How many cultivators were there in Maple Forest City?
Just the Void King Realm and Return Void Stage cultivators entering the Five-Colored Pagoda this time numbered in the tens of thousands, to say nothing of those below those ranks. Though no exact census had been taken, Maple Forest City's cultivator population was no less than four to five hundred thousand — and quite possibly closer to a million.
With so many cultivators, having the six Emperor Realm masters inspect them one by one was simply unfeasible. Leaving aside whether they had the patience or stamina for such a task, even if they did, the process would take an impossibly long time.
And during that extended period, who knew what other complications might arise?
The approach was therefore entirely impractical.
"Although we can't be certain the Wood Demon has been completely eliminated, rest assured — it has lost so many of its Wood Seeds that even if it's still alive, it must be severely weakened. It's unlikely to stir up trouble again anytime soon. All you need to do is instruct the city's cultivators to carefully check themselves for any abnormalities. That way, you can prevent trouble before it starts." Gao Xueting said flatly.
"Your orders are noted, Lord Gao!" By now, Duan Yuanshan knew there was no better solution and could only nod in agreement.
"Good, you may leave. We have matters to discuss." Xiao Yuyang waved his hand dismissively.
Duan Yuanshan apologized once more and hurried to withdraw, not daring to show the slightest discourtesy. This was his City Lord's Manor, yes, but the six Emperor Realm masters before him were all figures of tremendous stature — people he could not afford to offend. Ordinarily, catching even a glimpse of one of them would have been a rare privilege, and now all six were gathered together. He would never dream of giving them any cause for displeasure.
After Duan Yuanshan departed, Xiao Yuyang swept his hand outward, and an invisible wave of power spread out to envelop the room where the six of them sat.
Vice President Zeng Yuan of the Seven Luminaries Trading Company narrowed his eyes in surprise. "Lord Xiao, what matter could possibly require such caution?"
"Could it be about that Wood Demon?" Vice President Lou Chi of the Purple Source Trading Company asked with a note of alarm.
Xiao Yuyang smiled faintly. "Not at all. A mere Wood Demon — why would I give it such importance? What I wish to discuss with you all is the matter of the Shattered Star Sea."
"The Shattered Star Sea?"
At those words, the other five Emperor Realm cultivators' expressions shifted subtly.
Feng Ming of the Wuhua Hall looked thoughtful. "Lord Xiao, do you mean... the entrance to the Shattered Star Sea is about to open?"
The others all watched Xiao Yuyang with expressions of keen interest, as if the Shattered Star Sea held great significance for them.
"Not long ago, I received word from the Great Emperor — the entrance to the Shattered Star Sea is indeed about to open. However, the Great Emperor has not yet been able to pinpoint the exact time. Only that it should be soon." Xiao Yuyang's expression turned solemn as he gazed southward and cupped his fists in a respectful salute.
Everyone naturally knew which "Great Emperor" he was referring to. In the entire Southern Domain, there was only one who bore the title of Great Emperor among the Ten Great Emperors — the master of the Star God Palace, the Great Emperor Ming Yue!
"If the Great Emperor has said so, then it must be true." Gao Xueting nodded slightly. "Lord Xiao, have our respective Sects already been informed of this?"
Xiao Yuyang smiled. "Rest assured, Senior Sister Gao. The Great Emperor has already dispatched word to each of your Sects regarding this matter. Furthermore, the Great Emperor's message said that since we have all gathered here by fate's design, we should take the opportunity to discuss it briefly among ourselves."
"I see!" Chen Wenhao nodded. "Although we all reside in the Southern Domain, it's not often that we manage to gather together, let alone all six major powers at once. Taking this chance to discuss things properly is indeed a good idea."
"That is precisely the Great Emperor's intention, and it saves us from having to arrange another meeting." Xiao Yuyang smiled. "As you all know, the Shattered Star Sea came into existence due to its connection with the Devouring Heaven Great Emperor. Back when that Great Emperor roamed the world, how arrogant and unrestrained was he? He devoured all things between heaven and earth, converting them into the capital of his own strength. Even the sun, moon, and stars could not escape his grasp. In the end, his actions aroused the wrath of heaven and earth alike, and he could no longer be tolerated by the world."
"Ahem..." Feng Ming cleared his throat awkwardly. "Lord Xiao, these are simply the fabricated stories told to the common folk. Surely we needn't take them seriously?"
Xiao Yuyang chuckled. "Naturally not. The low-level cultivators believe the Devouring Heaven Great Emperor fell because he could no longer be endured by heaven and earth. The real truth of the matter — well, we all know what that is. Regardless, that battle shattered the cosmos, transformed heaven and earth, and gave birth to the Shattered Star Sea as a realm unto itself. Unfortunately, although the Shattered Star Sea is vast beyond measure, its limit can only accommodate those up to the Dao Source Realm. We have no blessing to enter it — if we forced our way in, we would only cause the Shattered Star Sea to collapse. But within it lie numerous shattered stars, and even more Star Essences. If we could obtain even one or two, it would be of tremendous benefit to us."
At these words, the other five Emperor Realm cultivators all looked visibly tempted.
But soon, they sighed collectively.
Gao Xueting spoke. "And for that very reason, throughout history whenever the Shattered Star Sea has opened, Emperor Realm cultivators have been strictly forbidden from entering. Otherwise, it would indeed make for a fine destination."
"If Senior Sister Gao is interested, you could always enter and test your fortune." Feng Ming chuckled.
Gao Xueting let out a cold snort. "The Great Emperor has issued a clear decree. I have no desire to be killed by the Great Emperor's own hand. If Brother Feng doesn't value his own life, he's welcome to try."
Feng Ming struck a wall and flushed with embarrassment, wisely choosing to say no more.
"We may not be able to enter ourselves, but our disciples can bring back Star Essences from within. So why worry? When the time comes, if any of you wish to sell yours, the Seven Luminaries Trading Company will buy every last one — at any price." Zeng Yuan said with a mild smile.
"That's exactly what I was going to say. The Purple Source Trading Company is a considerable enterprise in its own right — purchasing a bit of Star Essence is well within our means." Lou Chi quickly chimed in.