Dongbo Xueying and the others had just collected the various weapons and treasures left behind by the Mother Goddess Cult’s Protectors. Since these were ownerless items, everyone was searching for their respective treasures. Naturally, the unique treasure belonging to the Annihilation Emperor would be returned to him, and some True God artifacts would also be returned to their original owners. As for the treasures originally belonging to the Mother Goddess Cult, the plan was to first let the Masters inspect them.
“Hmm?” Hearing the voice of Gu Qianluo, Dongbo Xueying and the others all turned to look.
The colossal statue of ‘Gu Qianluo’ gazed down upon the assembled Venerables. “Although none of you managed to last ten breaths within the red light zone, since you’ve emerged victorious, staying inside for such a short time would be trivial for you now.”
All the Venerables remained cautious and vigilant.
Not just them.
Even the Masters outside the Chaos Voidship—such as the Bloodblade Divine Emperor and the Spacetime Island Lord—watched the scene with grave expressions. This was the critical moment. In the eyes of the Bloodblade Divine Emperor and the others, this mysterious master of the Chaos Voidship was also a wildcard. Even though the cultivators had won, Gu Qianluo could still slaughter all the Venerables and side with the Mother Goddess Cult.
“This Gu Qianluo must have slaughtered countless lives. He’s not one to negotiate easily,” the Spacetime Island Lord frowned.
“We’ve won. Without sufficient reason, he shouldn’t go back on his word,” Pang Yi countered.
They watched nervously.
Meanwhile, the Mother Goddess Cult’s leaders, though grieving and enraged over the massive losses of their Protectors, were even more anxious now. They hoped that Gu Qianluo would fail to reach an agreement with the cultivators!
…
Dongbo Xueying and the others all looked up at the towering statue of ‘Gu Qianluo,’ whose cold and sinister aura enveloped the surroundings. Simultaneously, they all received a mental transmission from the Bloodblade Divine Emperor: “Do not act rashly. This Chaos Voidship holds immense significance for the final battle between us and the Mother Goddess Cult. We will inform you of any decisions.”
All the Venerables understood—the final say would rest with the Masters.
Gu Qianluo’s voice boomed once more. “Since you all belong to the same faction, forcing you to turn on each other would be pointless. I seek an ally, not a resentful enemy. Thus, I won’t compel you to fight. Instead, I shall choose one among you. Fear not—we shall establish an ancient oath, binding both parties. As I said before, if you aid me, I shall aid you in return. The one I choose… will receive opportunities beyond your imagination, and the cultivation system I offer will surpass your current one. With my full guidance, even a Venerable could rival a Master!”
The gathered Venerables hesitated—some with reluctance, others with anticipation.
An ancient oath?
If Gu Qianluo truly meant no harm, many were willing to take the risk. After all, great opportunities often came with trials. What great fortune could be obtained without hardship? Expecting effortless rewards was nothing but a dream.
“Who shall I choose?” Gu Qianluo’s gaze swept across the Venerables. “Once selected, I shall immediately grant you a boon, elevating your strength significantly.”
Some Venerables’ eyes gleamed with hope.
They were willing to gamble. Some had been stuck at the Venerable level for eons, seeing no hope of advancement. They yearned for a breakthrough.
“Dongbo Xueying…”
Gu Qianluo’s gaze settled upon Dongbo Xueying.
Dongbo Xueying’s heart tightened.
The other Venerables also turned to look at him. Some sighed in resignation, but none harbored resentment. After all, Dongbo Xueying had turned the tide of this war, achieving the greatest merit and shining the brightest. It was only natural for Gu Qianluo to choose him.
“Could he really pick Xueying?” The ten Masters outside, along with the Mother Goddess Cult’s leaders, watched intently.
The towering statue of ‘Gu Qianluo’ gazed down at Dongbo Xueying. “Your soul aura is remarkably youthful. To possess such strength at such a young age—you must be the most talented and insightful among those present.”
The other Venerables nodded in agreement.
How long had they cultivated? How long had Dongbo Xueying cultivated? Even without the Black Gourd, he ranked among the foremost of Venerables.
“Choosing you as my ally would have been ideal. Alas, you have yet to transcend mortality!” Gu Qianluo shook his head. “I seek a companion to accompany me beyond this universe on a long voyage. If you fail to transcend before the end of this cosmic epoch, you will perish when all life within the River of Time is extinguished. Should you die mid-journey, my Chaos Voidship would be stranded. That would be disastrous.”
“Unfortunate.”
Gu Qianluo’s gaze shifted to a beautiful woman. “You are the Northmyst Palace Master?”
“Yes,” she replied.
“Your talent and insight may be lacking, but you are the most skilled in formations among them, and you have already transcended. You shall be my ally,” Gu Qianluo declared.
The Northmyst Palace Master hesitated briefly.
She was privately communicating with the Bloodblade Divine Emperor.
“Very well,” she finally agreed. “But you must guarantee my safety.”
“Hahaha! Rest assured. As I said, we shall establish an ancient oath. Once bound, you will understand that harming you is impossible for me,” Gu Qianluo laughed. Then, his chilling gaze swept over the other Venerables. “My ally has been chosen. The rest of you may leave.”
*Hum!*
An invisible force enveloped Dongbo Xueying, the Annihilation Emperor, and the other Venerables, instantly teleporting them out of the Chaos Voidship.
Only the Northmyst Palace Master and Gu Qianluo remained inside.
“Though you are to aid me, this is also your great fortune,” Gu Qianluo’s lips curled slightly. “I am rarely this generous.”
…
Dongbo Xueying and the others found themselves abruptly ejected from the Chaos Voidship, the scenery shifting as they reappeared in the void of space. Nearby stood the Bloodblade Divine Emperor and the other nine Masters.
“All of you have rendered an immense service to the countless lives of our universe,” the Bloodblade Divine Emperor said as he and the other Masters approached, their faces alight with joy. Regardless, the Mother Goddess Cult would no longer be able to wield the Chaos Voidship.
“Much of the credit belongs to Emperor Dongbo,” even the proud Annihilation Emperor spoke graciously, a rare smile on his face. Not only had they won, but he had also reclaimed his life-preserving treasure.
The other Venerables also praised Dongbo Xueying.
“It was partly luck,” Dongbo Xueying demurred. “A moment of enlightenment at the critical juncture allowed me to unleash a few more strikes.”
“Your luck is merely average,” the Primordial Origin Master laughed heartily. “Your performance was dazzling, and your potential is extraordinary. Normally, you’d be the ideal choice for a powerful ally. Pity you haven’t transcended. That alone made Gu Qianluo reject you. Regardless of his nature, his background seems extraordinary. Aligning with him would have opened unimaginable doors for you.”
“I, too, thought Xueying would be chosen,” the Lady of Dryorigin smiled. “Yet he was dismissed for not transcending?”
Beside her, the Bloodsea Master Niro also wore a smile.
But deep within his eyes, hidden beneath the surface, burned boundless fury and killing intent. So many of his kin—elite Protectors—had perished. This war had all but dashed the Mother Goddess Cult’s hopes of victory. If he could, Niro would have slain Dongbo Xueying on the spot.
But he dared not.
With the Bloodblade Divine Emperor and the others present, he could only maintain his smile—even offering praise to Dongbo Xueying.
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