Yuan's Ascension
Chapter 1141: The Most Ancient One

Chapter 1141: The Most Ancient One

"So he’s the successor of Senior Spacetime," said Dao Zenithel Meng Xing with a smile. "It seems Ming Jian received Senior Spacetime's inheritance while cultivating on the Spacetime Island. No wonder he has made such accomplishments and even became a practitioner of the Psyche Dream class."

Dao Zenithel Meng Xing had not known this before, but now she had her answer.

With a thought, she had perceived most of Ming Jian's past, getting a good grasp of the situation.

"My apologies, Meng Xing," said the thin middle-aged man, his robes fluttering as he spoke softly. "I did not inform you of this matter beforehand."

Ming Jian was a member of the Taiyuan Saint Realm, and in a broad sense, also under Dao Zenithel Meng Xing's command. In a way, if Dao Zenithel Meng Xing were to accuse the Spacetime Dao Master of poaching talent, she would have reason to do so.

"Please don't say that, Senior Spacetime," Dao Zenithel Meng Xing shook her head. "You are one of the three founders of the Alliance. When I rose to power back then, I also received guidance from you."

To the side, True Saint Taiyuan lowered his head and remained silent.

He knew that Dao Zenithel Meng Xing might be able to match the Spacetime Dao Master in terms of direct combat ability, but the Dao Master possessed a very special ability - immortality! Wielding the Great Dao's Authority, he was both bound and protected. Throughout endless ages, there had never been a Dao Master killed by external forces.

Moreover, the Spacetime Dao Master's seniority was too high. He was even more ancient than Goddess Nüwa.

The Spacetime Dao Master was truly one of the earliest eternal powerhouses, born when heaven and earth came into being. Too many eternal powerhouses had received his guidance. Over endless ages, he had accumulated a terrifying amount of treasures. Even Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu was born in the later period of the Primordial Era. The Heavenly Imperator? He rose to power even later.

Therefore, although Dao Zenithel Meng Xing's strength was formidable, she was actually at a disadvantage when facing the Spacetime Dao Master.

"I'm delighted that you've found a suitable successor," Dao Zenithel Meng Xing smiled. "That True Saint Meng Guan too, isn't he very close to the Dao Zenithel stage?"

"One step away, yet as distant as heaven and earth," the thin middle-aged man said calmly. "Meng Guan is still far from breaking through."

"Good, with Senior Spacetime's guidance, I need not worry about Ming Jian," Dao Zenithel Meng Xing smiled. "However, there is one matter where I may need your help, Senior."

"Speak," the Spacetime Dao Master looked at her.

"Chen Mo of the Abyss Alliance wants to contact Devil Emperor Xia. I owe him a favor, so he came to me, hoping Overlord Ming Jian could help," Dao Zenithel Meng Xing said frankly. She had no intention of concealing this. In her view, this was just a small matter.

"Hmm, a trifling matter," the Spacetime Dao Master said calmly, "However, we should not force the younger generation against their will. Let me inquire with Ming Jian. Also, Devil Emperor Xia has other Fellow Daoists behind him. It's not as simple as you think. Don't stir up trouble."

"Other Fellow Daoists?" Dao Zenithel Meng Xing pondered.

Anyone called a Fellow Daoist by the Spacetime Dao Master had to be a Dao Zenithel, a being standing at the peak of the cosmic sea.

The Spacetime Dao Master closed his eyes lightly, apparently contacting Ming Jian.

After a while, the Spacetime Dao Master opened his eyes and shook his head slightly, "Ming Jian has already sent me a message. Devil Emperor Xia is unwilling to meet Chen Mo and asks not to be disturbed further."

"Unwilling?" Dao Zenithel Meng Xing was stunned, a bit surprised.

"You can tell Chen Mo to ask Nanga," the Spacetime Dao Master said calmly. "He might get an answer."

Nanga? Devil Emperor Xia? Dao Zenithel Meng Xing's thoughts swirled, and various pieces of information surfaced in her mind. True Saint Ji Guang seems to be under Nanga’s command, and True Saint Ji Guang has a deep grudge with Devil Emperor Xia.

Could it be that Nanga has already clashed with the Dao Zenithel behind Devil Emperor Xia? Dao Zenithel Meng Xing quickly came to a conclusion.

"Senior Spacetime, if that's the case, I won't disturb you further. I'll take my leave," Dao Zenithel Meng Xing smiled faintly, her figure dissipating into countless points of light, leaving no trace.

"Dao Master," True Saint Taiyuan looked at the Spacetime Dao Master.

"I did not actually inquire with Ming Jian just now," the Spacetime Dao Master said calmly. "Do you know Devil Emperor Xia's true identity?"

"True identity?" True Saint Taiyuan was stunned, then shook his head.

"He is Ming Jian's body refiner self," the Spacetime Dao Master said calmly.

True Saint Taiyuan's eyes widened. Devil Emperor Xia was Ming Jian's body refiner self? In an instant, he understood why Ming Jian and Devil Emperor Xia were close friends who would die for each other, and why the Spacetime Dao Master had directly refused Dao Zenithel Meng Xing's request.

"In that case, the one standing behind Devil Emperor Xia is that person?" True Saint Taiyuan murmured.

That person, of course, referred to Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu.

"I’ve wronged you this time. I'm afraid Meng Xing will not fully trust you again," the Spacetime Dao Master looked calmly at True Saint Taiyuan.

"The Dao Master jests," True Saint Taiyuan smiled. "I am originally a universe-born lifeform. Dao Zenithel Meng Xing is a naturally-born eternal lifeform. It was already difficult to gain her complete trust to begin with.

"Moreover, all my actions are within the Alliance's rules," True Saint Taiyuan said frankly.

Belonging to the same alliance, Dao Zenithel Meng Xing wouldn't give him trouble over such a small matter, at most simply distancing herself from him.

"Send a request to the Blood Emperor, applying to come under my command," the Spacetime Dao Master suddenly said. "Also, True Saint Bu Xiu previously took Ming Jian's body refiner self as his disciple. I've already sent a message to him, asking him to come under my command."

True Saint Taiyuan was shocked, then a trace of joy flashed across his face.

Following the Spacetime Dao Master? It had been a very long time since the Spacetime Dao Master had taken any new True Saints under his command.

"Are you willing?" The Spacetime Dao Master looked at True Saint Taiyuan, his gaze very calm.

"I am willing! This junior is naturally willing," True Saint Taiyuan suppressed the excitement in his heart.

This was an opportunity. Changing allegiances had always been taboo, but this was the Spacetime Dao Master's invitation, so the situation was different. Moreover, True Saint Taiyuan understood that the Dao Master was likely paving the way for Ming Jian.

So Ming Jian even took True Saint Bu Xiu as his master. True Saint Taiyuan thought to himself. This was a secret he had been unaware of.

"Mm, make your request first. I will send a message to Blood Emperor," the Spacetime Dao Master said indifferently.

Then, his figure silently dissipated without a trace.

The legend is indeed true. This Blood Dream Voidrealm was established by the Dao Master. Within this voidrealm, the Dao Master possesses supreme authority, surpassing even the Blood Emperor and the Dream Emperor. True Saint Taiyuan thought to himself.

The Blood Emperor, the Dream Emperor, and the Spacetime Dao Master were the three founders of the Blood Dream Alliance, and also held the highest positions.

While Dao Zenithel Meng Xing was a behemoth of the Alliance, she had risen to power later, so her foundation was much weaker.

Joining the Dao Master's lineage is an opportunity for me. True Saint Taiyuan's eyes glimmered with light.

As a True Saint, True Saint Taiyuan understood many secrets. He knew very well that the Spacetime Dao Master was not considered strong among Dao Zenithels in terms of cultivation level and strength.

However, he had lived for too long, and those who comprehended the Great Dao of Spacetime excelled at finding treasures. He was too wealthy, not only possessing numerous Chaos Treasures, but even Xuanhuang Dao Treasures. Relying on his abundance of treasures, the Spacetime Dao Master was considered a Peak Dao Zenithel.

This was just in terms of direct combat power. In terms of self-preservation ability? Perhaps only the Heavenly Imperator and Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu could surpass the Spacetime Dao Master.

Moreover, among the eternal powerhouses guided by the Spacetime Dao Master, quite a few have become Dao Zenithels, some of whom were once under his command. True Saint Taiyuan thought to himself. The Spacetime Dao Master is not someone to be provoked.

Legend had it that Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu, Great Emperor Yan Tuo, and the Spacetime Dao Master shared a close relationship.

The Spacetime Dao Master represented a very vast force. He had friends on all sides, and no one in the cosmic sea was willing to provoke him.

He had stayed in the Ling Jiang Universe for eons and True Saint Taiyuan was also a lifeform of the Ling Jiang Universe, so they were naturally close.

At least, it's much better than being under Dao Zenithel Meng Xing. True Saint Taiyuan revealed a smile. Ming Jian is truly my lucky star.

He understood things clearly. Without Ming Jian, the Spacetime Dao Master might not have bothered with him at all.

The Dao Master seems unwilling to meet Ming Jian for now? Perhaps he's testing him in secret.

But I should still inform Ming Jian of this matter. True Saint Taiyuan pondered. I also need to seek Ming Jian's opinion on Old Shui's matter.

By now, True Saint Taiyuan already regarded Ming Jian as someone who should be treated as an equal.

...

Deep in the cosmic sea, within a majestic eternal realm emanating a ferocious and domineering aura.

What? A mysterious being erased all past, present, and future traces and possibilities of Saint Hong Yun? Dao Zenithel Chen Mo received a message from Dao Zenithel Nanga after inquiring with him.

The other party's words were very vague. But Dao Zenithel Chen Mo was extremely knowledgeable, and he easily deduced much information.

Could it be the Spacetime Dao Master's doing? Unlikely! Given his personality, he wouldn't go after a Saint like this.

Wan Yu? There are no traces indicating... Dao Zenithel Chen Mo pondered. Could it be that one?

A trace of wariness flashed in his eyes.

Looking at the entire cosmic sea, only those two could make numerous Dao Zenithels pale at the mention of their names.

Is it really... Yes, apart from that one, who else could make even Nanga unwilling to tell me their name? Dao Zenithel Chen Mo shook his head, quickly suppressing the thoughts in his heart.

Dao Zenithel Nanga was unwilling to touch an unlucky star. He felt the same way.

...

In the Taiyuan Saint Realm, within the hall belonging to Wu Yuan.

Hum~ A vast aura descended. Wu Yuan, who was in quiet cultivation, immediately sensed it. A trace of surprise flashed in his eyes and he quickly went to the main hall.

In the distance, he saw a figure in azure robes.

"True Saint," Wu Yuan was about to pay his respects.

"No need for such formalities. Rise," True Saint Taiyuan waved his hand, and an invisible force lifted Wu Yuan.

"From now on, you needn't bow when you see me," True Saint Taiyuan smiled warmly.

"No need to bow?" Wu Yuan was taken aback, his mind whirling with confusion.

Since when had a True Saint been so courteous?

"I've heard about your exploits in Ancient Dream Mountain. Well done, you've truly made me proud," True Saint Taiyuan said with a grin.

Wu Yuan couldn't help but smile in return.

"I've come to discuss some matters with you," True Saint Taiyuan continued. "Not long ago, Dao Zenithel Meng Xing met with me, hoping to train you in the Meng Xing Eternal Realm."

"Dao Zenithel Meng Xing?" Wu Yuan was immediately alarmed.

Though he didn't know who this person was, anyone bearing the title of Dao Zenithel was an apex existence in the cosmic sea.

"No need to panic. The Spacetime Dao Master intervened and declined on your behalf..." True Saint Taiyuan swiftly explained the whole situation.

However, he didn't explicitly mention that Wu Yuan was Devil Emperor Xia. There was no need.

"Dao Zenithel Chen Mo? Dao Zenithel Meng Xing? The Spacetime Dao Master?" Wu Yuan listened in awe.

He never imagined that Devil Emperor Xia’s affair would involve so many powerful figures, with several Dao Zenithels making an appearance.

Yet, from True Saint Taiyuan's account, Wu Yuan keenly grasped one crucial detail: the Spacetime Dao Master's status seemed incredibly lofty–even the mighty Dao Zenithels readily yielded to him.

"The Spacetime Dao Master is one of the founders of the alliance. He's arguably the most ancient being in the entire cosmic sea. His status is exalted, and while not quite on par with Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu, he's not far behind," True Saint Taiyuan explained with a smile.

"Becoming his successor is your great fortune. You must take the Dao Master's instructions to heart," True Saint Taiyuan advised. "The old man truly cares for you."

"Yes, I'll remember," Wu Yuan nodded repeatedly.

He realized that the Spacetime Dao Master was likely similar to Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu. Though seemingly taking a hands-off approach, he was probably secretly protecting Wu Yuan all along.

Some unknown and insurmountable dangers had likely been silently eliminated without Wu Yuan ever knowing.

"Besides the Dao Master's matter, there's another favor I'd like to ask of you," True Saint Taiyuan changed the subject. "But first, I want to confirm: have you indeed constructed a Dream World?"

"Yes," Wu Yuan nodded.

This ultimate technique would inevitably be fully exposed with repeated use. There was no point concealing it. By now, various factions across the cosmic sea were spreading word of this ability.

"A true Dream World? That means you’re now part of the Psyche Dream class, an incredibly powerful school of thought," True Saint Taiyuan mused with wonder. "Legend has it that Goddess Nüwa pioneered this class and walked it to its zenith, achieving Dao Enlightenment within dreams. With a single flower, she could create an entire world, causing even Dao Zenithels to die silently and imperceptibly."

Wu Yuan listened intently.

Having witnessed the wonders of the Dream River of Universes, Wu Yuan believed Goddess Nüwa capable of such feats.

"You're familiar with Saint Shen Shui, aren't you?" True Saint Taiyuan inquired.

"I am," Wu Yuan confirmed.

"He's been stuck at the Saint stage for ages. After eons, he's found an opportunity located within the Scorched Tribulation Grounds..." True Saint Taiyuan began to explain.

Wu Yuan quickly grasped what True Saint Taiyuan was asking. In essence, he wanted Wu Yuan's mana body to accompany Saint Shen Shui's true self on an expedition into the Scorched Tribulation Grounds, to aid in his breakthrough.

"I've ventured deep into the Scorched Tribulation Grounds before. The more Eternals that enter, the stronger the power of the tribulations," True Saint Taiyuan said regretfully. "So, it's actually best for him to go alone.

"As for sempiternal lifeforms, having a few more to assist him wouldn't hurt. But you know, ordinary sempiternal lifeforms would be utterly useless there," True Saint Taiyuan continued. "You're different. With your Dream World and soul attacks, you could greatly alleviate his burden.

"Among sempiternal lifeforms, one with your level of power emerges only once in many cycles of samsara."

Wu Yuan listened silently, contemplating the request.

The Scorched Tribulation Grounds were famous, and Wu Yuan had come across mentions of them in various intelligence reports. They were located in the Outer Region of the cosmic sea, far from the Heartland.

Venture into the Outer Region? It was far too dangerous. Normally, only cultivators at the Saint level or above would dare to explore such a place.

"I know it's perilous," True Saint Taiyuan sighed. "Though you'd only be sending your mana body, there's always the risk of some unfathomable threat reaching across endless spacetime to affect your true self.

"So, I won't force you. The decision is yours to make."