Invincible Divine Destiny Selection System Chapter 2074: The Right Choice

Chu Yuan presented Bao with a simple ultimatum: survive or perish.

Since he had ascended to become the heavens themselves, the system was now entirely under his command. No one possessed the right to offer him options; he alone held the authority to dictate choices to others.

At this moment, Bao remained trapped in hesitation and indecision. Because a final conclusion had not yet been reached, Chu Yuan continued to speak with him in a composed manner.

However, pressure had to be applied to ensure he recognized the reality of the situation!

Bao spoke up, "While your power is great, I, Bao, also wield absolute strength. Had I not, I would never have maintained my neutrality during the ancient war of the heavens. Should you attempt a forced invasion, I will trigger the Treasure Realm's defensive barrier to summon more celestial beings. My domain might endure a terrible disaster, but it will not be slaughtered as easily as you destroyed Xue."

He was not boasting; he truly possessed such power.

This strength was the foundation of his self-assurance.

"Do you believe you have truly grasped the coming trends of the future?"

Chu Yuan countered, "Even if you manage to slip through my fingers now, do you think you can remain truly insulated if I do not bring you into my empire? This conflict of the heavens is unlike those of the past. As total warfare erupts, a fresh era will be birthed. Countless celestials lust after the Treasure Realm. Whoever claims you, Bao—the most formidable artifact of the heavens—will see their personal Cultivation and influence rise to an unstoppable level."

Indeed, which of those peak celestials would not desire Bao? Who wouldn't want to seize him? Every eyes was fixed upon the endless riches within the Treasure Realm.

It was only the mutual interference of various factions that had prevented anyone from making a move on Bao until now.

It could be argued that Chu Yuan was not the only one watching him; even more ancient celestials were waiting for their chance.

Bao was well aware that once the fires of war were fully stoked, he would likely become a primary target for other celestials.

This realization was the root of his internal conflict.

"Is there truly no path left for me other than swearing fealty to your Divine Martial Empire?"

Bao fixed his gaze on Chu Yuan.

"There is no other way. You understand the advantages and disadvantages perfectly well without any further explanation from me."

The domineering sovereign aura of Chu Yuan began to saturate the Treasure Realm.

"Bao, your current level of power exists because of the King of the Heavens. The state of the world no longer permits your hesitation. Align with us, participate in this massive war, and help guide this world into the next age. In the future, you will be able to refine your treasures without interference, but if you refuse to submit, the shifting structure of the world will crush you. Even if we are defeated, the world will stay the same. Do you honestly think a choice remains?"

Yanran added her voice to the conversation.

"I..."

Suddenly, Bao shifted his form into a Soul Divine Weapon, emitting a majestic soul force that expanded into the soul domain.

Chu Yuan simply observed him, unmoving.

His own soul and will surged forward, entering that same mental battlefield.

Within the soul domain, Bao found himself without words. He channeled his peak strength into raw soul power, clashing violently. As a divine weapon, he unleashed an endless force intended to cleave through Chu Yuan’s soul.

Faced with Bao’s descending strike, Chu Yuan remained grand and unshakable. Like the heaven of heavens and the ruler of all, he released a single punch.

His power radiated in every direction, his will suppressing all opposition. It was an immovable force that instantly shattered Bao’s soul power, causing the entire soul field to dissolve and returning them to the physical world.

Bao was left in deep shock by this exchange. This man’s strength was overwhelming, and his will was something that could not be moved in the slightest.

He might not yet match the King of the Heavens in raw power, but his tyrannical will and cold decisiveness surpassed even that legendary figure.

He also recognized that as the empire gathered more powerful experts, Chu Yuan’s own strength would continue to skyrocket.

Bao’s use of soul will had been a final test through an intangible clash.

Had they engaged in physical combat, the damage would have been permanent and the relationship beyond repair.

"Do I truly have a choice?" Bao asked with a touch of bitterness.

"As one of the strongest artifacts of the heavens, Bao, if you join my empire as a celestial, you shall be my primary aide. You sat out the first war of the heavens; it is time you played your part in this one."

Sensing his resignation, Chu Yuan provided him with a dignified exit.

"True, I avoided it once, but I cannot hide forever. Divine Martial Emperor, Celestial of Reincarnation, your words are correct. Rather than watching the old world crumble, it is better to reshape it together. We shall witness a new era and fulfill the ambitions of the King of the Heavens, achieving what he could not!"

Bao had finally come to terms with it.

A way out had been offered; if he refused it now, he would only face the devastating fury of the Divine Martial Emperor.

The strength of this man was simply too immense for Bao to ever hope to defeat.

If he declined, the Treasure Realm would be plunged into a war that would see countless artifacts destroyed.

Furthermore.

He understood the reality.

Refusal was no longer an option.

His final words were partly to maintain his dignity and partly born from a genuine curiosity to see the birth of a new world.

As a celestial being, what truth could he not see through?

He was powerful, yes, but in the presence of a superior force, even he would be slaughtered. This was a universe where only strength held the final say.

"Bao, you have chosen wisely. I am pleased."

As Bao made his decision, the path representing death vanished instantly.

Bao’s allegiance provided a massive boost to the military might of the empire.

"Divine Martial Emperor, I will fight for you, but what will become of the Treasure Realm? What will its standing be?"

Bao inquired.

Now that he had committed to the Divine Martial cause, he had to look out for his own realm.

"You shall remain the Sovereign of the Treasure Realm, answering directly to me. Your realm will suffer no losses and will be integrated into the empire’s territory."

Chu Yuan declared.

Bao gave a nod of approval.

He understood that the Divine Martial Emperor was like a vast sky that encompassed many smaller heavens.

"Furthermore, the Treasure Realm contains myriad artifacts that have developed their own consciousness and souls. They are like any other living beings; they cannot be treated as mere tools. How will they be handled?"

Bao expressed his concern.

Artifacts with life were no longer simple objects.

He feared that the Divine Martial Emperor would distribute these sentient beings to others as equipment, effectively enslaving them.

"Bao, I grasp your worries. However, those with life are considered citizens of my empire. They will retain their autonomy, and no one shall be permitted to dominate them. I will not allow them to be used by others against their will; they are sovereign individuals. My only demand is that they contribute their strength to the empire's future campaigns."

Chu Yuan put his fears to rest.

"With the Divine Martial Emperor’s promise, my mind is at ease."

Bao’s anxieties faded away.

He knew that once a great Emperor gave his word, it was set in stone.

"The Heavenly Furnace and I are masters of Artifact Refining. The experts of the empire will require powerful weapons, and we can assist in their creation; it is our duty to contribute."

Bao stated.

"While I am not as high a celestial as Bao, provided there is enough Qi and energy, I can also forge emperor-tier weapons at will."

The Heavenly Furnace added.

For most celestials, forging is a chore that distracts from their Cultivation.

But for the Heavenly Furnace, the act of creation was his path of Cultivation; he thrived on it.

"Any artifacts that have gained intelligence may enter the Treasure Realm to absorb power for their growth. From this day forward, the Treasure Realm is a pillar of the empire."

Chu Yuan proclaimed, "I shall lead you all to forge a new era and behold a new world!"