The words fell, and the chilling fear that had permeated the surroundings intensified, becoming even more bone-chilling.
A deathly silence hung in the air, devoid of any sound.
Thus, even the faint breaths of those present seemed jarringly loud.
Upon hearing this, the spectral figure’s face contorted in shock.
From Mu Changqing's words, he could infer that Mu Changqing was by no means the puppet master behind the bizarre fate of Blue Star.
But if that were the case, then who was Mu Changqing? Where did he come from, and why was he so powerful and fearless of everything?
All of this filled the spectral figure with terror.
And now, he had no other choice, no retreat.
Including Blue Star, they could only fight to the death.
"Make your move."
The spectral figure turned, his gaze falling upon Xu Wensu with a gentle yet complex expression.
He extended his palm, which resembled black mist, and gently stroked Xu Wensu's white hair.
Just like back then, when the valiant youth, with ambitions reaching higher than the heavens, had led him out of the ancient ruins.
"Wensu, I still remember you in your prime, spirited and proud, with the world at your feet. But now, you are bound by responsibility, and ultimately, you cannot escape fate."
Hearing this, Xu Wensu's somewhat stern face froze, and for a moment, he was at a loss for words.
He opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
"It's fine, an end is also a good thing. The existence of Blue Star was inherently a tragedy. I accompanied you for a thousand years, and I merely lingered for a thousand years. Thank you for helping me reclaim my memories. Today, I shall show you the scenery beyond the realm of Immortals."
With a sigh, the spectral figure's palm transformed into wisps of black mist and began to merge into Xu Wensu's body.
"What are you doing? No... no, sir, I don't want this, what do you want to do?"
Xu Wensu felt it, screaming in terror, trying to grasp the spectral figure's dissipating form.
However, no matter how hard he tried, he found that the spectral figure was scattering into the heavens and earth like a bubble, irrevocably.
"You have grown, you wish to forge your own path, to witness the scenery beyond Immortals. I cannot help you, but I can assist you in this final battle of ultimate sublimation. This is my last gift to you."
The lingering voice faded as the rolling black mist merged into Xu Wensu's body.
In an instant, Xu Wensu underwent an ultimate transformation, his aura soaring wildly.
In a blink of an eye, he stepped into the realm of Virtual Immortal.
Mid-Virtual Immortal.
Late-Virtual Immortal.
Peak-Virtual Immortal.
True Immortal achieved!
Dense lightning rumbled, and celestial phenomena appeared.
Innumerable spiritual energies surged forth, pouring down like a celestial river, infusing into Xu Wensu's body.
"Ah!!! No! Master!"
Xu Wensu roared to the heavens. He had accompanied the spectral figure for a thousand years.
They had long since become as close as master and disciple, father and son.
How could he accept that after the spectral figure had reclaimed his memories, he would sacrifice himself to help him achieve the True Immortal realm?
The powerful True Immortal pressure was unbearable for the ten thousand top powerhouses of Blue Star, their bodies trembling as they retreated.
"Immortal... there truly are Immortals in this world."
"He has become an Immortal, Director Xu has achieved the True Immortal realm, perhaps we won't have to die."
"What a terrifying aura, I feel as though Director Xu could suppress us with a single thought right now."
...
Amidst their shock, the crowd, harboring a glimmer of hope for survival, looked up at Xu Wensu floating in the sky with reverence.
Mu Changqing raised his gaze, his expression unchanged, making no move to interfere.
He allowed the transformation and sublimation to occur.
Letting him face him in his strongest form, letting him experience true despair.
Half an hour later, the celestial phenomena subsided.
Only Xu Wensu remained, floating in the sky, his expression somewhat numb, his gaze slightly vacant.
"Sir... Master...!"
He exhaled a shallow breath, and Xu Wensu's white hair turned black.
At this moment, his lifespan had greatly increased, and his aura had reached the peak of the True Immortal realm.
Looking up at Mu Changqing, he used his immortal power to perceive.
Xu Wensu froze on the spot, his pupils contracting sharply, as if he had witnessed something incredibly terrifying and unspeakable.
His body involuntarily retreated several steps in the air. Xu Wensu gasped for air like a drowning person, cold sweat streaming down his forehead.
"How is this possible, how is this possible? Just one glance feels like facing the supreme being of the universe. This is not a living being, you are not a cultivator, what are you?"
Xu Wensu roared in a fit of near madness. He was unwilling, unwilling that after the spectral figure sacrificed himself, he would face even greater despair against Mu Changqing.
Xu Wensu's terrified roars caused unrest among the crowd.
They watched Xu Wensu's despairing and unwilling demeanor, exchanging glances.
They couldn't understand why he was so distraught. Hadn't he transformed and ascended to the True Immortal realm? Why was he still like this?
Mu Changqing slowly rose. The purple flame imperial throne behind him dissipated, and a profound, radiant purple pattern paved a celestial path.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. That's why ignorance breeds fear. When you reach what you believe to be a mountain peak, you realize what you are truly facing. You are not bad, your temperament and talent are both superior. Unfortunately, to me, even those blessed with primal destiny are merely ants that provoke some interest."
He flicked his black robe, and purple flames enveloped the sky, transforming the entire universe into a deep purple void of silence.
"I will give you a chance to unleash your full power, to let you die in your most brilliant moment."
Mu Changqing stood with his hands behind his back, floating on the celestial path paved with purple patterns.
His aura was imperceptible, his black hair faintly emitting a radiant, deep purple hue. His loose black robe fluttered without wind.
He seemed like an emperor who had left the mortal world, looking down upon all beings with a disdainful expression.
As if the fate of all living beings was within his grasp.
Upon hearing this, Xu Wensu quickly calmed his inner terror and despair.
In just an instant, he seemed to undergo another transformation, his aura hovering around the realm of an ordinary Immortal King at his peak.
"Since you say so, then I shall respectfully accept. Allow me to show you the ultimate contingency my master left behind."
A sliver of red appeared in Xu Wensu's eyes, his aura flowing rapidly. He was no longer righteous but exuded a trace of demonic energy.
He looked at the ten thousand powerhouses of Blue Star and spoke in a cold tone.
"At this critical juncture for Blue Star, are you willing to fight to the death for it without regret?"
Hearing this, everyone understood the general situation.
Mu Changqing was insurmountable, and Xu Wensu was clearly about to activate his ultimate contingency.
"I am willing."
"What fear have we of death?"
"Come, Director Xu, tell us what to do, and we will all cooperate."
"Heh heh, we were once lofty beings, and now we are treated as ants. Such an insult, how can we let it stand?"
Everyone spoke up, their eyes filled with a fearless resolve to die.
Xu Wensu nodded slightly upon hearing this.
Then, with a flash, he appeared before the ten thousand powerhouses and bowed.
"Since that is the case, then I invite you all to face death and assist me in activating the Great Array of the Myriad Realms, to protect Blue Star with the power of the Great Realms."
As the words fell, Xu Wensu no longer hesitated.
He retrieved a black incense stick covered in stellar array patterns from his spatial storage.
The moment the black incense stick appeared, the starry sky trembled, and an ancient, mysterious aura circulated, enveloping the entire gray planet.