Chapter 373: Li Yuan, the Azure Star Overlord

Chapter 373: Li Yuan, the Azure Star Overlord

"Alright, you three can leave now." Li Yuan instructed, "From now on, unless it's a regular report, there's no need to come to me. If there's anything, I'll come to you."

"Yes, sir," Yue Hui Star Lord and the other two respectfully replied, quickly departing from the hallway.

Left alone in the corridor, Li Yuan contemplated the immense authority of the Grand Pavilion Master.

"The Starfire Martial Hall's influence is truly vast," Li Yuan thought to himself, "It stands above all nations."

As his cultivation soared and his access increased, Li Yuan finally understood the true foundation of the Starfire Martial Hall.

In essence, the Starfire, Stellar Star, and Blackstone Martial Halls formed the Seven Stars Alliance, while numerous countries were merely subordinates to this alliance.

Ordinary Flying Heaven Warriors often served a specific nation.

But once they reached the peak of the Flying Heaven realm, they would typically join one of the Martial Halls, as the best treasures, resources, Star Techniques, and secret manuals were directly controlled by these halls.

Demigods, in particular, belonged to one of the three Martial Halls.

"The power of Demigods surpasses that of nations," Li Yuan mused, "Now, it's time to meet the Demigods of the Blue Star."

Whoosh!

Li Yuan moved, following the guidance to a higher level, arriving at a conference room at the end of the hallway.

The conference room wasn't large, with a round table in the center surrounded by numerous luxurious chairs, each occupied by one of the six figures already waiting there, each exuding an impressive aura.

The main seat at the round table, however, was empty.

As Li Yuan entered the conference room, the six figures rose to their feet.

"Welcome, Overlord Li Yuan," said the white man with fiery red hair sitting to the side of the main seat, smiling.

"Welcome, Overlord Li Yuan."

"Welcome."

"Haha, when Overlord Li Yuan swept through the Second Tier Star Realms two years ago, I knew he was destined for greatness. But I never imagined it would be this fast; it's truly admirable," the bald, black-armored big man laughed heartily.

"Indeed, impressive," said another elder in elegant attire, smiling, "Overlord Li Yuan, though young, has conquered the Ming Xu Star World, swept through numerous Second Tier Star Realms, saved Lantie Star from crisis, and killed a Demigod... His achievements are dazzling, and he has made tremendous contributions to our civilization. I'm in awe, and his appointment as Overlord is well-deserved."

Before Li Yuan could speak, the group of Demigods in the conference room began to speak, their enthusiasm palpable.

This scene left Li Yuan slightly surprised.

Were they all this enthusiastic?

"You're all my seniors, and you flatter me," Li Yuan said, "I'm just fulfilling my duty as the Azure Star Overlord."

"Li Yuan," Bai Shan Demigod smiled, "Let me introduce everyone."

Li Yuan nodded slightly.

"This is Dan Tai Lie Demigod," Bai Shan Demigod said, pointing to the middle-aged man with short hair, who bowed slightly.

"Grand Pavilion Master," Dan Tai Lie Demigod said, "No need for such formality. I know that you've been guarding the entrance to the Ten Thousand Frost Star World for many years... and I'm also aware of the favor you did for Dantai Feng."

In the past, Dan Tai Lie had given Li Yuan a storage treasure worth over a thousand Seven-Star Credits.

It wasn't much to Li Yuan now, but back then, it was a significant gift.

"Haha, I believe that under the Grand Pavilion Master's leadership, our Blue Star will surely thrive," Dan Tai Lie said, his face beaming with joy, knowing that Li Yuan still remembered his small act of kindness.

"This is Chi Song Demigod," Bai Shan Demigod said, pointing to the elder in elegant attire.

"Grand Pavilion Master," Chi Song Demigod bowed slightly.

Li Yuan nodded.

Among the seven Demigods of the Blue Star, Bai Shan Demigod, Dan Tai Lie Demigod, and Chi Song Demigod were all affiliated with the Starfire Martial Hall.

Hence, they addressed Li Yuan as 'Grand Pavilion Master'.

"This is Harlin Demigod, the Demigod of the Stellar Star Academy," Bai Shan Demigod said, pointing to the black-armored big man.

"Overlord," Harlin Demigod smiled.

"Harlin Demigod controls the Stellar Star Academy and the Virtual Network. I'll need your assistance in the future," Li Yuan said with a smile.

"Overlord, I am under your command," Harlin Demigod said, "As long as you give the order, I will follow your instructions."

Li Yuan's heart stirred slightly, as Harlin Demigod's statement was somewhat extraordinary.

"Li Yuan."

"This is Thalos Demigod, the former Azure Star Overlord and the strongest Demigod on the Blue Star," Bai Shan Demigod said, pointing to the white man with red hair, "His strength is no less than mine."

"Thalos Demigod, I'll need your help with Blue Star affairs," Li Yuan said.

Li Yuan was well aware that on the entire Blue Star, the only ones he truly needed to be cautious of were Thalos Demigod and Bai Shan Demigod.

These two possessed the strength to threaten his life.

The other Demigods? According to the intelligence, they were mostly at the initial stage of Demigodhood.

Especially Thalos Demigod, who had been the 'Acting Azure Star Overlord' before Li Yuan, might he harbor any resentment?

"Overlord, I'll do my best," Thalos Demigod said politely.

"Overlord, I'm Selvi Demigod," said the charming woman in black, bowing slightly.

Li Yuan smiled and nodded, knowing that Selvi Demigod was the only female Demigod on the Blue Star, and her fame was immense.

"If I remember correctly, there should be one more Demigod, right?" Li Yuan asked, "Where's Kuba Demigod? Is he not here?"

The crowd's attention turned to Thalos Demigod.

"Reporting, Overlord," Thalos Demigod said respectfully, "Kuba Demigod recently condensed his Law and broke through to the middle stage of Demigodhood. He has been in seclusion ever since, and as he's at a crucial stage of cultivation, he couldn't attend the Demigod Assembly. Please forgive his absence."

"Oh? Middle-tier Demigod? Good news." Li Yuan smiled, seemingly convinced.

"Seclusion?"

"Didn't he just comprehend the intricacies of the Laws last year? He was still at the meeting last month, and today is the first time the Overlord is attending. What a coincidence that he's not here today?" The bald, burly man, Harlin Demigod, smirked and said, "Thalos Demigod, is it that Kuba Demigod is dissatisfied with the Overlord?"

"It is quite a coincidence. Kuba has recently made progress in his cultivation again." Thalos smiled and said, "After all, he has just comprehended the Laws, and it's a time of great advancement. Please forgive him, Overlord."

"It's not like we're asking him to come out of seclusion." Chisong Demigod shook his head and said, "Meeting in the Virtual Network only requires a sliver of thought. Is it that difficult to spare this little time?"

Everyone present was intelligent enough to understand the underlying meaning in Harlin and Chisong's words.

"Alright."

"Kuba's breakthrough in strength is good news for our Blue Star and for the entire civilization." Li Yuan smiled and said, "Today's meeting with you Demigods isn't about anything urgent. It's no problem that Kuba isn't here; there will always be opportunities to meet."

"It's just that I'm new here."

"Although I've reviewed a lot of information, the data is dead. It's still best if you seniors can introduce the situation to me." Li Yuan smiled.

"Alright." Bai Shan Demigod smiled and said, "Harlin, you can start by introducing your Stellar Star Academy."

"Mhm." Harlin Demigod nodded and said, "Overlord, my Stellar Star Academy mainly oversees the Virtual Network sector, which accounts for ninety percent of the entire Blue Star..."

Time passed.

As Harlin, Chisong, and Selvi Demigods took turns introducing their academies, Li Yuan occasionally asked questions, gaining a clearer understanding of Blue Star's operations.

...

After more than an hour, the Demigod meeting concluded, and the other Demigods left one after another.

Inside the meeting room, only Li Yuan and Bai Shan Demigod remained.

"Starfire Martial Hall and Blackstone Star Academy each control half of Blue Star's real-world territory," Li Yuan said. "While Stellar Star Academy holds ninety percent of the authority over the Virtual Network."

"That's a lot of power."

"No wonder there's only Starfire and Stellar in Xia Kingdom," Li Yuan sighed. "While in Europa, there's only Blackstone and Stellar."

"Exactly!"

"This is a design for competition," Bai Shan Demigod smiled and explained. "There are about six thousand Flying Heaven Warriors in Blue Star, with forty percent in Starfire Martial Hall and another forty percent in Blackstone Star Academy... Leaving only about twenty percent in Stellar Star Academy, which is the weakest in terms of martial power. However, they control the economic operations of various countries and formulate economic policies."

Li Yuan nodded silently.

Although Stellar Star Academy seemed to control the Virtual Network, it still relied on the real world, and its power was divided and controlled by various countries... Ultimately, this led to a situation where they balanced each other.

Regardless of which side, it would be difficult for them to separate Blue Star from the entire civilization.

"Do Harlin Demigod and Thalos Demigod have a conflict?" Li Yuan asked.

"It's not exactly a conflict." Bai Shan Demigod smiled and said, "It's just that Thalos, for the sake of Blackstone Star Academy and his mother country's interests, had some disputes with Harlin. Kuba Demigod follows Thalos, so it's natural for him to give him a hard time today... Kuba's absence today is probably also a form of protest against you."

"Protest?" Li Yuan seemed to ponder, "Is he dissatisfied with me, or is Thalos dissatisfied with me?"

Li Yuan had a rough understanding of the struggles among the seven Demigods of Blue Star.

Blackstone Star Academy and Starfire Martial Hall each had three Demigods, and the competition was fierce. Harlin Demigod, as the sole Demigod of Stellar Star Academy, held a relatively superior position.

"It's hard to say," Bai Shan Demigod weighed in.

"You don't need to take it to heart," Bai Shan Demigod said. "In reality, this underlying conflict has a long history... Logically, his strength is no less than mine, and he should have taken the position of Blue Star Overlord decades ago."

"But back then, the Alliance Leader strongly pushed for Fang Hai," Bai Shan Demigod shook his head. "Not many people were convinced by Fang Hai, and some even openly opposed him, making things difficult for him."

"Not convinced?" Li Yuan was puzzled.

"At that time, Fang Hai was not as strong as you are now," Bai Shan Demigod explained. "You possess formidable strength, capable of defeating Demigods, and your contributions are significant... Even if these Demigods have their thoughts, they have no grounds to complain and must show respect to you."

Li Yuan nodded slightly. In this world, strength spoke for itself.

So-called seniority was just an added bonus.

Assuming the role of Blue Star Overlord was primarily a tempering of one's character, and in the short term, it didn't contribute much to strength enhancement of strength.

However, it provided immense assistance to one's disciples, relatives, and even one's mother country... It involved numerous interests.

A single word or document from the Overlord could potentially bring enormous benefits to a country and determine the livelihoods of millions.

"Therefore, Thalos believes that the Alliance Leader is suppressing them," Bai Shan Demigod shook his head. "Your return to Blue Star forced Thalos to step down again... He didn't even have time to settle in, and you can imagine their thoughts."

"Li Yuan nodded.

If I were to do it again, it would only reinforce their existing impression.

'Would the Alliance Leader suppress them?' Li Yuan shook his head. 'The Leader simply favors Xia Kingdom more, as our civilization has limited resources. Xia Kingdom has more, and they are all on Blue Star...'

'But many precious cultivation resources are obtained by the Alliance Leader himself. Whether he gives them to anyone depends on his own will.' Li Yuan shook his head.

Everyone has their own selfish desires.

Who can be without selfishness?

Just like Li Yuan obtained treasures and resources through his own efforts and spent a lot on Uncle and Aunt, he would also repay those who had shown kindness to him in the past... Li Yuan felt it was only natural.

'Secondly.'

'Different heights.'

'The Alliance Leader, back then, stood at the height of the Seven-Star Civilization, grooming the Principal as his successor.' Li Yuan said, 'For the Alliance Leader, Blue Star is just a part of the civilization, and the Blue Sky Overlord is merely a position for training. But the fact that the Alliance Leader's actions were correct is evident, as the Principal has now smoothly taken over as the Deputy Alliance Leader and gradually taken control of the entire alliance.'

Bai Shan Demigod nodded in agreement.

Li Yuan's insight was spot on. Dong Fang Ji didn't suppress Soylo, he just didn't give them special treatment.

'Li Yuan, how do you plan to deal with Kuba Demigod?' Bai Shan Demigod asked.

'Haha.'

'Bai Shan Senior, no problem.' Li Yuan smiled. 'Not to mention Soylo Demigod was very polite to me today, even if he openly refutes me in the future... As long as what he says makes sense, I'll acknowledge it.'

'As for Kuba Demigod?'

'He just became a mid-level Demigod, and he can't affect me.' Li Yuan smiled. 'As long as he still considers himself a member of the Seven-Star Civilization and continues to contribute to it... Some grumbling, or even a slightly more eccentric personality, I can tolerate it and won't suppress him.'

'I want to be the Blue Sky Overlord to train myself and contribute to the civilization, not to make the strong on Blue Star submit to me.'

'It's beneficial for the entire civilization.' Li Yuan said.

Bai Shan Demigod's heart stirred.

He had initially worried that Li Yuan, being young, might be hot-headed and impulsive... If Li Yuan were to go and teach Kuba Demigod a lesson, it would be very irrational.

But Li Yuan's mindset was stronger than he had expected.

'He has the capacity to tolerate others.' Bai Shan Demigod sighed inwardly. 'This mindset is better than Fang Hai's back then.'

Bai Shan Demigod also remembered that when Fang Hai first took over as the Grand Pavilion Master, he was more impulsive and reckless in his actions than Li Yuan.

Fortunately, Bai Shan Demigod's strength and prestige were enough to keep Fang Hai in check, preventing any trouble... Later, Fang Hai became more mature.

'Go ahead, make your own decisions.' Bai Shan Demigod said. 'What are your thoughts for the inauguration ceremony half a month from now?'

'Keep it simple.' Li Yuan thought for a moment. 'I don't want to cause too much of a stir... Ideally, everything should remain as usual.'

Li Yuan didn't care much for these formalities.

Ordinary people need a show of power to maintain their image, to awe others, and to prevent them from guessing their true strength.

But cultivators rely on their own formidable power.

From the moment Li Yuan killed the alien Demigod, he had already established his intimidating presence.

All that was missing was an internal show of strength to make everyone understand his principles.

'Alright.' Bai Shan Demigod agreed.

...

Blue Star Virtual Network, Blackstone Space.

'Big Brother, do you think Li Yuan will target us?' Selvi Demigod frowned. 'Like Fang Hai back then?'

'It depends on the situation.'

'We've already apologized, and Kuba hasn't truly defied him.' Soylo Demigod shook his head. 'I don't intend to argue with him either... We're all members of the Seven-Star Civilization, and he shouldn't go overboard.'

'Hopefully so.' Selvi Demigod nodded.

...

Three days after the Demigod Meeting.

Li Mu Hua and Li Qianqian, after receiving the news, returned to Kun University of Martial Arts... Li Mu Hua even brought his newlywed wife.

"Big Brother!!!" Li Qianqian, dressed in a professional outfit, jumped and hugged Li Yuan in excitement.

"You're already a company CEO, and you're still so playful." Li Yuan laughed.

Li Qianqian had already graduated from Culture University and was now running her own company, spending most of her time in the capital.

Few people knew about her background.

"Home, huh?" Li Qianqian pouted. "Big Brother, it's been years since we last saw each other, and you're already lecturing me."

"Haha, it's good to be free at home." Li Yuan smiled and patted his sister's head.

This scene made Liao Fei, standing beside them, feel surprised. She was well aware that when she first met this big brother, he had acted like a strong-willed woman... Nothing like this.

Including her husband, who was a respected young Source Warrior outside, but at home, he was more steady and reserved... All of this was because of that seemingly ordinary young man.

Li Yuan!! He stood at the pinnacle of the entire civilization.

"Little Sister." Li Yuan smiled at the beautiful woman before him. "You and Mu Hua's wedding, I apologize for not being able to make it. But Uncle and Aunt said that Mu Hua finding you is his good fortune."

"Big Brother." Liao Fei was quite nervous.

In the bustling city of LA, Li Yuan flipped his palm and presented a gift he had prepared.

A fourth-tier Soul Artifact.

"What is this?" Liao Fei, a True Intent Source Warrior, couldn't discern the value of the artifact but could sense its extraordinary nature.

It was undoubtedly a rare treasure.

"Big brother, I'm giving this to you. Please accept it," Li Mu Hua said softly, understanding his older brother's personality.

The family gathered, their joy filling the room.

...

"Qianqian, this robot will secretly protect you. I won't interfere with your company or your lack of interest in martial arts," Li Yuan said. "But I hope you'll dedicate yourself to the path of Life Evolution I've arranged. If you follow the plan, there's a good chance you'll reach the Flying Heaven Realm."

The robot had many advantages, especially its ability to provide round-the-clock close protection, fearless of death, and absolute loyalty. These were qualities that even Flying Heaven Warriors couldn't match.

"Really, the Flying Heaven Realm?" Li Qianqian held her breath.

She was no longer the young girl she once was. After years of navigating the business world, she understood the significance of this offer.

"Okay, big brother," Li Qianqian nodded.

...

"You're sending me for Flying Star Special Training?" Li Mu Hua was surprised by Li Yuan's arrangement.

"Yes, I've already made the arrangements," Li Yuan looked at Li Mu Hua. "Mu Hua, your martial talent is good. If you follow the plan, with my help, becoming a Flying Heaven Warrior is not impossible."

"But if you want to become stronger, you'll need to transform from the inside out."

"The path is yours to choose," Li Yuan said calmly. "As your big brother, I'll only give you one piece of advice: seek no regrets. Even I, on this long and arduous martial path, can only strive and seek."

Li Mu Hua silently contemplated his words.

...

"Sanye Semigod, I'm entrusting my brother's matter to you," Li Yuan said, referring to the matter of his younger brother. "Just secretly protect him. No need to let him know in advance."

Li Yuan couldn't bring himself to be as heartless as Alliance Leader Dongfang Ji.

The Flying Star Special Training was designed for many young martial arts prodigies, those who didn't quite match up to the 'Seven-Star Civilization Covenant' but still held promise. The Semigods, if willing to pay the price, could also secure a spot on the training list.

...

"Xu Ling?" Li Yuan inquired about Xu Ling's situation, as she had been on his mind.

Xu Ling held a special place in Li Yuan's heart, and he had been keeping a close eye on her progress.

Wan Qinghe had become the City Pavilion Master of the Starfire Martial Hall in Jiang City. He had reached the pinnacle of True Intent Source Warriors.

...

On January 28, 2053, Li Yuan's inauguration ceremony as the Blue Sky Grand Pavilion Master took place in the virtual network.

Li Yuan officially became the Overlord of the Blue Star.

...

After assuming the role of Grand Pavilion Master, Li Yuan's life didn't change much. He spent most of his time in seclusion, honing and studying his gun techniques in the Kunlun Martial University.

Occasionally, he would attend to matters as the Grand Pavilion Master of the Starfire Bluesky Grand Pavilion and the Overlord of the Blue Star.

In February, Xu Ling returned from the Star Realm and was promptly sent by Li Yuan to the Flying Star Special Training.

"With the family taken care of, I can focus on my cultivation," Li Yuan thought, his heart calm.

Li Yuan had spent over ten thousand Seven-Star Credits on his family and expected to spend more in the future. But for his family, he was determined to cultivate.

"If my family can all become True Intent Source Warriors, or even Flying Heaven Warriors," Li Yuan thought to himself. "Even if I perish in the Nine-Leaf World or the Nine Mountain World, I can rest easy."

The Nine-Leaf World was shrouded in mystery.

Dongfang Ji and Fang Hai had ventured there, providing Li Yuan with valuable information, allowing him to be prepared. Most of the information was general, but Li Yuan analyzed one crucial point:

Danger! Extreme danger! Even with Semigod-level strength, one couldn't guarantee survival.

"But overall, the higher my strength, the greater my chances of success," Li Yuan thought.

In the blink of an eye, it was April 2053.

Inside the Kunlun Martial University.

"Cloud Elder is looking for me?" Li Yuan opened his eyes in the starship upon receiving Cloud Elder's transmission.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end