Invincible Divine Destiny Selection System Chapter 2074: The Right Choice

Chu Yuan presented Bao with a simple ultimatum: life or death.

Since he had ascended to become the heavens themselves, the system resided entirely within his grasp. No one possessed the authority to demand anything of him; instead, he alone held the right to dictate the fates of others.

At this moment, Bao remained trapped in a state of hesitation and doubt. Because a final resolution had not yet been reached, Chu Yuan continued to speak with him in a composed manner.

Nevertheless, pressure had to be applied so that Bao could truly grasp the reality of his situation!

Bao spoke up, "While your power is immense, I, Bao, also wield absolute strength. Had I lacked it, I would never have been able to maintain neutrality during the ancient battle of the heavens. Should you attempt a forced invasion, I will trigger the Treasure Realm's barrier to summon more celestial beings. My realm might endure a terrible disaster, but it will not be slaughtered as easily as you destroyed Xue."

He did indeed possess formidable power.

This strength was the foundation of his self-assurance.

"Do you honestly believe you have perceived the direction of future trends?"

Chu Yuan countered, "Even if you manage to slip through my fingers now, do you truly think you can stay safe if I do not bring you into my empire? This upcoming battle of the heavens is unlike those of the past. The eruption of total war will herald the dawn of a new era. Countless celestials lust after the Treasure Realm. Whoever claims you—Bao, the most potent artifact in the heavens—will see their personal dominance rise to an unfathomable level."

Which of the high-ranking celestials would not desire Bao? Who among them wouldn't want to seize him? Every gaze was fixed upon the boundless treasures stored within the Treasure Realm.

It was only the mutual interference of various factions that had prevented anyone from making a move on Bao thus far.

It wasn't just Chu Yuan who had his sights set on him; even more ancient celestials were watching and waiting.

Bao understood this clearly. Once the fires of war were fully ignited, he would inevitably become a primary target for other celestials.

This realization was the root of his indecision.

"Is there truly no path left for me other than swearing fealty to your Divine Martial Empire?"

Bao fixed his gaze upon Chu Yuan.

"There is no other way. You understand the advantages and disadvantages perfectly well without any further explanation from me."

Chu Yuan’s majestic sovereign aura expanded, completely enveloping the Treasure Realm.

Yanran added, "Bao, your current level of power exists because of the King of the Heavens. The state of the world no longer permits you to vacillate. Join us, participate in this massive war, and help transition this world into the next age. In the future, you will be able to refine treasures without interference, but if you refuse to comply, the shifting structure of the world will crush you. Even if we are defeated, the world will not return to what it was. Do you really think a choice exists?"

"I..."

Suddenly, Bao shifted his form into a Soul Divine Weapon, releasing an imposing soul force that reached into the very domain of souls.

Chu Yuan simply observed him.

His own soul and will manifested, entering that same soul domain.

Within that realm of spirits, Bao was silent. He converted his peak strength into raw soul power for a fierce confrontation. As a divine weapon, he unleashed a strike aimed directly at Chu Yuan’s soul.

Witnessing Bao’s incoming attack, Chu Yuan remained steadfast and magnificent. As the heaven of heavens and the ultimate sovereign, he threw a single punch.

His might surged in every direction, his will acting as an unshakable weight. In an instant, he shattered Bao’s soul power. The entire soul field dissolved, and they returned to reality.

Bao was profoundly shaken by the result of his test. This man's power was far too overwhelming, and his will was something that could not be moved in the slightest.

He might not yet wield the exact same level of strength as the King of the Heavens, but his domineering will and ruthless decisiveness were traits that even the King of the Heavens could not match.

Bao could also see that as the empire absorbed more powerful figures, Chu Yuan would only continue to grow stronger.

His use of soul will had been an attempt to gauge his opponent through an invisible clash.

Had the conflict escalated into physical combat, the damage would have been permanent and beyond any hope of repair.

"Do I actually have a choice?" Bao asked with a hint of bitterness.

"Bao, as one of the strongest artifacts of the heavens, if you become a celestial of my empire, you shall serve as my right-hand man. You sat out the first battle of the heavens; it is time you participated in this one."

Seeing his internal struggle, Chu Yuan provided him with a dignified way to yield.

"Indeed, I might avoid it once, but I cannot hide forever. Divine Martial Emperor, Celestial of Reincarnation, you speak the truth. Rather than staying a bystander to the current order, it is better to reshape the world together. We shall witness a new era and fulfill the ambitions that the King of the Heavens could not achieve!"

Bao had finally come to terms with it.

The opportunity to surrender gracefully had been offered; if he rejected it, he would face the full fury of the Divine Martial Emperor.

The Emperor's power was simply too great; he could never hope to win a confrontation.

If he refused, the Treasure Realm would be plunged into a war that would surely destroy countless artifacts.

Furthermore, he knew deep down that he could no longer say no.

His final words were partly to preserve his pride and partly born from a genuine desire to see the birth of a new age.

As a celestial being, there was very little he could not eventually see through.

He was strong, but in the presence of someone even more powerful, he was still subject to being slaughtered. This was a universe where strength was the only law.

"Bao, I am pleased that you have made the correct decision."

The moment Bao agreed, the path representing death vanished instantly.

Bao's allegiance brought a massive surge to the overall might of the empire.

"Divine Martial Emperor, I will fight on your behalf, but what will become of the Treasure Realm? What will its standing be?" Bao inquired.

Now that he had committed to the Divine Martial cause, Bao had to look out for the interests of his realm.

"You shall remain the Sovereign of the Treasure Realm, answering directly to my commands. The Treasure Realm will suffer no losses and will be integrated into the empire’s territory," Chu Yuan declared.

Bao gave a nod of approval.

He recognized that the Divine Martial Emperor was like a vast firmament that housed many smaller heavens within it.

"Additionally, there are countless artifacts within the Treasure Realm that have developed their own consciousness and spirits. They are essentially living beings; they cannot be treated as mere tools. What is to be their fate?"

Bao expressed his concern.

Artifacts with life were no longer simple objects.

He feared the Divine Martial Emperor would distribute these sentient artifacts to others, forcing them into a life of servitude.

"Bao, I recognize your worries. However, those with life are considered citizens of my empire. They will retain their autonomy, and no one shall be permitted to enslave them. I will not allow them to be treated as mere equipment for others; they are independent entities. My only requirement is that they contribute their strength to the empire's future campaigns."

Chu Yuan's words soothed his anxieties.

"If the Divine Martial Emperor gives his word, then I am at peace."

Bao’s tension faded away.

He knew that once this great Emperor made a vow, he would never go back on it.

"The Heavenly Furnace and I are masters of Artifact Refining. The powerful figures of the empire require high-quality weapons, and we can assist with that; it is our duty to contribute our skills."

The Heavenly Furnace chimed in, "While I am not a celestial like Bao, provided I have enough energy, I can forge emperor weapons without restriction."

For most celestials, crafting items was a chore that took away from their Cultivation.

But for the Heavenly Furnace, such work was a passion; for him, it was his unique path of Cultivation.

"Any artifacts that gain intelligence may enter the Treasure Realm to utilize its power for their Cultivation. From this day forward, the Treasure Realm is a part of the empire."

Chu Yuan proclaimed, "I shall lead you all to forge a new era and behold a brand-new world!"