Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 327: On The Southmoon Island

"Challenge the Seven Star Luminaries Tower?" Wu Yuan's brows furrowed in surprise. "Establishing my reputation in the Redmoon Immortal Realm?"

Within the Redmoon Immortal Realm, two particular places stood out as popular topics of discussion among cultivators.

One was the Seven Star Luminaries Tower, a place that beckoned countless cultivators from the Redmoon Immortal Continent to test their strength.

The other was the Cosmic Arena, where various powerhouses engaged in battles that determined victory or defeat, life or death. Wu Yuan's time on the immortal continent was brief and he had yet to explore these two places. However, he had heard a thing or two about them.

"Yes, the Seven Star Luminaries Tower," Zhuo Haiyue said with a faint smile. "It is a place that attracts all talented individuals across the continent, from those unaffiliated with sects like yourself to the prodigies of the Moonsilver World. Challenging it serves as both a path to fame and a means of tempering oneself."

"The Seven Star Luminaries Tower is where you will find the elite of the Redmoon Immortal Realm," Zhuo Haiyue continued solemnly. "Li Xia, if you manage to clear a high level of the tower, your name will echo throughout the immortal continent."

"Even if your performance is not exceptional, I will still be able to recommend you to various sects as long as you reach a certain level, greatly smoothing your path ahead," Zhuo Haiyue assured him.

Wu Yuan nodded thoughtfully.

"Have you never attempted it?" Zhuo Haiyue inquired suddenly.

"No," Wu Yuan admitted with a shake of his head.

"Then allow me to provide an explanation," Zhuo Haiyue offered. "Originally, I had planned to organize a competition open to the public. You would participate as my friend, showcasing your full prowess."

"However, such an endeavor would be time-consuming and cumbersome."

Wu Yuan listened attentively.

"The Seven Star Luminaries Tower has its merits, but also its drawbacks," Zhuo Haiyue explained. "Firstly, ..."

Soon, Wu Yuan understood.

The Seven Star Luminaries Tower, also known as the Seven Stars Trial Tower or Seven Towers Challenge, comprised seven trial towers, and each tower had its own entry requirements.

Unlike combat in the real world, the Seven Star Luminaries Tower presented a level playing field, with each challenger given the same physical constitution and the same standard of artifacts. The voidrealm could only simulate the external environment but not replicate the internal state of every cultivator. Thus, the tower tested for qualities like comprehension of the Dao, combat skills, Soul Force, and willpower, and disregarded factors such as immortal root degree or artifact grade.

"In real-world combat, strength discrepancies are clear," Zhuo Haiyue remarked with a smile. "Even if one makes a name for themself in the Seven Star Luminaries Tower, sects will scrutinize aspects like immortal root degree before committing to training, unless one manages to clear a truly unbelievable level.”

"Those with exceptional comprehension aptitude but weaker immortal roots, such as sixth-degree roots, may still be accepted. Major sects are willing to invest heavily in strengthening such immortal roots."

"However, individuals with very weak immortal roots, only eighth or ninth degree? Unless their comprehension aptitude is monstrous, the kind of genius that might not even appear once in 10,000 years, any sect will hesitate before investing in their training," Zhuo Haiyue concluded.

Wu Yuan nodded in understanding.

Large sects recruited disciples based on a combination of factors - comprehension aptitude and immortal root being among the most crucial. A slight deficiency in either aspect could be overlooked, but if it significantly impeded progress, it would not be tolerated.

If one possessed a ninth-degree immortal root, it wouldn’t matter how exceptional one’s comprehension aptitude was. Their cultivation of mana would be pitifully slow. Without upgrading it to a sixth-degree immortal root at minimum, even breaking through to the Amethyst Cradle phase would remain a distant dream.

It was a known fact that upgrading an immortal root by one or two degrees was relatively easy. However, the stronger one’s immortal root, the more difficult it was to further enhance it. Those with the weakest degrees of immortal roots were inherently disadvantaged. This was why Wu Yuan strove to establish the highest immortal root possible from the beginning.

"Your immortal root is decent; you just have to complete a relatively high level of the tower," Zhuo Haiyue remarked nonchalantly. "You've been cultivating for less than 100 years, correct?"

Wu Yuan gave a small nod of confirmation.

"Good. As long as you complete level twenty, you may secure a place within a first-rate sect," Zhuo Haiyue continued. "However, do not underestimate the fierce competition within the sect itself. Should you reach level thirty, I can advocate for your direct promotion to inner disciple status in a first-rate sect."

"And if you ascend to level forty," Zhuo Haiyue added, "Mm. You may be directly appointed as a core disciple."

Wu Yuan silently took note of the three levels mentioned.

"Here is some information on the Seven Star Luminaries Tower." Zhuo Haiyue said, presenting an immortal slip. "Read through it and make preparations. In an hour, we will enter the Redmoon Immortal Realm where you will challenge the tower."

One hour? Wu Yuan's eyes widened in astonishment. So soon?

As though reading his mind, Zhuo Haiyue’s tone turned serious. “It’s just challenging a tower. The pursuit of immortality is fraught with peril. Learn to seize the moment and not put things off till tomorrow. How many tomorows will you have?"

"Thank you for your advice, Your Highness," Wu Yuan acknowledged as he accepted the immortal slip.

As Wu Yuan read through the information, Zhuo Haiyue no longer interrupted him.

So, the seven stars refer to such a division, the first level, the second level? A flood of information entered Wu Yuan’s mind, and he absorbed the details surrounding the Seven Star Luminaries Tower.

Within the immortal slip were extensive textual descriptions, as well as numerous illustrations of the tower’s challenges. This information could not be easily obtained from the Redmoon Immortal Realm.

...

One hour later, Wu Yuan and Zhuo Haiyue simultaneously brought out their Redmoon voidrealm jades.

"Remember to give it your all later. The greater the portion of soul consciousness you send into the voidrealm, the stronger your abilities in battle," Zhuo Haiyue advised.

Wu Yuan nodded in understanding. Previously, he was only interested in exploring the voidrealm and exchanging information, which didn’t require a large portion of his consciousness. But in a voidrealm battle, concentration was key.

Soon, both consciousnesses entered the vast voidrealm world through the voidrealm jade.

Wu Yuan opened his eyes and found himself in familiar surroundings near Cloud Capital. He had returned to his personal hall in the Redmoon Immortal Realm.

Suddenly, Little Moon’s gentle voice rang out, "Zhuo Haiyue has requested to add you as a contact. Do you accept?"

"Yes," Wu Yuan replied.

"Would you like to assign a status to your new contact?" Little Moon asked. "Daoist Partner, Love Interest, Best Friend, Senior Daoist, Ordinary Daoist, Acquaintance, Enemy, Nemesis... Assigning a status allows for quicker identification. It only costs one catty of ethercrystal to unlock this feature permanently."

"Enough," Wu Yuan interrupted. "Just accept her request."

While one catty of ethercrystal wasn't much, Wu Yuan had no interest in such a feature.

As voidrealm contacts, Wu Yuan and Zhuo Haiyue were able to communicate with each other regardless of distance. However, this convenience came at a price.

It cost one catty of etherstone to add one contact for a year, while 100 catties of ethercrystal provided permanent access to this feature without limitations on the number of contacts added. Wu Yuan had chosen the latter long ago.

As long as one was in the Redmoon Immortal Realm, paid features were unavoidable. This was one of the reasons why basic voidrealms were popular on the Immortal Continent. No sect or faction could tolerate the unsavory practices of the Redmoon Immortal Realm.

After confirming his location with Zhuo Haiyue, Wu Yuan left his personal hall and emerged onto the bustling streets of Twin Jade City. This particular street was extremely busy, frequented by many cultivators coming and going. Not far in the distance stood the Redmoon Immortal Tower. Wu Yuan waited quietly on one side of the street.

"It's so lively here!"

"This is a famous street in Twin Jade City. Many immortal shops and treasure pavilions in the physical world have established voidrealm counterparts here," replied another.

"Look, a chariot just flew by!”

"A chariot? Its owner must have incredibly high privileges. You need to unlock specific permissions to drive one, not to mention the considerable cost of buying one." Two white-robed cultivators chatted as they strolled along, marveling at their surroundings.

It was their first time setting foot on this street, and they found everything to be quite novel.

"Big brother, look, why is that guy standing by the side of the street like a fool?" One of them pointed out Wu Yuan in the distance.

"He does look a bit foolish, he must be new to the voidrealm. When we first entered the voidrealm, we were way better than that." the two whispered knowingly, feeling a sense of superiority over the newcomer.

Suddenly, a passage opened in the sky. Then, four majestic silver jiaolongs emerged into view, pulling a splendid chariot.

"What a magnificent chariot.”

"A silver jiaolong chariot costs one million catties of ethercrystal, and it’s only unlocked for only 1000 years.”

"Look over there." The crowded street erupted into whispers and gasps as all eyes turned to the spectacle before them.

In the physical world, a chariot pulled by four jiaolongs wasn’t a big deal. Most Amethyst Cradle cultivators were capable of obtaining. But in the Redmoon Immortal Realm, it was a symbol of immense power and wealth.

A million catties of ethercrystal for a single chariot? Even a Void Refiner Eminence would be reluctant to pay such a price.

With a roar, the four silver jiaolongs halted beside Wu Yuan, who spotted Zhuo Haiyue in the chariot. Dressed in silver armor, she exuded a commanding presence of a war goddess, even more imposing than in reality.

"Get in," Zhuo Haiyue ordered, her tone indifferent yet authoritative.

With a graceful leap, Wu Yuan entered the chariot. This was only possible as Zhuo Haiyue had granted him riding permissions. Without it, he wouldn’t be allowed to board such an extravagant chariot at all.

With a thunderous boom, the silver jiaolongs took off into the sky, disappearing from view and leaving the onlookers on the street dumbfounded.

"Who was that?"

"That jiaolong chariot driven by such a stunning beauty came here just to pick up that guy? I have never seen anyone so captivating, and she's just his driver? Just how powerful is that white-robed young man?" The two white-robed cultivators were completely shaken, quickly thanking their lucky stars that their earlier whispers had gone unheard.

The chariot carrying Zhuo Haiyue and Wu Yuan soared swiftly into the air, and the landscape shifted rapidly before Wu Yuan's eyes.

In a heartbeat, a vast floating island came into view. Numerous grand halls and buildings dotted the island, their splendor unmatched. From time to time, flying chariots could be seen entering the island.

What’s this place? Wu Yuan was taken aback.

There was no mention of such a place on the map of Twin Jade City.

"This is Southmoon Island, a place where many young talents in the immortal continent gather," Zhuo Haiyue stated lightly. "Similar sky islands exist in the Redmoon Immortal Realm. Only those with the proper credentials in the real world can gain access to this place.”

Wu Yuan grasped the situation immediately.

Sixth-tier privileges granted one entry to all public spaces, but there were numerous private spaces tucked away in the Redmoon Immortal Realm.

Southmoon Island was likely a gathering place for influential figures across the vast immortal continent.

Young talents? How young were they, exactly? Wu Yuan estimated that Zhuo Haiyue had already cultivated for centuries, yet she was considered very young among high level cultivators.

"But I lack the necessary credentials," Wu Yuan interjected.

"As I’ve said, you're my friend. I've granted you the access rights. You'll discover many unexpected benefits of that in due time," Zhuo Haiyue reassured him with a smile. "Upon attaining the status of hereditary disciple of a sect, you'll gain access to the corresponding sky islands as well."

Wu Yuan was inwardly amazed.

Whoosh! The silver jiaolong chariot soared through the air, landing in the center of the island, which was a gigantic lake.

The central lake was turned into a grand banquet hall. Seats floated on its mesmerizing surface, and tables were laden with sumptuous fare and exquisite drinks.

The gathering was filled with individuals of considerable strength, most appearing youthful, either indulging in food or drink, or engaging in conversation. It was evident that a feast of some sort was taking place.

As the silver jiaolong chariot drew near, exclamations burst forth from the attendees.

"It is Her Highness Haiyue!"

"Her Highness Haiyue has arrived." The entire banquet hall on the water erupted in commotion as hundreds of eyes turned to the approaching chariot.

With a graceful motion, Zhuo Haiyue stored the silver jiaolong chariot and led Wu Yuan to the front of the banquet hall. Seating herself naturally in the host seat, Zhuo Haiyue easily surveyed the room from her elevated vantage point.

It was clear that Zhuo Haiyue was the individual with the highest status at this gathering.

"Li Xia, you shall sit here," she gestured to the seat beside her.

"Sit here?" Wu Yuan was shocked. A quick glance around the banquet hall revealed that this seat was reserved for only the most esteemed attendees, far beyond the reach of ordinary individuals.

"Your Highness, is this appropriate?" Wu Yuan couldn’t help asking.

"If I bid you to sit, then sit," Zhuo Haiyue's expression tightened in response.

Resigned, Wu Yuan nodded and sat down.

The water banquet hall quieted down. All eyes turned to Wu Yuan with a mixture of astonishment and curiosity.

Who was he? What gave him the right to sit next to Her Highness Haiyue?