"EVERWORLD! The Everworld has appeared!" Cries throughout the Grand Cyclic Stellar Region rampaged through the streets, towns, cities, kingdoms, associations, pavilions, sects, and clans!
Every eighty-one years, the Everworld would appear, announcing the beginning of the Chosen King Competition to the world! While it was merely a tiny-sized planet at the edge of the Aeternal Sky Starfield, they could see it from everywhere in the Grand Cyclic Stellar Region, even an unimaginable number of miles away if they looked up. Like an omniscient deity overseeing all creation, it was there.
It was there to judge.
It was there to challenge.
It was there to find.
Gather! It called out to the hearts and souls of the younger generation, those beneath or at the age of five hundred. The Chosen of the New World was inspired by this singular event that tested their cultivated efforts, their forged convictions, willpower, and intellect in ways that were difficult to describe. Some had already experienced it three or even four times throughout their lifetimes, yet they were still awed by the Everworld each time.
Aeternal Sky Starfield, Elementus Domain.
On the surface of Neo-Origin, a planet forged by the powers of Elemental Origin Heart Intent by the youngest known Worldly Saint Alchemist of written history, by the Ascendant Emperor of Neo-Dawn, and home to the True Element Sect, there was a hearty, heavy effort of cultivation throughout.
The round of testing to determine the Chosen of the True Element Sect had already been completed. It was a fierce, bloody fight that stirred the crowd, bringing forth unexpected victors and excited cheers. Among the unexpected victors was none other than the Archaic Chosen, Lin Ming.
Despite initially being a name used to ridicule his position as an unofficial Chosen gained through dubious means, the Archaic Chosen became a well-known moniker of the True Element Sect over the years. This was especially so due to the close relationship Lin Ming had with the Saintess of their Sect, Lin Xianxei, who was also the sole daughter of their Sect Leader, Lin Xianxian.
All of his efforts over the years finally grew into a delicious fruit, allowing him to attain the Chosen title rightfully, changing his reputation throughout the entire sect. At the moment, the Archaic Chosen was sweating from his brow' and head, staring at the sky with labored breathing.
"Everworld." The hand clenching his Origin Spear tightened. Since he had met Lin Xianxei, she had briefly mentioned the miraculous event known as the Chosen King Competition. She had, more or less, prepared him to face this challenge and erupt with heaven-shaking results. He wanted to make her proud, and to prove his worth, that the trash from the Myriad Yore Continent that had to run about like a rat was no longer the same.
That Lin Ming was capable of achieving great things!
The last two years had spurred his heart to cultivate. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to grasp the secrets of Spiritualism, but training to take that step improved his strength greatly. It was fine, however, because this was his first Chosen King Competition. If not this year, there will be another.
That said...
...he wanted to claim the title this year.
The title of Chosen King!
Everlore Domain, Planet Third Sky.
"It's finally here," San Yongli looked to the clear-blue sky to find the tiny-sized planet that stood out more than any Solar Star-no matter the time of the day, no matter where you were, there it was.
Her eyes shone with nostalgic light as her memories washed through her mind without restraint. She had died once before, losing her life to an exploding World Realm Core. By heaven's will, she was given a second chance. While she might not have been the only one, she didn't think she would fall behind with enough time.
"Will everything change this time as it had before?" In her past life, chaos followed this Chosen King Competition, and at one point, she had acted to prevent or prepare for that eventuality. However, Wei Wuyin's existence deeply overturned the potential of that possible future.
Still, it could happen. She had to not be caught unprepared, especially if she wanted to strive for the life she deserved.
Her fists clenched tightly as her heart steadied itself with deep, strong breaths. When she looked at the tiny-sized planet again, a freshly invigorated light emanated from the depths of her eyes.
"It all begins on Everworld."
Aeternal Sky Starfield, Aquaguise Domain.
"I won't cower ever again!" A young man swore in his heart, or at least, a heart.
Those from the Neo-Dawn Starfield were already moving out the moment Everworld manifested in the sky. While they were incredibly far away from the Aeternal Sky Starfield, they could still see it at all times of the day from their location. The existence of Everworld was beyond profound, only furthering the pressure that enveloped the hearts of the countless Chosen wishing to test their mettle against others of their generation.
Amongst those wishing to test themselves, there was someone who sought to redeem himself. With deep, scarlet eyes, a loose grey robe casually tied by a sanguine sash, and barefooted, was the long-haired man that was determined to redeem his name, regaining his title as the Fangs and the Claws of the man who saved his life.
This was none other than Zuhei!
He stood before a Void Gate that pulsed with Void Energy. It could traverse entire Stellar Regions in a single go, completely surpassing the knowledge of what was potentially possible throughout the eighteen stellar regions and written history.
"You haven't left yet," a voice commented as they approached.
Zuhei didn't move his gaze away from the Void Gate, "He asked that we go together."
The voice softly exclaimed. "While he did ask, I didn't think you'd listen."
"..." Zuhei didn't respond verbally, but in his mind, he thought: "I will always listen." As he did, his eyes exuded a resolve that was hell-raising. It was a type of devotion and respect that exceeded the limitations of imagination itself.
"Well, it's my debut as a Prime Ascendant, so I'm happy not going alone." The voice chuckled heartily. Within the voice's tone was a carefree, unrestrained feeling, yet within was an underlying devotion that rippled with cultivated pride in oneself, one's allies, and one's leader.
"..." Zuhei was silent for a while, but after, he slowly spat out: "You'll do fine." Those three words were barely squeezed out, yet the owner of the voice's shocked expression gave way to a warm gaze and satisfied emotion.
"Thank you."
"Zuhei! Yao Houyi! Ying!" Three names were called out. From beneath Zuhei's feet, a swirl of shadowy smoke manifested. It was faint but present.
"Ready?" The voice contained a naturally commanding presence, inspiring respect without trying.
Zuhei readily responded, "I am."
"Yeah!" Yao Houyi, the Archer, shouted smilingly.
"..." The ghastly smoke-like shadow twisted slightly.
"Let's go!" At the lead, a young woman with black hair and black eyes walked through the Void Gate unhesitatingly!
Neo-Dawn Starfield, New Everlore.
The home of the Eternal Monarch Sect was thriving with activity as the entire sect gathered, millions upon millions of souls, all here to see off three existences, and among those existences was none other than their Grand Princess-W11 Baozhai!
Standing beside her was the youngest son of Yao Zhen, Yao Wei!
And the publicly recognized and sole official concubine of the Ascendant Emperor of Neo-Dawn, Xue Yifei! The Dragonborn Saintess!
The cheers were so loud that the planet itself shook. The energy was infectious, and no one could hear their own thoughts as they were drowned out by a cacophony of phrases such as 'good luck', 'For the Eternal Monarch Sect', or simply those screaming out their love for all three.
The representatives of the Eternal Monarch Sect were ready!
"We'll return!" Wu Baozhai shouted, piercing through the cheers. And then she added with a bright smile, her hand held high into the sky as a fist, and her voice empowered by her very soul: "Victorious!"
"!!!" The screams and shouts began to verge on the level of a natural disaster. The trio left with the good wishes of their home.
From all over, Chosen of the New World gathered.
