Chapter 724: Refusal

Having cultivated to the level of Emperor Wanxing, with a considerably long lifespan remaining, he naturally aspired to advance further and become a true Eighth-Tribulation realm mighty figure. Escaping the River of Time, overseeing the shifts of time, one's own time flow could almost come to a standstill. A mere moment for oneself might signify billions of years or even longer passing in the outside world. The thought alone filled Emperor Wanxing with immense longing.

Although he was referred to as a half-step Eighth-Tribulation realm cultivator, he remained a Seventh-Tribulation realm being, confined to a lifespan within a "time segment" of hundreds of thousands of years. He could not escape the constraints of the River of Time, ultimately just a large fish within the river.

"Should I proceed with the second plan in the future, Meng Chuan and White Bird will likely pose my greatest threats," Emperor Wanxing mused.

He proceeded with extreme caution when devouring medium-level life worlds.

Throughout history, over a million medium-level life worlds across the universe have given birth to 'Seventh-Tribulation realm mighty figures'. Countless treasures from cosmic history are stored within the vaults of these very worlds.

Emperor Wanxing strategically targeted 'medium-level life worlds' that were in decline and lacked powerful tribulation realm cultivators in the current era. This approach made their destruction appear more akin to natural annihilation. Nevertheless, over a long period, Emperor Wanxing had already annihilated over a hundred 'medium-level life worlds,' including three home worlds of 'half-step Eighth-Tribulation realm' cultivators. The accumulated wealth was staggering.

The demise of over a hundred medium-level life worlds, each once the home of a Seventh-Tribulation realm mighty figure, was highly unusual. Even if they were in decline, their successive annihilation within tens of thousands of years was far from normal.

Powerful entities, including the White Bird Pavilion Master and the World Ancestor, had long detected that something was amiss and maintained a vigilant stance towards Emperor Wanxing.

"Even though I exercise extreme caution, they possess no evidence to prove my involvement."

"However, devouring medium-level life worlds remains a grave taboo. If I become too excessive... a report to an Eighth-Tribulation realm mighty figure could very well provoke one with a strong sense of justice to take action." Emperor Wanxing genuinely feared no contemporary being; even the White Bird Pavilion Master was merely his peer. His true apprehension lay with those Eighth-Tribulation realm figures who had not yet emerged in this era.

Eighth-Tribulation realm figures possess diverse temperaments.

Yet, they undeniably share a common characteristic: their time is immensely valuable and not to be casually interrupted.

For example, the Dragon Ancestor, even among the Dragon Clan, would only grant attention to Seventh-Tribulation realm dragons; otherwise, he would not be concerned. Unless it was a significant event that jeopardized the foundation of the Dragon Clan, the very bedrock of the River of Time, or his personal cultivation, the Dragon Ancestor would not manifest.

Even if the entire universe were embroiled in conflict, with ninety-nine percent of cultivators perishing, it would simply represent the passing of one era. To the Dragon Ancestor, such an event would hold little significance.

Individuals such as the Dark Demon Hall Master and the Demon Mountain Master are even more egocentric, possessing no discernible 'sense of justice' whatsoever.

"Fortunately, contacting an Eighth-Tribulation realm mighty figure is exceptionally difficult. Even the Dragon Clan's patriarch cannot easily disturb their ancestor," Emperor Wanxing murmured to himself. "As long as I remain cautious and avoid inflicting significant distress upon them, no Eighth-Tribulation realm figure should emerge in this era."

Despite knowing that devouring medium-level life worlds was a serious taboo, Emperor Wanxing was unwilling to cease, as such methods made the acquisition of treasures remarkably simple.

Ample treasures also served as vital resources for his cultivation!

"Then there's the Demon Mountain Master; no wonder he's so keen on collecting 'life cores'—they offer immense assistance to cultivation," Emperor Wanxing remarked, a glimmer of longing in his eyes. "Unfortunately, Seventh-Tribulation realm forbidden creatures are exceedingly rare. Historically, nearly all life cores from Seventh-Tribulation realm forbidden creatures have fallen into the Demon Mountain Master's possession. In the current era, despite all my efforts, I've only managed to acquire eight life cores. The few Seventh-Tribulation realm forbidden creatures still dwelling in the Chaotic Turbid River are each more cunning and cautious."

"Of the eight life cores, three are designated for manipulation, used in devouring medium-level life worlds."

"I can only truly utilize five, which is far too few."

Emperor Wanxing dared not purchase them openly.

This is because across the entire River of Time, only one entity openly acquires Seventh-Tribulation realm life cores: the Demon Mountain Master!

If he were to purchase openly and provoke the Demon Mountain Master to manifest at this specific point in time, what would be the consequence? The Demon Mountain Master's power ranks among the foremost of the dozens of Eighth-Tribulation realm mighty figures throughout the history of this River of Time, making him utterly unchallengeable for a mere half-step Eighth-Tribulation realm cultivator.

"I must proceed with caution and patience," Emperor Wanxing affirmed, demonstrating his ample patience.

Black Jade Star.

After Meng Chuan had thoroughly refined the Black Jade Star's formation, the World Ancestor departed.

"Black Jade Star." Standing before his cave dwelling, Meng Chuan gazed at the stellar land beneath his feet, his mood exceptionally pleasant. "The ceaseless production of 'Black Jade Star Sand' here will form the very foundation of my Cangyuan Realm."

Given enough time, he could accumulate treasures comparable to those of Ancestor Cangyuan, excluding, of course, that single eternal secret treasure.

"Whoosh."

Suddenly, a blurred figure descended.

An old farmer, clad in grey robes, appeared on Black Jade Star and smiled at Meng Chuan.

"Emperor Wanxing." Meng Chuan recognized him immediately. The figure was merely a materialized avatar, not his true body, and thus posed no threat. Had it been his true body attempting to enter, Meng Chuan would likely have activated the Black Jade Star's formation to block him at once.

"In this current era, Dongning, you are indeed the most fitting individual to oversee Black Jade Star," Emperor Wanxing remarked with a smile. "Were I the World Ancestor, I, too, would have bestowed it upon you."

"Emperor, you are too kind. What brings you here today, if I may ask?" Meng Chuan responded politely.

"As you are aware, the two predominant powers throughout the entire River of Time currently are my Six Heavens and the White Bird Pavilion," Emperor Wanxing stated with a smile. "While the Primal Realm is also active, its influence on the Six Heavens and the White Bird Pavilion is negligible."

Meng Chuan was well aware of this.

The Primal Realm could not lay claim to the true core strongholds.

"The Six Heavens and the White Bird Pavilion have been engaged in prolonged conflict, a struggle that will likely persist," Emperor Wanxing stated. "The resources and treasures of the White Bird Pavilion primarily accumulate in the Pavilion Master's hands. As for you, the other Seventh-Tribulation realm members, you receive only a small portion based on your contributions. Considering this, why exert yourselves so desperately? Individuals like Lord Dongming, Lord of Shadow, Master of the Food God Palace, and Master of the Heart Devil Cult, while indeed members of the White Bird Pavilion, are merely allied with it and do not participate in the front-line combat."

"What precisely do you mean, Emperor?" Meng Chuan asked, fixing his gaze upon him.

"I hope you will simply offer the White Bird Pavilion a modicum of assistance, much like the Master of the Food God Palace, Master of the Heart Devil Cult, and Lord of Shadow. There's no need to risk your life for it," Emperor Wanxing stated.

Meng Chuan grasped his meaning. The distinction between a Soul Seventh-Tribulation realm cultivator who commits fully to battle and one who merely "slacks off" is indeed substantial.

"The Six Heavens and the White Bird Pavilion are adversaries, but there is no inherent conflict between you and me. We could even be friends, wouldn't you agree?" Emperor Wanxing chuckled. "I am always generous with my friends."

With a wave of Emperor Wanxing's hand, a palm-sized golden ring appeared, transcending space and time.

"This is the 'Ring World'," Emperor Wanxing stated with a smile. "It's a unique treasure perfectly suited for a Soul Seventh-Tribulation realm cultivator. It was refined from materials left behind by a Chaos Lord, guided by the rules of black holes. With it, you can absorb enemies into the Ring World. It can also be used to cast illusions; when the Ring World descends, enemies become trapped within a mirage. This treasure is valued at approximately ten million units, and it will be of immense help in your comprehension of the Soul World's structure and the rules of space-time."

Materials left by a Chaos Lord?

Given Meng Chuan's standing, he understood the distinction between a Seventh-Tribulation realm forbidden creature and a Chaos Lord. A Chaos Lord is an Eighth-Tribulation realm forbidden creature. Any materials they leave behind, even in small quantities, are extraordinarily valuable and imbued with various mystical properties.

"Emperor, that is an incredibly generous gesture," Meng Chuan stated.

"You don't need to do anything specific; merely agree to function as an ordinary member of the White Bird Pavilion, just like the Master of the Food God Palace and the others. The White Bird Pavilion Master cannot forcibly demand that you exert your full strength for him, can he?" Emperor Wanxing explained.

"The Pavilion Master has shown me great kindness, and therefore, I can only decline your generous offer, Emperor," Meng Chuan stated directly.

Emperor Wanxing smiled and gently shook his head. "I am not preventing you from being friends with the White Bird Pavilion Master. You can be his friend, and you can be my friend as well."

Meng Chuan remained silent.

When he was at the Sixth-Tribulation realm, the White Bird Pavilion Master had bestowed a valuable treasure upon him. Having accepted it, he was bound not to disappoint the Pavilion Master.

At the Seventh-Tribulation realm, he was no longer in need of anything from Emperor Wanxing.

"Very well then, I will not concern myself with your actions within the White Bird Pavilion, even if you engage in combat against my Six Heavens on its behalf," Emperor Wanxing said, smiling as he regarded Meng Chuan. "I offer this gift simply to forge a friendship with you."

"Accepting a gift incurs a karmic debt," Meng Chuan said, shaking his head. "The Pavilion Master has bestowed kindness upon me. If I were to accept such a significant gift from you today, Emperor, I fear I would be unable to uphold my duty to the Pavilion Master in the future."

While treasures may stir the heart, they also carry karmic implications.

The more profound the treasure, the greater the karmic debt.

Having previously chosen to accept a valuable gift from the White Bird Pavilion Master, he absolutely could not accept a significant gift from the leader of a rival faction.

"Dongning," Emperor Wanxing said, casting a glance at Meng Chuan. "You are truly a person who deeply values loyalty."