Armada Kapal Void memang pemandangan menakjubkan, namun baik Wei Wuyin maupun Santo Bumi Trueborn, yang kini dikenal sebagai Sekte Unchained Heart yang baru didirikan, keduanya merasa kehadirannya seperti bau busuk yang datang tidak pada waktunya. Sayangnya, tak satu pun dari mereka berani bertindak sembarangan mengingat kehadiran armada tersebut.
Mata Surgawi Wei Wuyin meredup sedikit; Bendera Perang Nexus yang tersembunyi di glabella-nya menarik kembali aura mengacaukan miliknya. Di dalam Lautan Kesadarannya, Komandan Roh Perang, Zhan Kongjian, mencengkeram erat kubus perak yang diukir Rune Mistis di telapak tangannya saat perintah untuk menahan tangan dikeluarkan.
Ada Santo Bumi di dalam Lautan Kesadaran Wei Wuyin! Lebih dari itu, jika diamati dengan teliti, bukan hanya satu! Dengan tubuh unik yang tersusun dari Cahaya Jiwa Wei Wuyin, mereka memiliki kemampuan meniru kualitas tertentu, dan Cahaya Jiwa Tujuh Sumber, Energi Cahaya Primer Eden, dapat terintegrasi dengan Lautan Kesadaran tanpa penolakan.
Meski rencana hancur, Wei Wuyin dengan penuh semangat menoleh ke Permaisuri Xiaocheng dengan senyum hangat menyambut seolah ini hari biasa saja. Permaisuri Xiaocheng menjawab dengan senyum sopan tipis, namun ada jarak tersembunyi di baliknya. Rasa jarak itu cukup berarti.
"...!"
Kong Yi mengerutkan alis tua; sapaan Wei Wuyin sama sekali tidak pantas menurutnya. Permaisuri Xiaocheng adalah Permaisuri Starfield Aeternal Sky, longgarnya Permaisuri seluruh Wilayah Bintang Grand Cyclic, dan disambut oleh junior fana dengan cara seperti itu sangat tidak hormat dan tanda kurangnya kesadaran status. Seharusnya ia membungkuk dalam atau bahkan berlutut di hadapan Permaisuri.
Ekspresi Tian Muyang dan Tian Lingyu juga berubah. Wei Wuyin bisa bertindak bebas di Puncak Pembaruan Siklus Suci karena etiket dilepaskan mengingat situasinya, dan betapa canggungnya jika setiap ahli harus beretiket, mungkin justru menumbuhkan dendam ke Klan Kekaisaran. Tapi kalau Kaisar sendiri, tak ada yang berani tidak berlutut.
Namun kini mereka di dunia luar, disaksikan tak terhitung ahli, dan Wei Wuyin hanya menepuk tangan menyapa dengan senyum ramah. Itu tanda kesetaraan status, dan bagi banyak orang, itu menurunkan martabat Permaisuri bahkan dengan arogan mengangkat statusnya sendiri.
Perbuatan tidak hormat Wei Wuyin sebenarnya kelalaian fokus dan campuran kenangan Wei Wuyin yang santai. Sebagai Pemimpin Sekte Void Voyage, Wei Wuyin yang lain sering berinteraksi dengan Klan Tian, terutama Permaisuri, dan tak pernah perlu membungkuk, hanya sapan tepuk tangan ramah setiap kali. Bisa dibilang kebiasaan.
Gangguannya datang dari laporan berkelanjutan dari para Ascendant.
"Array Penyegelan telah ditetapkan." Pesan itu diterima berkali-kali, sama dengan jumlah Shadow Egg yang diserbu, dan itu membuat Wei Wuyin lega. Dengan Array Penyegelan berdiri, apakah transmisi dari dalam, transportasi Gerbang Void, atau bala bantuan dari luar, semuanya diputus dengan kejam.
Menunda waktu berfungsi sangat baik. Sayangnya, armada Kapal Void pada dasarnya menghancurkan rencana serbu multi-tahapnya, tak bisa melukai Trueborn lagi dan mencegah mereka bereaksi dengan Highlord dan Santo Bumi. Namun ini juga jadi pengalih perhatian lain, membeli waktu, jadi ia tidak terlalu khawatir.
Wei Wuyin akhirnya menyadari ekspresi cemas Tian Muyang, barulah ia sadar tata kramanya kurang di hadapan Permaisuri Klan Kekaisaran, pejabat otoritas kedua. Keheningan dari Kapal Void menyesakkan, dan tak lama mereka berhenti beberapa mil jauhnya, seolah memotong jalur mundur Wei Wuyin.
Ia menghela nafas dalam hati, sadar tindakannya mungkin menimbulkan sedikit kewas-wasan dari sekutunya. Bahkan Tian Muyang dan Tian Lingyu hanya menatap khawatir.
'Lupakan. Karena aku tak berlutut ke otoritas Klan Kekaisaran segera, aku tak akan melakukannya seumur hidup.' Wei Wuyin putus dalam hati, tak lagi terikat rencana asli memakai topeng. Soal menenangkan Klan Kekaisaran dan memasuki permusuhan, untuk saat ini prioritasnya lebih besar, dan menghindari konfrontasi itu mustahil.
Permaisuri Xiaocheng tampak acuh, melirik Fire Phoenix yang menatapnya dengan rasa superioritas alami. Sepertinya Wei Wuyin benar-benar punya ego kembung, hasil banyak faktor, terutama tak pernah menderita kekalahan atau diajar pelajaran. Mengira usianya di bawah seratus tahun tapi kekuatan pribadi bisa mengguncang starfield, termasuk bakat alkimia luar biasa, sulit menderita di Wilayah Bintang Grand Cyclic.
Ia menatap Wei Wuyin dengan pandangan tahu-tahu, lalu memandang Kehampaan Gelap yang luas dengan cahaya spiritual yang mendidih, bicara keras: "Sahabat Sekte Unchained Heart, kenapa tidak menyapa Permaisuri ini?"
"..." Armada Kapal Void diam, tapi beberapa ahli puncak sadar ada yang tidak beres. Setelah beberapa detik tidak nyaman, riak spasial menyebar dari lokasi sekeliling Wei Wuyin berjarak dua ratus hingga lima ratus mil. Jarak yang jahat dekat bagi makhluk Ascended, dan mereka semua mengungkapkan aura tak terduga dan sosok tertopeng.
Ada enam belas Santo Bumi!
ENAM BELAS!!
"Ya Tuhan!" Jantung Tian Lingyu berdebar kencang. Ia tak sadar ada Santo Bumi tersembunyi dalam lipatan ruang tetap, tapi merasa sangat terganggu karena mereka begitu dekat dengan Wei Wuyin!
Mata Kong Yi jadi suram; di matanya, Wei Wuyin berada di ujung jurang maut, karena bahkan ia tak sadar kehadiran mereka, padahal ia memiliki Jiwa Spasial.
Tian Muyang menatap kedalaman array pertahanan, memperhatikan dua Santo Bumi lain. Artinya Unchained Heart Sect punya delapan belas Santo Bumi! Lebih lagi, ini baru yang dikirim pertama, siapa tahu berapa yang masih menjaga wilayah atau menutup jalur lari?
Sekte Unchained Heart…
Wei Wuyin mengaktifkan aktingnya maksimal, kepalanya bergerak cepat saat cahaya kejut ekstrem memancar dari matanya. Ia harus kirim pesan mental ke Bai Lin, dan ia berteriak waspada, memercikkan Api Nirvana yang melindungi Wei Wuyin.
Ini memberi kesan pada semua di Kapal Void bahwa Wei Wuyin tak bersenjata sampai sekarang, sepenuhnya tidak sadar Santo Bumi merayap ke arahnya dengan niat memetik nyawa. Kalau bukan campur tangan tepat waktu Permaisuri, nyawa Wei Wuyin sudah habis!
Saat mengingat ketidakhormatan tadi, emosi mereka bergolak. Mereka berharap pengungkapan ini jadi pelajaran bagi Wei Wuyin, jangan pernah meremehkan musuh.
Enam belas Santo Bumi dan dua Santo Bumi di dalam array pertahanan, semuanya memberi sapaan seragam ke Permaisuri. Tak berlutut, tapi hormat mereka tidak main-main, dan nada androgin mereka penuh rasa hormat. Mungkin bukan ke Permaisuri sendiri, tapi ke yang diwakilinya—Kaisar Ilahi Aeternal Sky!
Ini memperkuat keyakinan di hati semua hadirin tentang kekuatan luar biasa Kaisar Kekaisaran, sampai delapan belas Santo Bumi organisasi hebat ini tak segan menampilkan rasa hormat.
Wei Wuyin dalam hati memutar bola mata, dan Bai Lin menahan rasa jijik di matanya. Keduanya duo akting sempurna karena terlihat sangat panik, berputar terbang ke sana-sini, tapi jalur lari diblokir entah Kapal Void atau Santo Bumi. Wei Wuyin bahkan kirim transmisi spiritual, tapi hanya ledakan cahaya spiritual yang muncul saat Santo Bumi Unchained Heart Sect menyadapnya tanpa bergerak, mata mengikuti ke mana pun ia pergi, memancarkan niat membunuh.
Bukan hal sulit bagi mereka menyadap Transmisi Spiritual yang dilakukan sekadar fana. Mereka semua melakukan ini hanya untuk memberitahu Wei Wuyin: "Panggilan bantuanmu tidak akan datang, bodoh."
"Tuan Alkemis Wei, tenanglah. Tak ada yang akan bertindak padamu." Permaisuri Xiaocheng menenangkan dengan nada menyenangkan tapi penuh martabat tak tergoyahkan. Sepertinya ia sudah berjanji, dan janji itu harus ditaati.
Da Shan menyaksikan semua dengan tatap tenang. Cahaya membunuh menyala di matanya keemasan.
"Suami kecilmu ini sepertinya menggigit lebih dari yang bisa dikunyah. Lihat dia, berakting seperti ayam tanpa kepala." Ratu Penghancur Neraka Titanik tak bisa menahan menggelengkan kepala kecilnya. Tapi ini wajar. Wei Wuyin hanyalah fana dan sangat muda serta tidak berpengalaman.
Da Shan melirik tuannya, lalu matanya tajam. Ia, lebih dari siapa pun, mengenal Wei Wuyin jauh lebih dalam dari hadirin lain. Ia tahu betapa dalam rencananya, betapa licik khayalannya, dan ia tak pernah melihat Wei Wuyin panik seumur hidupnya.
Namun ia tak berani bicara, ragu apakah kata-kata atau transmisi bisa terdengar atau disadap. Ia percaya pada Wei Wuyin.
Tian Menghela nafas lega. Meski mereka bertindak lawan Wei Wuyin, mereka tetap menyelamatkan nyawanya.
"Dalam hidup, peluang tak terbatas," Tian Muyang berkata lembut menghibur Tian Lingyu. Yang mengangguk, mengingat usia muda Wei Wuyin, pasti akan berkembang. Tiba-tiba ia melihat sekeliling, memperhatikan tak terhitung sekte puncak, asosiasi, dan klan yang hadir dengan perwakilan. Alisnya sedikit berkerut, berpikir: "Seharusnya Golden Life Pavilion ada di sini?"
Wei Wuyin segera tenang, matanya jadi sangat suram. "Kalian menyegel ruang," katanya sambil menatap Santo Bumi Unchained Heart Sect dan para Highlord serta perwakilan Santo Bumi dari tak terhitung kekuatan Mistik puncak. Bahkan Gereja Inferno Solaris dan Ninestar Sainthall hadir, dan meski pemimpinnya tidak datang, mereka bawa Santo Bumi mereka.
Kapal Void dan Santo Bumi semua bekerja sama menyegel ruang. Wei Wuyin lanjut dengan nada menanyakan ada sedikit amarah, "Kalian semua merencanakan ini?"
Kardinal Song bicara saat itu, "Tuan Alkemis Wei, kau harus memahami kesulitan kami."
Seolah terkoordinasi, He Bojing, Santo Bumi Klan He, ikut: "Tindakanmu saat ini hanya memperkuat misi kami. Harap mengerti." Meski kelihatannya memohon maaf, ada kilat gelap di matanya.
Delapan Klan Bangsawan semuanya hadir, termasuk Sekte Bela Diri Tanpa Batas. Bahkan Klan Tang hadir, dan Highlord Scarletflame—Saudari Matriark, jadi perwakilannya. Sementara Sekte True Element, Golden Life Pavilion, dan Golden Gate Pavilion tidak hadir.
Kekuatan terkuat Sekte Aeternal Sky semuanya di sini!
Dan dari sembilan belas Starfield tersisa, kecuali Starfield Great Blue dan Starfield United Source, kekuatan terdepan enam belas Starfield juga hadir, termasuk beberapa kekuatan Mistik tingkat lebih rendah.
Kehampaan Gelap penuh otoritas dan kekuatan yang menyebar ke seluruh Wilayah Bintang Grand Cyclic!
Wei Wuyin ingin berkata: "Semua untukku?" Tapi ia menahan sisi nakalnya, hanya memperlihatkan sepasang mata suram dan ekspresi grim seperti binatang terjebak. Sebaliknya, ia dengan dingin bertanya: "Apakah kalian semua di sini untuk menangkapku?"
Tiba-tiba, Santo Bumi Unchained Heart Sect berkata: "Bodoh."
Wei Wuyin mengirim tatapan dingin ke arahnya lalu mengalihkan pandangan ke Permaisuri Xiaocheng seolah menuntut jawaban. Sementara yang lain melihat sikapnya tidak hormat mengingat Permaisuri baru menunjukkan dia di ujung jurang maut, mereka tak bicara karena banyak yang bersyukur kalau Klan Tian dan Wei Wuyin tetap non-sekutunya.
Permaisuri menggelengkan kepala cantiknya, "Tidak."
"Kami di sini untuk menyelesaikan Malapetaka Tanpa Sumpah wilayah Bintang kami, Nak." Jawaban sederhana Permaisuri membuka panggung bagi pembicara tak terduga yang antusias bicara. Dia lain tidak lain Xun Yicao, Tuan Alkemis Pil Lavender!
The fleet of Void Ships was an astonishing sight to witness, but whether it was Wei Wuyin or the Earthly Saints of Trueborn, also known as the newly established Unchained Heart Sect, they both felt that it was an untimely eyesore. Unfortunately, neither could act without regard given their presence.
Wei Wuyin's Celestial Eyes dimmed slightly; the Nexus War Flag kept concealed within his glabella receded its thrashing aura. Within his Sea of Consciousness, a Spirit of War Commander, Zhan Kongjian, clenched a silvery cube etched with Mystic Runes within their palms tightly as the order to stay their hand was issued.
There was an Earthly Saint in Wei Wuyin's Sea of Consciousness! Moreover, if one looked closely, it wasn't simply one! With their uniquely formed bodies composed of Wei Wuyin's Soul Light, they possessed the ability to mimic certain qualities, and the Seven Source Soul Light, the Primary Light Energy of Eden, could integrate with the Sea of Consciousness without rejection.
Still, ruined plans aside, Wei Wuyin energetically turned to Empress Xiaocheng with a bright, welcoming smile as if this was a casual day. Empress Xiaocheng similarly held a slight cordial smile, but there was an added distance to it. This sense of distance was quite telling.
"...!"
Kong Yi furrowed his aged brows; Wei Wuyin's greeting wasn't appropriate at all in his eyes. Empress Xiaocheng was the Empress of the Aeternal Sky Starfield, loosely the Empress of the entire Grand Cyclic Stellar Region, and to be greeted by a mortal junior in such a way was extremely disrespectful and a sign of lacking status awareness. In truth, he should be deeply bowing or kneeling before the Empress.
Tian Muyang and Tian Lingyu's expressions changed as well. Wei Wuyin could act freely while at the Saint Cyclic Renewal Summit as manners of etiquette were placed on the sideline due to the situation, and how awkward it would be for every last expert, possibly breeding animosity towards the Imperial Clan. That said, if it was the Emperor himself, no one could dare not kneel as a greeting.
However, they were in the outside world, witnessed by countless experts, and Wei Wuyin only clasped his hands in greeting with a friendly smile. This was a sign of equality in status, and to many, this was bringing down the Empress's status and even arrogantly elevating his own.
Wei Wuyin's disrespectful act was actually a lapse of his focus and a combination of the debonair Wei Wuyin's memories. As the Void Voyage Sect's Sect Master, the other Wei Wuyin interacted with the Tian Clan quite often, and mostly with the Empress, and never had to bow, resorting to this friendly clasp of hands greeting each time. It could be considered a grown habit.
As for the distraction, it came from continuous reports from the Ascendants.
"The Sealing Array has been established." This message was received many times, equal to the number of Shadow Eggs invaded, and this made Wei Wuyin relieved. With the Sealing Array established, whether it was transmissions from inside, Void Gates transportation, or reinforcements from outside arriving, they were all cut ruthlessly off.
Stalling had worked exceptionally well. Unfortunately, the fleet of Voidships had essentially ruined his multi-step assault plan, unable to deal Trueborn another devastating blow and preventing them from reacting with Highlords and Earthly Saints. However, this will also act as another distraction, buying some time, so he wasn't too bothered.
Wei Wuyin eventually noticed the anxious expression from Tian Muyang, and only then did he realize that his manners were lacking to the Imperial Clan's Empress, the second-most authority figure of the Imperial Clan. The silence from the Voidships was uncomfortable, and soon, they halted a few miles off, seemingly cutting off Wei Wuyin's route of retreat.
He sighed softly in his heart, realizing that his actions might have induced a little bit of caution from his allies. Not even Tian Muyang and Tian Lingyu were doing anything but revealing their concerned gazes.
'Forget it. Since I didn't kneel to the Imperial Clan's authority immediately, I won't do so in this lifetime.' Wei Wuyin decided mentally, no longer binding himself to his original plans to wear a mask. As for appeasing the Imperial Clan and entering into hostilities with the Imperial Clan, for now, he had bigger priorities, and it was impossible to avoid that eventuality anyhow.
Empress Xiaocheng seemed unbothered by Wei Wuyin's actions, glancing at the Fire Phoenix that eyed her with an innate sense of majestic superiority. It seemed that Wei Wuyin genuinely has an inflated sense of self, and this was likely the result of many different factors, especially the lack of suffering losses or being taught a lesson. Considering he was less than a hundred years old with a personal force that could shake starfields, including his outstanding alchemic talent, it was hard to suffer in the Grand Cyclic Stellar Region.
She proceeded to give Wei Wuyin a knowing gaze, before looking at the vast Dark Void with a seething spiritual light, strongly speaking out: "Friends of the Unchained Heart Sect, will you not greet this Empress?"
"..." The fleet of Voidships was silent, but a few top-notch experts realized something was wrong. After several uncomfortable seconds, spatial ripples diffused out from locations all around Wei Wuyin ranging from two hundred to five hundred miles. This was an insidiously close distance for Ascended beings, and they all revealed their unfathomable aura and masked figures.
There were sixteen Earthly Saints!
SIXTEEN!!
"Oh my heavens!" Tian Lingyu's heart pounded violently. She hadn't even realized that there were Earthly Saints hidden in the folds of fixed space, but she felt deeply disturbed that they were so close to Wei Wuyin!
Kong Yi's eyes turned grim; in his eyes, Wei Wuyin was on the precipice of death, because even he hadn't noticed their presence, and he possessed a Spatial Soul.
Tian Muyang looked at the depths of the defensive array, noticing two other Earthly Saints. This meant that the Unchained Heart Sect had eighteen Earthly Saints! Moreover, this was only what was initially sent, who knew how many they had still protecting their territory or covering escape routes?
The Unchained Heart Sect…
Wei Wuyin kicked his acting skills into overdrive, his head swerving as extreme light of shock was effused from his eyes. He had to send Bai Lin a mental message, and she cried out vigilantly, erupting with Nirvanic Flames that enveloped Wei Wuyin protectively.
This gave all those on the Voidship the impression that Wei Wuyin was defenseless until now, entirely ignorant of the Earthly Saints slithering towards him with life-reaping intentions. If it wasn't for the Empress' timely interference, Wei Wuyin's life would've been forfeit!
When they recalled the disrespect earlier, their emotions stirred. They hoped this revelation would teach Wei Wuyin a lesson, and tell him to never underestimate his enemies.
The sixteen Earthly Saints and two Earthly Saints within the defensive array, all gave uniformed greetings to the Empress. They didn't kneel, but their bow was not light, and their androgynous tones carried respect. Perhaps it wasn't towards the Empress herself, but who she represented—the Aeternal Sky Divine Emperor!
This refreshed the belief in the hearts and minds of all those present of the exceptional might that the Imperial Emperor possessed, so much so that these eighteen Earthly Saints of this incredible organization dared not skimp on their show of respect.
Wei Wuyin inwardly rolled his eyes, and Bai Lin restrained the disdain in her eyes. She and Wei Wuyin were the perfect acting duo as they seemed incredibly panicked, twisting and flying here and there, but finding their routes of escape blocked by either Voidship or Earthly Saint. Wei Wuyin even sent out spiritual transmissions, but only bursts of spiritual light erupted when the Earthly Saints of the Unchained Heart Sect intercepted them without moving, their eyes following him wherever he went, exuding their murderous intent.
It wasn't hard for them to intercept a Spiritual Transmission performed by a mere mortal. They were all doing this simply to tell Wei Wuyin this: "Your call for reinforcements isn't coming, fool."
"Alchemic Sovereign Wei, please calm down. No one will act against you." Empress Xiaocheng comforted with a pleasant tone filled with unquestionable dignity. It seemed that she had given her word, and that word must be abided by.
Da Shan watched all this with a quiet gaze. There was a rousing killing light within his golden eyes.
"Your little husband seems to have bitten off far more than he can chew. Look at him, acting like a headless chicken." The Titanic Hell-Crushing Queen couldn't help but shake her little head. However, this was to be expected. Wei Wuyin was a mere mortal and an exceptionally young and inexperienced one as well.
Da Shan glanced at her master, and then her eyes sharpened. She, more than anyone, knew Wei Wuyin far more intimately than anyone present. She knew how profound his plans could become, how insidious his foresight was, and she had never once seen Wei Wuyin panic in his life.
However, she didn't dare to say anything, unsure if her words or transmissions could be heard or intercepted. She trusted Wei Wuyin.
Tian Lingyu sighed with relief. While they were acting against Wei Wuyin, they still saved his life.
"Within life, there are endless opportunities," Tian Muyang said softly to console Tian Lingyu. The latter nodded, given Wei Wuyin's young life, he was bound to flourish. Suddenly, she looked around, observing the countless top-tier sects, associations, and clans that were here with representatives. She frowned slightly, thinking: "Shouldn't the Golden Life Pavilion be here?"
Wei Wuyin soon calmed down, his eyes becoming incomparably gloomy. "You've sealed space," he stated as he looked at the Earthly Saints of the Unchained Heart Sect and the Highlords and Earthly Saint representatives of the countless top-tier Mystic-rank forces. Even the Inferno Solaris Church and Ninestar Sainthall were present, and while their leaders weren't here, they brought their Earthly Saints.
The Voidships and Earthly Saints were all working in conjunction to seal off space. Wei Wuyin continued with a questioning tone with a hint of anger, "You've all planned this?"
Cardinal Song spoke at this moment, "Alchemic Sovereign Wei, you must understand our plight."
As if coordinated, He Bojing, the Earthly Saint of the He Clan, followed: "Your current actions only serve to reinforce our mission. Please understand." While he seemed to be pleading for forgiveness, there was a dark glint in his eyes.
The other Eight Noble Clans were all here, including the Boundless Martial Sect. Even the Tang Clan was present, and Highlord Scarletflame—Sister of the Matriarch, was the representative. While the True Element Sect, Golden Life Pavilion, and Golden Gate Pavilion were notably absent.
The strongest forces of the Aeternal Sky Sect were all here!
And of the current remaining nineteen Starfields, excluding the Great Blue Starfield and United Source Starfield, the leading forces of sixteen Starfields were also here, including some of the less Mystic-tier forces.
The Dark Void was crowded with authority and power that spread across the entire Grand Cyclic Stellar Region!
Wei Wuyin had the urge to say: "All for me?" But he kept his cheeky side in check, only revealing a pair of gloomy eyes and a grim expression resembling a cornered animal. Instead, he coldly asked: "Are you all here to capture me?"
Suddenly, an Earthly Saint of Unchained Heart Sect spoke out: "Fool."
Wei Wuyin sent a chilling glare over and then turned his gaze towards Empress Xiaocheng as if demanding an answer. While the others saw his attitude as disrespectful given how the Empress had just shown that he was at the precipice of death, they didn't say anything as many were thankful if the Tian Clan and Wei Wuyin remained non-allies.
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