When Xenos teleported to the inheritance ground of the Thirteen Constellations, his eyes immediately narrowed in contemplation.
The scene before him was both awe-inspiring and perplexing.
The inheritance site was nestled between two towering mountains, deep within the ocean.
Yet, what truly caught his attention was its peculiar nature—it existed in a separate dimension, concealed yet in plain sight.
The faint shimmer of the dimensional boundary rippled like a mirage.
Anyone without mastery over space laws would see nothing more than an ordinary ocean valley.
Xenos floated above it, his sharp eyes scanning the area.
"No wonder no one has discovered this place," he thought.
"For any mortal human, it's impossible to even perceive this inheritance, let alone access it. It's completely dependent on the will of the inheritance itself to reveal itself."
His gaze focused on the structure below.
The inheritance ground was vast, composed of three distinct levels, each radiating an ancient, oppressive aura.
Xenos's senses stretched across the space, and he detected the presence of artificial intelligent life forms within.
Without hesitation, Xenos manipulated the laws of space, stepping seamlessly into the dimensional barrier.
The shift was instantaneous—one moment, he was surrounded by the vast ocean; the next, he stood within the heart of the inheritance.
Xenos strolled to the center, his every step measured and deliberate.
The air felt charged, as if the very walls were alive.
Suddenly, an ancient voice echoed through the chamber, deep and resonant.
"Who dares to trespass upon the sacred ground of the Thirteen Constellations?"
Xenos didn't answer immediately. Instead, he released his Paragon aura, letting it ripple through the room.
The inheritance ground was equipped with Paragon-level concealment formations, capable of containing such energy.
The voice hesitated, almost startled. Then it muttered, "The aura of a human Paragon… there is no mistaking it."
A virtual image flickered into existence—a man appearing in his thirties, clad in a robe of shimmering light. The figure bowed slightly, its demeanor respectful. "Lord Paragon, forgive my earlier rudeness. I was unaware that humanity still possessed a Paragon."
Xenos regarded the AI calmly. "Do you have a name?"
The AI hesitated. "No, Lord Paragon. I was created to oversee this inheritance ground, but I was never given a name."
Xenos nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Let me clarify—I am not one of the ancient Paragons of the human race."
The AI's virtual face registered shock. "But... Lord Paragon, it should be impossible for a human to ascend to Paragon status in this forbidden plane."
Xenos's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you suggesting I am lying?"
The AI quickly shook its head. "No, no, Lord Paragon! I would never dare—"
"Enough," Xenos interrupted, his voice sharp but controlled. "I understand what you mean. Even though I was born in this forbidden plane, circumstances warped me to the True Universe."
The AI seemed to process this revelation, its expression turning contemplative. "So, that is what it meant…"
Xenos frowned. "What do you mean?"
The AI's voice carried a note of reverence. "The one who created me mentioned that I would one day encounter a human Paragon. I was instructed to grant such a Paragon master access to my controls and the inheritance."
Xenos's frown deepened. "Who gave you this command?"
The AI shook its head sadly. "Only the voice remains, Lord Paragon. All other data has been erased."
As it spoke, mechanical arms extended from the walls, holding a glowing, crystalline card. The AI presented it to Xenos. "Lord Paragon, this is the Master Card. If you refine it with your soul energy, you will gain access to me and the inheritance."
Xenos regarded the card with suspicion.
After a moment's thought, he reached out and took it.
As he refined it with his soul energy, the card dissolved into light, its patterns embedding themselves into his soul sea.
The process was smooth, and Xenos detected no malice or hidden dangers within the card.
Satisfied, he glanced at the AI. "From now on, your name is Albert."
The AI's expression brightened. "Yes, Master. I am honored."
Xenos looked at Albert, his tone calm but filled with purpose. "What do you know about the Thirteen Constellations and the Four Pavilions present on Earth?"
Albert's holographic form flickered slightly as he responded, his voice steady. "Master, according to the data stored in my databank, both the Constellations and the Four Pavilions hold ancient and revered histories."
Albert continued, "In the ancient era of the human race, when the Emperor ruled, generals who achieved great merit in wars against other races were granted the title of 'War God.' If a War God managed to slay ten War Gods from major enemy races, they were elevated to the status of a Constellation, a symbol of ultimate human power and honor."
Xenos listened intently as Albert's tone grew reverent. "Throughout human history, twelve such individuals emerged—beings unrivaled in wisdom, power, and potential. They were later deified as the Twelve Gods of the human race, protectors, and defenders of humanity, worshiped and praised by their people."
Xenos nodded thoughtfully. "What of the Thirteenth Constellation?"
Albert's response held an air of mystery. "Master, the Thirteenth Constellation was shrouded in secrecy even in ancient times. Only those in the highest echelons of power knew its true nature."
"The Thirteenth Constellation, known as the Shadow Constellation, existed solely to serve and protect the royal bloodline. It operated in the shadows, loyal only to the Emperor, tasked with maintaining order and rooting out traitors to humanity."
Xenos's eyes narrowed slightly. "Is that why there's no mention of the Thirteenth Constellation in the outside world? Its legacy has been kept hidden?"
Albert bowed his head. "Yes, Master. The Thirteenth Constellation was born for the royal family. It remains dormant unless the royal bloodline is awakened. Only then does its legacy manifest."
Xenos considered this, his expression unreadable. "So, the royal bloodline has awakened. Does that mean the Thirteenth Constellation is being inherited now?"
Albert nodded. "Yes, Master. Someone has already begun inheriting the legacy. They are currently undergoing the process of complete inheritance."
Xenos shifted his stance slightly, his voice curious. "What about the Four Pavilions? Their presence seems significant."
Albert's tone grew reverent once more. "The Four Pavilions have an even deeper history. When the First Emperor gained his inheritance, he had four trusted companions. These companions were instrumental in establishing the empire and aiding the Emperor in uniting humanity."
"The Emperor later granted titles to these companions, honoring their unparalleled contributions. Azure Dragon was the Ruler and Statesman. White Tiger served as the Military Leader. Black Tortoise became the Economic Advisor, and Vermilion Bird was the Scholar and Spiritual Leader."
Albert's voice softened as he concluded, "These four became the pillars of humanity, creating order and peace. Their legacies have endured through the ages, shaping the destiny of the human race."
Xenos's gaze was steady as he processed the information, the weight of the ancient legacies and their implications settling in his mind. "So much history… and yet, it all converges now. Like the wheel of fate is turning again."
Xenos asked several more questions, trying to piece together the scattered fragments of information. However, despite his efforts, he didn't gain much.
Xenos sank deeper into thought, his mind entangled in questions.
"Is this all part of a backup plan set by the Emperor and others in case of failure? How did they manage to orchestrate this without alerting the other paragons? Even if they wanted the human race to rise again, this is the forbidden plane. If I hadn't come here, the emergence of humanity would have been impossible."
His thoughts grew darker. "Wait... was I part of their plan too? How did the space warp happen to me in the first place? Why didn't it kill me? Instead, it sent me to the True Universe unharmed. How did I get the legacy and the idea to cultivate when the talent of the human race was supposed to be sealed?"
A particular memory surfaced. "Did that old geezer know everything? The first time I met him, he was just a spiritual remnant. Did he anticipate my arrival? He was the one who guided me."
He exhaled deeply, shaking his head. "Too many mysteries… no answers. But I'll find out in time."
Turning his attention to Albert, Xenos asked, "When will the person inheriting the Thirteenth Constellation emerge?"
Albert responded promptly, "Master, it will take one year for the process to complete."
Xenos frowned slightly, thinking quickly. "Hmm... I'll bring the inheritance ground to my sect. There's a time formation there that can accelerate the process. He'll awaken sooner."
Albert bowed slightly. "Yes, Master. I will make the arrangements."
Albert ensured that the defensive formations of the inheritance ground were deactivated to prevent any unintended self-defense mechanisms during transport. Once all systems were secured, Albert reported back. "Master, the inheritance ground is ready for relocation."
Xenos nodded. Using his mastery over space laws, he wrapped the entire inheritance ground in a shimmering spatial barrier. With precise control, he lifted the massive structure effortlessly and prepared to leave.
But first, he made a stop. Arriving at Aerum's house, he gathered the clothing and other items she had requested. After ensuring everything was accounted for, he teleported back to his sect, the inheritance ground safely in tow.
As Xenos arrived at the training ground, he immediately noticed his disciples hard at work. Aerum was with them, observing their progress. The moment they saw him, they stopped and approached him in unison.
"Welcome back, Master," his disciples greeted respectfully, their voices echoing with both reverence and relief.
Aerum tilted her head, curiosity evident in her tone. "You're back already? You said it would take a month or two, yet it's only been eight days."
Xenos gave a faint smile. "I finished earlier than expected."
Without further explanation, he waved his hand, using his mastery over space laws to place the massive inheritance ground in a corner of the training hall. The structure shimmered slightly as it settled into place, catching everyone's attention.
Aerum stepped closer, her brow furrowed in curiosity. "What's that?"
Xenos turned to face them, his tone calm yet serious. He explained everything he had learned about the inheritance ground, the Thirteen Constellations, and its significance. As he finished, he called out, "Albert, come forth."
A humanoid figure materialized—a virtual projection of Albert, the artificial intelligence of the inheritance ground. "Master, you called?" Albert said, his voice smooth and composed.
The disciples stared in awe. They had encountered advanced artificial intelligence before, being from hidden families, but Albert was different. He exuded a presence almost indistinguishable from that of a living human.
Xenos gestured toward Albert. "From now on, Albert will manage the sect. He will oversee its functions and ensure everything runs smoothly."
Albert nodded respectfully. "Understood, Master. I will integrate with the sect's formations and take charge immediately." He turned and walked away, his projection merging with the central array of the training ground.
Xenos then shifted his attention to Aerum. "How was the training while I was away?"
Aerum smiled, her expression more relaxed than usual. "It was a good experience. Peaceful, actually—something I haven't had in a long time."
Xenos observed her closely. "It seems you've made significant progress. You've completed the third to sixth floors of the Tower of Nightmare and even cleared the third floor of the Tower of Battle. Impressive."
Aerum shrugged, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "Well, aside from the physical training, I've spent most of my time challenging the towers. That's why it went quickly."
Xenos nodded, satisfied. Turning to his disciples, he added, "You're all improving with your weapons as well. Good work, but I expect even more effort. Train harder."
"Thank you, Master," the disciples responded in unison, their voices firm with determination.
With a final nod, Xenos gestured for them to resume their training.
From the Author
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to ReadMyBook2023 for the generous powerstone. Your support means the world to me, and I truly hope you're enjoying the story so far. I also want to take a moment to thank all my readers—you are the reason this journey is so rewarding. Your encouragement keeps me inspired every step of the way!