Splitting the Heavens

After the Jiao Continent finally emerged from the great spatial vortex, it temporarily anchored in the nearby void alongside the Bing Continent, Hai Continent, and Ji Continent for a short period of rest.

Although the region of void was constantly turbulent due to its proximity to the edge of the vortex, it posed no issue at all for the four large Star Ships.

As for prying eyes from other Heavenly Fields hidden in the shadows, they were of even less concern.

One had to know that when there were only three Star Ships in their battle formation that was controlled by Shang Xia's External Avatar, Xiao Yugang, and Song Zhen, they already had the ability to fight two Sages who had personally arrived.

With four large Star Ships of the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field gathered and Shang Xia himself, a fifth star Sage, no one would try anything stupid unless they had a screw loose.

Even if word had already spread throughout the void surrounding the spatial vortex that they were from the Heaven Observation Star Region and had high-level Stargazers on board, it wouldn't make a difference.

With the addition of the Jiao Continent, which had originally been constructed as a test for building even larger vessels, its size already surpassed that of the other three. Its overall capabilities were also slightly superior. Naturally, it quickly became the flagship of their fleet.

Gao Qin, Song Zhen, Xiao Yugang, Huang Jinghan, and several other True Immortals of the fleet gathered aboard the Jiao Continent, where Huang Jinghan gave everyone a broad overview of their journey.

Even though Huang Jinghan tried to recount the events as objectively as possible, the others were still deeply shaken.

Solidified origin qi that formed a massive pillar, a forming spatial gate, high-level Sages from foreign Star Fields, overwhelming origin qi, shattered Star Ships, and powerful cultivators appearing and vanishing in an instant...

When Huang Jinghan finished, silence fell over the cabin. No one knew how to respond.

After a moment, a light cough broke the silence. As everyone's attention turned to her, Xin Lu said with feigned calm, "Why are you all looking at me? With so many gains in hand, of course we should hurry back to our Heavenly Field. Once word gets out, if we're still lingering here, aren't we just asking to be robbed?"

As she spoke, she seemed to realize something and added, "Now I understand why those Star Ships and Sages that survived the vortex rushed away so quickly. I thought they were too damaged to risk staying, but it turns out..."

"... They were carrying valuable treasures and were eager to return to accelerate the growth of their worlds."

At this point in the Jiao Continent's cabin, Xin Lu was one of the few who wasn't a True Immortal but still had the right to join the meeting. As the only rank six Grand Stargazer on board, her authority was nearly equal to that of the other high-level experts.

So, the moment she finished speaking, several True Immortals voiced their agreement.

Song Zhen thought for a moment and said, "It makes sense for the Jiao Continent to return to the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field as soon as possible. The Bing Continent and Hai Continent should accompany it for added security."

Xiao Yugang then asked, "Are you planning to stay here, or return to the 6th Starsea Market?"

Song Zhen smiled. "The vortex remains unstable, and we don't even know how many experts from different star regions and Heavenly Fields are hiding in the surrounding void. There may still be secrets we haven't uncovered. We can't just turn around and leave."

At that, Gao Qin added, "Then I'll stay with you. It's better to watch each other's backs."

Song Zhen hesitated for a moment before saying, "Having your support is naturally a great help. I'm just worried about the Essence Ming Heavenly Field..."

Gao Qin shook her head and replied, "Have you forgotten? Most of the Sages from the Heaven Observation Star Region are still preoccupied due to the celestial phenomenon. Even if Gu Yi wants to act against me, he may not have the capacity. And without his interference, the other True Immortals in the Essence Ming Heavenly Field pose no real threat."

Everyone present was already aware of the difficult situation Gao Qin had been facing these past few years.

Upon hearing her, everyone turned their gaze to the main seat in the cabin, where Shang Xia's External Avatar was seated.

Since the Jiao Continent escaped the vortex and those watching them in the void had retreated, Shang Xia had returned to his secret chamber for secluded cultivation, leaving only his External Avatar to oversee things.

Seeing everyone's eyes on him, Shang Xia's External Avatar, who had seemed a bit listless earlier, straightened up and said seriously, "Everyone's points are valid, but while you're all focused on digesting the benefits, aren't you forgetting something?"

The sudden shift left the others exchanging puzzled glances, uncertain of what he meant.

It was Zhang Yusheng, the newly promoted Grand Stargazer, attending alongside Xin Lu, who suddenly gasped, "Sage Shang, are you referring to the Spirit Ruling World and the Spirit Frost World?"

The moment Zhang Yusheng spoke, the True Immortals reacted visibly, while Shang Xia's External Avatar simply smiled in silence.

Xiao Yugang sighed, "Indeed. The vortex first expanded and now continues to fluctuate. Even we, who are stationed so far from the edge, encountered danger. The Spirit Ruling World and Spirit Frost World, stranded within the flow of chaotic streams around the vortex, must be in an even more perilous situation!"

Song Zhen continued, "The Ying Brothers in the Spirit Ruling World Realm and the Great Ape King in the Spirit Frost World had always hoped their worlds would stay independent. This is the perfect moment to reclaim and incorporate them as subordinate worlds."

Gao Qin mused, "Most of the forces in the Original Star Corner are either affected by the vortex or distracted by its upheaval. Places like the Essence Ling Heavenly Field and Essence Du Heavenly Field, who were unfriendly forces, are preoccupied with the Essence Xing Heavenly Field. And the Heaven Observation Star Region's factions are busy counterbalancing each other due to the appearance of the mirage-like celestial phenomenon. So yes, this may be our best chance to bring those two Spirit Worlds under our control."

Xin Lu also added, "The vortex's expansion will surely affect both the Spirit Ruling World and Spirit Frost World. Their coordinates must've shifted, but even in the void currents, such movement can't be entirely untraceable. Both Zhang Yusheng and I are the most experienced Stargazers in navigating the vortex and traveling to those worlds. I'm confident we can find them again."

Only then did the True Immortals realize that Xin Lu and Zhang Yusheng were truly the most familiar with those two worlds.

They couldn't help but wonder if Shang Xia had foreseen everything from the very beginning?

At that moment, Huang Jinghan stepped forward to offer his opinion. "With four large Star Ships gathered, this is a rare opportunity. Back when we dragged the Spirit Qing World, we only had two large Star Ships."

"What's more, the Ying Brothers of the Spirit Ruling World also possess a large Star Ship and a Spirit Ark from their days as the Twin Star Pirates. They've also accumulated a considerable foundation over the years. And the Beast Kings of the Spirit Frost World can serve as allies. That's more than enough to pull or guide those worlds to us!"

With the strategy now decided, the Star Ships of the Essence Luxuriant Heavenly Field quickly began preparations. Song Zhen even piloted the Ji Continent back to the 6th Starsea Market twice to gather materials that might be needed for dragging the worlds back. At the same time, he discreetly sent word back to the Essence Luxuriant World to prepare them for absorbing two new subordinate Spirit Worlds.

While preparations proceeded in full swing, Song Zhen returned from his second trip with surprising news. The other super Star Ship had just emerged from the vortex. Unlike the others that had fled immediately, it remained at the vortex's edge to rest, just like the Jiao Continent had.

This Star Ship was soon identified as the Giant Whale, from the Essence Xi Heavenly Field of the Floating Star Region. It was commanded by the fifth star Sage. Sage Fu Jing.

"Sage Fu Jing? Sage Loudmouth?" Shang Xia's External Avatar chuckled upon hearing the news.

Song Zhen quickly asked, "Sage Shang, may I ask, when will your true body exit seclusion?"

Shang Xia's External Avatar smiled at him. "No need to worry. My true body can exit seclusion at any time. This retreat was simply to strengthen me, the External Avatar."

Song Zhen was stunned for a moment before realization dawned on him. Delighted, he exclaimed, "Could it be...?"

Shang Xia's External Avatar nodded with a smile and said, "If all goes well, when my true body exits seclusion, I will be able to maintain the strength of a Sage!"