Chapter Seventy-Six: The Mark of the Universe

Within the currents of space, light flickered and shadows danced. The great golden toad raced forward on its four legs, hurrying toward the Ice Destruction of the Grand Cold Furnace.

“So this is what you call a super-core…” The Daoist Master Huang Ha sat cross-legged atop the golden toad’s head, his aura shrouded in mystery. The Old Crane bent respectfully before him, as a wisp of golden radiance drifted in the air and projected the forms of two super-cores.

These were two extraordinary crystal cores—one of ice, one of fire—clear and resplendent, with nine hundred ninety-nine facets each. They rotated in tandem, the chill of ice and the blaze of fire intertwining, a portion already fused, emanating a supreme power.

Indeed, they were both third-realm super-cores.

“Exactly. These twin cores embodying the dual energies of Yin and Yang were born alongside the lunar and solar forces. Should they merge, they might become the legendary Supreme Yin-Yang Crystal.”

“The Supreme Yin-Yang Crystal? Hmph, they’re still lacking.” Daoist Huang Ha smiled faintly. “In my view, these two twin cores of Yin and Yang at best will evolve into the Frost-Flame Dual Essence, reaching the pinnacle of the third realm. That alone is exceedingly rare.”

“You are right, Master.” The Old Crane nodded eagerly.

He, too, understood how precious a fourth-realm super-core was. If these two were high-tier third-realm, the chance to create the Supreme Yin-Yang Crystal would be significant.

Alas, they were merely at the initial stage of the third realm.

Thus, their most likely evolution would be into the Frost-Flame Dual Essence, the apex among third-realm super-cores. Though inferior to the Supreme Yin-Yang Crystal, it was a treasure nonetheless.

Suddenly, Crane Xuan’s expression changed dramatically.

“What’s wrong?” Daoist Huang Ha glanced at him indifferently.

“Master, save me! That brat has entered the formation—he’s about to extract my source of Radiant Essence!” Crane Xuan’s projection flickered with panic and pleading.

“Oh? Then let’s pick up the pace.” Daoist Huang Ha patted the golden toad beneath him. Surges of yellow-cloud spiritual force cascaded down; golden light flowed in the toad’s eyes, which gleamed with vitality as it broke into a sudden, accelerated sprint.

Faster… Crane Xuan tensed, urging inwardly but not daring to say it aloud. This Daoist Huang Ha, whose mastery rivaled creation itself, whose powers defied the laws of the cosmos, was as unpredictable as he was mighty—a peer to any ruler of a cultivation domain, and a figure of great standing in the alliance.

He dared not urge him too directly.

He must make it in time!

All Crane Xuan could do was silently pray.

…

In the Lunar-Solar Star System—

Feng Shang had entered the Nine Tribulations Prison Array. He swung luminous fists, chaining together tribulation techniques as he beat Crane Xuan so hard that teeth scattered across the ground. The old man’s radiant form was tossed and battered in all directions.

“Go, Brother Feng Shang!” On the Daoist vessel, Little Phoenix cupped her cheeks in her hands, her bright eyes sparkling as she watched the youth’s dazzling display. Her fair cheeks glowed rosy with excitement.

Qing’er tapped her on the head gently, her voice soft as she admonished, “No matter what, fighting is never good. It breeds aggression. And yet you cheer him on?”

“But he’s a bad man! He sided with the Starlit Fiend and even tried to steal Brother Feng Shang’s treasure at first.” Little Phoenix pouted, clutching her forehead, thinking Qing’er was being too strict, and much too broad in her discipline.

“Hmm?” Qing’er’s gaze sharpened.

“Fine, I’ll stop cheering.” Little Phoenix grumbled.

The young man smiled at the scene. “Young Master Feng is truly remarkable—his presence outstanding. Since arriving in the Ancient Dawn Domain, he has always stood up for justice. If our elders knew, they would be greatly comforted.”

At these words, Qing’er sighed softly. Brother Feng Shang wasn’t acting out of righteousness; he simply followed his own whims. If their nameless master ever learned of Feng Shang’s less-than-glorious deeds over the past years…

The master would likely be left speechless.

Within the arena, Feng Shang’s eyes glowed with azure light, white flames searing around him. Mist shrouded his fists, radiant energy bursting forth. Such a presence seemed the very embodiment of a Lord of Light.

“You little bastard!” In the distance, Crane Xuan was beside himself with rage, his expression utterly foul. His radiant form dimmed, charred wounds scoring his body, each wound aglow with inner light.

A vivid Scarlet Flood Dragon Ruler hovered above his head, its six blazing runes fully activated, radiating blood-red light to shield him from the fierce onslaught of tribulations.

“Surrender your Radiant Essence now, or you know what’s coming—if I have to extract it myself, the pain will be a thousandfold greater.” Feng Shang’s smile was dazzling but carried a chilling edge.

Crane Xuan shuddered.

The agony of having one’s Radiant Essence forcefully extracted… it was akin to a scourging of the very soul.

That Radiant Essence was fused with a portion of his life-soul; in the process of extraction, the soul would be mercilessly torn apart.

Imagining the consequences, Crane Xuan gritted his teeth and resolved to delay. He pointed to the hazy golden mark at his brow, saying, “Brat, you see this imprint here?”

“I noticed. Is there a problem?” Feng Shang replied dismissively.

“Hmph!” Crane Xuan sneered. “This is a Cosmic Seal, placed by a supreme power. Behind me stands a terror you cannot fathom. If you dare extract my Radiant Essence, you will be hunted without end!”

Feng Shang’s mouth dropped open in mock surprise. After a moment, he grinned. “How amusing. You’re down to this and still dare threaten me? Clearly I haven’t taught you enough of a lesson. I’ve decided to let you enjoy yourself a bit more.”

“Come, Tribulation!”

Feng Shang’s arm trembled as he raised it high.

At his command, the entire Nine Tribulations Prison Array resounded with thunderous booms. Nine dreadful auras surged from nine directions.

Abyssal sky-sundering slashes, annihilating sword qi, spears forged of thunder-law—all appeared at once, releasing boundless murderous intent, weaving together into a terror beyond compare.

“You—” Crane Xuan panicked. This was a supreme Cosmic Seal! Did this brat not understand what that meant? At least ask a few questions first—who acts so rashly?

Watching the gathering storm of tribulation, Crane Xuan’s scalp tingled and tears welled in his eyes.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Tribulations erupted in a series, laws surging wildly, blinding light engulfing the center so nothing could be seen. Soon, Crane Xuan’s cries of pain and anguish rang out.

This was not a single assault but a combined eruption, their might multiplied.

“Spectacular.” Feng Shang sighed in admiration. If you don’t court death, you cannot die. Had the old man shown a hint of civility or the slightest respect, he would not be suffering so.

“He was not wrong. That seal is extraordinary.” Suddenly, an azure ghost-light flickered as Qingtian E’s voice sounded, somewhat dazed. “I remember, in my previous life, I once encountered a being with a similar golden mark.”

“That seal is no ordinary thing? Even so, right now, he’s at my mercy.” Feng Shang laughed.

“It’s ill-omened. I recall now—the mark seemed to awaken, perhaps summoning its comrades…” Qingtian E’s memories surfaced, fragments telling him this golden mark was of great significance.

“Whoever comes, I’ll beat them down.” Feng Shang’s lips curled coldly. “Starlit Fiend, Divine Shrine, Lords of Light, mysterious backers—one after another, all intertwined. Perhaps by following the thread, I’ll drag them all out into the open.”