Chapter 336: Three Years Later

Chapter 336: Three Years Later

"Lan Yue," Li Yuan greeted her with a smile. "You came here?"

Dressed in red, Lin Lan Yue smiled and said, "I thought you said you'd arrive at the Divine Star Realm around ten o'clock?"

"There's no need for that. When I return, I'll naturally..." Li Yuan trailed off.

"It's different," Lin Lan Yue interrupted.

Li Yuan paused, his powerful psychic power allowing him to sense the subtle shift in Lin Lan Yue's emotions.

"Li Yuan, let's go back," Lin Lan Yue said softly. "There are too many people here."

"Alright." Li Yuan nodded, his gaze briefly sweeping the distance.

Many Source Warriors stationed at the Star Realm Gateway couldn't help but look over.

Although the Source Warriors stationed here were undoubtedly highly trusted, it was better to be cautious.

"Let's take my flying vehicle," Lin Lan Yue suggested.

"I'll take you back," Li Yuan smiled.

Without waiting for Lin Lan Yue's refusal, Li Yuan's thoughts stirred, and an invisible force enveloped them both, carrying them towards the Divine Temple and Seven Star Mountain at the edge of the earth.

High in the sky, the wind howled.

"You didn't even wait for my consent," Lin Lan Yue said helplessly, sensing the invisible force around them.

"This way, we'll get there faster," Li Yuan smiled.

Whoosh! Whoosh! They flew at high speed.

"The battle in the Ming Xu World has ended, I heard," Lin Lan Yue asked. "What's next? Are you going out again?"

With so many people and eyes at the Star Realm Gateway, she hadn't pressed for details.

"Not for a while," Li Yuan replied. "Before I become a Skysoar Warrior, I should spend most of my time in the Divine Star Realm."

The Divine Star Realm was safe enough to ensure that no Demigod-level beings could invade.

"Mmm," Lin Lan Yue smiled.

Suddenly, Li Yuan's voice carried a hint of apology. "Lan Yue, these past few months have been worrying for you."

If it weren't for the Three-Leaf Demigod asking Lin Lan Yue to call him, she wouldn't have guessed that he was the Essence Gun.

He wouldn't have caused her such prolonged worry.

Hearing this, Lin Lan Yue paused, her eyes glinting with a hint of light. "It's alright. I'm just glad you're back safe."

Her feelings for Li Yuan were complex.

Back in high school, although they were in different classes, they had always been in friendly competition. But as Li Yuan's progress accelerated, Lin Lan Yue, with her unique childhood experiences, felt a deep resonance with him and could sense the efforts behind his growth.

At that time, she greatly admired him.

So, she had helped him on multiple occasions and even asked her uncle and older brother for help when Li Changzhou was injured.

Then, a faint affection had sprouted in her heart.

Later, when they went to different universities, their interactions lessened, and Lin Lan Yue kept her feelings hidden, never expressing them. Her primary pursuit at that time was to prove herself to the Flaming Family and rescue her mother.

Until their journey to the Inter-Realm, when she endured countless hardships and finally gained the acknowledgment of the Fire Deity... Li Yuan came to her rescue.

At that moment, Lin Lan Yue was overjoyed and moved because she could feel that Li Yuan cared about her.

In the Inter-Realm, she underwent the Fire Deity's trials so quickly, partly because she wanted to reach the Divine Star Realm sooner.

Later, Li Yuan's growth accelerated, and his brilliance intensified. When Lin Lan Yue learned that he was the Essence Gun, she was shocked and happy for him... until this time in the Ming Xu World, when she heard of Li Yuan's death, her heart ached with grief.

She even blamed herself, thinking that if she hadn't gone to the Fiery Feather Star Realm to transmit a message to Li Yuan, perhaps he wouldn't have died.

Until a few days ago.

When she received Li Yuan's communication and learned that he was alive, her excitement was palpable.

"I saw your message," Li Yuan smiled. "Your skill has reached the fifth stage so quickly, and you've achieved full mastery. In these two years, apart from me, you're the fastest cultivator in the Divine Star Realm."

"Alicia is even faster," Lin Lan Yue said.

"She was already at the fifth stage when you were at the high fourth stage," Li Yuan laughed. "Besides, you have the power of your bloodline to thank for most of your progress."

"Don't be so modest," Li Yuan smiled. "In a few years, when you've condensed the True Intention of Fire, you can go to the Ming Xu World and try to obtain the Fire Deity's legacy."

"The Fire Deity's legacy?" Lin Lan Yue asked, puzzled.

"I'll tell you about the Ming Xu World," Li Yuan smiled.

"Okay." Lin Lan Yue nodded repeatedly.

She was curious about Li Yuan's experiences too. "It won't involve any secrets, will it?"

"What I'm telling you is within your clearance as an Ascendant Peak practitioner," Li Yuan smiled.

Time passed as they soared through the sky, one speaking and the other listening.

Lin Lan Yue listened to Li Yuan's tales of his battles with the Beast Kings and the struggles within the Cloud Beast Civilization. She learned of all that Li Yuan had endured and the immense contributions he had made to the entire civilization.

After a long while, they arrived at their destination.

"We're here," Lin Lan Yue said, looking down at the interconnected palaces and mansions below. "Li Yuan, I'll go down first. See you later."

"Mmm," Li Yuan nodded.

Whoosh! Lin Lan Yue leaped and descended dozens of meters, landing gently in front of the mansion. She turned back to exchange a nod with Li Yuan, who then soared into the sky, heading towards Seven Star Mountain.

"Seven Star Mountain?"

"By July this year, I'll climb Seven Star Mountain too," Lin Lan Yue silently vowed.

...

Back at her long-missed residence on Seven Star Mountain, everything was quiet, and no one was around.

Among Lin Lan Yue's friends on Seven Star Mountain, Li Yuan had only temporarily told her of his return.

In the meditation room.

"All matters in my hometown are settled," Li Yuan said.

"My heart is at ease."

Li Yuan understood that his talent and power destined him for a life different from ordinary people who could enjoy peaceful family moments.

When the sky falls, someone has to hold it up.

For the Seven Star Civilization, they are the future giants.

"Strive!"

"Cultivate! No slacking!" Li Yuan thought to himself, "First, I need to sell the numerous useless items obtained from defeating other strong cultivators and exchange them for Seven Star Points."

"Second, I'll purchase treasures to wash away the star art traces of the Nine Shadow Clones and then recultivate the True Star Meridian."

"Then..."

"I'll strive to pursue the Eight Star Meridian." Li Yuan silently vowed, "The day I reach the Eight Star Meridian will be when I sweep through numerous second-rate star realms and achieve the Sky Soarer rank."

Buzz—

With a thought, Li Yuan vanished from the secret chamber and appeared within the ancient divine palace, 'Gu Shengong'.

Only two specks of dust floated in the air.

"Hmm? Where's Big Brother?" Liu Bing, who controlled the Sky Serpent Palace, immediately felt her connection with Li Yuan weaken significantly, as if he had entered another spatial dimension.

Surprised, she used her divine sense to perceive the outside world, but to no avail.

Alarmed, she was about to rush out of the Sky Serpent Palace.

"Little Bing, don't panic." A gentle voice sounded, belonging to Chou Bingzun.

"Li Yuan has entered another divine treasure, seemingly one he possesses... Your big brother's foundation is even deeper than you imagine." Chou Bingzun smiled.

"Another divine treasure?" Liu Bing was even more surprised, but her heart calmed slightly, "The deeper his foundation, the happier I am."

"Mhm."

"Continue your cultivation, and don't let your big brother surpass you."

...

Inside the Gu Shengong, the main hall was ancient and simple.

Li Yuan appeared out of thin air and immediately spotted a young girl in the distance, "Sister."

"You finally came in." Gu You smiled, "Your harvest from the star sector seems significant, and you even brought out another divine treasure. A force extended from it, trying to spy on me."

"But the Gu Shengong is not so easily spied upon." Gu You said, "That force wasn't particularly strong."

"The Sky Serpent Palace?" Li Yuan thought, which was within his expectations.

In truth, Li Yuan had his suspicions that Chou Bingzun might have hidden some power within the Sky Serpent Palace.

Just as Gu Shengong would retain some of the power of the ancient divine beings for Gu You to control.

"That's another spiritual beast I captured." Li Yuan shook his head, "It's related to the secrets of the Ming Xu Star Sector..."

Time passed, and Li Yuan recounted his experiences in the Ming Xu Star Sector to Gu You.

Li Yuan still trusted Gu You to a considerable degree.

At the very least, compared to Chou Bingzun, Gu You was more trustworthy.

Of course, many things Li Yuan recounted, such as those about Chou Bingzun, the Holy Blood Celestial Serpent, and others, were bound by oaths and couldn't be spoken of directly.

"Oaths? I understand."

"True Deity inheritance isn't easily obtained. Every True Deity in this dimensional realm is among the top-ranked cultivators." Gu You said, "But it's no hindrance. This divine treasure belongs to that spiritual beast, and you've formed a blood pact with it. It should be trustworthy, and she'll eventually reveal herself... I'll observe in secret and analyze the situation."

"Whether you tell me or not, it doesn't matter much."

"Mhm." Li Yuan nodded.

Then, he changed the topic, "Sister, did you infiltrate the virtual network of Blue Star?"

"You know?" Gu You's eyes flashed with surprise.

"The Alliance Leader told me." Li Yuan quickly informed Gu You of the relevant details.

He also shared some information about the Seven Star Civilization.

"What an Eastern Extremity."

"Indeed." Gu You spoke with a deep voice, "When I probed Blue Star, I always felt something was hidden. Combined with what you said, it seems the civilization on Blue Star is more formidable than I imagined."

"A planetary defense system?" Li Yuan asked.

"Yes." Gu You explained, "It's a technological defense that protects the entire planet. From what I can see, Blue Star's defense system is at least four-star rank, capable of repelling nine-tenths of demi-gods. In terms of probing for star sector resources, counter-espionage, and other aspects, it should be six-star rank, or it wouldn't have blocked my probe."

"Amazing!"

"The foundation of your civilization is stronger than I imagined."

"In my father's territory, only a few important planets could achieve such a defense system." Gu You exclaimed.

Li Yuan was surprised by what he heard.

Could Blue Star really have such a defense system? Why was it never used during the small-scale invasions Blue Star faced?

Suddenly, Li Yuan recalled the Alliance Leader's words, "A certain level of crisis is needed to promote the progress of the entire civilization."

"Perhaps, without a demi-god-rank invasion, even if there is a planetary defense system, it might not be activated." Li Yuan sighed, "Alliance Leader, how many more secrets do you hide?"

"Alright."

"Since your Alliance Leader is so formidable, I'll recall many of the forces I sent." Gu You smiled.

"Sister." Li Yuan couldn't help but ask, "If you have similar actions in the future, can you inform me beforehand?"

There was a hint of dissatisfaction in Li Yuan's voice.

"Actually, I just wanted to investigate the details of your civilization, to prepare for the future. After all, it's better to be cautious." Gu You said, "Your strength is growing, and from now on, I'll seek your opinion."

"Mhm." Li Yuan agreed. He wouldn't ask too much of Gu You, just a promise was enough.

"Brother."

"You mentioned that your civilization is close to the 'Nine Leaves, Nine Mountains,' the outer region of the Ancient Immortal Burial Ground?" Gu You asked.

"Yes."

"This is your opportunity, and you must seize it." Gu You looked at Li Yuan, "Since you already know many secrets, I won't hide anything. When my father descended from the divine realm to this dimensional realm, it was indeed for the Ancient Immortal Burial Ground... but he ultimately failed."

"In the War of the Gods, my father was no match for the other divine beings and met his end." Gu You shook her head, "Last time, Little Fire sensed that the Immortal Ruin Civilization's 'Blazing Swallow Deity' severely injured the True Phoenix Deity."

"I won't hide it from you anymore. The ones who besieged your father were two native True Gods, but I'm not sure if they belong to the Immortal Ruin Civilization." Gu You looked at Li Yuan.

Li Yuan was secretly startled.

Two native True Gods?

"Do we have native True Gods in our dimensional realm?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask.

"There should be."

"In a vast and boundless dimensional realm, even if there are only a few hundred God-level civilizations... It's normal for some True Gods to emerge after a long period of time." Gu You said, "Take your enemies in the Seven Star Civilization, for example. Didn't a True God emerge from the Ten Thousand Demon Civilization?"

"Yes." Li Yuan nodded, also feeling the pressure.

Although the dimensional realm was far less expansive than the divine realm, he had obtained the inheritance of two True Gods... But even the enemies within the dimensional realm were no pushovers.

Demigods were only rulers within their respective civilizations.

Ethereal Divines were the true rulers of a dimensional realm.

True Gods were the ultimate rulers of a dimensional realm.

"However, your talent is extremely high. If what you said about awakening the Eight Star Meridian is true, you might be the first case in millions of years in this dimensional realm."

Gu You looked at Li Yuan with great anticipation, "You are a native lifeform, favored by the origin of this dimensional realm. Your future exploration of the ancient immortal ruins will be far greater than your father's."

Li Yuan nodded, his heart still filled with ambition.

Time passed.

After a long exchange with Gu You, Li Yuan received much guidance and left the Ancient God Palace.

...

In the Warrior Star Realm, within a building.

"These weapons and treasures, collected by the Seven Star Treasury, can be sold for the highest price of 126,000 Seven Star Points after taxes." The Skysoarer-level appraiser said.

"Good, then 126,000 Seven Star Points it is."

Immediately, they began collecting the numerous ordinary treasures and over a hundred storage treasures.

Hua!

Li Yuan stepped out from behind the scenes.

"Li Yuan, you heard that too." Duan Mu Hong looked at Li Yuan, "126,000 Seven Star Points, this is after taxes. Don't underestimate it."

"It's more than enough, thank you." Li Yuan smiled.

These points were the remaining rewards from killing those ordinary Skysoarers and alien geniuses. Some were given to Teacher Li Yang... Normally, there wouldn't be so many treasures.

But like the treasures carried by Fu Yuan and others, most were not inferior to Skysoarer Peak warriors.

Plus, they obtained many treasures from the six alien gods.

In the end, it all benefited Li Yuan.

He used the identity of 'Li Yuan' to sell, attracting too much attention. So, Li Yuan found Duan Mu Hong.

"Your harvest in the Ming Xu Star Realm is quite impressive." Duan Mu Hong sighed.

"It's alright, thank you." Li Yuan smiled, the most valuable treasure he obtained was the Divine Observation Method.

However, Li Yuan temporarily didn't plan to sell it.

Sell it to the Seven Star Civilization? No! When he becomes strong enough, trading with the Demigods within the civilization will be the most worthwhile.

...

Soon, Li Yuan's account received 126,000 Seven Star Points. Then he spent over 10,000 points to purchase a large number of treasures.

In the Seven Star Mountain Range, the Divine Crystal Chamber.

"First, wash away the Nine Shadow Clones from the Perfect Star Meridian." Li Yuan sensed the floating treasures around him, activating the Star Art: Star Essence Extraction, he began absorbing the essence power contained within numerous treasures, following the guidance of the technique, gradually erasing the traces on the Star Meridian.

The process was arduous.

"Fortunately, I've only cultivated this Star Art to the second-tier limit." Li Yuan thought, "If I had cultivated it to the fourth or fifth-tier limit, with the Star Marks penetrating the Life Star... The cost of dissolving the Star Art's marks would only be greater."

The more powerful the Star Art, the more troublesome it is to recultivate.

It's not just about needing numerous treasures for assistance, but also the inherent dangers.

If one's True Intent insight and spiritual power aren't strong enough, it's likely to cause the Star Meridian to collapse.

It's like a building, wanting to tear it down and rebuild it. The taller the building, the more difficult it is to demolish.

After a full five days.

"Finally, it's completely dissolved." Li Yuan thought, "Erasing the Star Art is more troublesome than cultivating it."

"Now, I can cultivate the Sky Wind Star Meridian True Understanding began.

"Finally, I can cultivate the Sky Wind Star Meridian True Understanding." Li Yuan's heart rose with anticipation.

The ultimate supporting Star Art of wind, what kind of might will it possess?

Hua!

Li Yuan's mind moved, and he directly entered the Ancient God Palace, heading to the 'Divine Crystal Chamber' to begin his cultivation.

The Sky Wind Star Meridian True Understanding and the Earth Star Meridian True Understanding were both ultimate supporting Star Arts, requiring a large number of divine crystals for cultivation.

The Divine Crystal Chamber could save a lot of divine crystal resources.

Half a month later.

In the Ancient God Palace, the Hundred Battle Arena.

Hua!

Li Yuan's eyes darkened, and with a thought, the surroundings were filled with wind ripples, and he could easily sense the subtle mysteries of heaven and earth.

Shua! Shua!

Shua! Li Yuan instantly divided into nine, creating nine illusory bodies, intertwining and moving gracefully, easily evading the siege of distant Skysoarer-level Golden Armored Warriors.

"I may have lost the Nine Shadow Clones." Li Yuan's eyes shone, "But I've cultivated the Sky Wind Star Meridian True Understanding... Although my affinity with the wind element is almost catching up with the earth element."

The ultimate supporting Star Art not only aids in understanding the path, but also provides great assistance in battle.

"I."

"First, I gained the 'Wind Spirit' to transform my body." Li Yuan thought, "Now, with the ultimate supporting Star Art... My affinity with the wind element is almost on par with the earth element."

Up to now.

Li Yuan's understanding of the earth and wind elements were finally on equal footing.

This also meant that Li Yuan's future comprehension of the wind element's true essence would be even more astonishing.

"However."

"True essence cultivation is slow." Li Yuan thought, "If I remain stuck at the Origin Warrior realm, I don't know if I can push the two true essences to the law threshold within ten years."

The further one goes in cultivation, the more difficult it becomes.

Especially when cultivating two true essences, it's definitely slower than comprehending a single true essence.

"Unless my spiritual power reaches the Demigod level." Li Yuan thought, "Then I can push the two true essences to the law threshold within ten years."

Once mental strength undergoes a metamorphosis, one's perception of the world's operation becomes clearer, and their harmony with the laws of the universe naturally surges.

Many Demi-Gods, after a hundred years of cultivation at the Flying Sky Rank, barely achieve a complete understanding of the true meaning. However, after becoming Demi-Gods, they often have the hope of touching the threshold of the laws within a few decades, and this is the reason.

The body and the soul are the foundation.

Improving the foundation will bring all-around progress.

...

After cultivating the 'True Understanding of the Star Pulse of Celestial Wind', Li Yuan finally emerged from his seclusion and invited many friends, including Tan Tai Feng, Tian Da Zhuang, and Alicia, to gather at a restaurant.

"Li Yuan has come out of seclusion."

"Let's go to the banquet." Almost everyone came, except for a few who didn't pay much attention to the news.

Li Yuan's appearance also dispelled some rumors circulating within the Warrior God Star Realm.

...

After the banquet, Li Yuan's life returned to its usual tranquility, and he continued his days of secluded cultivation.

A little over a month passed in the blink of an eye.

May 2046, Blue Star.

At Kunlun Martial University, in the meditation room of a Fourth Rank Warship high in the sky, Fang Hai, dressed in black, sat in meditation with his legs crossed.

Suddenly,

"Whoosh!" Countless rays of light shot out from all directions, illuminating the entire room.

Fang Hai opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in them.

He hadn't received any alerts from the ship's AI, and the sudden malfunction of the warship puzzled him.

Whoosh~ The rays of light converged, forming a silhouette shrouded in white, its face obscured.

"Little Hai," the white-robed figure spoke in a deep voice.

"Elder Yun," Fang Hai instantly recognized the speaker.

The identity of the white-robed figure was a secret within the Seven Star Civilization.

Many Demi-Gods were unaware of this white-robed figure, but Fang Hai knew who it was.

Publicly, the Three Leaf Demi-God was known as the Starfire Warrior.

However, Fang Hai was aware that the white-robed figure before him could be considered the grand overseer of the entire Seven Star Civilization.

"The 'Dragon Bone Stellar World' opportunity in the Ten Thousand Cold Star Realm will appear in three days," the white-robed figure said gravely. "Are you prepared?"

"The Dragon Bone Stellar World opportunity?" Fang Hai's eyes lit up, and he couldn't help but ask, "Elder Yun, are you sure?"

He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Previously, Fang Hai had stayed at the Flying Sky Rank for two reasons: one was for the Nine Leaves World in the Immortal Burial Ancient Domain, and the other was for this grand opportunity in the Dragon Bone Stellar World... But with the unexpected breakthrough in mental strength, he awakened the Seven Stars Pulse ahead of schedule.

So, this opportunity in the Dragon Bone Stellar World might allow him to further enhance the already awakened Seven Stars Pulse.

The Eight Stars Pulse? Fang Hai dared not think of it.

But the already awakened Seven Stars Pulse had become even more powerful, and there was even a chance to awaken a Ninefold Star Pulse.

"The mother nest lair has conducted simulations," the white-robed figure said, "and I have gathered extensive data... There won't be any mistakes."

"The only question is, are you strong enough?" the white-robed figure asked, "Within the Dragon Bone Stellar World, the Sky Serpent Civilization and the Celestial Righteous Civilization all have Demi-Gods stationed there. How can you ensure your safety?"

"Demi-God Lusang can, at most, help restrain one of them."

The Dragon Bone Stellar World was of utmost importance to the Seven Star Civilization, the Sky Serpent Civilization, and the Celestial Righteous Civilization. They had stationed numerous Flying Sky Rank cultivators there for decades, and many had advanced to the Demi-God realm.

Demi-God Lusang was a Demi-God from the Seven Star Civilization.

On Blue Planet, Demi-God Tantai Lie guarded the entrance, ensuring security from both inside and outside.

Defense is easy, but offense is difficult!"

"Those two Demi-Gods from the alien civilizations are also ordinary Demi-Gods." Fang Hai said lightly, "With a fifty percent chance of success."

Before the awakening of the Seven Stars Pulse, Fang Hai could only take a risky gamble.

But after awakening the Seven Stars Pulse, he cultivated even more powerful Star Arts, greatly enhancing his overall strength. Now, he had the potential to defeat even a Demi-God.

"Agreed."

"I have prepared a life-preserving item for you," the white-robed figure said, "It's worth one million Seven Star Points. Do you want it? If you do, come and get it, but it's not free. There will be interest on the account."

"I must remind you,"

"You've already accumulated 860,000 Seven Star Points in debt..." the white-robed figure continued, "...and with an additional one million Seven Star Points, the interest will be substantial."

"I want it!" Fang Hai replied directly.

He inwardly sighed, thinking that his teacher, Dong Fang Ji, was excellent in every way, except that he rarely bestowed treasures directly. Almost all treasures were calculated as Seven Star Points.

Fortunately, Dong Fang Ji allowed him to accumulate debt... but it would incur interest.

Moreover, the items Dong Fang Ji provided were often exactly what Fang Hai needed.

This resulted in Fang Hai always being short on Seven Star Points.

"It's fine," Fang Hai thought, "Teacher is just using this method to motivate me. I understand that if I succeed and become a Demi-God, these Seven Star Points won't be a problem."

He possessed numerous treasures, each with astonishing value, but they were all for his personal use and couldn't be exchanged for Seven Star Points.

Just an hour later, Fang Hai left Kunlun Martial University.

Simultaneously,

Two pieces of news spread quickly: "Kunlun Martial University's Dean has resigned."

"Starfire Civilization's Grand Hall Master has stepped down."

The first piece of news didn't attract much attention, but the second piece of news was explosive.

...

Fang Hai's resignation didn't concern Li Yuan much, but he didn't pay it too much attention.

After all, Fang Hai had already mentioned that he would soon break through to the Demi-God realm.

July 2046, a new Seven Star Battle began, with Alicia and Lin Lan winning seven consecutive battles, ranking them among the Seven Star Mountain.

August 2046, the news of Ludneff's breakthrough to the Sky Soarer Warrior realm finally spread.

Time passed, day by day.

May 2047, Yu Jinghe advanced to the Sky Soarer Warrior, causing reflections within the Seven Star Civilization.

However, many Sky Soarer Warriors and even Demi-Gods within the Seven Star Civilization were impressed.

The Sky Soarer Warrior, with the ability to rival an Origin Warrior, was truly extraordinary.

Not only within the Seven Star Civilization, but also in numerous foreign civilizations, there was great interest in the Sky Soarer Warrior.

After all, the Sky Soarer Warrior, capable of matching an Origin Warrior, was incredibly rare and powerful.

But there was no news, and after the battle in the Bright Xu World, the Sky Soarer Warrior disappeared again.

No matter how various forces probed, they couldn't find any trace of him.

Time flew by, and autumn of 2047 arrived in the blink of an eye.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end