Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 634: Time Passes, Stone Sculpture (2)

Days passed one after another.

In the mysterious Huanggu World, within the Archeldritch tower of the Earth Archeldritch tribe.

Hmm? My comprehension of the Law of Space, especially my understanding of Spatial Rift, is rapidly improving. Wu Yuan's body refiner self swiftly noticed.

This rate of progress wasn't particularly fast compared to the other two Intermediate Laws of Space. But in terms of the Spatial Rift Dao alone, his progress was dozens of times faster.

There could be only one possibility—his qi refiner self was fully devoted to comprehending the Spatial Rift Dao.

Could it be that my qi refiner self encountered some special circumstance, necessitating an attempt to cross the threshold of the Law of Space? Wu Yuan's body refiner self pondered.

However, he was also powerless. Their consciousnesses were separated. He couldn't make an accurate judgment of the situation.

I am still myself, both true selves are me, so I trust the decision made will be the right one. Wu Yuan had full confidence in himself. Very well, while my qi refiner self focuses entirely on comprehending the Law of Space, I shall continue to comprehend the Law of Life.

It's a pity that the silver sphere Master Kua Chi gave me is no longer of much use. Wu Yuan brought his attention to the massive silver sphere within his internal shambhala.

At this moment, the countless Dao patterns upon it were completely laid bare to Wu Yuan, with no secrets left to speak of, for he had fully comprehended them.

The path ahead will rely on guidance from the profound essence of the Law of Life. Wu Yuan's body refiner self already had some ideas about his future cultivation path.

The support I’m gaining from the Eldritch Tower is also diminishing. Wu Yuan's gaze swept across the surrounding walls. Those Dao patterns were still profound and mysterious, but in truth they lacked systematic structure. The guiding effect they used to provide was now gone.

Let's go! Wu Yuan took a step forward, the bronze gates opened, and he flew out. This time, his seclusion had lasted nearly two years.

“Eldritch Deity Hou Feng, you’ve emerged.” Not far away, a figure in white robes with white hair sat in lotus position, calmly watching Wu Yuan.

"Veteran Elder Hou Qiong." Wu Yuan spoke.

"I've heard about your deeds. Truly admirable," A rare smile showed on Veteran Elder Hou Qiong's face. "I've already sent word of your emergence to the Snake Ancestor and Eldritch Deity Hou Tu."

Wu Yuan nodded slightly and inquired, "How is the war situation?”

"The great war has ended... And to this day, we still maintain a garrison in the Heavenly Pillar Mountain region," Veteran Elder Hou Qiong said.

Wu Yuan soon understood the state of the war.

The Third Eldritch-Immortal War had ended in a complete victory for the eldritch race. After this battle, the highest echelons of the eldritch race had reached a consensus, establishing a permanent military camp in the Heavenly Pillar Mountain region. Three Eldritch Deities and a large contingent of High Eldritches and Earth Eldritches were stationed there year-round, ready to launch a decisive battle against the immortal race at a moment’s notice.

Over these two years, the great battles across various regions had gradually subsided. The immortal race, having suffered heavy losses, had not moved their main forces away from Heavenly Pillar Mountain.

"Go then. The last time you broke through, there wasn't an official celebration," Veteran Elder Hou Qiong said with a faint smile. "This time, I imagine the tribe will hold a grand celebration. The emergence of a new Eldritch Deity is truly rare."

"I won't be attending." Veteran Elder Hou Qiong closed his eyes, clearly unwilling to say more.

Wu Yuan bowed slightly and flew away.

...

As Veteran Elder Hou Qiong had predicted, Wu Yuan's emergence from seclusion immediately sent the entire Earth Archeldritch tribe into a festive atmosphere, and they swiftly organized a grand celebration.

However, there weren't many High Eldritches in the tribe now, with fewer than fifty remaining. Most of the High Eldritches were stationed on the front lines of Heavenly Pillar Mountain. This was the duty of the eldritch race's top powerhouses.

The celebration lasted for quite a few days. Apart from the High Eldritches and Earth Eldritches from the Earth Archeldritch tribe, the other three Archeldritch tribes also came to offer congratulations. Of course, most only sent their ether bodies.

"So young."

"Eldritch Deity Hou Feng is only at the Eldritch General phase? The rumors were actually true."

"Indeed, he's only an Eldritch General, but anyone who treats him like one is a real fool. He can unleash saber techniques at the Eldritch Deity level."

"He can already harness the power of the Archeldritch Divine Artifacts to such an extent as an Eldritch General. Just imagine what he'll be capable of when he becomes a High Eldritch?" The Earth Eldritches discussed in hushed tones, surprised by Wu Yuan's cultivation level and in awe of his strength.

And through this celebration, Wu Yuan's status as an Eldritch Deity of the Huanggu eldritch race was officially confirmed. He was now part of the highest echelon of the entire eldritch race.

After the celebration concluded.

"An Archeldritch jade?" Wu Yuan thumbed the token in his hand.

"Yes." The Snake Ancestor nodded, "The land is vast and boundless, making it difficult to maintain constant communication. This world imposes many limitations on voidrealms, including the number that can be constructed.

Through the Archeldritch jade, the highest echelons of our eldritch race can maintain contact at all times. They are not easy to craft, and are usually only provided to veteran elders." The Snake Ancestor explained.

Wu Yuan nodded lightly.

He now understood the hierarchy of combat strengths of the top powerhouses. At the top were the Snake Ancestor, the six Eldritch Deities, and himself when empowered by the Archeldritch Divine Artifacts. Below that were the High Eldritch veteran elders, fewer than thirty in total.

"What are your plans now?" the Snake Ancestor inquired.

"I plan to leave the Archeldritch tribe," Wu Yuan smiled.

The Snake Ancestor was taken aback.

"Being confined to one place isn't particularly beneficial for my cultivation," Wu Yuan calmly said. "To comprehend the Law of Life, I need to travel far and wide. The Law of Life isn't just about merging the profundities of the Dao, but also about experiencing the wonders of life, to understand and to witness the living beings of this world."

He paused.

"Moreover," Wu Yuan added with a smile, "I've been in this world for nearly a hundred years, yet I haven't had the chance to properly explore this vast land. It would be a shame not to. With countless living beings, there must be many incredible marvels."

The Snake Ancestor nodded. He wasn’t entirely sure how one comprehended the Law of Life. But he knew one thing: for a monstrous prodigy like Wu Yuan, the path of cultivation wasn't something that he, a High Eldritch who had failed to break through despite cultivating for tens of millions of years, could comment on.

If you don't understand? Then don't try to give misguided advice, but instead find ways to address any concerns.

"The path of cultivation is yours to walk," the Snake Ancestor smiled. "However, we must ensure your safety. We've already suffered once from the Mirror of Creation; we can't afford to make the same mistake again.

Let me think." The Snake Ancestor pondered briefly: "With me guarding the Archeldritch tribe, hmm, I'll have Eldritch Deity Hou Tu and Veteran Elder Hou Zhi accompany you as manservants, protecting you along the way. They won't interfere with your cultivation.

This way, with the three of you combined, even if all three Imperial Majesties of the immortal race were to attack, you'd have the power to protect yourselves. Additionally, if there's any danger, seek help immediately."

Wu Yuan was stunned.

An Eldritch Deity and a veteran elder as his manservants?

"Will they be willing?" Wu Yuan asked hesitantly.

"Haha, they will be," the Snake Ancestor laughed. "It's not like they'll actually be manservants, it's just a disguise. Besides, they won't need to protect you for too long.

In another century or two, once you reach the Earth Eldritch level, your strength should almost rival Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu. At that time, you won't need protection anymore," the Snake Ancestor said.

Wu Yuan nodded lightly.

That was true. Once he reached the Earth Eldritch level, with the enhancement of the Archeldritch Divine Artifacts, his strength would experience another surge.

"Alright, then I'll be troubling you," Wu Yuan didn't refuse again.

Given the opportunity for greater safety while exploring, why turn it down? After all, who knew if the Mirror of Creation could predict his exact location? If his lone venture enticed the three Imperial Majesties of the immortal race to attack him, that would be truly dangerous.

...

Two days later, at the edge of the Archeldritch tribe.

"Hou Quan, make sure to work hard," Wu Yuan smiled as he looked at the youth. Though he appeared young, he was extremely mature.

"Yes, Eldritch Deity Hou Feng!" Hou Quan nodded, looking at Wu Yuan with a somewhat emotional gaze. Then he grinned and said, "Even if I can't become an Eldritch Deity, I'll strive to become an Earth Eldritch or even a High Eldritch."

Wu Yuan smiled.

They were still good friends even after his breakthrough in strength.

"Hou Feng, you've only been out of seclusion for a few days, and you're leaving again?" Hou Tong’s eyes were slightly reddened.

Now that Wu Yuan had become an Eldritch Deity, many Eldritch Generals and Earth Eldritch in the tribe were extremely respectful towards him, and even Hou Quan showed a hint of restraint during their interactions.

Only Eldritch General Hou Tong remained just as she had been before. The slightly unusual relationship between the two was already old news to the Archeldritch tribe.

The highest echelons of the eldritch race welcomed this development, with few objections. After all, Hou Tong's talent and background were already unparalleled among the younger generation of the eldritch race.

"Isn't this what cultivation is all about?" Wu Yuan smiled softly, gazing at the woman before him, whose passion bloomed like a fierce flower.

"Are you avoiding me?" Eldritch General Hou Tong suddenly blurted out, gritting her teeth. "Yes, you're extraordinarily gifted, already an Eldritch Deity, and might even become an Archeldritch in the future. But am I really not worthy of you?"

Wu Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "It's not about worth. We're all independent individuals. Even if there's a gap in power, we're still equals in this matter.

It's just that I'm not interested in romance at the moment," Wu Yuan said, shaking his head. "I'll be off now."

In an instant, Wu Yuan soared into the sky, vanishing into the clouds. Eldritch Deity Hou Tu and High Eldritch Hou Zhi were waiting for him outside the tribe.

Eldritch General Hou Tong stared at Wu Yuan's retreating figure, momentarily lost in thought, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She had truly laid her heart bare.

"Eldritch General Hou Tong, Eldritch Deity Hou Feng is merely going on a journey across the land, not embarking on a life-or-death battle," Eldritch General Hou Quan spoke up. "Actually, you could just go with him."

Eldritch General Hou Tong was stunned for a moment, then her face lit up with joy. "Hou Quan, this is the first time I've realized how clever you are."

Whoosh! Eldritch General Hou Tong transformed into a streak of light, shooting up into the sky and swiftly piercing through the clouds, racing to catch up with Wu Yuan and the others.

As Eldritch General Hou Tong drew near, Eldritch Deity Hou Tu and High Eldritch Hou Zhi exchanged a glance of seasoned familiarity, as if they had witnessed it all before.

Wu Yuan smiled, no longer resisting the inevitable.

With their group’s strength, protecting Eldritch General Hou Tong wasn’t difficult.

"Since you've followed us this far, you'd best cultivate diligently," Wu Yuan declared. "I'll have Eldritch Deity Hou Tu tutor you along the way. If you fail to meet my expectations, I’ll send you back."

"Hmph. You don’t have to tell me that. Grandfather Hou Tu will naturally instruct me," Eldritch General Hou Tong snapped.

As the granddaughter of Eldritch Deity Hou Tu, she too referred to him as 'grandfather'.

"One more thing," Wu Yuan added. "From this day forward, you'll address me as Young Master for the duration of our journey."

"And why should I do that?"

"Because even Eldritch Deity Hou Tu calls me Young Master now," Wu Yuan replied with a grin. "Consider yourself my maidservant."

"I refuse to be a maidservant."

"Then you're free to leave," Wu Yuan said coolly.

Eldritch General Hou Tong glared at Wu Yuan, her eyes burning with indignation.

"Come, I'll teach you a set of teachings to conceal your aura. Don't let it slip," Wu Yuan offered.

While Eldritch Deity Hou Tu and High Eldritch Hou Zhi could mask their presence beyond the detection of ordinary Earth Eldritches, Eldritch General Hou Tong lacked such an ability and would need to learn special techniques.