Da Xuan Martial Saint Chapter 1500 - 720: Time Illusion Realm (Part 2)
Previously on Da Xuan Martial Saint...
The Time Illusion Realm stands as a premier location for those seeking to grasp the Time Dao, yet its erratic spatio-temporal nature is exceptionally vexing. Travelers often find themselves trapped within looping time nodes, struggling to break free from the cycle.
"Roar!"
A silver-backed giant bear, a formidable Exotic Beast, let out a thunderous cry as it repeatedly unleashed its Heaven-tearing Claw. Nevertheless, the Divine Monarchs gathered there were all experts at the Nine Layer Heavens Perfection, each a veteran forged in the fires of countless battles. While these naturally powerful Exotic Beasts might match them in raw strength, the Divine Monarchs possessed far more sophisticated and refined techniques.
Much like the laws of the mortal realm, the same amount of pressure produces vastly different results depending on whether it is concentrated on a single point or spread across a wide area.
Not a single Divine Monarch felt intimidated by this giant bear; consequently, their combined might was even more overwhelming. Sensing its impending doom, the giant bear Exotic Beast tried to flee by instinct, but the surrounding blockade left it with no path for retreat.
At last,
After enduring a relentless barrage of attacks, the giant bear was covered in wounds and let out a final, piteous wail. Its colossal frame collapsed, hitting the ground with a heavy thud that laid waste to the surrounding terrain.
Upon seeing this, the Divine Monarchs ceased their assault. They watched as the Exotic Beast’s life force rapidly broke down and evaporated, its physical form turning to ash and leaving behind a shimmering Time Illusion True Core.
In that instant,
The moment the Time Illusion True Core appeared, the temporary alliance shattered. The dozen or so Divine Monarchs immediately began to watch one another with suspicion, falling into a tense and silent standoff.
In a standard domain, a hunting party would typically divide the spoils equally based on established rules to prevent conflict. However, the Time Illusion Realm was a different matter; groups were constantly being split apart and reformed, and several of the current members had only joined the team a short while ago.
At any moment, another spatio-temporal disturbance could occur, causing them to be separated once again.
Furthermore, the Time Illusion True Core could not be divided, making it a prize everyone coveted. Ultimately, having the reward physically in one's possession was the only true guarantee, regardless of what had been promised.
"Everyone, per our earlier arrangement, it is now my turn to claim the Time Illusion True Core,"
Divine Monarch Mitian declared in a heavy tone.
Although the internal environment of the Time Illusion Realm is chaotic, a basic level of order usually persists. In groups such as this, latecomers are expected to wait at the end of the distribution line.
"According to the original deal, Divine Monarch Jiuxiao was supposed to receive this Time Illusion True Core. However, Jiuxiao was recently separated from the group by a time-space rift, so the order of distribution must be recalculated,"
one of the newer Divine Monarchs argued with a grim expression.
"Incorrect. Even if we adjust, we should follow the established sequence. Divine Monarch Mitian remains the first in line,"
another Divine Monarch countered. Having joined shortly after Mitian, he supported Mitian’s claim to ensure the next core would rightfully fall to him, adhering to a sense of fairness.
However,
Those further down the list were clearly unhappy, voicing their objections and causing the atmosphere to grow even more volatile.
Divine Monarch Nanhua also found the situation frustrating. Being a recent addition himself, he naturally sided with the newcomers. If they followed the old sequence, the group would likely be scattered by the realm's instability long before his turn arrived.
Throughout the Universe, conflicts over resources are common, but the unique Laws of Heaven and Earth in the Time Illusion Realm intensify these rivalries. Resource disputes here are far more cutthroat than in Wuxiang City or other domains.
But,
While the various factions were locked in their confrontation, a sudden change occurred.
The earth beneath them—already shattered for miles—began to tremble violently. A brilliant, multicolored radiance surged from the ground, swallowing everyone present.
"This is bad!"
"Time Turbulence!"
Every face, including Divine Monarch Nanhua’s, paled with shock.
Those closest to the Time Illusion True Core lunged forward immediately, their powers clashing as they tried to snatch the core amidst the chaos.
Meanwhile, those on the periphery, like Divine Monarch Nanhua, moved backward in an attempt to outrun the encroaching Light of Time.
Yet,
This particular Time Turbulence erupted from the depths across a massive area. Before anyone could mount a defense or struggle, they were swept away by the erratic currents—including Divine Monarch Nanhua, despite his quick attempt to retreat.
In what seemed like the blink of an eye, Nanhua saw his surroundings blur and shift. He landed in a completely different environment, with no sign of his former comrades.
"..."
Divine Monarch Nanhua’s mouth twitched as he let out a weary sigh.
He was back at square one.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts and, refusing to be discouraged, focused his mind and aura to scan his new surroundings. Moving with great care, he began to head toward a direction that appeared relatively stable.
He had dealt with this many times; such occurrences were the primary headache of the Time Illusion Realm and were nearly impossible to control. Unless one had attained Nine Layer Heavens Perfection in the Time Dao, they could only offer a moment of resistance—certainly not enough to move through the Time Turbulence at will.
Only a Dao Venerable could travel through this place without being hindered by the chaotic fluctuations of time and space.
Steeling his resolve, Divine Monarch Nanhua cautiously scouted the territory until he suddenly felt something, quickly looking toward the horizon.
He detected two powerful auras approaching: one was wild and erratic, indicating a potent Exotic Beast, while the other was a Divine Monarch whose presence felt familiar.
After a moment of thought, Divine Monarch Nanhua decided to initiate contact, releasing a thread of his own aura.
While he couldn't name the person immediately, the sense of familiarity suggested a previous acquaintance. In this volatile realm, running into a known Divine Monarch was usually a positive development.
Buzz!!!
As Divine Monarch Nanhua moved forward and broadcasted his presence, the distant Divine Monarch—who was either fighting or fleeing from the Exotic Beast—instantly sensed him and changed course.
Within moments of their meeting, both recognized the other.
"Oh?"
Surprise flashed in Divine Monarch Nanhua’s eyes. The arriving figure was not someone he had met inside the Time Illusion Realm, but an acquaintance from the outer Universe.
It was the ruler of the Bei Yu Space, which bordered the Nanhua Void—Divine Monarch Bei Yu!
Unlike his relationship with the Master of Tianji, Divine Monarch Nanhua had few conflicts with the Master of Bei Yu and even maintained a friendly rapport.
"Nanhua, it has been a long time!"
"Bei Yu, I never expected our paths to cross here; what a stroke of luck!"
Divine Monarch Nanhua observed a figure racing toward him from the distant horizon, pursued by an Exotic Beast—a magnificent red giant bird. Its aura was far more overwhelming than that of the silver-backed bear, clearly possessing strength equivalent to Double Vein Perfection!
Confronting such a beast alone, the Master of Bei Yu had no choice but to flee in a disheveled state. Even a large team of Divine Monarchs would typically try to avoid being hunted by such a creature.
The difficulty of shaking off such a pursuit was immense and usually ended poorly.
"I'm afraid I misjudged my opponent and brought a world of trouble with me,"
the Master of Bei Yu shouted to Divine Monarch Nanhua from a distance. Despite the crisis, he was genuinely relieved to see a familiar face from the outside world—though he knew that even together, they likely couldn't defeat the massive red bird.
"Do not worry, we will combine our strengths and find a way to escape,"
Divine Monarch Nanhua replied, moving to join the Master of Bei Yu. Although his old friend had brought a dangerous pursuer, meeting someone trustworthy in the chaotic Time Illusion Realm was a major advantage compared to dealing with strangers.
Furthermore, while the Exotic Beast was as strong as a Double Vein Perfection expert, it was merely a difficult problem to solve, not a lethal threat to their lives.