. "But I remember, Alliance Leader, that you and Master Lie Feng met in the Immortal Burial Ancient Domain, right?"

"Could it be that powerful beings from other dimensions can also enter the Nine Leaf and Nine Mountain worlds?" Li Yuan was curious.

"Of course, they can enter," Fang Hai said with a smile. "Li Yuan, anyone can enter the Ancient Domain at the core of the Star Realms, but it's not easy to get in."

"However, the Nine Leaf and Nine Mountain worlds are part of the outer regions."

"The Nine Leaf World only allows Flying Heaven Rank beings to enter, while the Nine Mountain World is accessible to Demi-Deities," Fang Hai explained. "Demi-Deities can barely navigate the starry skies, and even if they have a Flying Heaven Rank life, they would need the help of a deity to reach the Immortal Burial Ancient Domain and then attempt to enter the Nine Leaf and Nine Mountain worlds. But even the dangers at the very outskirts are enough to kill nine out of ten Flying Heaven Rank and Demi-Deity beings before they can truly enter the Nine Leaf and Nine Mountain worlds."

"The Nine Leaf and Nine Mountain worlds are also filled with dangers, which means that out of hundreds of Flying Heaven Rank and Demi-Deity beings from other civilizations, only a few might survive," Fang Hai sighed.

Li Yuan listened with growing astonishment—a survival rate of one percent?

"The Immortal Ruin Civilization is one of the most powerful civilizations in the Dimensional Realms. In their largest-scale operation, they once gathered over a hundred Demi-Deities to raid," Dong Fang Ji said softly. "In the end, only one survived."

"And the survivor wasn't even the strongest among them," Dong Fang Ji shook his head.

Li Yuan was speechless.

How cruel!

Out of a hundred Demi-Deities, only one survived? Whether one could survive or not wasn't solely based on strength.

This would make any Demi-Deity tremble at the thought.

Dong Fang Ji continued, "The powerful beings of our Seven Star Civilization entered the Nine Leaf and Nine Mountain worlds through these two Star Realms, and their chances of death were very low. From there, they obtained a vast number of treasures."

"Lant became the first Demi-Deity of our civilization as a result."

"My own strength is also closely tied to the Nine Mountain World."

"Fang Hai's True Deity heritage also originated from the Nine Leaf World," Dong Fang Ji said, looking at Li Yuan. "Our entire civilization flourished because of this, and many of the treasures we obtained are coveted even by deities."

Li Yuan was stunned by this revelation.

Indeed, it was because of the Nine Leaf and Nine Mountain worlds that the Seven Star Civilization was able to catch up with the Heavenly Virtue Civilization, the Thousand Beast Civilization, and others within just a few hundred years.

"Therefore..."

"Any civilization that can connect to our Seven Star Civilization through these Star Realms will covet us as long as they have some strength," Dong Fang Ji said. "The greatest threat comes from the Immortal Ruin Civilization and the Thousand Demon Civilization."

"The Immortal Ruin Civilization?" Li Yuan was taken aback. "Have we also had a major war with them?"

"Li Yuan, you've clashed with their geniuses, so you should understand the power of this civilization," Fang Hai smiled. "They haven't made a move only because they haven't had the chance."

"Our civilization shares a Tier Four Star Realm, the Demon Mountain Star Realm, with the Thousand Demon Civilization on the Flying Star," Fang Hai explained. "This is the root cause of several major wars."

"The previous Flying Star extinction also originated from this Star Realm."

The Demon Mountain Star Realm?

Li Yuan sighed inwardly, recalling the information he had accessed in the database.

This was the only Tier Four Star Realm within the Seven Star Civilization that connected to another civilization, located on the Flying Star, and accessible to Demi-Deities.

"Now, Master Lie Feng is guarding the Demon Mountain Star Realm, causing the Thousand Demon Civilization to temporarily abandon their invasion plans," Fang Hai said. "As for the Immortal Ruin Civilization, we have two Star Realms connected to them."

"One is the Lie Yu Star Realm on the Flying Star, a Tier Two Star Realm."

"The other is the Kunlun Star Realm," Fang Hai added. "It's the Star Realm beneath Kunlun Martial Academy... The entrance to the Kunlun Star Realm is always guarded, and being the principal of Kunlun Martial Academy is just a side task."

Li Yuan held his breath, as he was familiar with the Kunlun Star Realm.

For decades, Principal Fang Hai had stayed at Kunlun Martial Academy for this very purpose—to guard the entrance to the Kunlun Star Realm... Being the principal was just an additional role.

"The Kunlun Star Realm is vast and stable. According to Master Lie Feng's predictions, it's not far from becoming a Tier Three Star Realm, and it might even eventually reach Tier Four," Fang Hai said, looking at Li Yuan. "Do you think the Immortal Ruin Civilization will remain so peaceful then?"

"They've been keeping the peace with us only because they haven't had the chance," Dong Fang Ji said, shaking his head.

"As far as we know, the number of civilizations destroyed by the Immortal Ruin Civilization is not small," Fang Hai added.

Li Yuan sighed inwardly, a strong sense of crisis arising within him.

The Demon Mountain Star Realm was far away on the Flying Star... But the Kunlun Star Realm was right on the Blue Star!

A single Star Realm, the Lob Nor Star Realm, had caused unrest in the Xia Nation.

If the Kunlun Star Realm were to become a Tier Four Star Realm, the Immortal Ruin Civilization was far more powerful than the Thousand Demon Civilization. If a war broke out, a clash between Demi-Deities could potentially destroy half of the Xia Nation.

Absolutely not!

Li Yuan's mind firmly rejected the possibility of such an event.

The more Li Yuan saw and learned, the more his youthful student days faded. His aspirations were now for himself and for the Seven Star Civilization. After all, it was a world where the strong preyed on the weak.

"Li Yuan."

"I've called you here today to reveal the core secret of our civilization," Dong Fang Ji said, looking at Li Yuan. "Your talent is very high, higher than mine and Fang Hai's. But you're still young, and you haven't fully unlocked your potential yet."

Alliance Leader, I..." Li Yuan was about to speak.

"There's no need for modesty," Dong Fang Ji shook his head. "The fact that you, as an Origin Warrior, can unleash the peak power of a Flying Heaven Rank, and have obtained two True Deity inheritances at just the second tier, proves everything."

"Even in the Divine Realm, you'd be considered an ultimate genius," Dong Fang Ji said.

Two True Deity inheritances? Li Yuan was slightly surprised.

"Don't be surprised," Fang Hai smiled. "Li Yuan, you may be able to hide your actions in the Lie Yu Star Realm from others, but not from me. Deep within that Realm Within a Realm, there should be a third inheritance, an Earth True Deity inheritance."

Li Yuan fell silent, no longer arguing.

The more they interacted, the more he felt the Alliance Leader's depth was unfathomable... Now, he felt the other party was even more mysterious.

"With talent comes responsibility," Dong Fang Ji looked at Li Yuan. "The Immortal Burial Ancient Domain is the opportunity for our Seven Star Civilization. Perhaps it can make our civilization the most powerful in the Dimensional Realm."

"But if we ourselves are not strong enough..."

"Then, no matter what happens in the Immortal Burial Ancient Domain in the future, the seven planets will be completely destroyed, and the entire civilization's traces will be erased... It's not impossible."

Li Yuan's heart tightened as he listened.

If it came to that, they would be repeating the mistakes of the previous civilization.

"Countless precedents have proven that even True Deities cannot fully control the Immortal Burial Ancient Domain. It's too far-fetched for us..." Dong Fang Ji spoke softly. "But at the very least, we must strive to resist invasions from other civilizations."

"The height of a civilization depends on the strength of its top powerhouses."

"If our civilization can produce an Ethereal Deity, it will be much safer."

"Only when we produce a True Deity will our Seven Star Civilization truly stand tall among the civilizations of the Dimensional Realm, unafraid of most storms." As Dong Fang Ji spoke, a strange light flashed in the depths of his eyes.

"To become an Ethereal Deity, the demi-deities within the civilization, as well as many young geniuses, have some hope. After all, demi-deities live for a thousand years, and they are mostly young. Anything is possible." Dong Fang Ji spoke softly. "But to become a True Deity?"

"At least in my opinion, besides me, only you two have a chance." Dong Fang Ji looked at the two of them.

"Now that I'm here, the civilization is temporarily safe." Dong Fang Ji looked at Li Yuan. "But I alone am not enough. I can't protect it forever."

"The demi-deity Lant, once guarded for a long time."

"Later, he helped me, and I was able to grow rapidly."

"Now, you are the new generation of leaders." Dong Fang Ji said. "Starfire! The flame passes from generation to generation, never to be extinguished!"

Fang Hai and Li Yuan listened, their blood boiling with excitement.

A True Deity? The Thousand Demon Civilization doesn't even have a True Deity now.

Even Li Yuan, favored by Chou Bingzun and Gu You, was a matter for the future.

Right now, his True Intent comprehension wasn't even at the demi-deity level, let alone becoming a True Deity.

But both Li Yuan and Fang Hai felt the weight of the responsibility they carried.

The flame passed from generation to generation, from the first Origin Warrior hundreds of years ago, to the first Skysoar Warrior, to the demi-deity Lant, and now to Dong Fang Ji.

Now, it was their generation's turn to stand up.

The strength of a civilization never relied on a single person, but on generations passing the torch.

Until one day, the Seven Star Civilization would stand at the very peak of the Dimensional Realm's civilizations.

Time passed, and Li Yuan continued his exchange with Fang Hai and Dong Fang Ji.

"The Thousand Scale Beast Emperor, Xue Yan of the Thousand Demon Civilization, has already been influenced by your Soul Mind Control," Fang Hai said, shocked.

A hint of surprise flashed in Dong Fang Ji's eyes as well.

"Yes," Li Yuan nodded, having decided to reveal this after much thought.

Some things were better kept hidden.

For someone like Xue Yan, the Seven Star Civilization's intelligence network had to be involved to maximize the effect.

"No wonder you said you had a tenfold grasp of the situation," Dong Fang Ji smiled. "Your plan to end the war in the Ming Xu World is excellent."

"Xue Yan, I will arrange for an undercover agent to contact him and establish a connection," Dong Fang Ji said. "After the war, I will have San Ye, the demi-deity, thoroughly assess your contributions."

"Mhm," Li Yuan nodded, not particularly concerned.

The gains from the Ming Xu World were already substantial, and most demi-deities in the civilization might not have as much wealth as him.

"Unless you break through to the Flying Heaven Rank, your demand for external resources will be minimal for now."

Dong Fang Ji looked at Li Yuan.

Fang Hai also turned to Li Yuan and smiled. "Li Yuan, I think it won't be long before you reach the Flying Heaven Rank. Then, I'll have you take up the position of the Starfire Blue Star Main Hall's Hall Master."

"The Blue Star Main Hall Master?" Li Yuan was taken aback.

This position should be considered the most influential figure on the entire Blue Star.

"You can be the Hall Master at the Flying Heaven Rank. Why can't you?" Dong Fang Ji smiled calmly.

"Alliance Leader, Principal..." Li Yuan began.

"I'm only at the sixth Star Pulse now. I plan to reach the seventh Star Pulse before breaking through."

Li Yuan didn't dare mention the eighth Star Pulse.

That would be too exaggerated. The seventh Star Pulse was sufficient.

"The seventh Star Pulse?" Dong Fang Ji nodded. "That's fine. You're still young. You can continue to accumulate and build a solid foundation. There's no rush to reach the Flying Heaven Rank."

"The seventh Star Pulse?" Fang Hai sighed inwardly.

It had taken him a long time after reaching the Flying Heaven Rank, and at a great cost of energy, to achieve the seventh Star Pulse.

In comparison, Li Yuan's progress was much faster.

"Additionally, once my strength improves further, I want to conquer all the second-tier Star Realms," Li Yuan said solemnly.

"Conquer the second-tier Star Realms?" A hint of surprise flashed in Fang Hai's eyes.

"A great ambition," Dong Fang Ji smiled. "But it's not as easy as you think. Some second-tier Star Realms have demi-deities."

"Demi-deities?" Li Yuan's eyes widened.

So monstrous? Even with confidence, Li Yuan didn't think an Origin Warrior could rival a demi-deity.

Even if his True Intent comprehension crossed the threshold of the Law, the foundation of power was still too different.

In the so-called star realms of varying grades, it merely refers to the level of the star realm gateways and has nothing to do with the strength of the star realms themselves." Dongfang Ji patiently explained, "There are a few second-grade star realms with incredibly powerful native lifeforms, and some are guarded by Ascendant Heaven Warriors who have broken through... Of course, with your further improved strength, you indeed have the potential to sweep through most second-grade star realms."

"But there's no need." Dongfang Ji shook his head.

"Why?" Li Yuan was puzzled.

"If one cannot uphold justice within the family, and there are no formidable foes outside the nation, the nation will always be in peril." Dongfang Ji said, "There are a few second-grade star realms that pose a significant threat and should indeed be eradicated, such as the Lob Nor Star Realm."

"However, most star realms are places where numerous ordinary warriors from various civilizations go to temper themselves, and while there will be some casualties, it's the price to pay for the birth of powerful warriors."

"If there's not even a hint of crisis."

"Will the future generation of warriors be able to grow?" Dongfang Ji smiled.

Li Yuan understood.

"Before you break through to the Ascendant Heaven rank, let me know, and I'll give you a list of second-grade star realms that need to be cleared," Dongfang Ji said.

"Alright, I'll follow the Alliance Leader's arrangement," Li Yuan nodded.

...

Soon after, Fang Hai left ahead of time.

Inside the palace, only Li Yuan and Dongfang Ji remained.

"Li Yuan, I have three things to tell you before you go." Dongfang Ji looked at Li Yuan.

"First, your authority within the Martial Hall has been elevated to the level of a Star Lord, allowing you to access more information and resources from the Martial Hall." Dongfang Ji continued, "Second, are you still comprehending the Thousand Transformation Array Diagram I gave you last time?"

"Yes." Li Yuan nodded repeatedly.

"Once you comprehend the Thousand Transformation Array Diagram and reach the Ascendant Heaven rank, you can set off for the Nine Leaf World." Dongfang Ji said.

Li Yuan suddenly understood why the Alliance Leader had told him to report back after comprehending it when he gifted him the array diagram.

Now it seemed that this Thousand Transformation Array Diagram should have some connection to the Nine Leaf World.

"The third thing." Dongfang Ji said, "The Earth-type Deity heritage you obtained should contain a hidden power, right?"

"Hidden power?" Li Yuan was puzzled.

"It seems you're not quite clear about this. The source of this power is in the Jiangnan Province of Blue Star. When you return to Blue Star, tell them not to attempt to invade the Blue Star Virtual Network again." Dongfang Ji smiled, "I don't think I'm wrong about this."

Boom!

Jiangnan Province? Li Yuan's mind instantly cleared, and combined with Dongfang Ji's words, he had a guess about who it was.

Gu You!

"Alliance Leader, I understand." Li Yuan nodded.

"Mhm, you obtained the heritage, and it's up to you to handle it." Dongfang Ji said, "I'm just reminding you that these foreign deity heritages are often a double-edged sword... It's up to you to manage it well."

"If you feel you can't control it... Come to me, and I'll take care of it." Dongfang Ji's calm voice exuded confidence.

"Yes." Li Yuan nodded.

...

In the fiery red palace, Dongfang Ji watched as Li Yuan departed.

"Master, won't you tell them the truth?" a deep voice asked.

"It's not the right time yet." Dongfang Ji said slowly, "Once they pass the seventh mountain with their own strength, they will naturally understand... The path of cultivation depends on their own efforts."

"Mhm, mhm." The deep voice said, "Master, when will we go to challenge the ninth mountain?"

"There's no rush."

"Let's wait for Fang Hai to break through. Once I enter the ninth mountain, it's hard to say when I'll be able to return."

...

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Ming Mountain.

Countless gigantic Flying Beast Kings hovered in the air, nearly three hundred of them, densely packed and silent, all gazing at a distant figure in the void that resembled a fiery Qilin.

The Thousand Scale Emperor, radiating a majestic and vast aura, swept his icy gaze over each Flying Beast King.

"If we win this battle, our Ming Xu Beast Tribe will have a stable and prosperous future." The Thousand Scale Emperor's voice was cold, "Therefore, I don't want any Beast King to slack off."

"Thousand Scale Emperor." A disharmonious voice sounded, and a green-colored beast king spoke in a low tone, "How can we ally with the Seven Star Civilization? Can we trust their words? It was that Spirit Lance who slaughtered us before. Even if we were to form an alliance, we should do so with the Heavenly Virtue Civilization."

"Qingsheng?"

"This is the third time you've opposed me." The Thousand Scale Emperor's eyes turned icy. "Out of respect for your father, the Sky Serpent Sovereign, I let the previous two instances slide... But today, you dare to shake the military's resolve?"

"Three strikes and you're out!" The Thousand Scale Emperor shook his head.

Boom!

The Thousand Scale Emperor made his move, leaving behind a trail of fiery red light, moving at a terrifying speed.

"Me? Beast Emperor, I..." Qingsheng Beast Sovereign's face changed, and he hurriedly tried to plead for mercy.

But it was too late.

"Rip!" Blood splattered as the massive Qing She's body was instantly torn in half by the Thousand Scale Emperor's sharp claws.

Qingsheng Beast Sovereign was dead!

Facing the Thousand Scale Emperor at level 36, an ordinary Beast Sovereign like him had no chance to resist.

"Who else has any objections?" The Thousand Scale Emperor, covered in blood, exuded a formidable aura, his icy gaze sweeping across the room.

All the Flying Beast Kings lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.

"Let's go."

"Our target is the Heavenly Virtue Civilization base." The Thousand Scale Emperor gave the order.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Hundreds of Beast Kings set off in a grand procession.

...

One day later.

Inside a Fourth Rank warship in the Bright Moon Base, numerous warriors with Flying Heaven-level strength watched the scenes projected on the light screen in awe.

"What?"

"The Heavenly Virtue Civilization base has been destroyed?"

"The Thousand Scale Emperor is so powerful! Even the main cannon of a Fourth Rank warship couldn't fully lock onto him."

"There were too many Flying Beast Kings, and the Heavenly Virtue Civilization couldn't defend against them." Tavarez, Jiang Zai, Li Yang, and Luo Chan whispered among themselves, their voices filled with shock.

They had never expected this.

Out of the blue, the Ruin Beast Tribe launched a surprise attack on the Heavenly Virtue Civilization base... until the entire base was completely breached.

The Thousand Scale Emperor's strength was overwhelming.

In the end, after losing over fifty Flying Beast Kings, the Ruin Beast Tribe completely conquered the base. The Heavenly Virtue Civilization, after suffering heavy casualties, withdrew their remaining forces from the Ming Xu World.

Thus, the last strategic stronghold of the Heavenly Virtue Civilization in the Ming Xu World was declared annihilated.

"The Heavenly Virtue Civilization has been attacked."

"Will we be next?"

"It's hard to say." These warriors all felt a sense of unease.

Suddenly, Li Yuan, standing at the front of the group, spoke slowly, "There's no need to worry about the Ruin Beast Tribe attacking us."

"I once encountered and fought the Thousand Scale Emperor within the Ming Mountain, and neither of us could gain the upper hand. In the end, we made a pact."

"The Ming Mountain and the Earth-Shocking Dragon Canyon will serve as the boundary, with one side belonging to the Ruin Beast Tribe." Li Yuan said softly, "The other side, a region spanning twenty thousand kilometers will belong to our Seven Star Civilization."

"From now on, the two great powers will coexist peacefully." Li Yuan stated.

"What? A twenty-thousand-kilometer region? A pact between the Spirit Lance and the Thousand Scale Emperor?"

"Can this pact be trusted?"

"Can't the Thousand Scale Emperor do anything to the Spirit Lance?" The warriors were both shocked and incredulous.

They knew that the Spirit Lance was incredibly powerful, rumored to have reached the Ascendant Peak, but the Thousand Scale Emperor's strength, displayed during the attack on the Heavenly Virtue Civilization base, was even more terrifying.

How could they not be shocked? After all, the Spirit Lance was still just a Source Warrior, and his strength had improved so rapidly. What kind of monster was he?

Initially, the Flying Heaven Warriors didn't believe the Spirit Lance's words.

But soon after, a Flying Beast King messenger arrived, once again causing a stir.

Could this pact be real? Many of them were skeptical.

...

In a secret room aboard a warship, there were only three people.

"Tavarez, Jiang Zai." Li Yuan, shrouded in black, looked at the two of them.

"Spirit Lance." The two of them were quite respectful.

Over time, they had grown to admire this mysterious Source Warrior within their civilization even more.

He was far stronger than Yu Jinghe.

"You two will always be the highest commanders here, so I'm telling you the truth." Li Yuan said softly, "In reality, I have the Thousand Scale Emperor under my control."

"What?"

"Is the Thousand Scale Emperor your servant?" Tavarez and Jiang Zai were shocked.

They weren't fools; they immediately considered various possibilities.

"The so-called agreement."

"It's just a cover-up for the truth." Li Yuan said, looking at the two of them, "A twenty-thousand-kilometer region is temporarily sufficient for our Seven Star Civilization to thrive and gather resources... Once your strength improves further, reaching the Ascendant Peak, and even becoming Demigods in the future, you can completely eradicate the Ruin Beast Tribe."

"The Thousand Scale Emperor will secretly suppress the Ruin Beast Tribe's growth while gradually assisting you." Li Yuan said, "Additionally, regarding the information about the Sacred Land, once it's compiled, you'll have the authority to access it."

"At that time, you'll also be able to attempt to enter the Sacred Land and see if you can obtain the Deity's heritage." Li Yuan smiled.

"Yes." Tavarez and Jiang Zai now fully believed the Spirit Lance's words.

"By the way." Li Yuan added, "Although you reside in the Star Realm permanently, it's not impossible to leave. In fact, aside from upgrading the Star Realm, there's another method."

This was something Li Yuan had discovered from the information gifted by Chou Bingzun.

"What method?" Tavarez and Jiang Zai's hearts were filled with anticipation.

"Ascension!"

"Once you ascend to Deity, you can break free from the Star Realm's constraints and enter the Dimensional Plane's starry sky fissures." Li Yuan explained, "Regaining your freedom."

...

After seeing off Tavarez and Jiang Zai, who were deep in thought, the quiet room welcomed its final guest.

"Spirit Lance, what's the matter?" Li Yang asked.

Li Yang was perplexed. Why was he, an ordinary Flying Heaven Warrior, summoned? Boom! The quiet room's door closed.

"Teacher." Li Yuan's mind moved, and he had already put away his illusionary robe, revealing his face. He bowed respectfully, "Student apologizes for his previous rudeness. Please forgive me, Teacher."

"Li Yuan? You're the Spirit Lance?" Li Yang's eyes widened, his mind reeling.

"My student is the Spirit Lance?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end