Chapter 1456: First Saint

In the era I belonged to, hundreds of thousands of years ago on the main continent, any life form birthed by a Great World could, through innate talent and diligent cultivation, become an entity capable of challenging the myriad laws of that Great World.

That was truly an era where heroes rose in unison, countless prodigies embarking on their own journeys and leaving an indelible mark on history.

Yet, today, those once brilliant and extraordinary figures have gradually vanished, and it’s no longer possible for future generations to attain such heights.

This is because all beings now nurtured by the Great World share a singular purpose: to diligently cultivate power and offer it to the supreme god they worship.

“What is called faith is, in essence, the most secure shackle imprisoning all beings. Such a method is truly despicable.”

Upon hearing Xu Yang's words, the Ascetic Monk decisively abandoned his resistance against the formidable sword energy of the Jade Bone Divine Sword, for he clearly understood.

The fact that Xu Yang uttered such profound words signified that this individual, in terms of both cultivation realm and life experience, was far beyond anything the monk could contend with.

The Ascetic Monk’s choice to surrender meant he accepted being conquered by Xu Yang. To Xu Yang, this was undoubtedly the wisest decision, as any other choice would have compelled him to act against the monk.

The reason was simple: given Xu Yang’s immense talent and strategic foresight, he would never allow a top powerhouse like the Ascetic Monk, who held the second Saint position, to potentially become an adversary in the future.

All the golden halos around the Ascetic Monk gradually vanished, and his true form transformed into a streak of light, appearing before Xu Yang. Though they were merely at the edge of a towering cliff, high among the clouds, the Ascetic Monk knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully with clasped hands in a gesture of profound piety, signifying both repentance and salvation.

“I was presumptuous earlier; please forgive me, Your Excellency.

Your strength and realm are far beyond anything a being of my level can compare to. You have also conquered me with your philosophy. To be frank, I never truly belonged to the Heavenly Eye Divine Path; I was always a rebel, striving for the welfare of all beings and for the greater world.

However, after traversing three divine path regions, I failed to find a true home that could accommodate my lofty aspirations.

Fortunately, fate has not forsaken me. Your Excellency is the discerning patron I have long awaited. I am willing to be your swift steed, to accompany you in fulfilling your cherished wish: to break the monopoly of the supreme god over the opportunities of all beings, and thereby secure a future for all in this world!”

Xu Yang, without hesitation, gently waved his hand, imprinting a mark. Just as he had with Meng Yue previously, he left the Ascetic Monk with a profound soul-questioning, awaiting a resolution.

“If you can unravel this enigma, the moment its answer enters my soul world, we shall meet again. Only then will you be worthy of becoming my true disciple.

Within this current epochal continent, I will establish my own new lineage. Without a doubt, those who receive this soul-questioning from me will become core figures of this new lineage. In the future, I will entrust you with even more vital tasks. Oh, by the way, I almost forgot to ask your name?”

As Xu Yang’s words faded, the Ascetic Monk clasped his hands together and bowed his head slightly towards Xu Yang, his expression devout and submissive.

“This humble one does not possess a name of his own, yet to me, faith is my name. Your Excellency may call me ‘Xingzhe,’ the Walker.

For this path stretches vast and unending, and I am destined to journey upon it throughout my life. The name ‘Xingzhe’ is the most perfect embodiment of my life's purpose.”

Hearing the Ascetic Monk’s interpretation, Xu Yang felt even more certain that his decision was correct. The Ascetic Monk was indeed a worthy individual to guide and promote, and this young monk's future prospects were truly boundless.

Concurrently, to demonstrate his profound respect for Xu Yang, Xingzhe, the Ascetic Monk, directly bound his exclusive guardian space as the Second Saint, along with his unique soul essence, to the fundamental soul of Xu Yang’s phantom body.

In other words, this cliff and the surrounding cloud space had now become Xu Yang’s exclusive domain. Having completed this, Xu Yang did not linger and his main body returned to the temple.

What Xu Yang didn’t expect, however, was that upon looking back, Ling Yao, Xiao Hua, and Long Kun had already ascended to positions among the top ten Saints.

Ling Yao was currently engaged in combat with the Eighth Saint, while Long Kun had successfully challenged the Tenth Saint, thus becoming a new Saint himself. As for Xiao Hua, she had already advanced to the sixth position.

From her demeanor, it seemed she had no intention of proceeding further; she was waiting for Xu Yang’s return in the middle of the temple’s seemingly endless path.

“Boss, you’ve actually become the Second Saint! I just learned from the previous occupant of the Sixth Battlefield about the top ten Saints. She told me that the First Saint’s identity seems quite unusual.

More importantly, it seems no one has ever successfully conquered the First Saint throughout the years. In fact, most top powerhouses haven't even been able to grasp the aura emanating from the First Saint.

There’s also a legend that if one can enter the First Saint’s territory, it signifies the immense honor of sensing the supreme god’s soul aura—an opportunity every cultivator in the entire Heavenly Eye Divine Path longs for!”

Even if Xiao Hua hadn't mentioned these things, Xu Yang would not have halted his journey. However, after listening to her, Xu Yang grew suspicious about the true identity of the First Saint.

“Do you think it’s possible that the supreme god has transformed into a purely consciousness-based form, and his original physical body is sealed within the exclusive domain of the First Follower in this temple?”

Xiao Hua’s pupils widened slightly as she gazed at Xu Yang, a hint of shock in her expression.

“Boss, do you mean this so-called First Saint is actually a vessel for a specific life form of the supreme god? Equivalent to the supreme god himself!

Yet, such an illusory and abandoned form falls far short of the supreme god’s full power in his current will-based state.

Even so, merely possessing the capabilities of the supreme god’s will-based form would be more than enough to effortlessly obliterate any cultivator within the entire Heavenly Eye Divine Path.”

After exchanging these thoughts, both Xu Yang and Xiao Hua were filled with anticipation for the First Saint’s space.

“Regardless, hearing is one thing, seeing is another. I will use my own strength to uncover the truth and explore it myself!”

“Long Kun and Ling Yao have already advanced into the top ten Saint positions. Do not let them challenge for higher ranks, especially since I have already chosen the Second and Third Saints as candidates for new members of our team.”

Xiao Hua naturally understood Xu Yang’s intentions. Knowing his broad vision and higher perspective for the world, she recognized that since these individuals were approved and chosen by him as candidates, there should be no unnecessary conflict with any of their three team members.

“Don’t worry, Boss, I will oversee them. You just go ahead and explore that First Saint’s exclusive space.”