Splitting the Heavens

Led by two super Star Ships at the front and six large Star Ships following in formation, the eight ships advanced in unison under the personal command of eight Sages, pressing forward in a grand formation toward the massive spatial vortex.

Along the way, the void anomalies and spatial hazards caused by the spatial vortex alone were no longer a threat to the unified eight-vessel fleet.

Not long ago, Shang Xia had advanced alone to within 300,000 miles of the spatial vortex's core, an act that had already left the other Sages in awe.

But now, with all eight Star Ships moving as one, they had closed the distance to under 200,000 miles without any noticeable decrease in speed. Everything progressed smoothly.

As the fleet drew even closer to the vortex, a transmission suddenly arrived from the super Star Ship where Sage Loudmouth was stationed. A void undercurrent stirred by the vortex was surging toward them. All Sages were advised to maintain formation stability and brace for impact to avoid being blown away.

Upon receiving the message, Shang Xia immediately turned his gaze to a wooden platform at the deck.

There stood Zhang Yusheng, the Tongyou Institution's Stargazer.

Since successfully guiding a fleet past the spatial vortex in a perilous crossing years ago and advancing to become a Stargazer, Zhang Yusheng had become a major focus of the institution's nurturing efforts.

Though he had not yet broken through to become a Grand Stargazer, his experience and skills were undeniable.

Moreover, with abundant resources from the institution, his cultivation had risen from the unremarkable Martial Extermination Realm to the Martial Dipper Realm. He now counted among the elite warriors of the institution.

Shang Xia did not conceal the transmission from this experienced stargazer, and Zhang Yusheng quickly confirmed Sage Loudmouth's report. "The void undercurrent is approximately 50,000 miles from the fleet and approaching fast. It will hit within the time it takes to burn one stick of incense. It's too late to avoid unless full command is handed over to you."

Zhang Yusheng soon provided a more detailed assessment.

Shang Xia continued to ask, "Can the power of the undercurrent be estimated? What level of damage could it inflict on the formation? Are there any suggestions for mitigating the threat?"

Zhang Yusheng looked troubled at the question.

Seeing his reaction, Shang Xia smiled. "No need to feel pressured. I know this is a difficult question, but speak freely."

After a moment of thought, Zhang Yusheng said, "Sage Shang, there's something odd about this undercurrent. Under normal conditions, void undercurrents shouldn't charge straight at the fleet like this, not under the influence of the vortex. It's highly unusual!"

Shang Xia's expression sharpened. "Are you suggesting this undercurrent is being manipulated?"

Zhang Yusheng hesitated. "It seems like it... But who could possibly have the power to stir such a massive undercurrent under the vortex's influence?"

Shang Xia smiled meaningfully and said in a low voice, "Understood. Continue observing."

He then transmitted the information, albeit with slight redactions, to the other seven ships in the fleet, especially the part about the undercurrent possibly being manipulated, which he did not conceal.

Soon, responses came from the other Sages aboard the remaining vessels. Most verified the report while some inquired how he had discovered it.

Naturally, Shang Xia did not reveal Zhang Yusheng's presence. To the first group, he answered with a reply he had already prepared. To the second, he offered vague dismissals.

However, with Sage Loudmouth's prior warning and Shang Xia's confirmation, the credibility was undeniable. Both fifth star Sages now testified to the threat, compelling the others to act seriously.

At this point, the fleet advanced another 10,000 miles, and the undercurrent was now within 20,000 miles, its speed surpassing even that of the Star Ships.

By then, all the Sages had sensed the incoming pressure, even without warnings from Shang Xia or Sage Loudmouth.

As the two leading ships, those of Sage Loudmouth and Lightning Master, unfurled their stellar sails to the limit, their speed increased further, and their defensive barriers expanded to maximum strength.

Following their lead, the other six Star Ships deployed their sails and defenses, linking their protective screens into a massive, unified cone-shaped formation.

Moments later, the silent void undercurrent struck. The formation's conical barrier compressed even further, becoming sharper and more elongated.

For the first time, the fleet's speed dropped significantly. But even against the full brunt of the undercurrent, they continued pushing forward, drawing closer to the spatial vortex.

The void current lasted for nearly half an hour before dissipating.

Although the fleet's pace had slowed considerably, it had managed to enter within 150,000 miles of the vortex.

Throughout the ordeal, the current had not breached even the outermost barrier of the fleet formation.

As the fleet regained speed, the increasingly unstable void near the vortex made acceleration difficult, but they still closed the gap to 100,000 miles, then 50,000, 30,000, and finally stopping at the edge of the spatial vortex.

Along their journey, no further anomalies like the earlier undercurrent emerged.

Still, the spatial distortions caused by the vortex were perilous enough to terrify them.

Stopping at the edge of the vortex, all eight ships began repairs and recalibration. Meanwhile, Shang Xia eagerly projected his divine soul toward the Origin Pillar at the heart of the vortex using the Crimson Soul Tablet.

But as soon as his divine soul extended past the vortex's influence and approached within a few hundred miles of the pillar, it encountered resistance, as if blocked by a natural force rather than intent.

Shang Xia only frowned slightly. He sensed that this obstruction stemmed from changes in the vortex itself, not from external interference.

He pressed harder, forcing his divine soul through successive layers of resistance, edging closer to the pillar.

Suddenly, an unfamiliar, powerful divine soul descended and rammed straight into Shang Xia.

Such confrontations rarely allowed room for maneuvering, they were usually head-on collisions of raw power.

Although sudden, the strike didn't catch Shang Xia off guard. He was well-practiced in such situations and had already anticipated foreign interference given the spatial gate's presence.

Retreat was not an option, and not even a moment of hesitation could be afforded.

As the oppressive divine soul surged toward him, Shang Xia countered with a decisive frontal assault of his own.

Boom.

A thunderous shockwave resounded in his ears, and Shang Xia went deaf for a moment. Though his opponent might have been stronger, the clash had not resulted in a clear advantage.

In an instant, Shang Xia withdrew his divine soul. He felt dizzy and was overwhelmed. Staggering, blood trickled from his nose, and a metallic taste spread in his mouth.

Wiping the blood away and calming his turbulent inner qi, he ensured that there was no lasting damage and stepped outside the cabin, rubbing his temples.

He could already hear startled voices on the deck.

There, several transmission talismans fluttered in the air, while Huang Jinghan and Gao Qin stood atop the wooden platform conversing animatedly with Zhang Yusheng.

"What happened?" Shang Xia asked while catching one of the floating talismans. He already had an idea of what was going on, but he still decided to ask them instead.

Huang Jinghan and Gao Qin turned to look. Shock crossed their faces as they saw Shang Xia.

Puzzled, Shang Xia touched his face. "Is there something on my face?"

Huang Jinghan stepped down from the platform with a grave expression. "Sage Shang, your complexion looks terrible. Did something go wrong in your cultivation?"

Gao Qin added, "We're about to enter the spatial vortex. If there's any issue, it may be wise to notify the others and delay the timeline slightly."

Only then did Shang Xia realize the earlier clash had drained him, leaving him visibly pale and weary, an unusual sight for someone of his level.

He chuckled. "It's nothing serious, just a bit of spiritual backlash. I'll be fine shortly."

"By the way, what were you discussing? Is it related to the void fluctuations mentioned in these talismans?" He held up a few and asked casually.

Huang Jinghan and Gao Qin exchanged glances, then ushered Zhang Yusheng forward.

Though nervous at first, Zhang Yusheng quickly composed himself. He was no longer an ordinary member of the institution. Rather, he was already an elite cultivator who was a key target of the institution's nurturing. It wasn't his first time speaking to Sages like Shang Xia. He quickly organized his answer and replied, "Sage Shang, just a moment ago, there was a violent tremor at the vortex's core that even affected the Origin Pillar. I wanted to inform you immediately, but I heard you were in seclusion, so I notified True Immortals Huang and Gao instead."

Shang Xia nodded with a smile. "As expected. It seems the other ships noticed it too. Likely, they also have their own secret techniques, perhaps even Stargazers."

Zhang Yusheng added, "In my view, the tremor didn't look accidental. It seemed like a clash of divine souls..."

His voice trailed off as realization dawned on him.

Huang Jinghan and Gao Qin cleared their throats awkwardly, clearly connecting Shang Xia's pale expression with the incident.

But Shang Xia only laughed. "You're observant! Yes, I tried probing the Origin Pillar again. But the force behind the space gate ambushed me with a sudden strike, and I had no choice but to face it head-on."

After he spoke, he tossed the talismans into the air. They flew back toward the other ships bearing his reply.

"Continue monitoring the vortex closely. We won't need to delay, but prepare for a major battle. This journey to the vortex core won't be an easy one!"

With that, Shang Xia turned and returned to his cabin.

After he disappeared below deck, Zhang Yusheng cautiously asked, "True Immortals, the vortex is no longer expanding, but the core lies hundreds of thousands of miles away. Can Sage Shang really extend his divine soul that far?"

Gao Qin raised a brow and looked at Zhang Yusheng with a smile that wasn't actually a smile. "Are you doubting his words?"

Zhang Yusheng panicked. "No, not at all! It's just... Really shocking. The power of a Sage is beyond my imagination."

Huang Jinghan smiled and explained. "Indeed, but even so, extending his divine soul that far and clashing with another being? Without external help, even someone as brilliant as Sage Shang couldn't manage that alone."