CHAPTER 400: CHAPTER 341 STAGE 4: CONTENDING FOR SUPREMACY! [VOTE FOR MONTHLY TICKETS!]

"Behind Guxian stands the Starfall Pavilion. If he dies outside the Ten Wheel Star, it’s bound to cause chaos for a while."

"That’s why my brothers and I overstepped our boundaries and spared his life."

"I hope Daoist doesn’t mind."

Shui De Star Lord led Chen Jichuan into the Ten Wheel Star, explaining softly.

"You’re too kind, Star Lord."

"That Guxian’s methods are quite extraordinary. At most, I could only scare him off."

Chen Jichuan smiled.

To slay an Independent Immortal is indeed no small feat.

Such individuals, having undergone Divine Transformation and Soldier Dissolution, possess the pinnacles of cultivation and techniques, especially excelling in the art of escape.

Gaining a slight advantage might not be hard.

But expecting to kill them is a challenge.

At least with Chen Jichuan’s current skills, while he is unquestionably dominant in the Third Realm, attempting to slay a Divine Transformation, Independent Immortal-level Great Power remains out of reach.

This was partly why he let Witch Bone Demon go.

"Daoist Xu still has the Immortal Flag unused—perhaps you could indeed slay him."

As Shui De Star Lord led Chen Jichuan into Ten Wheel Star, two others arrived—one walked barefoot, another had a louder mouth. They were among the Ten Star Lords: the eighth-ranked ’Red Feet Star Lord’ and the ninth-ranked ’Wind Thunder Star Lord.’

The one who had kicked the Eight Extremes Venerable was Red Feet Star Lord.

The one who had berated the Eight Extremes Venerable was Wind Thunder Star Lord.

"The Starfall Pavilion is not behaving honestly."

"Unfortunately, we brothers couldn’t help the little brother kill that old thing Guxian. We could only kick him and curse him, embarrassing him somewhat."

Red Feet Star Lord and Wind Thunder Star Lord, less composed than Shui De Star Lord, acted like carefree roughnecks. They flanked Chen Jichuan from both sides, showing an intimate camaraderie.

The four Great Power-level figures entered the Ten Wheel Star together.

...

"The seven elder brothers are not at home; I hope Daoist Xu doesn’t mind."

Shui De Star Lord led Chen Jichuan into the Star Lord Hall, smiling as he spoke.

This Star Lord was ranked tenth and was the youngest, consistently appearing as a youth; yet in terms of steadiness and reliability, he ranked second among his ten brothers.

The internal and external affairs of Ten Wheel Star were mostly managed by him and the Great Star Lord.

The other eight brothers were diverse in personality; most focused on cultivation or traveled outside in turns, living carefree lives.

During this period, it was Red Feet Star Lord, Wind Thunder Star Lord, and Shui De Star Lord holding down the fort at Ten Wheel Star.

As they took their seats, Wind Thunder Star Lord eyed Chen Jichuan with interest and spoke boldly, "Brother Xu dealt with Guxian with ease, even claiming to severely harm Witch Bone. It seems this breakthrough has been significant. Still, Brother Xu’s skill at hiding his cultivation is first-rate—I couldn’t detect it at all!"

"Far from Divine Transformation yet."

"I conceal it to avoid embarrassment in public."

Chen Jichuan smiled, subtly activating the Guiyuan Hiding Method, adjusting his cultivation aura to the ’Divine Separation Realm Peak,’ and then revealing it.

The Guiyuan Hiding Method.

This technique is exquisite, able to hide or alter one’s aura at will. Having practiced it to the Fifth Layer, Chen Jichuan found it truly marvelous.

He could freely display various levels of cultivation to the outside world.

Being newly promoted to the Divine Separation Realm, yet capable of suppressing a Second Tribulation Independent Immortal, was far too shocking; using ’Divine Separation Realm Peak’ as a façade was more prudent.

"Divine Separation Realm Peak!"

"With this cultivation, you can fight a Second Tribulation Independent Immortal. Upon ascending to Divine Transformation, I fear even we brothers would be unmatched!"

Even so, Red Feet Star Lord couldn’t help but marvel.

Shui De Star Lord and Wind Thunder Star Lord also nodded repeatedly.

"You flatter me, Star Lord."

"The Star Lords, having achieved Seven Tribulations, are invincible throughout the Jiulong River System. How dare I put myself on the same level."

Chen Jichuan and the Three Star Lords exchanged compliments, the atmosphere becoming harmonious.

When the tea arrived, Chen Jichuan sipped it before broaching his purpose: "The Three Star Lords must already know, I hail from Wuhe Immortal Sect in Zone 9. Three thousand years ago, due to the turmoil of Magic Sound Mountain, I sought refuge at Ten Wheel Star. Over these years, thanks to the care of the esteemed Star Lords, Wuhe Immortal Sect has reached its current stature. Just days ago, I consulted with my disciples and decided that the time has come to return to my home planet. Today, besides dealing with Guxian, I have also come to Ten Wheel Star to bid farewell to the Star Lords."

Three thousand years passed in a flash.

The winds of the world had shifted.

Wuhe Immortal Sect had developed operations in both Zone 9 and Zone 8, but its roots still lay in Zone 9.

Moreover, Zone 8 already had Ten Wheel Star and its Ten Star Lords, and as Wuhe Immortal Sect continued to grow, conflicts were bound to arise.

Better to leave early.

To return to Zone 9, seize the rare opportunity, and carve out a new Chapter.

Across the Star Sea.

The top-tier forces were rarely situated within the same zone.

"So sudden?"

Shui De Star Lord was somewhat surprised.

"After being away for three thousand years, the longing to return overpowers everything."

Chen Jichuan replied.

"It is hard to part from one’s homeland; that much is true."

Shui De Star Lord nodded in understanding and added, "Brother Xu, when you return to Zone 9, if there’s anything we brothers can help with, just say the word. In this corner of the Jiulong River System, our words still carry some weight."

"Many thanks, Star Lords."

Chen Jichuan cupped his hands, expressing gratitude.

Wind Thunder Star Lord, curious again, asked, "Brother Xu, on this journey back, I wonder if Lan Fairy and East River Fairy will be accompanying you?"

Shui De Star Lord and Red Feet Star Lord also looked at Chen Jichuan.

"Lan Fairy?"

"East River Fairy?"

Chen Jichuan feigned puzzlement, but inwardly he smiled.

These brothers, though noble as the ’Ten Star Lords,’ had an unusually close relationship with Wuhe Immortal Sect—and with him—because of none other than two individuals.

One is Xiao Lan.

The other is East River.

Though referred to as two, in reality, they were one—Xiao Lan.

...

Among them.

Xiao Lan’s primary body, as the Supreme Bone of Moyun Vine, had been traveling across the realms for three thousand years, advancing at lightning speed in cultivation.

She had often visited Ten Wheel Star, inviting Chen Jichuan to explore mystical abodes.

Even after reaching the Fourth Realm, she had made appearances.

Sitting and discussing Dao with the Ten Star Lords, she left them astounded as if beholding a heavenly being.

With this connection, the Ten Star Lords extended generous care to Chen Jichuan.

Later.

There was Xiao Lan’s Human Clan Avatar, ostensibly from Wuhe Immortal Sect. With her primary body’s support, she likewise ascended to the Divine Transformation Realm.

Rising rapidly.

Outpacing others.

Her most recent return was four hundred years ago, by which time she had already surpassed the Seven Tribulations Realm of the Ten Star Lords.

Reaching Primordial Spirit Eighth Transformation cultivation.

Just one step away from ascension to the heavens.

Xiao Lan’s ventures were often low-key, with an ever-changing identity, so few were aware of her true prowess. Otherwise, neither Witch Bone Demon nor Eight Extremes Venerable would dare to even think of harming Chen Jichuan.

With these two venerable figures present.

Wuhe Immortal Sect stood firmly unshaken.

The Ten Star Lords, favoring Xiao Lan and East River, had long treated Chen Jichuan as an equal.

Ultimately.

Chen Jichuan basked in the brilliance of Xiao Lan.

...

"East River."

"Xiao Lan."

"In recent years, two remarkable figures have emerged from the Jiulong River System, both of whom have the potential for Nine-Transformation Perfection and ascension beyond the heavens."

"Meanwhile, we brothers must endure the Five-Wheel Independent Immortal Tribulation before we can hope for ascension."

Shui De Star Lord saw off Chen Jichuan and returned to Ten Wheel Star, sighing deeply.

The path of the Independent Immortal was arduous.

Countless Independent Immortals across the starry skies had fallen to layer upon layer of tribulation. Though the ten brothers had survived seven tribulations, five still lay ahead; their journey was only halfway complete.

"The two Fairies are indeed extraordinary."

"Xu Ning is quite fortunate, though but a minor figure compared to East River Fairy and even more so to Xiao Lan Fairy. Receiving their help at Divine Separation Realm Peak to severely injure a Second Tribulation Independent Immortal speaks volumes."

Wind Thunder Star Lord smiled cynically, showing disdain for how Chen Jichuan capitalized on others.

"This fellow is far too lacking."

"With the support of two Fairies, he remains at Divine Separation Realm Peak even now."

"Ultimately, becoming an Independent Immortal would be his greatest achievement."

Red Feet Star Lord also shook his head, showing little regard for Chen Jichuan.

The Ten Star Lords weren’t without flaws. In the privacy of their own circle, they didn’t shy away from making candid remarks about others.

"His character isn’t bad, at least—he knows his place."

"This time, proactively leaving Ten Wheel Star to return to Zone 9 saves us considerable trouble."

"Let’s wait and see."

"If he seeks help, we’ll offer assistance where possible. Xiao Lan and East River’s movements are unpredictable, so maintaining ties through Xu Ning is worthwhile."

The three Star Lords chatted casually.

Just then.

Outside Ten Wheel Star, a voice drifted melodiously into the hall—

"Hmm?!"

The three Star Lords’ expressions shifted; they swiftly exited Ten Wheel Star.

...

"Congratulations, Ancestor, on your cultivation breakthrough."

Meanwhile, as Chen Jichuan returned to Wuhe Immortal Sect, he was surprised to see Xiao Lan had also returned to the mountain gate unnoticed.

Name: Xiao Lan (Avatar)

Race: Human Clan

Age: 4440

Cultivation: Divinity Transformation·Divine Transformation

Cultivation Technique: Vermilion Bird Glaze Scripture

Magic: Daluo Heavenly Fire, Three Thousand Lotus Movement, Six Harmonies Wandering Dragon Body, ..., omitted

...

Name: Xiao Lan (Main Body)

Race: Immortal Vine·Moyun Vine

Age: 5350

Cultivation: Aspiring·Inner Realm

Cultivation Technique: Azure Dragon Longevity Scripture

Magic: Green Lotus Descent, Beast God Seven Kills, Undying Green Vine, Creation Finger, ..., omitted

...

"This—"

Chen Jichuan looked at Xiao Lan, his brow twitching.

Third-order Divinity Transformation.

Fourth-order Ascension.

In just four hundred years of absence, Xiao Lan had broken through her barriers, advancing from Divinity Transformation to Fourth-order Aspiring Realm.

"Fourth-order!"

"She’s truly on the brink of ascension!"

Chen Jichuan couldn’t hide his elation.

This was the first Fourth-order Great Power he’d encountered, and one with whom he shared a close bond.

Xiao Lan’s Human Clan Avatar required no further elaboration; they were fellow natives of Wuhe Star and members of Wuhe Immortal Sect, maintaining an amicable relationship with Chen Jichuan.

As for her other persona—East River Fairy—Chen Jichuan had collaborated with her on multiple explorations of mystical abodes following the Sumeru Immortal Sect incident.

Xiao Lan was formidable in cultivation.

Chen Jichuan, however, possessed secret techniques and unmatched expertise in Formation Dao.

Their partnership proved remarkably productive.

Chen Jichuan benefited greatly from their alliance.

Many treasures that assisted him in his recent advancement to the Divine Separation Realm came courtesy of Xiao Lan’s contributions.

Another significant portion had been gifted directly by Xiao Lan.

Wind Thunder Star Lord’s private jab at his reliance on Xiao Lan held truth.

Chen Jichuan took no offense.

Seeing Xiao Lan’s main body now ascend to the Fourth-order, Chen Jichuan was genuinely thrilled.

Xiao Lan’s main body as the subspecies Moyun Vine boasted exceptional talent, advancing swiftly even within the Divinity Transformation Realm.

But the strength came with challenges tied to her bloodline.

Xiao Lan’s bottleneck to advance beyond Divinity Transformation to Fourth-order was far greater than that of Human Clan cultivators.

As for her Human Clan Avatar.

Forged from Pure Yang Immortal Lotus, her barrier to ascend was even more daunting than her Moyun Vine self.

With her lifespan nearing its end, Xiao Lan’s ability to attain Fourth-order before her deadline was cause for genuine joy.

Meanwhile, it sparked anticipation—

...