The extraterrestrial beings and prominent clans of the various star sectors were thoroughly stunned when the news broke.
It was truly abrupt. After all, everyone was here competing for the great era providence. Yet now, these two colossal powers had directly pulled back and departed, leaving onlookers completely baffled.
Consequently, some began to speculate whether the Ji clan and the Eternal Clan had grown fearful of Lu Yuan. By now, everyone knew that this rising figure from the Milky Way Star Sector had fully come into his own. His cultivation realm and prowess had reached an astonishing height; he could even slay Creation Immortals, marking him as a true powerhouse in every sense.
Hardly anyone viewed him as a member of the younger generation anymore—he stood on a far higher plane. Those who could stand as his equals were likely found only among the top ten factions of the starry sky.
After all, among the prominent clans ranked below that tier, the strongest pillar of foundation was typically nothing more than a Grotto-Heaven Immortal. While some might possess Creation Immortals, such figures were exceptionally rare.
Yet Lu Yuan had dared to directly execute a Creation Immortal of the Ji clan. Thus, many extraterrestrial beings believed the two great factions had grown wary.
If any of them were in that position, they would never dare make an enemy of him either. The reason was exceedingly simple: across the entire history of the cosmos, such a rapid rate of growth was extraordinarily rare.
Continuing to antagonize him under these circumstances was practically suicidal. Hence, many guessed the Ji clan and the Eternal Clan felt the same way. Still, others disagreed.
Both powers possessed profound foundations, overseen by Domain Lord-level figures—the absolute pinnacle of living powerhouses in the current world.
How could they possibly fear Lu Yuan? Skeptics concluded that the two clans merely had far more critical matters to attend to for the time being.
In short, speculations ran rampant regarding the withdrawal of the two great factions, yet no one could say for certain.
One thing, however, was beyond dispute: Lu Yuan had fully matured, and the Milky Way Star Sector had risen beyond doubt.
They had to place him on equal footing with themselves—or even higher. He could never again be dismissed as in the past. This was the unanimous consensus among the extraterrestrial beings. Though some were reluctant to admit it, the unvarnished reality lay right before their eyes.
During this period, Lu Yuan had also begun growing accustomed to the destiny power, learning how to wield it effectively.
It had to be said that after fusing the fifth Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token, his command over this power had become far stronger than before.
Furthermore, he could continuously bestow it upon the members of the Heavenly Court, granting them immense benefits. In this brief period alone, the number of individuals breaking through to the Saint Realm had multiplied dramatically.
The Golden-Winged Great Peng, the Peacock King, and several others had directly advanced to the Great Saint realm. In barely a month, the overall strength of the Heavenly Court had ascended another tier.
Setting aside top-tier combat strength for the moment, its mid-tier power was already on par with some of the top hundred star sectors. Such speed could only be described as astonishing. After all, how long had it been since they first embarked on this journey? Merely a few short years. Yet consider how many eras those top hundred star sectors had spent reaching their current stature.
Lu Yuan was quite pleased with this progress. Moreover, he discovered additional capabilities within the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token.
He could now actively invoke the purple qi within it and integrate it into his physical body. When invoked, his combat strength would surge to even greater heights under its influence.
It was similar to the combat enhancement provided by the Ancestral Dragon Breathing Method, yet distinct in nature. While the temporary surge in combat power faded afterward, the process permanently tempered and strengthened his physical constitution and divine soul.
In other words, now that Lu Yuan could tap into this capability, he was growing stronger with every passing moment.
This had exceeded his expectations entirely. After all, he had already cultivated to the Immortal Realm. Any slight increment at this level was terrifyingly potent.
*The Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token...* Lu Yuan could not help but sigh in wonder. It was practically paving a road of perpetual advancement for him.
"Next, I should include Zhu Qingyu and Ice Fairy in the investiture," he mused. With the fifth Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token in hand, he could command the destiny power far more effectively.
Truth be told, Lu Yuan held high hopes for these members of the younger generation, expecting them to reach at least the Immortal Realm.
Only then could they truly watch over the Heavenly Court and protect the living beings of this world, allowing him to roam free of restraint.
With his mind made up, he dwelled on it no longer, rising and leaving his quarters. He then summoned Ice Fairy and several others to the courtyard for a private audience.
Wasting no words on pleasantries, he went straight to the point.
"I trust you all know why I have called you here," Lu Yuan began. "The Heavenly Court is growing stronger by the day, and powerhouses are multiplying. There are many matters I cannot oversee personally, and you are, in effect, the current custodians of the Heavenly Court."
"Naturally, strength is paramount. I hold great expectations for all of you."
"I am going to grant you an opportunity—a chance to become truly powerful."
"Of course, whether you accept depends entirely on yourselves." There was no need to force such matters; everything had to be stated clearly beforehand.
"I am willing," Zhu Qingyu answered first, without the slightest hesitation. The sole wish in her heart had always been to follow by Lu Yuan's side.
Lately, however, she had noticed that as her cultivation grew stronger, her rate of evolution slowed down. Even with inheritances and vast resources tilted in her favor, progress remained sluggish.
She knew this meant her innate potential was approaching its limit, a realization that had secretly filled her with anxiety. Given this chance to continue growing stronger, she naturally would not hesitate.
Beside her, Ice Fairy, Little Heavenly Master Chunyang, and the others voiced their agreement in unison. Having weathered so many trials together over such a long time, their trust in Lu Yuan was absolute.
Whatever he proposed, they would accept without reservation.
"Good." Hearing their replies, Lu Yuan nodded and exhaled a slow breath. Then, without hesitation, he willed it into motion.
In an instant, the Investiture Decree manifested before him, and he began the process of conferring ranks—inscribing their true names onto its surface.
Unlike with the others, Lu Yuan placed their names directly beneath 'Di Yuan.'
This meant that once their true names were recorded, the empowerment of destiny power they received would be the absolute strongest aside from his own. Bolstered by such fortune, their future achievements would naturally reach far greater heights.
Lu Yuan had held back previously only because the power was difficult to govern. Now, however, it was far simpler. The complete fusion of the fifth Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token allowed him to command the destiny power with near-effortless ease.
At that moment, Zhu Qingyu sensed a mysterious force welling within her the instant her true name was fully inscribed.
Under its influence, both their physical forms and their divine souls began to undergo a profound transformation.
Chapter 416