The moment Gu Sixing spoke, a hush fell over the entire banquet hall, disbelief etched on many faces.
Indeed, there were lingering doubts about Wu Yuan’s identity, and it was not uncommon for others to share Gu Sixing’s suspicions. But silently pondering over such thoughts was completely different from vocalizing them.
“Gu Sixing!” To no one’s surprise, Zhuo Haiyue rose abruptly, her gaze frigid as she fixed him with a deadly stare, a palpable aura of lethal intent emanating from her.
Obviously, Gu Sixing’s words had struck a nerve in Zhuo Haiyue. Were it not for the fact that they were in a voidrealm, she might have already attacked him.
Wu Yuan furrowed his brow but remained silent. Gu Sixing’s status loomed too high; he was unwilling to provoke such an enemy over a mere argument. It was meaningless. The disparity in their statuses was glaringly vast; just a word from the other party could spell disaster for him.
“Gu Sixing! I will defeat you at the next Moonsilver Tournament.” Zhuo Haiyue’s eyes blazed with cold fury.
“Haiyue, you indeed have the talent to achieve that. If you defeat me, I will only rejoice,” Gu Sixing declared, his expression still unchanged.
“Haiyue, remember this: I hope that you will be my Dao Companion, but that doesn’t mean I will only ever flatter you and go along with your whims,” he continued. “It doesn’t matter whether my earlier conjectures are true or false. I simply urge you not to forget that the blood of a prince-rank family runs through your veins.”
“Not everyone can ascend to your level,” Gu Sixing added, his tone reminiscent of a sermon.
Silence enveloped the room. Everyone was in a state of unease at the unexpected turn of events.
“Gu Sixing, don’t lecture me. I am no longer the same naive girl I was in the past. Get your own affairs in order before giving unsolicited advice.” Zhuo Haiyue retorted with a sneer. “I acknowledge Li Xia as my friend because his temperament is compatible with mine, and his talent is unmatched.”
“Unmatched talent? Him?” Gu Sixing shook his head with a smirk, his gaze drifting to Wu Yuan. “I fail to see where his purported talent lies.”
With Gu Sixing brazenly hurling insults to his face, Wu Yuan narrowed his brows slightly. Did he truly believe that this would help him gain favor with Zhuo Haiyue?
The realm master had borne witness to countless prodigies of the Hou Feng Tribe, and he held Wu Yuan’s talent in high esteem. Even during the tribe’s prime, Wu Yuan would have been deemed the sort of top-tier genius who rarely appeared once every 10,000 years.
Of course, that was only for his body refiner self. Although his qi refiner self was somewhat inferior, it was still considered top-tier.
“Very well, if you insist on belittling Li Xia, I shall make you eat your words. I propose a bet,” declared Zhuo Haiyue with icy determination. “I bet that Li Xia will successfully complete level 30 of the Seven Star Luminaries Tower.”
A flurry of discussions erupted among the gathered cultivators.
“Level 30!”
“Li Xia should be an Amethyst Cradle cultivator with at least 100-200 years of cultivation. Completing level 30 of the two-star tower proves he has the potential to reach the Void Refiner phase. That is not bad at all.”
“Such talent would elevate him to the position of core disciple in any sect.” The hundreds of Amethyst Cradle cultivators in the banquet hall broke into discussion.
As frequent challengers of the Seven Star Luminaries Tower, they were well-acquainted with it. Completing level 30 was quite impressive. After all, Void Refiner cultivators were considered the backbone of the various large sects, and possessed earth-shattering power.
Though most Amethyst Cradle cultivators present harbored potential for the Void Refiner phase, achieving a genuine breakthrough was a daunting task, let alone reaching a higher phase.
“Level 30? No.” Gu Sixing shook his head adamantly. “That merely signifies potential for the Void Refiner or Elysian Field phase. Such a cultivation phase means nothing to those at our level. Unless the word ‘immortal’ is included in one’s address, they aren’t worth much.”
“If Li Xia manages to clear level 40 of the Luminaries Tower, that would denote him as a genius. If so, I shall offer him a personal apology.” Gu Sixing cast a pointed glance at Wu Yuan.
An uproar ensued.
“Level 40?”
“Is this His Highness’s perspective?”
“I might never complete level 40 in my lifetime.”
“I’m afraid he’s not that strong, Li Xia doesn’t strike me as particularly impressive.” Numerous Amethyst Cradle cultivators shook their heads skeptically.
Complete level 40? It was extremely difficult. To reach that level demonstrated truly immense talent. So long as one’s immortal root was not too shabby, one had hope of advancing to the Divided Soul phase.
At the Divided Soul phase, one would be addressed as ‘Earth Immortal’. To bear the word ‘immortal’ was a testament to just how powerful such a cultivation phase was.
If the Void Refiner or Elysian Field phase represented the threshold of super powerhouses on the Immortal Continent, then the Divided Soul or Dharma Body phase was the realm of the movers and shakers of the immortal continent, possessing great strength and influence.
Their lifespan was measured in multiples of 10,000 years. If they so desired, they could establish their own sects, being revered by hundreds of millions of disciples in generations to come.
“Gu Sixing.” Zhuo Haiyue’s furious gaze bore into him.
Level 40? She knew Wu Yuan’s strength; he might have the strength to clear it, but she was not entirely confident.
“You dare not bet?” Gu Sixing shook his head. “Then forget it. How can one claim to be a genius if they cannot even complete level 40?”
Level 40? Wu Yuan pondered.
“I accept!” Zhuo Haiyue declared decisively, her tone icy. “I bet that Li Xia can conquer level 40 of the Luminaries Tower. What do you wager?”
“Very well.”
“Let us keep the wager modest, so others don’t accuse me of bullying you.” Gu Sixing gave a slight smile. “Let us bet 30 million catties of ethercrystal.”
“30 million catties of ethercrystal? Agreed.” Zhuo Haiyue’s response was as cold as ice.
30 million catties of ethercrystal? Not much? Wu Yuan’s heart raced. He was slowly understanding the perspective of these prince-rank family geniuses. 30 million catties of ethercrystal was a fortune that could drive any Amethyst Cradle Reverend crazy. Weaker Void Refiners would struggle to produce such a sum in one go. But for Zhuo Haiyue and Gu Sixing, it seemed like a mere fraction of their riches.
“30 million? The Highnesses are truly on a different level.”
“Even if I sold all my treasures, I doubt I could come up with that sum.”
“What a staggering amount.”
“Her Highness Haiyue has that much faith in Li Xia?”
“It’s not about faith, it’s about saving face. Even if it were hundreds of millions of catties of ethercrystal, it wouldn’t matter much to the Highnesses?” The cultivators sighed emotionally, all feeling that their journey here was truly worthwhile.
Despite being core sect members and elites of large families, they hadn’t cultivated for long, and the income they could generate via normal means was far below millions of catties of ethercrystal.
One had to understand that Reverend Qing Yan, an extremely strong Amethyst Cradle Reverend, only accumulated treasures worth tens of millions after countless years.
Zhuo Haiyue and Gu Sixing didn’t even need a binding contract — this amount of ethercrystal wasn’t enough to make them break their word.
“Li Xia,” Zhuo Haiyue addressed Wu Yuan.
“Your Highness,” Wu Yuan replied, rising to his feet.
“Go begin the challenge. Share your combat projection, conquer level 40, and make Gu Sixing eat his words,” Zhuo Haiyue commanded.
Gu Sixing simply chuckled and sat beside her, shaking his head.
Wu Yuan nodded. Level 40?
“Li Xia, the combat projection is typically kept private, but to secure invitations from various large sects, you must reveal your combat prowess either way. Whether you broadcast it now or later won’t make a difference,” Zhuo Haiyue’s voice resonated in Wu Yuan’s mind.
“Understood,” Wu Yuan nodded, not resistant to the idea.
Reveal his combat prowess? Some cultivators who spent countless years slowly cultivating preferred to conceal their trump cards, but Wu Yuan’s strength was rapidly advancing, and his abilities would only continue to grow. Additionally, the Seven Star Luminaries Tower only evaluated combat skills, without accounting for his lifebound flying swords and immortal root.
“Your Highness, I shall take my leave,” Wu Yuan bowed before transforming into light particles and vanishing on the spot.
Simultaneously, a buzzing sound filled the air as a projection materialized above the banquet, revealing a vast space where seven majestic towers floated. Wu Yuan stood within this space.
“Enlarge the light screen,” the Southmoon Island’s official commanded urgently. He had long noticed the activity stirring among the guests.
The projection expanded, drawing the attention of everyone in the banquet hall. They could now watch him in action with crystal clarity.
The attendees eagerly awaited for him to begin. Would he conquer level 30? Or perhaps he would accomplish the unimaginable by completing level 40?
…
This is the Seven Towers World? Wu Yuan marveled at the seven majestic towers that loomed in the distance, their silhouettes striking against the endless backdrop of space. In the depths of space, a myriad of stars twinkled, casting a familiar glow that reminded him of outer space in his past life.
Truly a sight to behold. Wu Yuan’s heart was heavy with awe.
This was his first visit to the Seven Towers World, a space that existed as a separate subrealm within the Redmoon Immortal Realm. Those with eighth-tier privileges and above could access the Seven Towers World and challenge the towers. However, those with eighth-tier privileges could only challenge it once every decade. Those with seventh-tier privileges could do so annually, while those with sixth-tier privileges, like Wu Yuan, were granted the opportunity thrice a year.
The Seven Star Luminaries Tower beckoned to countless prodigies and powerhouses from across the immortal continent, all seeking to etch their names in history.
Although it is called ‘Seven Towers’, only the first four are open in the immortal realm. Wu Yuan recalled the information he had received from Zhuo Haiyue. The Seven Towers World was a unique and valuable opportunity.
As per my age, I am eligible to challenge the one-star tower. Wu Yuan’s gaze drifted towards the leftmost tower.
As one progressed from the one-star to seven-star tower in the Seven Towers World, the difficulty of the challenges also rose. However, it was not that one had to complete the final level of one tower before continuing to the next tower. Any cultivator could only challenge a single tower at a given time based on their age. The purpose of this was to assess a cultivator’s combat talent and comprehension aptitude.
Only those under 100 years old were allowed to challenge the one-star tower.
Only those 100 to 299 years old were allowed to challenge the two-star tower.
Only those 300 to 999 years old were allowed to challenge the three-star tower.
Only those 1000 to 2999 years old were allowed to challenge the four-star tower.
Only those 3000 to 4999 years old were allowed to challenge the five-star tower.
Only those 5000 to 9999 years old were allowed to challenge the six-star tower.
Only those 10,000 years old and above were allowed to challenge the seven-star tower.
Of course, because the Redmoon Immortal Realm only opened the first four towers, only those under 3000 years old were eligible to challenge it.
For this reason, the seven towers were commonly recognized as the Seven Star Luminaries Tower.
From the understanding of countless cultivators, only the most exceptional individuals of each age segment could clear the highest level of each tower, level 100.
Level 100? From the information, completing level 40 indicates the potential of a Divided Soul Earth Immortal. Wu Yuan shook his head slightly.
Level 100? It’s difficult to fathom! Let’s just challenge one level at a time. I’m curious to see what my limit is. Wu Yuan’s eyes glimmered with ambition.
He had spent decades cultivating, but never truly put his strength to the test in this manner.
Whoosh! Wu Yuan transformed into a streak of light and entered the one-star tower.
…
When Wu Yuan was seen entering the first Star Tower, the banquet hall at the center of Southmoon Island erupted into chaos instantly.
“What?”
“The one-star tower?”
“This Li Xia hasn’t cultivated for 100 years?”
“But his soul clearly seemed to be at the Amethyst Cradle phase.” The gathered crowd was taken aback.
Unless one descended from a unique bloodline, reaching the Amethyst Cradle phase would require at least a century of cultivation, even with unmatched talent and exceptional external cultivation.
Even if there existed a treasure that could drastically shorten the time taken to reach the Amethyst Cradle phase, it would most likely destabilize one’s foundation.
Furthermore, he possessed a soul comparable to an Amethyst Cradle cultivator after less than a century of cultivation? It denoted astounding soul talent.
“This?” Gu Sixing, who previously appeared fully confident, also displayed a subtle shift in his expression.
“Gu Sixing, I forgot to inform you.” Zhuo Haiyue said coolly, “Li Xia has yet to reach 100 years old, he only recently advanced to the Golden Core phase.”
The crowd was shocked upon hearing this. He had just reached the Golden Core stage? How was his soul already this strong at such a young age?
It must be noted that in the early cultivation phases of a qi refiner, soul strength was crucial in battle, even more so than essentia and mana.
“Hmph! He may be young, but a strong soul does not necessarily equate to a strong Domain. Furthermore, being young often corresponds to weaker practical combat abilities.” Gu Sixing stated coldly, “Level 40 isn’t so easily cleared.”
“Just get 30 million catties of ethercrystal ready.” Zhuo Haiyue sneered.
Gu Sixing’s expression darkened.
“Li Xia is about to commence the challenge.” Suddenly, someone pointed at the projection.
Everyone turned their attention to the light screen, and the entire banquet hall quickly fell silent.