Atop a cruising asteroid within the Neo-Dawn Starfield's Dark Void territory, pulled diligently by a young, female Horned-Firmament Azure Dragon, the two recently engaged couples intertwined in all manner of ways, enjoying each other's company with the most natural, supremely pleasurable activities, had finally come to an unfortunate end.
They laid in each other's embrace, covered only by a satin sheet atop a velvet blanket. They stared into the stars beyond the bubble, quietly observing the chaos occurring throughout the Grand Cyclic Stellar Region unfold through various Spiritual Projection Obelisks established by the Golden Life Pavilion. Some things couldn't be captured by the obelisks due to rampant fluctuations of mystic and spiritual power, but many of the minor conflicts were easily shown.
"The Grand Cyclic Stellar Region is suffering continuous losses," Xue Yifei commented lightly, purely with the tone of a spectator. The deaths and struggles of cultivators had long since become a norm of her environment, and one she had embroiled herself in during her early days inside the Aeternal Sky Starfield. Moreover, she was fully aware of the inherent greed of cultivators. "They are rather careless, however."
A cultivator from the World Between the Fold's Endless Voyage Realm had shattered a lunar satellite within the Radiant Spirit Starfield with his Demi-Mortal Lord cultivation base after being slammed with a retaliatory attack, shattering roughly twenty percent of its surface. Countless bits of debris and corpses floated in the Dark Void. This wasn't the only time they've destroyed areas that they tried to claim, yet they seemed only angered and unbothered.
The conflict was certainly intensifying. The Endless Voyage Realm had numerous Earthly Saints, far too many, and they were all rushing toward the Aeternal Sky Star like a moth to flame. The respective forces were taken aback by these invaders and their frightening strength. They had profound Ascension Arts and incredibly high Runic Ascendant States, tooting exceptional foundations.
Without their formations and arrays powered by planetary cores, solar cores, and ample reserves of high-level mystic materials to draw power from, the Grand Cyclic Stellar Region's starfields would have long since experienced disastrous losses.
Wei Wuyin had his eyes closed mostly, seemingly breathing without a single worry. While the entire world was in chaos, he felt at peace and harmony with a beauty in his embrace. For the last few decades, every action of his had been extremely calculated and deliberate, constantly pushed along by calamities and schemes. It was only when he was with his lovers in times like these that he could experience some form of peace and clarity of mind.
As for all the chaos? Merely a show. None of these starfields meant anything to him. They refused to yield and submit under his banner, so he would simply sit back and watch them suffer. Meanwhile, external forces that were allied with him such as the Golden Life Pavilion and the Ninestar Sainthall had sufficient protection that those invaders were suffering countless losses.
The Ninestar Sainthall was utterly brutal, slaying any and everyone that dared to enter their territory, and outright capturing those who were unfortunately shifted into their territory. The Golden Life Pavilion was far more mellow, protecting their bases and allied forces, and merely repelling any force with a stern warning and a firm spanking.
Those who left were surprisingly polite after. Some cupped their hands respectfully with wounds on their bodies and even had done business, flying away without any thought for vengeance. Others stayed as guests to enjoy certain materials or directly cultivate, waiting for the chaos to die down. The Golden Life Pavilion provided suitable shelter to all, and their benevolence during this time was bound to be remembered.
"Why do you think Tian Taizong isn't reacting? The starfield is only acting defensively," Xue Yifei asked, referring to the Aeternal Sky Divine Emperor by name. If it was before, as a lowly concubine, she might have added some title to showcase respect, but she was no longer a mere concubine and would become the Empress of the Neo-Dawn Starfield. She didn't find herself the slightest bit inferior to such a legendary figure. After all, she was the future wife of a Worldly Saint Alchemist and ruler of a starfield that was no less incredible.
Wei Wuyin softly sighed. He didn't feel any need to hide his thoughts or understandings from Xue Yifei, and given her intelligence, she would eventually discover the truth. He gestured toward an area with his finger, leading Xue Yifei to gaze over. A mental projection surfaced in her mind showcasing seven beings in the Dark Void gathered in discussion. They seemed to be hazy, but this haze was only an indication of a profoundly powerful concealment Ascension Art.
Once again, she was awed by Wei Wuyin's powers, her body moving slightly closer in excitement. Within this mental image were auras as well, each emanating Mystic World Intent at varying levels, but most certainly at levels far beyond the Evil Sentinels in the Chosen King Competition. These were true Worldly Saints. Despite her excitement, her expression grew faintly solemn.
"Nothing is as it seems. Nothing is simple. These minor conflicts are merely distractions long since planned, almost exclusively probing attacks from the Endless Voyage Realm's true experts. Tian Taizong knows this. And he also knows-" Wei Wuyin explained as Xue Yifei's eyes brightened with enlightenment, finishing his words with incredible interest: "-he's their target!"
Wei Wuyin nodded. "Not only is he not reacting, he's trying to portray to these Worldly Saints that he's in a position of weakness." He went on to explain Tian Taizong's history with Liu Yinlan, the Zhangjie Clan conflict, his subsequent imprisonment, and how Tian Taizong was no longer sealed for months now.
"He's long since expected their arrival. However, he isn't certain how strong or numerous the Endless Voyage Realm's true experts are, so he doesn't dare to reveal too much. He's baiting them to act where he has the advantage, for them to come to him carelessly, a very tactical move." Wei Wuyin's words were overly simplified yet Xue Yifei grasped the entirety of the situation from this. Her eyes observed the Worldly Saints with greater interest.
"Will he be able to defend against them? That Liu Yinlan woman doesn't seem like she'll give up on seeing him dead, and she's certainly twisting the situation in the ears of the others, transforming Tian Taizong into an urgent obstacle needing to be removed and the enemy of the Endless Voyage Realm." Xue Yifei couldn't help but feel that Tian Taizong was at a severe disadvantage here no matter how one looked at it.
"If he was still sealed and Liu Yinlan was here with a suppressed cultivation base, they certainly would have been mutually harmed to an extreme extent, but now..." Wei Wuyin paused for a moment, contemplating the potential ending of this looming battle, continuing with a soft voice: "...we'll see."
Xue Yifei was capable of picking up some clues from Wei Wuyin's words. Despite Tian Taizong being suppressed at the Earthly Saint Phase for twenty thousand years, tethered to a throne of mockery, and his enemies being at least seven Worldly Saints, Wei Wuyin didn't feel that Tian Taizong would come out on the losing end easily. This only further ignited her interest.
Suddenly, her expression changed. She couldn't help but ask, "What about the Neo-Dawn Starfield? Will they come after us?"
Wei Wuyin couldn't help but chuckle. "They aren't stupid. They'll do some research. I once asked the leader of Trueborn that if the Endless Voyage Realm descended, why would they do anything harmful to me? In fact, they would grovel, kneel, and beg me to open a higher path for them with gleefully impish smiles. This hasn't changed."
Xue Yifei's heart was pounding. The thought of Worldly Saints groveling for Wei Wuyin's favor was oddly stimulating. It was a flavor of feeling she hadn't tasted before, and her body was certainly experiencing some developments. Was this because she was no longer just a concubine? Her mind could truly bask in the exceptional qualities of her husband.
Unfortunately, Wei Wuyin sighed openly as he felt Xue Yifei's mental emotions shift, experiencing arousal, her hand already reaching to grab hold of his most precious treasure. "While that's all good, I do need to make some preparations. So I can't."
Xue Yifei was naturally unwilling as she leaned into his ear, and seductively whispered something that no man could resist. Immediately, Wei Wuyin's body reacted. "Alright. We can take another hour."
Xue Yifei couldn't resist revealing a prideful smile with a hint of smugness that could stir the hearts of billions with a single glance.
The Aeternal Sky Starfield was the least hectic yet simultaneously the most. Gathering at its edges were several Ascended beings of incredibly high cultivation, and they eyed the Aeternal Sky Star like a scrumptious meal awaiting their arrival. The greed within these cultivators' gazes was tangible, and if not for their self-respect and image, they might be howling out avariciously.
They numbered the tens of thousands and were rapidly growing. The discord that their appearance was forming within the various planets and amongst the Imperial Clan's forces was ample, instilling fear and uncertainty within their hearts. The Imperial Clan was long-established and had long since established defensive outposts in the forms of planets and lunar satellites within their Domains. These outposts had members of the Imperial bloodline overseeing the situation, and their presence calmed the hearts of these members.
The war-bound, blood-drenched days of the eighteen regions had long since faded over the years, and Tian Taizong had brought about unprecedented peace to the once chaotic, slaughter-filled world for twenty thousand years. The newer members of the Imperial Clan had never experienced true war, but they were still fierce and terrifying, carried by the will of their Divine Emperor, and their auras were incredibly vicious as they glared at the gathering invaders.
The Sky Destroyers were deployed. While they hadn't taken action, the sight of them caused the invaders to retreat a few steps. The various formations on the Sky Destroyer were releasing faint destructive force that caused their hearts to thump wildly with a sensation of lethal danger.
While there were only six Sky Destroyers, each had an Earthly Saint at the helm. This included Yang Chaoyue. She was observing coldly, her beautiful countenance revealing intense killing intent. She didn't know who these cultivators were, but she intended to slay any who dared to enter the Aeternal Sky Domain without mercy.
Tian Lingyu and Tian Muyang were also piloting a Sky Destroyer each. They sat at the helm with glacial eyes.
Within the depths of the Aeternal Sky Domain, the Heaven's Sky Palace released dazzling mystic radiance. It was a gargantuan palatial city that housed the noblest of bloodlines throughout the Grand Cyclic Stellar Region. It was also once the location that restricted a once invincible cultivator that had crushed all opposition with his might and charisma-the Aeternal Sky Divine Emperor, Tian Taizong!
Standing in the throne room, Tian Taizong stood near the shattered throne. Shockingly, he did not adorn the attire of an Emperor, instead choosing to wear simple grey hemp clothing. He lacked the slightest trace of an imposing might, resembling more like a transcendent sage than a mighty, invincible monarch. He had his hair tied upwards, and his feet were entirely bare.
A series of resounding steps echoed from behind him. They were two individuals, and when they entered the throne room, they announced themselves.
"Your Majesty," The Imperial Advisor greeted with a respectful tone.
"Your Majesty," Tian Xiaocheng greeted as well, her tone polite and reverential.
They were both keenly aware that the man before them could not be compared to who he was a few months ago. Just gazing at him, despite his simplistic and common attire, shook their hearts and souls to their core. While a soldier may be able to hide on the farm, the war could never leave him. In a similar vein, Tian Tiazong's innate bearing as a supreme emperor who ruled over quintillions of souls was impossible to remove.
"Returning to simplicity truly is fascinating," Tian Taizong commented lightly. The hearts of the two shook violently. It was but a few words yet it carried a profound resonance that left them feeling lost yet enlightened. It was utterly indescribable.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" The Imperial Advisor said with a dignified expression.
"Haha!" Tian Taizong laughed heartily, feeling completely unencumbered, as if he was a divinity that no longer had to bear the weight of a world-crushing mountain. "I guess it's been a while since I heard that in earnest. How refreshing." Over the years, while he was feared for his strength, quite a few elites had an inkling of his restraints and often tested his limits, both his patience and his power. Each time was vexing.
Tian Taizong inclined his head, staring at the ceiling as if peering through time and space, landing firmly upon Baby Defiant's form that was reflected in his pupils. "I guess he would have returned, hm?"
"..." Tian Xiaocheng was silent.
"I guess I should divorce you, no?" Tian Taizong couldn't help but recall Wu Yu's demands announced on behalf of Wei Wuyin. Tian Xiaocheng's expression remained flat and neutral, exposing none of her thoughts.
Tian Taizong turned around, his hazel-gold eyes that exuded none of their normal starry brilliance stared at Tian Xiaocheng's alluring figure and excessively beautiful countenance. "So what do you say? Do you want a divorce?"
"..." Tian Xiaocheng remained entirely silent. However, she shook her head. She didn't want a divorce!
"What did you do to offend him so much?" Tian Taizong sighed softly, completely exhibiting an expression more befitting a reclusive sage than a tyrannical emperor. "Was trying to initiate that order crossing a line?"
"What did you do to offend him so much?" Tian Taizong sighed softly, completely exhibiting an expression more befitting a reclusive sage than a tyrannical emperor. "Was trying to initiate that order crossing a line?"
Tian Xiaocheng's gaze slowly met the floor, her head lowered. She had indeed tried her damndest to force Wei Wuyin to activate certain hidden measures, all for the sake of freeing Tian Taizong and completing her objective. Slowly, she touched her belly as if by a subconscious urge. She provoked him time and time again, urging even Xun Yicao to his death. Even then, none of it worked.
In the end, Wei Wuyin sent his Grand Knight and outright freed Tian Taizong directly, making all of her plans seem idiotic and pointless. The only thing she had done was offend a terrifying existence. Not even acting as a host for the Neo-Dawn Alchemic Expo was enough to satisfy him.
Many people knew that Wei Wuyin was a Saintmaker, and he certainly was, but he was not a Saint.
"I wonder what he wants you to do for him," Tian Taizong seemed fairly unconcerned. However, if Wei Wuyin had plans involving the peerlessly beautiful Tian Xiaocheng, then he had to reevaluate this woman. "Did he tell you?" He asked her directly.
She, however, shook her head. Still not daring to speak a single word.
"Heh," Tian Taizong scoffed. Typically, he was the one who kept his secrets mystifying, allowing his thoughts to seem unpredictable until the last moment where the results were incredibly profound. Looking back, one would be left in awe and helplessness at their inferiority. Now, he was being schemed against and he had no idea what his opponent was thinking.
Not only did he free him, he wanted his wife. It felt as if it was a punishment. A wet carrot and a violent stick. Moreover, while Tian Xiaocheng had proclaimed she didn't know, she was given instructions to seal her Yin and protect her body. If she broke this, the underlying threat was clear. However, Tian Taizong wasn't stupid enough to think that Wei Wuyin wanted her for her beauty. Someone who could reach his cultivation in the Alchemic Dao, establish his own heaven-shaking starfield, accomplish as many earth-shattering feats at that age, and lead Earthly Saints was not so simplistic in their thoughts.
Tian Taizong knew it was likely a distraction from his real goal, yet he was unable to stop thinking about this demand of Wei Wuyin's. As a man, how could he? He didn't like the taste.
"Am I within another board? Am I even a player in this one?" The thought left him a little bitter. However, his mind and Heart of Cultivation was unshakeable. The bitterness was swept away. Besides the path to greater limits, all other things were ephemeral.
"Since you don't want to, then I'll deal with it. Even if the sky falls, I'll replace it." Tian Taizong's words caused both women to tremble! If the sky falls! I'll replace it!! What amazing words!
"Oh?" Tian Taizong inclined his head once more, his pupils reflecting the vivid image of a few Earthly Saints with extremely robust and terrifying auras. They surged with intense Mystic Auras. "They're here."
[Author's Note: You're cool my little sky Emperor, but our Ascendant Emperor is just cooler.]
