Beastmaster of the Ages

Racing for time was the greatest advantage Tianming and his group had. Even the top geniuses of deific-class worlds couldn’t compete with them on that. Even if they could, Tianming and the rest had trained all the way starting from the mortal stages. There was no way the deific-class world geniuses who were already born at a certain level of cultivation could catch up. Even Ye Chen was left behind in the dust.

After nearly half a year, Tianming was the last one to complete his cultivation goals. Before that, Lingfeng relied on the Violetcloud Pillsea and Imperius Ruins to become a fourth-level solarian. At the same time, his fourth imperial soul had improved somewhat, despite still being at the same level. In terms of soul strength, he was better than Sovereign Starfeather and Mu Ziyan, becoming the top soul cultivator in the Violetcloud Imperium.

Xiaoxiao just ate and ate to become a fifth-level solarian, though without the Archaionfiend, she couldn’t even defeat a fourth-level solarian. Feiling was at the fourth level now as well, on par with Lingfeng. However, her combat capabilities weren’t that well rounded. That said, her many spatial manipulation tricks were rather synergistic with Tianming. She said that she wanted to be his greatest support no matter what.

Now, all of their abilities were up to the standard Tianming had wanted and they were fit to compete with Celestial Beings. At the very least, Tianming was already terrifying despite only being a second-level solarian. Now, all they needed was one more member for the group. While Qingyu was at the first level of the Solar stage, she was still climbing the Myriadeyes Wonder, so waiting wasn’t an option.

”Well, we’ve been letting this drag out for half a year, so we might as well go over to ask him what he thinks.”

The five of them entered the wondersky realm. As the others remained in Soulburn Hall, Tianming sent Princess Shen Yu a message to request a meeting. He asked her to bring Ye Chen along to prevent a misunderstanding. Soon, she sent her reply.

”Take me there, wondersky fairy,” Tianming said. Lights flashed as the environment around him changed to the princess’ lakeside abode. It was a tranquil sight as always, beautiful and serene. Reminded of Soulburn Hall, Tianming figured that the other two probably frolicked around here quite a bit as well.

Looking ahead, he saw a radiant youth and a girl dressed in a grand, white dress with a divinespring in her chest. The two of them expressionlessly looked at Tianming. It seemed that more had changed than he realized. Tianming went straight to the point. ”You two know why I’ve come, so I won’t talk in circles. Let’s fight together at the Bloodbath Arena. We’re both Violetglorians, aren’t we?”

”You guys aren’t Violetglorians. Only I am a true native cultivator,” Ye Chen said. That was a theory that had come to prominence lately, which had also affected the number of Omnisentient Threads somewhat. However, most people didn’t believe it, and the Violetcloud Imperium also denounced these rumors.

”Nonsense. As long as the label above my head says Violetglory in the Astraldome, I’m a Violetglorian.”

”I see. Are you really going to form a group of five to challenge the Celestial Beings? Apart from you, who else can face off against the rest of them? The top three of their party are all sixth-level solarians and beyond.”

”Don’t worry about them, but yourself. As long as you can take on one of the five, you qualify.”

”Me? I think I’ll make the cut. I have sovereign beasts and also broke through to the third level. Even though the weakest of them, Long, is a fifth-level solarian, I’m confident in dealing with him.” Even though Ye Chen had lost quite a lot, he’d only intensified his efforts following each defeat. He also had the legacy of the Unfettered Astralord and Desolate Chaos Progenibeasts, so his overall abilities weren’t weaker than Xiaoxiao’s. He had also worked hard over the previous year and made substantial improvements.

Back then, he could fight three levels above his, and using Chaos Deity, he would be even stronger. While Long was among the most talented faceless specters, he was only two levels above Ye Chen, so there was a chance. Perhaps Ye Chen was even more talented than Long. He had started off from a much higher position than Tianming and the rest, after all.

”Without me, you wouldn’t even have a chance to fight him. He might even ignore you.”

”I know.”

”Even though I keep defeating you, as long as you can take down any one of the Celestial Beings, you’ll be able to restore your glory here and the Divineglory Dynasty will once more recognize your talents.”

”So the price for that is to be your minion?” Ye Chen self-mockingly said. He recalled that he had made Tianming a similar offer when they’d first met.

”You’re overthinking this. I’m giving you a chance to fight shoulder-to-shoulder. At worst, you’re just a rival. I don’t need a minion like you. Not to mention, we aren’t walking the same path, so there’s no need for conflict. I want you to join me because I recognize your abilities. During the fight, you don’t have to listen to my orders. Just fight on your own terms as long as you can hold one of them back,” Tianming said with a shrug.

”So that’s it? No catch?” Ye Chen smiled. Tianming’s words seemed to lift the weight from his heart.

”It’s much better than pretending to be best friends all of a sudden.” Their relationship hadn’t been on the best of terms, thanks to their rivalry.

”Aren’t you worried I’ll sabotage you over a grudge?” Ye Chen asked.

”Haha, if you no longer care about your reputation and you’re willing to endure a lifetime of mockery, feel free. I’m not the one you have to worry about if the fight goes badly.”

The Violetglory Star as a whole did anticipate a team up between the two of them regardless of faction; everyone was hoping that they could work together. Even those of the Divineglory Dynasty wanted to feel included in the fight for their home’s pride. The Violetcloud Imperium also knew about Tianming’s goal and wanted his team to succeed, so it was a win-win. There was no reason for Ye Chen to refuse.

All cultivators of the star would gladly push him to Tianming’s side and watch him, ensuring that he did his best. Not to mention, any results he gained would be his own. It would be a good chance for him to improve his reputation again, and Tianming didn’t expect a refusal.

After all that, Ye Chen smiled and said, ”To be honest, you showing up really messed up my state of mind. I’ve been under too much pressure lately, and I’ve hated you the whole time. However, I didn’t think you wouldn’t fuss over that in the least and give me this chance. Since that’s the case, I won’t dilly dally either. You’re powerful and talented. Even if I have to follow your orders, it’s nothing to be shameful about.”

”Alright, I appreciate the frankness. Get prepared. We’ll gather at the Astraldome at this time tomorrow. Let’s have a blast. We’ll give the audience ample time to build up their anticipation.”

”As you wish.”

”Alright, so long!” Tianming turned to the princess and said, ”Prepare to cheer for your man.”

”Thank you.” The princess seemed far more reserved and nodded while holding Ye Chen’s arm.

”You’re welcome.” Tianming vanished after that.

News of the five teaming up spread across the Violetglory Star, stoking the flames of excitement once more. Everyone had obtained that information within a single day.

Ye Chen breathed a sigh of relief after Tianming left. ”Everything’s changed, Wanwan. You’re right. They’ll eventually leave, so I shouldn’t keep treating them like enemies. After they leave, I’ll be king!”

”Yeah. Do your best,” she said.

”However, as long as he still has the Violetcloud Imperium in mind, I’ll never be able to unite the world.”

”That’s correct.” That was the matter Princess Shen Yu was contemplating.

”That’s why, while we shouldn’t be enemies on the surface, I’ll still kill him if an opportunity presents itself. Only then will I have a chance in this world.” Killing intent seared within his sun-like eyes. It had been hidden so well and deep before.

”Yes. However, don’t mess around before that chance comes.” She grit her teeth, still looking in the direction Tianming had left with a look of awe and resentment.

......

A day was all it took for news of the group’s formation to spread. Tianming didn’t immediately go in order to give time for the Omnisentient Threads to build up. While it sounded opportunistic, it was what his audience responded to best. He needed to give them a show they wanted to watch. He had been preparing for that for close to half a year. As expected, the number of Violetglorians in the wondersky realm set another record.

Even so, he didn’t have complete confidence in their success; taking down those five wouldn’t be easy. Shenwu Fen and Long were clear, but the other three were still mysteries to him, especially the mysterious girl who won the Grand-Orient Sword. Tianming still knew next to nothing about her.