Chapter 1474: Promotion Secrets

I battled Zhanglei for half a month, and both of us used every method at our disposal. However, no clear victor emerged from our prolonged struggle, and we eventually disengaged.

Cang Yuan sat cross-legged atop a towering peak that pierced through the clouds. He looked gravely at the Saints before him, including Wanzu, Zixiao, and Zhou Yuan. "The sub-space Zhou Yuan was defending was completely destroyed during my confrontation with Ancient Saint Zhanglei," he stated. "Unfortunately, however, one of the other two central spaces still fell under the control of the Saint Race."

"For the foreseeable future, the offensive against Cangxuan Heaven might temporarily cease. My appearance was likely unexpected by the Saint Race, and their army attacking Cangxuan Heaven may now be facing a power imbalance. Thus, they will need time to make some adjustments."

"However, this is only a temporary reprieve. Once the Saint Race is ready to resume their offensive, the ferocity of their attack will far exceed anything we’ve seen so far."

"Cangxuan Heaven is now directly behind us, serving as our last line of defense. Should the Saint Race breach it again, Cangxuan Heaven will transform into a battlefield. The fires of war will then devastate much of the realm, leading to a sea of blood, slaughter, and widespread suffering."

All the Saints present wore grim expressions, especially Zhou Yuan, Chu Qing, and Li Chunjun, who originated from Cangxuan Heaven. Their faces were clouded with worry, and their hearts felt heavy.

They all understood the disastrous consequences should the Saint Race army invade Cangxuan Heaven.

Cang Yuan's gaze also turned to Zhou Yuan and the others as he reassured them, "But rest assured, the Heavens will never easily abandon Cangxuan Heaven, as such consequences would be unbearable for us all."

"While the Saint Race is resting, we must fortify this last line of defense into an impregnable fortress. Here, we truly cannot yield an inch."

"Additionally, I will inform the Divine Hall of Return to Ruins and request that the other three Ancient Venerables dispatch more Saints for support. No matter what, we must hold this defensive line to the death."

At this point, Cang Yuan's expression turned solemn. He clasped his hands towards everyone and said, "Whether Cangxuan Heaven can be held depends entirely on all of you."

Upon hearing this, the Saints present respectfully returned the gesture. Cang Yuan's status was now extraordinary, so even Grand Elder Wanzu, who had always been at odds with him, silently assented with a complex expression.

The current situation was extremely unfavorable for the Heavens. At a time like this, even the greatest personal grievances had to be set aside for the greater good. Anyone who incited internal strife would inevitably be condemned by many and despised by all.

Cang Yuan gave further instructions, then dismissed the other Saints, keeping only Zhou Yuan behind.

"Zhou Yuan, in your hands, the Heavenly Yuan Brush has finally recovered its former glory. This was truly no easy feat," Cang Yuan said, his expression softening as he smiled at Zhou Yuan with satisfaction.

Zhou Yuan smiled in response, saying, "Compared to your breakthrough to the Three-Lotus stage, this is insignificant."

"Speaking of which, I must thank you, Master, for arriving in time. Otherwise, my position would likely have fallen into Ancient Saint Zhanglei's hands."

Cang Yuan waved his hand, gazing at the thick sea of clouds beyond the cliff. "Do you think Cangxuan Heaven can ultimately hold out?" he asked.

Zhou Yuan's expression hardened slightly. This question was too heavy, but as the Heaven Master of Cangxuan Heaven, others could avoid it, but he could not.

"The Saint Race's overall strength is considerably greater than that of the Heavens," Zhou Yuan said, his voice becoming much hoarser after a long silence. "If they ultimately decide to breach our defenses starting from Cangxuan Heaven, I think it will be very difficult to hold."

Emotionally, Zhou Yuan would never think this way, but a rational analysis of both sides' strength made this conclusion unavoidable.

In fact, if it weren't for Cang Yuan's sudden breakthrough this time, Ancient Saint Zhanglei would probably have already swept in with the Saint Race army.

But even with Master Cang Yuan's assistance, when the Saint Race prepares to attack again, the outcome will still not change much.

Perhaps, at most, it would only buy a little more time.

This result, though pessimistic and cruel, was the truth.

Cang Yuan looked at Zhou Yuan and said softly, "You should probably be very clear that what we are doing cannot truly stop the Saint Race. Whether here in Cangxuan Heaven or in other Heavens, everyone is merely buying time."

"The purpose of buying time is to await... the awakening of the Third God."

Zhou Yuan's body trembled slightly, and his eyes became complex and sorrowful. In the Heavens now, perhaps everyone but him was waiting for the Third God to awaken.

Yet only he was waiting for the girl named Yaoyao.

Perhaps one day, when the Third God truly awakens, all the Heavens will celebrate. But only he will be staring blankly at that stranger who was once deeply etched in his memory, feeling lost and bewildered.

He might never have considered how to face that moment.

Cang Yuan looked at Zhou Yuan, who suddenly seemed to have lost much of his vigor, and felt a pang of heartache and self-reproach. He knew, of course, how cruel that situation was for Zhou Yuan.

He now deeply regretted having entrusted Yaoyao to Zhou Yuan, who had intruded into that space, back then.

If not for that encounter, there would be no present suffering.

"Zhou Yuan, the power of the Third God is beyond what you or I can imagine."

A bitter smile appeared on Cang Yuan's aged face. "Do you know why I broke through this time?"

Zhou Yuan, hearing this, showed some confusion. "Wasn't it because your time had come, Master?"

Cang Yuan sighed. "Three-Lotus Saints are considered the absolute pinnacle of the world. Throughout tens of thousands of years in the Heavens, we've only had three of them. Below them, there are quite a few at my level, like Wanzu, Zixiao, and others. In terms of foundation, they are not necessarily weaker than me. But why was it me who took that step?"

Cang Yuan stared at Zhou Yuan, slowly saying, "Because of that cup of wedding wine."

Zhou Yuan's pupils sharply constricted, and a trace of shock flashed across his face. "The cup of wedding wine Yaoyao offered you?!" he exclaimed.

On the day of Zhou Yuan and Yaoyao's grand wedding, Cang Yuan, as Yaoyao's elder, drank the wedding wine offered by the newlyweds along with Zhou Qing and Qin Yu.

According to Cang Yuan's implication, it was Yaoyao's cup of wedding wine that allowed him to take that step?!

Cang Yuan said somewhat wistfully, "It might also have been a wine to sever past ties. With that one cup, she might have completely repaid me for all the nurturing I gave her back then."

"Zhou Yuan, what I want to say is that Yaoyao at that time was clearly making some preparations. She might have had some premonition, so whether it was that cup of wine for me, or your grand wedding..."

Cang Yuan paused for a few breaths, then said word by word, "You need to be mentally prepared. Don't hold too many expectations."

Zhou Yuan stood still, his gaze fixed blankly on the endlessly rolling sea of clouds. After a long while, he slowly sat down, his hands covering his face, his eyes red.

Cang Yuan looked at Zhou Yuan's back—the young man who had smiled brightly even when his eight meridians were unopened years ago. Now, he was facing another heart-wrenching choice in his life.

At this moment, even with Cang Yuan's temperament, he couldn't help but curse this damned fate.

How would this future end?