The icy surface of the Myriad Year Cold Pond reflected the figures of the Eight Realm Masters. The head thrown by the Profound Ice Realm Master rolled a few times on the ice table, leaving a winding trail of blood.
After scanning the room, everyone's gaze unanimously fell on the only woman present.
She was the Shadow Realm Master, clad in an ink-colored gauze dress, its hem embroidered with flowing shadow runes, and a faint black mist lingered around her. Sensing their gazes, her hand, which was holding an ice cup, paused slightly, and a cold, sharp curve appeared on her lips: "Are you all implying that you suspect me?"
"The Shadow Realm is skilled in stealth and assassination. If anyone could silently seize the Night Shadow Realm's Origin, you would be the most suspicious. After all, the Shadow Clan and your Shadow Realm's 'Shadow Devouring Art' are of the same Origin. So, isn't it possible that the Night Shadow Realm's Origin power is also of the same Origin as the Shadow Realm, allowing for a perfect Fusion?"
The Blood Hell Realm Master set down his jade chopsticks, blood light swirling in his eyes, staring fixedly at the Shadow Realm Master.
The Blazing Fiend Realm Master also snorted coldly: "Everyone here must be aware that the Shadow Realm is the closest to advancing to a top-tier Realm. Coupled with the backing of the Evil God Realm, even if the Yin Realm were to discover it, you would likely be able to protect yourself, wouldn't you?"
"That's indeed the case; the Shadow Realm's suspicion is very high."
The Poisonous Miasma Realm Master immediately agreed.
The Shadow Realm Master chuckled softly, flicking a wisp of black mist from her fingertip, which condensed on the ice surface into a phantom image of the Night Shadow Realm: "You Senior Brothers are joking. The Light Eating Tundra of the Night Shadow Realm can corrupt the Divine Soul, and we, the Shadow Clan, fear this substance the most. Why would we bring trouble upon ourselves?"
The Soul Devouring Realm Master, seated at a lower position, suddenly spoke, his hoarse voice particularly grating: "It might not have been a direct action. Perhaps it was done through someone else's hand. The ultimate goal is to devour the Realm's Origin power; it only needs to be delivered to you."
"Then what do you mean?"
The Profound Ice Realm Master's voice held some displeasure. Everyone present knew that he and the Shadow Realm Master were from the same Master and had the best relationship. Now that the Soul Devouring Realm Master said this, the implication was quite obvious.
"I don't mean anything else; I just spoke my mind. As for whether you, Profound Ice Realm Master, are sensitive or have a guilty conscience, there's no need for such a big reaction."
The Soul Devouring Realm Master stood his ground, giving the Profound Ice Realm Master a cold glance.
The Profound Ice Realm Master was vaguely angry: "Even if we are from the same Master, I wouldn't do something like this for him without any benefit, would I?"
"If the Night Shadow Realm's Origin power went to the Shadow Realm Master, then the rest would be the benefits, wouldn't it?" The Blood Hell Realm Master pressed on, mocking.
The Profound Ice Realm Master slammed his hand on the table, and a surge of cold Qi instantly froze half of the cold pond: "Blood Hell old ghost, do not spout nonsense! My Profound Ice Realm Cultivates the Dao of Extreme Cold, which clashes with the Yin Fiend Origin of the Night Shadow Realm. Taking it would be useless!"
"That may not be so." The Thunderous Heavens Realm Master, who had been silent, finally spoke, faint electrical light crackling around him: "The Profound Ice Realm Master has been attempting to Fusion Profound Ice and thunder in recent years, hoping to elevate his Realm's status in another way. The Night Shadow Realm's Origin could just neutralize the conflict between the two forces, couldn't it?"
No sooner had the Thunderous Heavens Realm Master finished speaking than the Blazing Fiend Realm Master, sitting beside him, snorted: "Senior Brother Thunderous Heavens certainly knows how to divert attention. Your Thunderous Heavens Realm's 'Realm-Breaking Thunder Talisman' can instantly tear through Realm barriers. When it comes to surprise attacks, who can compare to you?"
"Old Fiend Blazing, you seek death!" The Thunderous Heavens Realm Master's thunder light surged, and cracks spread across the ice surface.
"Enough!" The Celestial Evolution Realm Master, seated at the head, finally spoke. A tortoise shell floated before him, its patterns revealing the Luck of the eight Realms as they flowed: "The Luck of the eight Realms hasn't changed significantly recently, so it must not have been done by any of us."
Everyone fell silent instantly. The Celestial Evolution Realm Master was proficient in the art of deduction, and his judgments had never been wrong.
The Poisonous Miasma Realm Master narrowed his eyes, his gaze once again falling on the Shadow Realm Master: "Senior Brother Celestial Evolution is right. However, why hasn't the shadow raven sent by the Shadow Realm Master to the Night Shadow Realm yesterday returned yet?"
"The shadow raven has returned, and there's no trace of anyone present here."
The Shadow Realm Master waved her delicate hand, and an ink-black raven landed on her hand, then spat out a small, exquisite crystal shard from its mouth.
On the crystal shard, a faint Qi flowed, which indeed did not belong to anyone present.
"Alright, since we can confirm that it wasn't done by any of us, things will be much easier."
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master extended two fingers.
"Now, we have two choices before us. First, find the true culprit and divert the Yin Realm's attention, making it convenient for us to elevate our Realm's status. Of course, the Yin Realm will not allow all of our Realms to advance. Perhaps in the end, there will only be three, or even two, slots. The rest will likely be prevented by the Yin Realm."
"Why?"
The Blood Hell Realm Master was somewhat puzzled: "The stronger the Star Domain, shouldn't the Yin Realm be happier?"
"Heh, advancing to a top-tier Realm requires immense Origin power to complete. If all were to advance, perhaps more than half of the low-tier Realms would disappear. The Yin Realm would not allow such a thing to exist. Moreover, too many top-tier Realms would affect the Yin Realm's governance over the Star Domain," the Shadow Realm Master scoffed softly.
"The entire Yin Realm Starfield currently has five top-tier Realms: the Heavenly Yin Realm, the Earthly Yin Realm, the Human Yin Realm, the Undead Realm, and the Evil God Realm. The Heavenly, Earthly, and Human Yin Realms are all subordinates of the Yin Realm, which is why they can stably govern the Yin Realm Starfield. But if several more top-tier Realms were added, the Yin Realm's control might not be so firm."
"Then what's the second method?"
The Poisonous Miasma Realm Master quickly spoke. Among these Realms that had a chance to advance, his Poisonous Miasma Realm was the weakest, and his own strength was also at the lower end. If this advancement failed, he might never have another chance.
"The Poisonous Miasma Realm Master is truly anxious." The Profound Ice Realm Master smiled coldly. Just now, Poisonous Miasma had also spoken against him and the Shadow Realm Master, so naturally, he wouldn't miss the chance to ridicule him now.
"Heh, you Senior Brother and Senior Sister are not anxious. After all, one took the Night Shadow Realm's Origin power, and the other found a way to neutralize conflicts, further enhancing their strength. Naturally, they can compete for a slot. I don't have such an opportunity."
"Poisonous Miasma Realm Master, the Qi brought back by the shadow raven just now, as well as the Celestial Evolution Realm Master's deduction, both prove that the Night Shadow Realm incident has nothing to do with us. If you dare to speak disrespectfully again, this old lady doesn't mind losing a stupid ally."
The Shadow Realm Master made no attempt to conceal her threat, a wisp of black mist coiling around her hand, as if she would directly attack if the Poisonous Miasma Realm Master dared to target her again.
The Poisonous Miasma Realm Master originally wanted to slam his hand on the table like the Profound Ice Realm Master, but after seeing the Profound Ice Realm Master, who was also stirring, he abandoned the idea.
The Shadow Realm Master might not be able to defeat him quickly in a one-on-one fight, but with the addition of the Profound Ice Realm Master, he might truly be in danger. Moreover, the others who had originally targeted them were now silent, clearly intending to watch from the sidelines. If he really made a move, he would definitely suffer a loss.
Although unwilling, the Poisonous Miasma Realm Master finally restrained himself, only letting out a cold snort and saying nothing more.
The Thunderous Heavens Realm Master waved his hand, interrupting their standoff. He looked at the Celestial Evolution Realm Master, who had the strongest individual strength among them.
"Celestial Evolution Realm Master, please continue. What is the second method?"
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master smiled mysteriously.
"The reason the Yin Realm warned us is to tell us that they don't care about plundering the Origin power of other Realms, but we cannot plunder our own Star Domain's. And sending out the Yin Fiend Guards means that even if we advance to a top-tier Realm, the Yin Realm has ways to deal with it."
"So that means..."
The Blazing Fiend Realm Master didn't finish his sentence, but his eyes were filled with excitement.
The others also understood the meaning behind the Celestial Evolution Realm Master's words.
"Hahaha, good, good, I understand."
The Poisonous Miasma Realm Master laughed heartily: "Everyone, I won't be staying here with you!"
The next instant, a wisp of green smoke drifted up, then dispersed, and the Poisonous Miasma Realm Master had already vanished. The others soon left as well, leaving only three people.
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master, the Shadow Realm Master, and the Profound Ice Realm Master.
"Does the Celestial Evolution Realm Master have something else to say?"
The Shadow Realm Master propped her chin on her hand, looking at the Celestial Evolution Realm Master with interest.
Just as she was about to leave, the Celestial Evolution Realm Master had sent her a telepathic message, telling her to wait, which was why she hadn't left with the others.
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master waved his hand, directly enveloping the three of them within a barrier.
"You two are from the same Master, both Disciples of the Evil God Realm Master. You are both excellent; one is the Realm Master closest to advancing to a top-tier Realm, and the other's individual strength is closest to a top-tier Realm Master, just one step away from advancing."
"Just speak your mind; no need for circumlocution."
The Profound Ice Realm Master interrupted the Celestial Evolution Realm Master, who didn't get angry.
"Alright, I believe you two are intelligent people, and speaking with intelligent people is much simpler. The Heavenly, Earthly, and Human Yin Realms have already reached a consensus to divide and rule, just like other Star Domains, and no longer offer tribute to the Yin Realm. Now, only the Evil God Realm and the Spirit Realm remain."
"Aren't the Heavenly, Earthly, and Human Yin Realms subordinates of the Yin Realm?"
The Profound Ice Realm Master was utterly shocked. He had originally thought that the Celestial Evolution Realm Master wanted to win them over to submit to the Yin Realm, but he hadn't expected that the Celestial Evolution Realm Master would directly ask them to rebel together.
"You only know that top-tier Realms are powerful, but you don't know how many resources they give to the Yin Realm each year. And the Evil God Realm and Undead Realm, who have never submitted to the Yin Realm, actually pay less than the Three Yin Realms!"
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master calmed his agitated tone and continued.
"The Yin Realm Starfield is the weakest among the Nine King Realms. As long as we have several top-tier Realms working together, we can stand invincible. At that time, we will have the opportunity to break through to higher Realms."
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master's last sentence resonated with both of them.
The Yin Realm Starfield was the weakest and most remote among the Nine King Realms. Cultivate resources here were originally scarce, but most of them had to be handed over to the Yin Realm, leaving them with little. The dissatisfaction had not been for a day or two. Now, hearing the Celestial Evolution Realm Master speak like this, the two exchanged glances, both understanding.
"This matter, we need to discuss with Master."
The Shadow Realm Master didn't directly agree, but she already had an answer in her heart.
The Profound Ice Realm Master also seized the opportunity to ask: "What about the Spirit Realm?"
"Naturally, someone will discuss it with them."
"Why not tell the others?"
"Matters are best kept secret. Moreover, we don't need too many allies, and besides..."
"Besides what?"
The Profound Ice Realm Master asked, puzzled.
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master lightly tapped the table with his finger.
"Besides, do you really think the Yin Realm will just watch as you plunder the Origin of other Star Domains and then advance?"
"Then why did you say that just now?"
Now, the Profound Ice Realm Master was even more puzzled.
"If they don't go to other Star Domains, then how can they provide us with enough Origin power? Of the people at today's meeting, only our Three Realms will advance to top-tier Realms."
With the words spoken, the two did not press further, understanding each other.
"Alright, we will inform Master, but the final outcome, whether it succeeds or not, still depends on Master's wishes. However, Celestial Evolution Realm Master, rest assured, even if Master ultimately does not agree, we will absolutely not leak this matter."
The Shadow Realm Master spoke with utmost Perfection.
Although she said this, she also knew in her heart that her Master would definitely not refuse such a thing; it just required her Master's verbal consent.
"I trust the Shadow Realm Master to handle things."
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master smiled and nodded.
"You two, I believe your Master will not refuse. To express our sincerity, I can tell you the opportunity for your advancement in advance."
"We respectfully await the Celestial Evolution Realm Master's guidance."
The two cupped their fists towards the Celestial Evolution Realm Master.
"Shadow Realm Master, your Realm's advancement is very simple; you just need to devour more Realm Origin power that is close to your own Origin."
"That's easy to say, but where does Realm Origin power come from?"
The Shadow Realm Master immediately pointed out the problem. After all, everyone knew that one could advance by devouring Origin power, but where would so much Realm Origin come from? The loss of just one Night Shadow Realm's Origin power had caused such a big impact, let alone the vast amount of Origin power needed to advance to a top-tier Realm.
The Celestial Evolution Realm Master then extended his hand, and a piece of paper appeared in his hand.
"These are the Realms that are about to be destroyed within the next few days. They are all Advanced Realms. I believe only two, or even one, will be enough to allow the Shadow Realm to advance."
Taking the paper, the names of several Advanced Realms were clearly listed, and indeed, there were a few whose Origin power was of the same Origin as the Shadow Realm, which could be used as Origin power for devouring.
Before the Profound Ice Realm Master could speak, the Celestial Evolution Realm Master handed him another piece of paper.
"Profound Ice Realm Master, this is a method that can perfectly Fusion Profound Ice and thunder."
The Profound Ice Realm Master took the paper, half-believing, but after just a few glances, he dispelled his suspicions. What was recorded on it surprisingly led to the same destination as what he was currently exploring, and it even seemed more reasonable than his own discoveries.
The Profound Ice Realm Master was about to express his gratitude, but then, the Celestial Evolution Realm Master presented him with another grand gift.
"Not only is there a method for Fusion, but in the next few days, the Thunderous Heavens Realm Master will die. At that time, the Thunderous Heavens Realm's Origin power will be yours, Profound Ice Realm Master. Not only can you Fusion Profound Ice and thunder, but you can also take the opportunity to devour the Thunderous Heavens Realm's Origin power, allowing you to advance further." (End of Chapter)
