Chapter 431: Meeting the Heavenly Deity

Chapter 431: Meeting the Heavenly Deity



"Is Qi Xia about to lose?" Ji Yan, who had been hoping that Qi Xia would avenge him, was filled with disbelief.

"Is she losing so badly?"

"Just now, did Qi Xia's soul attack have no effect on Xu Yuan at all?" The other Skysoarer reserve members were also shocked by this.

When Li Yuan easily defeated Ji Yan earlier, they realized that this newcomer was not to be trifled with.

But they never imagined that he would be this formidable.

Qi Xia, with her powerful soul attacks, had secured her position as the first Holy Son of Skysoarer, unshakable.

Yet now, she was suffering a crushing defeat!

"Looking across the entire world, Xu Yuan is probably the strongest Skysoarer of this generation." Many reserve Skysoarer members couldn't help but have this thought flash through their minds.

...

"Xu Yuan has won."

"A miracle! On his first trial battle, he's already challenging for the top Skysoarer position. Amazing!"

"Too incredible! He won so effortlessly, it's almost as if there was no doubt about it." Over a thousand teams, with more than ten thousand Skysoarer demi-god geniuses, filled the entire square with clamorous voices, all feeling somewhat incredulous.

If it was just a win, it would have been fine.

But the key was that Xu Yuan won so easily, and Qi Xia was defeated in an instant. Anyone with a keen eye could see that the strength of the two was not on the same level.

"He is a powerful warrior from my kingdom."

"Good." More than twenty geniuses from the kingdom, even those who were not well-acquainted with Li Yuan, felt a sense of honor at that they were proud to be associated with him.

"First! First Holy Son!" Princess Jiang Xuan's face lit up with excitement: "Big Brother Xu Yuan is now the First Holy Son."

"Incredible," Bai Li Teng sighed. "When I first met Xu Yuan months ago, I knew he would shine in Perception Star City, but I never imagined he would be able to seize the title of First Holy Son in one go."

On Jiang Shan's face, there was an uncontrollable smile.

"First Holy Son." A thought rose in Jiang Shan's mind: "Perhaps, in the future, I can ask for Xu Yuan's help, but I'll have to wait until he becomes a True Deity."

High up in the void, on the observation platform, the thousand Void Deities were also in an uproar.

"The rumors are indeed true."

"I wasn't sure before, but when Xu Yuan faced Qi Xia, he not only easily blocked her soul attack but also managed to make Qi Xia fall for it..." A Void Deity spoke slowly: "Qi Xia's soul attack is already at the pinnacle among countless demi-god peak powerhouses."

"Xu Yuan's soul attack level is probably on par with the Void Deities." The other Void Deities expressed their agreement.

"Indeed."

"In terms of physical attacks, Xu Yuan isn't overly heaven-defying. Even if he were to unleash his weapon with full force, he would probably only be at the demi-god peak. But with the support of his soul attacks, he is probably among the most terrifying demi-god peak powerhouses. Not many can withstand his might."

"Hmm!"

"For a Skysoarer, his soul will is so strong. I dare not imagine what would happen if he breaks through to the demi-god realm." Most of the Void Deities who led their teams here were at the Void Deity peak, and their vision was quite impressive.

They couldn't discern much when Li Yuan fought Ji Yan.

But when Li Yuan faced Qi Xia, they could see the clues, and they felt Li Yuan's extraordinariness even more intensely.

"Good, First Holy Son." Sha Xi, the Void Deity, couldn't hide his smile: "This is the first time in the history of our kingdom, and when the king learns of this, he will probably be delighted too."

For a Skysoarer to challenge and become the First Holy Son on their first try is a rare occurrence in the thousands of years of Perception Star City's history, let alone in the kingdom's mere ten thousand years of history.

"Look, Sha Xi is showing his true colors."

"Just now, he was saying that it would be good enough if Xu Yuan made it to the top ten, but now he's not hiding his excitement."

"Indeed, his low-key demeanor was all an act." The other Void Deities laughed.

"I truly didn't expect Xu Yuan to be this powerful." Sha Xi, the Void Deity, smiled.

"This guy is still pretending! He's definitely feeling proud inside, but unfortunately, our Divine Kingdom can't produce such geniuses." The Void Deities chatted casually.

Hoo!

After Li Yuan's victory, an invisible force guided him to fly towards the 'Waiting Platform' on one side of the arena, where he directly found an empty jade platform and sat down.

The group of Skysoarer reserve members nearby looked at each other.

No one came forward to greet him, and no one came to mock him either. Even Ji Yan turned his head away, not looking at Li Yuan at all... These reserve members knew that the newly promoted first Skysoarer, Xu Yuan, had a future beyond their imagination.

Time passed.

After Li Yuan, more than thirty other Skysoarer participants took on the challenge one after another.

Defeat!

Victory!

Victory!

...

Those Skysoarers who dared to challenge were naturally confident, and in the end, more than half of them successfully challenged the top sixty, but it became more difficult to continue challenging upwards.

In the end, apart from Li Yuan, the strongest of the new Skysoarers, Jin Zhen, successfully challenged the sixtieth rank among the reserve members.

If it were in the past, his achievement would have been dazzling, and after further cultivation in Perception Star City for several decades, he would have had a chance to become a Sacred Son.

But with Li Yuan's performance, it was hard to stir up much debate.

"Not bad."

"Among your batch of Skysoarers, many outstanding geniuses emerged, and they had the courage to challenge." Crimson Sun Divine Deity had a faint smile on his face: "Good, all the remaining Skysoarer demi-gods, enter the trial passage and let's see how many can pass the basic trial to become reserve members of my Perception Star City."

"Huff!"

A mighty force instantly enveloped the entire plaza, swiftly transporting over ten thousand geniuses into various spatial passages.

"This Perception Star City truly excels in the application of space laws," Li Yuan marveled inwardly.

The difference between having the backing of a Heavenly Deity and not having it was stark.

Half an hour later, the assessment for the thousands of Skysoarer Demi-Gods concluded.

Out of the Skysoarer rank, only twenty-plus individuals passed the trial and became 'Skysoarer Reserve Members', including the twenty-plus who had successfully challenged the trial, totaling just fifty individuals.

Nine thousand! Only about fifty passed the trial assessment! The odds were incredibly low.

Among the fourteen geniuses from Yuan Kingdom, including Princess Jiang Xuan, none succeeded, just as Sha Xi Ethereal God had predicted.

However, these nine thousand failed Skysoarers still had five years.

In the subsequent five years, they could continuously cultivate within the Perception Star Realm, and after five years, they would have another chance to take the trial assessment... If they passed then, they could become reserve members again.

Skysoarers still had a chance, but for Demi-Gods, it was far more brutal; failure meant no second chance.

Of course, the requirements for Demi-God Reserve Members in Perception Star City seemed to be lower as well. Out of the six thousand Demi-Gods who participated, over a thousand passed the trial.

Among the ten Demi-Gods from Yuan Kingdom, four succeeded, including Jiang Shan, Baili Teng, and Wu Beihong. One could say that the success rate was extremely high.

Evidently, Yuan Kingdom's cultivation conditions and selection mechanisms for geniuses were significantly superior to those of ordinary Divine Kingdoms.

"I announce that this session's Reserve Member Trial Selection in Perception Star City has officially concluded," Crimson Sun Divine Deity proclaimed, looking down at the thousands of successful trial participants, including Li Yuan and Jin Zhen.

Crimson Rock True Deity slowly spoke, "Congratulations to all Reserve Members who passed the trial. Welcome to Perception Star City, and may the city be proud of you one day."

"Yes," The thousand Demi-Gods and dozens of Skysoarers respectfully saluted, most of them feeling a surge of excitement.

Star City! The strongest cultivation holy land in the Heaven and Earth River!

One could say that becoming a member of Perception Star City significantly increased the chances of becoming a True Deity.

Crimson Rock True Deity turned to the thousands of Demi-Gods who had not passed the trial, "Don't be discouraged. Return to your Divine Kingdoms and cultivate. In the future, you may still have the chance to become Ethereal Gods and even True Deities... Once you become Ethereal Gods, you will be qualified to join the Perception Star Guard."

"If you become True Deities, you can also rejoin Perception Star City and immediately become part of the core layer."

"In summary, always keep hope alive," Crimson Rock True Deity said, "Perception Star City will forever keep its doors open for super-powerful individuals."

Perception Star City had limited resources, and naturally, there were quotas for the number of Skysoarers and Demi-Gods they could cultivate intensively.

However, becoming an Ethereal God or even a True Deity in a subordinate Divine Kingdom was also valuable.

Especially True Deities!

Every True Deity was a crucial asset, and they must be courted as much as possible.

"Failed Skysoarers, remain in your original positions. In the next five years, you will cultivate in this Suspended City. Work hard and seize the opportunity," Crimson Rock True Deity instructed.

"Now, the Reserve Members will follow the Perception Star Guard and enter Perception Star City. From now on, you will cultivate in the Divine Flame Pavilion."

"Xu Yuan, follow me," Crimson Rock True Deity said, and with that, he soared into the sky, heading towards the heights.

Li Yuan was momentarily stunned, then transmitted a quick message to Jiang Shan and Princess Jiang Xuan before hurrying to catch up.

The two quickly disappeared into the clouds and mist.

"Let's go."

"Into Star City."

"For the next few hundred years, we'll be staying in Perception Star City for extended periods." The thousand Reserve Members followed the dozens of Perception Star Guards, flying towards Star City.

According to Perception Star City's rules, Skysoarers and Demi-Gods had to cultivate in the Perception Star Realm for extended periods, only leaving for specific trial assessments.

In a sense, this was a form of protection.

Once they achieved godhood, they would become official members of Perception Star City, enjoying greater freedom... And if they became True Deities, they could even be sent out to establish their own Divine Kingdoms, wielding immense power.

"Little sister," Jiang Shan said as he took off, transmitting a message to Princess Jiang Xuan, "Don't slack off in your cultivation over the next five years. Seize the opportunity... I'll come to see you again later. If you pass the trial in five years, you'll be able to see Xu Yuan again."

"Mhm, big brother, I'll work hard," Princess Jiang Xuan replied via transmission, standing in her original spot.

"Xu Yuan has become a Sacred Son, and big brother has successfully become a Reserve Member," Princess Jiang Xuan thought to herself, "I must work hard too."

Her heart was filled with determination.

In terms of cultivation time, she had only cultivated for less than sixty years, making her one of the youngest Skysoarers. Both her Law and Star Pulse talents were not bad... But reaching the requirements for a Reserve Member within five years was still a challenging task.

Time passed, and the ten thousand individuals gradually dispersed.

Previously, they had all been on the same level, but now they were divided into several tiers.

The lowest tier had lost the opportunity to join Perception Star City directly and could only return to their Divine Kingdoms to cultivate.

The middle tier still had a chance and hope.

And the strongest and most dazzling among them was Li Yuan, who soared into the sky and became the First Holy Son of the Skysoarers, personally escorted into the city by Crimson Sun Divine Deity.

......

Li Yuan was enveloped in the power unleashed by Crimson Sun Divine, and their flight speed was incredibly fast. In just over ten seconds, they had soared through the layers of clouds and arrived above Perception Star City.

From here, one could overlook the entire Perception Star City.

"It's huge," Li Yuan observed as he looked down. The vast city stretched for tens of thousands of kilometers, and most of its areas were shrouded by clouds.

However, numerous towering palaces and structures could be seen, each seemingly hundreds of kilometers tall, even to the naked eye.

It lived up to its reputation as a divine city.

The most dazzling sight was a spherical structure at the edge of the world, standing tall above Perception Star City. It emitted a seven-colored glow, illuminating the entire world.

"What's that?" Li Yuan was left breathless.

"That's the Heavenly Deity Palace," Crimson Sun Divine explained slowly, a hint of reverence in his eyes. "It's also our Perception Star City's 'Heritage Artifact' and the number one artifact in this realm—Celestial Star!"

Heritage Artifact? Celestial Star? Li Yuan gazed at it from afar.

According to his knowledge, the reason why each Star City in the Divine Realm had such great power and could last for millions of years was threefold.

First, the Star Cities themselves were incredibly strong. Even at the peak of True Deity, one could defend against a Heavenly Deity's attack by controlling the city.

Second, the Heritage Artifacts. Once a Heavenly Deity obtained a Heritage Artifact, their strength would surge.

Third, teleportation! The Star Cities contained vast voids and even had the ability to break through dimensions, making them nearly impossible to blockade. Even if besieged, the Star Cities could operate independently.

These reasons made the Star Cities renowned.

"Xu Yuan, your talent is exceptional," Crimson Sun Divine smiled at Li Yuan. "If you can one day comprehend the Great Dao and achieve the rank of Heavenly Deity, you might even become the next City Lord and wield the Celestial Star!"

"Senior, you flatter me," Li Yuan shook his head repeatedly.

"Haha, don't be modest. At the very least, your talent is the highest I've seen in tens of thousands of years," Crimson Sun Divine's voice rumbled. "As a young man, you should have the ambition to match. Not only do I have high hopes for you, but the Heavenly Deity also holds you in great regard."

"Heavenly Deity?" Li Yuan was taken aback.

"Yes."

"The one I'm taking you to meet is the current City Lord of Perception Star City, Grand Tour Heavenly Deity," Crimson Sun Divine explained with a smile. "Otherwise, why would I bring you alone? Normally, even though you're a Sacred Son, you're still a reserve member, and it would be fine to go to the Divine Flame Pavilion with the others."

Li Yuan understood.

"As soon as I received the news of your success in becoming a Skysoarer Sacred Son, I immediately reported it. Grand Tour Heavenly Deity instructed me to bring you to him after the trial battle," Crimson Sun Divine explained. "Of course, Jiang Yuan True God might have already sent a message to Grand Tour Heavenly Deity."

"In any case, being summoned by a Heavenly Deity is extremely rare."

"Even Skysoarer Sacred Sons and Demi-God Sacred Sons rarely receive such summons," Crimson Sun Divine said. "After all, most Sacred Sons eventually become ordinary True Deities. But your potential is clearly different; you have the potential to challenge for the rank of Heavenly Deity."

Li Yuan was shocked.

Summoned by a Heavenly Deity? And the current City Lord of Perception Star City? This was something Li Yuan had never imagined.

"Let's go."

"Ordinary reserve members must travel through the city gates and streets; they don't have the qualification to fly in the sky..." Crimson Sun Divine explained. "Once you obtain the Sacred Son Token, you'll have that qualification. With the Sacred Son Token, you can activate the power of the protective array formations in the core divine kingdom and various outposts controlled by Perception Star City."

"This is a privilege."

"The status of a Sacred Son is slightly lower than a True Deity, but the protection is much stronger," Crimson Sun Divine added.

As the Lord of the Divine Flame Pavilion, Crimson Sun Divine's strength was formidable, though not as powerful as Jiang Yuan True God. However, he was very patient with Li Yuan and had been explaining things to him, helping Li Yuan gain a deeper understanding of Perception Star City.

"When you meet the Heavenly Deity, be neither arrogant nor servile. Grand Tour Heavenly Deity cares deeply for the younger generation," Crimson Sun Divine advised.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior," Li Yuan said respectfully.

After a while, the two finally made their way through most of Perception Star City and arrived at a majestic palace.

They were not far from the Heavenly Deity Palace.

Guarding the palace were Perception Star Guards who had reached the Void Deity rank, and their auras were exceptionally powerful.

"Crimson Sun Divine," the leading Perception Star Guard greeted with a smile. "This must be Xu Yuan. The Heavenly Deity just sent a message to me, instructing us to let you in."

"Thank you," Crimson Sun Divine replied. Although these Perception Star Guards were only Void Deities, as servants of the Heavenly Deity, he didn't want to offend them.

Leading Li Yuan, the two passed through layer upon layer of corridors and numerous side halls. The palace was divided into many halls, and they eventually reached a hall deep within.

The hall wasn't large, and it was empty.

There was only a thin figure in a blue robe, sitting cross-legged on a jade platform. The robe was oversized, and it seemed a bit out of place on the figure.

However, the blue-robed figure exuded an incredibly vast aura of the Fire Law, and at first glance, it seemed like the origin of the world.

"Heavenly Deity."

"Crimson Sun True Deity bowed respectfully and said, "I have brought Xu Yuan."

"Xu Yuan, I pay my respects to the Heavenly Deity," Li Yuan also bowed respectfully, not daring to look up.

The pressure emanating from the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity wasn't particularly strong, but it made Li Yuan feel an overwhelming sense of inadequacy, as if an ant gazing up at a divine dragon.

"Hmm."

"In your first trial battle, you seized the title of Skysoarer Holy Son, and you are so young... Normally, you should be a disciple under me or another Heavenly Deity." The Grand Tour Heavenly Deity spoke gently.

Li Yuan listened quietly.

Normally? That implies something unusual will happen.

"But since you have already become a disciple of another Heavenly Deity and are also the junior brother of Jiang Yuan True Deity... we won't be able to take you as our disciple," the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity continued.

Li Yuan remained calm, while Crimson Sun True Deity, standing by his side, looked at Li Yuan in surprise.

A disciple of a Heavenly Deity? And also Jiang Yuan's junior brother?

If this news got out, it would be huge.

"But since you have joined our Perception Star City and are of the same lineage as Jiang Yuan, it's only natural that you become a core member of Perception Star City. We will cultivate you to the best of our abilities, and we hope you won't disappoint us," the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity said.

"Wow!"

With a wave of his hand, the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity summoned a storage treasure and a token.

"Normally, the reward for becoming the First Holy Son is ten thousand divine crystals, but since this is your first time, the reward is increased tenfold. This is a hundred thousand divine crystals, all stored within the treasure," the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity explained. "The other token is the Holy Son Token, and I've added some extra permissions... From now on, within Perception Star City, you will be treated as a True Deity."

"Aside from you, there are dozens of Holy Sons in Perception Star City, and only Jing Kui and you hold a similar status."

"You should have met Jing Kui."

Jing Kui?

Li Yuan was secretly startled, now understanding Jing Kui's status... within Perception Star City, he should be the most valued Demi-God.

"Your spending permissions are the same as the other Skysoarer Holy Sons."

"But I will bestow upon you another treasure." The Grand Tour Heavenly Deity said, "You can go to the Ten Thousand Dharma Palace and choose a 'Law Mirror' for your cultivation. Choose whichever Law Mirror you desire."

"Yes," Li Yuan's heart was filled with joy.

A Law Mirror? He had used one before, so he naturally understood the significance of this opportunity.

"A Law Mirror?" Even Crimson Sun True Deity was envious. Even he had never obtained such a rare cultivation treasure.

Perception Star City had been guarded by a Heavenly Deity in every generation.

Before each Heavenly Deity's passing, they would often refine a Law River and a Law Mirror... Over the long years, Perception Star City had accumulated many similar treasures.

However, their numbers were still limited.

The vast majority of Skysoarer Holy Sons and Demi-God Holy Sons didn't have the qualifications to come into contact with such treasures; only the top geniuses could do so.

"Additionally..."

"If you can enter the Demi-God realm early, with your cultivation speed, you might also gain something in the Ancestral Realm War," the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity said. "But the decision is yours to make."

"Crimson Sun, take Xu Yuan to the Divine Flame Pavilion."

"Yes," Crimson Sun True Deity nodded and led Xu Yuan out of the hall.

... Inside the hall, the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity remained seated on the divine platform, speaking softly, "Star, what are your observations?"

"Grand Tour, he is not a life form from our world," a deep voice resonated, "The origin of the heavens and earth has a slight repulsion towards him. Although it's very mild due to his weak strength, it can't escape my senses."

Obviously, this deep voice belonged to the spirit of the heritage artifact 'Star', the guardian of Perception Star City.

"Hmm," the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity nodded slightly, as if he already knew.

"Additionally..."

"I sense a familiar, related energy from him," the Star spirit said in a low voice, "He should be connected to another heritage artifact... but it's not from Evergreen Ancient City or Sky Serpent Ancient City. I can't accurately judge, as I'm not the original spirit."

"Connected to another heritage artifact?" A rare flash of surprise appeared in the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity's eyes.

"Perhaps."

"In his hometown, there is also a Star City, and he is a core member there," the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity said slowly, "It's not that surprising."

"Grand Tour, if that's the case, why cultivate him?" The Star spirit asked in a low voice.

"This world is more mysterious than you think."

"In the past, our world's space-time was isolated... the three Star Cities, the Ancestral Realm..." The Grand Tour Heavenly Deity spoke softly, "Can this situation last forever? Changes have already occurred in the Ancestral Realm. Millions of years ago, countless geniuses from other realms descended upon our world. The Heavenly Deities can now travel to the Ancestral Realm... What will the future bring?"

"Do you remember Solitary Cloud Heavenly Deity?"

The Star spirit was taken aback.

How could it forget? Thousands of years ago, that towering man dominated the world, stirring up endless storms, forcing it and the other two heritage artifacts to retreat step by step.

"Solitary Cloud Heavenly Deity's actions were a mistake, and as the current city lord, I can't let such mistakes happen again..."

"Xu Yuan, although he's not a life form from our world, he poses no threat to Perception Star City, nor is he our enemy."

"If we cultivate him with care, there may be unexpected gains in the future," the Grand Tour Heavenly Deity said slowly, "Moreover, Jiang Yuan has already taken on this cause and effect. We will pretend to be unaware."

"I understand," the Star spirit said.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end