**Chapter 63: Winds and Clouds Rise, A Great Change Sweeps the Nine Provinces**
The author: Gu Zhenren
Chu Yun was greatly alarmed. In recent years, he had diligently governed and strived to manage, no longer the ignorant young man he once was. Thus, he clearly understood the significance of the Star Saint Hall. The Star Saint Hall was intrinsically linked to the Star Saint, and in a sense, the Saint Hall was the supreme symbol of a Saint within the Immortal Pouch World. At this moment, the violent trembling of the Star Saint Hall indicated only one thing: the Star Saint was under fierce attack. The Star Saint was a Saint, countless times more powerful than an Emperor-level expert. What kind of existence could strike such a blow against him?
As Chu Yun’s apprehension grew, two beams of light flashed within the Star Saint Hall, instantly transforming into two figures. The one leading was tall, with broad shoulders, clad in a dark green dragon-embroidered Emperor’s robe, exuding a suffocating, cold dominance. He wore an Emperor’s Crown, with pearl curtains hanging down both the front and back. Though his face could not be clearly seen, his sharply piercing gaze, like a blade, cut through the curtains and fixed upon Chu Yun. It was Emperor Qin. Following behind him, like a subordinate, was naturally Emperor Long. Emperor Long harbored a deep hatred for Chu Yun. Upon seeing Chu Yun, Emperor Long immediately frowned and let out a cold snort, “Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, you fled quickly!”
“Fled?” Chu Yun could not help but be greatly surprised. He keenly perceived the embarrassment and haste that the two Emperors, Qin and Long, were trying to conceal. Two dignified Great Emperors seemed to be fleeing back! “It seems the Sea Eye Abyss has undergone a drastic change, but who could possibly force two Great Emperors to flee back? Could it be…” A flash of inspiration struck Chu Yun’s mind.
At this very moment, the Star Saint Hall flashed with brilliant light again, and two more Great Emperors appeared. One was an elder in white robes, with an immortal demeanor, snow-white hair, and a silver beard, exuding an otherworldly aura – it was Emperor Bai. The other was a woman dressed in a silk, blue lotus long dress, her wavy hair cascading to her waist. Her deep blue eyes were like a mirror-like, tranquil lake. Her aura was one of profound sorrow and melancholy. Though her expression was blank, she exuded an eerie feeling of bleakness and heartbroken grief. Coupled with the manner of her appearance, Chu Yun immediately guessed her identity. She was the most mysterious among the Xingzhou faction, Emperor Yu. Chu Yun had conducted transactions with many Emperor-level experts, but Emperor Yu was one of the few individuals in the Nine Provinces with whom Chu Yun had not interacted. What caught Chu Yun’s attention was that both Emperor Bai and Emperor Yu concealed a sense of panic.
Rumble…sonorous thunderous sounds echoed incessantly. The Star Saint Hall trembled with increasing intensity, causing Chu Yun himself to feel unstable, swaying precariously. Emperor Bai let out a deep sigh, “The Star Saint Hall is beginning to crack and disintegrate. It seems this battle of the Nine Saints is truly serious, they’ve truly sparked a fire.” “It’s no wonder. A Saint Artifact of an ancient Saint has appeared in the Sea Eye Abyss. Whoever obtains it will instantly become the foremost among the Nine Saints and stand out from the rest. Chaos has arrived, and the Nine Provinces are in for a complete upheaval. However, our immediate priority is to leave here at once; this place cannot be lingered in.” Emperor Yu spoke softly, her presence as ethereal as the gentle spring rain of Jianghuai in March.
Chu Yun listened, dumbfounded. A battle of the Nine Saints? When did this happen? He had just left the Sea Eye Abyss, and such a monumental event had occurred! However, he soon connected the dots, thinking to himself, “I understand! The appearance of the Ancient Saint’s inheritance has stirred the hearts of all nine Saints. They first had us scout the situation, testing the waters. At a certain point, they made their move, entering the deepest level of the Sea Eye Abyss. Now that they have unearthed the ancient Saint’s artifact, no one wants to miss out, and they have finally turned on each other.” No wonder the Star Saint Hall was disintegrating and cracking; it represented the Star Saint. With the Saints in an all-out war, the Star Saint’s injury was inevitable. If the Star Saint were to perish, the Star Saint Hall would explode violently, obliterating everything within a ten-thousand-mile radius. The entire Xingzhou would be thrown into great turmoil, with all sorts of calamities descending, causing widespread suffering and silencing all life.
Despite these extensive thoughts, it all happened in the blink of an eye. Emperor Yu’s words made everyone change color. They were merely Emperor-level experts; if the Star Saint Hall exploded, they would undoubtedly suffer severe injuries, or even death. “The Xingzhou Token has lost its function,” Emperor Long suddenly said, his face pale. The Xingzhou Token was a supporting Demon Soldier primarily based on the Star Saint Hall. Now that the Star Saint Hall was on the verge of collapse, the Xingzhou Token naturally lost its former brilliance, and even cracks appeared on its surface. This phenomenon was inconceivable in normal times. “Indeed, this place cannot be lingered in! Let’s go,” Emperor Qin’s voice was icy as he prepared to withdraw.
“It’s alright, a Saint’s methods wouldn’t be so limited. If the Star Saint cannot even protect his Star Saint Hall, then what is there to discuss about a Saint’s demeanor? You can rest easy within the Star Saint Hall.” The Human Emperor’s voice suddenly reached everyone’s ears, and then, the image of the Human Emperor appeared within the cracking, trembling Star Saint Hall. This shadow was initially indistinct but quickly transformed from虚 to实(from insubstantial to substantial). Although the Xingzhou Token was unusable, an Emperor-level expert was still an Emperor-level expert; he managed to return on his own power. The Human Emperor was still portly, but his face was now covered in soot, as if struck by lightning, looking quite disheveled. He was originally wearing a golden silk robe, but now its left sleeve was missing. What was once resplendent with golden light and magnificence now looked like a chicken chick fallen from a phoenix, dull and gray, with holes and emitting black smoke. However, the Human Emperor did not seem to mind, instead smiling happily, muttering to himself, “Damn it, after nearly a thousand years, I finally witnessed a Saint’s true power firsthand. It was worth risking my life to watch, I’ve had my fill of the spectacle!”
This statement immediately drew the full attention of the five Great Emperors in the hall, all of whom displayed obvious envy. A confrontation between Saints, a full-blown battle, was an event that had rarely occurred in millennia. With only Emperor-level cultivation, one didn’t even have the qualifications to watch. Even for a powerful expert like the Human Emperor, watching required risking his life. Yet, even so, it was enough to make people flock to it. This was the power of Saints, the highest realm for a Monster Tamer! Witnessing such a battle could provide immense inspiration for future cultivation, with unimaginable benefits. “How is the battle going?” Emperor Bai asked eagerly, his immortal demeanor gone, like a curious child with a face full of longing. The Human Emperor shook his head, “Heh! Saints’ methods are heavenly; every move they make carries profound truths and principles of supreme laws, beyond what language can express.”
“Then, who is stronger or weaker among the Nine Saints?” Chu Yun asked. The Human Emperor shook his head again, “It was a chaotic battlefield, a complete mess. When Book Emperor and You Huang return, ask them. My cultivation is limited, and I couldn’t bear it any longer, unable to withstand the residual waves of the Nine Saints’ battle.” As if summoned, just as the Human Emperor finished speaking, Book Emperor also appeared. “Oh, everyone is here,” Book Emperor said, dressed in a blue robe, holding a feather fan, with clear eyes and a handsome face, resembling a young, delicate scholar. However, he too was quite disheveled. His blue robe still bore deep bloodstains, and his snow-white feather fan had a large gash with tattered feathers trembling in the wind.
Everyone eagerly inquired about the battle’s progress, as the outcome of the Nine Saints’ competition was of utmost importance, affecting the entire structure of the Nine Provinces. “It’s estimated that the Nine Saints began their fight at the very bottom, and it is only now that the lingering effects of their struggle have become apparent, spreading throughout the entire Sea Eye Abyss. The Sea Eye Abyss is utterly destroyed. Among the Nine Saints, Dan Saint’s aura is the most sustained and powerful, and he has taken the lead, even seizing the ancient Saint’s artifact!” Book Emperor did not withhold information, directly revealing the intelligence. “It’s actually Dan Saint,” Emperor Yu sighed softly, a worried expression on her face. The others’ expressions also turned grim. Emperor Long frowned deeply. If Dan Saint emerged victorious, Danzhou would leap to become the foremost of the Nine Provinces, and the days for the other eight provinces would not be good.
“However, you don’t need to worry too much. The reason Dan Saint has the upper hand is because he activated his Saint Artifact beforehand,” Book Emperor added. Chu Yun heard the word “Saint Artifact” for the second time and could not help but feel curious. He knew little about Saints. Book Emperor patiently and gently explained, “Even though you are Great Emperors, it’s normal that you don’t know. When a Saint reincarnates, a companion Demonic Creature will appear. This creature is unique in the world, possessing infinite growth potential and being the most compatible with the Saint, bathed in Saint radiance, hence it is called a Saint Artifact. The power of a Saint Artifact is immense; moving mountains and draining seas is merely a trifle, and covering the sky and obscuring the sun is just child’s play. Once a Saint Artifact is nurtured, it becomes the foremost among all Demonic Creatures in an entire continent. It can suppress a continent, possess wondrous properties, and encompass immeasurable Luck, far surpassing ordinary Destiny Demonic Treasures. More importantly, a Saint Artifact has the most intimate and wondrous connection with its Saint, containing the Saint’s insights into cultivation.”
The profession of a Monster Tamer is very complex, requiring the mastery of various Demonic Creatures. However, when one reaches the level of a Saint, the truly effective and powerful Demonic Creature simplifies to just one: the Saint Artifact. The combat power between a Saint using a Saint Artifact and one who does not use it differs greatly. Dan Saint activated his unique Saint Artifact, while the other eight Saints did not, hence his advantage was not surprising. “No wonder the ancient Saint’s artifact holds such great attraction for the nine Saints. It can be said that mastering the ancient Saint’s artifact is equivalent to possessing all of the ancient Saint’s cultivation insights.”
Chu Yun suddenly understood and could not help but feel curious. What kind of Saint Artifact did the Star Saint on their side possess? Book Emperor smiled without speaking but pointed to the sky. The Star Saint Hall had already disintegrated into a broken state, with the original roof collapsing, allowing those inside to see the outer starry sea. Chu Yun looked in the direction Book Emperor pointed and saw a Demonic Creature hovering in the air, emitting dazzling starlight that enveloped the entire Star Saint Hall. The precarious Star Saint Hall, under this starlight, seemed like a wounded beast being soothed. Pieces of the shattered, crumbling stone seemed to reverse time, returning to their original places like swallows returning to their nests. In less than a moment, the Star Saint Hall was restored to its original state, and the Xingzhou Token was also perfectly repaired and usable again. “This is the Star Saint’s Saint Artifact,” Book Emperor explained. “So it was this,” Emperor Qin murmured. Emperor Long looked at Chu Yun with a complex expression.
(To be continued)
