Yuan’s Ascension

At the core of the Cang Feng Eldritch World, the Cang Feng Continent.

Finally, I’m back. Wu Yuan emerged from the teleportation array, gazing down at the vast landscape below and the halls scattered throughout it like stars. His heart swelled with genuine joy.

Then, he flew towards Cang Feng City.

Cang Feng City was the very core of the entire eldritch world, the location of many residences of Astral Lords and Astral Monarchs in the eldritch world.

In a special spacetime at the highest point of this sprawling city that spanned hundreds of millions of li, stood the temples of the Sovereigns of the eldritch world.

Similarly, within the city were teleportation arrays leading to the five Origin Eldritch Fields. Years ago, when Wu Yuan left the eldritch world, he had first arrived at Cang Feng City before departing from there.

Holding a token, Wu Yuan reached the void continent of the Fourth Origin Eldritch Field through the teleportation array. But as soon as he stepped out, he was ordered to remain where he was.

"Halt!"

"Wu Yuan? That Wu Yuan from hundreds of years ago, he's finally returned?"

"He's still alive? I thought he had perished." The group of High Immortals and High Eldritches guarding the teleportation array were shocked.

Back then, Wu Yuan had claimed the heaven-tier titles in the Fifth and Fourth Origin Eldritch Fields in just a few decades, causing quite a stir.

At the very least, these High Immortals and High Eldritches of the Origin Eldritch Fields remembered it clearly. In their perception, Wu Yuan's talent was so immense that he would certainly rank among the top even in the First Origin Eldritch Field.

However, they never expected him to disappear for over six hundred years. For Wu Yuan, who wasn't even a hundred years old back then, six hundred years was a very long time. So, many High Immortals and High Eldritches of the Origin Eldritch Fields had speculated that Wu Yuan had perished in the world outside.

Wu Yuan didn't have to wait long.

"Wu Yuan." A black-armored Sixth Tribulation High Eldritch descended, alongside several High Immortals that stood behind him, all wearing solemn expressions.

"I am a member of the enforcement hall of the Origin Eldritch Field. You may address me as Ju Hai," the black-armored High Eldritch said gravely.

"High Eldritch Ju Hai," Wu Yuan nodded slightly.

"We have verified that you have completed the trial task for the Shambhala phase and qualify to enter the Third Origin Eldritch Field after advancing to the Elysian Field phase," High Eldritch Ju Hai looked at Wu Yuan.

"However, as you are now an Earth Eldritch, you must proceed to the Second Origin Eldritch Field. Yet you haven't completed the trial task for the Elysian Field phase."

Wu Yuan nodded.

Members of the Origin Eldritch Field had corresponding trial tasks for each major phase. They must complete these trial tasks to enter the next Origin Eldritch Field.

After all, if members of the Origin Eldritch Field cultivated methodically, each of them could become a High Eldritch. But their numbers were too vast, and if they all became High Eldritches, the cost in resources would be too great for the eldritch world to bear.

Thus, there were numerous rounds of trials, constantly weeding out candidates. Without passing the trials, even if one advanced to the next cultivation phase, it would be difficult to enter the next Origin Eldritch Field.

"Wu Yuan, the eldritch world has its rules. Occasionally, there are members of the Origin Eldritch Field who break through while adventuring in the world outside, unable to meet the trial requirements.

They can choose to have their abilities evaluated through an assessment instead.

Although you were a heaven-tier member back then, you must pass the corresponding assessment or complete a trial task if you wish to proceed to the Second Origin Eldritch Field," High Eldritch Ju Hai said in a low voice. "Do you understand?"

"I understand," Wu Yuan nodded.

While his identity as a Sovereign's disciple remained a secret, being a member of the Origin Eldritch Field was a good disguise.

Moreover, it was safe enough within the five Origin Eldritch Fields. Unless the enemy was a Sovereign of Space, they would find it difficult to intrude.

"Wu Yuan, if you choose to proceed with a trial task, your mission will be to head to a mid-level Eldritch-Immortal Battlefield and become a seventh-rank fighter," High Eldritch Ju Hai explained. "If you choose to proceed with an assessment, we will select a member of the Second Origin Eldritch Field, and you must defeat them in combat.

Which option do you choose?"

"I'll take the second option," Wu Yuan replied immediately.

High Eldritch Ju Hai and the other High Immortals couldn't help but exchange glances.

One of the High Immortals couldn't resist saying, "Wu Yuan, won't you reconsider? Members of the Second Origin Eldritch Field have mostly cultivated for thousands of years. Their cultivation time far exceeds yours."

"Wu Yuan, think it over. This is a random selection. If you happen to be matched with one of the earth-tier members, their strength could rival that of a High Eldritch," High Eldritch Ju Hai added in a deep voice.

"Cultivating for a long time doesn't necessarily mean they're stronger," Wu Yuan shook his head with a smile. "Let's go with the second option."

He understood what these High Eldritch and High Immortals meant. Of these two options, The first would take more time but had a lower difficulty. Grinding it out slowly would offer a better chance of success.

"Very well, then come with us to the Second Origin Eldritch Field," High Eldritch Ju Hai said, no longer trying to persuade him. "After you pass the assessment, your servants will move your belongings to the Second Origin Eldritch Field."

"Mm," Wu Yuan nodded.

Over the years, his former Void Refiner servants, Cen Jiang and the others, had mostly stayed in his void continent.

The group swiftly passed through the teleportation array, heading towards the Second Origin Eldritch Field.

…

The five Origin Eldritch Fields, each incredibly vast, seemed to exist in different worlds yet were actually located close to one another. This facilitated convenient management by the eldritch world.

At the highest point of the First Origin Eldritch Field stood a temple, guarded by many High Eldritch and High Immortals who considered it an honor to be stationed there.

Today, laughter could be heard from within the hall, puzzling the High Eldritch and High Immortals outside. Why was the Astral Monarch so pleased?

Inside the divine hall.

Interesting, how interesting indeed. After disappearing for over six hundred years, Wu Yuan has now returned. Astral Monarch Hou Qu smiled as he looked at the message in his hand. And he's already become an Earth Eldritch?

Tsk tsk! By the looks of it, he seems to have broken through to Earth Eldritch early on, advancing as soon as he could. Quite confident, indeed. Well, he is a Sovereign's disciple after all. Astral Monarch Hou Qu shook his head.

He was the overall manager of the Origin Eldritch Fields and knew the backgrounds of all members of the Origin Eldritch Fields. He paid close attention to disciples of Sovereigns like Wu Yuan.

As soon as Wu Yuan returned, the news was relayed to him.

He's truly confident, choosing the second option right away. Astral Monarch Hou Qu muttered to himself. Isn't he afraid of encountering an earth-tier member?

In his eyes, though Wu Yuan's talent was extraordinary, he had cultivated for less than a thousand years. His strength was likely inferior to the earth-tier members of the Second Origin Eldritch Field.

Who should I choose? Should I go easy on him, or give him a challenge? I'm not sure of his current abilities. Astral Monarch Hou Qu pondered.

At this moment, a gentle voice echoed in his mind, "Hou Qu!"

"Sovereign?" Astral Monarch Hou Qu was startled, instantly recognizing the voice.

It was Sovereign Kua Chi. Only the Sovereign could transmit a message so silently and effortlessly.

"For Wu Yuan's assessment regarding his return to the Origin Eldritch Field, send Chang Hong," Sovereign Kua Chi's voice resonated once more.

"Chang Hong?" Astral Monarch Hou Qu's eyes widened. "Sovereign, do you wish to temper Wu Yuan?"

There was no further response.

What could the Sovereign be thinking? Astral Monarch Hou Qu muttered to himself. One has cultivated for over seven thousand years, with Dao comprehension rivaling an Archimmortal, the other for barely seven hundred years. Is there even a need for a battle?

It seems the Sovereign might be somewhat displeased with Wu Yuan's disappearance for hundreds of years. However, given the Sovereign's nature, his willingness to personally instruct me indicates he still wishes to nurture Wu Yuan. Astral Monarch Hou Qu tried to fathom Sovereign Kua Chi's intentions.

After a moment's reflection, he swiftly sent a message to both Chang Hong and Jiang Huan, thinking to himself. Since this is a battle between the Sovereign's disciples, it's best to keep it private.

Then, he immediately called out to those outside, "Tell them to bring Wu Yuan to the First Origin Eldritch Field. I shall personally oversee the battle."

"Yes, sir," a High Eldritch promptly responded.

These High Eldritches weren't particularly surprised; they were well aware of Astral Monarch Hou Qu's hands-on nature.

Moreover, they had all heard of Wu Yuan.

…

In the Second Origin Eldritch Field, on Earth Eldritch Chang Hong's void continent, within the Meditation Tower.

Hmm? Chang Hong, clad in black robes and deep in meditation, suddenly opened his eyes. He had received Astral Monarch Hou Qu's message.

Junior Brother Wu Yuan has broken through to Earth Eldritch? So quickly?

He hasn't passed the Elysian Field phase trial yet? Chang Hong furrowed his brow. Astral Monarch Hou Qu has chosen me to test Junior Brother Wu Yuan.

Does he want me to teach Junior Brother Wu Yuan a lesson?