Chapter 2004: Sunlight Reaches Qi

A sudden, swift clash between Sun-tier cultivators resulted in the silent demise of a peak Sun-tier powerhouse.

Outside the Myriad Phenomena Sea, numerous figures stood, their expressions varied: some frowned, some showed surprise, others gloated, and still others expressed awe and shock.

Many Sun-tier cultivators from various star systems and realms had gathered here, refraining from entering the Myriad Phenomena Sea to avoid conflict with Three Realms Island. They were also waiting, certain that someone would eventually be unable to resist probing the situation.

As veteran Sun-tier cultivators renowned for many years, they certainly possessed the patience and cunning required.

Three Realms Island had previously declared its intention to control the Myriad Phenomena Sea, but how could such a significant matter be decided by one faction alone? Anyone wishing to control such a valuable place would need their approval.

If Three Realms Island were truly a top-tier great realm, it might be acceptable, but it was not, nor did it possess particularly strong foundations.

In this situation, even if Three Realms Island used the prestige from its previous battle to assert dominion over the Myriad Phenomena Sea, it would inevitably have to make significant compromises and pay a heavy price. Furthermore, it was uncertain whether they could successfully control the Myriad Phenomena Sea as the situation unfolded.

Indeed, as they had expected, someone couldn't resist entering the Myriad Phenomena Sea, and it was Divine Cloud, from Winged Heaven Star!

Relying on the protection of his Heavenly Net Umbrella sub-treasure, Divine Cloud had always acted without restraint. Throughout the starry sky, he possessed a fearsome reputation and was considered one of the most difficult Sun-tier cultivators to provoke, for if his defenses could not be breached in combat, he would remain invincible.

Such a powerhouse arrived at the Myriad Phenomena Sea but did not report his presence to Three Realms Island, leaving everyone anticipating how events would unfold.

They sensed Lu Ye's movement and, as anticipated, felt the clash erupt between Divine Cloud and Lu Ye, but the outcome left them greatly astonished!

In just a single encounter, Divine Cloud's aura vanished, and immediately after, Lu Ye's voice echoed throughout the Myriad Phenomena Sea.

Due to the great distance, no one could clearly see the specifics of Lu Ye's confrontation with Divine Cloud; they only knew one thing—Divine Cloud was dead, slain by the newly promoted Sun-tier cultivator, Lu Ye of Three Realms Island.

After a moment of silence, various divine senses suddenly began to surge.

"Could it be that Divine Cloud failed to promptly deploy his Heavenly Net Umbrella?" someone asked in astonishment and doubt, as only this possibility could explain such a swift demise.

"No," someone countered, "an old fox like Divine Cloud has always been cautious. Facing an opponent who also possessed a sub-treasure, it's impossible that he wouldn't have deployed the Heavenly Net Umbrella."

"Indeed," another added, "and in that clash just now, Divine Cloud launched the first attack. Based on my understanding of him, he must have deployed the Heavenly Net Umbrella for protection immediately."

"But if he had the Heavenly Net Umbrella for protection, why did he still fall?" someone wondered. "Could that golden sub-treasure be so powerful? Which supreme treasure's sub-treasure is this, after all?"

"Regardless of which supreme treasure's sub-treasure it is," another declared, "its power has reached an unfathomable level. Lu Ye of Three Realms Island will undoubtedly become famous throughout the starry sky after today, and no one will dare to ignore him anymore."

"But this young man is too hot-headed," another remarked. "He just killed Divine Cloud outright. Didn't he consider that this would offend Winged Heaven Star?"

"Heh," someone scoffed, "has he offended few top-tier powers? Zixuan holds a deep grudge against him, and he previously killed several Sun-tier cultivators from Wu Xiang Palace. Furthermore, his willingness to shelter Green Demon King Ma Bin undoubtedly shows that he isn't afraid of trouble."

"That's true," another conceded. "Ma Bin's terrifying aspect lies in his elusiveness. Now that he is severely injured and has appeared on Three Realms Island, I'm afraid many will come looking for trouble. Aside from others, the Myriad Phenomena Star System itself won't let him off easily. Daoist Friend Changfeng has been tracking his whereabouts ever since the battle in the Asura Battlefield, and I expect he'll return soon."

The group of Sun-tier cultivators exchanged thoughts via divine sense.

Suddenly, one person spoke, "Everyone, have you not considered a possibility?"

The others looked in his direction, some asking in confusion, "What possibility?"

"To be able to so easily break through the Heavenly Net Umbrella sub-treasure's defense," he began, "the essence of that golden light from Three Realms Island... is it truly a sub-treasure?"

"If not a sub-treasure, then what could it be?" someone questioned.

The speaker's expression was calm, and his gaze was profound.

The numerous Sun-tier cultivators immediately reacted, and instantly gasped.

Indeed, everyone had taken it for granted that the golden light's essence was the power of a sub-treasure. But if it truly were a sub-treasure, it shouldn't have been able to easily break through the Heavenly Net Umbrella. Yet, if it were a supreme treasure... that would be too shocking to contemplate.

A long silence ensued. After quite some time, someone finally spoke, "The dispute over the Myriad Phenomena Sea ends here. It's time for us to visit the master of Three Realms Island. As for whether that golden light is a sub-treasure or... perhaps we can ask him directly!"

Although such an action might be improper, if this matter was not clarified, none of the Sun-tier cultivators present could feel at ease.

On Three Realms Island, Lu Ye returned. He meditated for a moment, then suppressed the chaotic emotions surging within him.

The black fruit on the Talent Tree needed to be dealt with quickly; otherwise, future battles would too easily affect him, just as it did this time against Divine Cloud.

Fortunately, he already had some ideas.

Just as he was about to try, he suddenly looked up in one direction. With a thought, he sent a message, then stood up himself.

A moment later, Lu Ye stood in the air outside Three Realms Island, with Luan Xiao'e and Yan Miao, two Sun-tier cultivators, standing closely by his side.

From afar, a stream of light rapidly approached, radiating overwhelming Sun-tier might.

Both Luan Xiao'e and Yan Miao looked a little nervous because the number of arriving Sun-tier cultivators was quite large, numbering several dozens. They clearly came from the powers behind the various spirit islands, and the auras of many were incredibly profound, indicating their extraordinary nature.

They secretly observed Lu Ye, finding his expression unchanged. He maintained the composure of a host, looking completely calm and at ease.

The two women, influenced by his composure, exchanged glances and gradually calmed their minds.

"Suilin of Five-Color Domain comes to pay respects," a clear voice called out from afar. "Please forgive our disturbance, Daoist Friend Lu!"

Before they arrived, a hearty voice came from afar; it was none other than the old man mentioned by Mangdang.

The old man was not actually old; his voice was full of vigor, and his powerful aura indicated that he was not an ordinary Sun-tier cultivator.

As the power behind Five-Color Island, the only one with a good relationship with Three Realms Island, Suilin's proactive address undoubtedly set a good tone for this meeting of Sun-tier cultivators.

Immediately after his words, various voices rang out.

"Sulan of Myriad Demons comes to pay respects..."

"Kuihuo of Northern Darkness comes to pay respects..."

"Gutai of Yellow Dragon Realm..."

One Sun-tier cultivator after another introduced themselves, all well-known names throughout the starry sky. Especially significant were the first few who came from top-tier realms. Aside from those from top-tier powers, the subsequent Sun-tier cultivators who introduced themselves were also not to be underestimated; each represented a powerful force.

On ordinary days, these powerhouses were rarely seen by common cultivators, but today, in this place, they appeared in throngs, as if their presence cost nothing.

Lu Ye responded with humility and courtesy, returning each greeting and carefully noting down the appearances and names of the arriving individuals.

Now that he had reached the Sun-tier, he would primarily be interacting with this group of individuals.

The numerous Sun-tier cultivators observed him secretly; seeing his appropriate responses, they couldn't help but nod in approval.

"Friends, you have come from afar; Three Realms Island is honored by your presence," Lu Ye said. "Please come inside first. I have already ordered a banquet to be prepared to welcome you all!"

"Very kind of you," they replied.

A moment later, within a palace in the main cultivator stationed area of Three Realms Island, Lu Ye sat at the head of the table. The Sun-tier cultivators from various major powers were seated on either side below him. Various spirit fruits and fine wines were served in succession. Everyone chatted and laughed, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

Both Lu Ye and the arriving Sun-tier cultivators clearly knew one thing: their willingness to visit Three Realms Island at this time, and to do so as guests, meant that they had already recognized Three Realms Island's dominion and jurisdiction over the Myriad Phenomena Sea.

Those who did not acknowledge it, like Divine Cloud, had already been annihilated.

Under absolute and powerful suppression, all Sun-tier cultivators understood that Three Realms Island possessed the ability and qualifications to oversee the Myriad Phenomena Sea. Since this was the case, there was nothing to fault. Perhaps some still felt unwilling, but with Divine Cloud's precedent, they naturally wouldn't dare to cause trouble at this moment.

Everyone sitting here now had only one thing to discuss: their respective future interests!

It was undeniable that the Myriad Phenomena Sea's existence for so many years had brought great benefits to all the major powers present. Especially after occupying a spirit island, cultivators from their respective powers could reside there, improving their cultivation speed and efficiency, which would undoubtedly accelerate their growth rate.

Furthermore, having a trading hub where they could exchange goods was of immense benefit to any power. Each realm and star system had its own unique products, which might not be worth much within their own realm but were very valuable and rare to others. Through such exchanges, they could undoubtedly gain greater value.

However, everyone present was an old hand, wise and cunning, so initially, no one brought up these matters; they merely exchanged pleasantries and chatted idly.

Gutai of Yellow Dragon Realm took this opportunity to greatly improve his relationship with Lu Ye because after the Asura Battlefield closed, Gusheng returned to Yellow Dragon Realm and had mentioned Lu Ye's name to him, holding him in high regard.

"The friend Gusheng spoke of, that would be you, Daoist Friend, wouldn't it?" Gutai asked with a smile.

"Indeed," Lu Ye replied, "I did go to the Asura Battlefield for a period of training, and I had a very pleasant conversation with Gusheng there."

"Youth is truly formidable," Gutai sighed with emotion. In the current Yellow Dragon Realm, Gusheng was undoubtedly the most talented, yet even he was currently in seclusion, and whether he could successfully advance to the Sun-tier was still uncertain. Then, looking at Lu Ye, he had not only already advanced to the Sun-tier but had also caused such a stir, and today he was sitting here as an equal.

In comparison, Gusheng, on whom Yellow Dragon Realm had placed high hopes, was clearly much inferior.

"How is Gusheng now?" Lu Ye asked. He felt a degree of guilt towards Gusheng and Aboluo, as the three of them had clearly agreed to explore the secrets of the Asura Battlefield in a certain scenario. However, Lu Ye ended up being taken away by the Heavenly Asura clan, and afterward, it became difficult to continue contacting the two. They never met again until the Asura Battlefield closed.