Star Odyssey Chapter 3353: Borrowing

Chapter 3353: Borrowing

This was the arrogance of someone who truly looked down upon the entire megaverse.

How could a mere corpse king possess such arrogance?

“My lord.” Yan Gang and Verdant King greeted True G.o.d in unison.

He looked over at Tian Ci. “Do you know about the Nests?”

Tian Ci nodded. “I’ve heard of them before. They’re the inheritance of a civilization, and the Heavens Sect has gone to great lengths to destroy them whenever they are encountered. I really don’t know much beyond that.”

“Explain a Nest in detail,” True G.o.d commanded.

Yan Gang looked at Tian Ci and began to thoroughly share the details of a Nest.

The more Tian Ci heard, the more shocked he felt. Did such a civilization really exist? Could there really be endless swarms of powerful insects that could disrupt the legacy of entire civilizations? Not to mention, there was that last type of insect, the one called a Verdant Sage. Such an ability was exceptional. They could adapt and take on the form that best suited whatever universe they were born in. This ability greatly reminded Tian Ci of the Spirit Nidus’s Spirit Rebirth.

Spirit Rebirths also allowed cultivators to select their physical form, based on their individual strength, cultivation, and future path.

Yan Gang soon finished explaining. He might not know who Tian Ci was, but the man radiated an intimidating aura that felt like it belonged to a G.o.d-like being. He was a true powerhouse.

Tian Ci turned to study Verdant King. So, is this a Verdant Sage? It was originally an insect, but it chose to take on the form of a corpse king?

“What do you think?” True G.o.d asked.

Tian Ci mused, “A most impressive civilization, but their numbers are of no matter—quant.i.ty alone is unable to decide anything. The threat that these insects pose is exactly like their base species: nothing more than bugs.”

Verdant King looked over at Tian Ci, his expression calm.

Tian Ci met Verdant King’s eyes, completely unfazed. “Even with the Verdant Sages’ exceptional talent, they are still limited. Every species has their own limits, aside from us humans.”

True G.o.d showed a subtle smile. “For your Spirit Nidus, the civilization behind these Nests indeed poses no threat as the insects can’t travel to a different megaverse. However, for this Tianyuan Megaverse, they are a major threat, especially to someone like Lu Yin, who values the lives of ordinary humans. These Nests are a deadly threat to him, which is why the Heavens Sect has dedicated so many resources to eliminating them. If not for these things, you would have seen the full power of the Heavens Sect at the boundary. Then, not even another two Seraphs would have been enough.”

“Where did the civilization behind the Nests come from? Did it develop independently in this megaverse?” Tian Ci asked in confusion.

“Perhaps. There are countless parallel universes. If a human civilization like the Heavens Sect can appear, then a civilization that created the Nests can as well,” True G.o.d replied.

Tian Ci did not dwell on the matter. “So, are you trying to use these Nests to slow down the Heavens Sect’s development until the Spirit Nidus’s reinforcements arrive?”

“Exactly. Right now, if we cooperate with you, the best that we can hope for is mutual destruction with humanity. However, if we use these Nests effectively, even though an endless swarm of insects is incapable of truly destroying humanity, it can still hinder them a great deal. It’s not easy for the humans to exterminate these insects. Thus, I’ve been spreading them everywhere recently, just to divert attention.”

“Good idea,” Tian Ci praised. He did not want to fight an all-out battle with the Heavens Sect, so True G.o.d’s plan sounded ideal.

True G.o.d suddenly asked, “When will your Spirit Nidus’s reinforcements arrive?”

Tian Ci’s eyes flickered. “I’m not sure, as that all depends on High Seraph’s arrangements.”

True G.o.d looked away, falling silent.

Tian Ci continued to study Verdant King, but then he suddenly remembered something. “Where is Yuan Qi? Why hasn’t he shown himself?”

So far, only Forgotten Ruins G.o.d, w.a.n.g Xiaoyu, and Zhan Yan were aware of Lu Yin’s battle with Yuan Qi. With Zhan Yan dead, only the Heavens Sect and True G.o.d’s followers were aware that something had happened to Yuan Qi.

“He’s working on something else, the Mirari Realm,” True G.o.d replied.

Tian Ci’s eyes went wide. “The Mirari Realm? He found it?”

“Of course he did. Yuan Qi is smarter than you think. The Seraph had me attack the Immemorial Citadel, while he took the opportunity to search for the Mirari Realm. At first, neither of us could find it, but after Lu Yin visited it several times, Yuan Qi was finally able to track it down,” True G.o.d explained as he stared into the vast, star-studded night sky. “When he gets inside the Mirari Realm, who knows what he’ll do.”

“Where is he?” Tian Ci pressed.

True G.o.d frowned, no longer answering. Tian Ci continued to stare at the other man. “Where is Yuan Qi?”

“What do you intend to do?”

“Enter the Mirari Realm.”

“Why?”

“Don’t you want to enter the Mirari Realm?”

True G.o.d chuckled. “Time doesn’t pa.s.s while one is in the Mirari Realm, which is meaningless to me. As for the forbidden areas in that place, I have no intention of pushing into any of them.”

Tian Ci’s eyes narrowed. “Legends claim that the path to Immortality lies within the Mirari Realm’s forbidden areas. Aren’t you interested?”

True G.o.d shook his head. “The path to Immortality is one that you carve for yourself. No one else can lay that path before you. Besides,” the man paused as he turned to look at Tian Ci. “You’re only an Ortuser. Even if you went, it would be pointless.”

“Take this as me owing you a favor. In the future, you can ask me for anything. In return, help me find Yuan Qi—no, help me enter the Mirari Realm,” Tian Ci somberly requested.

True G.o.d grew puzzled. “Why are you so insistent on entering the Mirari Realm?”

Tian Ci’s tone grew somber. “I have my reasons.”

True G.o.d stared at Tian Ci. Their gazes met for a moment. “It’s possible for me to help you enter the Mirari Realm, but I have a condition.”

“Name it.”

“Lend me your mirebound artifact.”

Tian Ci was taken aback. “What did you say?”

True G.o.d clasped his hands behind his back. “You should already know that I am very interested in mirebound artifacts. You don’t need to worry, as I just want to take a look.”

“Absolutely not,” Tian Ci instantly refused.

True G.o.d shrugged, unconcerned. “Then you can find Yuan Qi on your own.”

Tian Ci gritted his teeth. “You’ve always wanted Jiang Feng’s three mirebound artifacts just because of what they are. Mirebound artifacts are nothing more than tools. Why do you care so much about them?”

True G.o.d did not reply, and he instead simply closed his eyes. He looked as though he was contemplating the world around him.

“When my Spirit Nidus goes to war with the Tianyuan Megaverse, if it comes to it, I’ll enter Dukkha. Another Dukkhan would be far more useful than a mirebound artifact. After all, it would only be a loan. Mirebound artifacts hold no intrinsic value. The Spirit Nidus is sure to reset the Tianyuan Megaverse, and I’m certain to reach the level of a Seraph. In the future, I may even help you compete to become the High Seraph. I can promise you all that,” Tian Ci continued.

True G.o.d remained silent.

Tian Ci sighed, resigning himself. “You can look, but not touch it. After I meet Yuan Qi, you’ll need to return the mirebound artifact to me.”

True G.o.d opened his eyes. “Agreed.”

Tian Ci hesitated for a moment before he took out a wisp of blazing light from within his body.

During the invasion of the Second Scourge, Tian Ci had used this light, but it had never appeared again after that. This was his mirebound artifact.

The flame lit up the night sky, causing the entire planet to turn as bright as day. The strange phenomenon caused everyone on the planet to go outside, and they knelt in prayer as they looked up at the stars.

True G.o.d’s eyes lit up when he saw the flame. “What does it do?”

“It grants me an additional Spirit Rebirth,” Tian Ci answered softly.

True G.o.d’s eyes widened. “Another Spirit Rebirth?”

Tian Ci took a deep breath. “You should understand what a second Spirit Rebirth means for someone from my Spirit Nidus.”

In the Spirit Nidus, cultivators started by undergoing Spirit Ignition, which was the act of placing a spirit seed within themselves. Eventually, they would experience a Spirit Rebirth, which was a qualitative transformation. Later, exceptionally talented cultivators might obtain spirit weapons or an innate gift after undergoing a Spirit Transformation. Tian Ci claimed that his mirebound artifact was his sword, Three-Foot Edge. The blade rendered all distance within three feet meaningless, which was a unique enough effect for people to believe that it was a mirebound artifact. But in truth, it was just his spirit weapon.

Yuan Qi’s Dao Bell, the round-faced Seraph’s gold pen, Bao Qi’s Mimic Sound, Meng Sang’s Nightmare, and Palace Master Yao’s Bifrost Unscathed Sword were all either spirit weapons or innate gifts. Such things were the symbols of the most powerful experts in the Spirit Nidus.

Tian Ci was strong enough to nearly be at the level of a Seraph. If he could obtain another spirit weapon or innate gift, he would certainly surpa.s.s Palace Master Yao.

True G.o.d was amazed. “It’s no wonder why you’re so confident that you will become a Seraph one day.”

Tian Ci could not help but feel a touch of pride. “Zhan Yan is using Yuan Qi in her bid to become a Seraph, while Palace Master Yao believes herself to be the strongest beneath the Seraphs, a.s.suming that she is practically guaranteed the position. However, neither of them are aware that I am the true candidate to become a Seraph. I’m the strongest of my generation in the Spirit Nidus and can-”

The man abruptly stopped speaking. It was as though an invisible force had completely suppressed him.

True G.o.d continued to stare at the flame in awe. “Forgotten Ruins.”

The woman stepped forward. “My lord?”

“Take him to see Yuan Qi. In exchange for the favor I now owe him, Tian Ci will be allowed to enter the Mirari Realm alongside Yuan Qi. The old man won’t refuse,” True G.o.d explained.

Forgotten Ruins G.o.d glanced at Tian Ci before slowly bowing. “Yes, my lord.”

Tian Ci curiously asked, “Your favor?”

True G.o.d’s gaze lingered on the flame. “Don’t worry. Yuan Qi will definitely take you to the Mirari Realm.”

Tian Ci let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

He then turned and followed Forgotten Ruins G.o.d.

Once the two were gone, True G.o.d’s expression calmed down, and he became lost in thought.

Forgotten Ruins G.o.d led Tian Ci beneath the stars in a certain direction. He asked, “Is Yuan Qi in this universe?”

Forgotten Ruins G.o.d chuckled. “What do you think? Without him around, how else could True G.o.d be sure of his own safety? After all, he can’t access his full strength right now.”

Tian Ci thought of the golden light that shrouded True G.o.d’s body, and the image of the Great Sovereign flashed through his mind. It was unexpected that Tai Hong had sacrificed herself.

“I heard you Spirit Nidus cultivators are all being called mice now. How amusing,” Forgotten Ruins G.o.d commented, a coy smile touching her lips.

Tian Ci’s expression chilled, and the pressure of an Ortuser dropped onto Forgotten Ruins G.o.d. “What did you just say?”

The woman’s expression changed, and reverence appeared as her face paled. “I- I’m sorry.”

Tian Ci’s voice was glacial. “Say that again, and not even Yong Heng will be able to save you.”

Forgotten Ruins G.o.d quickly replied, “I don’t dare! I don’t dare!”

She then hurried along, guiding the man.

Tian Ci sneered with contempt. The Seven SkyG.o.ds were creatures that could do nothing more than cower before him.

Before long, the two of them stopped in outer s.p.a.ce. Forgotten Ruins G.o.d glanced around.

Tian Ci frowned. “Where is Yuan Qi?”

“He should be here. Ah, there he is.” The woman pointed in a direction and took a step forward to land on a meteorite.

Tian Ci followed her, but the moment his feet touched the meteorite, his mind instantly went blank. He forgot absolutely everything.

Forgotten Ruins G.o.d’s expression changed at that same moment, becoming cold and indifferent as she used Natural Art.

Lanterns appeared around Tian Ci as a mournful melody rang out.

Tian Ci’s momentary mental lapse quickly pa.s.sed. Then, his eyes blazed with bloodl.u.s.t as he glared at Forgotten Ruins G.o.d and thrust his sword forward. “How dare you!”

Forgotten Ruins G.o.d let out an evil laugh as she swung a hand, destroying multiple lanterns.

Tian Ci spat out a mouthful of blood. As he did so, black lines from Blackless G.o.d wrapped around the man. In his moment of vulnerability, the lines slipped into Tian Ci’s mouth. Horrified, he swung his sword to cut through the lines, but at that moment, Forgotten Ruins G.o.d destroyed another lantern.