The East Guardian's Ambition

"Does this make me a fool?" Guen said with a self-deprecating laugh.

After ending the call with the East Guardian, he flew toward Dinghai City with Cal and Alpha.

Cal let out a light chuckle at that, while Alpha wanted to laugh but dared not let it out.

Cal said, "The East Guardian must have his reasons and considerations for saying that. You heard him too—the East Guardian said, 'Going into the sea is foolish, but if it's worth it, then it's not foolish.' That actually reminds me of something."

Guen looked over, only to find Cal had clamped her mouth shut, clearly indicating that even if he asked, she wouldn't say.

"Let's go. Once we reach Dinghai City, the East Guardian said he'll tell me."

Three figures vanished from the sky in the blink of an eye.

Master Hulu sat upright within the palace, reading the intelligence that had just been delivered, his expression growing grave. "How many years has it been? Another genius like this appears, and one who happens to hold hostility toward my Imperial Council and my Royal Family? If I don't take this chance to kill him, there may never be another opportunity to suppress him. Counting the time, the Envoy Lord should be arriving soon..."

Suddenly, Master Hulu sensed something. He looked up, his gaze piercing through the window. Fighters were flying through the air, some taking off, others landing in Dinghai City. Among them, three figures immediately caught his attention.

The leader of the three had a head of red hair and a rather ordinary face, but the confidence between his brows lent him a unique aura.

Master Hulu spoke each word deliberately: "Guen!"

Guen and the other two landed on the ground, where the East Guardian was already waiting for Guen at the palace entrance.

"And this is?" The East Guardian gave Guen an approving look, then turned his gaze to Alpha.

"Guardian, this is Cal. She's volunteered to join our Goddess Temple, and there are a few more brothers at Apprentice Level 9 who want to join as well," Guen explained.

Alpha had already learned from Guen and the others about the East Guardian's status and strength, and understood the vast gap between Planetary Level 9 and Level 1. Flushed with excitement, he said, "It's an honor to meet you, Guardian. Actually, actually, Lao Qi is still only Level 8... Apprentice Level 8."

"Lao Qi?" The East Guardian remained impassive. "Then have all seven come together. Tonight, I'll explain the internal distinctions of the Goddess Temple to you. You're at Planetary Level, so you can become a full member, and your treatment will naturally differ from theirs."

With that, the East Guardian threw an arm around Guen. "Cal, Guen and I have some important matters to discuss. You look after Alpha for now."

"Yes, Guardian," Cal said.

Alpha grew anxious, wanting to explain to the East Guardian that it wasn't seven people, but he dared not speak up. He could only watch as the East Guardian and Guen walked away.

The East Guardian questioned Guen about the details of killing the sea beast as he led him into the palace, eventually arriving at an empty, deserted room.

"Alright, time to get back to the main topic. When I said you should go into the sea, what were your thoughts?" the East Guardian asked.

Guen paused to think, then decided to speak honestly. "Going into the sea—I think it's too risky. But since you proposed it, Guardian, there must be a special reason."

"You think it's foolish, don't you?" The East Guardian shook his head. "Don't rush to deny it. Anyone hearing that decision would react the same way. Let me ask you—did the High Priest ever tell you about the relationship between Tucha Planet and the Aoyu Empire?"

Guen's expression shifted. "Does this have something to do with going into the sea?"

The East Guardian turned serious. "Of course it does. Have you ever considered this: with the Trial Grounds and the Land of Inheritance existing, why does the Aoyu Empire only have two Star Level powerhouses? Could none of the geniuses who emerged from the Trial Grounds over the generations break through? Was I, a Planetary Level 9 who's been stuck for centuries, enough to suppress them? Why would the Trial Grounds go to such lengths to nurture you geniuses?"

Guen suddenly remembered—he wasn't the only one in the Fifth Stage trial. There was someone before him!

The Aoyu Empire's planet had a history spanning several thousand years, and the empire itself had existed for over a thousand years. With the guidance of the Trial Grounds and the Land of Inheritance, there should have been more than just two Star Level powerhouses.

Of course, even in the universe, the birth of a Star Level powerhouse wasn't easy. In the border regions of the cosmos, one could dominate an entire planet!

On a planet like the Aoyu Empire, two human Star Levels and five beast Star Levels were unquestionably local powers, with none daring to challenge their authority.

But with guidance, over several thousand years of human civilization, there should have been more than two human Star Level powerhouses born.

The East Guardian let out a sigh of reminiscence. "To ordinary people, this is a secret, and knowing it brings no benefit. But for you, it's different. I can tell you plainly: every fifty years, an envoy from Tucha Planet arrives and takes away exceptionally talented cultivators. Most geniuses have already been taken to Tucha Planet. The threshold is: under fifty years old, with a cultivation level above Planetary Level 5, and outstanding performance in the trials is a bonus."

"What? You mean someone will come here to lead us into the universe?!" Guen suddenly grew excited.

At first, he hadn't been eager about the universe his parents spoke of, unable to imagine its splendor and wonder. But ever since acquiring the intelligence Moto, Guen had caught a glimpse of the universe's marvels, and his longing grew day by day.

The East Guardian pressed a hand on Guen's shoulder, speaking solemnly. "So now you see why this is a secret? Everyone who knows it yearns for the universe. So listen carefully to what I'm about to say.

"First, the Trial Grounds' protection has a time limit. At most, it will shield a person for fifty years. Each stage of the trial you advance through adds ten more years of protection, but the absolute maximum is fifty years. By then, whether you're a genius is clear, and the Tucha Planet envoy will arrive. The Trial Grounds' duty is to keep these geniuses from dying prematurely.

"When the Tucha Planet envoy comes, what they value is talent. The higher your level and the younger you are, the more they'll value you. So your goal is to raise your level as fast as possible."

Guen pondered. "So going into the sea this time will greatly benefit my cultivation?"

The East Guardian nodded firmly. "Exactly. The risk is high, but the opportunity is just as great."

Guen was silent for a moment before speaking. "But, East Guardian, why are you willing to do so much for me? I'm not doubting you..."

"Hahaha," the East Guardian's laughter cut off Guen's question. "Of course, I have my selfish motives. The wonders of the universe—just thinking about them makes one yearn. I too hope to enter the universe one day. But I've followed the High Priest for a long time and know many secrets. In the universe, Apprentice Level cultivators aren't even recognized as citizens. Planetary Level? They're considered decent cannon fodder. Knowing this truth, I'm not afraid to admit—I'm a bit afraid.

"Only at Star Level would one be valued. But I know my own talent. Whether I can reach Star Level before my lifespan ends is still unknown. A Planetary Level has a thousand-year lifespan. When I reach eight hundred, whether I become Star Level or not, I'll head into the universe. By then, Guen, you'll surely have boundless prospects. Maybe you'll already be a Star Level powerhouse, or even the sole Universe Level that a galaxy can normally produce—who knows? Perhaps you'll remember this small help I gave you now and look out for me, so I can truly see the universe's splendor for myself.

"We've actually met the Tucha Planet envoy. Everyone above Planetary Level 7 has seen them. They gave three conditions. First: within fifty years, at minimum, reach Planetary Level 5. Every fifty years, our Aoyu Empire produces only three to five such geniuses—on good years. Sometimes none at all. Second: become a Star Level, and you can follow them to Tucha Planet. Third: stay in the Aoyu Empire, defend against the beasts, preserve the human flame, and nurture the next generation. This also maintains internal stability in the empire. The threshold of Planetary Level 5 for not acting recklessly wasn't set arbitrarily. You can also accumulate contributions, and once you reach a certain level, you can go. I've already met the conditions, but I lack confidence. You are my confidence. So don't worry about anything."

Guen suddenly understood. No wonder the East Guardian had given him three bottles of Tempering Potion the moment they met. Looking back, the East Guardian had just been finding an excuse to help him, but now he was no longer hiding it.

Guen was about to speak, but the East Guardian stopped him.

"Alright, enough of that. Going into the sea is indeed dangerous. Let me first lay out the pros and cons, and then you can decide whether to agree."