Swallowed Star 2: Land of Origin

Chu Capital, the night shrouded in haze.

In a common courtyard, Marquis Chu Chang was drinking alone when suddenly an invisible fluctuation enveloped him.

"Hmm?" Marquis Chu Chang felt the world around him change, and he found himself in an illusory realm.

"Marquis Chu Chang." Clouds condensed into a figure, who smiled at Marquis Chu Chang.

"I have been alone in this courtyard, waiting for you all for a long time." Marquis Chu Chang looked around, "I didn't expect you to drag me into an Illusory Realm. Even the famous Two Realms Palace in the Land of Origin dares only meet me in an illusion?"

The cloud figure spoke, "This is Chu Capital, personally crafted by Primogenitor Yan Feng! We in the Two Realms Palace must also act cautiously, please forgive us, Marquis Chu Chang."

Marquis Chu Chang looked at the other party.

The Two Realms Palace, a massive force hidden in the dark on the Land of Origin, its inner members' identities a mystery. It was rumored that the weakest among them reached the Second Realm of Godly King, and there were even followers of the Yuan among them.

Compared to Primogenitor Yan Feng and Primogenitor Lei Ting, Yuan was more revered in the Land of Origin.

Yuan was aloof, merely leaving behind some powerful inheritances and precious resources; he himself was too lazy to accept disciples. Of course, there were some ancient beings who, having received Yuan's guidance, claimed themselves as 'disciples of Yuan.'

"I am just an ordinary member of the Two Realms Palace." The cloud figure smiled at Marquis Chu Chang, "However, helping Marquis Chu Chang to achieve a top ranking in this Heavenly Task would be an easy matter."

"You want to help me?" Marquis Chu Chang looked at him.

If he was an official member, this cloud figure would at least be of the Second Realm of Godly King! An existence that could crush him with a flick of a finger.

However, as a first-class marquis of the Imperial Clan, Marquis Chu Chang naturally had his own pride.

"Marquis Chu Chang, " the cloud figure said, "you should understand, among the seven first-class marquises of Emperor Chu's lineage... in terms of comprehension and potential, Marquis Chu Ying should be ranked first, Marquis Chu Feng, Marquis Chu Ji probably rank above you."

Marquis Chu Chang listened.

Their rivalry had lasted for years, apart from the newly promoted Marquis Chu Yu, the other six marquises knew each other well.

"Without sufficient powerful assistance, you won't make it into the top three." The cloud figure spoke.

"I can help you get into the top three, but I need half of the resources you obtain," the cloud figure looked at Marquis Chu Chang.

Marquis Chu Chang looked back at him, scoffed, "Half? These are resources of the Imperial Clan of Flame Wind Ancient Country, your Two Realms Palace really is bold."

"Everything is voluntary, I will not force you," the cloud figure said, "if you refuse, I can leave right now and will no longer disturb you, Marquis Chu Chang."

Marquis Chu Chang looked at him.

Among the seven first-class marquises of Emperor Chu's lineage, he was the least remarkable! Even the newly promoted Marquis Chu Yu had the backing of the 'Great Saint Luo He,' a transcendent of the Primal Chaos Realm.

"If you help me, and I achieve first place this time, I will split half with you!" Marquis Chu Chang said, "If I take second, you can only have twenty percent. If third, only ten percent. If I don't make it to the top three, it means you are too useless and don't deserve to share the resources."

The cloud figure shook his head: "To fully assist you, I need to invest quite a bit of effort."

"If I take first, I want half."

"If second, three tenths."

"If third, two tenths. Anything lower? I can do without." The cloud figure looked at Marquis Chu Chang, "This is my final offer, you may choose to refuse."

Marquis Chu Chang looked at him, suddenly laughed: "Very well, it's agreed then."

The cloud figure nodded: "Since it's agreed, it has become karma! Marquis Chu Chang, don't even think of reneging... the price of karmic backlash is something you cannot afford." After saying this, the cloud figure disappeared without a trace.

Marquis Chu Chang felt the illusory realm dissipate, and he was still sitting at the table in the courtyard.

"The price of karmic backlash?" Marquis Chu Chang slightly furrowed his brow, he was ultimately just at the Pinnacle of Primal Chaos Realm, and had never thought of cheating the inner members of the Two Realms Palace.

"If I obtain the most resources in this Heavenly Task, perhaps I have a chance to transform." Marquis Chu Chang had ambitions too.

He was merely slightly less talented among the seven first-class marquises, yet could cultivate to the Pinnacle of Primal Chaos Realm, which certainly showed he had potential. With enough resources, there was a chance to reach the Godly King Tier.

The treatment of a first-class marquis of the Imperial Clan, and Godly King of the Imperial Clan, were starkly different.

...

Among the seven first-class marquises of Emperor Chu's lineage, the most famous was Marquis Chu Ying.

Marquis Chu Ying looked out of the window at the night sky.

"Buzz." He held the transmission token, beginning to contact a friend powerful enough.

"Sister Bi Yun." A crisp cold voice resounded.

"Brother Chu Ying." Marquis Chu Ying was rather humble.

Great Saint Bi Yun, was the direct disciple of Emperor Qing!

Emperor Qing, the strongest among the thirteen emperors of Flame Wind Ancient Country, was also adept in teaching disciples. This Great Saint Bi Yun, being a transcendent of the Primal Chaos Realm, was extraordinary and unparalleled, possessing treasures bestowed by Emperor Qing, making her incredibly formidable.

"This time, the seven first-class marquises of Emperor Chu's lineage also need to compete." Marquis Chu Ying explained, "The task of collecting the Blood Spirit Golden Pearls will also require your help, Sister."

"Many imperial elites visited Master before, and Master always said... among those of Emperor Chu's lineage, Brother Chu Ying, your talent is the highest, certainly destined to become a Godly King." the crisp voice spoke, "Emperor Chu's lineage should allocate the best resources to you."

Marquis Chu Ying was quite grateful to Emperor Qing.

With just a word from Emperor Qing, Marquis Chu Ying's status skyrocketed, and he received a tilting of resources in his favor.

"Competition among the first-class marquises is a rule set by the Ancestor. We still have to compete," Marquis Chu Ying said, "Sister, do you have the time for this task of collecting Blood Spirit Golden Pearls?"

"Leave it to me." Sister Bi Yun responded, "I can't promise first place in collecting the Blood Spirit Golden Pearls, but I definitely won't hold you back."