Swallowed Star: Lord of the Wolf

"Does the Ancient Netherworld Protector wish to remain permanently in my Mother River World or venture out to guard it?" the Azure Mist God King asked with a smile.

As the main base of the Mother River of Life, the Mother River World is absolutely safe. Even the mortal enemy, the Yanfeng Ancient Kingdom, could not find it... because it is a subspace that is constantly flowing and moving.

If you choose to stay here, you are very safe, but it will be difficult to gain merit.

Generally, only those who are God-Kings or veteran peak Chaos Realm cultivators like Qing Teng Hou, who have everything they need and only want to cultivate in peace and comprehend the Great Dao, will stay in the Mother River World for a long time.

Xu Yang hesitated for a moment, then cupped his hands and said, "Reporting to the God King, Gu You wishes to go out to guard the area." He had many secrets, and it was too uncomfortable to stay under the God King's nose. Moreover, Gu Ji was right next to his body. If he were to stay in the Mother River World and his secrets were exposed, it would be a huge problem.

The Azure Mist God King was not surprised and nodded, saying, "Alright, going out will allow you to gain more merits, but Protector Gu You must master the Reincarnation Secret Technique before going."

The Reincarnation Secret Technique is a secret technique that everyone who breaks through to the Chaos Ruler level will automatically comprehend. It is equivalent to a reward given by the Supreme Rules to every cultivator who has reached this level.

"Lord Qing Teng, strictly speaking, Protector Gu You is the protector of your Qing Teng lineage. Pay more attention to her and don't be stingy." God-King Qing Ai nodded to Lord Qing Teng. As God-Kings, they are high above and generally only oversee the overall situation, not participate in the struggles between factions.

Even if it's about fighting and getting rewards, it's about competing with god-kings of the same realm.

"Qing Teng understands." Qing Teng Hou cupped his hands. He understood this principle even without the God King teaching him, otherwise he wouldn't have sent a major city like Xuanhu City to bind Xu Yang at the first opportunity.

"Alright, go ahead. This is our token; if there's any emergency, you can contact us through it." The Azure Mist God King nodded, and with a flick of his sleeve, a black iron token flew towards Xu Yang.

The moment I got my hands on it, it felt warm and smooth, like springtime.

It is not a causal communication talisman, but a secret treasure for ultra-long-distance communication. It can be used to communicate with each other, but it cannot accurately locate each other.

Clearly, this is how a god-king level being operates, and it's also an unspoken rule—to give sufficient attention and support, but also to maintain necessary detachment and boundaries.

"Your Majesty, I take my leave." Qing Teng Hou, with a relaxed and cheerful smile on his face, led Xu Yang out of the solemn and dignified God King's Palace.

The vast platform outside the temple, covered by the tundra of life, was bathed in the soft light flowing through the branches and leaves of the ancestral god, serene and sacred.

The platform is not empty.

A woman clad in starlight-infused feathers, possessing an ethereal and pure aura like the first melting snow from a mountain peak, had been waiting there. Unlike typical Eternal Gods who flaunt their power, she exuded a harmonious and restrained aura, subtly resonating with the life laws of this Mother River World. She was clearly a top-tier Eternal God with an extremely profound foundation, having even touched the threshold of Chaos.

Upon seeing Xu Yang and Qing Teng Hou, the woman moved with graceful steps, her posture impeccable, as if following the most perfect rhythm of life. She slightly bowed, her voice clear and melodious like a spring striking jade: "By the decree of the Great Sage Cui Ling, I respectfully welcome Protector Gu You and Great Sage Qing Teng. The Wan Cui Terrace has prepared a 'Washing Dust Banquet,' and all the Great Sages and fellow practitioners have arrived, awaiting your arrival."

She presented a shimmering, emerald-feathered letter with both hands.

The letter is neither gold nor jade, but is formed from pure starlight and the laws of life, and contains a cool and noble imprint of will, like moonlight.

Without needing to be explicitly stated, the solemn invitation from the Great Sage with Emerald Feathers has already been conveyed.

Qing Teng Hou nodded slightly and smiled at Xu Yang, "Guardian Gu You, the scenery of Cui Ling's Wan Cui Terrace is unparalleled in the ancestral temple, and the spiritual objects there are also exquisite and rare. It has always been the top choice for welcoming guests. Shall we go there now?"

Xu Yang accepted the emerald letter, which was warm to the touch and flowed with laws, and felt the style and sincerity of the Great Sage of Chaos within it. He nodded and said, "Thank you for leading the way."

"Guardian, Great Sage, please follow me." The woman in the starlight-colored feathered robe bowed again, then turned around, her steps light and radiant, leading the way.

She did not fly; as she walked, her clothes fluttered, and each step seemed to tread on a pivotal moment in life, silent yet carrying a refined and elegant charm.

Qing Tenghou and Xu Yang did not use their supernatural powers, but simply followed along.

But the speed is not slow.

The three walked through the interplay of light and shadow between the Tundra of Life and the projection of the Divine Tree, passed through an archway naturally formed by giant vines, skimmed over a stream flowing with golden life essence, and headed toward the top of a flourishing branch of the Ancestral Divine Tree.

……

Before even getting close, one can already hear ethereal celestial music. It is not the clamor of string and wind instruments, but a harmonious resonance of the wind passing through the divine tree, the soft singing of life spirits, and the flowing of the vortex of laws. It is grand and natural, and involuntarily cleanses the mind and spirit.

Finally, we reached the top of the branch that resembled a small piece of land – “Wan Cui Terrace”.

This place was not formed naturally, but was meticulously sculpted by supreme power and laws, making it a perfect natural creation.

The enormous divine tree's branches twist and turn, naturally forming well-arranged platforms, corridors, and even elegant pavilions. Jade vines, aged for millions of years, hang down, blooming with wondrous, eternally blooming flowers that emit a soft light, illuminating the entire platform in a dreamlike state.

The ground is a carpet of flowing starlight and the condensation of the laws of life; stepping on it makes one's steps radiant.

In the center, instead of a tacky banquet table, there is a crystal-clear emerald spring.

At the spring's source, a "source of life," diluted hundreds of millions of times, still gurgles forth, exuding an intoxicating fragrance of life. Instead of fish swimming within, the spring contains "lotuses of life," formed from the pure laws of life, slowly blooming and closing, each opening and closing releasing a rich primordial energy of heaven and earth. Around the spring, scattered among the spring are a dozen or so enormous "divine tree roots," resembling cushions, their smooth, warm surfaces naturally forming the shape of seats, emanating an aura that soothes the mind.

At this moment, apart from Qing Teng Hou and Xu Yang who had just arrived, the true forms of all the Chaos Realm cultivators had already taken their seats.

They each occupied a "spiritual root futon" close to the spiritual spring.

Eleven figures, each with a vast aura and a unique form!

This is precisely the core circle of the Mother River of Life, where all the Chaos Realm beings are currently in the Mother River World!

As the host of the banquet, the Great Sage with Emerald Feathers was positioned directly east of the spring, enveloped in a halo of moonlight, his ethereal and pure aura becoming the centerpiece of the entire event.

The Great Sage of the Rock sits firmly in the northeast, as solid and heavy as the foundation of the earth.

The Great Sage of Withering and Flourishing dwells in the Northwest, the cycle of life and death revolving within his sleeve. The Great Sage of Herbs warms and nourishes in the Southeast, surrounded by the fragrance of herbs and trees.

Ironwood Great Sage's sharp edge lies in the southwest, his iron-blooded and murderous aura hidden within...

The other Chaos Realm experts each occupied their own territory, their demeanor as deep as the abyss, some ethereal, some sharp, some vast, like stars arrayed together, each occupying a piece of heaven and earth, yet forming a harmonious whole in an invisible rhythm.

More than ten pairs of eyes converged on them.

There was no boisterous welcome, no deliberate enthusiasm. Every Great Sage who looked at Xu Yang carried the reserved and profound gaze befitting a ruler of chaos.

However, the Great Sage with Emerald Feathers revealed a faint smile that conveyed a sense of welcome.

"Guardian of the Ancient Netherworld, Marquis of the Green Vine, please take your seats." The clear and ethereal voice of the Great Sage of Emerald Feather rang out, not loud, but clearly soothing the hearts of every guest, like moonlight falling.

Immediately, several maids with pure auras, dressed in starry gauze, and clearly at the peak level of Eternal True Gods, appeared silently like smoke and clouds. Their elegant postures were impeccable, and they led Xu Yang and Qing Teng Hou to the two Qi Root Futons reserved for them, which were next to the main seat of the Great Sage Cui Ling.

As Xu Yang sat down on the smooth futon that exuded a tranquil atmosphere, a maidservant quietly stood by his side.

She held a jade plate upon which were the "Three Treasures for Cleansing Dust": Wanling Spring, Void Star Mushroom, and Qingshen Sliced ​​Vegetables.

The maid bowed slightly, her voice as soft as the wind: "Guardian Guyou, please enjoy your meal."

She then stood at attention, as if in a painting.

At the same time, the treasures before the other Great Sages also appeared silently, all of them rare and precious items that were in line with their comprehension of the Great Dao.

The Great Sage of Rock picked up the Xuanhuang Jade Cup and sipped his tea, the Great Sage of Withered Glory gazed at the half-withered, half-glorious Dao Fruit, and the Great Sage of Ironwood was using a small knife to cut the dark golden Chaos Dragon meat inside the bronze cauldron... The precious treasures flowed silently.

Once the jade table and spiritual objects were all prepared before Xu Yang, the Great Sage Cui Ling spoke again, his voice still clear and ethereal: "Guardian Gu You has just ascended to the Chaos and entered the core of my Mother River. This is a celebration of the Great Dao and a blessing for my Mother River. Today, I borrow the radiance of the plants and stars, and the Daoist essence of the spiritual springs here, to cleanse the dust and calm the mind of the Guardian. May the Guardian clarify his origin here, understand his own Dao, and the Great Dao be within reach. Please."

She was the first to raise the glass that flowed with starlight and the essence of life.

"Respect the Ancient Protector!" The voices of the other ten Chaos Realm cultivators rang out almost simultaneously, some deep, some sharp, some ethereal, some profound, with different rhythms intertwined.

They all raised their glasses.

Xu Yang was in this invisible aura formed by the Great Sage of Chaos, feeling the pressure and expectation gathered by more than ten profound gazes, his heart was both excited and calm.

He solemnly raised the "Wanlingchun" cup before him, its shimmering light reflecting his resolute gaze: "Guyou thanks the Great Sage Cuiling, and also thanks everyone! I wish to explore the Great Dao with you all, and protect the Mother River together!"

His voice was clear and bright, carrying an indomitable spirit.

Drink it all in one gulp!

The nectar, once swallowed, transformed into a powerful, warm current that nourished the will, soul, and the chaotic space.

After drinking the cleansing wine, the clear voice of the Great Sage Cui Ling rang out again: "I have heard that Protector Gu You intends to go out and guard Xuan Hu. This is a courageous act, and it is also what my Mother River needs. However, the Green Wave Kingdom is the visible power of my Mother River of Life, and the surrounding vassal states of Yan Feng are constantly causing trouble, including some formidable enemies. Among you are many who have guarded a region for many years and are experienced. Why not share your thoughts with the Protector so that he may be well-informed?"

Her words immediately sparked a discussion, and the Chaos Realm expert in the arena nodded with a smile.

From now on, we're all family. Sharing information can build good relationships; it's a win-win situation, no problem.

“Guardian Guyou,” the Great Sage of Rock spoke first, “Xuanhu City is an important town. Its ‘Xuanming Prison Suppressing Divine Array’ was personally set up by His Majesty Lanyue. Its power is unparalleled. If you are in charge of the central area, it is enough to withstand the attacks of most Chaos Realm cultivators. As long as the array is there, the city will stand. Those petty villains like Yanfeng would not dare to launch a direct attack on the divine array unless a God King personally comes.”

He directly pointed out the key to defending the city—relying on the divine array, making it as stable as a rock. This was the experience of the Great Sage of Rock, who guarded his Rock Chaos State, but now he was focused on comprehending the Great Dao, wanting to break through to the God King realm. The Rock Chaos State was guarded by his second son, who was also the only Chaos Realm among his descendants.

“What the rock says is correct.”

Immediately afterwards, a voice carrying a profound sense of the cycle of life and death "floated" over, it was the Great Sage of Withering and Flourishing.

The aerial roots beneath his feet extended like withered trees coming back to life, carrying him silently to Xu Yang's side. The Great Sage of Withered Glory looked at Xu Yang with profound eyes, his voice hoarse yet carrying a peculiar rhythm: "But what I want to say is... in the Ancient Kingdom of Flame Wind, there is one person we need to be especially careful of—Marquis Burning Heaven."

Mentioning this name, even the flickering light of life and death in the eyes of the Great Sage Kuru seemed to take on a chill. "This person is a core figure of the 'Emperor Jiufeng' lineage of the Yanfeng Royal Family, a peak Chaos Realm cultivator who wields the 'World-Burning Flame,' and is incomparably domineering. He is violent and extremely disgusted with the life force of my Mother River, regarding it as 'the breath of decay.' He often leads his 'Burning Army' to harass my borders. He especially enjoys leading teams to intercept and kill Chaos Realm cultivators who are out on missions from my Mother River... If the Protector encounters this person outside, do not entangle with him; it is best to quickly activate the divine array to return. He... is a madman."

The Great Sage Kuru's warning carried a hint of apprehension, clearly indicating that he had suffered a loss at this person's hands before. He didn't say much, but his few words sketched out the image of a powerful, dangerous, and malevolent foe filled with malice towards the Mother River of Life.

He and the Burning Heaven Marquis were both at the peak of the Chaos Realm, but there was a considerable gap in their strength. Moreover, the Burning Heaven Marquis was backed by Emperor Jiufeng, an invincible powerhouse who was comparable to the Lord of the Mother River!
As soon as the Great Sage Kurong finished speaking, a burly figure exuding an aura of iron and blood appeared like a javelin in front of Xu Yang. It was the Great Sage Tiemu.

"Old man Ku Rong is right, that Burning Heaven Marquis is a madman! But besides him, there are a few other vicious dogs who like to chase and tear apart the people of our Mother River!" His eyes blazed with fighting spirit, a hint of murderous intent lurking beneath the surface. "'Broken Realm Marquis' Leng Wuyai, a guest elder of the Flame Wind Ancient Kingdom, has been tracking down the activities of our Mother River on the continent for many years. This man is skilled in spatial cutting and assassination, appearing and disappearing like a ghost, extremely difficult to deal with. Over the long years, three of our Mother River's Chaos Realm cultivators have fallen at his hands, forced to reincarnate! Protectors must be wary of this man's sneak attacks!"

"And there's also 'The Lord of Annihilation,' Wugu! This fiend is neither royalty nor king, but a rogue demon cultivator. He somehow managed to cultivate the Path of Destruction to the peak of Chaos Realm, and even forged the 'Ten Thousand Bones Annihilation Demon Domain.' He is eccentric and bloodthirsty, and especially enjoys devouring the life essence of my Mother River Chaos Realm cultivators to strengthen his own demonic power! This person's whereabouts are unpredictable. You've just reached the Chaos Realm, making you a very conspicuous target. You must be on high alert!"

Ironwood Great Sage's words were like knives, each word dripping with blood. He clearly pointed out the characteristics, dangers, and usual activity areas of several of the most notorious peak Chaos Realm experts from the Yanfeng Ancient Kingdom who harbored extreme malice towards the Mother River of Life.

Listening from the side, Qing Teng Hou added in a timely manner, his voice steady: "Brother Pan Shi's words on the key to defending the city are invaluable. The people mentioned by Brother Ku Rong and Brother Tie Mu are indeed a major threat to our Mother River. The Protector has just taken charge of Xuan Hu and his foundation is not yet solid. When facing such a powerful enemy, we should prioritize a stable defense. I have already ordered the Xuan Hu Prefecture to submit all detailed intelligence files on the powerful enemies on the border of the Yan Feng Ancient Kingdom, as well as records of conflicts over the years, to the Protector."

Xu Yang looked solemn, taking to heart all the reminders from the Great Sages.

The names of the Heavenly Marquis, Leng Wuyai, and Wugu are etched into my mind like a brand.

He rose and solemnly clasped his hands in thanks to the three Great Sages, Pan Shi, Ku Rong, and Tie Mu, as well as Qing Teng Hou: "Many thanks to the Great Sages Pan Shi, Ku Rong, and Tie Mu for their guidance! Many thanks to Qing Teng Hou for his thorough arrangements! Gu You will certainly keep these in mind and handle the situation with care!" (End of Chapter)