Chapter 429: Perception Star Ancient City! Two Paths

Chapter 429: Perception Star Ancient City! Two Paths

Sha Xi Ethereal God flew out of the palace, followed by fifteen Skysoarers and ten Demigods.

Li Yuan and Jiang Shan led the way.

"Xu Yuan, when we first heard about your assassination attempt by a Divine Being, my younger sister and I were both worried for you," Jiang Shan transmitted. "Fortunately, you're safe and sound now."

"It's mainly thanks to the swift rescue by the Sovereign," Li Yuan replied. "Otherwise, how could I have withstood an assassination attempt by an Ethereal God on my own?"

This was the truth; even with the help of an Ethereal God puppet, it would only buy some time.

"That's true," Jiang Shan nodded. "Your comprehension of the Laws is extremely high, probably reaching the Ethereal God level... But your foundational strength is too weak. If you break through to the Demigod level, your strength will rapidly surpass mine, and your self-protection abilities will be much stronger, giving you more options to respond."

"Source Energy cultivation is the foundation."

"Speaking of which, you should have awakened the Eight-Star Pulse, right?" Jiang Shan transmitted. "Why not break through to the Demigod level?"

"I'm not in a hurry," Li Yuan said vaguely. "I want to stay at the Skysoarer level for a while and push my Life Star to its limit."

Jiang Shan guessed that Li Yuan had awakened the Eight-Star Pulse, which didn't surprise him.

In fact, according to the information provided by Thousand Illusions Ethereal God, many major intelligence agencies in the Awakening Continent believed that Li Yuan had awakened the Eight-Star Pulse.

Otherwise, how could he have unleashed the strength of a Demigod peak powerhouse?

"Well, even if you miss this Ancestral Realm War, you're still young. Breaking through ten years later won't make much difference. It's better to solidify your Star Pulse foundation," Jiang Shan said. "Anyway, with your strong soul will and high comprehension of the Laws, your progress won't be too slow."

"By the way, have you found out who's behind this?" Jiang Shan asked curiously.

"Not yet," Li Yuan shook his head.

After the assassination attempt, Jiang Yuan True God only sent a message to Li Yuan saying that he was investigating.

But ten days had passed without any further news.

Li Yuan didn't expect much. Firstly, the Ethereal God assassin was clearly a deadman, highly likely to have disguised their identity, and their body was completely destroyed. With so many Divine Beings on the Awakening Continent, it would be challenging to identify them.

Secondly, even if they found out who it was, what then? The assassin wasn't afraid of being discovered, and with Li Yuan's current strength, he didn't have the ability to retaliate.

So, Li Yuan and Jiang Shan exchanged messages while flying.

Soon, the group of several dozen people arrived at a region in the northern part of the capital of the Abyssal Kingdom.

Here, there were towering tower-shaped Teleportation Arrays that covered an astonishing area, and there were as many as eighteen Teleportation Arrays.

Among them, seventeen Teleportation Arrays were for teleporting to the capitals of the other seventeen core Divine Kingdoms in the Eastern Domain.

The tallest and most majestic Teleportation Array, however, was for teleporting to the highest cultivation sacred land on the entire continent - Perception Star Ancient City.

It could be said that the capital of the Abyssal Kingdom was a core location in the Eastern Domain, with countless Skysoarers, Demigods, and even Divine Beings teleporting here daily from other Divine Kingdoms.

People came and went.

Just the teleportation fees collected were astonishing.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! In the sky above the eighteen Teleportation Arrays, black-armored soldiers patrolled... These were the Black Abyss Guards, one of the Abyssal Kingdom's most powerful armies.

Official Black Abyss Guards were all at least mid-level Demigods. The guards here numbered in the thousands, and many Divine Beings secretly guarded the Teleportation Arrays.

"Teleportation Array?" A glimmer of curiosity flashed in Li Yuan's eyes.

Space Teleportation Arrays could only be set up by Heavenly Deities with an extremely high comprehension of Space Laws.

Li Yuan had seen them in documents before, but this was his first time seeing one in person.

Following Sha Xi Ethereal God, they flew straight towards the majestic Teleportation Array in the depths.

"Who are these people?"

"There was another team before."

"They're going to take the Perception Star Ancient City Teleportation Array?" Many Black Abyss Guards curiously watched this scene.

Teleportation between different Divine Kingdoms was frequent.

However, the Perception Star Ancient City Teleportation Array was rarely activated, sometimes not even once a day.

But in recent days, there had been quite a few teams like this.

"Stupid!"

"They just arrived. The one in silver armor is Xu Yuan, and the one in gold armor is Jiang Shan." Another Black Abyss Guard glanced at them. "You have good eyes."

"They must be going to Perception Star Ancient City for special training."

"Aren't all members of Perception Star Ancient City Divine Beings?"

A Black Abyss Guard with relatively better information said, "It's said that the top ten Skysoarer Demigod geniuses in Divine Flame Palace have the qualifications to go to Perception Star Ancient City."

"In recent days, not only our Abyssal Kingdom, but also some weaker Divine Kingdoms, have sent their top geniuses to the capital of the Abyssal Kingdom to take the Teleportation Array to Perception Star Ancient City."

"Top ten in Divine Flame Palace?"

"They're all geniuses."

"Those in the top ten of the Demigod rankings are probably comparable to Ethereal Gods." These Black Abyss Guards secretly thought.

In terms of strength and status, they were far superior to many Demigods in the outside world, but compared to the geniuses of Divine Flame Palace, they were nothing.

At this time, Sha Xi Ethereal God led Li Yuan and the others into the space Teleportation Array.

Soon, the Teleportation Array flashed with a beam of light.

Whoosh!

Teleportation Array became empty, and it was clear that Li Yuan and the others had arrived at the distant Perception Star Ancient City.

...

Perception Star Ancient City was the true core of the Awakening Continent, ranking first among the three Star Cities. It gathered the continent's most powerful warriors, the most treasures, and the best external cultivation environment.

Even though the Abyssal Kingdom was incredibly powerful, with thousands of Divine Beings in its capital, it still couldn't compare to Perception Star Ancient City.

The most important point was that Perception Star Ancient City was a cultivation sacred land... Those who came here were either geniuses or powerful warriors.

In a vast canyon, a majestic tower-shaped Teleportation Array stood tall... Suddenly, a beam of light flashed from one of the Teleportation Arrays, and dozens of people flew out.

"Is this Perception Star Ancient City? Why is it a canyon? There's no one here."

"There are Divine Beings guarding in the sky."

"It's not what I imagined," said Princess Jiang Xuan, Li Yuan, and the other Skysoarers, all looking curiously in all directions.

In the void, a black warship hovered, carrying over a dozen figures clad in black battle armor, their demeanor akin to soldiers, cold and indifferent as they gazed down below.

At first glance, they appeared to be ordinary soldiers, but the aura they exuded made Jiang Xuan and the other Skysoarers shiver.

Divine Beings?!

"A warship? Soldiers? Void Deities?!" Li Yuan's heart skipped a beat as he instantly recalled his first encounter with the 'Martial God Inheritance' on Martial God Mountain.

In that Divine Being imprint, there was a similar scene.

Divine Beings as soldiers!

"Awakened Star City, no wonder it's the most powerful force on the Star Perception Continent," Li Yuan's mind raced with thoughts: "The Martial God Inheritance is the 'Ten Thousand Gods Inheritance Cave Mansion,' obtained by the Eastern Alliance Leader from the Nine Leaf Nine Mountain... But the Eastern Alliance Leader and the Principal's trial grounds are most likely not on the Star Perception Continent."

"However, there might be some commonalities between their experiences and mine."

The Skysoarers, being here for the first time, were curious.

But Bai Li, Jiang Shan, and the other ten Demigods seemed more composed, as most of them had visited Awakened Star City during their Skysoarer days.

"So many teleportation arrays?" Li Yuan's gaze swept behind him, surprised: "Over sixty teleportation arrays?"

The number seemed excessive.

"Brother Xu Yuan, don't be surprised," Jiang Shan spoke softly: "Eighteen of these arrays are connected to the eighteen core Divine Kingdoms... Some other arrays lead to treasure locations controlled by Awakened Star City, all of which are brimming with great opportunities."

Li Yuan nodded slightly.

In the Eastern Domain's eight hundred Divine Kingdoms, most had not established teleportation arrays... Instead, they specifically set up arrays leading to certain treasure locations.

This alone demonstrated that in Awakened Star City's eyes, the importance of many treasure locations surpassed that of ordinary Divine Kingdoms.

"These arrays are just the surface-level ones," Jiang Shan explained with a smile: "I and Bai Li, we only stayed outside the city for five years... We never entered the city, and everything we knew was through hearsay."

"Xu Yuan, you have the hope of becoming a reserve member and a Sacred Son," Jiang Shan said: "Sacred Sons are core members, so you might be able to find out more."

"I'll do my best," Li Yuan smiled, but his mind was deep in thought.

Outside the city?

Inside the city?

"Soon, you'll witness the most magnificent city in the world," Jiang Shan added with a mysterious smile.

At this moment, Sha Xi Ethereal God flew towards the black warship in the void, seemingly having finished communicating with the Void Deity soldiers on guard, and returned to the front of the group`.

"We've arrived at the 'Awakened Star Realm'," Sha Xi announced, his gaze sharp and intimidating as he swept it over everyone present: "We're about to reach the trial grounds, so I'll remind you all once more."

Except for Li Yuan and Jiang Shan, whose soul willpower was strong, everyone else trembled under that sweeping gaze.

"All ten Demigods, most of you have been to Awakened Star City before... You know the rules," Sha Xi's voice continued: "Divine Kingdoms can give you at most three chances. Some of you are on your third chance. If you fail the trial again, you'll have to wait until you become Void Deities to become 'Awakened Star Guards'."

"Only by becoming True Gods can you become official members of Awakened Star City."

"But as Awakened Star Guards, you'll be bound by many restrictions... Your chances of becoming True Gods are slim, very slim."

"Among you ten, only Jiang Shan and Wu Beihong have a guaranteed chance of passing the trial, but you must not be careless."

"Do your best," Sha Xi said solemnly.

"Yes," the ten Demigods all felt the pressure.

Li Yuan, Jiang Xuan, and the other Skysoarers listened quietly on the side.

According to Li Yuan's knowledge, within Awakened Star City, Divine Beings were categorized into three levels: 'Peripheral Members, Reserve Members, and Core Sacred Sons.'

And the Divine Beings were further divided into three levels: 'Awakened Star Guards, Official Members, and Core Members,' with True Gods typically belonging to the core.

Among them, Reserve Members held a slightly higher status than Awakened Star Guards.

Sacred Sons held a slightly higher status than Official Members of the Void Deity level.

"As for you fifteen," Sha Xi turned to Li Yuan's group of Skysoarers: "Except for Xu Yuan, none of you have the slightest chance of becoming Reserve Members."

Instantly, this group of Skysoarers felt a surge of frustration.

But they also understood that the difficulty for Skysoarers to become Reserve Members was far greater than that of Demigods.

"Xu Yuan."

"The Divine Kingdom has high hopes for you, and the kingdom is full of expectations for you," Sha Xi's voice softened: "In today's first battle, do your best. Whether you can break into the top ten or even become a Sacred Son, it all depends on your determination and performance."

"Yes," Li Yuan nodded slightly.

Among the Demigod Reserve Members, the top tier could obtain the 'Sacred Son' title.

The same applied to Skysoarer Reserve Members.

"From what Sha Xi said, there should be Skysoarers in Awakened Star City with strength comparable to mine?" Li Yuan thought: "Never mind, I'll do my best."

"Top ten? Sacred Son?"

"I want to see which Skysoarer is stronger than me," Li Yuan thought.

Perhaps, in the Divine Realm's Chaos God Court, over the long years, some terrifying geniuses might emerge, Skysoarers capable of unleashing Void Deity-level power.

But Li Yuan didn't believe the Star Perception Continent was so coincidental as to produce such geniuses at this very moment.

Huff!

Sha Xi waved his hand, and an invisible force carried them dozens of people out of the canyon.

As soon as they flew out of the canyon.

"What's that?" Even Li Yuan, who had never been to the Awakened Star Realm before, was stunned.

At the edge of their vision, there stood an infinitely towering city.

The city was like a curtain between heaven and earth, spanning the entire world, probably tens of thousands of kilometers high.

Too high.

It was larger than normal stars, surpassing even the divine-grade mothership brought by Qiu Bing Zun, making it look like a tiny speck in comparison.

The city walls stretched endlessly, extending to both sides, with space subtly distorted, preventing them from seeing the city's end.

Magnificent!

At this moment, Li Yuan finally understood Jiang Shan's words; this was indeed the most magnificent city on the Star Perception Continent.

Action: "It's Star City!"

"Little brother, this is indeed Star City. No doubt about it," Gu You's voice suddenly rang out, a hint of excitement in her tone. "This Star City is no different from the one in the Divine Realm... Having been passed down for hundreds of millions of years, even if the Heavenly Deities fought and killed each other, they couldn't destroy Star City. It was specially forged by the Star Divine Court and possesses infinite might."

"A single Star City represents immense power." Gu You couldn't help but sigh.

Li Yuan nodded slightly.

He had heard Gu You mention this before... Many of the Heavenly Deities' residences, in terms of defensive capabilities, couldn't compare to Star City.

Except for that towering and endless Perception Star City.

Outside the city, on the vast land, there were also numerous floating cities... These cities were also thousands of kilometers in size, considered large, but in comparison to Star City, they seemed rather insignificant.

"Don't look anymore."

"If you can become Reserve Members, you'll be able to enter Perception Star City." Sha Xi Ethereal God spoke indifferently. "Otherwise, you'll just have to look from outside the city."

"Yes." The numerous Flying Heaven Demi-Gods respectfully replied, their hearts filled with fighting spirit.

They all knew.

Perception Star City was the ultimate cultivation sanctuary in this world.

"Let's go." Sha Xi Ethereal God led dozens of people, swiftly flying towards a floating city in the void.

In reality.

In the depths of Sha Xi Ethereal God's eyes, a hint of envy flashed, barely noticeable: "Perception Star City... I couldn't become a Reserve Member there either."

He, back then, had also failed to become a Reserve Member of Perception Star City.

Later, after becoming an Ethereal God, he didn't want to become a Perception Star Guard.

Being ordered around all day, where was the pleasure in that compared to the power and prestige he held in the Divine Kingdom?

...

Led by Sha Xi Ethereal God, they could travel dozens of kilometers in a second, and within minutes, they arrived inside a floating city.

In the center of the city was an ultra-large plaza, where thousands of Flying Heaven Demi-Gods had already gathered, forming teams and waiting.

On the chests of these thousands of people, there were distinct marks, each team's emblem unique.

Shan's mark was 'Yuan', carved in an ancient style.

Obviously, they were grouped by their Divine Kingdom.

"You guys go ahead and wait patiently." Sha Xi Ethereal God instructed.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Jiang Shan and Li Yuan immediately flew towards the plaza, finding an empty spot and landing.

The moment they landed.

"Buzz~" "Buzz~" An invisible force swept over them, and on Jiang Shan and Li Yuan's chests, a mark simultaneously condensed.

Carved on it was an ancient character 'Yuan'.

Whoosh!

Sha Xi Ethereal God soared into the sky, disappearing into the high clouds.

"So many Divine Beings." Li Yuan couldn't help but look up, where in the clouds seemed to be a small observation platform, with many figures, likely the Ethereal Gods who had led their teams, watching the proceedings.

"That's Yuan's team."

"One of the seventeen Divine Kingdoms, no wonder there are so many people."

"Our Divine Kingdom could only send ten people."

"Yuan's team, who is Xu Yuan?"

"It seems to be that black-robed youth. Rumor has it that he can unleash Demi-God Peak power, and may even challenge for the Sacred Son position. At the very least, he should be able to make it into the top ten."

"Is that true? Can he challenge for the Sacred Son position even before entering Perception Star City for cultivation?"

"Uncertain." The teams from Yuan's Divine Kingdom immediately started discussing, and their topic of conversation was almost exclusively Li Yuan, not even mentioning Jiang Shan.

It was clear.

Among the various Divine Kingdoms, Jiang Shan's level as a Demi-God was indeed very strong, but he wasn't the strongest.

But Li Yuan, even among the gathering of hundreds of Divine Kingdoms' geniuses, remained the top among the Flying Heaven ranks.

"Jiang Shan, look." Wu Beihong's voice carried a hint of ridicule. "So what if you're on the Divine Kingdom's Demi-God list? Here, no one knows you."

"You talk as if someone knows you." Jiang Shan glanced at him. "My brother Xu Yuan's fame is so great, and I'm happy for him. I wouldn't act like you."

"Hypocrite."

"Fake." Wu Beihong scoffed.

...

High above the plaza, on the small observation platform, hundreds of Ethereal Gods had already gathered, chatting casually.

Whoosh!

Sha Xi Ethereal God flew onto the platform, immediately drawing the attention of many Ethereal Gods.

"Sha Xi is here."

"Sha Xi, it's been a long time." Many Ethereal Gods greeted Sha Xi, all extremely enthusiastic.

In an instant, Sha Xi Ethereal God became the center of attention among the hundreds of Ethereal Gods.

Firstly, Sha Xi represented 'Jiang Yuan True Deity', a status that ordinary Ethereal Gods couldn't fathom.

Secondly, Yuan's team had Li Yuan, an unparalleled monster.

"Sha Xi, I heard that Xu Yuan has Demi-God Peak strength. Could he directly challenge for the Sacred Son position?"

"Among the Flying Heaven Reserve Members in Perception Star City, there are only three Sacred Son slots."

"If he succeeds, it'll be legendary."

"I heard that Xu Yuan has only cultivated for less than forty years. He's a true monster, and he might even be able to enter the top ten." The Ethereal Gods chatted freely.

Most of them were in charge of nurturing young geniuses in their respective Divine Kingdoms, so they were extremely well-informed about such matters.

"Haha."

"You flatter me." Sha Xi Ethereal God smiled. "Xu Yuan is indeed a genius carefully nurtured by the School Kingdom's Sovereign, but he's still young. If he can make it into the top ten, it'll be a success. As for the Flying Heaven Sacred Son, we might have to wait a few more years."

"Don't be modest."

"Tell Xu Yuan to definitely challenge the Sacred Son. Haha, otherwise, this trial assessment will be too boring."

For this group of Ethereal Gods, they would lead a team to Perception Star City once every few years.

This genius selection was crucial for the Flying Heaven Demi-Gods, but for these Ethereal Gods, it was just a 'job'.

Naturally, they wanted to see some excitement.

"It depends on Xu Yuan." Sha Xi Ethereal God spoke vaguely, as he wasn't sure what Li Yuan would do.

After all, for a top-tier genius like Li Yuan, destined to become a True Deity in the future, he, as an Ethereal God, didn't dare offer too much advice.

...

Time passed.

One by one, the teams gathered, and after a few hours, the entire plaza was filled with over twelve hundred Flying Heaven Demi-Gods.

"The number of teams has exceeded one hundred and twenty?"

Li Yuan was slightly surprised, as his divine sense could easily scan the entire area.

The Eastern Domain was known for its eight hundred Divine Kingdoms, but even with some discrepancies, the difference shouldn't be this significant.

"Don't be surprised," Jiang Shan said with a smile. "Apart from the eight hundred Divine Kingdoms in the Eastern Domain, the Perception Star City has territories in some other regions as well. In the depths of the celestial starry sky, there are millions of life stars. Although each life star produces few powerful beings, when accumulated, it's still quite astonishing, and naturally, some geniuses are born there."

"Hmm," Li Yuan nodded slightly.

Finally, when the number of teams exceeded one thousand three hundred,

"Whoosh!"

An invisible wave suddenly swept across the entire area, and the previously bustling square instantly became silent.

Silence.

"Boom!" An intangible aura of oppression enveloped the heavens and earth, and the faces of the tens of thousands of Sky Soarers and Demigods in the square changed. Many Flying Heaven Rank bodies trembled, obviously struggling to bear this terrifying pressure.

Hush! Silently, a tall figure clad in crimson battle armor appeared in the void, and the destructive aura he exuded caused even powerful Demigods like Jiang Shan to pause.

True Deity!

Li Yuan's face also changed slightly, as he felt that this Crimson Armor True Deity's aura was even more terrifying than Jiang Yuan's.

Of course, Li Yuan knew that was because Jiang Yuan had completely restrained his aura when facing him.

"I, the Lord of the Divine Flame Pavilion in Perception Star City," the tall figure in crimson armor said with a booming voice, "You may call me 'Crimson Sun'."

Crimson Sun True Deity!

"I'm delighted."

"Today, the total number of Sky Soarers and Demigods who have come to the Perception Star World exceeds fifteen thousand. Among them, there are about nine thousand Sky Soarers and six thousand Demigods."

"First, we will conduct the Sky Soarer-level assessment."

"All Sky Soarers have two choices. First, participate in the trial passage, and as long as you receive a positive evaluation, you can become a reserve member of the Sky Soarer rank." Crimson Sun True Deity spoke slowly, "If you fail, you will enter the trial camp for five years. If you still cannot pass the trial passage after five years... return to your Divine Kingdom."

Everyone listened quietly.

These rules were known to almost everyone, just like why Cold Rock desperately wanted to stay in the top ten of the Sky Soarer rankings before.

"Boom!"

Dozens of spatial passages suddenly appeared in the void, dark and mysterious, making it impossible to see the scenery within.

"The second choice."

"Is to challenge the top one hundred reserve members of the Sky Soarer rank." Crimson Sun True Deity spoke slowly, "If the challenge is successful, you can replace these reserve members' original rankings and continue to challenge, with a maximum of two challenges."

"If the challenge is successful, the rewards will be ten times higher than the normal ranking rewards."

"For example, challenging the one hundredth rank, the normal reward is one thousand divine crystals, but if you challenge today, it will be ten thousand divine crystals."

"However, if the challenge fails, you will also lose the opportunity to enter the trial camp." Crimson Rock True Deity said, "Think carefully about your choice."

Silence.

Everyone listened quietly.

The rules were straightforward: one path led to the trial passage, offering a guaranteed five years of cultivation in the trial camp, but without additional rewards. The other path was a challenge, with extremely high rewards but also high risks.

Choosing a path was, in a sense, a test for all the trial participants.

For a full ten seconds,

"Are there any challengers for the reserve members?" Crimson Rock True Saint asked in a low voice, "If so, fly into the air."

Immediately,

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Among the thousands of teams, dozens of figures flew out... evidently, there were quite a few Sky Soarers who were confident in their abilities.

Li Yuan was among them.

The rewards were tempting.

Challenging the lowest-ranked one hundredth place would earn one ten thousand divine crystals.

"Good, there are still many brave ones." Crimson Sun True Deity said with a slight smile, "Directly state the ranking you wish to challenge."

"One hundredth."

"One hundredth."

"One hundredth."

...

"One hundredth."

... Over thirty Sky Soarer geniuses chose to challenge, almost unanimously selecting the one hundredth rank.

After all, securing a guaranteed ranking was crucial to avoid direct elimination and returning to their Divine Kingdom.

"Tenth!" A voice suddenly rang out.

The voice wasn't particularly loud, but amidst the dozens of voices shouting 'one hundredth,' it sounded exceptionally jarring.

Instantly,

Whether it was the tens of thousands of Sky Soarers and Demigods below or the thousands of Void Deities on the viewing platform, all eyes turned to the figure who had spoken—Li Yuan.

"Tenth? That's crazy!"

"As expected of Li Yuan."

"Indeed!"

"To challenge the tenth rank right from the start, I wonder what Li Yuan's true goal is. Could he be aiming for the Son of Heaven?"

It was Li Yuan who had shouted the challenge for the tenth rank.

"Challenging the first rank is a bit risky. If I fail, I'll be eliminated." Li Yuan thought it through, "Challenging the tenth rank as a guaranteed reward seems more appropriate."

After all, there were two chances to challenge, no need to be reckless.

In Li Yuan's opinion, challenging the one hundredth rank would earn one ten thousand divine crystals, so the tenth rank should offer even more, perhaps tens of thousands.

"Tenth?"

Crimson Sun True Deity's eyes flashed with surprise, but upon recognizing Li Yuan, a barely noticeable smile appeared on his lips, "Good, it's been a long time since anyone dared to challenge the tenth rank directly."

"Li Yuan!"

"Then let's start with you."

Crimson Sun True Deity waved his hand.

"Boom!" A massive void passage appeared in the void once more, and on one side of the passage, hundreds of figures gathered, all with the aura of Sky Soarers.

Apparently, they were the reserve members of the Sky Soarer rank in Perception Star City, having cultivated there for at least twenty years.

"Ji Shan!"

"Someone is challenging you, prepare for battle." Crimson Sun True Deity's booming voice echoed through the void passage.

"Li Yuan, enter the passage."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end