The Steward Demonic Emperor Chapter 1339: Creation

"Why do I have this nagging suspicion that he is playing with me? Is he doing this intentionally just to provoke a reaction?" Murong Xue posed the question to the air, for the other Sovereigns and sacred beasts were equally dumbfounded. To think that he could discern how to forge a entirely new path in such fleeting moments? Then again, the righteous and demonic paths are fundamentally similar at their core. They merely require a shift in perspective to clearly see where the divide truly lies.

This insight caused everyone to fall into a contemplative silence, as they reflected on their own cultivation journeys and realigned them with their deepest aspirations.

Ye Lin was the first to shaken himself from his reverie, turning a curious gaze toward Elder Song, who was currently seated while recovering from the exhaustion of battle. Given his fragile state, one might have assumed the slightest nudge would topple him over. However, that did not deter the impetuous Ye Lin from pestering him.

"Elder Song, how is it that you only intervened in the fight when one of us was on the verge of death? Your prismatic phenomenon had already ceased by the time the Heavenly Sovereign arrived to investigate. It radiated such immense, terrifying power." At Ye Lin’s inquiry, every eye turned toward the old man, filled with a mixture of envy, awe, and reverence.

The entire leadership of the Luo Clan remained fixated on the phenomena Zhuo Fan had sparked, hoping to glean fundamental truths and concepts that would advance not only their cultivation but also their profound understanding of the world.

The initial occurrence took place after Zhuo Fan examined the legacies he recovered from the four Sovereigns within the Nether Sea. This proved to be such a monumental boon that it propelled them all, in a remarkably short time, to the Emperor Stage.

Reflecting on the arduous labor they once endured just to advance a single stage back in the mortal domain, a bitter taste lingered in their mouths. The Heavenly Sovereign had effectively pilfered their potential for ages; they could have reached these heights centuries ago, perhaps without needing Zhuo Fan to guide their hand.

Yet, viewing it from another angle, they realized that adversity fosters true progress, whereas comfort often leads to stagnation. Were it not for the scarcity of spiritual energy in the mortal domain, they would never have been compelled to seek alternative veins of power. The Invincible Sword stood as the primary example, managing to transcend the limitations of the mortal world, even if it eventually led to his demise.

He plunged the mortal domain into the flames of conflict for one singular purpose: to evolve and ascend. The insights he gained from the Sundering Sword were unparalleled, driving him to procure the remaining four divine swords regardless of the cost.

The same logic held true for everyone present. While they might not share the fanatical dedication of the Invincible Sword, they were all driven by their own individual pursuits. This friction helped forge their character and resolve. Upon arriving at the Sacred Domain, they did not simply lounge about, waiting for the dense spiritual energy to fuel their growth; they labored with even greater intensity.

Their status as Sovereigns was ample evidence of that fact.

"My attempts to master alchemy led me down a perilous road, and I failed to realize how far I had strayed. All of you are likely aware of the numerous explosions that nearly claimed my life," Elder Song remarked with a weary sigh, seeing no reason to withhold the details, as each person’s circumstances are distinct.

The others nodded solemnly, recalling with dread the destructive force of those surges, which always occurred in the wake of another prismatic event.

"Even while refining, I constantly strove to manifest something that no quantity of ordinary ingredients could hope to produce. Eventually, I achieved a success that was simultaneously a failure," Elder Song continued.

"Do you refer to that translucent pill that saved your life? The same one you bestowed upon Murong Xue?" Kunpeng inquired.

"Indeed. It was completely unfinished, yet it defied every principle of alchemy I held dear. The methods of refinement, the components used, even the timing—it taught me that I did not require flame, cauldron, or even raw ingredients to create what I desired." Elder Song’s eyes shone with excitement.

"What? Are you suggesting you manifested something out of thin air? That is impossible!" Dragon Ancestor immediately dismissed the notion, fully aware of how absurd the claim sounded.

"Is it truly?" Elder Song extended his palm, and a miniature Heavenly Eye materialized, causing the others to recoil at its subtle, gravitational pull. "I achieved my breakthrough only after uncovering this truth, investing not mere materials, but my entire essence into forging my path. Everything I possessed went into this journey, and from it, I reconstituted myself. That is how I attained the status of a Sovereign. I define it as the creation path."

"That explains why your prismatic event was so extraordinary. It was because you were closer to Heaven’s Will—the act of creation itself. The birth of the world and every living creature within it," Murong Xue gasped.

"While I possess the capacity to create anything I can conceive, the toll it extracts is immense. Simple rest is insufficient for recovery. My very core—my soul, my physical vessel, and my spirit—are all drained to realize my desires. That is precisely why I refrained from intervening until I was certain none of you could manage on your own. I needed to ensure I could endure the fight alongside you for as long as possible. Though, we are all too familiar with the outcome now," Elder Song lamented.

"Why such hesitation, then? Why join the fray so late?" Sea Ao pressed, knowing his involvement could have spared them from the tyranny of that all-powerful Sovereign.

"I was assisting my apprentice in discovering his own path, just as I have done ever since Senior Sea Ao graciously pointed out my shortcomings during my lowest moments. Focusing my efforts on guiding Yan Fu revealed truths I had never considered. There were facets of alchemy I had arrogantly taken for granted. This shift in perspective was the key to fulfilling my path. Now, I harbor the hope that he, too, will reach enlightenment and aid us in banishing the Heavenly Sovereign," Elder Song concluded his tale.

Thereafter, they remained in deep discussion, exchanging insights and learning profoundly from one another’s experiences, both through the recent ordeals and the longer journey of their lives.

Meanwhile, Zhuo Fan would occasionally release a stray, prismatic mote of light, moving at varying speeds, illustrating the steady progress of his ascent toward the Supreme Stage.

As for the Heavenly Sovereign, none could predict the moment of his return, but it remained a certainty that he would return.