889 - 896

Chapter 889: The Watchman

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

In the white halo, it was like another world. Luxurious buildings were everywhere, all in the Vestigial Tribe's style. Nonetheless, these buildings were all empty, without a single inhabitant.

The Three-headed man and the giant tortoise both endured the massive gravitational force. They were unlike Merlin, so they had to bear the huge pressure while Merlin was not bothered in this aspect. His body of Mind Power was unaffected by the gravity.

"This was the Vestigial Tribe's city?"

Merlin walked around casually, discovering that in the white halo was the Vestigial Tribe's city. These buildings were tall and crowded together, possibly able to house more than ten thousand Vestigial Tribe members.

However, everything was empty now as if somewhat had completely vacated the city.

"You both have been here before. What happened exactly?"

Merlin immediately questioned the Three-headed man and the giant tortoise. Both of them had come previously, enduring the immense pressure before finally facing a threat, and thus running away.

Nevertheless, now it looked as if everything was calm and quiet. Where was the threatening force?

"That's not right. The last time we came here, it wasn't like this."

The Three-headed man and the giant tortoise glanced around suspiciously. When they had come here the previous time, the situation was one of unparalleled chaos. Countless powerful beings were battling. The Gray Light Warriors, Black Star Warriors, and so on, from the Vestigial Tribe, along with third-grade and even fourth-grade Emperor-level existences from foreign civilizations, had all appeared.

They had felt that it was too dangerous, and so they fled, not expecting that upon their return now, this would be such a calm and peaceful place. If it were not for the imprints they had left behind which they could distinctly sense, they might even suspect that they came to the wrong place.

"You're saying that the last time you came here, it was incomparable chaos? In the midst of war?"

"That's right. The last time we came here, we were even injured somewhat, so we left in a hurry. It wasn't like this."

A strange glint appeared in Merlin's eyes. Although the Three-headed man and the giant tortoise had come here before, it seemed like they had not ascertained the situation. In other words, they did not know what this place was.

"Even if you had been away for a long time, it couldn't change so much all at once. Even if it did, these buildings can't be repaired in a short time, and they require people who are familiar with the Vestigial Tribe's architecture and living habits…"

Merlin closed his eyes lightly. His Mind Power started to spread outward. Upon touching these buildings, he did not find anything strange. This was not an illusion.

If it was a Hallucinating spell, what spell could fool Merlin?

"It's peculiar indeed."

Merlin did not know what this place was hiding, but it was certainly connected to the Vestigial Tribe.

"What are you guys looking for here?"

Merlin suddenly questioned the Three-headed man and the giant tortoise.

"Looking for hope!"

"Hope?"

Merlin did not quite understand.

"Hope. Only the ultimate fourth-grade Emperor-level can understand the secrets of the entire Void Zone. We've already reached the ultimate third-grade and stalled there for who-knows-how-long. So, we came here to look for hope."

The giant tortoise and the Three-headed man went through such trouble to come here, all for that small sliver of hope. Back when they were here, they had witnessed the power of the fourth-grade Emperor-level, prompting them to come here again.

Worried that they were not strong enough to reach this place, they had dragged along Merlin who had the Golden Ray Armor.

Merlin became pensive. Of course, he knew about the changes that happened at the ultimate fourth-grade. It was just as the giant tortoise and the Three-headed man said. Only at that point could one learn of the Void Zone's secrets.

Even so, this place was empty and desolate. How could there be secrets to the ultimate fourth-grade?

Merlin's Illusory World started to expand, and its ability to interact with the material plane was displayed too. He had an uneasy feeling that every movement they made was observed by someone.

"Destroy!"

Merlin immediately used his power to wreck all the buildings here. Swathes of buildings collapsed, looking like the apocalypse had arrived.

"Boom."

Suddenly, a terrifying presence was awakening, causing the Three-headed man and the giant tortoise to feel unprecedented fear. Even Merlin's heart skipped a beat.

"Are you crazy? If you don't want to die, then leave quickly!"

A soft, breezy voice came into their ears.

"Who's there?"

Merlin looked up. In the white halo, an incomparably skinny man who held a black smoking pipe had appeared at an unknown time. He was so wizened he looked like a piece of dry wood.

Nonetheless, it was this shriveled, ugly old man who stood calmly in the midst of the storm in the white halo, unaffected in the slightest.

"I'm the watchman. You fellows are too bold. Do you know what this place is?"

"The watchman? You're an ultimate fourth-grade Emperor-level existence, right?"

Merlin fixed an unwavering gaze at this old man. He had perceived the fearsome strength contained in the other person. This was a true Emperor-level existence.

Before this, Merlin did not know what difference there was between the third and fourth-grade. However, when he saw this wizened old man, he finally understood.

The fourth-grade was to take the subspace transformed from the power of the natural order one had accumulated, and gradually align it with the origin of the natural order. When the compatibility had reached a high point, this would induce a reaction from the incorporeal origin of the natural order of the Void Zone.

At that moment, the origin of the natural order in the Emperor-level existence would become a part of the Void Zone's origin of the natural order, thus forming an avatar of the origin of the natural order.

They were intimately linked to the Void Zone, and the threads of the power of the natural order would vanish because they had merged with those threads, and were a part of the origin of the natural order.

Similarly, although in this manner they could obtain immense strength by mobilizing a portion of the power of the Void Zone, they had lost their chance to overcome the natural order forever.

"Everything comes at a price… Many people might not even have thought of overcoming the natural order. After all, this is considered a way to boost one's capability. Perhaps this is what the Void Zone hoped for, not something like the Vestigial Tribe."

Many thoughts flashed across Merlin's mind. The Three-headed man and the giant tortoise, for instance, had dreamed of becoming an ultimate fourth-grade existence. Maybe this was their highest goal but it was not that easy. One had to transform the power of the natural order in oneself into a subspace, then linked it to the intangible origin of the natural order. This was highly challenging, with a low rate of success.

This shriveled old man before them was an Emperor-level existence!

The wizened old man was flabbergasted that Merlin could discern his actual situation in a glance, but as he observed Merlin, he could not sense anything special. Merlin was not even an ultimate existence. Therefore, he growled, "You're really bold to barge in here. I remember the last time, it was you two who came in here. That should have taught you a lesson. How dare you come again?"

The Three-headed man and the giant tortoise were astonished, not expecting that they had been noticed by this shriveled old man the last time they came here.

"What's this place?"

The Three-headed man asked.

"Rumble."

Suddenly, the entire white halo began to shudder. Moreover, fine cracks appeared in their surroundings seemed as if it was a mirror. It broke and fell apart, and everything finally collapsed.

It turned out that everything they saw had been artificial.

"Illusory? How come I didn't detect it at all?"

Merlin frowned. With his current Mind Power, if it was a Hallucinatory spell, it was impossible that he did not sense it at all.

"That's the Vestigial Tribe's greatest strength, a technique of the Golden Ray Warrior. Everything earlier was real, built up rapidly using energy. Now that this Golden Ray Warrior had fallen into sleep, we're now in his dreamscape. Sometimes, his dreamscape will be manifested. A Golden Ray Warrior's might isn't something you can comprehend. However, your reckless actions earlier had awakened the Golden Ray Warrior from his dreams. There'll be trouble. If you don't go, you'd be in danger."

This wizened old man hurriedly explained, and his tone was rather urgent.

"Golden Ray Warrior? This place imprisons the Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warrior?"

Merlin cried out involuntarily. At his stage, there was not much that could shock him, but the Vestigial Tribe's greatest strength, the legendary Golden Ray Warrior that could rival the ancient Thirty-six Emperors was qualified to shock Merlin.

Everything before this was real, only it was manifested from the Golden Ray Warrior's dreamscape. It was not surprising that Merlin was unable to determine that it was a Hallucinatory spell because it was real in the first place.

Nonetheless, this indirectly demonstrated how powerful the Golden Ray Warrior was. This was distinct from Merlin who had relied upon a program to control the Golden Ray Armor. Only the Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warrior was completely compatible with the Golden Ray Armor and thus, unleashed its full power.

Before this, Merlin had used up tremendous amounts of energy to barely reach the ultimate fourth-grade. The Golden Ray Warrior was a fearsome being comparable to the Thirty-six Emperors. Even in the fourth-grade Emperor-level, they were a preeminent existence.

Now that this white halo had imprisoned a Golden Ray Warrior, how could Merlin not be flabbergasted?

"To think that the Vestigial Tribe has survived, and it's a Golden Ray Warrior at that!"

Merlin's eager expression caused the wizened old man to frown, who then laughed coldly. "Soon, you'll change your mind. I'm only ordered to watch over the Golden Ray Warrior. If you insist on staying here, whether you live or die is none of my business!"

The watchman's tone was rather icy, following which he explained no further, turning immediately to leave.

Chapter 890: Breaking Free

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Rumble."

Merlin and the rest knew that this place might become dangerous. Even the fourth-grade Emperor-level watchman had said as much. This place was not that simple.

Nonetheless, none of them left. The Three-headed man and the giant tortoise had waited a long time and gone through much trouble to come here. Naturally, they did not wish to leave without getting anything.

Moreover, they believed that Merlin's strength could cope with these threats.

A thunderous crash boomed. The shattered buildings suddenly turned into a fearsome giant, whose eyes glowered at Merlin and the rest.

At this point, Merlin had sensed the obvious energy fluctuations. He had used the Golden Ray Armor before, so of course, he was exceptionally sensitive toward this type of energy fluctuations. This was truly a Golden Ray Warrior!

Although they had not seen the Golden Ray Warrior, based on how he could utilize the dreamscape and mobilize energy upon waking up, unleashing such a mystical technique, the genuine Golden Ray Warrior was terrifying indeed. He was far scarier than when Merlin had worn the Golden Ray Armor.

"It's you who disturbed my dreamscape? Despicable creatures, your souls have been reaped by the Void Zone. You've lost yourselves long ago. Die then."

The Golden Ray Warrior's voice was rather aged, but his tone revealed an endless resentment.

That colossal giant brought down a blow of frightening might. The giant tortoise immediately revealed its true self. It was a peak existence at the ultimate third-grade and excelled in survival.

"Boom."

The massive tortoiseshell displayed by the giant tortoise broke out into cracks, unable to endure a second hit. Therefore, the Three-headed man yelled to Merlin, "Wizard Merlin, let's go, it's too dangerous."

They were ready to flee, but Merlin knew that the watchman was hiding somewhere, watching them in jest. Maybe the watchman was hoping they would leave too.

"You should leave quickly. This isn't a place for you, leave now…"

The watchman's voice sounded in their ears once again.

Merlin stared at this peculiar world. What happened to the Golden Ray Warrior and the ancient Thirty-six Emperors? Even the Vestigial Tribe was wiped out. Why was this lone Golden Ray Warrior left behind?

"A familiar force…"

Suddenly, the Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warrior mumbled softly through that giant. The voice was like muffled thunder, reverberating mightily in the air.

Merlin's heart leaped. Could it be the Golden Ray Armor?

Before Merlin could confirm this, the Golden Ray Armor instantly flew out from Merlin's Spatial Ring. It should be known that the Spatial Ring was controlled by Merlin, but the Golden Ray Armor's power could transcend such restraints.

"Whoosh."

The Golden Ray Armor turned into a beam of flowing light, speeding toward the depths of the white halo in a straight line.

"Haha, it's the Golden Ray Armor. It's Beanie's Golden Ray Armor. Beanie, are you dead? Killed by that group of despicable creatures? I'll avenge you, haha…"

That terrifying voice boomed even louder, and Merlin could feel that a fearsome force was brewing wildly.

"Swish."

The watchman's face shifted greatly as he flew before Merlin and asked with shaking hands, "You… How did you get the Golden Ray Armor?"

"I got it unexpectedly. Why, is there a problem?"

"A problem? It's a catastrophe!"

"Catastrophe?"

The watchman sensed that the mighty presence was growing stronger, but he had no way out, and could only laugh coldly. "I'm under orders to watch over the Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warrior Marta. To think that you're carrying another Golden Ray Armor. Don't you know that the Golden Ray Armors can be merged? With another Golden Ray Armor, Marta can soon break free from his shackles. At that point, what is it if not catastrophe? Come with me. I'll show you your handiwork."

The watchman waved one huge hand and mystical energy enveloped Merlin, the Three-headed man, and the giant tortoise. They rapidly flew toward the storm in the white halo.

Currently, the white halo was filled with an inexhaustible storm. A moment of carelessness and one might be at risk.

Soon, they spotted a level stone platform where a Golden Ray Warrior's body was bound by the power of the natural order, which was faintly, intricately linked to the omnipresent origin of the natural order.

Furthermore, the Golden Ray Warrior was wailing mournfully. Above the Golden Ray Armor, an unfamiliar face appeared indistinctly. It was the face of the Golden Ray Warrior in the Golden Ray Armor, who seemed to be withstanding unbearable agony.

"The Thirty-six Emperors had trapped the Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warrior in this place, so why not kill him? They tortured him instead?"

Merlin could sense the other party's suffering from his voice. This suffering was surely unendurable. Otherwise, how would it cause such a formidable Golden Ray Warrior to wail with agony?

"Torture? The Thirty-six Emperors didn't torture them. Back then, the Thirty-six Emperors had wanted to kill them and had done so to quite a few Golden Ray Warriors. The Vestigial Tribe was known to have eighteen Golden Ray Warriors, but in the end, there were only three of them left. These three Golden Ray Warriors were each leader to other Golden Ray Warriors. At the same time, they had a hundred percent compatibility with the Golden Ray Armor.

"The Vestigial Tribe's armor required a strict selection. Only after receiving the armor's acknowledgment could one become a powerful warrior. In general, these warriors had over ninety percent compatibility with the armor. Only those three mightiest Golden Ray Warriors had a hundred percent compatibility.

"The Thirty-six Emperors had no way of destroying the Golden Ray Armor, but they could still slay Golden Ray Warriors who had imperfect compatibility with the Golden Ray Armor. Therefore, the eighteen Golden Ray Warriors were reduced to three, but these three had full compatibility. So, to kill them, they must be separated from their Golden Ray Armor. This massive amount of the power of the natural order in addition to energy from the origin of the natural order is used to separate the Golden Ray Warrior from his Golden Ray Armor. However, after such a long time, it's still a futile effort. Initially, he couldn't have escaped, but now you've caused a monstrous calamity."

Only at this point, the Three-headed man and the giant tortoise knew what kind of place this was. This was the place used by the Thirty-six Emperors to imprison the Golden Ray Warrior.

The Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warrior used to be eighteen, but now there were only three left. Not that the Thirty-six Emperors did not want to kill these warriors but they could not do so. Thus, they imprisoned the Golden Ray Warrior here, tormenting him each day, hoping to separate the Golden Ray Warrior from the Golden Ray Armor. Nevertheless, how could it be that easy? A Golden Ray Warrior who had hundred percent compatibility was practically one with the Golden Ray Armor. They were indistinguishable. Separating them, even by a bit, was immensely difficult.

Furthermore, if they could not be separated, then it had to be like this. The Golden Ray Warrior was imprisoned in one spot, so the Void Zone could be peaceful.

However, all of this was ruined by Merlin. He brought the Golden Ray Armor, which was mutually linked to the other one. As a result, the Golden Ray Warrior Marta immediately used some special means to absorb the Golden Ray Armor.

Once Marta had obtained the power in the Golden Ray Armor, he might force his way out. At that point, catastrophe would sweep over the Void Zone once more.

The watchman was panicking, not just for show. Currently, the Golden Ray Armor of the Golden Ray Warrior Marta glowed with dazzling light. His eyes that had been filled with hatred gradually became tranquil.

A Golden Ray Warrior that was calm was truly scary because he had seen hope – the hope of breaking out of captivity.

The watchman's gaze toward Merlin turned increasingly hostile as he felt that it was thanks to Merlin, this Golden Ray Warrior now had a chance to escape.

Therefore, without realizing it, this watchman started harboring murderous intent toward Merlin.

"It's the Void Zone's rejection again?"

Naturally, Merlin could sense it long ago. Currently, his Illusory World covered the entire white halo. No movement could escape Merlin's notice.

Thus, even the shift in the watchman's expression was observed by Merlin. He knew that the watchman did not want to kill him, but due to being influenced by the Void Zone's origin of the natural order, he gradually grew a wish to kill Merlin.

This was the result of being rejected by the world. Once one was abandoned by the world, and anyone they met would inexplicably feel malicious toward them.

This was the world's rejection, completely different from those whom the world was fond of. Those that the world treasured would receive endless benefits no matter what. Merlin had fallen out of favor to the extreme. Even an ultimate fourth-grade existence was imperceptibly influenced to turn hostile against Merlin.

Nonetheless, ever since Merlin's Illusory World had been accomplished, he knew that this day would arrive eventually. The origin of the natural order could not directly confront Merlin, and thus, used this method. In the future, Merlin might even face a situation similar to the Vestigial Tribe's.

"Perhaps by allowing the Vestigial Tribe to re-emerge, I'll interfere with the energy of the origin of the natural order."

This thought flashed in Merlin's mind. Releasing this resentment-filled Golden Ray Warrior was not a completely unprofitable endeavor. At the very least, even if Merlin was rejected by the Void Zone, he would not be alone.

"Boom."

The Golden Ray Warrior was still struggling violently. The power of the natural order that bound him, along with energy from the origin of the natural order, was gradually overcome. Nonetheless, at this rate, it would still take a long time for him to break free from the shackles.

"Marta, I'll help you!"

Merlin cast a cold glance at the watchman. This glance caused the watchman's heart to tremble. In that instant, he felt a suffocating sensation.

"Break!"

Merlin's Illusory World swiftly enveloped this area. Simultaneously, Merlin assembled his strength, preventing the origin of the natural order outside from coming into the Illusory World any further.

Without the power of the origin of the natural order, the natural order that entrapped Marta was nothing much.

"Crack."

At last, this Golden Ray Warrior that was imprisoned for countless years had finally broken free!

Chapter 891: The Three Great Warriors I

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Hahaha, a billion years passed, but I, Marta, have finally broken free from these chains. The Vestigial Tribe's prophecy master was right. The three leaders of the Golden Ray Warriors are the most important variable. The Void Zone cannot defeat us. As long as we survive, the Vestigial Tribe will not be vanquished!"

There was a burst of maniacal laughter. The man radiating a golden shimmer fiercely broke away from the shackles of the power of the natural order. Easily, his punch shattered all the power of the natural order around him.

This was pure power. Merlin did not sense a single trace of the power of the natural order from his body.

This was a true Golden Ray Warrior. Nonetheless, despite the man's immense power, Merlin could still see that the threads of power of the natural order on him were still unbroken. That meant even the Vestigial Tribe could not completely isolate themselves from the Void Zone.

Just like Merlin, although he had been rejected by the Void Zone, he was still unable to detach himself from the Void Zone. He was still inextricably linked to it.

"Marta has broken free, I've failed…"

The watchman murmured softly as his face turned hateful.

"You despicable creatures, go to hell!"

The shimmering golden light around the Golden Ray Warrior was amplified once again, then transformed into a big mouth that chomped down viciously.

"Chi."

The watchman was unable to put up any form of resistance and was "swallowed" by the Golden Ray Warrior. Even Merlin was astonished.

"The Golden Ray Warrior's power is truly formidable… He can transmute energy?"

Although Merlin's Illusory World shrouded the entire region, there was an invisible force in the Golden Ray Warrior that prevented Merlin's scrutiny.

However, Merlin could distinctly sense the familiar energy fluctuations. After swallowing the watchman, the Golden Ray Warriors' energy fluctuation grew more intense. New energy had been absorbed into his body.

This was the true terror of the Golden Ray Warriors – the ability to transmute energy. Swallowing and transmuting, they were somewhat similar to the black cat Didimoss. They were probably the same. If the black cat Didimoss managed to survive its dead end, then he would certainly be comparable to the Thirty-six Emperors. When that time comes, Dididmoss could even compete against the Golden Ray Warriors.

Regardless, the Golden Ray Warrior's fighting power was more powerful, seeing as a single punch was able to shatter the origin of the natural order. Previously, when Merlin faced the origin of the natural order, he also had to wrap his Illusory World around it, and mobilize the natural order of the Illusory World to crush it.

The Golden Ray Warrior had achieved the same feat with a single punch. This showed that the Golden Ray Warrior was not at all weaker than Merlin. Of course, merely using destructive power as a comparison was unfair. For example, Merlin's Mind Power was effective in restraining most life forms. As for the fourth-grade ultimate existences, they were a part of the origin of the natural order, so Merlin could not use his Mind Power to entrap them. However, this might not be true for the Golden Ray Warriors.

Nevertheless, Merlin did not try, so he did not know whether his Mind Power could affect the Golden Ray Warrior.

After swallowing the watchman, the Golden Ray Warrior saw Merlin and walked up to him. The golden glow gradually dissipated and revealed his real look.

The Vestigial Tribe was no different from ordinary people. Only, their ears were a little pointy and their skulls were slightly bigger. Besides that, they appeared normal. Moreover, the Golden Ray Warrior before him was also somewhat different than the ordinary Vestigial Creatures. He was completely fused with the Golden Ray Armor and could not be separated from it.

Hence, the Golden Ray Warriors could no longer be classified as a living creature, but instead a semi-living creature. All that was left was his intellect, which had fused completely with the ice-cold Golden Ray Armor.

"You brought me Beanie's Golden Ray Armor and saved me. Originally, I should reward you, but I can sense a familiar aura coming from you. Haha, that's the aura of being rejected by the Void Zone. Similar to the Vestigial Tribe, you've been rejected and shunned by this world. Did a more powerful civilization rise during the long absence of the Vestigial Tribe?"

This Golden Ray Warrior Marta was able to see through Merlin with a single glance. Different from the other ultimate existences, he did not care that Merlin had not mastered the power of the natural order. Instead, he saw that Merlin had been rejected by the entire Void Zone, thus concluded that Merlin was extraordinary.

"No, it's just me alone, due to a combination of encounters. Since you know that you're rejected by the world, do you have a solution?"

To be fair, Merlin had an idea, which was to turn his Illusory World into reality. However, this idea was far too preposterous and too impossible. It only existed within Titus' speculation, and Merlin did not have any clue as to how to turn an illusion into reality.

Therefore, it was better to hear if the Vestigial Tribe had any other solution. After all, the entire Vestigial Tribe was rejected by the Void Zone.

"Solution? Unless we break past the natural order, what other solution can there be? There's only three of us left from the Vestigial Tribe, what else can we do?"

Marta shook his head dejectedly. Although he had just broken free, it was still a little daunting to defy the entire Void Zone.

"Why don't you come with me? If you're alone, you won't be able to defy the Void Zone."

Marta looked at Merlin calmly. Marta was very surprised to discover that someone else besides the Vestigial Tribe had been rejected by the Void Zone.

Merlin did not refuse the offer. Currently, he was unclear about the consequences of being rejected by the Void Zone. Perhaps, following Marta would help him find out the true situation.

"After being imprisoned for such a long time, my energy is running low. I'll swallow this place first!"

Marta's gaze turned toward the Three-headed man and the giant tortoise. Both their faces drained pale. Earlier, they had witnessed the Emperor-level watchman being swallowed by Marta with ease, what more them.

Thinking along these lines, the Three-headed man and the giant tortoise turned toward Merlin because they saw that this vicious Vestigial Tribe Golden Ray Warrior seemed to be "friendly" towards Merlin.

"Marta, these two are my friends."

Merlin voiced up immediately. No matter what, it was the Three-headed man and the giant tortoise who had brought him here, so he could not allow them to be swallowed by the Golden Ray Warrior.

Marta glanced at Merlin and nodded. "Alright, I'll let them go. However, I'll swallow up the rest!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he paid no attention to them, and began swallowing the entire white halo. The elaborate set-up by the Thirty-six Emperors was meant to imprison the Golden Ray Warrior, but ironically, became his source of energy.

Honestly, Merlin was also secretly frightened. This Golden Ray Warrior was more terrifying than he had imagined. It was not surprising that the ancient Thirty-six Emperors were unable to handle them and could only imprison them here.

The white halo gradually disappeared. Merlin sensed that Marta's aura became even more powerful. However, Marta appeared dissatisfied. He shook his head and grumbled, "Still not enough. After being imprisoned here for so many years, my transmutation ability has weakened greatly."

"Very well, let's go."

Marta led Merlin and crossed the Void Zone. Transforming into two light streamers, they vanished, leaving behind the abysmal Three-headed man and giant tortoise.

"The Vestigial Tribe hasn't been exterminated, and the most powerful Golden Ray Warriors still remain… We're in big trouble now. Will there be another massive war like ancient times?"

Recalling the cruel scenes that were recorded in ancient times, the two of them could not help but shiver. Initially, they were hoping to grow stronger, but instead, accidentally unleashed a catastrophe and caused the Golden Ray Warrior to escape.

…

In the pitch-black dark territory, the Golden Ray Warrior Marta seemed able to distinguish his direction. At breakneck speed, he led Merlin through the dark territory.

Marta's speed was even faster than the Aurora warship that Merlin used to steer. This was a real Golden Ray Armor. Back then, Merlin was only able to mobilize a very small portion of its abilities. He was incomparable to Marta.

"Marta, where are you bringing me?"

Although Merlin's Mind Power could see his surroundings, he did not know where Marta was leading him. Merlin was not familiar with this dark territory.

"Of course, we're going to rescue the other two Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warriors! I guess the three of us are all there's left of the Vestigial Tribe. Since the three of us have achieved one hundred percent compatibility with the Golden Ray Armor and cannot be separated from it, we cannot be killed as long as the Golden Ray Armor isn't destroyed. Hehe, the Thirty-six Emperors may be powerful, but they merely won due to their numbers. They've imprisoned us for so many years, yet they haven't found a way to kill us. Once I've rescued the other two, we'll have the ability to defy the Void Zone."

As soon as Marta mentioned the Void Zone, Merlin raised his head in epiphany. Ever since he followed Marta, there was an uncomfortable feeling as if his every move was watched.

This was normal. The three Golden Ray Warriors of the Vestigial Tribe naturally attracted more attention than Merlin, due to the massive disruption they had caused in the past. The Void Zone merely reacted according to the natural order and basic instinct.

Therefore, it looked like from now on, the Golden Ray Warriors and Merlin would face the counterattack from the entire Void Zone, including the surviving ancient Thirty-six Emperors!

"Swish swish."

The two light streams finally stopped. Marta looked at the white halo in front of him. It was the same as the one which kept him imprisoned. However, below the white halo, Merlin saw that the scene was filled with bloodshed and a sea of purgatory.

This was the dream realm of the imprisoned Golden Ray Warrior. Every Golden Ray Warrior's dream realm was different. This Golden Ray Warrior before them was trapped in a nightmare filled with bloodshed.

"This is Larkin. He's still imprisoned. I'll wake him up and help him break free!"

Marta said calmly as he watched the bloody sea of purgatory in the white halo. Following that, there was an intense energy fluctuation from his body. He roared, "Larkin, wake up!"

"Boom."

Marta's fist collided brutally with the white halo. Then, like fragile glass, cracks began to appear on the white halo and shattered into smithereens.

Chapter 892: The Three Great Warriors II

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"Marta, is that you?"

The white halo shattered in an instant and an even taller figure gradually appeared. He was also wearing a Golden Ray Armor. With a wave of his hand, the violent storm subsided. However, his aura seemed much weaker than Marta."

"Huh? Larkin, why do you have very little energy left?"

Marta was slightly astonished. While the energy of the Golden Ray Warriors was not infinite, their storage capacity was incredibly large. Added with their transmutation ability, their energy levels should still be plentiful even after millions of years of imprisonment.

However, Larkin had very little energy left, probably only the most essential amount.

While a Golden Ray Warrior could not die from energy exhaustion, they would fall into hibernation. Upon hibernation, the Golden Ray Armor would descend into dormant mode as well. No one knew if the Golden Ray Armor could be awoken afterward. After all, none of the Golden Ray Armors had fallen into a state of dormancy.

Right now, two out of the three great warriors had recouped.

"Marta, it really is you. Back when the three of us were imprisoned, you definitely had the biggest potential…"

Larkin's tone was nonchalant but a murderous aura seemed to be emitting from his body. He appeared more intimidating compared to Marta.

"Yes, when the three of us were imprisoned, the other Golden Ray Warriors were killed. Only three of us who achieved 100% compatibility with the Golden Ray Armor survived because they couldn't destroy the Golden Ray Armor. Why don't you recover some energy first, only then we'll rescue Myron."

The three great warriors were only lacking Myron.

Larkin, on the other hand, glanced at Merlin. "This person's aura is a little strange. He doesn't have the blood of the Vestigial Tribe, yet he's rejected by the entire world. Marta, who is he?"

This Golden Ray Warrior also discovered Merlin's uniqueness with a single glance.

"Oh? This person is called Merlin. He's indeed unique. He has also been rejected by the Void Zone, so we can consider him an 'ally' of the Vestigial Tribe," Marta replied with a trace of self-deprecating humor.

"Ally? Haha, back when the Vestigial Tribe conquered the whole Void Zone, who was our ally? I want to see for myself, why has this person been rejected by the Void Zone? Perhaps, through him, we can find the Void Zone's weakness."

Larkin smirked. Killing was in his blood. In the past, he had led the Vestigial Tribe and killed countless powerful civilizations. The amount of blood on his hands was beyond imagination.

Therefore, he did not demonstrate any restrain towards Merlin and attacked immediately. In fact, he attacked to kill.

"Hum."

Merlin sensed the change in gravitational force around him and laughed. Larkin was wielding his gravitational field. However, this gravitational field no longer had any effect on Merlin.

Nevertheless, Merlin did not intend to back away. He believed that Marta wanted to see Merlin's power too. Unless he instilled a healthy dose of respect in them today, their future relationship would be strained.

Moreover, Merlin was curious to find out whether his Illusory World could affect the Golden Ray Warriors.

"The gravitational field cannot bind me."

Merlin grinned and gently extended a hand. The Illusory World swiftly enclosed Larkin. The Mind Power inside the Illusory World began to interact with the tangible world and unleashed a huge binding force.

"Bind!"

Inside Merlin's Illusory World, he was almost omnipotent. He even held the Illusory World's most unique power of natural order. Yet, this power of natural order had not been turned into reality, so it could not be used to attack an opponent. Thus, Merlin could only mobilize Mind Power's ability to interact with the tangible world and channel it to suppress the power of natural order wielded by the ultimate existences.

For the ordinary ultimate existences, including the fourth-grade Emperor-level existences, the suppression effects of Merlin's Illusory World were unmistakable and very effective. However, these Golden Ray Warriors consisted of pure power and did not have any power of natural order. Hence, the effect on them was almost negligible.

Merlin could only rely on the Illusory World's ability to interact with the tangible world to fight against them, which was very difficult.

"Rumble".

Larkin's destructive power was utterly terrifying. After all, he was a Golden Ray Warrior and also one of the three most powerful Golden Ray Warriors. He was suppressed and imprisoned by the ancient Thirty-six Emperors until today; even they could not kill him.

Merlin's Illusory World shook violently. Larkin's attack seemed even more destructive than the origin of natural order.

"Damn it!"

Merlin's face turned grim. His Illusory World was extensive and would not be affected with a bit of loss, plus destruction would give birth to new life, but he still had to maintain the balance between destruction and new life. Therefore, large-scale destruction like what Larkin was wreaking certainly would not be good for the Illusory World.

Merlin had no other way to stop Larkin now except to mobilize the most abundant Mind Power force. He wanted to experiment if it could influence these 'invincible' Golden Ray Warriors.

"Hallucinate!"

Instantly, the entire Illusory World transformed. Every power seemed to vanish without a trace as invisible Mind Power pervaded every opening and entered the Golden Ray Armor.

Although the Golden Ray Armor contained a mysterious energy that could obstruct the infiltration of Mind Power, Merlin's Mind Power was simply too powerful and pervasive. Even if the armor could withstand 10% of Mind Power, the remaining 90% still managed to infiltrate the Golden Ray Armor.

"What power is this?"

Larkin felt the invisible force as well, which made him very uncomfortable. As a Golden Ray Warrior, he already fused with the Golden Ray Armor, so he had never felt such an 'uncomfortable' sensation. It felt as if he would be separated from the Golden Ray Armor.

"Mind Control!"

Merlin gritted his teeth and decided to activate all of the Mind Power to infiltrate the Golden Ray Armor and control Larkin's mind.

"Damn, what power is this? I can't control myself…"

Larkin could still speak but he sensed that he could not control the rest of his body.

Meanwhile, Merlin was also under tremendous strain. Even though his Mind Power was able to infiltrate the Golden Ray Armor, there was not much left. The Golden Ray Armor was too powerful and managed to stop most of the Mind Power from entering.

Furthermore, when Merlin tried to use the small amount of Mind Power to exert Mind Control, he discovered that it was impossible for him to exercise complete control over a Golden Ray Warrior. The Golden Ray Warriors were different from the rest of the Vestigial Tribe because they had fused thoroughly with the Golden Ray Armor, including their consciousness.

As a matter of fact, they were similar to the Matrix. Although their 'intellect' still remained, it was hard to describe them as living creatures. The only reason Merlin's Mind Power could render some effect was simply because the Golden Ray Armors used to be an ordinary Vestigial Creatures and not a pure 'program' or 'intelligence' like the Matrix.

Therefore, they were still somewhat susceptible to Merlin's Hallucinating spells and Mind Control. Still, he could not progress further to control or entrap them.

Perhaps, in the future when Merlin's Illusory World grew bigger and comparable to the Void Zone, he would be able to use Mind Power to control these Golden Ray Warriors. For now, it was impossible.

"Larkin, come back!"

Suddenly, Marta roared. With a huge force, he grabbed Larkin, which indirectly disrupted Merlin's Mind Control attempt. The entire Illusory World trembled violently.

Merlin's Mind Power greatly diminished but it seemed like he had the upper hand throughout. Larkin, on the other hand, appeared to be horrified. Merlin caused him to feel as if he could not control the Golden Ray Armor. That was a very scary feeling. Additionally, even the ancient Thirty-six Emperors could not separate a Golden Ray Warrior from the Golden Ray Armor.

Hence, this feeling of losing control over the Golden Ray Armor gave Larkin an immense jolt.

"Mind Power! I know this is a very weak but mysterious ability. Back in the days, there were a few foreign tribe civilizations who tried using this mysterious ability to control us. It was very effective at the beginning but once they encountered the powerful Black Star Warriors, the ability became ineffective. Not to mention a Golden Ray Warrior. You, on the other hand, are very powerful. You've developed a Mind Power field that resembles a fort. We're constantly encased within your Mind Power field, right?"

Marta had been observing Merlin the whole time. In fact, he also wanted Larkin to test Merlin's capabilities. Otherwise, he would have stopped Larkin right from the start.

Marta's observation had been very comprehensive. He even noticed that Merlin had a fort-like Mind Power field.

"Mind Power field? This name is quite appropriate. That's right, it's quite similar to the Mind Power field you mentioned. The power I just used is Mind Power!"

Merlin did not hide that his power was not a Mind Power field but in fact a far more formidable world. This was the reason the Void Zone did not hesitate to reject Merlin.

"Turns out you have such a mysterious ability… Back then, although Mind Power was powerful, it was not too intimidating since it could not affect our Black Star Warriors. However, your Mind Power field is strong enough to affect the Golden Ray Warriors. Now I understand why you would be rejected by the entire Void Zone. It's because you are a threat to the Void Zone's natural order," Marta said thoughtfully.

Merlin's had a flash of inspiration. His whole purpose of following Marta and these Golden Ray Warriors was to understand more about the Void Zone's natural order. This was a good opportunity.

"So, what is the Void Zone's natural order actually? The Vestigial Tribe is a civilization born within the Void Zone, why would you be rejected by the Void Zone?"

Merlin stared straight at Marta and asked. This was the question he desired to know the most.

Perhaps by knowing why the Vestigial Tribe was rejected, Merlin could gain some insight regarding the mechanism of the Latitude Cosmos, which would subsequently help transform his Illusory World from illusion into reality.

Chapter 893: The Vestigial Tribe's Secret!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

"The Void Zone's natural order is actually quite easy to understand. You can view it as a simple code. The reason it exists is to ensure the ongoing operation of the Void Zone. So, its job is very simple, which is to keep the balance!"

"In order to keep the balance of the entire Void Zone… Perhaps, from our perspective, the Void Zone is infinitely vast and extensive. Even the ultimate existences could never travel across the entire Void Zone. However in reality, no matter how extensive the Void Zone is, every corner is filled with civilizations of all shapes and sizes. Various life-forms are scattered throughout the Void Zone."

"When a civilization grows to a certain extent, the Void Zone may decide that it could no longer sustain it and become overwhelmed. As a result, it will balance the Void Zone.

"And the Vestigial Tribe was born precisely because the Void Zone wanted to balance out those countless foreign tribe civilizations…"

Marta's words struck Merlin like a deafening blow. He was completely dumbstruck.

This was utterly ludicrous beyond any imagination. The incredibly powerful Vestigial Tribe civilization was considered to be 'crafted' by the Void Zone. It was simply unbelievable.

However, the so-called balance that Marta described was very familiar to Merlin. It was because he gained enlightenment about balance, that his Illusory World was completely perfected. Therefore, balance was essential in a world.

Nevertheless, in order to keep balance, the Void Zone actually gave birth to a powerful civilization like the 'Void Zone'. Later, it even 'rejected' the Vestigial Tribe and encouraged other foreign tribe civilizations to join forces and fight against the Vestigial Tribe.

Ultimately, all of this was to restore balance. In order to purge the foreign tribe civilizations from the Void Zone, countless life-forms were killed in the massive war. In the end, the Vestigial Tribe was exterminated and the entire Void Zone suffered a devastating blow. Countless foreign tribe civilizations had disappeared.

Marta saw the look of disbelief on Merlin's face and smiled wryly. "Ridiculous, right? Back then, we too didn't think that it would be so. We thought that we were much stronger than all the other civilizations, that we can become the masters of the Void Zone, and that nothing could determine our destiny. But, in the end, this is our outcome. Our appearance in itself was a by-product of the Void Zone… However, the Void Zone doesn't have too strong of a consciousness. It simply plays by the rules, so some degree of oversight is expected. The three of us are such oversights of the Void Zone."

"Originally, the entire Void Zone should have been wiped out, leaving no drop of blood behind. However, because the three of us achieved 100% compatibility with the Golden Ray Armor and the ancient Thirty-six Emperors were no match for the absolute strength of the Golden Ray Armor, we survived. Today, we finally escaped. Now that I've met you, I'm somewhat uncertain, did the Void Zone mess up again?"

Marta's eyes flashed with a trace of hesitation. He was indeed confused. Merlin's emergence was simply too bizarre. Was the Void Zone trying to regain balance again? Otherwise, why would a person rejected by the world emerge?

Merlin immediately understood Marta's meaning. Obviously, anyone who was rejected by the Void Zone was extraordinary. In other words, a deliberate product of the Void Zone.

However, previously, it was because the Void Zone was too prosperous and the foreign tribe civilizations were too numerous, that the Void Zone had to keep the balance. After the catastrophe wreaked by the Vestigial Tribe, many civilizations had been wiped out. Even some of the Thirty-six Emperors were dead or missing and the number of fourth-grade Emperor-level existences diminished greatly. Such a situation proved that the Void Zone had not reverted to the glorious era as it used to be prior to the Vestigial Tribe war, so why would it need to balance itself once again?

"The Void Zone… I'm definitely not deliberately created by the Void Zone, because I'm not a life-form born in the Void Zone. I'm a discrepancy!"

Several thoughts flashed through Merlin's head. He remembered how frantically the origin of the natural order tried to destroy his Illusory World and kill him. Merlin grew more certain. The Void Zone did not have the ability to incorporate Merlin, who was from another Latitude Cosmos, into the Void Zone. He was the only discrepancy in the entire Void Zone!

"No matter what methods the Void Zone may employ, it cannot kill us. Now, let's rescue Myron!"

Marta took a long look at Merlin. The future of the three greatest warriors of the Vestigial Tribe now seemed foggier than before due to Merlin's appearance.

"What if the Vestigial Tribe won? Would they be able to overcome the natural order?"

Looking at Marta and Larkin's backs, a bold idea appeared in Merlin's head. If the Vestigial Tribe represented the power of destruction and the power of destruction overshadowed the power of new life, what would the Void Zone look like under the rule of the Vestigial Tribe?

Would there be a chance of overcoming the natural order?

"The Void Zone would collapse! That will be true destruction…"

Titus' voice resounded. Everything that Merlin saw now, Titus could also see.

Merlin fell silent. Indeed, if the Vestigial Tribe won and ruled the entire Void Zone, then it would face true destruction. One after another, the dimensions would be exhausted, until one day, the Void Zone would collapse and be destroyed.

"So how do you overcome the natural order? How to transcend beyond the natural order?"

Merlin could hardly imagine, how could a life-form born in the Void Zone overcome the natural order? Perhaps, Aruba also managed to overcome the natural order due to a series of coincidences, which allowed him to become a Latitude traveler that transcended beyond the Latitude Cosmos.

"Merlin, you don't have to overcome the natural order. You merely have to turn your Illusory World from illusion into reality. Your path is completely different from Aruba!"

Although Titus' achievements were no longer superior to Merlin, he had been watching Merlin each step of the way. Naturally, he understood Merlin crystal clear.

The Illusory World was Merlin's foundation. Turning that illusion into a reality was the current path that Merlin had to follow. Unfortunately, until now, Merlin still did not know how to achieve it. Thus, he could only follow Marta and Larkin, the two Golden Ray Warriors of the Vestigial Tribe. Perhaps, he would encounter some different experiences that would help him see the path of turning illusion into reality.

…

Within an unknown place inside the Void Zone, there was a horrifying vortex that seemed to swallow everything around it. Even the ultimate existences dare not step foot near this place.

However, deep inside this vortex was a stable subspace.

The subspace contained only one huge palace. The palace was decorated plainly, but at this particular moment, inside the palace stood nine different-looking contenders with powerful auras.

These people seemed to all emit fluctuations of fourth-grade Emperors. The threads of power of the natural order on their bodies were so dense, that they were practically condensed into a ball. Their connection with the origin of the natural order was interconnected beyond imagination, far stronger than the ordinary fourth-grade ultimate existences.

"Blue Emperor, why have you summoned all of us here?"

"Blue Emperor, ever since the Vestigial Tribe catastrophe passed, we've rarely gathered together. You've woken the eight of us from our deep slumber, what is the reason?"

It turned out that these nine people were nine of the ancient Thirty-six Emperors. Besides the Blue Emperor, the other eight had to be woken up from their deep slumber.

The man known as the Blue Emperor had a handsome face and his entire body shimmered with a pale blue glow. At their realm, they would simply be slumbering unless there was a big issue, similar to a Slothful Beast.

The Blue Emperor would be in deep slumber too, but it was his turn to observe the situation of the entire Void Zone. Back then, after the war, only nine of the Thirty-six Emperors were left. So, they reached an agreement that no matter what, one Emperor-level existence must remain to look after the situation of the Void Zone. The Blue Emperor was in charge of the current one hundred million years. Only 6,800,000 years had passed, so it was still a long time away to the end of one hundred million years.

Waking the eight Emperor-level existences on such short notice, they were noticeably unhappy.

Nonetheless, the Blue Emperor's expression was extremely grim. In a deep voice, he said, "Everyone, Marta and Larkin have broken free. They must be on their way to rescue Myron. Due to the severity of this matter, I must wake everyone up to discuss."

As soon as the Blue Emperor spoke, the entire palace fell into a dead silence. The faces of the Emperor-level existences who were filled with dissatisfaction earlier were now replaced with shock. Of course, they knew who Marta, Larkin, and Myron were. These three people were personally suppressed by them.

Now that they had broken free, it was a very serious matter.

"What else can we do? The Vestigial Tribe has been destroyed, and we've imprisoned the three of them for so long but still failed to kill them. Even if we rush there now, what use would that be? Furthermore, there's only nine of us left."

"Nine? Hehe, don't forget how we got the title of Thirty-six Emperors in the first place? As long as the Void Zone wills it, brand-new Thirty-six Emperors can be birthed."

One of the Emperor-level existences fell silent. Obviously, the words struck a chord. To many other people, the almighty Thirty-six Emperors transcended above the ordinary Emperor-level existences.

In reality? Only the ancient Thirty-six Emperors knew where their powers come from. Their special strength was simply bestowed to them by the Void Zone.

As long as the Void Zone agreed to bestow these powers, any ordinary fourth-grade Emperor-level existences could immediately become one of the ancient Thirty-six Emperors.

The reason why there were Thirty-six Emperors was probably because the Void Zone could only sustain thirty-six of such powerful existences.

Of course, there were sacrifices to be made in exchange for the strength they obtained. The Thirty-six Emperors' sacrifice was to become part of the Void Zone and to protect it.

"The Void Zone did not give us any instructions. This means that the three Golden Ray Warriors won't pose a threat to the Void Zone. Don't worry, so what if they escaped? As long as they don't go crazy and slaughter indiscriminately, it's fine. Moreover, should things spiral out of control, the Void Zone would naturally give birth to other Thirty-six Emperors…"

After a lengthy discussion between the nine Emperor-level existences, they agreed to pay close attention to the movements of the three Golden Ray Warriors, but not to engage them directly.

Chapter 894: Prelude

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Marta and Larkin both seemed able to navigate the endless dark territory as they walked ahead steadily.

"Marta, does the Vestigial Tribe know the secret of the dark territory?" Merlin, who was following behind Marta, asked suddenly.

"How would we know all the secrets of the dark territory? But we do know a few things. This dark territory is probably more extensive than the entire Void Zone but it is covered by the power of the natural order, so most likely, it belongs to the Void Zone. As to what is inside, no one knows. Back then, the Vestigial Tribe conquered the entire Void Zone but we never set foot in the dark territory."

Merlin nodded. The dark territory was indeed mysterious. However, he had never even traveled across the Void Zone, what more the dark territory?

Merlin observed Marta and Larkin carefully. They were indeed flying toward a specific direction. Most probably via some unique positioning method, they were able to know Myron's general vicinity.

"By the way, when both of you escaped, Marta had a watchman. How come there was no watchman when Larkin escaped?"

Merlin thought of a detail. Rightfully, these watchmen were supposed to guard over the Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warriors Marta and Larkin, so they would not disappear for no reason.

"That watchman left a long time ago," Larkin replied coldly.

Merlin was taken aback as a possibility struck him.

"Does this mean that the ancient Thirty-six Emperors know that you've escaped?"

Merlin knew that behind the watchmen were the ancient Thirty-six Emperors. Until now, Merlin had never met any of the real Thirty-six Emperors. Back then, the Purple Emperor and the Flare Emperor merely left behind some items.

It was only when the Honorable God Blackfrost released some of the Darkness God Emperor's power that Merlin got some exposure.

"Of course they know. But again, so what if the ancient Thirty-six Emperors know?"

Though they had been imprisoned by the Thirty-six Emperors in the first place, Larkin and Marta seemed unafraid of the ancient Thirty-six Emperors.

"Back then, the Thirty-six Emperors outnumbered us. Although they managed to imprison us, they were unable to kill us. Now, many of them have died and are injured. What is there to be afraid of? Furthermore, they're not stupid. They wouldn't care unless we start another massacre," Marta replied solemnly, as if in deep thought.

Merlin frowned. He did not understand what Marta meant, but the ancient Thirty-six Emperors were indeed peculiar. It was impossible that they did not know Marta and Larkin had escaped after such a long time.

However, they had not appeared. Most likely, it was not that they did not know, but instead, were unwilling to show up.

Merlin's knowledge of what happened in the past was extremely limited, plus he had never met the ancient Thirty-six Emperors. Hence, it was normal for him to be doubtful.

Merlin followed Marta and Larkin doubtfully. Soon, they arrived at the last white halo and everything looked peaceful. Merlin scanned the surroundings with his Mind Power and did not find any watchman.

"It seems like the ancient Thirty-six Emperors have indeed found out. Even the watchman has been recalled."

A trace of suspicion arose in Merlin's heart. The relationship between these three Vestigial Tribe's Golden Ray Warriors and the Thirty-six Emperors was definitely not as simple as common enemies.

The calmness inside the white halo was soon torn apart by Marta. He shouted, "Myron, wake up!"

Subsequently, Larkin threw a fist in the direction of the white halo. Just like how he initially escaped, the white halo cracked and shattered.

"Boom".

The mist inside the white halo was released and the entire dark territory seemed to be quaking.

"How many years have passed, I've finally broken free… Marta, Larkin, have you come to rescue me?"

A low, hoarse voice sounded. From the heart of the quake, a burly figure emerged. His body also exuded a terrifying aura.

"Myron, we've come to rescue you!"

This burly figure was none other than the last of the three great warriors, Myron. The energy on his body seemed adequate and he was the calmest of the lot. He was not at all as violent as Larkin.

"I knew you were coming. The watchman already told me."

Myron's words startled Larkin and Marta.

After a while, Marta calmed down and said, "They made the right decision. In the war back then, both the Vestigial Tribe and the ancient Thirty-six Emperors were mere sacrifices. Sacrifices to restore balance to the Void Zone!"

Despite his indifferent tone, there was a hint of frigidness.

"Anyway, since they don't want to cause any trouble, we don't have to pay any attention to them either. Now that the three of us are free, what's our plan?" Myron seemed composed as he asked.

"Plan?"

Larkin shook his head helplessly. If it was a slaughter, he would stand at the foremost, but making plans and strategizing was not his forte. He simply looked at Marta.

Moreover, Marta seemed to be the unofficial leader of the three of them.

"The Vestigial Tribe has been wiped out, there's just the three of us left. What can we do? We can't even call ourselves a true Vestigial Creature anymore. We've completely fused with the Golden Ray Armor, producing an heir is practically impossible…"

Marta's words turned the atmosphere gloomy. The once incredibly glorious Vestigial Tribe had been wiped out, leaving only the three of them. Even then, they could not revive the entire Vestigial Tribe civilization.

"So what do we do? Do we just live forever surrounded by loneliness?"

Larkin's temper was a little violent. If he had to live the rest of his live alone, he might as well stay imprisoned. Sometimes, a long aimless life was a terrible prospect.

"Of course now. Although we cannot revive the Vestigial Tribe, we must still fulfill the Vestigial Tribe's unfinished goal, which was to overcome the constraints of the Void Zone!"

A look of determination appeared on Marta's face. Larkin and Myron turned their gaze towards Marta.

"Marta, tell us, we'll follow you as our leader!" Larkin replied instantly.

"Great, then, let's go to the origin of the natural order!"

"The origin of the natural order?"

Larkin's eyes sparkled, but Merlin's brows were wrinkled. Merlin could feel the omnipresent origin of the natural order everywhere in the Void Zone. How could it be found in a specific place?

"Marta, you can find the origin of the natural order?"

Merlin's heart skipped a beat as he asked. If they could locate the origin of the natural order, he would certainly follow. That was the source of the entire Void Zone's power; the real core of the Void Zone.

No matter what, Merlin must go there and understand the mechanisms of a Latitude Cosmos. If he could unearth the secrets of a true Latitude Cosmos, then surely if would help him turn the Illusory World from an illusion into reality. Maybe, it could also give him some inspiration.

"The origin of the natural order, of course we can find it. Actually back then, the Vestigial Tribe already discovered the origin of the natural order. We wanted to enter it but were involved in the massive war against the other civilizations. Unfortunately, all three of us were trapped by some other Emperor-level existences. Hence, despite knowing how to enter the origin of the natural order, we did not manage to accomplish it. Otherwise, based on our 100% compatibility with the Golden Ray Armor, perhaps we could have turned the situation around…"

Merlin shook his head. If the Vestigial Tribe managed to turn the situation around, then the entire Void Zone would fall apart. How could a Latitude Cosmos filled with destruction continue to survive?

Perhaps the three great warriors understood this concept or perhaps they did not understand. Regardless, they did not want to delve in further and simply perceived matters from a different vantage point.

"If you can enter the origin of the natural order, bring me along!" Merlin said in a deep voice, his expression serious.

"You? Merlin, although you've been rejected by the Void Zone, you're not like us. With your ability, even the Thirty-six Emperors cannot defeat you easily. You just have to be more cautious and the Void Zone will remain relatively safe. On the other hand, the origin of the natural order is the core of the entire Void Zone. Anyone who dares to enter it would encounter a furious attack from the entire Void Zone. You have to think about this clearly," Marta said gravely.

"Furious attack? I've already gotten a taste of a portion of the origin of the natural order's powers. How can I possibly miss the opportunity to examine the core of the Void Zone close-up?"

Merlin did not hesitate and would not retreat. He had a premonition that, unless he saw the operation of a Latitude Cosmos and understood its true secret, his Illusory World would never be turned into reality.

"Haha, alright, then we'll go together. However this time, those Thirty-six Emperors would probably stop us at all costs. You better be prepared."

Once Marta finished speaking, he transformed into a stream of light and flew out of the dark territory towards the depth of the Void Zone.

…

"What? You said they're actually going to search for the origin of the natural order?"

The nine Emperor-level existences revealed faces of disbelief. They, of course, knew the significance of the natural order's origin. It would definitely shake the whole Void Zone.

If there was any damage to the origin of the natural order, the Void Zone might even collapse entirely. The origin of the natural order was the power source of the Void Zone; its heart and its core.

Back then, the Vestigial Tribe discovered the origin of the natural order, which forced the ancient Thirty-six Emperors to face the most brutal war. Even thinking about it now, it was incredibly vicious. They did not want to experience another war like that ever again.

Nevertheless, now that Marta and the others were searching for the origin of the natural order, they had no other choice.

"The Void Zone is already beginning to affect us… I'm afraid more Emperor-level existences will become part of the new Thirty-six Emperors. Let's go first. No matter what, we cannot allow then to breach the origin of the natural order."

The Blue Emperor stared at the depths of the Void Zone and sighed silently. The three Golden Ray Warriors had not given up, so they had no choice but to fight. Still, how many of the nine Emperor-level existences would remain after this?

Subsequently, the nine Emperor-level existences triggered the power of the natural order and disappeared into the depths of the Void Zone.

Chapter 895: The Gateway of the Natural Order!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Merlin was steering the Aurora warship as he followed closely behind the three Golden Ray Warriors in search of the natural order's origin. Although he could sense the origin of the natural order, he could not sense its specific location. He could only sense that it was almost omnipresent and its power was everywhere.

The truth was, the origin of the natural order possessed a core that contained infinite energy. It was also the core of the entire Void Zone. Its location was also not fixed, as it floated all around the Void Zone, just like how the Glorious Land used to be when it was sealed by the three Arcane Wizards.

Marta and the others could detect the general vicinity of the origin of the natural order but needed some time to search for it. However, to these people, tens or even hundreds of years were considered a very short time.

Therefore, Merlin immersed his consciousness inside the Illusory World after setting the Aurora warship to follow after Marta and the group automatically.

The Illusory World was his foundation. Although he still had no idea how to turn the illusion into a reality, he must at least make the Illusory World more powerful.

Ever since the Illusory World was perfected, it expanded even faster than before. Moreover, the expansion was very stable, so Merlin did not have to worry about the problems the expansion might cause if the rate of expansion was too fast.

At that point, the Illusory World was very huge but still less than one percent of the Void Zone, so it still needed to expand continuously. Previously, Merlin allowed the Illusory World to expand at its own pace but now that they were embroiled in a long search for the origin of the natural order, he had nothing much to do. Therefore, he made use of his Mind Power to help the Illusory World expand further.

Merlin's consciousness immediately merged with the Illusory World. The feeling of controlling a world was truly wonderful. At this moment, Merlin felt like he had surpassed the ultimate existences. The entire Illusory World, along with hundreds of billions of creatures, countless stars and planets, and all kinds of strange and peculiar sights appeared in Merlin's mind.

Merlin was well-aware that all of these were still illusory, meaning that if he died, all of them would collapse. He still had no way of making all these real.

Even though they were illusory, Merlin still relished the feeling of being in control. His consciousness enveloped the entire Void Zone and with a tick of his heart, his immense Mind Power tirelessly helped the Illusory World's expansion.

An Illusory World, especially at this stage, was like an infant. Merlin could personally witness its growth and maturity until it eventually reaches full maturity.

Meanwhile, the Illusory Tribe civilization inside the Illusory World had also recovered from the devastating invasion of the power of the natural order the last time. By design, they were the hegemon of the Illusory World, the most advanced and powerful civilization of all. Therefore, they immediately restarted their development.

However, the Illusory World was no longer the same as before. There were a myriad of dangerous situations that were challenging even for the Illusory Tribe civilization.

For example, black holes. Some of the celestial bodies' black holes were so terrifying that even the Illusory Tribe's most advanced methods could not escape the devouring of the gigantic black holes.

Prior to this, such occurrences were unimaginable. Before the devastating catastrophe, the Illusory Tribe civilization were practically the masters of the entire Illusory World. They were able to conquer any civilization and any planet and were even able to transform any celestial bodies.

Now, on the other hand, they realized that they had to move cautiously before the daunting celestial bodies. If they did not pay close attention, a tragedy could befall them.

Furthermore, after the great destruction, other civilizations began to develop as well. There was no longer a huge gap between them and the Illusory Tribe civilization. Instead, each of the various civilizations had their distinctive characteristics.

In short, the entire Illusory World had changed dramatically and was no longer as monotonous as before. Perhaps it looked chaotic, but this balanced path was essential for a healthy world.

Merlin could clearly sense that ever since he made some adjustments to the Illusory World, it became stronger than before. In fact, even the Illusory World's power of the natural order was strengthened. Remarkably, the healthy development of a world would correspondingly strengthen its power of the natural order.

"Is it also the same for the Void Zone?"

Merlin immediately associated it with the Void Zone. This was a huge Latitude Cosmos. It did not hesitate to maintain the balance of this world at all costs, so maybe it was to ensure that the Void Zone could develop healthily.

A healthy and developing world could continue to enhance its power of the natural order. As a result, the stronger the power of the natural order, the more powerful its ultimate existences would be; like the Thirty-six Emperors.

As for the Thirty-six Emperors and the rest of the ultimate existences, their fates were interconnected with the Void Zone. They would rise and fall together!

Following Merlin's assisted expansion of the Illusory World, the entire Illusory World expanded rapidly. Now that Merlin understood the importance of ensuring a balanced world, he also created some unique and powerful civilizations that could challenge the Illusory Tribe civilization during the expansion process.

Moreover, Merlin no longer paid special attention to the Illusory Tribe civilization and even stripped away their role as the 'main characters' of the Illusory World. Thus, the Illusory Tribe civilization would no longer be as lucky as before. Whatever progress the Illusory Tribe civilization made would be entirely dependent on their own effort.

As the master of the Illusory World, Merlin had this ability!

Most probably, when the Vestigial Tribe first arose, they were given the role of 'main characters' by the Void Zone. Thus, all kinds of lucky encounters befell them and empowered them to conquer the entire Void Zone.

However, they did not know that the Void Zone was simply trying to achieve balance, with the Vestigial Tribe as the 'destructive' force. Then afterward, the Void Zone stripped away the Vestigial Tribe's role as 'main characters.' Consequently, the Vestigial Tribe lost their immunity and under the leadership of the Thirty-six Emperors, were jointly attacked by countless foreign tribe civilizations. Finally, the Vestigial Tribe was exterminated.

All of these were deliberately set in motion by the Void Zone in order to achieve balance!

Through the development of the Illusory World, Merlin suddenly understood many of the Void Zone's secrets. The truth was, no one else could provide him any guidance or useful experiences at his level. Even if Aruba were to mentor him personally, it would not be useful to Merlin. This was because the path he chose had never been traveled. Therefore, he had to explore every step by himself.

If he took a wrong turn, the result might be irreparable!

Fortunately, Merlin was very cautious. The path he took was to control a world. Although this world was illusory, his objective was to turn it from an illusion into a reality. Hence, using a real Latitude Cosmos like the Void Zone as a comparison, Merlin continued to make adjustments to his Illusory World.

The effects had been promising and even helped him carve out the most critical step needed to perfect the Illusory World. Right now, he was constantly consolidating the Illusory World to improve and strengthen it even further.

For the next step, Merlin wanted to examine the origin of the natural order for himself. The core power of the Void Zone. If he could gain some understanding from that process, it would certainly be beneficial to his Illusory World.

Perhaps, it could even help Merlin discover another most critical step!

"Hum."

Suddenly, the Aurora warship jolted slightly. Merlin immediately woke up from the Illusory World. He looked up. In front of him, Marta, Larkin and Myron had all stopped.

"Have we arrived?"

Merlin extended his Mind Power outwards. He saw that Marta and the others were gazing towards a half-hidden lighted door. This lighted door measured tens of thousands of meters. Even a warship would be able to pass through it easily.

However, this was only a lighted door that loomed vaguely. Merlin's Mind Power could not investigate beyond it.

"This is the entrance to the origin of the natural order, called the gateway of the natural order! According to legends, once you step past this gateway, you will be able to access the entire Void Zone's secrets."

There was a tinge of heaviness in Marta's voice. The legends about the gateway of the natural order had been popular even back in the ancient times when the Vestigial Tribe were most glorious.

"Back then, all the top-level contenders of the Vestigial Tribe acted together. Other than the three of us who were otherwise engaged, the rest of them went to search for the gateway of the natural order. However, before this door, they suffered a vicious massacre. The Void Zone gathered all of the Thirty-six Emperors and we lost that battle!" Larkin said, gnashing his teeth.

Nevertheless, this indirectly proved the significance placed by the Void Zone on the origin of the natural order. Just at the gateway of the natural order, it had already summoned the most powerful force to stop the Vestigial Tribe's exploration.

Behind this gateway of the natural order was the biggest secret of the Void Zone. Merlin was immediately excited and flew out of the Aurora warship to stand beside Marta and the others.

"Is there any danger behind the gateway of the natural order? Why aren't we going it?"

Merlin could not wait to enter and uncover the secret of the Void Zone. Perhaps, it would help him turn his Illusory World into reality.

"Of course there's no danger behind the gateway of the natural order, but the danger lies in the Thirty-six Emperors! Do you think the Void Zone will allow us to pass through the gateway of the natural order so easily?"

Marta's reply was filled with mockery and his tone was incredibly hostile. His gaze was trained at a random territory outside the gateway of the natural order, seemingly discovering something.

Merlin also strained his eyes. Under the careful investigation of his pervasive Mind Power, he sensed that the power of the natural order in this place was unusually concentrated. However, seeing as the gateway was the entrance to the origin of the natural order, what was so strange about a higher concentration of the power of the natural order?

"Hehe, Merlin, you're not a Golden Ray Warrior and had never fought the Thirty-six Emperors. Naturally, you don't know their tactics. They are basically the embodiment of the origin of the natural order. As long as the origin of the natural order has sufficient capacity, it can produce countless existences like the Thirty-six Emperors. The Thirty-six Emperors consist of mere ordinary Emperor-level existences but because the origin of the natural order needed their help, it bestowed them with special abilities. Thus, the Thirty-six Emperors were born. Do you understand now?"

Merlin's was shocked. He kept hearing of the distinguished ancient Thirty-six Emperors, but he never knew the difference between the Thirty-six Emperors and ordinary Emperor-level existences.

It was only now that he achieved an epiphany. The Thirty-six Emperors were simply supported by the Void Zone, which enabled them to mobilize a greater portion of the origin of the natural order. As a result, they transcended beyond the ordinary Emperor-level existences.

Therefore, the Thirty-six Emperors could be perceived as the embodiment of the origin of the natural order. They were completely integrated with the power of the natural order. While Merlin could detect the power of the natural order, he could not distinguish the Thirty-six Emperors who were hidden inside it.

Only these Golden Ray Warriors, who were undoubtedly familiar with the Thirty-six Emperors, could see through their concealment.

"Marta, Larkin, Myron, the massive war has ended and the Vestigial Tribe has been exterminated. Since you've broken free, why stir up another fuss?"

Sure enough, as soon as Marta finished speaking, nine unfamiliar silhouettes appeared from the gateway of the natural order.

Chapter 896 Nine Emperors Versus the Vestigial Tribe!

These nine silhouettes were none other than the nine Emperor-level existences led by the Blue Emperor. There were only nine out of the original Thirty-six Emperors.

It was Merlin's first time seeing powerful existences such as the Thirty-six Emperors. True enough, they were very different from the watchman. Back then, the watchman was also a fourth-grade Emperor-level existence. The threads of the natural order that were connected to his body were completely frayed and could not be detached.

On the other hand, the ancient Thirty-six Emperors no longer had any threads of the natural order. This was because their bodies had been fully integrated with the natural order's origin and became a part of it. They could even be seen as the origin of the natural order's avatars.

This was the price the Thirty-six Emperors had to pay in order to have more power and transcend above the ordinary fourth-grade Emperor-level existences. There was only one way, which was to become part of the origin of the natural order.

Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. Their responsibility was to maintain the smooth operation of the Void Zone and keep its balance. If there was any trace of a threat to the Void Zone's balance, they must destroy it.

Prior to this, despite the three great Golden Ray Warriors' escape, they did not cause any massive bloodshed, so the nine Emperor-level existences could choose to turn a blind eye. Even though they were a part of the origin of the natural order, they would not care unless they were compelled.

However, the three Golden Ray Warriors intended to enter the origin of the natural order. They wanted to achieve the Vestigial Tribe's goal of crossing the gateway of the natural order and into the natural order's origin.

The origin of the natural order was the foundation of the entire Void Zone. No matter what, the Void Zone would not allow the three Golden Ray Warriors to enter its origin. Thus, the nine Emperor-level existences were sent to stop them.

"Stir up trouble? Haha, the three of us were imprisoned by you for over billions of years, and the Vestigial Tribe was exterminated. Yet you say that we're stirring up trouble? We all know that this whole saga is unrelated to you. Whether it's the Vestigial Tribe, you guys, or even the rest of the life-forms in the Void Zone, all our actions are dictated by a higher power. But, precisely for that reason, we want to enter the origin of the natural order."

"What benefit would you obtain from destroying the origin of the natural order? If that happens, the entire Void Zone will collapse. You won't survive either…"

Both sides were ready to engage, but no one attacked.

"Who said that we are going to destroy the origin of the natural order? We just want to enter to see the core of the Void Zone that the Vestigial Tribe did not manage to see. All we want is to break free of its control."

The Blue Emperor shook his head. "Regardless, you're not allowed to enter the origin of the natural order!"

The nine Emperor-level existences emitted a magnificent aura, especially since the gateway of the natural order behind them seemed to radiate traces of the power of the natural order which fortified the nine Emperor-level existences. The origin of the natural order was increasing their power levels.

When the Vestigial Tribe tried to enter the origin of the natural order the last time, the same thing happened in the battle outside the gateway. The origin of the natural order enhanced the Thirty-six Emperors' power, causing a massive defeat to the Vestigial Tribe. That single battle had determined the outcome of the war.

Therefore, the Vestigial Tribe failed to enter the origin of the natural order until they lost the war. Now that the three great Golden Ray Warriors had broken free, they simply wanted to fulfill the Vestigial Tribe's dream.

"Haha, can you stop us?"

When he saw the nine Emperor-level existences, Marta laughed. At the same time, along Larkin and Myron, who had already replenished their energy levels, the three Golden Ray Armors began to balloon up. All of their bodies radiated a dazzling golden glow.

Every single inch of this golden glow was capable of disintegrating the power of the natural order and could destroy countless numbers of dimensions. Even the fourth-grade ultimate existences could not withstand a single blow from the Golden Ray Warriors.

Only the Thirty-six Emperors, who were the avatars of the origin of the natural order and possessed an endless stream of power, as well as able to mobilize the origin of the natural order, could possibly challenge the Golden Ray Warriors!"

"Fight!"

Marta was far more impressive than a Titan Giant. A single punch released a terrifying force that swept across every direction and smashed multiple layers of the natural order's power. The ancient Thirty-six Emperors' powers of the natural order, which had been condensed to the limit, transformed into a huge shield that blocked Marta's punch.

However, Marta did not stop at a single punch. Following after the first punch was hundreds and thousands of punches. Every single blow consisted of pure power. Although such an attack would consume an immense amount of energy, the Golden Ray Armor demonstrated its resilient nature. They were able to transmute the power of the natural order into energy.

Therefore, they too were in no shortage of energy. The fight was very intense, which was why back in the day, even the Thirty-six Emperors were unwilling to engage these Golden Ray Warriors in battle.

"Boom".

The three Golden Ray Warriors triggered a huge explosion with unparalleled force. The nine Emperor-level existences were knocked into the air. Although they did not die, the power gap was apparent.

In terms of absolute power, the three Golden Ray Warriors held an unmistakable advantage. Their explosive power, in particular, shocked Merlin to no end. He would much rather face an Emperor-level existence than a Golden Ray Warrior.

Nevertheless, these nine Emperor-level Warriors were still the illustrious Thirty-six Emperors, so their abilities were not so inadequate. Naturally, they had access to special tactics beyond the abilities of ordinary Emperor-level existences.

"Origin of the natural order, bind!"

The Blue Emperor roared. An apparition of a halo which contained the origin of the natural order coalesced above his head. Following that, the threads of the natural order began to tremble mightily.

The thread flew towards the three Golden Ray Warriors. Moreover, the other eight Emperor-level existences began to wield their strongest power too. Distinct apparitions of the origin of the natural order coalesced above their heads respectively.

This was the most unique ability of the Thirty-six Emperors. They were able to mobilize the origin of the natural order's power, in other words, the Void Zone's power!

Originally, the threads of the natural order would not change. Merlin only knew that these threads were somehow linked to the natural order's origin.

Right now, however, the origin of the natural order was astonishingly able to manipulate these threads. Hence, it was able to bind its enemies invisibly. This was the inherent weakness of all life-forms born in the Void Zone. No matter what, they could be suppressed by the origin of the natural order.

Multiple threads of the natural order swiftly entangled Marta and the others. Despite the brilliant radiance of the Golden Ray Armor, they could sense the strain and could not break free from the threads' bondages.

"You don't have to struggle anymore. These contain the power of the natural order. Every time we use this power actually causes a huge loss to the origin of the natural order, so we don't want to use it. But you leave us with no choice. When you broke free, we wanted to give you a chance, as long as you don't commit any massive bloodshed. However, it seems like we can't let you go free. We will just have to imprison you forever…"

When that sentence ended, the nine Emperor-level existences flew towards Marta and the others. If these three Golden Ray Warriors were like the other ordinary Golden Ray Warriors who had not achieved 100% compatibility with the Golden Ray Armor, they would certainly be separated and killed.

However, the three of them were completely fused with their Golden Ray Armors, so they were very difficult to kill. Thus, they could only be suppressed and imprisoned.

"You want to imprison us again? Impossible, I will not allow you…"

The dazzling golden rays on Marta, Larkin, and Myron grew more intense and the Golden Ray Armors continued to expand. They, too, threw all caution to the wind and unleashed all their powers. For a split second, the pure power began to struggle against the threads of the natural order.

"This is bad, I can't hold them for long. Let's work together to imprison them!"

The Blue Emperor's face shifted. Everyone could see that Marta and the others had unleashed their full power. It was a final act of desperation, but also very effective. They were able to break free of the suppression.

"We've exhausted our power as well unless the origin of the natural order gives us more

power!"

"Yes, only with the origin of the natural order's power, it will be possible for us to suppress these three Golden Ray Warriors."

These Emperor-level existences turned their gaze towards the enormous gateway. That was the gateway of the natural order, and behind it, was the true core of the entire Void Zone!

As if able to sense the thoughts of these nine Emperor-level existences, the gateway of the natural order began to hum. At the same time, an overwhelming aura emerged from the gateway of the natural order.

This overwhelming aura contained a sense of geniality to everyone, except for Merlin, Marta, and the others, who instead felt uncomfortably suppressed. They felt suppressed by this aura, which was the purest power of the origin of the natural order.

With the support of this aura, the apparitions above the heads of the Blue Emperor and the others became stronger and solidified several folds. Their power was stronger than before.

The nine of them combined their powers and the threads of the natural order once again suppressed Marta and the others with a vengeance.

"Haha, the origin of the natural order has given us power."

"In the Void Zone, the origin of the natural order is forever our strongest fort!"

The nine Emperor-level existences were overjoyed. The origin of the natural order had not responded to their requests for a long time. Unexpectedly, this time, it lent them its supportive powers. This also proved that the three Golden Ray Armors were actual threats to the origin of the natural order.

Marta and the others were gradually suppressed and bound. At this time, Marta looked towards Merlin and shouted, "Merlin, you're also rejected by the Void Zone. This is the best opportunity for you to enter the origin of the natural order. Once you miss this opportunity, you'll never be able to enter. What are you waiting for?"

"Whoosh".

As soon as Marta's voice fell, the nine Emperor-level existences turned their attention to Merlin, their eyes filled with vigilance.

"Rejected by the world? He's not from the Vestigial Tribe though? What is going on?"

It was only then that the Emperor-level contenders discovered Merlin's unique existence.