Chapter 1997 - 1037 - 1045

Chapter 1037: Devouring the Almighty Beast World

Aruba had not gotten very far when Merlin caught up to him.

"Merlin, why did you come?"

Upon seeing Merlin, a delighted expression shone on Aruba's face. After all, Merlin was brought to the Central Region Controllers Alliance by Aruba personally and also originated from Ruba Region. They shared the closest bond between them.

Merlin shook his head and exhaled slowly. "Aruba, even if you want to complete the mission, you don't have to rush."

Until now, Merlin still did not understand why Aruba was so impatient and even acted somewhat reckless in finding trouble with Naya.

Seemingly reading Merlin's thoughts, Aruba explained calmly, "Among the two people killed by Naya, one of them had once saved my life. If not for him, I would've died a long time ago."

It turned out to be such. It was not surprising that Aruba's reaction was different compared to the other three Free Beings and was unable to stay calm.

"Merlin, you don't have to come."

"Haha, both of us are a Free Being and a Controller who came from the same region. You and I are now like blood brothers. There's no longer any concept of you or me."

Merlin gradually learned of the close connection between Free Beings and Controllers from the same region. Their bond was almost like father and son or brothers. They were interconnected with each other.

After all, most of the Latitude Regions could only give birth to a Free Being or a Controller. Giving birth to two was honestly unheard of. Therefore, having two Free Beings or Controllers was considered extremely precious.

"Very well, let's go now."

However, Merlin shook his head. With a glint in his eye, he said, "Before that, I want to go somewhere!"

Aruba was filled with incomprehension but seeing the determination in Merlin's eyes, he could only agree. Hence, both of them flew at maximum speed toward Ruba Region.

Both their flying speeds were very fast especially Merlin, due to the number of Latitude Cosmoses he had devoured. Therefore, the Illusory World was now a true Minor Cosmos. Naturally, mobilizing the power of a Minor Cosmos, Merlin was faster than Aruba.

Aruba was also astonished. He knew that Merlin must have received some benefits in the Central Region Controllers Alliance but since Merlin did not elaborate, he did not ask further.

So, after a while, Merlin and Aruba finally arrived at Ruba Region. At this point, Aruba finally could not help but ask, "Brother Merlin, why did you return to Ruba Region?"

"To look for a Latitude Cosmos!"

Although Ruba Region was quite vast, Merlin had already recognized some parts. Thus, he found the Almighty Beast World quickly. Currently, the Almighty Beast World was still the same as it was before. There was nothing special about it. Even Aruba could not tell that this was a desolate world that would soon collapse.

From the outside, neither a Free Being nor a Controller could see if the world's will existed. It could be investigated only by wading deep into the Latitude Cosmos.

The Almighty Beast World did not seem incomplete. However, Merlin knew that this was a Latitude Cosmos without any will, which was the Controllers' favorite type of world.

Controllers could easily devour a Latitude Cosmos like this. Previously, Merlin did now know that he could integrate the Almighty Beast World into his Illusory World. However, it was still not too late. The reason Merlin came was to integrate the Almighty Beast World in the Illusory World.

"Brother Merlin, are you going to devour this Latitude Cosmos?"

Watching Merlin's actions, Aruba had a vague idea of what Merlin wanted to do. Merlin wanted to devour this Latitude Cosmos. Nonetheless, despite being a Free Being, Aruba knew that for a Controller to devour a Latitude Cosmos, it must be an incomplete Latitude Cosmos.

On the other hand, this Almighty Beast World was a complete world. How could Merlin devour it?

However, Merlin appeared confident. He did not explain further, but said, "Aruba, take a few steps back. I'm going to devour this Latitude Cosmos now!"

Although Aruba was still perplexed, he listened to Merlin and stayed away from the Almighty Beast World.

Once Merlin saw that Aruba had gone a distance away, he took a deep breath and looked at the Almighty Beast World with a complicated gaze. Regardless, he wielded the Illusory World.

"Boom."

The Illusory World descended. An incomparably huge power unfurled, much bigger than any of the Latitude Cosmos in the vicinity.

"What… Such an enormous world!"

Even Aruba, who had retreated far away, could feel the unparalleled pressure. Especially when he saw Merlin's world, Aruba's jaws dropped. Such an enormous world was comparable to a Minor Cosmos. Before Merlin went to the Central Region Minor Cosmos, his abilities were certainly not so powerful.

Aruba wondered what happened to Merlin in the Central Region Controllers Alliance.

The unequaled Illusory World descended and immediately wrapped around the Almighty Beast World. Based on the current size of the Illusory World, the Almighty Beast World was naught but a speck.

Nevertheless, integrating the Almighty Beast World was slightly troublesome. If this was an unknown Latitude Cosmos, Merlin could save himself the trouble and simply crush it. That method would allow it to integrate into the Illusory World swiftly.

However, the Almighty Beast World had people whom Merlin knew. Thus, he could only employ the slowest method, which was using the power of the natural order to slowly and gradually integrate the Almighty Beast World.

This method was indeed the slowest but the damage to the Latitude Cosmos was the least. Even then, Merlin could sense the earth-shattering changes in the Almighty Beast World.

Merlin simply tried to protect the Holy Dragon Empire as much as he could. As for the other places, he could not care less.

Time ticked by. Soon, a month had passed. Merlin's Illusory World shook slightly. Then, amid the dark universe, a huge planet appeared.

The Almighty Beast civilization did not perish but reappeared in Merlin's Illusory World and melded into one. Presently, Merlin's Illusory World contained all kinds of civilization, almost too many to count. This was another uniqueness of Merlin's Illusory World. He had constructed the Illusory World based on the natural order of the universe from his past life.

Of course, the Illusory World was very vast. Therefore, the chances of different civilizations bumping into one another were extremely unlikely. Unless, one day, a super civilization was born and was able to explore the Illusory World. Perhaps, then, they would encounter other civilizations.

However, for such a civilization to be born or developed, it would take a very long time. Perhaps hundreds of thousands of latitude years or perhaps even longer.

After devouring the Almighty Beast World, Merlin's Illusory World expanded greatly. Following the expansion of the Illusory World, the unique trait of "Creators" began to manifest. The Illusory World continued to expand without devouring anything.

Naturally, the speed of such an expansion was much faster than devouring a Latitude Cosmos.

"Swish."

As soon as Merlin retracted the Illusory World, Aruba flew rapidly toward him. Aruba looked at the spot where the Almighty Beast World was. It was now empty. Aruba almost could not believe his eyes.

"Merlin, you're probably the Absolute Being of a Minor Cosmos now, right?"

Earlier, Aruba had sensed that Merlin's Illusory World had become a Minor Cosmos. It was no longer comparable to an ordinary Latitude Cosmos.

Merlin smiled. "It's all thanks to Sir Tyron for rewarding me with some incomplete Latitude Cosmoses that I managed to grow the Illusory World into a Minor Cosmos. However, compared to Naya, I'm still far behind."

Merlin was also telling the truth. While his Illusory World now qualified as a Minor Cosmos, it was at most equivalent to sixteen Latitude Cosmoses. Meanwhile, Naya's was comparable to thirty-six Latitude Cosmos.

Between the Minor Cosmos, there were also size disparities. Considering Naya's countless years of accumulation, his world was of course, more powerful than Merlin's.

Aruba shook his head and said, "Naya has become a Controller for goodness knows how many latitude years. How can you compare to him? Look, your current abilities are already much stronger than mine. I remember when I was still in the Void Zone, you were just a weak little chap. I didn't expect that you've grown to such a degree."

Aruba felt amazed thinking of Merlin's appearance back in the Void Zone.

"Anyway, let's go to Polo Latitude Region."

After Merlin had integrated the Almighty Beast World, he and Aruba departed from Ruba region and flew toward the Polo Latitude Region.

Chapter 1038: Bluewater World

The distances between Latitude Regions were extremely far. For some of the further Latitude Regions, flying for thousands or tens of thousands of years was not considered uncommon.

The distance between Ruba Region and Polo Region was not considered far. Perhaps, it could even be considered near. It only took one or two years to fly there.

Merlin and Aruba almost did not stop along the way and soon arrived at Polo Region. This Latitude Region looked very mesmerizing. Every single Latitude Cosmos exuded astonishing power.

Latitude Cosmos also differed with one another in terms of strength. For example, the Almighty Beast World was much weaker than the Void Zone but the Void Zone was considered negligible among the countless Latitude Cosmos.

The Latitude Cosmos in Polo Latitude Region was mostly similar to the Void Zone. However, some Latitude Cosmoses were far more powerful than the Void Zone. Just their auras alone astonished Merlin.

Merlin's Illusory World was undoubtedly a Minor Cosmos by now. It was the size of sixteen ordinary Latitude Cosmoses. In Polo Region, it was impossible to find such an enormous Latitude Cosmos.

"The Polo Region used to be a very prosperous Latitude Region. If not for Sir Tyron's watch over the Polo Region, I'm afraid this place would've descended into chaos a long time ago."

Aruba remarked sadly.

"Right, we better look for Bluewater World soon. Perhaps Naya has already achieved some progress in Bluewater World." This mission was to enable a person in Bluewater World to successfully become a Free Being. It was not an easy task but they must not allow Naya to continue occupying the upper hand. Otherwise, their presence would be meaningless.

"Okay, Bluewater World is very easy to find. It's the biggest Latitude Cosmos in Polo Region!"

Aruba searched for the Latitude Cosmos with familiar ease. Hence, both of them began to search along the way. After about half a month, they finally saw an incomparably large and radiant Latitude Cosmos amid the black void.

This Latitude Cosmos was about two to three times the size of the Void Zone back then. It was a true giant. On its surface was a faint bluish glow.

"This Latitude Cosmos is almost entirely made up of the sea. There's only a small landmass that's why it's called Bluewater World. Let's go, this Latitude Cosmos is Bluewater World."

Aruba said with certainty. Thus, Merlin did not hesitate. Together with Aruba, he flew into the enormous Latitude Cosmos.

"Hum."

The moment they flew into this Latitude Cosmos, Merlin felt a massive pressure surging toward him from every direction as though crushing him. Even the Illusory World in his body was almost exposed.

However, Aruba had previously reminded Merlin that upon entering a Latitude Cosmos, he must stay relaxed and not put up any resistance. Otherwise, the formidable power of the Illusory World would easily destroy this Latitude Cosmos.

Merlin was not the only one under pressure. Aruba also had to withstand the same pressure. However, Aruba was a Latitude Traveler who had stayed in countless Latitude Cosmoses, so he had plenty of experience. Even if the entire Latitude Cosmos tried to crush him, as a Free Being, his strength was exceptionally immense. He was able to escape the bondage of a Latitude Cosmos alive. What then was this smidgen of pressure?

Both Merlin and Aruba did not struggle. Therefore, after a while, the Latitude Cosmos felt that it was completely unable to defeat Merlin and Aruba. In that case, it would not waste its strength. It retracted its powers and Merlin and Aruba no longer felt the suppressive pressure.

Although the suppressive pressure had subsided, this Latitude Cosmos' will was still watching Merlin and Aruba closely. Both Aruba and Merlin were considered to be invaders. Although it could not defeat them, it could still monitor their every move. If they were to attack the Latitude Cosmos, then it would attack them at all costs.

Seeing that Merlin was somewhat uncomfortable, Aruba appeared very good-natured. He grinned. "Brother Merlin, do you feel a little uncomfortable? Haha, it's annoying to be watched constantly, right? Back when I first entered other Latitude Cosmos, it was the same as I would be watched at all times. However, this is the nature of a Latitude Cosmos. Any Latitude Cosmos with a will would respond the same way. When I entered the Void Zone, I was also watched closely in this manner. As long as you don't cause any major harm to this world or its essence, even if you stir-up some conflict, the Latitude Cosmos' will won't do anything to you."

Aruba was very experienced regarding Latitude Cosmos' will. The Latitude Cosmos' will was merely an instinct. It knew that Merlin and Aruba were dangerous intruders but it also knew that they were very powerful.

The Latitude Cosmos' instincts would pay close attention but not act recklessly. As long as Merlin and Aruba did not cause any problems that could threaten the Latitude Cosmos, the Latitude Cosmos' will would not deal with the "invaders".

Merlin nodded and temporarily ignored the discomfort. He looked around this Latitude Cosmos. Currently, they were standing above a large sea. Everywhere he looked was the sea. There was not a single piece of land, not even a small island.

"I guess it's Bluewater World. Everywhere is made up of the sea."

Aruba sighed.

"We can rip space apart and travel via subspace."

Merlin looked out at the vast sea which stretched endlessly. It looked very big and unending.

"Rip space apart? Although space is quite solid, we can certainly rip through it easily. Nonetheless, tearing up space might cause a misunderstanding with the will of this world. If it tries to get rid of us, then it won't be worth it. We should fly toward the landmass slowly."

Aruba explained in detail, the aspects to be observed in a Latitude Cosmos. After all, they did not intend to destroy this Latitude Cosmos but merely to help a contender become a Free Being. Hence, they must not trigger any "misunderstanding" between them and the world's will.

Merlin nodded in agreement. Together with Aruba, he flew swiftly. Fortunately, both of them were supreme existences who had surpassed a Latitude Cosmos, so their speeds were inconceivably fast. All in all, it was just a little slower than traveling via subspace.

The two of them began to see some islands. As time went on, more islands appeared, which was a sign that they were getting close to land.

"Look, there's a huge landmass in front. It looks like we're almost there."

The landmass was indeed huge. Similarly, it seemed to stretch endlessly. If there was a person who could become a Free Being, he or she must be on this landmass.

As they got nearer, people began to appear on the landmass. There were also some ships at sea, enduring the huge waves as it slowly steered forward.

Among them, there was a large ship that was being bombarded by the huge waves. It seemed like it would sink at any time.

Aruba had an idea. He looked at the large ship and said, "Brother Merlin, for us to find the contender who might become a Free Being, we must forge a new identity. Remember, the most important thing for a Latitude Traveler is to be completely assimilated into this Latitude Cosmos and become a part of it."

Merlin looked at the large ship and faintly understood Aruba's meaning. He smiled. "This ship then. I understand!"

Once he finished speaking, massive gales began to blow and huge waves appeared in the surrounding sea. No one noticed that, behind the massive gale, two figures dove quickly into the deep sea…

Chapter 1039: New Identities

"Lady Andelin, the waves are too choppy. You should return to the cabin first. I'm afraid you might be swept into the sea by the waves."

On a large ship, many people were regarding the storm with worried expressions. Faced with such a huge storm, no matter how sturdy a ship, it could still be overturned.

"I won't leave. I'll stay watch right here. This batch of cargo is extremely important to us. There mustn't be any problems."

A beautiful lady in a white dress was currently biting her lip with a determined plastered across her face. Although there was a tinge of fear in her eyes at the massive storm, yet she had no choice. The cargo on this ship was too important. Without them, her clan would be finished and forever would not recover.

"Lady Andelin, as long as the ship doesn't sink, we'll do our best to protect the cargo. God bless us, please let the storm subside…"

The old captain looked at the port ahead. Although it was not too far away, due to this storm, the distance seemed to stretch for an eternity. He was worried to never to arrive at their destination. Perhaps, if the storm was any worse, they would all be buried at sea.

This was the power of nature that none of them could resist.

"Boom."

Suddenly, huge waves slammed against the board. Subsequently, the storm subsided. The sea, which at first seemed like the end of the world judging by the vicious gale, calmed in an instant. The wind and the water stood still, not a ripple in place.

"This… The storm has stopped. Lady Andelin, we're safe."

The crew was very excited. They had been afraid during the storm, scared that they would be swept into the sea and die without a proper burial.

A tiny smile appeared on Lady Andelin's beautiful countenance. The arduous task of trafficking this cargo had finally succeeded.

"Very well, return to Lipa City immediately."

With Lady Andelin's order, the large ship started and steered toward the port in a distance.

"Captain, Lady Andelin, we found two people in the sea."

Shocked, Lady Andelin looked down abruptly. There were indeed two people struggling in the sea. They seemed to be dying. If they were not rescued, they would die.

"Maybe they were swept into the sea during the storm or lucky survivors of a shipwreck. What do we do?"

"Save them, save both of them, hurry!"

Of course, Lady Andelin would not leave them to die, so she immediately ordered her men to rescue the two men. Many of them threw ropes at the two men and proceeded to pull them onto the ship.

"Plop."

Upon being rescued, the two men plopped onto the ship, looking like they had just escaped a close brush with death.

After a long time, both of them were well-rested, so they slowly stood up and looked at the beautiful lady. They said softly, "We're very grateful to the beautiful Lady Andelin for saving our lives. Otherwise, we would've died at sea."

"Oh? What are your names and where did you fall from?"

"I'm Merlin and this is Aruba. Our ship has sunk. At first, we had a raft to float on the sea but unexpectedly, there was a huge storm and we were swept here."

These two people were none other than Merlin and Aruba. The first thing they had to do in an unfamiliar Latitude Cosmos was to create a reasonable identity and assimilate into this world. This was the experience that Aruba had accumulated after visiting countless Latitude Cosmoses.

"I'm sorry to hear that. You don't have to worry. We'll soon reach Lipa City. Then, you can go to Lipa City."

"Thank you, beautiful lady."

With that, Merlin and Aruba had seamlessly assimilated into this world as two sailors who had fallen into the sea but luckily survived.

The two of them had a hot bath and were given clean clothes. They even stayed in a room in the cabin.

In the room, the two did not continue to pretend. Between the two of them, they were able to employ protective measures to prevent outsiders from hearing them.

"Brother Merlin, have you discovered anything yet? This world doesn't seem to have a particularly powerful existence."

Aruba said with a frown. He already looked around the ship but there was no one with very powerful abilities. All of them were ordinary people.

How could such a world give birth to a Free Being?

"Perhaps there's no powerful person on this ship. We'll go ashore and check."

Merlin, on the other hand, was not concerned. Back when he first arrived at Blackwater City, he was also surrounded by Normies. Even a Spell Caster like Old Man Etha was considered mysterious and rare.

This world was probably similar. Those who held mysterious and powerful abilities were hidden, so it was not easy to encounter them.

"Alright, we'll search ashore and see."

Aruba was used to spending thousands of years in a Latitude Cosmos. For him, this was a familiar process.

After some discussion, they left the cabin and began to talk to the crew members. All of the crew members were very talkative so Merlin was able to find out many things effortlessly.

Firstly, this world contained individuals with supernatural powers. However, this type of individuals were painfully rare. Ordinary people would not meet them. Coincidentally, Lady Andelin's fiancé had a friend with such supernatural power, so all of them had seen one.

Upon mentioning this supernatural power, all the men were excited and the floodgates opened. However, there was not a lot of useful information.

"It looks like we should follow Lady Andelin."

Merlin and Aruba exchanged a glance. They would become Andelin's subordinates and slowly approach this person with supernatural power.

Soon, the large ship docked. Several carriages were already waiting at the port. The numerous boxes of cargo were immediately loaded into the carriages by the ship's crew.

This batch of cargo was Lady Andelin's lifeline so there could not be any errors.

"Both of you, this is Lipa City. This is a port city and businesses are highly prosperous. Here, it should be very easy for you to find a job. Then, you can slowly find your way back home…"

Besides docking at Lipa City, Lady Andelin's cargo still had to travel to another city.

Merlin and Aruba looked at one another. They had already decided. Hence, Merlin stepped forward and said, "Lady Andelin, as a show of gratitude for saving us, we're willing to help escort your shipment."

"My shipment? I already have so many guards…"

Before she could finish speaking, Merlin shook his head. "If there's any danger, they may not be able to ensure your safety but we can!"

Following that, Merlin unleashed a bit of power. Suddenly, without anyone realizing, Lady Andelin felt like her entire body was tied up. She could not move a muscle.

Momentarily, a shocked expression dawned on Lady Andelin's face. She opened her mouth but could not say anything.

Mysterious power… This was true mysterious power. Lady Andelin had met some of the supernatural individuals with mysterious powers but they were very difficult to find. Unpredictably, the two men whom she happened to rescue at sea were one of these mysterious individuals with supernatural powers.

Thinking of this, Lady Andelin of course nodded. "Thank you for your kind offer. Alright, you may become the deputy commanders of my guards and escort this shipment to Qatar City."

"Thank you for your generosity!"

With that, Merlin and Aruba became the deputy commanders of Lady Andelin's guards and began to escort the important shipment from Lipa City to Qatar City.

Chapter 1040: The Number One Person in this World!

On their journey, Merlin and Aruba were asking about people with supernatural powers. Nonetheless, it was a shame that besides Lady Andelin, no one else knew anything.

As for Lady Andelin, she did not elaborate much and seemed unwilling to talk about it.

"Lady Andelin, to tell the truth, we wish to look for people who have extraordinary strength like us."

Merlin might as well come clean with Lady Andelin. Both of them had displayed their greatest powers and were mistaken by Lady Andelin to be contenders with supernatural powers.

Andelin hesitated slightly before finally nodded. "After returning to Qatar City, I'll invite Sir Ogman. At that point, you can discuss this with Sir Ogman."

Sir Ogman that Lady Andelin spoke off was her fiancé's friend, who was also a contender with supernatural powers.

Merlin and Aruba nodded. Thus, they escort this batch of goods without worry.

Lipa City was a good distance away from Qatar City, so they walked for a week before finally reaching Qatar City. Qatar City appeared much smaller and less prosperous than Lipa City. Even so, the influence of Lady Andelin's clan in Qatar City should be second to none. Having returned to Qatar City, they no longer had to worry.

Lady Andelin had made arrangements for Merlin and Aruba then said to them, "Please wait a moment. I'll inform Rogge so that he'll bring Sir Ogman to meet you two. It'll take around a few days."

Merlin nodded. Lady Andelin's fiancé was surely not in Qatar City. Waiting for a few days was nothing to them.

"Alright, we'll wait here for a few days."

After Lady Andelin left, Merlin and Aruba immediately began their discussion.

"Aruba, we've come to the era of Bluewater World. We're very late. Naya is certainly one step ahead of us. If he finds someone who might become a Free Being, there'd be trouble."

Merlin was somewhat worried.

Aruba was silent for a moment before saying, "So what if he does? It's not that easy to become a Free Being. At the very least, it'll take decades. At most, more than a millennium. There's plenty of time, so we don't have to panic."

Merlin nodded. They had scanned their surroundings upon entering Qatar City but did not discover anyone with supernatural powers. Everyone was ordinary.

It looked like in Bluewater World, there was only a pitiful number of those with supernatural powers.

"We'll wait then."

Now, they had no other way but to wait. Otherwise, even if both of them could easily annihilate this world, trying to find someone who could become a Free Being was exceedingly difficult.

…

"Lady Andelin, what's up with the two of them?"

In a hidden room, an old man asked in a troubled tone. He had always felt rather anxious toward the two mysterious men Lady Andelin had rescued this time.

Lady Andelin thought about it for a moment before saying calmly, "They only wish to look for people with supernatural powers. We don't have to pay them any mind. When Sir Ogman arrives after a few days, it'll naturally be resolved."

At the thought of Sir Ogman's mystical strength, an expression of ease blossomed over the old man's face. He had great faith in Ogman.

"I'll inform Sir Ogman."

With that, Lady Andelin immediately sent someone who swiftly left Qatar City.

…

Time passed by in a flash. Merlin and Aruba had waited in Qatar City for a few days. They had been closely monitoring the changes in Qatar City but did not notice anyone special with supernatural powers.

"Honorable sirs, Lady Andelin invites you to the living room."

Suddenly, a guard came to their residence and passed on this invitation to Merlin and Aruba.

"Has he arrived?"

Merlin and Aruba exchanged a glance, noticing the delight in each other's eyes. Therefore, they stood up at once and went to the living room with the guard leading the way.

As soon as they entered, they directed their gaze at an incomparably handsome man with short, golden hair.

This youthful, good-looking man seemed to exude a "sunny" aura, causing one to feel intimate and warm. This was a very natural feeling.

Nevertheless, only Merlin and Aruba distinctly perceived that in his body, there was vaguely a mystical power that was constantly emitting traces of energy.

"Someone with supernatural powers!'

They exchanged a glance. At last, they had met someone in this world with supernatural powers. Moreover, being a Free Being and a Controller themselves, naturally, they could tell with a glance that the supernatural powers possessed by the other party originated from the massive strength in his body. This strength was closely linked to this world's will for it was a supernatural power born in this world.

It was like when Merlin was a Spell Caster, he was closely bound to the Void Zone.

After seeing Merlin and Aruba, Lady Andelin introduced hurriedly, "This is Sir Ogman."

There was another man in noble clothes beside Sir Ogman. However, Merlin and Aruba had disregarded him right away and he appeared somewhat resentful.

Later, they gradually learned that this nobleman was Baron Rogge, Lady Andelin's fiancé, and Ogman's friend.

"Swoosh."

Ogman's gaze fixed firmly upon Merlin and Aruba as well. He felt that these two people were suffused with endless mystery. They look as if they did not have a powerful presence but like an abyss, one would not dare to go near them.

"You two are…?"

"Merlin."

"Aruba."

Merlin and Aruba spoke bluntly. As long as they found someone with supernatural powers, their job was easier.

"I've heard from Lady Andelin that you two are looking for me? What's the matter?"

Ogman sensed that Merlin and Aruba were not simple so he asked directly.

Merlin merely smiled. "We just want to know – among everyone you know, who's the strongest?"

"The strongest?"

Ogman sized up Merlin with a puzzled look and answered curiously, "Who wouldn't know? The number one person in this world is the Sanctuary Contender Moorta. Rumor has it that he has gained enlightenment about the Sanctuary. Each ofo his movement contains momentous might. No one is a match for him."

"Moorta?"

The eyes of Merlin and Aruba brightened. This number one person in this world was very possibly the contender who might become a Free Being, whom Sir Tyron had mentioned.

Most of those who wished to become a Free Being of a Latitude Cosmos were generally the foremost contenders in their world. Only a foremost contender had the most chance of becoming a Free Being.

"In this case, we'll have to look up this Moorta. Perhaps Naya is one step ahead of us but we should still be in time. It's not too late…"

Merlin and Aruba immediately made their decision. They would look for Moorta.

"However…"

Ogman seemed somewhat hesitant and rather uncertain.

"However what? Ogman, say whatever you have to say."

Merlin noticed Ogman's hesitant manner and asked in a low voice.

Ogman was momentarily silent before he finally took a deep breath. "However, the latest rumor claimed that someone had challenged Moorta three times. Though this person had failed, they still kept coming back and did not die. Someone who can escape with their lives from Moorta's hand mustn't be that simple, let alone escaping three times."

"Oh? There's someone like this?"

Merlin and Aruba exchanged a glance. Initially, they wanted to look up Moorta directly but they could not guarantee that he would become a Free Being.

Now that a mysterious person who had challenged Moorta was mentioned, things became more complicated.

"Where's Moorta?"

"Sky-piercing City!"

Merlin and Aruba decided to visit Sky-piercing City first to meet Moorta. They would see if he had the potential to become a Free Being. More importantly, they had to determine where Naya was.

Chapter 1041: Sky-piercing City!

The night was as dark as a deep lake. Although Merlin and Aruba had decided to go to Sky-piercing City, they had to wait until tomorrow to start their journey.

Ogman now stood before Merlin and Aruba. He had an intuition that both of them had great powers, far surpassing any contenders he had seen, so he had purposely come to them for guidance.

It just so happened that Merlin and Aruba could take this opportunity as a pretext to thoroughly understand this world's power system. Having this comprehensive understanding would allow them to aid the people here in breaking free from this Latitude Cosmos.

"How do you usually improve your strength?"

Merlin asked Ogman calmly.

Ogman smiled. "It's simple. I focus my thoughts and visualize the scorching sun in the sky. Then, wisps of blazing energy would slowly appear in my body, following which this power is merged into the Sun Seed, causing it to grow and flourish unceasingly. I heard that once one had reached the level of a Sanctuary Contender, the Power Seed in their bodies is practically as powerful as the actual thing they visualize."

It turned out that this was the supernatural power possessed by the people of Bluewater World. They slowly absorbed the energy of this world's sun or other celestial bodies.

Bluewater World had many overpowering celestial bodies, which together formed a Latitude Cosmos. By relying upon the absorption of the celestial bodies' power, the people here gradually strengthened themselves.

Therefore, this process was inextricably linked to the entire Latitude Cosmos. Trying to break free would be immensely difficult.

"Haha, Brother Merlin, which journey to become a Free Being was smooth sailing? If there were no mishaps, no one would successfully become a Free Being. Back when I became a Free Being, it was also due to some accident. This time, we came to Bluewater World to look for a Free Being, so we're the greatest variable. Otherwise, if this mission was easy, it won't possibly have such rich rewards."

Merlin nodded. Both of them were talking among themselves secretly and Ogman did not know what they were saying.

"I'm afraid that tomorrow we'll have to trouble you to bring us on a trip to Sky-piercing City."

Merlin calmly said to Ogman.

"This… Sky-piercing City is too far."

Ogman was somewhat unwilling. After all, Sky-piercing City was too distant from Qatar City. The journey would take an unknown amount of time.

"Naturally, this won't be a fruitless errand for you."

A smirk tugged at Merlin's lips. Thereafter, he stretched out one hand, exuding an invisible force. Although he did not unleash the Illusory World, he could still affect Bluewater World.

"Hum hum hum."

The air seemed to vibrate. Strands of scorching energy swiftly gathered in Merlin's hand in a growing amount. Ogman was incomparably shocked.

"Go!'

After Merlin spoke, this blazing energy instantly flew toward Ogman and entered his body. At the same time, Ogman felt the Power Seed in his body expanding at a rapid pace. This pace of progress was something he had not even dreamed of for it was inconceivable.

One time, two times, three times… Five times!

His Power Seed had expanded five times in a short instant. Moreover, nothing was compromised and his foundation even grew sturdier. He waved his hand and could sense the abundant energy in his body that seemed inexhaustible.

A change like this truly caused Ogman to feel as if he was in a dream. He found it difficult to imagine that Merlin's single wave could increase his capability five times over.

"So?"

Merlin narrowed his eyes and asked.

"Very well… I'll bring both of you to Sky-piercing City."

Ogman did not hesitate at all and immediately agreed.

Merlin and Aruba did not hesitate too. They left immediately, hurrying toward Sky-piercing City. On their way, both of them constantly learned more about Moorta from Ogman.

Moorta was known as a legend and was the only Sanctuary Contender in this entire world. He could practically be called the only "god" of this world.

Merlin and Aruba's expressions grew more solemn. Ever since they understood that fact, it seemed like Moorta was truly the person most likely to become a Free Being in Bluewater World.

"It looks like we must hurry even more. Otherwise, Naya might already have influenced Moorta significantly."

Currently, they could nearly confirm that Naya was surely near Moorta.

The distance between Qatar City and Sky-piercing City was far indeed. Merlin and Aruba used a full month to reach Sky-piercing City. Of course, one of the main reasons for this was that Ogman was too slow.

In this period, Merlin had even constantly helped Ogman to replenish his strength. Throughout their journey, Ogman had reaped many benefits, so he was endlessly delighted.

"Sky-piercing City should be up ahead."

Merlin followed Ogman's gaze and saw that there was a city in the distant sky. Nonetheless, it was built high up in the clouds. From a distance, it looked like a city in the air and appeared very mystical.

A trick like this was not even worth mentioning to Merlin and Aruba but for someone in a Latitude Cosmos to have such an ability was not too shabby. This Sky-piercing City was constructed by Moorta, which showed that his capability had reached an unimaginable stage.

"I'm afraid I can't get into Sky-piercing City."

Ogman shook his head. A low-level contender like him could not enter Sky-piercing City at all. Only those high-end contenders could go in. Ogman could not even fly through thin air. Otherwise, their journey would not have taken such a long time.

"Alright, since we've reached Sky-piercing City, you've done your best. This is your reward."

Merlin once again gathered a tremendous amount of the sun's energy and directly boosted Ogman's Power Seed many times over. This was forcibly stretching Ogman's limits. With his potential, he would never become such a powerful master in his lifetime but with Merlin's forceful boosting, he had already broken past his limits.

Furthermore, in the future, if Ogman was diligent and lucky, he could even go one step further and reach unlimited potential.

"Haha, thank you, honorable sirs!"

Ogman was wild with joy as his respectful gaze followed Merlin and Aruba who rose up in the sky, flying toward Sky-piercing City.

Sky-piercing City was shrouded in a layer of cloud. From a distance, it looked very hazy but once they got nearer, they exchanged a glance, both sensing the seriousness in the other's expression.

It turned out that above Sky-piercing City, they had already detected the intense will of Bluewater World. This indicated that Moorta might already be in contact with the world's will. If his strength was further increased and his opportunity arose, he might break free from the restriction of the world's will and become a Free Being.

"It's Moorta! We must hurry up and immediately go and see him."

A grave look came over Merlin's face.

"Swoosh swoosh."

Both of them swiftly flew into the clouds of Sky-piercing City. As soon as they entered, Merlin and Aruba sensed something different. Around them, the world's will seemed to be observing them at all times, giving them immense pressure.

Of course, this pressure was nothing. After all, they could easily wipe out a Latitude Cosmos. Why would they fear a mere will of the world? This meant that Moorta had contacted the world's will for a long time. His capability was immeasurable and might already be right behind a Free Being.

Sky-piercing City was very spacious and the population was sparse. After all, only those few masters could enter this place.

"Where's Moorta? I'll ask someone at random."

Just as Merlin was about to make his inquiries, two vast, enormous bursts of energy fluctuations spread out in all directions and they even contained a trace of the world's will.

"Could it be Mino challenging Sir Moorta again?"

"Mino had challenged Sir Moorta a few times but Sir Moorta is a Sanctuary Contender, the only one here. How can Mino be a match for him?"

"His previous escapes were all extreme flukes. This time, I'm afraid Mino won't be so lucky."

Merlin and Aruba exchanged a look. Naturally, they had paid attention to all these talks. They immediately thought of that mysterious person Ogman mentioned who had continuously challenged Moorta and escaped unscathed every time.

Now, it appeared that this must be "Mino".

"There's no time to waste. Let's have a look."

Merlin's heart leaped. Now was the best time to observe whether Moorta had the potential to become a Free Being.

Therefore, Aruba and Merlin quickly flew toward the center of those fluctuations. Currently, it was not just Aruba and Merlin. Many contenders who were originally in Sky-piercing City also headed toward the center of the battle.

Soon, Merlin spotted the violent battle fluctuations ahead. Waves of immense sun energy swept out in all directions just like an actual sun and viciously crashed into a thin, frail man.

This man did not look old and his energy fluctuations were very peculiar. They were not from any celestial body but still had an astonishing force.

Nonetheless, compared to the mighty power of the sun, it was lacking by much. There was even an essential gap.

Naturally, Moorta had the upper hand. He was a Sanctuary Contender and his aura could even suppress the world's will. Merlin and Aruba both felt rather incredulous upon seeing a contender like this. This was the final, key stage to becoming a Free Being.

"Naya is right behind Moorta! Indeed, Naya had reached out to Moorta before us. Now, he had already gained Moorta's trust. It'd be very difficult for us to approach Moorta now. Even if we can earn his trust, he's about to take the crucial step. Even if we join in now, after he's become a Free Being, our position in his heart wouldn't match up to Naya by far. Won't it be a waste of effort then?"

Aruba's analysis was very pertinent. If they "joined" Moorta now, they would be suppressed by Naya completely and only waste their efforts. It must be known that this mission was all about the Free Being's own decision. Naya had been by Moorta's side for so long. It was impossible that Merlin and Aruba could easily topple Naya's position by showing up now.

"If we can't select Moorta, who can we pick?"

Merlin mumbled softly. At this point, he was looking at Mino who was bitterly holding on with a determined look. This man had fallen into a complete disadvantage now. The Power Seed in his body was nearly used up.

If he did not have any techniques left, it would be difficult for him to escape death.

"Moorta, I'll come back again."

Mino clenched his jaw. Mysterious fluctuations emerged all around him. They seemed to fit well with the fluctuations of the world's will.

"Whiz."

Mino's figure appeared in thin air. He vanished before everyone's eyes as if he had never appeared.

"He's escaped again? Mino's ability is truly unusual!"

The surrounding people were still gasping in amazement but it seemed that they were no longer unfamiliar with Mino's ability. Mino had escaped using the same trick the past few times.

"Still trying to escape this time?"

Moorta who had remained calm all this while suddenly broke out into an icy smirk.

Chapter 1042: Controller's Potential

Mino disappeared without a trace at once as if he had maintained a frequency similar to the world's will and thus, able to travel through space as he wished or even merge into space.

As for Moorta, a cold smirk came over his lips now. He stretched out one huge hand, compressing the world's will in Sky-piercing City. He was already able to shape the world's will into a form of pressure. This demonstrated his strength. He truly might shatter the natural order and become a Free Being.

"Boom."

Space shattered into fragments and a figure was exposed in a flash. It was Mino.

Mino's expression shifted greatly. He had never expected that under such circumstances, Moorta was able to find him.

"Oh no. Escape!"

Mino's figure flashed once more and he was about to leave but Moorta was already prepared. The space within a range of hundreds of miles was promptly shattered. Mino had nowhere to hide. Moorta's giant hand blocked out the sky as it smashed toward Mino ruthlessly.

"Mino, it's over!"

Moorta revealed an icy smile. He was ultimately the first Sanctuary Contender of this world, the foremost contender. No matter what, Mino was no match for him.

"I still haven't gotten my revenge. I won't die, I surely won't. Moorta, I'll kill you, I'll certainly kill you…"

Mino roared furiously and an apparition appeared before his body. That was his Power Seed. Everyone in this world had a Power Seed.

However, Mino's apparition was not some overbearing celestial body but a gigantic silhouette instead. Upon seeing this massive outline, Merlin's eyes narrowed. Perhaps the people of this world did not know what this outline represented but Merlin knew very well.

"Huh?"

Merlin's eyes flashed with amazement. He had sensed what was special about Mino. However, no matter how special Mino was, under the force of Moorta's absolute strength, he had no way of surviving. He was bound to die.

Merlin and Aruba exchanged a glance. In particular, after seeing Naya behind Moorta, Merlin made a choice and said softly, "Aruba, now we still have a way. It's very risky. Are you up for it?"

Aruba smiled and replied serenely, "Is it to save this Mino? Haha, since you already have a plan, I'll surely support you. So what if it's risky? Even if we fail, we just won't be able to complete our mission. There's no huge loss. At worst, Naya would be more gleeful. However, if we succeed, we'll reap plenty of benefits…"

Aruba's gaze turned toward Mino. This was someone very persistent. It was rather challenging for him to reach where he was. If Merlin lent a helping hand now, Mino would likely never forget it as long as he lived. Moreover, if he became a Free Being, Merlin and Aruba would have made another friend for life.

After a moment of consideration, Merlin and Aruba immediately made their choice to save Mino. They would support Mino instead and no longer side with Moorta.

"Move!"

Merlin cried. Instantly, he condensed a massive palm that covered the entire ground. It viciously smacked into Moorta's palm. Moorta instantly felt an incomparable force as if the world's will was shuddering.

"Who's that?"

Moorta was already a Sanctuary Contender and dared not believe that at this moment, someone still dared to incur his wrath. Thus, he increased his strength. Sky-piercing City seemed to tremble.

"Rumble."

Two gigantic palms collided furiously. Moorta's expression changed greatly. He instantly felt a colossal, unstoppable force striking at him, leaving him with no way to defend.

"Swoosh."

Suddenly, "Teacher Naya" behind him made a move and shielded him. No matter what force was attacking him, it seemed unable to harm "Teacher Naya" at all.

Initially, Moorta was very apprehensive toward Teacher Naya. Now that he had witnessed Teacher Naya wielding such a miraculous technique, there was more to Teacher Naya than what he seemed and was unfathomable. It turned out that in this world, there was still someone stronger than a Sanctuary Contender like him.

"Go!"

Merlin saw that Naya had acted and he knew that in Bluewater World, both parties must not attack. Therefore, he immediately pulled back, brought the grievously injured Mino and left Sky-piercing City directly.

"Teacher Naya, who are they?"

Seeing that Merlin and Aruba had brought Mino away, Moorta who was still in shock and questioned Naya in a low voice. Currently, he felt that a Sanctuary Contender like him was nothing much at all.

"They? A group of contemptible clowns. They don't matter! You've seen that their strength is even greater than yours. A Sanctuary Contender counts for nothing in this world. What you must do is break away from this world and no longer be suppressed by the world's will and finally shatter the world's natural order. In that manner, you'll possess powers that are formidable to the extreme, becoming a noble existence!"

Naya narrowed his eyes and said softly.

"Oh? Shatter the world's natural order?"

Moorta was endlessly stunned. Although he always had the greatest faith in Teacher Naya who had taught him so much, it was the first time he had heard such a clear description of the path ahead of him – shattering the natural order.

Finally, Moorta knew how to move forward. It was so clear in his mind. His heart had settled on this decision and he knelt with one knee on the ground. In an incomparably respectful voice, he said, "Teacher Naya, please teach me how to shatter the world's natural order!"

"Haha, as long as you constantly gain enlightenment and do what I say, shattering the world's natural order isn't that difficult."

Naya nodded in satisfaction. He had done so much. Was it not to earn Moorta's complete trust and thus help him break the natural order and become a Free Being?

In this aspect, Moorta was smart, seizing the chance. Even though he was the number one person in this world, he was still able to lower his ego.

Maybe Moorta would become a Free Being in the future. On this point, Naya was full of confidence. To him, he was sure to win this mission.

…

There was a wide empty space. When Merlin and Aruba first brought Mino, there was not a single person around. Earlier, Merlin had used his powers and even attracted the attention of the world's will. Nonetheless, this world's will had basic judging standards. Merlin's strength was far too formidable. Just a little of his power could shatter the entire world, so the Bluewater World's will did not relentlessly attack Merlin.

Therefore, Merlin's surrounding was currently very tranquil.

In front of them, Mino wore a blank look. He still did not know what had happened. The so-called number one contender, the only Sanctuary Contender of this world – Moorta – was sent flying in one blow by the stranger before him.

Although Mino was gravely injured then, he could see everything clearly. These two mysterious men and the other enigmatic person that emerged behind Moorta – that was true power.

"Who are you? I could even feel the world's will trembling as if it was fearful of you two."

Mino's Power Seed had a unique trait indeed. It was able to sense the world's will. This was Bluewater World's will. Faced with Merlin and Aruba, of course, it would tremble. With their capabilities, even if they dished out a smidgen of their power, it was enough to tear the Bluewater World apart.

"How nice. We've saved your life. Shouldn't you thank us? Plus, without us, you won't have a chance at revenge in this life anymore."

Merlin said with a stiff smile. His words sent Mino into deep contemplation.

"Tell us, what bad blood is there between you and Moorta? You've challenged Moorta time and again. There must be something that triggered you to do so."

Merlin first wanted to understand what had happened between Mino and Moorta to better be able to help Mino.

Mino clenched his fist tightly and said in a low voice, "Moorta, he used to be one of my teachers but somehow, he learned of how special the Power Seed I condensed was and he attempted to rob my Power Seed. Haha, still, he didn't know of how magical my Power Seed was, so I escaped. However, Moorta held my family hostage and in the end, even massacred the few hundred people of my entire clan until no one was left. I must avenge them!"

Upon mentioning Moorta, Mino's hatred was evident in his eyes.

"Thud."

Suddenly, Mino fell to his knees before Merlin, saying softly, "Both of you are noble contenders, even more powerful than Moorta. I hope you can teach me and make me even stronger, giving me a chance to kill Moorta myself!"

Mino knew to seize this opportunity too. He knew that Merlin and Aruba were possibly the only ones who could assist him in this world.

"Oh? Our strength is formidable indeed but for you to get your revenge, it won't be that easy. You must carry out the revenge yourself!"

Merlin's mouth stretched into a smirk.

Mino's face brightened with joy as he said hurriedly, "As long as Moorta will be killed, I don't care what method is used."

"Haha, Aruba, let's guide this young fellow together then."

Merlin and Aruba started laughing loudly. As he looked at Mino, Merlin felt like he was staring at himself when he had still been weak. Now, he somewhat understood why Aruba liked to travel around various Latitude Cosmoses.

As a spectating visitor, it was very relaxing to watch the weak growing up and the busy ones slaving in their tasks. Some were outstanding and some were lackadaisical in their work.

Presently, Merlin felt this way. Although he had a mission, he still had the attitude of an observer in his treatment of the entire Bluewater World.

This was until he met Mino. Now, he felt that he was looking at his past, weak self.

"Mino, there might not be much time left for you. By Moorta's side, there's also a contender like us, who might even be stronger than us. He's guiding Moorta as well so your time is very limited too."

Merlin narrated everything to Mino in detail. These matters must be told to Mino too.

"Come on then. Activate your Power Seed and let us take a closer look at what's so magical about it."

Merlin and Aruba became excited once more. They had decided to help Mino because of Mino's Power Seed, which was completely different from the Power Seed of the average person in this world. It had immense potential.

"Boom."

At last, Mino unleashed his Power Seed completely. Instantly, an apparition of the world emerged once again before the eyes of Merlin and Aruba. This was Bluewater World's silhouette.

"This… This is the world's outline?"

Aruba and Merlin took in deep breaths and they looked rather excited. This was the outline of the world. If Mino truly succeeded, he would not be a mere Free Being but rather… A Controller!

Controller – maybe this was something not even Sir Tyron had noticed. The Bluewater World had the chance to produce a Free Being and a Controller. This was somewhat inconceivable, even outrageous.

Nonetheless, a Latitude Cosmos could not possibly give birth to a Free Being and a Controller at the same time. After all, this would be contradictory. Free Beings had to shatter the natural order to become Free Beings.

As for Controllers, they must control the world's natural order. If the Free Being had shattered the natural order, how could the Controller control the natural order? Therefore, if both Moorta and Mino progressed ceaselessly, only one of them could succeed.

"Phew…"

After a long moment, Merlin heaved a long sigh. Beside him, Aruba laughed and said, "Haha, Brother Merlin, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you this time. This young fellow has the potential to become a Controller. You're a bona fide Controller, so having you instruct him would be most fitting."

"What's a Controller? Free Being?"

Mino was curious. From what Aruba had said, Mino had heard many unfamiliar words that he had never heard before at all.

"Controllers and Free Beings – it's very simple. You must have a slight understanding of this world? This is a colossal Latitude Cosmos and the world's will takes care and manages everything using the world's natural order. A Free Being is one who had broken the natural order and transcended the Latitude Cosmos while a Controller would replace the world's will to control the world. Your Power Seed is an outline of the entire world and is tightly linked to the Bluewater World. This is miraculous but it'll also help you get the chance to become a mighty Controller!"

Merlin spoke clearly and Mino understood. After all, his Power Seed was the outline of the entire Bluewater World. He was often in contact with the world's will and naturally knew what replacing the world's will would entail.

At that point, he would become the sole master of an entire world. Moorta, being a mere Sanctuary Contender, was still under a world, totally unable to contend against an entire world.

At that point, forget about one Moorta. Even ten Moortas would be useless against him.

Chapter 1043: A Millennium

Becoming a Controller was not that easy. Back then, Merlin had gone through many hardships before finally, under coincidental circumstances, become a Controller.

However, there was no way to replicate a coincidence like that. Even if Mino returned to the Almighty Beast World, he could not possibly replicate Merlin's miracle. Therefore, each Controller had a unique point.

Mino's unique point was the Power Seed he had condensed, which was the Bluewater World's outline. There was a special connection between him and the Bluewater World.

"Mino, how did you condense your Power Seed?"

Merlin was now more concerned about Mino's Power Seed. This was related to how Mino would control the Bluewater World's will, replace it and become a Controller.

Mino carefully recalled what happened and said softly, "Since young, I've always had a very special ability which is to see things that ordinary people can't see. Like the sun – I could vaguely see the entire body of the sun. Therefore, when I consolidated the Power Seed, the strongest celestial body was not the sun but it's the entire world. I could vaguely see the outline of this world and was deeply stunned by it. Thus, I tried condensing my Power Seed in the form of the world's outline. This was a far-fetched hope but unexpectedly, I succeeded. After condensing the Power Seed, my strength was great indeed and I've obtained mystical powers. I could merge with the space of this world and even the world's will was intimate with me."

Upon listening to Mino's explanation, Merlin nodded. Each Controller was shaped by accidents and Mino already had his first accident by now – he was already connected to the entire world's will long ago.

Mino's special talent allowed him to take the first step. Even so, this was far from being enough. Even if Mino continued like this, it would be impossible for him to become a Controller.

"Mino, to become a Controller, you must devour the world's will. How do you think your current strength compared to the entire world?"

Merlin asked calmly.

Mino did not even have to think before he replied, "Even if my strength is enhanced a hundred or a thousand times over, I'm still lacking by far compared to the world. There's no basis of comparison at all."

That was right. Mino was very honest. His current strength, even if enhanced a hundred or a thousand times over, was insignificant compared to the entire Bluewater World. Relying on this bit of power to devour Bluewater World and replace its will was nothing more than a pipe dream.

"What must I do?"

Mino asked. Now, Merlin was somewhat stumped. Based on Merlin's plan, to become a Controller, one's own capability must be sufficiently formidable.

In the past, Merlin had to deal with materializing the Illusory World as reality. This was very challenging. However, for Mino, due to his special link to the Bluewater World, he could devour the world's will directly when his strength was great enough. Therefore, he was much more fortunate than Merlin.

Nonetheless, the accumulation of strength required time. In this respect, Merlin and Aruba could lend a hand but there was still no guarantee.

"This is a race against time. Mino, I hope you're faster than Moorta. Otherwise, if he shatters the natural order first, you'll lose your chance."

Presently, Merlin had no other option but to race against time. This needed an accumulation over a lengthy period. Merlin could assist Mino and even be extremely helpful but even he could not predict whether they would ultimately succeed.

In particular, there was Moorta who was similarly progressing at a rapid pace with Naya's assistance.

"Aruba, let's do everything we can to help Mino improve his Power Seed."

Aruba nodded. Thus, Merlin began to mobilize the Illusory World in his body to forcefully plunder the power of the Bluewater World. He even let Mino enter his Illusory World to experience this entire world.

Under such circumstances, Mino's progress was swift as well. He gradually learned of a Controller's might and the difference between a Controller and a Free Being. What he had to do now was nothing more than strengthening the Power Seed in his body continuously.

Time passed quickly. In ten short years, Mino had already reached a stage that many people could not even hope for in their lifetime – Sanctuary!

Sanctuary – this was an indicator that the Power Seed had started to make contact with the world's will, even contend against it slightly. It was just like Moorta back then, who had so much power of the world's will in Sky-piercing City.

Of course, due to Mino's unique Power Seed and his special connection to the Bluewater World, Mino as a Sanctuary Contender was far stronger than most Sanctuary Contenders.

His Power Seed was powerful enough but to go against the entire Bluewater World, there was still a huge disparity. He still must constantly and diligently accumulate his strength.

Ten years, twenty years, fifty years, a century, five centuries…

Merlin and Aruba had stayed in the Bluewater World for over a millennium. To Aruba, maybe a millennium was merely the blink of an eye. Whenever he casually visited a Latitude Cosmos, time would be calculated with ten millennia as a unit.

However, to Merlin, a millennium was a very long time.

"Phew…"

Merlin and Aruba watched Mino who was below the peak. Currently, he was sitting cross-legged on a large stone. There was a vague, absolute force field forming over his body and the terrifying apparition of the world was circling him.

This was the result of Mino's diligent work over a thousand years. He currently maintained a caved-in void around himself at all times. If he unleashed his full strength, saying that space over ten thousand miles would collapse would not be exaggerating. His powers had grown so fast that there was no way to curb him completely.

"Merlin, what do you think of Mino now? Can he contend against the Bluewater World's will?"

Aruba asked with a laugh.

Merlin's manner was not so relaxed. He looked up at the sky. There, he sensed a trace of uneasiness from the world's will.

"Aruba, have you sensed that the Bluewater World's will feels uneasy? As the world's will, it knows more about everything that happens in this world than we do."

Merlin said softly.

"The world's will is uneasy? I didn't sense that. Merlin, do you mean Moorta and Naya?"

Aruba immediately thought of Moorta and Naya. After all, during the past thousand years, Naya and Moorta had been too quiet. There was no news of them as if they had vanished completely.

However, Aruba and Merlin knew that Naya and Moorta would not possibly disappear. Naya was still a Minor Cosmos Absolute Being. Nurturing Moorta whose qualifications were excellent in the first place would be a piece of cake.

Therefore, in the past millennium, Naya surely had been sparing no effort in helping Moorta to accumulate power that could shatter the Bluewater World's natural order. Now, Merlin was rather worried that Moorta had gathered enough strength, which was why Bluewater World's will would feel vaguely uneasy.

"That may be so. Naya can't possibly have done nothing all this while. Merlin, I think we must quick. This fellow, Mino – his talent isn't bad and in a millennium, he's almost there in terms of contending against this world's will but it'd still be very difficult for him to devour the world's will."

Although Aruba was not a Controller, he knew how formidable a complete Latitude Cosmos' will could be. If it was not for Mino's special connection to this world's will, then no matter what, he could not possibly devour Bluewater World's will. After all, even a Minor Cosmos Absolute Being like Merlin could not possibly devour a complete Latitude Cosmos' will.

"Rumble."

At this point, the sky shuddered. Everyone could distinctly feel it. At the same time, the Bluewater World's sky began to crumble inch by inch.

"Oh no, Moorta is shattering the world's natural order!"

Merlin and Aruba exchanged a glance, their expressions changing greatly.

Chapter 1044: The Moment of Utmost Fairness!

Moorta was shattering the world's natural order. When Merlin and Aruba saw this scene, they did not have a single doubt. After all, they were a Free Being and a Controller, so they were very familiar with the Latitude Cosmos.

"Merlin, what do we do now?"

Aruba started to get anxious. Even if they failed this mission, it would not affect them much but no matter what, they had spent over a millennium in the Bluewater World. Allowing Naya to succeed just like that would not sit well with them.

Merlin's face was gloomy and he cast a glance at Mino who was on the ground. At last, he gritted his teeth. "What else can we do? We can only stake everything in one blow. We mustn't let Naya get away with this so easily. Quick, wake Mino up!"

Merlin and Aruba both swatted Mino awake and the shadow of the world's apparition surrounding him vanished as well. When Mino saw the abrupt changes in the sky, a scary thought flashed across his mind and his expression dropped.

"Is Moorta becoming a Free Being?"

When he saw Merlin and Aruba nodding, Mino's heart grew heavier. Today, he was no longer ignorant like he was before. He knew very well what it meant for Moorta to begin breaking free of the natural order and becoming a Free Being. It meant that he would never become a Controller. As Moorta would break the natural order, the source of his power, the natural order that took the form of the world, would even lose its strength completely. He would become an ordinary man.

To Mino who was determined to take his revenge and settle the grudge, this was a devastating blow. Nonetheless, Mino was clear about the disparity between him and Moorta. He was still a long way from reaching the point of becoming a Controller.

If he tried to devour the world's will now to replace it and become the Controller of the Bluewater World, his odds of success were not even ten percent. He could not possibly succeed.

However, Mino was completely unwilling to just sit around, waiting to be defeated.

"Teacher Merlin, I can't accept this!"

Mino's eyes were bloodshot. He could not accept this. A thousand years' worth of slow accumulation was turned into a mirage. He did not even have a chance to put up a fight.

Merlin gazed at Mino calmly. This ordinary person of the Bluewater World had accompanied Merlin for a millennium. Moreover, Mino had always treated Merlin as his teacher, so Merlin had begun to feel a certain affection for Mino. He could sense the bitter internal struggle in Mino now. He was discontented. A thousand years' of hard work was wasted.

"No, Mino. It's not that you have no chance at all. It's just that it'd be very dangerous. A small mistake and you'll die directly. Not even I can save you."

After a long moment, Merlin spoke slowly.

Mino was slightly taken aback but then erupted with wild delight, laughing loudly. "Haha, what is mere death? If Moorta truly succeeds in shattering the natural order, the entire Bluewater World would fall to pieces. I'll lose my power too. At that point, I might as well be dead. Plus, for Moorta then, killing me would be a walk in the park. What life is there left for me?"

Merlin nodded. Mino's emotions were calm and stable. Since that was the case, Merlin no longer kept Mino guessing and said, "This method is very simple. Moorta wants to become a Free Being, right? Thus, his first step is surely to break the world's natural order. Well, the Bluewater World's will wouldn't allow anyone to shatter its natural order.

"Therefore, this will be the battle between Moorta and the entire Bluewater World. Moorta might gain the upper hand and slowly break apart the world's natural order. At that point, the world's will would crumble bit by bit. This is the key moment, Mino. What you need to do is simple. You must seize the moment when the Bluewater World's natural order is crumbling bit by bit and the strength of its will is dwindling slowly. Then, you must devour the Bluewater World in one gulp.

"Perhaps you're racing against Moorta. Whether it's he who first shatter the natural order and become a Free Being or you who first devour the Bluewater World's will become the Bluewater World's Controller in one move thus crushing Moorta – no one can tell. This is the decisive battle between the both of you. In a sense, both of you are on equal ground, fighting each other with your destinies. Whoever loses will be consigned to eternal defeat!"

This was Merlin's plan. It was ruthless indeed. One wrong move and Mino would be trapped in his fate forever.

After Merlin spoke, even Aruba fell into a deep silence. He noticed the ruthlessness of this plan. There was no leeway at all. It was success or death.

"Haha, good, good. Thank you, Teacher. This plan is excellent. I've always wanted a battle on equal ground with Moorta. Today, I have such a good chance. How can I let it slip past me? If he doesn't die, then I will. This is very fair!"

After Mino heard what Merlin's plan was, he burst out in joyful laughter. From his perspective, this plan was very fair. His hard work over a millennium had not gone to waste. It was all for this equal and evenly matched fight with Moorta.

Merlin nodded wordlessly to himself. They were burning their boats here. There would be no room for retreat.

"Mino, get yourself ready then. We'll start out in a bit."

Merlin said calmly. He knew that Mino wanted to make offerings to his family.

After Mino bowed respectfully to Merlin, he turned to leave. With his current capability, traveling through space was a child's play.

After Mino had left, Aruba frowned and said, "Brother Merlin, even if Mino failed, as long as you're willing, you could still keep him in your Minor Cosmos. He won't die then."

Merlin nodded. Aruba knew very well that even if Moorta became a Free Being, as long as Merlin was willing to protect Mino, there would not be any problem.

"If we don't do this, we might have no way of unleashing Mino's last bit of potential. He had waited for so long. A thousand years of hard work for today's chance of a fair battle with Moorta. How can he let it pass him by? Only by embracing a literal do-or-die stance, would Mino have the chance to succeed. Which Controller had not gone through countless life-and-death encounters to finally become a Controller? This is the biggest test Mino will face. If he failed in the end, I'll keep him in my Illusory World, allowing him to live a peaceful life…"

It was not that Merlin did not care for Mino. He had a plan to prevent Mino from dying but he must not divulge this to Mino at this moment.

Aruba nodded. He understood too. Merlin wanted to stimulate all of Mino's potential and so he must do this. They could not allow Mino to cling to any hope of survival.

They waited for three consecutive days. Mino finally returned. After making offerings to his loved ones, he appeared much calmer overall. Nonetheless, anyone could tell that beneath his tranquil exterior, there was hidden a steely resolve!

"Alright, let's go. Moorta is almost about to break the natural order."

After Merlin spoke, he brought Mino and Aruba with him and traveled through space, heading toward the place where the changes were most intense.

…

"Hoo…"

A huge wind snarled. Above a barren wilderness, Moorta was standing in the air. Around him were the endless, ferocious gale and massive sweeps of the terrifying world's will.

Nonetheless, Moorta appeared very calm. There was no trace of energy around him but the world's will seemed to feel threatened somehow. It ceaselessly rained down various forces upon Moorta to deal with him but there was little to no effect.

Beside Moorta stood an enigmatic man. It was Naya. As he watched Moorta, a satisfied smile splayed across his face and he said serenely, "Alright, Moorta, nearly there. You can shatter the natural order now. The Bluewater World's will is helpless against you!"

Naya appeared to be brimming with confidence. After a millennium of guidance from him, today, Moorta was equipped with almost all the traits of a Free Being.

Currently, not even the Bluewater World's will could do anything to Moorta. What else could stop him?

Maybe Merlin and Aruba could but with Naya around, Merlin and Aruba would not dare to attack. Otherwise, if they wrecked this Latitude Cosmos, both sides would be penalized by Sir Tyron.

"Very well!"

Moorta appeared excited as well. He looked up and glanced at the sky that was filled with the whirling wind, then thrust a fist upward.

"Boom."

The entire space shuddered. Bursts of the natural order cast down like chains. This was not the power of mountains and rivers but a force even greater than them.

This was because each beam of the natural order's power represented the fundamental strength of the Bluewater World. The power of the entire world was gathered and sent crashing down viciously upon Moorta.

"Haha, just in time! Shatter to pieces then…."

Moorta chortled loudly, his laughter ringing in all directions. His two fists contained fearsome strength and transformed into countless shadows that struck in the air. Each shadow fist caused the air to vibrate.

A "whimpering" sound came from the wind as if the sky was weeping. This was the limit of the force which the Bluewater World could bear and Moorta's strength had exceeded that limit.

"Crack."

Finally, a sharp crack sounded from the air. Whether it was Naya or Moorta, they both heard this clear sound and a look of delight bloomed over their faces.

This was the sound of the natural order shattering, meaning that the Bluewater World's most powerful natural order was pummeled by Moorta until it started to gradually crumble and disintegrate.

Once all of the natural order's power had collapsed and disintegrated, the entire world would be unable to restrain Moorta any longer. He would become a genuine Free Being, a mighty existence among countless Latitude Cosmoses, transcending the Latitude Cosmos.

"Swish swish swish."

At this point, in the frenzied sky, three figures appeared dimly. The surrounding chaos of the gale did not seem to affect them at all.

"You've arrived too late!"

Naya narrowed his eyes. When he saw these three figures, his voice revealed a sense of blitheness. From his point of view, Merlin and the rest had come too late. By now, Moorta was highly accomplished in his power. No one could stop him from becoming a Free Being.

"Is that so?"

Merlin did not look at Naya but kept staring at Moorta. From his acute observation, he saw that the Bluewater World's natural order was collapsing too rapidly. Even its will was swiftly weakening.

Just as the Bluewater World was weakened to its limit and could collapse at any time, Merlin yelled, "Now's the time! Mino, go, devour the world's will as much as you like. From this moment, you don't have much time left but you and Moorta are at least on the same starting line. You're in an equal fight against him!"

Indeed, the current Mino's eyes were bloodshot and his body exuded a matchless, terrifying presence. He was wildly devouring the Bluewater World's will. He was never on the same starting line with Moorta and even when he did his best he could not compare to Moorta.

However, Mino felt that this was the moment of utmost fairness!

Chapter 1045: The Final Victor!

"Rumble."

Space kept splintering apart ceaselessly. The Bluewater World's will started to become anxious and frantically summoned all of its natural order's power to oppose Moorta.

Nonetheless, Moorta had attained great powers. Now, no one could stop him. Thus, each time he attacked, he was able to swiftly smash the natural order's power. The entire Bluewater World was scattered and smashed, on the brink of collapse.

However, no one noticed that Mino had not moved at all through all this as if he had disappeared. Nonetheless, Merlin knew that Mino was making a final effort, wildly devouring the Bluewater World's will that was gradually crumbling. He was trying to replace the Bluewater World's will and quickly become a Controller before Moorta could destroy it.

Moorta would not be comparable to Mino by far if Mino controlled the entire Bluewater World. It was just that all these were still unknown factors. From the looks of it, there was not much hope.

It appeared that Moorta's force was growing stronger as he shattered the last of the natural order, causing the full collapse of the Bluewater World. Moorta becoming a Free Being seemed to be inevitable, something no one could prevent.

At this point, Naya finally laughed out loud and said calmly, "Merlin, Aruba, you're ultimately too late. Moorta will become a Free Being and no one can stop this!"

Naya's tone revealed his robust confidence. During this mission, he had not even taken Merlin and Aruba seriously.

"Is that so? Who can tell before the final moment?"

Merlin's expression was as serene as always but his eyes were slightly narrowed. Deep inside, he was not as calm as he appeared.

He had stayed in the Bluewater World for over a millennium and expended a lot of effort. Naturally, he would not be happy to suffer defeat. Thus, he was still anticipating the final miracle!

Moreover, this miracle was occurring now!

"Boom."

Suddenly, the entire space shuddered violently and a hole was almost ripped in the sky. The mountains and rivers on the ground began to fall apart. However, only Moorta felt that something was wrong. Despite his immense strength, the Bluewater World should not be collapsing so fast.

"Something's wrong."

Moorta's face shifted slightly. He turned his focus toward Mino. This person who seemed to him no more than an ant, easily pulverized, was now exhibiting a fearsome aura.

This aura caused Moorta to feel vaguely suffocated as if he was faced with a terrifying existence ten times, a hundred times greater than the natural order's power.

"What's going on?"

Moorta was unclear about what was happening. Even so, Merlin, down below, knew all this very well. He had observed the expression of incomparable anguish on Mino's face but could distinctly feel that the Bluewater World's will was swiftly vanishing.

A large portion of this will was wrecked by Moorta but an equivalent portion was devoured by Mino. Therefore, it looked as if Mino was helping Moorta to destroy the Bluewater World.

Naya was a Controller too. The Bluewater World's will continued deteriorating even as Moorta had stopped his attack on the natural order. The Bluewater World's will was still disappearing at a terrifying speed. Thus, would Naya still not understand what Mino was doing?

"You're devouring the world's will? You… You both are letting him replace the Bluewater World's will and become a Controller?"

Naya's face revealed his alarm for the first time. He had never thought that Merlin and Aruba would be this insane. Initially, the objective of this mission was for the Bluewater World to produce a Free Being. The mission would then be completed.

However, if Bluewater World produced a Controller, Sir Tyron was sure to be overjoyed. After all, a Controller was much stronger than a Free Being. It was just that a Controller was more difficult to produce than a Free Being. In general, a myriad of Latitude Regions could only possibly produce one.

Even so, Naya could not bring himself to feel any joy now because a Latitude Cosmos could not produce a Free Being and a Controller at the same time. A Free Being must destroy the world's natural order, causing the collapse of the Latitude Cosmos. Conversely, a Controller must replace the world wholly and control a Latitude Cosmos. Both of these were natural antithesis of each other.

Therefore, a Latitude Cosmos could only give birth to one Controller or one Free Being. If Mino succeeded, he would become a Controller. At that point, naturally, Moorta would fail.

Once Moorta failed, Naya would likewise suffer a crushing defeat in this mission!

"Moorta, quick, use all of your strength to break this world and you'll become a Free Being! Otherwise, it'd be too late…"

Naya immediately yelled furiously to Moorta who was in the sky, revealing a trace of panic. A millennium might not be much to him but if he failed at the hands of Merlin and Aruba, it would be something he would never let go.

Moorta had sensed the crisis. Although he did not know what Mino was doing, he knew that the current situation did not look too good.

Therefore, Moorta mustered all his terrifying strength, practically causing the Bluewater World's will to tremble. There was only a little bit left of the current Bluewater World's will.

"Devour! I'll replace the world's will, control Bluewater World, and become a Controller!"

Mino cried out in his heart and his expression turned fierce. Of course, he could sense the power that Moorta was gradually gathering. This fearsome power was enough to completely shatter the remaining natural order of the Bluewater World. At that point, no one would have any way of stopping Moorta from becoming a Free Being.

Therefore, Mino must now take a risk, exhausting all his possibilities to become a Controller first and thoroughly control the Bluewater World.

"Break for me!"

Moorta wore a sinister look as well as he assembled all his strength and exploded in an unparalleled attack. This would be his final strike. Such fearsome strength was enough to smash the final strand of the natural order.

"Rumble."

Accompanied by a thunderous explosion, the entire Bluewater World started to sway and shake. Space was shattered to pieces everywhere and all mountains and rivers crumbled. The entire world seemed to be ending.

A smirk finally flitted over Moorta's lips. He had finally defeated all of the natural order's power. He could finally become an even stronger Free Being, transcending the Latitude Cosmos!

Nonetheless, his smile did not last long because he had discovered that the initially shattered space gradually halted while those mountains, rivers, and the fissured earth gradually stabilized as well. All these did not collapse completely.

"This…"

Moorta's heart leaped in alarm. He did not know why this would happen. After taking such a fearsome blow from him, the Bluewater World should have been crushed to smithereens and crumbled completely. It should not look like this. Although the entire world still looked cracked and broken, it was very sturdy and there was even a subtle life force concealed within.

"Hoo…"

The gale in the sky stopped all at once too. Moorta saw that it did not vanish but was solidified. Everything in his surroundings had solidified, resuming their initial appearance.

Mino, who was at one side now wore a tranquil expression but he was exuding a power that caused Moorta to become scared witless. It was as if the current Mino was an avatar of the world and no force would be able to harm him.

"Buzz."

Suddenly, Mino opened his eyes. Currently, everything around him seemed to come alive. His eyes had looked bewildered and lost at first but now they were matchless abstruse.

"So, this is a Controller…"

Mino's voice sounded calm as it rang out in everyone's ears.

"Restore!"

Mino eyed the wrecked mountains and earth and pointed lightly with a breezy gesture that did not appear special at all. His pointing mobilized the entire world. The landscape and the earth were rapidly restored at a visible pace. A tremendous will descended, causing one to feel dread in the depths of their heart.

"Controller?"

Naya's face turned pale as his eyes fixed steadily upon Mino in the sky. This power was too familiar. Only a Controller could have such an influence on a Latitude Cosmos. Without them realizing it, Mino had completely replaced the Bluewater World's will, controlled Bluewater World, and become a Controller!

"Haha, a Controller. Brother Merlin, we've done it. That young fellow Mino is lucky indeed…"

Aruba chortled. A Controller… He was able to witness the evolution of a Controller over a millennium.

"A Controller, you… How did you become a Controller?"

Naturally, Moorta was the most surprised. Initially, he had reached the critical point of becoming a Free Being. He only had to shatter the world's natural order to finally evolve into a Free Being.

If Mino had not been here, Moorta would become a Free Being without any issues. It was just a shame that in this tiny Bluewater World, not only was Moorta born but Mino was born as well.

Moreover, Mino used the world's outline as his Power Seed. He was very lucky. Even if another Controller arrived, they would be unable to replicate this sort of luck. After all, Mino only managed to have the world's outline as his Power Seed helped him through various opportunities and extreme coincidences.

All this, along with Merlin's bold planning, ultimately led to Mino taking the risk and swallowing the world's will, thus succeeding in becoming a noble Controller.

Moorta was stupefied. Although he had not become a Free Being, he had learned quite an amount of "secret information" from Naya. He knew that Naya was a great Controller, an even stronger existence than Free Beings.

However, Mino was now a Controller, making Moorta feel like everything was as surreal as a dream.

Mino was now very tranquil and he looked at Moorta quietly. Slowly, he said, "Moorta, I still have to thank you. Without your strength that caused the world's will to collapse, I'll have no way of devouring the will, much less become a Controller successfully! Still, our fate has been tangled for so many years and there should be a conclusion now."

Mino's expression was very calm and did not even carry a hint of murderous intention. He had become a Controller. Naturally, he felt different from the rest. He had completely surpassed Moorta and held a different status from the others in the Latitude Cosmos.

A status like this was like an immense moat that could not be crossed over. The hostility of the past seemed to count for nothing now. If Mino was willing, he could even use the power of the Bluewater World to resurrect all of his relatives who had died.

This was because he was the sole Controller of this Latitude Cosmos. A single thought from him could accomplish many things that were unimaginable to most people. Even the current Moorta who could shatter the natural order was not a match for Mino.

However, when Moorta sensed Mino's calm gaze on him, he appeared to become rather deranged. Moorta laughed wildly. "Haha, Mino. Back then, I've killed your relatives myself. Today, you'll end up the same. If I want to kill you, who can stop me? Haha, die then…"

Moorta's deranged voice could not conceal his intense fear but he had no choice now. He could only put up a fight as best as he could. He had never thought that one day he would face a fatal crisis as well.

Even so, Mino shook his head. He no longer bore any hatred toward Moorta. However, a conclusion was required between both of them. This conclusion had already been determined long ago when Mino became a Controller.

"Subdue!"

Mino cried out. Instantly, an incomparable force, which was ten times, a hundred times more overpowering than the previous power of the natural order, entrapped Moorta like a prison that restrained him firmly.

No matter how Moorta struggled, it was useless. He had no way of breaking out of the prison. At this moment, Moorta was truly frightened. The previous ant-like Mino had now grown to a stage he must look up to.

"How's this possible?"

Moorta mumbled softly, his eyes filled with a frenetic look. In his panic, he noticed Naya below and his gaze seemed to burn with a trace of hope once more. Although he did not know how powerful Naya was, he knew that the only one who could rescue him now was Naya.

"Teacher Naya, save me!"

Moorta pleaded loudly but Naya did not intend to do anything. Conversely, he said in a low, vicious voice, "You're rubbish indeed, wasting a thousand years of my nurturing!"

Naya's words came as a sudden shock. Even though Mino had already controlled the Bluewater World and was as lofty as a god, he felt a shudder in his heart. He seemed to detect that strength, terrifying to the extreme, in Naya's body. Despite having become a Controller who controlled the Bluewater World, Mino was no match for Naya.

It was not just Naya but Aruba and his Teacher Merlin as well. Currently, he was a Controller and all of them were in the Bluewater World. He could feel the fearsome power contained in all of their bodies. They surpassed him by far and could easily destroy his Latitude Cosmos.

Nevertheless, he had no intention of sparing Moorta. Thus, with his mental command, terrifying power descended upon Moorta directly. Moorta wailed wretchedly and his body was crushed to smithereens in an instant. He was dead.

This was the conclusion. Both of them were tangled together for countless years. Today, there was finally a conclusion. Mino had become the final victor!