Swallowed Star: Lord of the Wolf

The venomous toad's frantic roar abruptly ceased, its massive body stiffening violently before collapsing limply in the frozen swamp, as if all its bones had been removed.

The remaining single eye still held an unbelievable fear and resentment, but its light quickly dimmed.

The late-stage Eternal True God beast—the Poisonous Toad—is dead!

The battlefield fell silent instantly, save for the sounds of ice cracking and foul liquid dripping. A thick stench and acrid poisonous fumes filled the air, mingling with the chilling heat of the battlefield.

Xu Yang stood suspended in the void, surrounded by four defensive mountain phantoms and four offensive mountain phantoms hovering behind him, his aura as deep and unfathomable as an abyss.

He looked at Mo Chen and Shi Kui, who had suddenly made their move.

Mo Chen and Shi Kui also concealed their auras, landing on a rock that hadn't yet frozen a short distance away. Mo Chen's expression remained cold and stern, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Xu Yang, especially the eight terrifying mountain peak phantoms. Shi Kui, on the other hand, nonchalantly carried his giant axe, looking at the toad's enormous corpse with excitement and a thirst for materials.

"I am Mo Chen, from the Yan Ge Domain, the Burning Flame Tribe." Mo Chen spoke first, his voice still cold, but with a solemn tone. "Friend, your strength is astonishing, and this treasure is even more unpredictable. Just now, I saw this beast trying to escape using the terrain, and fearing that its escape would bring endless trouble, I rashly stepped in to help. Please forgive me, friend."

His tone was calm and kind.

Xu Yang's gaze swept over the two of them, especially lingering for a moment on the secret treasures they possessed that could perfectly conceal their auras, and he understood what was going on.

He nodded slightly, his voice calm: "I am Bai Yu. Thank you both for stopping me."

Using a pseudonym can reduce the risk of the clones being exposed by being linked together.

Shi Kui, standing to the side, chuckled as he carried an axe and pointed at the toad carcass: "Brother Bai Yu, you're too kind! This old toad is a treasure trove, especially its venom sac, its tongue, and its hard skin! Shall we quickly divide it up?" He was straightforward and made no attempt to hide his desire for the materials.

Although Xu Yang did not invite them to help, the previous situation was such that if they hadn't intervened, the toad would likely have escaped... Therefore, in Shi Kui's view, it was not unreasonable to share the profits.

The Poisonous Toad in the late Eternal Realm is worth over ten thousand cosmic sands just from its materials alone!

This is not a benefit that any eternal true god in the wilderness tribes can easily give up.

Mo Chen glared at Shi Kui, seemingly blaming him for being too hasty, then looked at Xu Yang, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry and invitation: "Bai Yu... Brother, you've traveled alone to the edge of the Black Swamp; you must be highly skilled and daring. However, making too much noise here might attract other troubles. The materials from this Poisonous Toad are quite valuable; you can take them first. As for our assistance... if you're interested, why not come with us to the 'Burning Heaven Tribe' for a rest? Our tribe highly respects the strong and will certainly treat you with the utmost respect. If you need anything, you might be able to find what you need or some clues within the tribe."

He began trying to recruit this mysterious and powerful lone traveler.

No powerful tribe would refuse the joining of a strong outsider; on the contrary, they would try every means to recruit them.

Xu Yang's gaze shifted between the giant toad corpse and the two members of the Burning Heaven Division. Mo Chen's invitation was clear and unambiguous, and Shi Kui's eagerness was also undisguised.

Materials from beasts at the late Eternal stage are indeed incredibly valuable, and this is a significant gain for him, especially considering his current state of being "penniless".

The Eastern Extreme Region is vast and boundless. As a newcomer, although he has a map, he still needs channels to obtain more in-depth intelligence, information on the distribution of forces, and even cultivation resources.

A powerful tribe rooted here would undoubtedly be a good choice.

In particular, Mo Chen pointed out that "we might be able to find what we need or some clues," which suited his purposes perfectly.

"I appreciate your kindness, Bai Yu," Xu Yang said, cupping his hands in thanks. "This poisonous toad is indeed a rare prey, and your help in intercepting its escape was a crucial step. The distribution of materials is only right."

His words acknowledged the other party's contribution while subtly implying that he was the main force behind the kill, demonstrating a perfect sense of proportion.

A glint flashed in Mo Chen's eyes, and he nodded inwardly. This person was neither arrogant nor impatient, possessed formidable strength, yet knew when to advance and retreat; he was worthy of being befriended.

Shi Kui grinned widely, his smile widening: "Brother Bai Yu is so straightforward!"

"This place is not safe to stay for long." Mo Chen reminded again, his gaze sweeping warily over the churning miasma around him. In the distance, the roars of other powerful beasts could be faintly heard, clearly attracted by the battle and the stench of blood. "Brother Bai Yu, how do you suggest we divide the spoils? You severely injured this beast, and we only slightly hindered its escape. You take 80%, and Shi Kui and I will each take 10%. How about that?"

This distribution plan is quite fair; it could even be said that Mo Chen took the initiative to make concessions in order to curry favor with Xu Yang.

Xu Yang shook his head slightly: "I'll take 60%, and you each take 20%."

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "If the two of you hadn't intervened in time, this beast would have already fled into the depths of the Black Swamp, making it virtually impossible to kill it now. Bai Yu is not an ungrateful person."

There's no need to take advantage of this. A thousand or two thousand cosmic sands is a lot, but it's not enough to make Xu Yang feel indebted to them... It's better to give them a break so that other plans can be carried out more easily later.

Both Mo Chen and Shi Kui were taken aback by these words.

20%!

This is an eternal late-stage material worth thousands of cosmic sands!
The other party is so generous?
Mo Chen gave Xu Yang a deep look, then cupped his hands and said, "Brother Bai Yu, your kindness is truly admirable! I am unworthy of your praise!"

He stopped refusing, knowing that further refusal would only seem pretentious, but his opinion of Bai Yu had risen even higher.

Shi Kui laughed and slapped his thigh hard: "Haha! Brother Bai Yu, you're a true friend! From now on, you're my friend Shi Kui! In the Yan Ge Domain, if you need anything, just let me know!"

Xu Yang smiled and agreed.

The four illusory, attack-type [Dull Mountains] that hovered behind him, radiating terrifying gravity, suddenly shrank and dimmed, transforming into four streams of light that disappeared into his body. Only the four illusory, defensive mountains surrounding him continued to emit a steady, dark yellow light, protecting him.

The next moment, he swayed and appeared beside the mountain of corpses of the poisonous toad.

The power of the fingertip law flowed, like the most precise scalpel, easily cutting through that incredibly hard, gray-black skin.

He took the most precious part first: the complete poison sac! It was only the size of a human head, its entire body a dark green like jade, its surface covered with twisted natural runes, and it exuded a terrifying aura of primal poison that made one's heart tremble.

This is the essence of the poisonous toad, its highest value exceeding five thousand cosmic sands!
The crimson giant tongue, frozen solid and perfectly preserved, is covered with barbs that gleam with a cold light. It is incredibly tough and contains the true essence of the law of corrosion, making it a precious main material for refining poison-type treasures or special weapons.

The fragments of the eyeball and the mucus, containing potent poison and a trace of lingering soul-shaking energy, also possess unique value.

He selected the most valuable and defensively robust parts of the toad's hide and core skeleton. He separately collected the venom sac, giant tongue, and eyeball fragments, and then pushed the hide and skeleton, which were worth approximately 40% of the toad's total material, toward Mo Chen and Shi Kui.

"Thank you very much, Brother Baiyu!" Mo Chen solemnly clasped his hands in thanks.

With a wave of their hands, the two used their divine power to sweep up the mountain of hardened bones and skin, quickly storing them into their world rings.

It sounds like a long story, but it was actually a fleeting moment. From discussion to the implementation of the division, it only took the blink of an eye.

“This place is dangerous; the stench of blood has already attracted attention,” Mo Chen said in a deep voice, his gaze sweeping over several restless shadows deep within the Black Swamp. “Brother Bai Yu, please come with us. Let’s leave this place first, and we can discuss the details on the way.”

He gestured for us to proceed, pointing in a direction parallel to the edge of Kurosawa and extending inland.

Xu Yang nodded slightly, and the four defensive mountain phantoms surrounding him quietly disappeared.

He concealed all his outward aura, appearing like an ordinary traveler, walking half a step behind Mo Chen. Shi Kui, carrying a giant axe, walked on the other side like a guard, seemingly carefree, but his eyes warily scanning the surroundings.

The three transformed into three streaks of light, swiftly departing from the ravaged battlefield, leaving behind only the remnants of the Poisonous Toad's bloodstains on the filthy ice surface, which were quickly covered and devoured by the Black Swamp's sewage and venomous insects...

All the way.

After flying out of the oppressive miasma of the Black Swamp and passing over several bare, towering black stone mountains, the surrounding environment became relatively open and dry. Although it was still a desolate and rugged wilderness, at least the deadly poisonous miasma was no longer a threat.

The three of them slowed down a little.

Mo Chen then spoke up, "Brother Bai Yu, your strength is extraordinary. Is this trip to venture deep into the Black Swamp to hunt exotic beasts?"

He tried to find out Xu Yang's purpose.

Xu Yang had already prepared a response: "After achieving eternity, I traveled to many regions. When I passed through this place, I became curious about the Black Swamp, so I explored its edge. I never expected to disturb this fiend."

"Brother Baiyu, you have some nerve!" Shi Kui interjected from the side, his face showing undisguised shock!

As elites of the Burning Flame Tribe, the two of them were considered powerful figures among the Eternal True Gods, and were prominent figures in the Flame Domain and even the neighboring Western Domain.

However, since their birth, their range of activities has almost never left the two surrounding areas!

As for the other, more distant and vast regions within the Chaos Continent of Wine Soul, they only knew of them through the ancient tribal records, knowing their names but not their true nature.

As for crossing the Chaos Continent?
This is something I never even dared to imagine!

The dangers in the Great Wilderness are unpredictable and impossible to guard against. Perhaps only the Chaos Ruler would dare to say that he can walk on flat ground... Even the Eternal True God is not safe.

Xu Yang took in their shock, gaining a clearer understanding of the area's isolation.

"Brother Baiyu, you...you have been to other Chaos Continents?"

Although Mo Chen did not directly ask, his sharp, icy eyes were fixed on Xu Yang, and he subconsciously held his breath.

Xu Yang turned his head, his gaze seemingly fixed on the endless wilderness in the distance, carrying a hint of reminiscence and detachment: "Yes, I once saw some... wondrous sights from afar at the edge of the Chaos Sea."

"A wondrous sight? What wondrous sight? Brother Baiyu, tell me quickly!" Shi Kui's eyes lit up, as if he had heard some incredible secret. He even slowed down his flight and eagerly moved closer.

Although Mo Chen did not urge him, he was filled with an irrepressible curiosity.

Xu Yang paused for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts, before slowly speaking: "The Chaos Sea... its true nature cannot be described in words. I once saw from afar a Chaos Ruler-level being swimming within it..."

"The Lord of Chaos?!" Shi Kui gasped, his voice trembling, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets!
Mo Chen was also shocked, and for the first time, a look of obvious horror appeared on his cold face!
The Lord of Chaos!

What kind of being is that? Throughout the entire Chaos Continent of Wine Souls, it is like a legendary god!

He is the supreme ruler who has opened up boundless territories and controls the life and death of billions of living beings!
The Great Sage of Wine Soul was the only title of the Chaos Ruler they had ever heard of, but they had never seen a powerhouse of that level.

"What...what a sight that was?" Shi Kui's voice trembled, filled with a complex mix of awe and longing.

"Its form... is indescribable. At a glance, it appears as majestic as a mountain, or as vast as a galaxy. With a single thought, the chaotic sea churns, and the void shatters into ice..." He paused, his tone becoming more forceful, carrying an even stronger impact, "That day, that Chaos Ruler, in the endless chaotic sea, opened his mouth and inhaled..."

"Devour earth!"

These four words exploded in Mo Chen and Shi Kui's ears like a thunderclap!

"Swallowing...swallowing the heavens and earth?!" Shi Kui exclaimed in shock, his face turning pale. He subconsciously looked up at the countless tiny universes hanging in the sky above him, like countless eyes. A chill ran down his spine and straight to the top of his head!
“Countless seas, mixed with endless creatures, swallowed up even true gods and eternal true gods like dust…” Xu Yang’s voice carried the lingering fear of witnessing it firsthand. “That kind of power… is beyond our ability to display even a fraction of what it is. Before it, we are as insignificant as dust. If I hadn’t been so far away, I would probably have perished as well.”

Xu Yang's description was extremely vague, only pointing out the unpredictable form of the Chaos Ruler and the terrifying scene of it devouring heaven and earth.

This grand and terrifying description perfectly matches Mo Chen and Shi Kui's understanding of the Chaos Ruler as something unattainable and almost mythical!

The lack of detail, however, led them to fill in even more shocking images in their minds, filled with a sense of unknown fear and epic grandeur.

"Hiss..." Shi Kui rubbed his arms vigorously, as if trying to dispel the chill. "My goodness... swallowing... swallowing the heavens and the earth? How big must that mouth be! No, the mouth of the Chaos Ruler, can that still be called a mouth?" He was incoherent, his mind completely confused by this unimaginable scene.

"Brother Baiyu has such an extraordinary encounter... It's truly... truly..." Mo Chen couldn't find the right words to describe his shock and admiration.

To be able to see the might of the Chaos Ruler from afar is a remarkable sight indeed!
Even though they are eternal gods who have been confined to their tribes for their entire lives, they are actually no different from ordinary people in front of their own kind. They also admire those who dare to take risks and explore new frontiers.

They are not gods who are detached from worldly affairs. (End of Chapter)