1292-1293
Chapter 1,292 The Holy Legend shares the same hatred
It wasn't just the cultivators of the Xuanhuang who were under an illusion; the sky truly had collapsed!
After a brief silence, a thunderous, vast sound like never before heard, echoed through the world.
"Ah!" As if struck directly on the head by a blunt object, countless cultivators blacked out, nearly losing consciousness.
The ringing in their ears persisted for what seemed like an eternity, a vibration stemming from the depths of their souls, unaffected by the sealing of their senses.
Looking up, the cultivators found the sky seemingly within reach, a startling discovery accompanied by a significant drop in the concentration of spiritual energy around them.
The storms and rains of Xuanhuang, along with the power drained from the earth, had weakened considerably.
The vast majority of cultivators were clueless about the cause of such a terrifying phenomenon, but those at the pinnacle of Xuanhuang's power understood what these events truly signified.
In a peculiar space, five statues with indistinct faces formed a circle, gazing down at the center where a luminous cloud, representing current Xuanhuang, floated silently, showing in detail the myriad changes Xuanhuang had undergone since the war began. With the collapse, the cloud began to shrink noticeably.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, what a costly affair this has been," a frivolous female voice suddenly remarked.
"Are we just going to stand by? This is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity," one of the statues came to life, revealing its true form.
With hair soft as silk, a slender figure tightly wrapped in a long, white robe, inexplicably revealing fair thighs, she spoke with a misty gaze, her delicate finger on her lips, addressing the other four statues.
"What's the point of watching if not to assist that mysterious 'Emperor'?" a cold voice emanated from another statue, draped in Taoist robes.
"I've been enlightened by the Emperor's new teachings; he could be considered my master. If possible, I'd genuinely like to offer my help. Alas..." another statue, taking the form of a scholar, also came to life, looking up at the sky beyond Xuanhuang with a light sigh.
"The struggle for the orthodoxy of Xuanhuang is, in essence, irrelevant to us. With the Law Transmitter's ambitious schemes, and this unknown Emperor likely not being of benevolent nature, Xuanhuang, and even this starry sea, are not places for long-term dwelling. Our future hopes rest with 'Wuyou.' Maintaining stability with the Wanxian Alliance and within Xuanhuang, awaiting the final outcome, is our true task. Engaging in this conflict is unwise," spoke a statue, its face forever obscured, in a deep voice.
"Moreover, the Law Transmitter is unlikely to lose," it added, as all eyes then turned to Wuyou, who seemed still in slumber.
Sister Zhao sighed, "Ah, I was hoping to take advantage of this opportunity to tease those from the Wanxian Alliance. After all, they're all fresh faces; it would have been quite thrilling."
The scholar, the Taoist, and the indistinct-faced statue pretended not to hear.
"The flaw of embodying the heaven and earth is indeed significant. With Xuanhuang drawing power to assist, I've become much weaker," Sister Zhao covered her mouth with her hand, yawning lazily.
"I'm going to rest. Call me if needed."
Before her words fell silent, Sister Zhao's statue returned to its previous stillness.
The scholar statue chuckled, "She couldn't resist joining in the excitement after all."
"Zhao Ruoxi is more than just multifaceted; a bit of a split personality and inability to control herself is to be expected," the Taoist statue remarked unkindly, "Let her be. She's not so easily killed."
After Sister Zhao's departure, the indistinct-faced statue suddenly came to life, revealing a solemn, square-faced middle-aged cultivator.
"Wuyou's realm, after years of development, has already spread to the starry border, beginning to infiltrate the high wall," he stated gravely.
"Now is a crucial moment."
"The sudden outbreak of this battle, regardless of the outcome, is beneficial to us. At the very least, the numerous casualties... will result in a significant replenishment of Wuyou's power. Perhaps, Wuyou could take this opportunity to break through the constraints of the high wall," the square-faced cultivator spoke solemnly.
"After all, the high wall's blockade is much weaker against a consciousness space like 'Wuyou's Realm' than it is against physical forces."
As the square-faced cultivator spoke, a peculiar atmosphere began to flow through the space.
And Wuyou, the hope for the Five Great Celestials to escape their predicament, remained calmly in slumber, though
his occasionally twitching eyebrows hinted at possible turmoil within.
After a moment of silence, a statue voiced out, "Beyond the high wall... is not a land of peace. The fact that those who escaped in the past now wish to return speaks volumes. Unfortunately, the high wall is insurmountable. Both inside and out, it's the same."
"Even if this plan ultimately succeeds, and we manage to escape the high wall using the dream power of Wuyou's Realm, without the law power of Xuanhuang as our foundation, our strength will inevitably plummet. In the realm beyond the high wall, even attaining the Daoist stage may be difficult."
The square-faced cultivator continued, "But even if there are dangers, the loss would only affect the bodies within the dreamscape. To our true selves, it wouldn't cause significant harm. However, if beyond the high wall lies a true utopia, we could then cultivate there using our dream bodies, gradually transferring our true selves' power."
"Once the dream body fully materializes in reality and surpasses the true self in strength, we could then switch places, achieving a seamless transformation."
Listening to their conversation, the scholar statue nodded slightly, "Indeed, this is the most prudent approach we've come up with so far. If not for the Law Transmitter's terrifying strength and his insistence on clinging to this small part of Xuanhuang, we wouldn't need to be so constrained."
The Taoist statue added, "In that case, let's each add more fuel to the fire. The stronger Wuyou's power, the better. As long as Xuanhuang is not endangered, no matter how many perish, it's all the same."
...
As they discussed, a gust seemed to blow from outside Xuanhuang.
The Xuanhuang light orb at the center of the five statues vibrated visibly, shocking the three Celestials.
"It's understandable for the Law Transmitter to be so formidable; after all, he has lived for so many years."
"But for this newly emerged Emperor to be equally terrifying? Even with Xuanhuang's support, it shouldn't be to this extent, right?"
The three Celestials exchanged glances, filled with uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Wuyou appeared to sleep even more soundly.
...
"Transform..."
"Into Xuanhuang Heaven!"
A tremendous force suddenly surged within, and the Emperor roared.
Purple, gold, and the colors of Xuanhuang merged, his figure disappearing beneath the Law Transmitter's giant palm.
In its place emerged an endless vista of Xuanhuang's land and sky.
Xuanhuang, a realm unto itself.
Though it had merged with many other remnants of the cultivation worlds, its scale was ultimately limited.
Yet, under the Law Transmitter's suppression, the Xuanhuang beneath seemed boundless, its ends unseen.
As time passed, the distance between heaven and earth slowly grew.
It was as if an invisible giant stood between the land and sky, lifting the heavens higher.
"Xuanhuang transforms, the universe boundless!"
"The ancient Xuanhuang, the present Xuanhuang, the future Xuanhuang!"
"Merge!"
The Emperor's voice echoed through the Xuanhuang illusion, growing louder with the expansion of heaven and earth.
Past, present, future.
The infinite realms of Xuanhuang merged at this moment.
Countless illusions, layered upon each other, seemed to be forcibly pulled from the river of time.
Creating an unprecedented, vast expanse of eternal space and time.
The Law Transmitter's suppressing hand was held up by the endless sky. Trembling violently, it could not advance further.
The expansion of the eternal Xuanhuang had no end.
Under the reverse pressure of boundless Xuanhuang light, faster than when it was shrinking, the Law Transmitter's giant hand swiftly became the size of a normal human hand.
The size of space returned to normal.
The Law Transmitter withdrew his hand, looking at the circular black spot that seemed burned into his palm with a hint of solemnity.
Even as light and shadow flowed over him, with paths of Dao appearing and disappearing, he could not heal this black spot.
Opposite him, the illusion of the eternal Xuanhuang illuminated the dark, desolate space.
It was as if a true celestial domain, eternal and ever-present, had indeed been born into the world.
The Law Transmitter's gaze moved from the wound on his hand to the vast scene before him.
Mountains rose, fertile lands stretched for billions of miles, and wondrous landscapes abounded.
It was like the celestial realms of legend.
Watching the Xuanhuang before him, the Law Transmitter seemed slightly lost in thought.
A streak of starlight burst in the sky of the eternal Xuanhuang.
Dressed in starlight robes, wearing a jade crown of the nine heavens, and standing upon the river of
time.
The Emperor slowly emerged from the eternal Xuanhuang.
As if stepping out from a painting into reality.
Reality and illusion twisted and intertwined at this moment, blurring the lines between truth and falsehood.
Even evoking an intense sense of contradiction.
"Is this..."
"The Law of Time?" the Law Transmitter uttered in surprise, disbelief in his voice.
But moments later, he shook his head, dismissing his previous thought.
The black scar on his hand, rather than healing with the passage of time, worsened, threatening to spread.
For his supreme form, this was unimaginable.
The Law Transmitter sensed that the force gnawing at his palm was not related to time but...
An unchangeable fact.
Regardless of the passage of time or the birth and death of star seas.
This wound would not alter.
The Emperor, having emerged from the eternal Xuanhuang, gave no respite to the Law Transmitter.
"Magnificent spirits, join me in battle, become my spear and shield!"
As the Emperor's voice echoed, figures in starlight robes, similar to his, emerged from the eternal Xuanhuang.
Their faces unclear, their techniques vastly different from the Emperor's, yet without exception, they regarded the Law Transmitter as an enemy.
Without a word, they engaged in combat.
Some fought with fists and feet, others with talismans, and yet others with flying swords.
Their magical powers and divine abilities appeared ordinary, nothing special in their might.
But even without a tangible impact on the Law Transmitter, they still inflicted harm.
All wounds were identical to the black spot on his palm.
And before the boundless and still-expanding eternal Xuanhuang, the Law Transmitter's power seemed suppressed.
Faced with endless, tireless illusory incarnations, the Law Transmitter could only defend desperately.
Even as he obliterated them in moments, more and more incarnations flew out from the eternal Xuanhuang.
Yet, each incarnation, in its dying moment, was sure to inflict a sliver of harm on the Law Transmitter.
Even a mere sliver was an incurable fatal wound!
Gradually, the number of black scars on the Law Transmitter increased.
Under the eerie black aura, his compassionate visage seemed somewhat ferocious.
In such a critical situation, the Law Transmitter remained unpanicked.
He pondered the essence of the illusionary Xuanhuang before him.
The insight of the Law Transmitter was unquestionable.
His ability to forge a path of cultivation that defied the natural order to achieve immortality illuminated his astonishing talent through the ages.
Moments ago, having been attacked by the Emperor with the "Path of Destruction and Creation" and then instantly understanding and retaliating, also demonstrated his terrifying level of insight.
He even had inklings about the true nature of the remnants of true immortals scattered across the star sea and the essence of the high wall.
But only...
This realm, oscillating between illusion and reality, the eternal Xuanhuang before him.
Remained elusive, beyond his grasp.
As a supreme being himself, the Law Transmitter knew the limits of such power—it was fundamentally impossible to create such a vast Xuanhuang out of nothing.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to laboriously mend worlds.
Yet here, the pressure of the world's illusion felt real.
The imprints of past Xuanhuang cultivators seemed real.
The wounds inflicted on him felt just as real.
What exactly...
A spark of realization flashed in the Law Transmitter's profound eyes, as if he was on the verge of understanding.
But a flash of sword light cut off his crown, disrupting his train of thought.
Facing the Emperor's relentless, lethal pressure, his physical state could no longer support further observation and learning.
The Law Transmitter felt a slight regret.
He had a premonition that understanding this grand divine technique of the eternal Xuanhuang could significantly benefit the revival of Xuanhuang, even escaping the celestial ruins and crossing the high wall.
Alas, it was clear the opponent had no intention of allowing him his way.
"Your talent, unseen in thousands of years,"
"But to kill me..."
"You're still lacking."
The Law Transmitter's expression became solemn.
A deadly seriousness, unseen since the battle began, emerged in his eyes.
"To die under this technique, you'd have no regrets."
With scars all over, the Law Transmitter spoke lightly.
Suddenly, a crack appeared in front of the eternal Xuanhuang.
Boom!
A massive arm, seemingly composed of countless worlds, stretched out from the crack.
Bang! Bang!
Without hesitation, the world arm collided fiercely with the eternal Xuanhuang.
The starry tunnel trembled.
The eternal Xuanhuang, after all, was not truly eternal at this moment.
Yet the world arm summoned by the Law Transmitter contained real worlds, albeit filled with dead silence and decay.
Under the brutal assault of numerous
world remnants, the illusion of the eternal Xuanhuang became faint and indistinct.
The attacks from those illusory incarnations, for these extinct worlds, were essentially harmless.
Even the remnants of true immortal power lingering on those world pieces gradually transferred to the eternal Xuanhuang during the collision.
Darkness symbolizing calamity appeared in the heavens and earth of the eternal Xuanhuang.
Boom!
Another arm, entirely composed of world remnants, appeared in another corner of the eternal Xuanhuang.
Charging at the standing Emperor, it plowed through everything.
Where it passed, the illusory realm shattered, revealing the true dark void.
"The corpses of worlds..."
The Emperor, watching the approaching scene of countless overlapping ruined worlds, saw the remnants of walls and bones.
The scene of worlds collapsing, cultivators screaming in agony and despair before turning to ash during ancient calamities, flashed before his eyes.
"So many..."
The Emperor was moved.
As the sweeping arm of world remnants approached, a glimmer of light appeared before him.
"Dust to dust, earth to earth."
The light illuminated the Emperor's compassionate face as he murmured.
The moment the world remnants were touched by the light, they evaporated like melting snow, leaving no trace.
The ferocious sweeping arm, far from harming the Emperor, had nearly a hundred world remnants directly dissolved.
A gap appeared in the arm.
"Hmm?!"
The Law Transmitter was truly shocked this time.
Observing the slightly damaged world arm, he swiftly retracted it, focusing on the Emperor surrounded by light.
"This light is..."
Another incomprehensible phenomenon presented itself before him.
The Law Transmitter narrowed his eyes, not rushing to attack but instead reconsidering the Emperor's true identity.
The Emperor took this opportunity to rest.
After all, the continuous use of killing techniques, even with the distant support of Xuanhuang, had taken a toll on him.
The eternal Xuanhuang, founded on his understanding of the principle "when the false is treated as true, the false becomes true," combined with the legacies of past, present, and potentially future great figures of Xuanhuang, formed a world both illusory and real, on a grand scale.
In the Emperor's conjecture, if one's strength was sufficient, it would be possible to summon the eternal Xuanhuang from the void.
But currently, he was far from reaching such a state.
Even the summoned spirits of Xuanhuang lacked the power to manifest physically.
Only in their moment of demise or just before, the burst of power capable of harming the Law Transmitter was granted the attribute of "reality."
Real harm.
Thus, the Law Transmitter could not heal through ordinary means.
Perhaps only by reverting these "real" injuries back to nothingness could the scars disappear from his body.
While the Law Transmitter indeed suffered considerable harm, the Emperor was no better off.
The transition from illusion to reality consumed far more power than the Emperor had anticipated.
In a short period of time, the support from Xuanhuang had been exhausted.
This was why, when later attacked by the arm of world remnants, the eternal Xuanhuang suddenly became vulnerable.
The support Xuanhuang could offer had reached its limit.
What helped the Emperor overcome the difficulty was another treasure from the fishing pond.
Like the cat treasure, it was caught without much additional information.
It was merely a plain white ring.
Yet this inconspicuous object caused the cat treasure to feel annoyance and displeasure.
After carrying it, the cat treasure did not follow.
However, the cat treasure itself lacked combat capabilities, so the Emperor decided to bring the white ring along.
It turned out to be the right decision.
The white ring saved his life.
The white ring's name was unknown, but under its light, any dead matter was dissolved into pure energy.
Living beings, however, were unaffected.
Objects imbued with a cultivator's spiritual sense were also dissolved, but without harming the spiritual sense itself.
Seemingly a minor convenience, it was incredibly powerful.
The sweeping arms of continuous worlds, upon touching the white light, were all dissolved into energy.
Replenishing the Emperor's combat exhaustion.
The battle had reached a stalemate.
Although the Law Transmitter had deeper reserves than the Emperor, the latter had compensated for this disparity with numerous fortuitous encounters.
Both being at the pinnacle of the star sea, it was not easy for either to decisively end the life of the other.
Otherwise, it would be a disservice to the term "supreme."
"May I borrow the object in your hand for a moment?" the Law Transmitter asked during a lull in the battle, a seemingly absurd request.
"Just to verify something. After observing, I will return it," the Law Transmitter earnestly stated.
The Emperor fell silent.
After a long while, he handed over the white ring.
The Law Transmitter nodded, took the ring, and observed it
closely.
His eyebrows gradually raised, then he sighed lightly, "Pity."
Then, as promised, he returned the ring intact to the Emperor, without taking the opportunity to launch a surprise attack.
"If I'm not mistaken, this item should come from beyond the high wall."
"I had hoped it might dissolve the high wall, but that was wishful thinking..." the Law Transmitter said self-mockingly.
Then, with a solemn expression, he looked at the Emperor and asked for the first time, "Who exactly are you? Are you from beyond the high wall?"
It was understandable for the Law Transmitter to ask such a question.
From his perspective, the supreme realm Emperor, possessing numerous divine abilities and appearing so mysteriously, was too extraordinary.
The Emperor simply shook his head, denying the Law Transmitter's guess.
"I am the Emperor ordained by the Great Beginning."
"The incarnation of Xuanhuang's Heavenly Dao."
"To support the faltering edifice, to stem the turned tide, to welcome the orthodoxy of Xuanhuang!" the Emperor declared solemnly.
The Law Transmitter sensed a conspiracy.
"If Xuanhuang's Heavenly Dao had such a formidable ally, how could it have fallen to its current state?"
"Forgive my bluntness, but a mere Xuanhuang could not possibly nurture someone of your caliber," the Law Transmitter stated confidently, his eyes flickering.
Hearing this, the Emperor fell silent.
"Our struggle likely plays into the hands of a schemer in the shadows."
"I urge you to reconsider, lest you fall into their trap," the Law Transmitter continued.
"This person, capable of nurturing you into such a figure, must be powerful. Yet they hide behind the scenes..."
A fierce light flashed in the Law Transmitter's eyes, "Their ambitions are grand."
"Why don't we join forces to expose this person first? How about it?" the Law Transmitter proposed.
Hearing this, the Emperor truly began to consider.
His conviction to save Xuanhuang had never wavered, but as his strength grew, so did his doubts about his true origins.
Especially after verifying his mixed lineage, his inner turmoil peaked.
Yet, he had always suppressed these thoughts with his unwavering belief.
Now, persuaded by the Law Transmitter, those buried thoughts resurfaced.
The Law Transmitter continued, "I can understand your feelings."
"Look, if not for my years of hard work patching up Xuanhuang, this last sanctuary in the dark star sea would have fallen into the celestial ruins long ago."
With a wave of his hand, the Law Transmitter showed the Emperor images of himself traversing the void, carrying worlds still clinging to life.
Although the Emperor was already aware of the Law Transmitter's actions for Xuanhuang, witnessing the scene of him traveling alone through the cold cosmos with determination sparked a flicker of emotion.
"Although we have chosen different paths, in the end, we both aim for the welfare of that world," the Law Transmitter pointed towards the distant Xuanhuang.
"But the person behind this, I'm not so sure," the Law Transmitter's tone grew colder.
"You and I fighting will inevitably lead to harm. Moreover, during our battle, this person behind the scenes might take the opportunity to engage in nefarious activities within Xuanhuang."
"Can you rest easy knowing that after your demise, this person remains hidden within Xuanhuang?"
"I certainly cannot," the Law Transmitter spoke with a killing intent.
The Emperor's expression darkened.
He felt there was some truth to the Law Transmitter's words.
From the moment he observed the white ring and then returned it as promised, the Law Transmitter had proven his integrity.
Meanwhile, the devious nature of the person instigating their conflict was equally evident.
There would be time to settle scores with the Law Transmitter later.
But if he and the Law Transmitter were both severely injured...
The mastermind behind the scenes might indeed achieve their goal.
Noticing the change in the Emperor's heart, the Law Transmitter nodded and began to inquire about the details.
"Emerging from oblivion, suddenly born into this world."
"Hidden connections, bloodline ties..."
As the Emperor described, subtle changes occurred in the Law Transmitter's expression.
Gradually, the atmosphere between them shifted from hostility to a more harmonious tone.
"Uncovering this person behind the scenes isn't as difficult as it might seem."
"Since there are bloodline connections, I possess a secret technique capable of sensing all related individuals within a certain range. However, this cunning individual has likely long since left Xuanhuang," the Law Transmitter said.
Chapter 1,293 The Great Melee in the Star Sea
"I once followed the vague premonitions within the darkness, attempting to trace this person's whereabouts, but all efforts ended in failure," the Emperor said, feeling the rising winds of the star sea. The revival of the star sea and the battle against the lingering true immortal forces is a lengthy process. In human terms, it would continue for over a decade. Before the storm in the star sea reaches its peak, he could re-engage in battle with the Law Transmitter at any time.
Temporary cooperation does not imply eternal reconciliation. The decision to cease hostilities and first investigate the person behind the scenes was not only due to the evenly matched powers of both parties but also included considerations of buying time.
Unintentionally, the Emperor's gaze swept across the distant Xuanhuang Realm. The increasing number of cultivators founding their practices on the principle of "foundation through myself" were weakening the foundations laid by the Law Transmitter. The plan for Xuanhuang's legitimate succession, accelerated by the Empire taking over vast territories originally held by the Alliance of Ten Thousand Immortals, was progressing swiftly. Delaying tactics were advantageous for the Emperor as the star sea storm gradually intensified.
Given that the Law Transmitter initiated the proposition, it was an opportunity the Emperor eagerly welcomed. Moreover, the efforts to fish for treasures from the pond never ceased. Who knows, perhaps during this time, a treasure capable of turning the tides of battle might be caught.
As thoughts raced, the Emperor used the cosmic web of stars to issue orders to his subordinates. While conversing with the Law Transmitter, he managed to extract a drop of blood from his forehead.
The Law Transmitter coughed lightly, first restoring the crown that had been severed in their recent battle. Then, a light swelled, concealing all minor wounds on his body. Witnessing this, the Emperor pondered if the Law Transmitter was delaying time to grasp the principle of "the false as true."
Harboring such suspicions, the Emperor wasn't particularly worried about the Law Transmitter mastering it in this period. He sensed something special about the principle "when the false becomes true when treated as true," which couldn't be penetrated merely through exceptional insight.
As the Emperor reflected, the Law Transmitter, who had resumed his appearance as a benign elder, cast spells that enveloped the Emperor's blood droplet in the air. The light shifted colors ceaselessly, finally settling on a pale yellow very similar to the exterior of the Xuanhuang World.
The Law Transmitter's expression changed slightly upon seeing this. Nevertheless, his actions did not halt but continued to cast spells. Within the pale yellow orb, the blood seemed to come to life, struggling violently before splitting into two bulges.
One pointed towards the direction of the Xuanhuang Realm, and the other...
Astonishingly pointed outside the star sea!
Moreover, it was rotating intensely as if the position it indicated was rapidly changing!
"How could this be..." As the Law Transmitter's expression grew increasingly solemn, the Emperor also became gravely concerned. Before he could finish his question, their surroundings violently erupted.
Unlike the storm caused by the revival of the star sea, it seemed as though something was about to burst forth from the ground below.
Both the Emperor and the Law Transmitter swiftly dodged to avoid the area.
They observed the pale yellow orb enveloping the blood droplet, the rotating bulge gradually coming to a halt, pointing silently ahead.
Moments later, barely perceptible ripples emanated from that direction, as if a drop of water had just fallen.
Though neither their senses nor their eyes could locate the target, both the Emperor and the Law Transmitter knew something had just arrived.
The Law Transmitter's eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of reminiscence, but upon glancing at the Emperor's blood droplet again, his eyes flickered with confusion.
"Interesting. The true mastermind behind the scenes has actually made a move..."
Within the pale yellow light, the Emperor's blood droplet slowly burnt out. However, the protrusion remained firmly pointed towards the void ahead.
"Immortal vessel..." the Law Transmitter murmured softly.
The Emperor also narrowed his eyes, aware of the transmission sword light that had previously appeared outside the Xuanhuang Realm. His mind raced with thoughts.
"Could it be, the conspiracy involves this immortal vessel?" The Emperor felt a chill in his heart.
"But..."
"The timing of this vessel's appearance is too coincidental." The Emperor stared ahead, not making the first move.
"The Xuan Immortal Vessel is a remnant of the ancient Xuan Merchant Immortal Vessel, hiding beneath the high wall in the endless ruins..." The Law Transmitter briefly introduced the Xuan Immortal Vessel's background to the Emperor.
Gazing at the magnificent scene below the high wall at the edge of the star sea, the Emperor momentarily lost himself in thought. Having briefly connected with the true intent of the star sea, he was
aware of its boundless vastness. This further highlighted the terrifying nature of the high wall that securely enclosed the star sea.
"Our great battle here, and they appear at this location..."
"Let me see how much the Xuan Immortal Vessel has grown over the years." A hint of cold light flashed in the Law Transmitter's eyes.
His figure remained unmoved, merely casting a glance.
The space rippled by the shuttle of the Xuan Immortal Vessel gradually calmed down. Then, as if ice descended, the space slowly fell into absolute stillness.
As if heralding the end of the star sea, no fluctuations emanated from that dead zone.
"Indeed, the divine abilities of the Law Transmitter are extraordinary."
Seeing this, the Emperor's pupils shrank. He pondered how he would counter such a move.
The absolute freeze did not last.
Before it could fully take effect, a violent force suddenly emerged, shattering the frozen state completely.
The image of the Xuan Immortal Vessel vanished in a flash.
The power released by the Xuan Immortal Vessel did not merely break the Law Transmitter's frozen state. It also resonated with the many remnants of immortal power in the star sea.
Like rivers converging, they surged tumultuously towards them in an instant.
If the Emperor's previously laid trap was like a stream of remaining immortal power, what was now attracted resembled a roaring river.
The activation of the remnants of immortal power, already more active than usual due to their opposition to the revival forces of the star sea, chased after the scents of life from the Law Transmitter and the Emperor like beasts on the hunt.
Both were forced to dodge.
Although both had reached the summit of the star sea, known as the Supreme Realm, they were wary of the remnants of immortal power capable of contending with the star sea itself.
Especially since they were still in a state of cooperation and hostility. If one were to be seriously injured, they would undoubtedly be at a disadvantage in the forthcoming decisive battle.
After all, the remnants of immortal power, unlike ordinary techniques, were not so easily dispelled.
Each relied on their own abilities.
The Emperor, with his connection to the star sea, could almost see the surging remnants of immortal power clearly and adeptly dodged them.
On the rare occasions he couldn't evade, the flickering starlight robe and the prayers emanating from the Great Kai Empire rapidly dispelled the remnants of immortal power.
The Law Transmitter's methods, however, were quite unique.
He once again summoned the arm composed of numerous destroyed worlds.
Like two sponges, it absorbed all the surging remnants of immortal power.
Boom!
Some remnants, under the baptism of immortal power, completely disintegrated into ashes.
Yet, within the arm, other remnants quickly took their place.
It was unclear how many such world fragments the Law Transmitter had collected over the years.
Seeing how easily the Law Transmitter and the Emperor dissolved the crisis, the Xuan Immortal Vessel, which had failed to redirect the disaster, once again took action.
A yellow paper talisman slowly drifted down from the void.
It appeared leisurely but moved with incredible speed.
The Emperor and the Law Transmitter had just sensed its existence when, in the next instant, the talisman landed on them.
The uniqueness of this paper talisman was evident.
Initially, it seemed like only one talisman was falling. But since there were two targets, it simultaneously landed on both their heads.
"True Immortal Seal..."
The same thought flashed through the minds of the Emperor and the Law Transmitter.
They quickly felt the power contained within this True Immortal Seal.
Hum!
First, the Emperor sensed the disconnection from the dark star sea. It wasn't directly severed by the True Immortal Seal but rather, the star sea itself actively cut off the connection.
He could even faintly sense the hostility emanating from the star sea just before the disconnection.
What was once considered a home advantage, where every movement was supported by the power of the star sea, now felt like moving through mud, with every action encountering great resistance.
From the Law Transmitter, once seen as a temporary ally, the Emperor now sensed intense malice.
In an instant, every direction seemed filled with enemies!
More chilling for the Emperor was the realization that the support he received from the Kai Empire was also slowly fading. Although not immediately unusable, if this trend continued, the Kai Empire might soon turn from a source of support to an adversary, much like the star sea.
The Emperor, facing such an ordeal for the first time, surveyed his surroundings, thoughts racing.
"Is this the power of the True Immortal Seal?"
"Not just any remnant power scattered throughout the star sea, but the complete power of a true immortal..."
The Emperor tried to recall the pattern on the paper talisman he had just seen.
But he could not recall even the slightest detail.
As he tried to counter the increasingly intense hostility
around him, the Emperor observed the Law Transmitter, who was now some distance away. Without realizing it, their distance had increased significantly.
The Law Transmitter's crown shone with the luster of white jade.
Reflected upon it were the statues of the Law Transmitter standing tall in the Xuanhuang Realm.
One of the statues emerged from the crown, becoming solid amidst the light.
As soon as the statue materialized, it was attacked by all surrounding forces. The star sea's power, remnants of immortal power, and even the Law Transmitter himself...
The statue shattered. The violent explosion caused by the collision of multiple forces swept towards the Emperor as it approached.
It seemed as if they had encountered an irreconcilable enemy.
The Emperor seriously dissipated the impact, continuing to observe the Law Transmitter's actions.
With another statue emerging from the crown and being reduced to rubble by the combined forces, the Emperor sensed the True Immortal Seal's influence on the Law Transmitter weakening slightly.
"Is this a method of using false death to replace oneself in diminishing hostility?"
The Emperor, with his quick understanding, soon grasped the Law Transmitter's intent.
With a thought, a vague shadow of the Emperor also emerged from the starlight robe.
As expected, the shadow was attacked fiercely by all surrounding forces upon its division.
Including the Emperor himself.
Even as he struck his own divided shadow, the Emperor felt a slight sense of satisfaction from avenging a wrong.
This fleeting illusion disappeared along with the shadow's dissipation, but it still left the Emperor deeply shaken.
Both he and the Law Transmitter stood at the pinnacle of the star sea.
Yet under the influence of the True Immortal Seal, they were powerless to retaliate.
They had to resort to this "dead method" to gradually dissipate the True Immortal Seal's influence.
They couldn't directly counter it with equal power.
"Perhaps, by manifesting the Eternal Xuanhuang Realm and relying on the understanding of 'the false as true,' it might stand a chance against it."
"As for the other methods I possess..."
The Emperor quickly reviewed them in his mind, finding none that could compare.
In the star sea, a rather comical scene unfolded.
Two Supreme powerhouses were pinned in place by a True Immortal Seal.
Observing from the shadows for a while, the Xuan Immortal Vessel finally made another move.
The somewhat disheveled Emperor received a transmission.
"The Xuan Immortal Vessel only seeks materials for survival in the star sea."
"Perhaps, we can cooperate."
The Emperor was taken aback.
Hearing no response from the Emperor, the Xuan Immortal Vessel sent another message: "We can help your Kai Empire against the Law Transmitter. But in return, we ask for a place to settle after the deed is done."
"Rest assured, the Xuan Immortal Vessel's crew totals no more than a hundred thousand. The vast Xuanhuang Realm can easily accommodate us without any difference."
...
The Xuan Immortal Vessel's transmission was sincere, further confusing the Emperor.
Had it not been for the bloodline guidance previously indicating the potential mastermind aboard the immortal vessel, the Emperor might have been genuinely tempted.
But now...
The Emperor quietly pondered the Xuan Immortal Vessel's true intentions.
"Could it be, seeing my cooperation with the Law Transmitter, they decided to step forward and sow discord?"
Almost naturally, the Emperor came to this conclusion.
The Emperor remained silent for a long time.
Sensing the Emperor's hostility, the Xuan Immortal Vessel sent another message, causing the Emperor's heart to skip a beat.
"Do not trust the Law Transmitter!"
"Years ago, he sneaked onto our vessel, pretending to observe, and stole many of our hidden treasures!"
"Although he changed his appearance back then, he couldn't fool us..."
Numerous documents followed.
Leaving the Emperor in a prolonged silence.
"If interested, contact us through this method."
As the chaos caused by the True Immortal Seal gradually subsided, the Xuan Immortal Vessel left behind a secret method and vanished completely.
The storm calmed, and the hostility from the world faded.
The connection between the Emperor and the star sea was also being restored.
However, the distance between the Emperor and the Law Transmitter, which had increased, remained unchanged.
"Although they escaped, we can still lock onto their location using your bloodline," the Law Transmitter said, looking at the Emperor.
"This Xuan Immortal Vessel is indeed tricky, coming and going without a trace. Can't you trace their movements?" the Emperor asked, not rushing to bleed again.
The Law Transmitter chuckled: "Over the years, the Xuan Immortal Vessel has indeed made some progress. Their research into the True Immortal Seal has reached such a level. Although it's a misguided path in our eyes, it's undeniable..."
The Law Transmitter looked towards the star sea
.
"In this dark star sea, they're indeed troublesome."
"Small amounts of immortal remnants might not pose a threat. But like just now, when they gather, you should be careful."
"If you're not careful and get marked, it might take a lot of effort to remove it. It could even impact your future path..." the Law Transmitter warned.
The Emperor pondered, observing the remnants of immortal power around them, which, although dispersed, had not vanished.
"Is there no way to truly eliminate these powers? Besides relying on the star sea's own revival forces." the Emperor inquired.
"Do you know why the restoration of the Xuanhuang Realm has been so slow?"
"Finding suitable materials is harder than finding a needle in a haystack."
"True immortal remnants, without becoming true immortals, are difficult to dispel..." the Law Transmitter shook his head.
The Emperor remained silent.
"I don't have much time left," the Law Transmitter suddenly stated.
The Emperor was startled and looked at him.
The Law Transmitter didn't explain further but instead asked, "What are your plans now?"
"Continue chasing the Xuan Immortal Vessel to find the true mastermind..."
"Or battle me?!"
"The Xuan Immortal Vessel must have said something to you just now." the Law Transmitter could tell the Emperor's attitude had changed.
The Emperor didn't hide it and nodded, asking, "Have you been to the Xuan Immortal Vessel..."
"Indeed. And I took some things I needed." the Law Transmitter admitted openly.
The Emperor stared at the Law Transmitter, surprised by his frankness.
"Just as you wish to save the Xuanhuang Realm, I too have things I must persist in." Perhaps it had been a long time since he spoke to someone like this, the Law Transmitter conversed as if talking to an old friend.
"To achieve this goal, one must be unscrupulous."
The Emperor neither agreed nor objected.
The Law Transmitter pointed towards the Xuanhuang Realm, slightly above: "Have you ever visited the Immortal Ruins?"
"No."
"There, sits a True Immortal who has realized the Dao. He is one of the culprits behind the calamity of this star sea. Have you ever thought about how, even if you defeat me, you will escape from this True Immortal with the entire Xuanhuang Realm in the future?" the Law Transmitter asked.
"The time left for the Xuanhuang Realm is also running out." the Law Transmitter scoffed.
The Emperor remained silent again.
"I have a way." the Law Transmitter declared proudly.
"By disregarding the possible extinction of the future for the sake of Xuanhuang, can you truly justify the title of 'Saint'?" the Law Transmitter questioned.
The Emperor was not swayed by the Law Transmitter's words: "If you can find a way to save the world, so can I."
"But if I were persuaded to give up by your words, how could I face the billions of people in the Kai Empire?"
The Law Transmitter smiled wryly, no longer arguing with the Emperor.
He just sighed lightly: "You don't know my experiences over the years..."
After a moment, the Law Transmitter spoke seriously: "I had no intention of being your enemy. Nor do I fear you delaying time."
"If you wish to fight, I'm always ready."
"Everything depends on your decision."
As the Law Transmitter spoke, the Emperor pondered for a long time, about to respond.
Suddenly, ripples appeared around them again.
It was the Xuan Immortal Vessel, returning!
This time, instead of greeting them with the True Immortal Seal, it started with mockery: "As expected of the famous Law Transmitter, your words are more pleasant to hear than to sing. But when will you return the treasures you stole from our Xuan Immortal Vessel?"
"By the way, the current state of the Xuanhuang Realm, being able to exist under the Immortal Ruins for so long, owes a lot to our stolen treasures, doesn't it?"
The voice from the Xuan Immortal Vessel was filled with hatred towards the Law Transmitter.
The Law Transmitter did not retort.
The Emperor, listening to these words, began to wonder what exactly the so-called stolen treasures were.
Two Supreme beings and an ancient immortal vessel stood in opposition in the void.
The conflict between the Law Transmitter and the Emperor lay in the irreconcilable differences between the Law Transmitter's foundation and the survival of the Xuanhuang Realm.
And between the immortal vessel and the Law Transmitter was a blood feud, also irreconcilable.
Logically, it would be wise for the Emperor to ally with the immortal vessel against the Law Transmitter.
However, the bloodline guidance previously used, pointing towards the Xuan Immortal Vessel, caused the Emperor to feel
an inexplicable unease, hence his indecision.
Not entirely relying on the Law Transmitter's secret technique, the Emperor also sensed a familiar aura from the vessel.
If the Xuan Immortal Vessel came from beneath the high wall, then why was it related to his origin?
All of this was too confusing, and the words the Law Transmitter just said made the Emperor, who initially only wanted to defeat the Law Transmitter, consider even more.
"The location Elder Gan chose is excellent. If it were any further, even with the protection of the True Immortal Seal's power, it might be difficult for your immortal vessel to remain intact," the Law Transmitter said after a while, recognizing the voice from the Xuan Immortal Vessel.
He spoke calmly, his eyes flashing with a hint of coldness.
However, it seemed he was cautious about something and did not act rashly.
The Xuan Immortal Vessel ignored the Law Transmitter, openly persuading the Emperor to cooperate with them.
"Don't worry about the safety of the Xuanhuang Realm. We've found a way to save the Xuanhuang Realm on our vessel."
"Look..."
A multitude of images flooded the Emperor's mind.
On the land of the Xuanhuang Realm, numerous obelisks emitted dazzling light.
The Xuanhuang Realm was slowly moved away from the Immortal Ruins.
The Emperor even recognized that the power source for these obelisks was the Dark Sea hidden deep within the Xuanhuang Realm!
"It seems..."
"Feasible?"
After a brief calculation, the Emperor was deeply shaken.
"How does the Xuan Immortal Vessel know about the existence of the Dark Sea?"
As if seeing the Emperor's doubts, the Xuan Immortal Vessel explained: "Years ago, we visited the Xuanhuang Realm and had many exchanges..."
However, this statement did not dispel the Emperor's suspicions.
Instead, he became even more wary.
Hearing the Xuan Immortal Vessel persuading the Emperor, the Law Transmitter initially seemed indifferent.
But as the Emperor's expression subtly changed, he too became surprised.
His look towards the Xuan Immortal Vessel also changed.
In recent times, too many incomprehensible and uncontrollable events had occurred.
This had never happened in the thousands of years before.
But the Law Transmitter believed that capturing the Xuan Immortal Vessel would solve many mysteries.
Although considering the Xuanhuang Realm and the True Immortal's factors, this wasn't the place to act, he didn't believe the Xuan Immortal Vessel would stay here forever.
The Law Transmitter's gaze turned to the depths of the star sea.
There, a presence was rapidly approaching this location.
"Once they arrive, even if we battle here, it doesn't matter."
The Law Transmitter looked at the Emperor and the Xuan Immortal Vessel conversing, then slowly closed his eyes.
The situation was extremely delicate.
At this moment, a vibration from the Xuanhuang Realm attracted the attention of all three forces present.
The Xuanhuang Realm, which had become somewhat weak due to remotely supporting the Emperor, now burst with a great vitality.
Bang! Bang!
Like the sound of a vigorous heartbeat, it was clearly audible.
The Xuanhuang light sphere churned.
As if something was being nurtured within.
The Xuan Immortal Vessel was puzzled.
The Emperor's face showed astonishment. He felt the connection with the Xuanhuang Realm rapidly fading. Although the affection remained, it could no longer provide any assistance from now on.
The Law Transmitter's expression went from astonishment to disbelief.
Then, as if sensing something, his eyes lit up.
He no longer cared about the two present and rushed towards the Xuanhuang Realm.
The Xuan Immortal Vessel reacted a moment later.
Its tone was shocked, then filled with excitement: "Immortal spirit energy! And so dense! This...
"At least two or three immortal artifacts! The Xuanhuang Realm is truly a treasure trove!"
The Xuan Immortal Vessel followed closely, transforming into a streak of light.
The Emperor, using the cosmic web of stars and the vision of the soldiers of the Great Kai, had also sensed what was happening in the Xuanhuang Realm.
"The true Great Emperor of Xuanhuang has descended."
Without a sense of being "abandoned" and lost, the Emperor felt a strong unease.
As if from that moment on, the situation had completely spiraled out of control.
An invisible hand seemed to be manipulating everything behind the scenes.
The Law Transmitter, he the Emperor, the Xuan Immortal Vessel, and the newly born Emperor of Xuanhuang...
It seemed they were all under its control.
"What exactly..."
The Emperor felt a heavy weight in his heart and in an instant, arrived outside the Xuanhuang Realm.
The current Xuanhuang
Realm, compared to before, had undergone a very noticeable change.
As if a long-dormant mechanism had been activated, from all over the Xuanhuang Realm, some peculiar aura was emitted.
Ancient, old, yet harboring magical power.
"This..."
The Emperor's eyes showed shock.
"Immortal spirit energy?"
He also saw the Law Transmitter with a dark face, and the Xuan Immortal Vessel, which he had stopped in front of.
Traces of immortal spirit energy diffused from various parts of the Xuanhuang Realm.
The source could not be determined.
But that sacred ancient power...
Was not a good sign for the beings of the Xuanhuang Realm.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Numerous cultivators, upon contact with traces of immortal spirit energy, appeared ecstatic.
Then they exploded into pieces in an instant.
How could mortal bodies withstand the power of a true immortal?
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