Chapter 710: Ascension of the Dragon Spine Continent

Chapter 710: Ascension of the Dragon Spine Continent

According to Song Chi and his companions' entire plan, time was actually not as pressing as it seemed.

After all, the Floating Continent they had chosen, the Scalesnake Floating Continent, was located in the northernmost part of the northern territory, over tens of millions of light-years away from the only Ninth-Rank Central Floating Continent in the northern territory. Not to mention, they had been strictly controlling the Scalesnake Floating Continent's external communications. Even if news did manage to get out, reinforcements from the Eight-Armed Serpent Demons would not arrive anytime soon.

The reason for their urgency was that they never relied on this as a safeguard.

In their view, only the resources sent to the Pantheon Market truly belonged to them. Everything else was unreliable.

The Black Tooth Clan had a heritage spanning nearly a million years, and no one knew if they had any astonishing trump cards. Additionally, they had to be wary of the Ninth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlords' cross-starfield interventions. Under such threats, how could they not feel a sense of urgency?

...

In the Eight-Armed Serpent Demon Galactic Cluster, near the southern front of the central star region.

Billions of Eight-Armed Serpent Demons and Tian Snake warships gathered here, facing off against the combined fleets of the Shenxia Empire and the Chiyu Divine Empire.

In this vast starfield, intense battles were constantly unfolding.

At one segment of the front, more than ten Eighth-Rank powerhouses were engaged in combat in the dark starry sky.

The battle involved five Galactic Ships, three Eighth-Rank enslaved creatures, and ten Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlords on the Eight-Armed Serpent Demon side.

Clearly, the Eight-Armed Serpent Demons had a numerical advantage, but even so, the balance of power was not significantly tilted in their favor. This was because two of the five Galactic Ships possessed extraordinary combat strength, maintaining a distinct advantage even when facing two opponents each.

The Eight-Armed Serpent Demons currently held a special colored domain artifact, which, combined with their [Eight-Armed Snake Prison] divine ability, gave them a slight edge in other clashes.

At this rate, this battle, which could cause catastrophic damage to the surrounding starfields, was likely to continue for a long time.

However, the battle situation did not continue as expected. In the midst of the conflict, a veteran Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlord, bolstered by the colored domain, swung his black long axe to forcefully push back an opposing newly-ascended Galactic Ship. Instead of capitalizing on his victory, he suddenly grew pale and quickly turned to flee.

Seeing this, not only did the Chiyu Divine Empire's galactic captains become suspicious, but the other nine Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlords were also greatly alarmed.

"Black Tooth Long, do you know what you're doing? Come back here!"

Through a black-level communication artifact, one of the Eighth-Rank Peak Serpent Demon Overlords quickly transmitted his words to the veteran Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon who was fleeing the battlefield.

He had expected Black Tooth Long to stop upon receiving the order, but to his surprise, Black Tooth Long continued his rapid flight, shouting:

"Our Black Tooth Clan's ancestral land is under attack by the Flame Fleet. The Floating Continent's shield has been breached, and I must return to reinforce it!"

This shout was transmitted back to the Eighth-Rank Peak Serpent Demon through the black communication artifact.

His crimson vertical pupils narrowed, and much of his anger dissipated. Anyone whose ancestral land was on the brink of falling would be thrown into turmoil in a short time.

So he quickly continued:

"Black Tooth Long, the most important thing now is to stabilize the battle. I will urgently transmit this information to the Demon God Floating Continent, and I believe the Holy City Council will soon respond and send reinforcements to the Scalesnake Floating Continent. If you leave the battlefield now, you won't be able to return in time and will only be reprimanded by the Holy City Council!"

Under the calm persuasion of the Eighth-Rank Peak Serpent Demon Overlord, Black Tooth Long finally slowed down and turned back to rejoin the battle.

Scenarios like this were occurring in multiple regions across the three main battlefronts. However, not all areas had such a skilled persuader among the Eighth-Rank Peak Serpent Demons. Within a short time, nine of the more than ten Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlords affiliated with the Black Tooth Clan had directly left their battlefields, with two others indirectly withdrawing.

Although the Eleven Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlords of the Black Tooth Clan were insignificant compared to the hundreds or even thousands of Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlords in the entire Eight-Armed Serpent Demon civilization, their departure from the three vast battlefronts meant that each region was left with only a few Eighth-Rank Serpent Demons. The loss of even one could have a fundamental impact on the entire battlefront.

The Black Tooth Clan's Eleven Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlords voluntarily leaving provided a great opportunity for the three advance fleets of the Ember Flame Civilization. Conversely, the Eight-Armed Serpent Demon side suffered significant losses.

In this situation, although the Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon Overlords of the Black Tooth Clan successfully returned to the Demon God Floating Continent, they were not only unable to use the teleportation array there to return to the Scalesnake Galaxy but were also strictly arrested by the Eight-Armed Serpent Demon Holy City's Grand Council.

As for the reinforcement of the Scalesnake Floating Continent, they only sent a symbolic order to the northern central Floating Continent.

The Eight-Armed Serpent Demon high-ups on the northern central Floating Continent, already on edge, were fully aware of the insubstantial nature of this order. In the end, they only dispatched a regular celestial snake fleet, which leisurely made its way to the Scalesnake Floating Continent, giving Song Chi and his companions the most time to plunder.

...

"Interesting, it's been almost five years. Even if they were being negligent about the northern territory, they should have sent reinforcements by now. Yet, we haven't received any news of a support fleet."

Above the Black Tooth Clan's twenty-third large warehouse on the Scalesnake Floating Continent, two Annihilator Ships were continuously collecting resources from the warehouse via tractor beams.

Unlike at the beginning, the resources being collected now were ordinary but in vast quantities.

After five years, not only had the extraction of the Floating Continent Source Core of the Scalesnake Floating Continent been completed, but the rare resources in these treasuries and warehouses had also been fully collected.

Now, the four Annihilator Ship avatars had split into two, tirelessly traversing the Scalesnake Floating Continent to continue collecting the enormous amounts of ordinary resources.

Although they were ordinary resources, the sheer volume was staggering.

Even after five years of continuous transport, they had only managed to collect a small fraction.

There was no helping it; the diameter of the Scalesnake Floating Continent alone was an astonishing 200,000 light-years, and the various mineral resources it produced were astronomical. Not to mention, the entire Scalesnake Galaxy was under the control of the Black Tooth Clan, and over nearly a million years, most of the resources from the Scalesnake Galaxy had been concentrated on the Scalesnake Floating Continent.

During this continuous collection process, even the Pantheon Market, which had already expanded to a terrifying size, had been filled multiple times. Song Chi, noticing the issue, took out several more Market Passage Tokens and began having other clan leaders initiate reverse transportation.

Thus, the four Annihilator Ship avatars continued to plunder vast amounts of resources from the Scalesnake Floating Continent and send them to the Market of All Heavens, while Song Xuancang, Song Shixing, and others were responsible for transporting these resources back to the Dragon Spine Continent.

This behavior continued for five years, during which the resources transported back to the Dragon Spine Continent were innumerable. Although most were ordinary mineral resources, the sheer volume made them a vast fortune.

Just as Song Chi and his companions thought this routine would continue, Song Yan detected a fleet of around 100,000 ships slowly approaching the Scalesnake Floating Continent.

This discovery disrupted their subsequent plans, and the four of them began discussing in their group chat.

Song Shiyuan: "What do you think? According to Little Yan, this celestial snake fleet only has one Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon and three Seventh-Rank Serpent Demons, with no energy fluctuations from any Ninth-Rank beings. Should we investigate or withdraw directly?"

Song Yan: "We should withdraw. I have a bad feeling about this. We easily subdued the three Eighth-Rank Serpent Demons guarding the Scalesnake Floating Continent. What's the point of sending another Eighth-Rank Serpent Demon as backup? Is it really just to be a sacrificial offering?"

...

As the discussion continued, Song Shiyuan and Song Yan’s gazes ultimately fell on Song Chi and Song Wujian.

Though they were all Star Annihilation Captains, the two who held the most influence in the clan were still Song Chi and Song Wujian.

Seeing that the Patriarch had not spoken, Song Chi was the first to voice his opinion.

"I share the same concerns. We’ve already secured the most valuable resources on the Scalesnake Floating Continent over the past five years. Let’s withdraw. While the Ship Clones aren’t afraid of sinking, the cooldown time is still a concern. We should avoid it if we can."

With Song Chi’s words and Song Wujian’s lack of opposition, the four quickly agreed on their course of action.

They didn’t leave immediately. Instead, they took the opportunity to gather a bit more mineral resources before the Serpent Demon fleet arrived. As the fleet appeared outside the Floating Continent, the four Annihilator Ship Clones activated the replicated [River of Concealment] components, combined with the [Void Membrane] components they carried, and quietly departed from the other side, quickly vanishing into the dark depths of space.

...

In the depths of the Dragon Spine Continent’s core space.

Song Chi, Song Wujian, Song Shiyuan, and others gathered, their eyes fixed on the Floating Continent Source Core that had split into three parts.

It was clear that the three portions of the Floating Continent Source Core were undergoing intense reactions. Although they had significantly shrunk, they were now expanding again, almost reaching the size they were before the division, though not quite.

This change was due to the fact that after successfully extracting eighty percent of the Scalesnake Floating Continent’s Essence Core a few years ago, Song Chi had eagerly sent it back to the Dragon Spine Continent and initiated its fusion with the Dragon Spine Continent’s Essence Core.

After several years, the fusion of the eighty percent Essence Core was nearly complete.

"It’s almost done. Everyone, prepare yourselves!"

With that, Song Chi and the others left one by one, leaving only Song Wujian and Song Yan in the core space.

The two exchanged a glance, and with two sharp cries, the two sixth-rank [Shining Eye Birds] named Heavy Shadow and Heavy Light appeared beside them.

Following their masters’ signals, Heavy Shadow and Heavy Light flapped their wings and flew toward the Floating Continent Source Core above.

Meanwhile, on the surface of the Floating Continent, hundreds of thousands of clan members were scattered across various locations on the Dragon Spine Continent. If an expert were present, they would recognize these areas as the spots where energy most easily converged. Once the energy tide arrived, these areas would be filled with the densest concentrations of energy.

Over the past few centuries, the Song Family had once again gathered over hundreds of thousands of Ascenders, more than in any of their previous attempts.

Among them, the best positions were reserved for Song Chi’s Asura Emperor, including two sixth-rank peak six-star ancient demons.

Another key figure was Song Tianshu, a clan elder nearly four thousand years old. This was his last chance.

With the assistance of a [Blood Chalice] and a fifth-rank [Time Fruit], coupled with the Eighth-Rank Energy Tide, the chances of his Ascension were quite high.

On the Dragon Spine Continent, in the Dragon Spine Plains, the Skygale of Tianxu hovered silently in the sky. Below, the Asura Emperor stood on the ground, in the spot chosen by Song Chi for him to receive the energy tide.

Though his gaze was on the Asura Emperor below, Song Chi’s mind was elsewhere.

He was conflicted, wondering whether to allow one of his two seventh-rank Star Devouring Wolves, the one at peak seventh-rank, to attempt an Ascension to the eighth rank during this opportunity.

However, he knew that the seventh-rank peak Star Devouring Wolf had only recently reached Ascension peak and was far from the seventh-rank limit, making the chances of success extremely low.

In addition to its vast size, the Dragon Spine Continent far surpasses a sixth-tier Floating Continent. However, it has already accommodated nearly a million clan members, and two Shining Eye Birds need to complete their rule deficiencies. Two six-star ancient demons are also attempting to advance to the seventh tier, and with the Asura Emperor, this is already pushing the limits of what the Dragon Spine Continent can support after its Ascension.

If another Star Swallowing Wolf were to attempt to advance to the eighth tier, even just for a trial, it could significantly impact the Dragon Spine Continent's future expansion.

Given these considerations, the answer is already clear.

However, the dilemma lies in the fact that a single Asura Emperor is not enough for his plans against the Patriarch of Veritas. Ideally, he needs another eighth-tier enslaved creature to maximize his security.

'Unfortunately, the high price I offered for an eighth-tier enslaved creature in the Star Tower group chat over the past few decades has received no response...'

'But that makes sense. With the Civilization War intensifying, every faction is struggling to keep their high-tier enslaved creatures, let alone have extras to sell.'

...

As he pondered, Song Chi's eyebrows raised slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Just now, he sensed the activation of a Market Passage Token.

The token itself was not the key; it was the person controlling it.

'Lv Xuewu? Why did he suddenly activate the Market Passage Token?'

Song Chi still had some memory of Lv Xuewu. After the conclusion of the Luminous Han Kingdom's expansion war, the Song Family used its resources to establish a bustling trade city, Dragon Spine City, in the Public Open Area of the Plunder Star Floating Continent. This attracted the attention of several factions, including the Lu Family, which led the attack on Dragon Spine City. In retaliation, Song Chi obliterated the Lu Family's base on the Plunder Star Floating Continent and secretly enslaved Lv Xuewu with a Master-Servant Contract, planning to deal with him more severely later.

However, with the rapid development of the Song Family, he had not given it much thought. Lv Xuewu had logged into the Market of All Heavens a few times since then, but only for trivial matters, which annoyed Song Chi. As a result, he set Lv Xuewu's Market Passage Token to be a one-time-use item.

Thus, unless there was something truly significant, Lv Xuewu would not dare to activate the Market Projection Token recklessly.

With this in mind, Song Chi put aside his concerns about the Star Swallowing Wolf and quickly entered the Market of All Heavens.

In the Pantheon Market, on the third floor, inside a Market of All Heavens guest room.

"Lord, Lv Xuewu greets you!"

Upon seeing Song Chi, the newly logged-in Lv Xuewu immediately knelt on one knee, showing deep respect.

Unlike the fear in the eyes of the Pantheon Market's regular patrons, Lv Xuewu's reverence was genuine, stemming from the Master-Servant Contract. When he suddenly logged in after nearly a thousand years and saw the intense seventh-tier aura emanating from Song Chi, his eyes even took on a fanatical gleam.

A thousand years had passed, and while he was now a Battle Fleet Captain, he was still like a firefly compared to Hao Yue, his lord.

Ignoring the fanaticism in Lv Xuewu's eyes, Song Chi said coldly, "Speak. Why did you log in this time?"

Hearing this, the fanaticism in Lv Xuewu's eyes dimmed somewhat, and he quickly responded, "Lord, the Lu Family's sixth-tier Floating Continent in the alien colony has officially Ascended to the seventh tier. Using its energy tide, Lu Qifeng has successfully Ascended his flagship to an Annihilator Ship and is now in full seclusion, attempting to master the seventh-tier Guidance Technique!"

Song Chi remained silent, his eyes flickering with thought.

Lv Xuewu's Lu Qifeng was the fearless Captain patriarch of the Lu Family. Song Chi had not expected him to have such fortune, managing to Ascend his flagship to an Annihilator Ship, leaving only the final step to becoming a full-fledged Annihilator Captain.

"Is that all?"

Song Chi was prepared for Lv Xuewu to nod, but the latter surprised him again.

"Lu Qifeng has been in seclusion for several years. If you have any intention of enslaving him, now is the best opportunity. Additionally... it seems the commotion caused by the Floating Continent's Ascension to the seventh tier has drawn the attention of an eighth-tier space beast, which is rapidly approaching the colony!"

“An eighth-rank Star Beast?”

Song Chi’s eyes suddenly widened, but his tone was not one of fear; instead, it was filled with intense joy.

The eighth-rank being he had long sought after was now being delivered right to his doorstep.

When fortune smiles, the entire world aids you!

This thought had barely formed in his mind when he immediately followed up with another question:

“Can you confirm what specific type of Star Beast it is?”

“According to the information the Lu family obtained, it is most likely an eighth-rank Black Devourer King Beast!”

Instantly, Song Chi’s joy deepened.

The Black Devourer King Beast was one of the most ferocious Star Beasts, ranking among the top in terms of combat power among its peers. If he could successfully enslave this eighth-rank Black Devourer King Beast, it would undoubtedly increase his chances of success in his subsequent plans.

Next, Song Chi asked in detail about the specific arrival time of the Black Devourer King Beast.

He also inquired about Lu Qifeng’s current whereabouts.

“Please rest assured, Master. Lu Qifeng is still deep within the core of that seventh-rank Floating Continent, striving to break through to the seventh-rank Guidance Technique before the Black Devourer King Beast arrives. You need not worry about the ban issued by the four major empires.”

With the Master-Servant Contract in place, Lu Xuewu always prioritized Song Chi’s interests above his own and the Lu family’s.

After understanding all this, Song Chi nodded.

“Excellent, this is a significant contribution on your part. You will not be shortchanged for your efforts. However, for now, return and try to keep the Lu family stable. I still need to make some preparations!”

…

Not long after Lu Xuewu left, the Dragon Spine Continent began to rapidly expand.

From its initial diameter of over 20,000 light-years, it started to expand at an incredible rate.

30,000 light-years

50,000 light-years

…

In just a few months, the Dragon Spine Continent’s diameter had increased sixfold, and it continued to expand, albeit at a much slower pace.

At this point, the Crimson Serpent Floating Continent, which had already Ascended to the seventh rank, and several other seventh-rank Floating Continents began to merge with the Dragon Spine Continent. The continuous merging of these seventh-rank Floating Continents caused the Dragon Spine Continent to expand rapidly once again.

150,000 light-years

160,000 light-years

170,000 light-years

…

In the end, the Dragon Spine Continent’s diameter stabilized at 187,000 light-years. Although it fell short of the 200,000 light-years planned by the Song Family’s higher-ups, it was still a highly satisfactory outcome.

It was impossible to achieve the perfect goal due to the sudden decision to accelerate the Dragon Spine Continent’s Ascension to the eighth rank. Despite the Song Family members’ best efforts, the plan had been brought forward by several hundred to a thousand years.

The fact that the newly Ascended eighth-rank Dragon Spine Continent had expanded to 187,000 light-years already exceeded the expectations of many of the Song Family’s higher-ups. Prior to this, the elders had set a minimum target of 150,000 light-years.

Song Chi and a few others understood the reason behind this.

Due to the accelerated schedule, the Dragon Spine Continent’s original diameter should have been around 150,000 to 160,000 light-years. The final expansion to nearly 190,000 light-years was mainly due to the massive amount of essential mineral resources scavenged from the Scalesnake Floating Continent.

These mineral resources were the essence of a Floating Continent, and their large-scale integration significantly enhanced the Dragon Spine Continent’s foundation.

While the family members were initially excited about the Dragon Spine Continent’s expansion to nearly 190,000 light-years, their attention soon shifted back to their own warships.

With the successful Ascension of the Dragon Spine Continent, the energy tides of the eighth-rank Floating Continent began to rise.

At this moment, the Ascension success rates of the various Flame-Ember Starships were fluctuating.

Compared to the Ascension of the family members, Song Chi was more concerned about the state of the Asura Emperor.

According to the information provided by Lu Xuewu, the Black Devourer King Beast would arrive at the seventh-rank Floating Continent in less than two years. He had to take the Asura Emperor there before then, or else Lu Qifeng would lose his chance.

In the alien star domain, he could act freely, but once the other party returned to the Xinfu Human Galaxy Cluster, the ban on “battleships and above Flame-Ember Starships participating in any form of internal conflict” would severely limit his options.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end