The Martial Emperor with Dragon Blood Chapter 1416 - 1417: Soul Master Ao Cangwu

Jin Tianzun had initially presumed vanquishing Ye Mo would be a simple task, allowing him to annex Ye Mo's Ancient Yin-Yang Magnet and even claim his Soul Defense Immortal Artifact. However, an unforeseen intervention occurred with the sudden appearance of Demon King Huang Tian's soul body.

Ye Mo undoubtedly presents a formidable threat. At his current age, his cultivation has reached a level comparable to Divine Venerate Eight Souls. Grant him merely two more years, and he will undoubtedly ascend to the ranks of a Divine Venerate Nine Souls powerhouse.

While he may hold the advantage over Ye Mo at present, that dominance will inevitably wane within a few years, leaving him surpassed by Ye Mo. This is a truth he cannot deny; his existence as a relic spanning tens of thousands of years offers no contest against the burgeoning potential of youth.

The contingent from the Dead Soul Royal Family had completely disappeared within the expanse of the Myriad Demon Realm.

In the subsequent moment, they found themselves already within the precincts of the Dead Soul Royal Family.

Situated to the north of the Wraith Land, the Dead Soul Royal Family lies roughly a month's journey from the Wraith Clan. This 'journey' specifically denotes the travel time for a Divine Venerate practitioner moving at their utmost speed, meaning a Divine Venerate could traverse from the Dead Soul Royal Family to the Wraith Clan in one month of continuous flight.

An elder and a youth came to a halt directly before a colossal, obsidian palace. From its base to its apex, the structure radiated a terrifying aura, reminiscent of a slumbering beast poised to strike.

The disciples on guard duty at the palace, upon recognizing the pair, offered no obstruction, instead clearing their path and granting them ingress.

"Jin Tianzun, do you believe Father will scold me this time?"

Ao Zi voiced a measure of apprehension.

"Have peace of mind, Ao Zi. While you did not secure the Myriad Demon's Fire for the Soul Master this excursion, the acquisition of that flame was not paramount. The crucial development is the discovery of Ye Mo; he represents the most significant peril to our Dead Soul Royal Family."

Jin Tianzun imparted this reassurance.

"That Ye Mo is excessively arrogant, presume he could end my life, yet he was unknowingly identified by yours truly,"

Ao Zi scoffed.

"Ao Zi, Elder Jin, what transpires?"

Before they could set foot within the palace's confines, an exceptionally resonant voice boomed, permeating the very air around them.

"Soul Master, we bear urgent tidings requiring your immediate attention."

When addressing Ao Cangwu, Jin Tianzun displayed an uncommon deference.

"Oh?"

From within the palace's depths, a figure materialized, revealing himself to be the patriarch of the Dead Soul Royal Family and the supreme authority in Wraith Land – Ao Cangwu.

Ao Cangwu's gaze swept over the two, and he inquired, "What pressing matter demands your presence?"

"Soul Master, we have located the whereabouts of the young cultivator, Ye Mo."

Jin Tianzun stated this with a measured calm.

"Indeed?"

Ao Cangwu exhibited surprise, querying, "That youth managed to reach our Wraith Land? Truly astonishing. I presume you apprehended him? Bring him forth without delay."

Having confirmed Ye Mo's presence, Ao Cangwu naturally assumed his capture was a foregone conclusion.

"Soul Master, we regrettably did not succeed in apprehending Ye Mo."

Jin Tianzun offered this explanation with a slight bow and continued before Ao Cangwu could interject, "The Ye Mo from Genius Gorge is none other than Ye Xiao. It was due to his interference that we were prevented from reaping our intended gains. Furthermore, his current cultivation rivals that of a standard Divine Venerate Eight Souls, exceeding even that of a typical practitioner at that level."

"What did you proclaim? His prowess now matches a standard Divine Venerate Eight Souls?"

Ao Cangwu's composure finally fractured. Regardless of his elevated standing, the revelation left him profoundly shaken. He recalled encountering Ye Mo previously, who was then merely a novice in the Wheel of Reincarnation Realm. Yet, as time had progressed, he had now attained the formidable level of Divine Venerate Eight Souls. How could this not elicit astonishment?

Even Xue Wudi currently possesses a strength merely adequate to contend with Divine Venerate Seven Souls.

"It is reported that he acquired the Demon Core from Demon King Huang Tian, achieved a sudden advancement, annihilated the Lord of Myriad Demons, and furthermore, pilfered the Myriad Demon's Fire from my possession."

Jin Tianzun refrained from omitting any detail, fearing reprisal.

"Incompetent."

Ao Cangwu's voice dripped with ire. "Elder Jin, with your established might, even if Ye Mo's power has reached Divine Venerate Eight Souls, he should not pose a match for you, should he?"

"Initially, his demise was within my grasp. While his martial cultivation is indeed potent, his soul cultivation remains rudimentary. Alas, the soul body of Emperor Tian unexpectedly manifested, acting as a shield for him."

Jin Tianzun provided his account.

"It is truly remarkable that Emperor Tian, that particular individual, persists as a mere soul body and even bestowed his Demon Core unto Ye Mo."

Ao Cangwu let out a soft chuckle. "You are both dismissed."

"Soul Master, should we initiate hostilities with the Wraith Clan immediately? Ye Mo's cultivation speed is astounding. It's only a matter of time before he achieves Divine Venerate Nine Souls. Considering he hails from the Lingwu Continent, a union between the Wraith Clan and Lingwu Continent could prove too formidable for us to withstand."

Witnessing the Soul Master's continued silence, Jin Tianzun ventured forth, prompted to speak.

"The opportune moment has not yet arrived!"

Ao Cangwu pivoted, his hands clasped behind his back, and articulated, "Given Wang Mo Luo's disposition, he disdains alliance with the Lingwu Continent. As for Ye Mo, while he presents a potential menace, he does not stir my concern. My essence is nearing complete restoration, and upon its recovery, I shall unchain the grand design I've cultivated for ten millennia. At that juncture, the Wraith Clan will be utterly vanquished."

"It appears the Soul Master harbors immense faith in this strategy."

Jin Tianzun, though inwardly surprised and ignorant of the plan's specifics, recognized from Ao Cangwu's repeated mentions that this strategy was paramount to the Dead Soul Royal Family's triumph over the Wraith Clan.

"Elder Jin, I've learned that the Yang family residing in Dan City possesses the capability to forge ninth-grade seals. It is imperative that you recruit their assistance. Accord them the utmost courtesy, for these ninth-grade seals will prove invaluable in the impending conflicts. Furthermore, endeavor to extend an invitation to Xue Wudi."

Ao Cangwu imparted his directives.

"Consider it done!"

Jin Tianzun acknowledged with a nod and promptly departed.

As Ao Zi prepared to take his leave, Ao Cangwu summoned him back.

"Ao Zi, I am aware of your journey to the Myriad Demon Realm and comprehend your motivations. However, your performance has been profoundly unsatisfactory. I harbor no inclination to bequeath the meticulously built kingdom to one who has proven himself a failure. Do you comprehend my meaning?"

Ao Cangwu admonished him with gravitas, "Although Xue Wudi is not my biological offspring, his martial prowess far surpasses yours. You were both brought into this world around the same time, yet a vast chasm separates your cultivation realms. When my time to guide the Dead Soul Clan concludes, the mantle will pass only to the strongest among you. You may depart."

"Understood!"

Ao Zi did not dare to dispute but seethed inwardly with intense animosity towards Xue Wudi. His innate talents were undeniably inferior to Xue Wudi's, and even across centuries, the disparity was poised to widen. Ao Cangwu's stark pronouncement left no ambiguity regarding his intention to designate Xue Wudi as his successor.

Emerging from the palace, Ao Zi encountered Xue Wudi directly. Xue Wudi regarded him with palpable contempt, viewing Ao Zi, despite his lineage as the Soul Master's scion, as an inconsequential failure incapable of posing any threat. The preceding exchange between the Soul Master and Ao Zi had been clearly overheard from the adjacent hallway. Xue Wudi understood the Soul Master's intent to pass on the leadership position to him. He recognized his role as a mere pawn in the Soul Master's grand machinations, yet even as a pawn, he aspired to wield significance, aiming to transcend the confines of the game once his power reached its zenith.