Chapter 343: Li Yuan's Strength

Chapter 343: Li Yuan's Strength

Within the Seven Star Mountain's palace, in a quiet room.

"The Seventh Star Meridian has formed."

"As expected, the entire Life Star Space is now much brighter, but the pressure on my soul has also increased significantly. The speed of awakening the Life Star has clearly slowed down." Li Yuan sighed inwardly.

In a short time, the awakening of the Seventh Star Meridian did not significantly enhance his strength. It was all in preparation for the Flying Heaven Rank and even the Demigod Realm.

Star Art? Even with Li Yuan's current body, having cultivated the 'All-Being Divine Body', mastering four Star Arts was already at its limit.

Most other Origin Warriors only cultivated two Star Arts, and rarely exceeded the fifth level.

"Awakening another Star Meridian will at least greatly increase the recovery speed of my Primordial Energy." Li Yuan felt the changes in his Primordial Energy Sea.

Now, with seven Star Meridians in motion, three of which were Perfect Star Meridians, and the other three were also of a high tier, even without condensing the Primordial Energy Core, his recovery speed was no less than that of a mid-tier Flying Heaven Warrior.

With this, when using the powerful 'All-Being Divine Body' Star Art, he could also last longer in battles.

"I'll inform Bing and Gu You first." Li Yuan thought to himself, "Then, I should go see the Alliance Leader."

The last time the Mountain Lord, Duan Mu Hong, sent a transmission was over half a month ago.

As soon as Li Yuan opened his smart ring watch, he found several unread messages.

"Hmm?"

"Xian and Mu Hua even sent me birthday wishes a few days ago?" Li Yuan smiled slightly. During his cultivation, he occasionally called his family.

"It's September again." Li Yuan sighed inwardly; he was already 25 years old.

Time passed so quickly.

"Xian is about to graduate from university and plans to start a fashion design company?" Li Yuan thought. "Mu Hua is also about to begin his life-and-death journey in the Star Realm."

After several years, Li Yuan's strength had transformed, and there were significant changes around him.

His younger brother, Li Mu Hua, had entered Kunlun Martial University with his innate talent and hard work. He was now an Origin Warrior.

Although he was far from meeting the standards of the Divine Temple, in Li Yuan's eyes, he had the potential to become a top-tier Origin Warrior and even a Skysoar Warrior... Li Yuan would naturally do his best to help his younger brother.

As for his other friends.

Friends like Alicia, Tian Dazhuang, Dantu Feng, and Jin Huguo, who were of the same age, were now all top-tier Origin Warriors.

Alicia had already comprehended the Essence and was considered one of the two most dazzling new stars alongside Lin Lan Yue.

Dantu Feng and Tian Dazhuang became members of the Seven Star Mountain this year, which was impressive for their age... While Luo Chan, An Yongya, and a group of geniuses had broken through to become Skysoar Warriors one after another.

A new generation was replacing the old.

In the current Divine Realm, the legends of Yu Jing He, Luo De Nei Fu, and others were fading, rarely mentioned... Such was the magic of time.

"I wonder how the Principal is doing." Li Yuan sighed.

After Fang Hai's battle against the Demigod, which shocked many civilizations, there had been no news for several years.

During this time, Li Yuan had sent several messages through V-com, but there had been no response.

Soon.

"Is the Alliance Leader available?" Li Yuan received a reply from the Mountain Lord; the Alliance Leader was waiting.

Whoosh!

Li Yuan left the quiet room and flew towards the palace, where Duan Mu Hong's residence held a passage to that mysterious place.

Whether it was the Ancient God Palace or the Celestial Serpent Palace, Li Yuan did not bring them along.

...

"The Seventh Star Meridian has formed!" Gu You smiled, having noticed Li Yuan's Star Meridian changes in the quiet room.

"A Demigod-level Soul, awakening the Life Star, is indeed faster." Gu You thought, "But to become an Eighth Star Meridian?"

She shook her head, feeling the chances were slim.

...

Inside the Celestial Serpent Palace.

"Haha, big brother has succeeded!"

Liu Bing shook her body, her voice filled with excitement, "At 25, rising from the weakest life in the Mortal Domain to become a Second-Rank Seventh Star Meridian is truly unbelievable."

"Indeed, unbelievable."

"But this should be his limit." Chou Bing Zun whispered.

"Senior Chou, I believe my brother can go further and forge a legend." Liu Bing said, "He's only 25."

"Whether it's 25 or 30, that's not the key." Chou Bing Zun said, "The important thing is his lack of resources and an adequate external environment..."

Chou Bing Zun maintained his opinion.

"Think about yourself." Chou Bing Zun looked at Liu Bing, "Born with the Seventh Star Meridian, do you think you have a chance to become a Second-Rank Eighth Star Meridian?"

Liu Bing was speechless, feeling the hope was slim.

"My brother is different." Liu Bing shook her head, "If you don't believe me, Senior Chou, you should pay more attention to my brother and guide him more." Liu Bing smiled slyly, "If my brother encounters danger, you should also help him."

"What if he doesn't reach it?" Chou Bing Zun smiled.

"Then, I will definitely work harder in my cultivation." Liu Bing said seriously, "I won't disappoint you, Senior."

...

Whoosh!

Li Yuan passed through the mysterious passage in Duan Mu Hong's palace and arrived at that mysterious place.

"This is a heavenly world?" Li Yuan sensed the surrounding void.

On his previous visits, Li Yuan had only felt that everything was very strange.

But now, Li Yuan had already undergone a transformation, both in his understanding of the true essence and his soul's realm, reaching the Demigod level. His perception and sensitivity to the world around him had also reached the Demigod standard.

Arriving here, he naturally sensed something different.

"Alliance Lord," Li Yuan said as he crossed the void and respectfully bowed before a vague figure seated in meditation.

"You've been a Demigod-level soul for some time now, and it's taken you this long to come see me?" Dong Fang Ji's voice carried a hint of laughter.

"I had a realization, so after my soul's transformation, I continued to cultivate," Li Yuan explained. "Now, I've awakened the Seven Star Meridians in one go, so I came to see you, Alliance Lord."

"Oh?"

Dong Fang Ji's eyes lit up. "You've formed the Seven Star Meridians? So quickly? Show me."

Although he had anticipated Li Yuan's achievement of the Seven Star Meridians, the confirmation still brought him joy.

"Yes," Li Yuan replied without hiding anything. With a thought, his body radiated a hazy yellowish light.

The dazzling light revealed seven faint threads, six of them shining brightly and one rather dim... unmistakably the Seven Star Meridians.

The Perfect Star Meridian, when manifested alongside the Nine-Tier and Eight-Tier Star Meridians, was almost indistinguishable, with only the intensity of the divine light as a subtle clue.

"Haha!"

"The Seven Star Meridians, indeed," Dong Fang Ji smiled, a glint in his eyes. "A Second-Tier Seven Star Meridian, not just the first in our Seven-Star Civilization, but perhaps the first in the entire Dimensional Realm in a million years."

"A million years?" Li Yuan was curious. "Has the Dimensional Realm produced a Second-Tier Seven Star Meridian before that?"

Only through cultivation could Li Yuan understand the immense difficulty of birthing a Second-Tier Seven Star Meridian.

"I don't know," Dong Fang Ji shook his head.

Li Yuan was taken aback.

"Time is infinite, but life is finite," Dong Fang Ji laughed. "The Dimensional Realm is vast, with countless civilizations rising and falling. Even True Deities can only live for three million years, and according to legends, Heavenly Deities can only survive for thirty million years... The Immortal Ruin Civilization, as powerful as it was, only had a million years of history."

"To trace back a million years of Dimensional Realm history is already remarkable."

"I can confirm that you are the strongest Origin Warrior in the Dimensional Realm in the past million years," Dong Fang Ji said with a smile. "But the history of the Dimensional Realm spans billions of years."

"What about even more ancient times?"

"Perhaps the Dimensional Realm once birthed Heavenly Deities, Second-Tier Seven Star Meridians, or even Second-Tier Eight-Star Meridians..." Dong Fang Ji said, "but they have all been lost to the passage of time."

Li Yuan nodded, understanding that even the most powerful beings would feel helpless under the weight of the vast and seemingly infinite starry sky.

Heavenly Deities? Even they could only live for thirty million years.

Take the Celestial Serpent Race, for example. According to Li Yuan and Liu Bing's conversations, the Celestial Serpents had endured countless calamities and thrived for thousands of millennia.

"There's no point in dwelling on the past, only more worries," Dong Fang Ji smiled. "At least, you are the strongest in the present."

"Mhm," Li Yuan agreed.

"What's next? When do you plan to become a Skysoar Warrior?" Dong Fang Ji asked.

"I plan to sweep through the Second-Tier Star Realms first," Li Yuan said. "Then, I'll continue my cultivation, attempting to break through and become a Skysoar Warrior."

"After becoming an Eight-Star Meridian, you'll become a Skysoar Warrior," Li Yuan said solemnly.

"The Eight-Star Meridian?" Dong Fang Ji was slightly surprised. "Are you confident?"

This was the first time Li Yuan revealed his ambition to Dong Fang Ji.

"I'd say I have a 30% chance," Li Yuan contemplated for a moment before answering.

Although he had the guidance of the third Spiritual Enlightenment, the Second-Tier Eight-Star Meridian was still a legend even in the Divine Realm.

But not wanting to exaggerate, he said 30%.

This would at least give the Alliance Lord some mental preparation.

"Thirty percent?" Dong Fang Ji was already surprised.

His perspective was extraordinary, beyond that of an ordinary Demigod. He understood what the Second-Tier Eight-Star Meridian implied.

"With your two True Deity inheritances, you should know what the Second-Tier Eight-Star Meridian means. Yet, you still dare to say you have a 30% chance... I understand now," Dong Fang Ji looked at Li Yuan. "No wonder you pushed yourself so hard, spending over 2 million credits to obtain treasures, striving for soul transformation, and even risking your life, reaching the brink of danger."

"I was a bit puzzled back then," Dong Fang Ji said, realizing Li Yuan's intentions.

"So, you were aiming for the Eight-Star Meridian." Dong Fang Ji understood Li Yuan's ambition.

"The Eight-Star Meridian..." Dong Fang Ji shook his head slightly. "If you truly seek the extreme, can you endure such torment for ten or even twenty years?"

"I can," Li Yuan nodded.

If the third Spiritual Enlightenment didn't succeed, Li Yuan would still give it his all to achieve the Eight-Star Meridian.

"Li Yuan, you can strive for the extreme," Dong Fang Ji said.

"But I think if the gap is too wide, there's no need to force it. Our Seven-Star Civilization's cultivation conditions are ultimately limited," Dong Fang Ji said, looking at Li Yuan. "The Second-Tier Seven Star Meridian... is already good enough."

Dong Fang Ji's perspective was extraordinary.

Like Chou Bingzun, after a moment of thought and analysis, he felt that Li Yuan achieving the Eight-Star Meridian would likely be futile, a waste of ten or twenty years.

"Alliance Lord," Li Yuan said.

"If there's a chance to pursue the extreme, and you don't take it, you might regret it later," Li Yuan smiled. "That's just my personality."

As Dong Fang Ji looked at Li Yuan, he recalled the many records of Li Yuan's past.

During his first year, even with his rapid progress, Li Yuan had taken a significant risk by using the 'Cleansing Spirit Marrow' and striving to transform his soul into a Demigod, a decision that mirrored his current ambition.

"Moreover."

"Alliance Lord," Li Yuan smiled, "Didn't you say that even True Deities have no hope of controlling the secrets of the Ancient God Realm?"

Dong Fang Ji understood a little.

"I have the True Deity's heritage, and I understand that most of the direct disciples of the Heavenly Deity are Eighth Star Vein geniuses." Li Yuan spoke solemnly, "Even at the second stage, they become Seventh Star Veins, and when they strive to transform into Demigods, they aim to become Eighth Star Veins."

"They are all geniuses, aren't they?"

Dong Fang Ji nodded involuntarily.

"But out of ten, it's hard for one of them to become a Heavenly Deity." Li Yuan shook his head, "If I were like them, and when I became a Demigod, would I have the chance to become a Heavenly Deity in the future?"

"My external cultivation environment is not as good as theirs. If I don't take risks, the hope of becoming a Heavenly Deity is probably even less likely than for those geniuses."

Dong Fang Ji was speechless, and his heart was also shaken.

A Heavenly Deity?

He never would have thought of it.

Li Yuan actually set his goal directly at the level of a Heavenly Deity.

"Our dimension, a civilization was destroyed because of the Ancient God Realm." Li Yuan's eyes blazed with passion, "Just as you said, Alliance Lord, if we don't work hard enough... there's a risk of our entire civilization being destroyed in the future."

"So, if True Deities can't control the Ancient God Realm, do you still want to become a Heavenly Deity?" Dong Fang Ji stared at Li Yuan.

Li Yuan was only at the second stage.

And he dares to think of becoming a Heavenly Deity?

For a moment, Dong Fang Ji wasn't sure if he should call Li Yuan ambitious or arrogant.

A Heavenly Deity!

Even in the vast and unpredictable Divine Realm, they stand at the pinnacle.

"A Heavenly Deity is far beyond my reach, and the path to becoming one is even more uncertain." Li Yuan said, "So, I can only seize the opportunity and strive to do my best."

"There will be risks." Dong Fang Ji shook his head, "This time, with your soul transformation, you almost didn't make it."

"You want to avoid any risks, but still expect such good fortune in this world?" Li Yuan shook his head, "Alliance Lord, didn't you face life-threatening dangers during your cultivation journey?"

"The path of cultivation is a struggle to survive." Li Yuan stated firmly.

He didn't say more.

The Sky Serpent race's enemies could even kill a Heavenly Deity.

The Torch God's enemies were suspected to be True Deities from the Immortal Civilization, and the Immortal Civilization had its eyes on the Seventh Star Civilization.

Currently, the Seventh Star Civilization seems crisis-free, and Li Yuan's family members are all at peace.

Even for a long period, Li Yuan's normal growth would still be remarkable... but he couldn't ignore the potential hidden dangers in the future.

If there's no opportunity to become an Eighth Star Vein at the second stage, then so be it.

With spiritual guidance, there's a great chance to forge a powerful foundation that surpasses the disciples of a Heavenly Deity. Li Yuan is determined to take this chance.

"Haha." Dong Fang Ji laughed.

Li Yuan was taken aback.

"You only believe in yourself," Dong Fang Ji sighed lightly.

At this moment, Dong Fang Ji understood the difference between Li Yuan and Fang Hai.

Fang Hai had a steady personality and was willing to trust others.

Fang Hai's true feelings were that he found it hard to surpass Dong Fang Ji, and he deeply admired Dong Fang Ji.

But Li Yuan was different.

Deep within him, there was a stubborn determination. Once he took on a responsibility, he wanted to shoulder it completely, rather than relying on others.

Sometimes, this was obsession!

Or even madness.

But geniuses are inherently stubborn.

Without the belief in their own strength and the determination to be the best, it's difficult to reach the pinnacle.

Warriors can be defeated by their enemies, but their spirits must remain unyielding.

...

"You've already created miracles in your civilization." Dong Fang Ji said, "I'll give you advice and the greatest support. How you proceed is your choice."

"Thank you, Alliance Lord," Li Yuan said respectfully.

Having the Alliance Lord's full support was excellent.

"You just said you want to sweep through the second-tier Star Realms?" Dong Fang Ji asked, "Do you have the confidence to face Duan Mu Hong now?"

"Among the 36th-level Skysoar Warriors, he's considered average. In terms of understanding the Earth True Intention, he's not far from Demigod level."

"Duan Mu, the Mountain Lord?" Li Yuan thought for a moment and said, "Give me some time, and I should be able to defeat the Mountain Lord."

"Defeat him?" Dong Fang Ji's eyes flashed with a glimmer, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Li Yuan replied.

When Li Yuan fought the Ten-Scaled Beast King at the 36th level in the Ancient Ruins Star Realm, he was at a clear disadvantage, and it was only with the authority of the Mother Ship that he managed to defeat the Beast King.

In terms of strength, Duan Mu Hong was far superior, with absolute advantages in gun techniques, artifacts, Star Arts, and more.

Especially in Star Arts! Li Yuan estimated that Duan Mu Hong had cultivated at least four Star Arts, and possibly even seven-tier Star Arts.

The Ten-Scaled Beast King? He had only cultivated one Star Art.

But Li Yuan was no longer the same as before.

"In terms of foundation, I'm at an absolute disadvantage compared to the Mountain Lord, a difference of six levels."

"I'm also slightly weaker in Star Arts." Li Yuan thought to himself, "But in understanding the essence, I should far surpass the Mountain Lord."

The key was the Demigod-level soul.

Once he cultivated the Mental Secret Art, he could greatly influence Duan Mu Hong, giving Li Yuan the confidence to defeat him.

"Take a look."

"During this period, you've made progress in your Essence Enlightenment," Eastern Extremity smiled.

Li Yuan smiled.

With the Wind Essence Enlightenment breaking through to High 6th Stage, his spear techniques had indeed become much stronger.

"That's right," Eastern Extremity nodded. "Your ability to awaken the Seven Star Pulse, a stronger Star Pulse, represents greater Psychic Power and a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the art... I trust in your strength."

"However..."

"When fighting in a Level 2 Star Sector, you still need to be cautious. Be sure to avoid those with Demigod-level strength," Eastern Extremity advised. "Some Star Sectors might have Sky Ascender Limit Breakers, so it's best to steer clear of them."

"Alright," Li Yuan nodded.

Duan Mu, the Mountain Lord, was a typical Level 36 Sky Soarer, but among Sky Soarer Apex warriors, he was an exceptionally powerful existence.

However, there were even stronger Sky Soarers at Level 36, those who had reached the peak of Essence Enlightenment at Mid 6th Stage (Demigod level). These warriors were often referred to as Sky Ascender Limit Breakers.

They represented those who could break through to the Demigod rank at any time.

If Li Yuan encountered a Sky Ascender Limit Breaker, he wasn't confident of victory, but he had a chance of survival.

Even stronger? There were warriors like Fang Hai before he awakened the Seven Star Pulse, also at Level 36, but they had crossed the threshold of the Law... Their strength was almost Demigod-level.

If he encountered a Sky Soarer with near-Demigod strength, Li Yuan knew he would be no match.

Demigod.

With a gap of two major realms, there was no hope of victory. It would be like facing an opponent with an overwhelming advantage.

"Go back for now."

"I'll get you the list of Star Sectors soon," Eastern Extremity said. "Those with immense threats, abundant resources, and no powerful enemies... We must clear them all."

"Also, when you attack, make it quick."

"Once you make a move in one Star Sector, the others will get the news quickly," Eastern Extremity said solemnly. "They'll likely retreat and hide."

"Once they go into hiding..."

"It'll be difficult for you to search for them one by one in each Star Sector," Eastern Extremity said.

"Understood," Li Yuan nodded.

For example, the Rubai Sea Stellar World, spanning tens of thousands of kilometers, with a depth of several thousand kilometers. If a Sky Soarer hid deep within the earth, even with a Demigod-level Soul... How long would it take to find them? And how long would it take to search through numerous Star Sectors? It would be like trying to catch fish in a lake.

"Let me know when you're ready to start," Eastern Extremity said.

"Yes."

...

Soon, Li Yuan returned to the Seven Star Mountain and quickly placed an order in the Seventh Star Treasury, purchasing more treasures.

"This time, I can only act as the Spirit Lance," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Not yet a Sky Soarer, but I still can't reveal my true identity."

Clearing numerous Level 2 Star Sectors was not only to sweep away civilizations but also to obtain spiritual nourishment.

"I need to cultivate the Spiritual Secret Art first," Li Yuan quickly chose two suitable techniques from the many inherited secret arts left by Chou Bingzun and the Ancient God Palace.

Soul Scorching Blade

Illusory Spirit Robe

These two secret arts had ordinary names, but their might was terrifying. The former was a spiritual secret art left by Chou Bingzun, with an extremely domineering effect, best at directly annihilating enemies' souls.

The latter, left by the Ancient God Palace, was similar to an illusion technique, used to interfere with opponents.

These two spiritual secret arts required Demigod-level Soul to begin cultivation, and the highest level achievable was the True Deity realm, incredibly profound.

"Truly formidable," Li Yuan marveled after a brief insight.

Within the Seven Star Civilization, none of the spiritual secret arts he could learn compared to these two.

"But..."

"The power is immense, but cultivation is also challenging," Li Yuan thought. "If my Psychic Power was only at Level 40, I might not even have a chance to begin cultivation."

Time passed.

Li Yuan purchased many rare treasures to aid in cultivating these two secret arts.

In the blink of an eye, over a month had passed.

Finally, Li Yuan had initially entered the cultivation of these two secret arts.

"Continuing cultivation will be difficult for significant progress in a short time," Li Yuan thought.

His spear techniques, psychic power, and other aspects had already reached a limit, making further breakthroughs challenging.

"It's time."

"I'll strive to push my spiritual awakening to 75%," Li Yuan thought.

"Little Bing, are you ready?" Li Yuan sent a thought into the Heavenly Serpent Palace.

"I'm ready," Liu Bing replied.

"I've informed you about this mission," Li Yuan smiled. "If we encounter a formidable enemy, you might need to step in."

"Don't worry, big brother," Liu Bing smiled. "I haven't had a life-or-death battle yet."

Li Yuan nodded slightly. In terms of head-on combat strength, Little Bing was more formidable than himself.

It was just that her spiritual power wasn't sufficient for cultivating spiritual secret arts.

"Are you really coming with me? This time, we're going to an Outer Dimensional Star Sector," Li Yuan entered the Ancient God Palace.

"Go!"

"There are risks, but if something happens to you..." Gu You shook her head. "These are just Level 2 Star Sectors. With my protection, your safety will be ensured."

"Alright."

...

In half a month, Li Yuan used the Illusory Spirit Robe, quietly leaving with Duan Mu, the Mountain Lord, heading towards the Dragon Bone Stellar World.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end