Yuan's Ascension

Chapter 333: Level 68

Everyone present at the banquet was an elite. Thus, they reacted swiftly to Zhuo Haiyue’s words, understanding that the reason for Zhuo Haiyue’s sudden appearance at Southmoon Island today was to help Wu Yuan establish his reputation.

However, the hundreds of Amethyst Cradle Reverends present were not surprised. Just as they hoped that Wu Yuan would join their ranks, Zhuo Haiyue too sought to win Wu Yuan over to her faction.

"Haha! Your Highness may rest assured. Our Azure Dragon Sect lies closest to Rising Dragon City. I shall inform my sect elders immediately," an Amethyst Cradle Reverend declared with a laugh.

"Exactly, a prodigy like Daoist Li Xia is destined to be highly sought after," another Amethyst Cradle Reverend chimed in.

Laughter filled the air as the Amethyst Cradle Reverends spoke.

"Very well. As long as everyone understands, all is good. Let the banquet continue," Zhuo Haiyue said with a faint smile.

Although she was a noble highness, since those present were willing to give her face, she would naturally be courteous as well.

As time passed, the Amethyst Cradle Reverends took the initiative to engage Wu Yuan in conversation. Though the scene appeared similar to their initial greetings, their attitudes had shifted fundamentally. Now, they showed genuine enthusiasm, because Wu Yuan had proven that he was qualified to stand with them.

Even if I rely on a backer, their backing may not last forever. Relying on oneself is the only way to garner true respect from others. Wu Yuan mused inwardly.

While someone’s background and connections could instill fear, one might not necessarily earn sincere respect from others.

Wu Yuan was willing to engage in conversation with these banquet attendees as well, recognizing that they hailed from various large sects across the immortal continent. Though not on par with Zhuo Haiyue and Gu Sixing, they were still powerful and influential figures.

At the very least, they surpass the ancestors of the Tu Family and Dong Family. Wu Yuan thought to himself.

He had no intention of walking his cultivation path alone. Making friends from all sides and seizing opportunities to ascend to the peak – this path was the smoothest one and also one that suited him.

This was much like how Wu Yuan swiftly united the Middle Land, eliciting loyalty from all. While his strength played a large role, it was his integrity and fairness that truly won hearts.

The banquet carried on for nearly two hours.

As the Amethyst Cradle Reverends dispersed, Wu Yuan boarded the Silver Dragon Chariot with Zhuo Haiyue, departing from Southmoon Island.

...

Li Xia actually completed level 40 of the one-star tower. Beibo Tao, clad in black armor, swiftly departed Southmoon Island.

How long has Li Xia been cultivating for? According to Her Highness Haiyue, it hasn’t been long since he stepped into the Golden Core phase. He’s likely only 60 to 70 years old.

If he receives further guidance, he might be able to conquer level 50 of the one-star tower before the age of 100. Beibo Tao contemplated. He was well aware of the significance of completing level 50 of the one-star tower.

Among the current generation of elite disciples in the Great Yan Immortal Sect, the number who accomplished such a feat could be counted on two hands.

Even if he can’t conquer it, with Li Xia's talent, he is destined to become a hereditary disciple. Beibo Tao speculated.

I must inform Master. He left the Redmoon Immortal Realm without delay.

...

A soul capable of assembling a Thousand Swords Array... he is unquestionably a budding sword immortal. The burly man swiftly departed as well.

How could the Thousand Origins Swords Sect overlook such a sword genius?

...

Li Xia has the potential to become an immortal. Just by winning him over, it would be enough to strengthen our sect in the future.

Once a sword cultivator reaches the peak of the Divided Soul phase, their attack power may rival that of a Tribulation High Immortal.

Moreover, Her Highness Haiyue clearly favors him, and she is a future princess.

The Amethyst Cradle Reverends didn't hesitate much, either reporting the news to their respective sects’ Inspection Bureaus, or directly requesting a meeting with the higher echelons of their sect.

All of them understood the rarity of a prodigy such as Wu Yuan. They knew they would have to fight for his allegiance.

At the same time, with the high-stakes bet between Gu Sixing and Zhuo Haiyue, Wu Yuan’s act of conquering the tower became a massive spectacle.

As word of the events on Southmoon Island spread swiftly throughout the Redmoon Immortal Realm, they reached the ears of powerful figures and sects across the immortal continent.

...

Within the Redmoon Immortal Realm nestled a first-tier city called Zhuo Star City. [1] A silver chariot flew overhead.

"What a bustling city," Wu Yua remarked, peering down at the sprawling metropolis teeming with countless cultivators.

It dwarfed the size of Twin Jade City at least tenfold, and immortal cultivators with powerful auras could be found on every street and corner.

"The Redmoon Immortal Realm is composed of hundreds of second-tier cities, but only a few dozen first-tier cities like Zhuo Star City. These cities are naturally more prosperous, and correspond one-to-one with the physical world." explained Zhuo Haiyue with a slight smile. "Each one governs expansive territories that span billions of li and encompass numerous affiliated worlds."

"Hence, these cities are highly attractive to a majority of powerhouses."

Wu Yuan acknowledged with a slight nod.

Within a first-tier city, power was not solely held by the Redmoon Immortal Hall but shared with first-rate sects and prince-rank families, who co-ruled the territory.

Similarly, first-rate sects could recruit disciples from regions of territory under the immortal hall's jurisdiction. Second-rate sects and marquis-rank families had no hope of dominating a first-class city entirely.

"By now, I believe you understand that I am a core member of the Zhuo Family, one of the four prince-rank families," Zhuo Haiyue stated casually. "To be precise, I am next in line to inherit the title of princess in my family's lineage."

Wu Yuan was taken aback.

He was familiar with the titles of the various nobles on the Redmoon Immortal Continent. This meant that Zhuo Haiyue could well be ordained as the next princess of the Zhuo family!

"But do not be surprised. Every prince of the four prince-rank families only holds their title for a limited time, ranging from 10,000 to 90,000 years. The position is not automatically passed down from father to son, but rather the most worthy successor is chosen."

Zhuo Haiyue explained further, "The noble address is not exclusive to those from Immortal Redmoon’s bloodline. Every 1000 years, the four prince-rank families will select ten princelings or princesslings, all of whom are the most exceptional individuals from their respective families over the past millennium. The selection process is stringent, and only those under 3000 years old are eligible to be granted the title of prince or princess."

Wu Yuan nodded. He now understood that this structured method of succession was essential for maintaining the continued prosperity of the four prince-rank families.

However, it was clear to him that Zhuo Haiyue was likely the most outstanding candidate in her generation within the Zhuo family.

"Your Highness, I hope you can forgive me for sowing discord between you and Gu Sixing earlier," Wu Yuan suddenly said.

Since Gu Sixing was also addressed as ‘His Highness’, he was undoubtedly a princeling among the younger generation of the Gu Family.

"You need not be concerned," reassured Zhuo Haiyue. "Gu Sixing harbors no ill will towards you."

"In fact, he holds you in high regard," Zhuo Haiyue added, gazing at Wu Yuan. “I hope you won’t mind his earlier attitude.”

This revelation caught Wu Yuan off guard. Why would Zhuo Haiyue speak up for Gu Sixing? Did this mean there was no animosity between them?

"Today, if not for my bet with Gu Sixing, your achievement of completing level 40 of the one-star tower would not have gained such attention," explained Zhuo Haiyue. "Thanks to his reputation, your fame has been solidified."

Upon reflection, Wu Yuan agreed. Without Gu Sixing's involvement, his feat, though impressive, would not have achieved legendary status.

However, since Gu Sixing engaged in a bet against Zhuo Haiyue, the situation had shifted entirely. If a potential princeling from a prince-rank family were to lose a bet, word of it would instantly spread far and wide.

"Your Highness, what about Gu Sixing?" Wu Yuan inquired, perplexed.

"Some things are best left unknown," Zhuo Haiyue replied softly. "Just remember, Gu Sixing and I are not enemies, and he does not oppose you, understood?"

Wu Yuan nodded.

"Nevertheless," Zhuo Haiyue chuckled, "While the events of today may not propel you to fame across the immortal continent, the inspection bureaus and intelligence agencies of the various major sects should have taken notice of you."

"The next step is simply to bide your time," Zhuo Haiyue continued. "You are welcome to stay in Zhuo Star City within the Redmoon Immortal Realm. It is the stronghold of the main Zhuo Family and numerous powerhouses from my lineage congregate here. Whenever I enter the Redmoon Immortal Realm, I will take up residence within Zhuo Star City."

Wu Yuan expressed his gratitude, "I will be troubling Your Highness then."

"As I said, we are friends," Zhuo Haiyue said with a faint smile. "You have proven yourself admirably."

"When we reach Rising Dragon City in the physical world, wait patiently for the invitations from the various sects," Zhuo Haiyue advised. "I predict that within two or three days, you will have multiple offers to consider. Do not rush into any decisions. Wait until the deadline is near, then choose the one that suits you best."

"I understand," Wu Yuan nodded.

Choosing a sect was a big deal! Although technically all large sects and families on the immortal continent were affiliated with the Redmoon Immortal Hall, and the top-tier powerhouses would eventually join the immortal hall, the competition amongst factions was fierce.

To join a sect and then betray it would result in being despised by all sides. No sect would willingly accept such a turncoat.

Within the Redmoon Immortal Realm, Zhuo Haiyue escorted Wu Yuan to an expansive estate and efficiently arranged for his lodgings. With everything in place, Wu Yuan's consciousness departed the Redmoon Immortal Realm, returning to the flying boat.

...

Has he departed? Zhuo Haiyue stood in the main courtyard of the grand estate, feeling Wu Yuan's consciousness leave the voidrealm.

Taking a step forward, the scenery around her shifted dramatically. The once opulent and refined courtyard morphed into an endless space with seven majestic floating towers.

It was the Seven Towers World.

It has been some time since I last attempted it. Let us see how it goes this time. Zhuo Haiyue muttered inwardly.

After watching Wu Yuan complete level 40 of the tower in one go, she felt compelled to attempt it as well.

Zhuo Haiyue took another step, entering the second tower from the left – the two-star tower. Only cultivators aged between 100-299 were permitted to enter.

The surroundings changed swiftly, a strange and fantastical landscape unfolding before her, with lightning flashing all around. She was now a great distance from the ground, with the three suns in the sky shining even brighter.

"You have returned at last." In the distance, a stunning black-robed woman materialized, her eyes chillingly cold.

"Yes, I’m back. It has been a decade," Zhuo Haiyue replied with a faint smile.

"Do you believe you can beat me?" the black-robed guardian questioned, her voice as icy as her gaze.

"Let’s find out," Zhuo Haiyue replied calmly.

With a simple wave of her hand, an area of 10,000 li around Zhuo Haiyue was enveloped by a maelstrom of lightning, transforming it into a world of lightning.

Thousands of thunderbolts resembling dragons unleashed their fury upon the black-robed guardian.

"Level 68, completed!" Only two breaths later, the voice of the tower spirit reverberated through the world.

"Congratulations, Zhuo Haiyue, you have achieved the highest record in the two-star tower in the past one million years."

"Next level," Zhuo Haiyue stated nonchalantly.

1. Same Zhuo as Zhuo Haiyue ☜