Swallowed Star: Lord of the Wolf

The heavy gate was fully open, and within the cave, in the primordial chaos of creation and the unfolding of the world, Xu Yang sat cross-legged at the core, his oppressive aura surging like a tide.

Qing Teng Hou looked approvingly inside, and the door closed silently, isolating him from the outside world.

"Lord Qing Teng, please come in." Xu Yang's calm voice rang out. He had already stood up, his eyes like a galaxy, and cupped his hands in greeting. "Gu You, I apologize for not welcoming you properly."

"Guardian Guyou, you are too kind!" Qing Tenghou laughed heartily, his demeanor respectful yet not arrogant. "Guardian's ascension to Chaos is a momentous occasion for the Mother River! Qing Tenghou has come to offer his congratulations on the orders of the God-King!"

He once again raised the precious treasure—the Essence of Life.

Emerald green light illuminated the chaotic space, bringing forth vibrant life.

"Bestowed by His Majesty the Divine King, a wisp of 'Life Essence' will aid the Dharma Protector in comprehending the Great Dao of the Origin of Life. Access to the true text of the second volume of 'The Record of the Origin of All Spirits' is now granted," Qing Teng Hou solemnly announced.

Xu Yang's gaze swept across the area, finally settling on the wisp of life essence, feeling a strong resonance with his own "Record of the Origin of All Spirits".

He nodded slightly: "I will forever remember the kindness shown by the two divine kings. I accept the Life Essence and the right to inherit it." With a thought, a stream of emerald light disappeared into his sleeve.

Seeing that Xu Yang had accepted the core inheritance and resources, Qing Teng Hou felt reassured; the first step in winning him over was complete.

With the groundwork laid, Qing Teng Hou's smile became even more sincere. He then changed the subject: "The Dharma Protector has just ascended to the Chaos Realm, his foundation is solid, and his power shakes all directions. However, the path of cultivation is long and requires a solid foundation and vast resources to support it. The foundation for ruling a region and gathering fortune still needs a core megacity that can suppress the universe and radiate throughout the entire domain!"

His eyes shone brightly as he sincerely said, "I, Qing Teng, am trusted by Mother River to govern the two Chaos Provinces of 'Cangwu' and 'Xuanhu'! These two provinces are the core areas that Mother River of Life has thoroughly controlled among the thirteen provinces of 'Green Wave Kingdom' after countless tribulations."

"Today, to celebrate the Dharma Protector's ascension to the Chaos Realm, and to demonstrate the sincerity of my Mother River, Qing Teng, in my personal capacity, wishes to give the capital of my 'Xuanhu Chaos State'—Xuanhu City!"

He made a gesture in the air with his palm, and a vast map instantly unfolded.

In the center of the map, a colossal city, many times larger than Thunder City and shrouded in dark divine light, stands majestically!

The city's structure was incredibly complex, with countless runes flowing like living beings across its massive walls, radiating an indestructible and imposing aura. Within the city, one could see vast forests of spiritual plants, the core of bubbling mineral veins, a dense cluster of cultivation caves, and several towering spiritual mountains that emanated powerful energy. Surrounding the giant city were three smaller but equally magnificent guard cities, like stars surrounding the moon.

"This Xuanhu City, together with its core area 'Xuanhu Chaos State,' encompasses a 300 million light-year territory, including three garrison cities and major resources," Qing Teng Hou pointed to the map, speaking decisively, "from this day forward, it will be separated from my Qing Teng jurisdiction and completely placed under your name, Gu You, serving as the core city and state capital of your directly controlled territory!"

"hiss--"

Even with Xu Yang's iron will, he couldn't help but gasp in shock.

Sending you the capital city of Chaos Continent?! And Xuanhu City at that—a super fortress city that clearly has been cultivated for countless years, possesses profound cultural heritage, formidable defenses, and extremely abundant resources?!
This gesture is no less generous than the wisp of life essence bestowed by the God-King; in fact, it shows even greater sincerity and significance!

After all, such a large city is an important asset that can be continuously produced for a figure like Qing Teng Hou at the peak of Chaos, and it is not a useless thing that can be discarded at will.

Such a giant city is a ready-made, mature, and powerful ruling core and a treasure trove of resources.

Having it is equivalent to instantly possessing the core team and self-sustaining capabilities of a powerful Chaos State.

The Marquis of Qing Teng's voice was full of sincerity: "All the output revenue, taxes, and mineral vein ownership of Xuanhu City, except for a symbolic 20% payment as 'Mother River Management Fund' according to the Mother River Law, the remaining 80% will belong entirely to the Protector! The governorship, military affairs, and internal affairs of the prefecture will all be decided by the Protector's word. The original officials, troops, and institutions of the prefecture will be reorganized and placed under the Protector's command! The Mother River and my Qing Teng lineage will only retain nominal supervisory power and will never interfere with the Protector's administration!"

He stared intently at Xu Yang, his words both alluring and practically significant: "By possessing Xuanhu Prefecture, Protector, you are essentially holding a powerful foundation! In terms of expansion, you can leverage this city to expand your business, recruit talented individuals, cultivate your influence, and accumulate strength. In terms of defense, Xuanhu City is impregnable. Protector only needs to leave behind a divine avatar to oversee the central area, which will deter villains and protect the people! Even if Protector travels billions of light-years away, this city will remain your most secure rear! Only the Yanfeng Ancient Kingdom? As long as my Mother River Lord remains, they will not dare to attack our door."

"This city is a congratulatory gift from our Qing Teng lineage to celebrate the Dharma Protector's advancement!"

Xu Yang remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on the magnificent, dark city on the map. The value of this gift far exceeded his expectations. A capital city of Chaos State represented more than just resources and territory; it represented a mature ruling system, a usable force, and a powerful symbol of deterrence.

This would save him countless years of hard work and allow him to start from a very high level.

They will protect their relatives and friends, such as Yu Ji and Cang Ya in the future.

Developing influence will be much easier and more efficient.

Although this means being more deeply bound to the chariot of the Mother River of Life and the Green Vine lineage, the benefits and sense of security brought by this "bond" are equally precious in a place like the Origin Continent.

He recalled the sincerity with which Bi Mou had gifted him the "Record of the Origin of Ten Thousand Spirits," and the boldness and sincerity that Qing Teng Hou was displaying at this moment.

"Alright!" Xu Yang finally smiled, his voice clear and powerful, carrying a hint of the aura of controlling the world. "I am deeply grateful for the generous gift from Marquis Qing Teng. I will accept the Xuanhu City and the Xuanhu Essence Territory."

He reached out and summoned the special state seal given to him by Qing Teng Hou. The seal, which radiated a heavy, mysterious light and was engraved with the emblem of Xuan Hu State and the mark of the Mother River of Life, fell into his palm.

The moment the talisman merged into his palm, an invisible connection instantly traversed endless space, linking Xu Yang's consciousness with the distant core hub of Xuanhu City.

He could clearly feel the immense pulse of that giant city, its vast resources, and... the dormant power of the Zhenzhou Divine Array, which was enough to make even the Chaos Ruler wary!

"I'm glad the protector likes it." Qing Teng Hou's face showed genuine joy.

Although it hurt to give up Xuanhu Prefecture, it was absolutely worth it to gain a deep bond and gratitude from a Chaos Ruler with unlimited potential!

This will be a vital asset for the future of the Qing Teng lineage!

He ruled over two Chaos Provinces and six major cities. Even if he gave one prefecture city to Xu Yang, he would still have one large and four small giant cities under his control, so it wouldn't be considered a serious blow.

With a warm smile, Qing Teng Hou pressed his advantage and extended an invitation: "The Dharma Protector is already the core Dharma Protector of my Mother River. I suppose you are curious about where the true foundation and core of my Mother River lies?"

"Haha, it is the 'Mother River World.' There, the fundamental laws of life converge, making it the supreme holy land of the Origin Continent's path of life. Furthermore, the Ancestral Court is there, where all laws converge and God-Kings discuss the Dao. Would the Protector be willing to return to the Mother River World with me? Firstly, you can formally pay homage to the two God-Kings, Qing'ai and Lanyue, and receive the title and authority of 'Protector of All Spirits.' Secondly, the Mother River World possesses a uniquely favorable environment, greatly beneficial for comprehending the Great Dao of the Origin of Life. The Protector can also take this opportunity to consolidate their realm and witness the grandeur of my Mother River." Xu Yang's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing this.

The Mother River World, the core sacred ground of the Mother River of Life, holds a status equivalent to, or even more mysterious than, the imperial capital of the Yanfeng Ancient Kingdom. This is because while the imperial capital of the Yanfeng Ancient Kingdom is open to ordinary beings, only those from the Mother River of Life are qualified to enter the Mother River World.

He was indeed very curious about the lair of this super power and wanted to see the legendary Lord of the Mother River.

However, the Lord of the Mother River is the God King Zongfu, a super strong being who can rival the Emperor. It is unlikely that he would come to receive a mere newly promoted Chaos Realm cultivator like himself.

"The Mother River Holy Land has long been a place of longing for Gu You." Xu Yang nodded, then changed the subject, "However, Thunder City also holds special significance for me. The ores here contain unique chaotic power of thunder, which may be helpful for my understanding of the Dao of Destruction. Moreover, I have just taken over Xuanhu City and need to make some arrangements. How about this, I will leave a divine avatar to guard the Purple Thunder Cave in Thunder City, handle worldly affairs, and comprehend the mysteries of the ores. My true body will accompany Fellow Daoist Qing Teng to the Mother River World to pay homage to the God King and experience the scenery of the Holy Land, what do you think?"

A glint flashed in Qing Teng Hou's eyes, and his smile widened: "The Dharma Protector's consideration is thorough! That's excellent. Let the avatar stay to meditate and handle affairs, while the true body goes to the holy land in person. Neither will be delayed. Then please proceed, Dharma Protector. I will wait here."

With a slight thought, Xu Yang separated a divine avatar from his body, whose aura was identical to his own and whose body was also surrounded by a faint chaotic aura. After bowing slightly to Qing Teng Hou, he sat cross-legged back in the core of his cave and closed his eyes to meditate.

"Lord Qing Teng, please." Xu Yang's true form gestured an invitation to Lord Qing Teng.

"Guardian, come with me!" Qing Teng Hou's spirits lifted, and with a wave of his hand, a beam of emerald light flew out from his sleeve, transforming into a jade token with intricate life runes flowing around it.

The jade token hung in the air, emitting a gentle yet magnificent ripple.

"Open!" Qing Teng Hou shouted, and the jade token shone brightly, instantly tearing apart a corner of the great formation that covered the entire city, and also tearing apart the solid spatial barrier of the Zi Ting Cave.

Unlike the forced descent into Thunder City before, this time the spatial passage was unusually stable.

The passage was not pitch black, but rather a flowing emerald green. The passage's barrier was composed of countless intricate life-law runes, like a green river of light leading to the source of life.

The passageway was filled with an extremely pure life force. Just one breath made Xu Yang feel comfortable and his life essence was slightly excited.

"This is the 'Ring of Life,' the main passage for the core members of my Mother River to travel between the Holy Land and the outside world. It was personally crafted and constructed by His Majesty the God-King, making it extremely stable and allowing for instantaneous travel," Qing Teng Hou explained, taking the lead in stepping into the Light River passage.

Although Xu Yang was a core protector, he was still given a trick up his sleeve. He wasn't directly told the coordinates of the Mother River World, but instead had to use this method to get there.

Xu Yang didn't care; it was only natural. If the Mother River of Life dared to casually reveal the location of a newly invited Chaos Realm expert's lair, he would question what those old monster emperors of the Flame Wind Ancient Kingdom were doing, having not yet completely wiped out the Mother River of Life.

Followed by.

The moment he stepped into the passage, a gentle yet omnipresent force of law swept over his divine body, as if performing some kind of confirmation. It felt like a kind of detection, but very gentle, like the breath and acceptance of life itself.

Since he wasn't prying into any secrets, Xu Yang didn't resist.

The Light River Tunnel is filled with dazzling lights, and time and space are infinitely compressed.

In just a breath, the view ahead suddenly opened up!
Mother River World—Descends!
As Xu Yang stepped out of the Light River Passage, the scene before him instantly shocked him.

The first thing one senses is the vast, boundless, and so richly concentrated that it has become tangible—the fundamental laws of life. These laws are no longer ethereal rules, but exist as real as air and water. The rich life energy forms a visible emerald mist that permeates the heavens and earth. Every breath feels like drawing upon the essence of life, and every cell deep within the body rejoices with joy.

The spatial structure is more stable than imagined.

Xu Yang could clearly sense that the spatial density and the stability of the laws here far surpassed those of Thunder City, and even far surpassed any other place he had sensed deep within the Eastern Extreme Wilderness. The powerful spatial suppression made even this newly ascended Chaos Ruler feel a sense of heaviness, as if he were carrying an invisible mountain on his back.

Here, without the permission of the great formation, even a Chaos Realm cultivator would find it extremely difficult to tear through space and teleport.

Looking up, the sky is not a starry sky dotted with stars, but a vast celestial curtain flowing with emerald light, like an inverted, flowing ocean of life.

This is the projection of the "Mother River of Origin" in the sky!
The river surges on, each wave seemingly composed of countless miniature universes of life, radiating a vast aura that nourishes all things and gives birth to all spirits.

Looking down, one sees not solid ground beneath one's feet, but a "soil of life" formed by countless enormous, ancient roots of various shapes and sizes intertwined and intertwined. These roots originate from the far end of the field of vision, from the colossal tree that supports the entire sky, a tree whose magnificence defies description—the Primordial Tree.

Its trunk is like a colossal pillar connecting the multiverse, its bark bearing the marks of time and mysterious runes. Even from a distance, it inspires a sense of insignificance and awe. Its branches and leaves extend endlessly, each leaf like an independent microcosm, shimmering with different life runes, absorbing energy from the emerald sky, and feeding back the purer life laws to the flowing Mother River below and the entire space.

"Welcome to the Mother River World, Ancient Nether!" Qing Teng Hou's voice was filled with pride. "This place is the foundation of my Mother River of Life, the 'manifestation site' of the fundamental laws of life!"

Just then, a gentle yet authoritative voice rang out clearly in Xu Yang's mind:
"Identity confirmed: Gu You, core guardian of the Mother River of Life, authority: core elder level."

"Life imprint detection: Passed."

“Chaos Overlord-level Life Origin: Confirmed”.

The voice was devoid of any emotion, like the pronouncement of the law itself.

Xu Yang understood that this must be the core array will of the Mother River World confirming his identity and granting him authority.

"Guardian, there's no need to be surprised. This is a routine check by the 'Spirit of the Mother River' to ensure the safety of the sacred site," Qing Teng Hou explained with a smile. "The authority has been granted. Guardian, please follow me. I will first lead you to the 'Ancestral Court of All Spirits' to pay your respects to the two Divine Kings!"

Xu Yang suppressed his curiosity and nodded slightly.

His gaze swept over this vibrant yet majestic holy land, feeling the pervasive baptism of the laws of life, and he thought to himself, "As expected of the core of the Mother River of Life... This foundation, this aura... This is truly a great power. I must see it for myself."

He followed closely behind Qing Teng Hou, transforming into two streaks of light as they flew towards the most magnificent and spectacular jade palace complex—the Ancestral Court of Ten Thousand Spirits—suspended among the branches of the divine tree. (End of Chapter)