Swallowing the Stars: Heart of the Martial God

Chapter 178 Chaos, you can't compete with me for disciples anymore!

"Since Emperor Yan trusts the Divine Eye Clan so much, I naturally wouldn't act like a villain. This is the first batch of Origin Divine Crystals, enough for a Universe Lord with ten thousand times the genetic power to recover all his divine power loss. Subsequent resources will be delivered gradually over the next hundred epochs."

The Divine Eye True Lord appeared calm, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity. With a wave of his hand, several pure white Origin Divine Crystals, radiating rich energy fluctuations, flew towards Ling Xuan. Each one seemed to contain the power of a vast star, its light soft yet dazzling.

Ling Xuan steadily accepted the Origin Divine Crystal, and strands of divine power surged from his fingertips, wrapping around the crystal like nimble threads, quickly examining its quality and quantity.

In an instant, he nodded in satisfaction, a faint smile appearing on his face, and said, "Good, with the words of the Divine Eye True Lord, I am relieved. The three True Lords, you may rejoin the ranks."

The sound was transmitted through divine power and clearly entered the Ice Cliff Fortress.

The figures of the three Allahs gradually appeared, their faces still showing resentment and frustration.

After leaving Ice Cliff Fortress, the three of them walked silently behind the Divine Eye True Lord without saying a word, bowed their heads and stood still. They were clearly resentful about what they had just experienced, but had no choice but to obey the Divine Eye True Lord's decision.

The Divine Eye True Lord's gaze swept over Ling Xuan and the Giant Axe, and he nodded slightly, solemnly saying, "Emperor Yan, Giant Axe, the Divine Eye Clan will uphold today's agreement. If there are any changes in the Cosmic Sea in the future, our Divine Eye Clan will also remember today's covenant."

His voice was firm and powerful, echoing in this neutral zone, as if proclaiming the promise of the Divine Eye Clan to heaven and earth.

“We’ll wait and see.” Giant Axe nodded in response with a calm expression, his eyes revealing scrutiny and contemplation. He had both expectations and necessary vigilance regarding the promises of the Divine Eye Clan.

The Allah of Divine Eyes said no more, turned to face the three Allahs, and said briefly and forcefully, "Go."

After speaking, the four of them surged with divine power, instantly transforming into four dazzling golden beams of light. Like shooting stars, they flew towards the territory of the Divine Eye Clan and disappeared into the depths of the vast nebula in the blink of an eye, leaving only this calm body of water, as if nothing had ever happened.

Ling Xuan looked at the three supreme treasures and the Origin Divine Crystal in his hand, then looked in the direction where the Divine Eye Clan had left. The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a solemn expression. He said, "Teacher, the Divine Eye Clan's initiative to form an alliance can buy us time to develop, but we must also be wary of their ulterior motives."

Giant Axe gently patted Ling Xuan's shoulder, his expression calm and his tone steady, and said, "Don't worry, our alliance with the Divine Eye Clan is merely one of 'mutual benefit,' and mutual checks and balances are the norm. As long as our human strength continues to grow, the Divine Eye Clan will not dare to easily break the agreement. Next, we should focus our energy on the development of the Hong Alliance."

His words were like a stabilizing force, instilling confidence in Ling Xuan and pointing him in the right direction.

Ling Xuan took a deep breath, nodded slightly, and put the three supreme treasures and the Origin Divine Crystal into the Purple Abyss Star Palace.

Then, he raised his head, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes, and suggested with a smile, "Let's discuss how to allocate these three supreme treasures first. Supreme treasures can only be effective if they are used."

In his view, the rational distribution of treasures can maximize the overall strength of the human race.

"You deserve all the credit for acquiring these three supreme treasures, so you should use them." The Giant Axe Founder laughed heartily, his eyes full of praise and trust for Ling Xuan, and handed over the decision to him without hesitation.

"No, with the Purple Abyss Star Palace here, there are very few things in the Cosmic Sea that can pose a threat to me. I'll just keep the Azure Eye Divine Light and the Star Kingdom, these two supreme treasures. I'll give the Star Hand to the Chaos City Lord. He's a powerful expert who uses fists and palms, and the Star Hand is extremely suitable for him. Perhaps the Chaos City Lord can use it to break through and become the strongest in the universe?"

Ling Xuan waved his hand, his expression magnanimous, and carefully analyzed the compatibility between the treasure and the group, demonstrating his thorough consideration for the development of the clan.

After all, the Xuan Gu clone has been staying in the primordial universe for a long time, so the Star Hand is not very useful to it. Moreover, once it is used, the relationship between the Xuan Gu clone and itself will be exposed.

It would be better to give it to the Lord of Chaos City and let him play a greater role.

One supreme treasure of the soul type and one supreme treasure of the domain type are sufficient for me.

Moreover, the universe is full of treasures, so there's no worry about not finding something more suitable for oneself in the future.

"If Chaos knew what you were thinking, it would be overjoyed." The Giant Axe Founder couldn't help but laugh, imagining the Chaos City Lord's delighted expression upon hearing the news, his heart filled with anticipation.

Ling Xuan pondered to himself, a slight smile playing on his lips. He couldn't help but jokingly think to himself: Hahaha, Chaos, it's a deal, right? Now that I've given you the Star Hand, you can't compete with me for disciples anymore.

……

Several years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Ling Xuan returned to the initial universe with many valuable gains.

Within the primordial universe's chaotic ruins, the Chaos City Lord's killing avatar, as always, meticulously examined the souls of the powerful cultivators who came to Chaos City to cultivate.

Ling Xuan strode confidently toward the inner palace of the city lord's mansion.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Flame Emperor!" Outside the city lord's mansion, the guards, their eyes filled with fervor and reverence, bowed respectfully.

Five thousand years is but a fleeting moment in the long years of cultivation. Their memories seem to be stuck at the moment when Ling Xuan last came to the City Lord's Mansion and was stopped by them.

In the blink of an eye, the person in front of them had grown into a great being whom they could only look up to.

"I've come to see the city lord." Ling Xuan nodded slightly and spoke gently.

"Please go ahead!" the guard replied hastily, his voice tinged with excitement.

Ling Xuan stepped straight into the threshold of the inner courtyard of the City Lord's Mansion and walked familiarly toward the small courtyard of Chaos Ruins.

"Emperor Yan, what brings you here?" The Lord of Chaos City smiled as he saw Ling Xuan and teased, "Since you returned from the Cosmic Sea, instead of going back to the Giant Axe Arena headquarters, Xu Jin has been eagerly waiting for you."

“Senior Xu Jin has been overseeing the Giant Axe Arena for countless years, and he is very composed. A few more days won’t make a difference.” Ling Xuan walked to the stone table and sat down.

The Lord of Chaos City's gaze softened, tinged with a hint of reminiscence: "Back then, I was the first to see your video of participating in the Genius Battle."

He paused, then raised his hand to summon a pot of fine wine, poured it for Ling Xuan, and said with a hint of regret in his voice, "Back then, I was thinking that it would be great if I could take you as my disciple. You know, I'm stationed in Chaos City most of the year and rarely take on disciples. It's just a pity that you're a member of the Giant Axe clan, so I didn't bring it up."

At this point, the Chaos City Lord shook his head helplessly, but his eyes were full of smiles: "Thinking about it now, I really regret not being more resolute back then and taking you as my disciple right in front of the giant axe. Look at you, you've grown to the point where you can contend with the strongest beings in the universe in just a few years. If I had taken you in back then, I might have even benefited from it and become the 'Number One Master of the Universe Sea'." Ling Xuan couldn't help but laugh when he heard his words: "City Lord, you're right. Even if I weren't your disciple, you've helped me a lot. When we encountered the Fire Sky Beast God, if it weren't for the divine power token you bestowed upon me, I probably wouldn't have the chance to stand here drinking with you. Later, you gave me another token. I've always remembered this kindness."

"Those are minor matters. Nurturing future generations for the clan is simply what I should do." The Chaos City Lord waved his hand, then changed the subject, asking curiously, "By the way, when you returned from the Cosmic Sea this time, I heard you seized the most powerful treasure of the Divine Eye Clan? What exactly is this treasure?"

When Ling Xuan saw him mention the treasure, his expression also became serious. He raised his hand and a dazzling golden light floated between the two of them—it was the "Star Hand" that he had taken from the Third True Lord.

The body of the treasure was covered with fine star patterns, and a powerful energy wave surrounded it. Even the air in the courtyard seemed to be slightly stagnant due to the pressure of this power.

"This is the Star Hand, the most powerful treasure of the third True Lord of the Divine Eye Clan. It is a top-tier treasure among gauntlets and is extremely powerful," Ling Xuan introduced. "My teacher and I discussed it for a long time and agreed that you are the most suitable person to use it, so I brought it to you this time."

The Lord of Chaos City's gaze fell on Xingchen's hand, his pupils contracted slightly, and his fingertips twitched unconsciously—as a powerful expert skilled in fist and palm techniques, he knew the value of this treasure better than anyone else.

But he quickly composed himself, raised his hand and pushed the Star Hand towards Ling Xuan, his tone sincere: "Emperor Yan, this is unacceptable. You risked your life to obtain this treasure in the Cosmic Sea, and it is precisely the time when you need it to enhance your strength. Although the Purple Abyss Star Palace is strong, having an extra supreme treasure will give you more confidence when facing crises. You have been adventuring outside for many years, and you need it more than I do."

"A treasure is indeed precious, but it also has its limitations. This Star Hand is somewhat obscured in the hands of the Third True Lord." Ling Xuan pushed the Star Hand back, his tone solemn. "You are a Universe Lord personally praised by the Purple Moon Ancestor as the most promising candidate to become the next strongest being in the universe. In terms of strength, this Star Hand is undoubtedly yours. Moreover, you excel in fist and palm attacks, and the three ultimate techniques of palm, fist, and finger are known throughout the entire universe."

The Lord of Chaos City wanted to decline, but Ling Xuan interrupted him: "Please don't refuse anymore. I have three supreme treasures: the Purple Abyss Star Palace, the Star Kingdom, and the Azure Eye Divine Light. In addition, my Heaven-Slaying Blade is no weaker than a supreme treasure. This Star Hand is far more useful to you than to me. If you accept it, it will not only be for your own sake, but also for the sake of your race. If you can use the secret runes of the Star Hand to break through and become the strongest in the universe, that would be a great blessing for our human race!"

Looking into Ling Xuan's sincere eyes and listening to his words that were all for the sake of his people, the Chaos City Lord's hesitation gradually dissipated.

He sighed deeply, slowly reached out, and grasped Xingchen's hand.

The moment he made contact, the Star Hand resonated with his Chaos Divine Power, and a powerful force spread throughout his body, instantly strengthening his aura.

"Okay, then I'll accept it."

The Lord of Chaos City gripped the Starry Hand tightly, a sharp glint in his eyes. "Rest assured, I will not betray your and Giant Axe's trust."

Seeing that he accepted the tea, Ling Xuan smiled with relief, picked up his teacup and took a sip: "That's right. With you here to oversee the clan, my teacher and I can venture into the Cosmic Sea with more peace of mind."

That bastard secretly arranged for the Chaos City Lord to oversee the clan in the future, so he could go out and have fun with the Giant Axe Founder.

After handing the Star Hand to the Lord of Chaos City, Ling Xuan left the Initial Universe and headed to the headquarters of the Giant Axe Arena.

He also came to the Primordial Universe through the teleportation channel of the Giant Axe Arena headquarters, and the Lord of Void Gold already knew that he had returned to the Primordial Universe.

They sent him eighteen emails in a row, urging him to complete the handover as soon as possible.

"Senior Xu Jin is really something. Countless eras have passed, what difference a few more years won't make." Ling Xuan sighed and shook his head.

"You brat, you're so quick to speak your mind. Wait until you've been sitting here for thousands of years like me before you start making these sarcastic remarks." The Lord of Void Gold's long eyebrows twitched with anger.

He couldn't easily leave the headquarters of the Giant Axe Martial Arts Arena, a crucial location, to prevent the alien races from causing trouble there and to guard against any unforeseen events.

Ling Xuan shrugged indifferently, "Don't forget, I have a clone."

"Hmph, it's only right that someone like you with clones should be in charge of such an important place." The Lord of Void Gold sneered.

The two continued the handover process, with the Lord of Void Gold slowly instructing Ling Xuan on various aspects of the Giant Axe Arena.

……

Within the miniature universe of the First True One of the Divine Eye Clan.

At this moment, the seven true masters of the Divine Eye Clan gathered together.

"Divine Eye, is this matter to be left so easily?" The Second True Lord broke the silence first, his voice filled with barely suppressed anger and resentment, his face slightly distorted with emotion. "Since our birth, the Divine Eye Clan has dominated two cycles of the cosmic sea, how majestic and awe-inspiring we have been! When have we ever suffered such a humiliation? Three supreme treasures were taken away by that human brat! I cannot swallow this insult!"

As he spoke, he suddenly slammed his fist into the void beside him, causing ripples to spread across the space as if it could not bear the weight.

"Hmph, so what?" The Third True Lord snorted coldly, his expression full of helplessness and exhaustion. "Have you all forgotten the perilous scene back then? I, the Sixth and Seventh Elders, joined forces and unleashed the Eternal True God, yet we were still no match for Ling Xuan's Heavenly Eye. Even the supreme treasure like Ice Cliff Fortress was easily suppressed by him. If we hadn't offered up the supreme treasure, once we were sent into the Primal Universe, who do you think would have been able to save us?"

As the Third God spoke, he shook his head slightly, a hint of lingering fear flashing in his eyes.

"Enough! Stop arguing!" The Divine Eye True Lord suddenly spoke, his voice booming like a bell, carrying an undeniable authority that instantly silenced the entire space. The Divine Eye True Lord frowned, his gaze deep and unfathomable, and slowly said, "Right now, our clan's most urgent task is to transcend reincarnation and obtain the opportunity for transcendence. We have little time left, while the human race has just begun its period of rapid development, with ample time to accumulate and mature. Especially that Flame Emperor, whose talent is terrifying beyond imagination. Given time, reaching the level of our ancestor would not be difficult at all. If he then deliberately targets our Divine Eye clan, our hope of transcending reincarnation will become increasingly slim."

"I am not advocating against giving you the treasure, nor am I saying I won't save you." The Second True Lord waved his hand, signaling the agitated Star True Lord to calm down. "What I am worried about is the chain reaction this matter will trigger. This time, my Divine Eye Clan has suffered a crushing defeat and a great loss. Those unscrupulous forces in the Cosmic Sea must be secretly laughing at us. If this continues, I'm afraid many forces will greatly diminish their respect for my Divine Eye Clan, and we will be restricted in our actions in the future."

Upon hearing this, the powerful members of the Divine Eye Clan all became solemn and frowned.

Indeed, this defeat is far more than just the loss of three supreme treasures.

The news that the three true gods were captured by humans in public will surely cause the prestige that the Divine Eye Clan has painstakingly cultivated over countless years in the Cosmic Sea to plummet.

For the Divine Eye Clan, who are known for their domineering and powerful nature and are used to being high and mighty, this is undoubtedly an unacceptable and humiliating disgrace.

"Hmph!" The Divine Eye True Lord suddenly snorted coldly, his aura suddenly surging, and a powerful sense of oppression spread out. "It's alright. If any blind force dares to provoke my Divine Eye Clan, we'll use them as an example to warn others and restore our clan's prestige. But remember, we must never actively provoke the human race of the Primordial Universe again. Right now, we can't afford to provoke them, nor can we afford to waste time. Preparing for the Cycle of Reincarnation is the most important thing."

"Yes!" the other six Allahs responded in unison, their voices filled with reluctance, yet also with absolute obedience to the Divine Eye Allah.

(End of this chapter)