Modern World's Martial Dao Human Immortal

Taiyi Immortal Sect.

After Taiyuan True Monarch asked his disciple Chao Yang to send away the messenger from Heavenly Dao Sect's Hollow Void, he felt somewhat emotional.

"The fact that a Artifact Sage stands behind Alkaid has been confirmed. Moreover, the reason why Alkaid could grow so rapidly might not just be the strong support from Penglai Dao Lord, but also the full assistance of that Artifact Sage... Of course, it's also possible that Penglai Dao Lord has been personally guiding Alkaid out of respect for that Artifact Sage, which enabled him to make rapid progress in the realms of Hollow Void, Refining Void, and Shattered Void. However, I never imagined that the Artifact Refining skills of this Artifact Sage would be so powerful."

This Sect Leader of Taiyi Immortal Sect thought about the significance of an Artifact Sage who could refine top-tier Dao Artifacts...

Even if this Artifact Sage seemed to rely on material accumulation to craft true top-tier Dao Artifacts, and the final cost might be several times that of a normal top-tier Dao Artifact...

Still, this level of skill was absolutely unmatched among the many Artifact Refiners on Northern Sea Star.

Apart from those unique beings who had become Dao Lords and then immersed themselves in Artifact Refining for tens of thousands of years, to call him the number one Artifact Sage of Northern Sea Star was not an exaggeration.

"Whoosh!"

At that moment, two streaks of light simultaneously broke through the sky and arrived at the residence of the Taiyuan True Monarch.

These two individuals...

One was the Jade Emperor Supreme.

The other, named Hong Yan.

This Supreme Elder's cultivation might not stand out among the other Supreme Elders, but his significance could rival that of the chief Supreme Elder and even Taiyuan True Monarch, the Sect Leader of Taiyi Immortal Sect.

For he was one of the extremely rare Artifact Sage Level individuals in the entire Northern Sea Star.

In his long life, he had personally forged five Dao Artifacts!

Therefore, upon seeing this Supreme Elder's arrival, Taiyuan True Monarch also stood up: "Hong Yan, and Jade Emperor, what brings you two here?"

"Sect Leader, have you received the news? Penglai Dao Lord actually spent a fortune to request that mysterious Artifact Sage behind Alkaid to craft a top-tier Dao Artifact! This... this is unbelievable!"

Hong Yan Supreme's eyes were filled with shock and incredulity.

"It is indeed startling."

Taiyuan True Monarch nodded: "On Northern Sea Star, the Artifact Sages capable of crafting Dao Artifacts are extremely rare. Considering the many Dao Lord inheritances within our Human Race's territory, the powers that possess Artifact Sages might not even s_number five. The mysterious Artifact Sage behind Alkaid can not only craft Dao Artifacts, but creating Superior Dao Artifacts is probably also well within his capabilities. Otherwise, he couldn't have convinced Penglai Dao Lord to place such a heavy bet on him, cooperating to use the ceremony of the Sect Leader succession to purchase Artifact Refining materials at a high price from powers like ours, attempting to refine a top-tier Dao Artifact."

Jade Emperor Supreme, who stood beside, nodded in agreement and added, "I now truly understand why Alkaid could grow so much in just over a hundred years. With the support of an Artifact Sage behind him, having a variety of Dao Artifacts that fit him to study and use at will is likely not much different from direct guidance by a Dao Lord."

"Indeed."

Taiyuan True Monarch smiled, "Just that... his intention to use this opportunity to purchase top-tier Dao Artifact materials... might be a bit wishful thinking. The materials for top-tier Dao Artifacts often belong to the strategic reserves of top sects, not to mention Immortal Artifact materials. If one could take out one or two portions of Immortal Artifact materials, swapping for a top-tier Dao Artifact would not be an issue."

"Penglai Dao Lord has plundered the collections within the Heavenly Sea Sword Pavilion, and more than once raided deep into Demon Race territories, robbing various Demons and Demon Saints. She is so wealthy that no one knows the extent of her fortune. Now that she is personally vouching and signaling Alkaid to purchase top-tier Dao Artifact materials, or even Immortal Artifact materials, at double the price... some powers might indeed be tempted."

Jade Emperor Supreme offered a fair assessment.

"Double the price..."

Taiyuan True Monarch considered this point and fell into deep thought.

After a moment, he said, "You mean..."

"The very offer of double the price has the power to sway hearts. Plus, it's an opportunity to forge a good relationship with an outstanding talent like Alkaid who is likely to Integrate Dao, as well as the mysterious Artifact Sage behind him. Some powers might decide to sell their top-tier Dao Artifact materials at half-favor to the mysterious Artifact Sage out of these considerations. Having that kind of relationship would make requesting the Artifact Sage's help in crafting Superior Dao Artifacts easier in the future."

Jade Emperor Supreme said.

After listening, Taiyuan True Monarch couldn't help but look at Hong Yan Supreme: "What do you think?"

If Hong Yan Supreme were to use these top-tier Dao Artifact materials, he could significantly enhance his efficiency in crafting Dao Artifacts. If he even used the Immortal Artifact materials...

Forging them into Superior Dao Artifacts would be very hopeful.

Therefore, in deciding whether to give away these materials, he had to consider Hong Yan Supreme's opinion.

"Alkaid has only ascended to Shattered Void a few decades ago. No matter how gifted he is, to master numerous Perfect Dao Techniques, to aspire to enter the Dao Lord reserve list... especially the top ten of the Dao Lord reserve list, he surely needs external aid, that is, Superior Dao Artifacts! Crafted by that mysterious Artifact Sage's own hands!"

Hong Yan Supreme spoke gravely, "Therefore, for Alkaid's succession ceremony, I intend to go with the Sect Leader. I want to see firsthand the Superior Dao Artifacts on him. Depending on those Superior Dao Artifacts, I can gauge the true Artifact Refining prowess of that mysterious Artifact Sage!"

"Oh, does Elder Hong Yan also plan to go?"

"Yes. If Alkaid is willing to let me observe the Superior Dao Artifacts crafted by that mysterious Artifact Sage, we can sell them one portion of top-tier Dao Artifact materials at the original price."

Hong Yan Supreme continued, then added, "I will personally cover any losses incurred."

"Elder is too courteous. Your observation of Superior Dao Artifacts is also for the sake of improving your own Artifact Refining skills. The Sect can bear this expense," said Taiyuan True Monarch, then smiled and added, "But... why not meet with that mysterious Artifact Sage directly?"

"He will not agree to show himself at this time," Hong Yan Supreme said with certainty.

"Oh? Why is that?" Taiyuan True Monarch was curious.

As fellow Artifact Sages, meeting face to face and exchanging ideas to promote mutual advancement seemed very normal.

"Sect Leader, you have yet to grasp the true significance of the message that this Artifact Sage is attempting to refine a top-tier Dao Artifact."

Hong Yan shook his head, "No, not just you, Sect Leader, I fear no one realizes what the refinement of this top-tier Dao artifact truly means!"

This Artifact Sage expressed some envy, admiration, and longing, "Aside from the Three Thousand Great Daos, there is also the unconventional and auxiliary paths. Since ancient times, the saying that 'skill approaches the Dao' has been frequently mentioned. An Artifact Sage, who is capable of refining Superior Dao Artifacts while in the Shattered Void Realm, has invested his mind and heart into Artifact Refining. His research and understanding absolutely meet the standard of 'skill approaches the Dao'. Should he take this opportunity to successfully refine a top-tier Dao Artifact, his mental will shall utterly transform. At that time, there is a great possibility for him to ascend through this sublime state, entering the Way with the artifact and attaining the Unity Realm Stage in one fell swoop!"

"Entering the Way with the artifact!?"

"Unity Realm!?"

Taiyuan True Monarch and Jade Emperor Supreme were both shocked by what Hong Yan had said.

Especially Taiyuan True Monarch, who almost immediately realized something, "Are you suggesting that the reason why Penglai Dao Lord is willing to spend hundreds of billions, or even trillions, to support that mysterious Artifact Sage behind Alkaid in refining a top-tier Dao Artifact is actually helping him to achieve Dao? Using this method, similar to the unconventional paths, to first enter the Way with the artifact, and then with the ascended spirit, truly step into the Unity Realm?"

"Yes."

Hong Yan, the Supreme, nodded emphatically, "Two to three trillion, or even three to four trillion—what kind of top-tier Dao Artifact can't be bought with that? But if this mysterious Artifact Sage really could enter the Way with an artifact, achieving the status of a Dao Lord, then the Artifacts he will be able to refine in the future won't be limited to just top-tier Dao Artifacts. At the very least, he would be qualified to refine Semi-Immortal Artifacts, and even..."

He paused for a moment, his eyes already alight with fervor, "A genuine Immortal Artifact!"

Immortal Artifact!

Those two words sent shockwaves through their hearts.

Even though the refinement of Immortal Artifacts was just a prospect for the future, but...

Even a Semi-Immortal Artifact could significantly enhance the combat power of a Dao Lord instantly.

At that time, every Dao conflict, aside from a very few races like the Great Void Path, would depend on who could establish a good relationship with this mysterious Artifact Sage and receive the Semi-Immortal Artifacts he refined!

"Does Elder Hong Yan mean... we should invest in this mysterious Artifact Sage in advance?"

Taiyuan True Monarch inquired.

"It's a huge risk, after all, both entering the Way with an artifact and successfully integrating Dao are a massive challenge for him. At best, because of the path this mysterious Artifact Sage is on, it makes it easier for him to be successful on the path of Unity than others, including Alkaid."

Hong Yan, the Supreme, said this, then changed the subject, "But if he actually succeeds... it would be a meritorious deed that will be remembered for thousands of years, a good thing for all of us, without exception..."

This statement left Taiyuan True Monarch and Jade Emperor Supreme exchanging glances, uncertain of what decision to make.

"From the nurturing of Alkaid and the convincing of Penglai Dao Lord by that mysterious Artifact Sage, it can be seen that he should be proficient in Void and Origin category Dao Techniques. Furthermore, his choice to join the Heavenly Dao Sect rather than other forces... perhaps he also has some knowledge of the Great Dao of Truth... We happen to have some materials that could be used for a Void Category Immortal Artifact, don't we? If we are to invest, we are qualified."

"This is an investment costing hundreds of billions!"

Taiyuan True Monarch couldn't help but say.

"Therefore, I cannot make this decision alone; you should discuss it among yourselves and it's best to contact the Dao Lord for his final verdict."

Hong Yan, the Supreme, said and then added, "After all, there is still some time before the succession ceremony."

"You go and meet that mysterious Artifact Sage."

Taiyuan True Monarch said solemnly, "We don't have a clear understanding of the exact accomplishments of that mysterious Artifact Sage... only by meeting him can we make the final judgement."

"I said, it's difficult."

Hong Yan replied, "At this time, he must pour all his thoughts and energy into the refinement of that top-tier Dao Artifact; it's almost impossible for ordinary people to see him."

He glanced at Taiyuan True Monarch, "Sect Leader, you are about to try to advance to the Unity Realm Stage; would you be distracted by other matters? Especially... in situations where revealing your identity, location might lead to being targeted."

"But he hasn't started integrating Dao yet."

Taiyuan True Monarch said, "Moreover, a piece of extremely valuable Immortal Artifact material, I believe, is very persuasive."

Upon hearing this, Hong Yan pondered deeply.

After a long while, he spoke, "If the Sect Leader trusts me, I can try. Though I can't refine Superior Dao Artifacts, I consider myself sufficiently accomplished in the way of Artifact Refining. I can judge for myself how skilled that mysterious Artifact Sage is... If I could meet him personally and exchange thoughts, I could essentially determine... as well as judge whether he is worth our large investment."

"I naturally trust you, Elder Hong Yan."

Taiyuan True Monarch said earnestly.

He then continued, "But this matter is ultimately very important, so I will immediately call a Supreme Elder Council meeting and contact Emperor Hui Dao Lord... The Dao Lord is already only decades away from our Northern Sea Star, and we will soon receive his response. During the council meeting, we will make the final decision."

Hong Yan, the Supreme, nodded in acknowledgment.

In his heart, he was actually very tempted.

Not just him, Taiyuan True Monarch felt the same way.

After all, should this investment prove safe, it could bring immense benefits to the Taiyi Sect.

The actions of the Taiyi Immortal Sect were swift.

Less than a day passed before the Supreme Elder Council was convened.

And the response from Emperor Hui Dao Lord was equally fast.

In just a day, the Dao Lord and the other Supreme Elders of the council had already deliberated and reached a conclusion.

They believed in the judgment and discernment of Hong Yan, the Artifact Sage, allowing him to meet the mysterious Artifact Sage behind Alkaid.

And to entrust this matter...

Entirely to the decisions of Hong Yan.