Chapter 117 The Source Tower

Upper City.

The Source Tower.

The Twin Gods Tower nearly pierced the heavens. Enveloped within the divine domain of the Sky God Seat, each floor was an independent "dream space."

Ascending each floor revealed a brand new world.

On a certain floor of unknown height, the long night was adorned with dazzling stars.

Four stars, ignited in the four directions, caused endless ripples of water to surge and vibrate.

A slender, frail figure sat cross-legged at the origin of countless water ripples. His face was covered with a white-patterned mask, and he was draped in a snow-white Daoist robe, as if he had become one of the stars in the sky, merging with the boundless illusionary night...

This floor was called the "Land of Many Waters."

And the white-masked man was the number one Apostle under the Sky God Seat in Upper City.

His title: Celestial Waters.

Celestial Waters sat in the center of a myriad of ripples, his hands resting gently on his knees, his stillness akin to eternal slumber.

For many years, Upper City had been incredibly stable, partly because the Sky God Seat was powerful enough, having established an orderly system of divine officials with rewards and punishments. Among the supreme gods, in terms of age of apotheosis, none but Light could compare to "Sky."

Sky had witnessed the birth of the new generation of God Seats such as the Wine God, the Underworld God, the Empress, and Gu Changzhi.

He had lived through the previous era.

And then became the highest and strongest god of this era.

Of course.

There was another important and undeniable reason.

Upper City had a good "crown-bearer."

And that was Celestial Waters before him.

As Sky's "crown-bearer," he had followed this God Seat long before the revolution in Upper City, before the Source Tower pierced the heavens... A long time ago, the gods had only one Apostle, and after Celestial Waters, the gods' ranks began to become "lively."

Because.

Celestial Waters had cultivated the "Wine God Seat" for the Sky God Seat.

It could be said that this crown-bearer of Upper City had decorated nearly half of the brilliant stars in the current splendid long night.

"Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz..."

A slight tremor came from within the illusion.

The "four stars" around him gradually became brighter and more dazzling, from dimness.

A total of four young people arrived at the "Land of Many Waters" one after another.

Celestial Waters had prepared four seats for them, each corresponding to one of the four stars.

"Master Celestial Waters."

"Master Celestial Waters..."

Four respectful voices echoed slowly through the illusion along with the ripples.

Celestial Waters nodded.

"Please be seated, Four Divine Envoys."

His voice did not sound old or decaying in the slightest, but rather as clear as a youth's.

It was hard to believe that this was the crown-bearer who had grown up with the "Sky God Seat" for decades... Perhaps the power of the gods had been infused into every corner of his body, or perhaps the Sky God Seat had granted him the miracle of eternal youth out of regard for old feelings.

But no one knew the truth.

Because no one had ever seen the face beneath Celestial Waters' mask—

A youthful voice and physique did not necessarily mean he was truly young.

Perhaps when the mask was removed and the Daoist robe was taken off, an aging shell would be revealed. Even the God Seat could not resist the passage of time, let alone mortals.

Red Dragon, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, Cloud Tiger.

"I presume you are all aware of the matter of Sangzhou Cave,"

Master Celestial Waters said gently. "Upper City cannot bear to see the people of Southern Continent suffering in dire straits, and cannot turn a blind eye to this tragic situation... In addition, the Apostle of the Holy City has just approached me, hoping that the Source Tower can lend a helping hand."

All four stars were burning in the Land of Many Waters.

"Master Celestial Waters, I am willing to go south."

The first to speak was the Vermilion Bird Divine Envoy. He stood up, his star swirling into a scarlet fire tide behind him, vaguely revealing a solemn holy visage. The southern part of the Land of Many Waters was transformed into a scarlet expanse.

But the next moment.

The western star reflected a pale, brilliant light as Cloud Tiger rose to his feet.

"Master Celestial Waters, this matter is of great importance. Please allow me to go."

His voice was deep and resonant, like a great bell, causing countless water droplets on the mirrored surface of the water land to rise.

This scene made Vermilion Bird frown.

The two faced each other across the illusionary dream, neither willing to yield... The relationship between the Four Divine Envoys had never been harmonious. They were the most talented and powerful transcendents cultivated within the divine official system of the Source Tower.

And having reached this stage, only one goal remained.

The Seed of Fire!

The Wine God Seat had fallen, and that seed of fire had now been retrieved... and was located on the top floor of the Source Tower.

With the appearance of the "Traveler," the "peace" that had been maintained for twenty years had shown signs of rupture in recent years.

In the past two years, the Source Tower was not in a hurry to choose the master of the Seed of Fire; they could wait slowly.

But the Central City and Changye were undergoing a "merging of streams."

In this situation, could they still wait, how long could they wait?

Clearly.

Upper City was preparing to re-select a new master for the "Wine Seed of Fire," and the best candidates came from among the Four Divine Envoys... They had fought their way out of the divine official system, overcoming obstacles, and had given up the wonderful opportunity to become Sky Apostles.

Waiting... for this day!

The Wine God had fallen.

One of them would ascend to the top!

Master Celestial Waters was the crown-bearer, and the God Seat trusted him immensely... Obviously, this selection of the "Wine Seed of Fire" master was also being carried out by him, so this Sangzhou Cave mission seemed particularly important.

Whoever missed the mission might miss the Seed of Fire!

The Vermilion Bird and Cloud Tiger stars lit up in the Land of Many Waters, as the two Divine Envoys' gazes collided.

"Boom!"

A sudden explosion erupted on the mirrored surface of the Land of Many Waters.

The spiritual power of the two Divine Envoys directly clashed—

Brilliant light and fire bloomed in this dim illusionary dream. Vermilion Bird and Cloud Tiger had been fiercely opposed in recent years, and at this moment, two strands of their spirits clashed fiercely, but in the end, neither gained the upper hand.

After all, this place was Master Celestial Waters' residence.

If they really fought, how would it end?

They could only restrain themselves, resulting in a "fifty-fifty" draw.

"Whirr, whirr, whirr..."

Fireworks fluttered down, falling into the mirrored surface.

After this strike, the expressions on Vermilion Bird and Cloud Tiger's faces were not very good. On the other hand, the Red Dragon and Black Tortoise, the two more composed Divine Envoys, watched the free fireworks and commotion from the two ends of the water land.

"Fight, fight..."

Black Tortoise whispered, his voice carrying a hint of laughter.

He looked towards Celestial Waters.

Unfortunately, the Sky's crown-bearer always wore that patterned mask on his face, making it impossible to see his expression.

But judging from his seated posture.

Celestial Waters showed no sign of anger or irritation.

Come to think of it, from the moment they met Master Celestial Waters, he seemed like a stone Buddha, majestic and unmoving, never angered, as if nothing that happened had anything to do with him.

Black Tortoise was the most composed of the Four Divine Envoys, but he felt that he was still far from Master Celestial Waters in terms of cultivating his mind.

At this moment, even if Vermilion Bird and Cloud Tiger were to fight in the Land of Many Waters...

Master Celestial Waters would probably remain seated, unmoved, and not angry in the slightest.

"The lands of the Southern Wilderness need to be enlightened,"

Celestial Waters said softly. "Why don't the four of you go south together?"

As soon as these words came out.

The four Divine Envoys were stunned. Vermilion Bird and Cloud Tiger, who had just exchanged blows, were even more surprised... There was no quota for going south to Sangzhou Cave? Wasn't this a mission that needed to be fought for?

"I have already sealed off Mister Yan's 'floor',"

Celestial Waters said lightly. "Before you leave, don't go looking for him anymore. Let him rest. Using divination too much is harmful to the spirit... But I can tell you that this Sangzhou Cave mission will determine the future master of the 'Wine Seed of Fire' for the Source Tower."

"???"

The light patterns emitted by the stars in the Land of Many Waters swayed violently.

Clearly.

Master Celestial Waters' message had a huge impact on them.

Directly determine the master of the "Wine Seed of Fire"?

After dozens of seconds of silence.

"Everyone," Celestial Waters said softly, "Did you understand what I just said?"

"Understood," they all replied.

Celestial Waters asked with a smile, "If you understood, why haven't you set off yet?"

The four stars quickly dimmed.

This meant that the four Divine Envoys had already withdrawn.

The Land of Many Waters returned to silence.

……

……

Master Celestial Waters still sat cross-legged in the center of the water land.

After a moment.

The star located in the east of the water land re-ignited.

Red Dragon had returned.

In the previous meeting, he was the only one who had been the most calm. Whether it was Vermilion Bird and Cloud Tiger fighting, or Celestial Waters announcing the news of the new master of the Wine Seed of Fire... His expression had not changed much.

The only change was the spiritual ripples of the starlight.

Three of the four divine envoys were shocked.

If he remained calm... it would be too out of place.

"That clumsy acting, you can put more effort into it,"

Celestial Waters said, "If Vermilion Bird's eyes were sharper, you wouldn't be able to deceive him."

"I never thought of deceiving him,"

Red Dragon said calmly, "I'm not interested in the 'Wine Seed of Fire'. If they find out, then so be it..."

"No one can refuse the temptation of the 'Seed of Fire',"

Master Celestial Waters said with a smile, "Perhaps you should try to snatch it from them?"

The Land of Many Waters was silent for a moment.

Red Dragon completely removed the long saber from his waist and inserted it into the mirrored surface of the water.

"Teacher,"

He said softly, "I only want to become a 'crown-bearer', I only want to become... the next you."

This "teacher" had never been called out in front of anyone.

The divine envoys of the Source Tower of past generations would only address Celestial Waters as "Master."

No one knew.

Master Celestial Waters had taken in such a disciple.

"Millions of people want to ascend to the God Seat,"

Celestial Waters coughed in a muffled voice, and then asked with a smile, "Since you have the ability to ascend to the top, why be that 'crown-bearer' who is obscured by the many lights... No one will remember the crown-bearer..."

"I will remember, that's enough."

Red Dragon slowly came to his teacher's side.

He also sat down, holding the long saber across his knees. Red Dragon lowered his head, unable to look at the figure who, after everyone left, was no longer upright and young.

He said in a low voice, "You should know why I want to be a crown-bearer."

He lowered his head and did not want to look, but in the end he still saw it... The mirrored surface completely reflected the "aging" Master Celestial Waters. No one could resist aging, not even the God Seat, so how could mortals do it?

Celestial Waters had accompanied the Sky God Seat for long enough.

For the remaining half of the journey.

A new "crown-bearer" was needed beside the throne.

"...Cough cough cough."

Master Celestial Waters squeezed out a smile amidst violent coughing, "If after my death, you truly and sincerely take over the 'crown-bearer' position as my 'mantle', then this life of mine can be considered fulfilled and without regrets."

"..."

Red Dragon was silent.

"The 'transcendent awakening' in Sangzhou Cave has already been completed by 90%..."

Celestial Waters stretched out a palm and pressed it hard on his disciple's shoulder.

"You need to cover the final link of the [Deep Sea], to ensure that all creatures in the entire area complete the 'awakening'..." He said in a deep voice, "This is the most important step in the plan."

"...Okay."

Red Dragon nodded in agreement.

Immediately afterwards, he murmured in confusion, "But what does the 'transcendent awakening' in Sangzhou Cave... have to do with the selection of the 'Wine Seed of Fire'?"

"Over the years... the God Seat's biggest regret has been not making good use of the 'Wine Seed of Fire'."

Celestial Waters lowered his voice and sighed softly, "If the power of this Seed of Fire is used properly, it can create a behemoth no less than the 'Church of Light'."

The Wine Seed of Fire, the Seed of Fire with the strongest spiritual appeal!

It was a pity that the previous master, after "becoming a god," did not make good use of the power of the Seed of Fire, and was frightened by nightmares because he coveted "Gu Changzhi," and died without achieving much... But even so, during the years when he held the Seed of Fire, Di Jiu still completed a considerable achievement: He had many apostles under his command, who not only helped Upper City complete many dirty jobs, but also cleaned up the entire Church of Light and Church of the Storm in the Central Continent!

These two major churches had roots in the Northern Continent and Eastern Continent.

But only in the Central Continent, they were almost invisible.

"All along, the God Seat has needed to select from 'ready-made' people..."

"The Dream of the Seed of Fire, the Deep Sea Trial, by the time they walk to the 'Seed of Fire' and are qualified to try to grasp it, the transcendents are no longer so pure." Celestial Waters' voice was hoarse, "But if there is a 'chosen one' who awakens 'transcendence' just at the beginning of their life, and obtains the 'Seed of Fire' recognition in advance..."

Red Dragon's pupils suddenly contracted.

He realized what his teacher was saying meant...

This might be the reason why Upper City was desperately promoting the "Awakening Act." In the face of absolute numbers, no matter how small the probability, there was a chance of it appearing, and once such a "chosen one" appeared.

"If there are enough awakenings, then it is the 'Seed of Fire' choosing the transcendent, rather than the transcendent choosing the 'Seed of Fire'. Once the fusion is completed, the power that can erupt..."

Master Celestial Waters' voice stopped abruptly.

After a long time, he asked, "Now... do you understand?"

Red Dragon took a deep breath.

This was the true meaning of what his teacher had said before, that a new master of the "Wine Seed of Fire" would appear in Sangzhou Cave... The reason why Upper City had not given the four divine envoys a divine decree all these years, allowing them to try to merge with the "Dream of the Seed of Fire," was because Celestial Waters had long been eyeing "Sangzhou Cave."

And this time, what the Source Tower was pursuing was the ultimate of the "Wine Seed of Fire."

"They... are the last backups. If no 'suitable candidate' is found, then we can only find the next 'Di Jiu' among them."

Celestial Waters smiled.

He didn't say the second half, but Red Dragon knew.

If it was found.

Then the divine envoys... either become apostles, or become pawns.

In short, in the "Wine Seed of Fire" plan, they were not important, never important.

"You are different from them. You have more talent than them, but you aspire to become a 'crown-bearer'..."

"As long as you don't want to be a chess player, then you are always the most useful chess piece."

Master Celestial Waters patted his disciple's shoulder.

His eyes were full of love and care, and he said softly, "This time in Sangzhou Cave... there is another task for you. Remember this person's file."

A mental image was transmitted into Red Dragon's mind.

It was a thin, white-clothed youth.

After some explanation.

Celestial Waters said with a smile, "Be careful... this is an S-rank from the Eastern Continent."

Red Dragon silently recorded this face.

He stood up, did not look back, and left.

This time.

The Land of Many Waters truly returned to tranquility, the stars dimmed, and the water did not stir.

Celestial Waters no longer sat cross-legged, but slowly lay back.

He looked up through his mask.

……

……

The top floor of the Source Tower.

Clouds and mists swirled, and the red-robed God Seat idly tapped chess pieces, causing sparks to fall like flowers. Opposite him was a chess player formed from clouds and mists, without a physical body. Although it was ethereal, every move was extremely precise.

In a moment of boredom.

The red-robed God Seat glanced at the mist-covered mirror beside him... Countless mirrors floated in the mist at the top of the Source Tower.

And one of the mirrors, reflected the "Land of Many Waters."

The crown-bearer and the God Seat, separated by countless illusions, looked at each other.