Beastmaster of the Ages

That was news from one of the top ten of the reges mundi ranking, risking their life to bring word of it out. Xiaodao and Tianming exchanged looks. They also relayed the news to other core figures like Wudi and Lin Xiao through Yin Chen.

"There's at least an eighty percent chance that this is true." Xiaodao began to sound more grave. While the others didn't say a word, he was inclined to believe it.

"A cosmic artifact that's even stronger than infinitum class, huh...." A cosmic artifact that was better than the materials used to make divine astralships was impressive indeed. Starbreakers, for instance, were made solely for breaching the hull of the ships.

The Ninedragon Imperial Tomb had once been threatened by one when it was still an ether-class ship. It went without saying that a similar cosmic artifact beyond the infinitum class would be quite a danger. Not to mention, neither the Flameyellow Guard Formation or the Sky Palace Formation could hold up against a foundationeer like Yi Daiyan. The stakes were being raised once more.

"That's why I’ve come with nothing but sincerity to ask for your cooperation," Shenxi Xingtian said in a peaceful tone of voice. He was completely haggard, unlike his former glorious appearance when he had led armies against the Lin Clan. "Brother Xiaodao, Yi Daiyan is a growing threat for both of us. She killed Lin Mu already, so it isn’t a stretch to say that she wouldn't let his son grow up to threaten her in the future. Lin Feng’s proven to be someone who could rise to the top of the Infinitum Mundus. I’m willing to stake our future on him like you all have. I no longer wish to rule—I only want the ebons to survive!"

It was only then that Tianming realized why Shenxi Xingtian referred to him as 'Lin Feng'; it was to emphasize the fact that Yi Daiyan was his father's killer! What a slimy fellow indeed.

Xiaodao couldn't hold it in any longer. "Hahaha.... Rex Mundi, you've really humbled yourself today. I'm touched. Are you saying that you want to help cement Tianming as the future ruler of the Infinitum Mundus?"

"Why not? Lin Feng's talent is far beyond that of Yi Daiyan. Not to mention, being born male makes him a better grand leader. He also has the support of the Swordgod Lin Clan and his own nova source world, not to mention two infinitum-class astralships and countless trump cards. He's practically the perfect ruler!

"Yi Daiyan, on the other hand, is a loner, cruel, and neglects her responsibilities toward the Infinitum Bodhimanda in favor of pursuing her own interests. Why would I not support Lin Feng? He's the only one that can forge a new future for the Infinitum Mundus!" Shenxi Xingtian praised.

Tianming wouldn't let words of flattery like that go to his head. He smiled and said, "Rex Mundi Shenxi, there's no need for all the flattery. Compared to Yi Daiyan, I'm much less of a threat. But in terms of grudges, the one you ebons have against us is far greater than what you have against Yi Daiyan, especially after the number of you we've killed. You know well how much you hate us." He spoke frankly without bothering to sugarcoat anything. Someone like Shenxi Xingtian wasn't easy to trick with mere words.

The ebon laughed and helplessly sighed, "Fine. Let's say I admit to all that. Surely you can understand that we're resigned to our defeat at your hands, right? You’re a child of great fate. After properly considering our situation, I still decided that you’re the better pick. That's why I hope you’ll give us a chance as we try to reconcile. Brother Xiaodao, Lin Feng, let’s work together to defeat Yi Daiyan."

Seeing Tianming and Xiaodao silent, Shenxi Xingtian continued in a more serious tone, "Since ancient times in this triangular struggle of power, the two weaker sides have always supported one another against the strongest. If we don't work together, we'll be swallowed up one by one. Our mutual grudges are petty when what awaits us both is certain annihilation. They can only be settled after we get rid of the strongest side first. Only after we survive can we settle our debts."

For once, the words sounded far more sincere. "So, honored gentlemen, might I hear your response?"

Xiaodao clicked his tongue and didn't hesitate in the slightest. He waved and said, "Apologies, we aren't able to trust you right now. We’re still open to discuss an alliance, however."

"Very well." Shenxi Xingtian rather calmly accepted it. He took out a golden transmission stone and let it float toward the two astralships. "Brother Xiaodao, feel free to reach out to me any time."

Though Xiaodao hesitated, he still took the transmission stone.

"Teeth grow cold when lips perish...." Shenxi Xingtian seemed really weird for having used that saying as his skeletal face indeed lacked lips, showing his teeth for all to see. He returned to the Ebonfiend. The head-shaped ship didn't have many hair-chains left; its power source had considerably dimmed as a result of not having replenished its nova source for a long time. It flew off into the distance. [1]

Tianming and Xiaodao soon rejoined the others back on the Sun. They chose to gather in the Gladean Ruins.

"Beyond infinitum class! How have I never heard of something like it in the mundus until now?" Dongshen Yue said.

"Yi Daiyan probably left the Infinitum Mundus before. Perhaps the weapon isn't something that originated here," Lin Xiao said.

Tianming looked toward Ebonia as they discussed the matter. "Ji Ji, adjust our angle. I want to see the Infinitum Stele."

"Okay!" The pink sun rotated in space, allowing Tianming to get a glimpse of the stele.

"Old Lin, get closer to take a look," Tianming said.

"Wait, are you thinking about that?!" Xiaodao quickly had the Gladean Ruins fly toward Ebonia. The black chains that surrounded the star seemed to gather near a single point: the Infinitum Stele. They all pulsed with immense fundamental cosmic force as the sword in Tianming's hand began resonating with them, almost like it was whining in dissatisfaction!

"What's going on?" It was the first time others had seen the Grand-Orient Sword express any kind of emotion at all. It pointed itself toward the Infinitum Stele and kept shaking and melancholically wailing. The seniors still didn't know that it actually had something to do with the Infinitum Stele.

At that moment, a great rumble came from the direction of Ebonia. The black chains were actually starting to move—nay, it was the Infinitum Stele within them! Like a beast that had been chained up, it roared and shook, struggling to shake the chains free! The stele was shaking at an identical frequency to the Grand-Orient Sword. The blade could clearly feel the emotions coming from the stele.

"It's being unwillingly controlled...." That was the takeaway Tianming got from the scene.

1. The saying here is meant to allude to things that are closely interdependent. Once the lips are gone, teeth begin to feel the chill. ☜

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