Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent-Chapter 572: Cosmic Radiance

At the Void Divine Treasury Gate, massive pillars stood tall, piercing the heavens. Towering beyond sight, they were a spectacle to any civilization, a true architectural marvel.

Each pillar held value no less than that of Divine Items. Their resilience, combined with the astral energy they contained, rendered them impervious—even a direct hit from a planet-destroying cannon or the destruction of the very world they stood on would not affect them in the slightest.

At this moment, nearly a hundred people had gathered around the gate, split into several teams. Each group was led by an Astral God's avatar overseeing them.

For Li Pin's group, the one in charge was Astral God Mi Meng, the head of the Mara Divine Treasury Hall. She was chatting with several other Astral Gods when they arrived. She only gave a slight nod in acknowledgment but didn't come over right away.

Meanwhile, more than half of the other pioneers turned their gazes toward him, some carrying a hint of hostility.

"These are our competitors," Fang Zhiqian whispered to Li Pin. "Every single one of them is a renowned ace in the pioneer circles, some even legendary."

Li Pin's eyes landed on a figure with long golden hair and delicate features, carrying an androgynous air. Among those harboring hostility toward him, this one's gaze was the most intense.

"Who's that?" he asked.

"That's Wu Tian, one of the three legends of the Frostbound Star Abyss pioneer circle," Fang Zhiqian spoke solemnly. "As for the other two legends, one was a Divine Being, who went to the Supreme Divine Treasure World a thousand years ago and has yet to return.

"The other one is said to have already entered the Astral World. In a way, he could be considered the number one in the Frostbound Star Abyss pioneer circle. Over the years, his team has broken through three divine treasure worlds, two of which they were the main force. Their accomplishments are monumental!"

Fang Zhiqian realized something as he spoke. "He received the summons as well, but his reception is slightly inferior to ours. At least we got an audience with the Hall Master, while they... are being received by a regular Astral God from the Void Divine Treasury Hall."

Li Pin couldn't help but feel speechless after hearing this.

It would seem rather trivial if the pioneer's hostility toward him was because of this.

"Besides us, two other teams were summoned by the Hall Master," Fang Zhiqian pointed in another direction. "One is from the Glorious Star Abyss, Mu Yunsheng, another legend from their pioneer circle. His team's accomplishments surpass even Wu Tian's. The other is Yan Ling'er. She's not human but a unique lifeform."

Li Pin was taken aback. "Unique lifeform?"

Unique lifeforms were the universe's chosen ones, each born from cosmic opportunities and often one of a kind.

More importantly, every unique lifeform possessed an innate talent that defied reason, akin to a law of nature itself.

They were miracles that existed beyond planetary, cosmic, or ultimate life classifications.

Fang Zhiqian explained, "Yan Ling'er's innate talent is Empathy. She can connect with any lifeform on a deep level. In just over a hundred stellar years, she's entered eleven divine treasure worlds and successfully broken through two.

"And the way she did it... was by finding the being who created the divine treasure world, befriending them, and helping them let go of their obsessions."

A trace of envy flickered in his eyes. "She's only succeeded twice, but even in the ones where she failed, the creators didn't make things difficult for her and simply let her leave."

"That actually work?" Li Pin was stunned. "Does she have some kind of cheat?"

"Basically, she's got maxed-out charm stats." Fang Zhiqian sighed. "If you call it a cheat, you wouldn't be wrong. Every unique lifeform is born with an advantage. It's just a matter of how big."

"Truly blessed by the heavens," Li Pin murmured.

"Each unique lifeform is more valuable than an Eternal Solar Flare," Fang Zhiqian added. "And this one? She's the personal disciple of the Light of Ten-Thousand Souls, Astral God Ling Yao... a direct disciple of Cosmic Radiance. Her status is unimaginable."

Even as he spoke, he seemed to feel that such an existence was too far removed from them. Then, as if recalling something, he suddenly said, "That Void Emperor... though he appears human in the Void Divine Treasure World, some suspect that he might be a unique lifeform as well."

"A unique lifeform?" Li Pin asked.

"Yes, otherwise, how else could he have such astonishing potential, growing stronger the more he fights?" Fang Zhiqian said.

"Maybe he's just naturally gifted," Li Pin remarked.

Fang Zhiqian was unconvinced. "Reaching peak Demigod in less than a stellar year? Even stepping onto the path of Transcendence? Can talent alone explain that?"

Li Pin couldn't help but think about himself. But... whether it was his cultivation achievements or his path to Transcendence, neither had taken just a single stellar year.

Besides, his path to Transcendence was merely a direction.

His strength might have already far surpassed the so-called peak Demigods, but in terms of cultivation progress, the fastest he had achieved was reaching only the Tier Three Legendary Realm within a single stellar year.

Li Pin sighed. "Seems like I'm still far from being a unique lifeform."

But... that gap was what made the pursuit worthwhile, wasn't it? he thought.

At that moment, a man in a purple robe approached with a smile. "Sacred Li, I am Zi Jingya from the Zi Clan of the Nine Luo Star Cluster. I hope we can work together on this journey into the Void Divine Treasure World."

"We will have opportunities for that," Li Pin said.

"Shall we exchange communication imprints?" Zi Jingya asked, still smiling.

"Alright," Li Pin agreed.

He understood what Zi Jingya meant. It was about the competition for the successor of Astral God Yin Luo.

Still, he saw no reason to refuse. Back in the Yin Luo Galaxy, the Yu Clan had also sought the inheritance. Yet, in the end, all their investments had gone to Gaia, and the two sides had even built a strong relationship.

Perhaps the Zi Clan might turn out the same way.

Just then, Astral God Mi Meng, having finished speaking with the other Astral Gods, approached.

Seeing this, Zi Jingya, who still wished to strengthen ties, could only bow and return to his team.

Astral God Mi Meng got straight to the point. "It seems you've all made ample preparations over the years. Once inside the Void World, you'll have only yourselves and your teammates to rely on....

"The Void Divine Treasure World is different from other divine treasure worlds. Too many influential figures are watching this place. If you stand out, your future potential will be limitless."

Xu Anping's heart stirred. "Influential figures?"

If even Astral God Mi Meng referred to them this way...

"Cosmic Radiance?"

Astral God Mi Meng nodded. "That's right."

In the vast universe, there were great clans guarded by Brilliant Starshine and noble families protected by Eternal Solar Flare. But only those with Cosmic Radiance could be considered true major powers.

Every Cosmic Radiance was a pillar of humanity, the absolute main force against both alien races and the Void faction. They also formed the true executive layer of humanity.

If humanity were likened to a colossal corporation, then Cosmic Radiance would at least be at the level of CEOs and vice presidents.

Astral God Mi Meng smiled. "I can't say much, but if your team is truly the key to breaking open the Void Divine Treasure World, once you achieve the rank of Astral God, you'll be able to enter the Myriad Astral God Hall and take up a position there."

Everyone drew a sharp breath. "The Myriad Astral God Hall!"

That was the very core of humanity. In the Astral World, its status was equivalent to the Supreme Council of the Material World.

If they could serve there... their future would hold immense promise.

It was no exaggeration to say that even those who had ascended to the thirtieth steps of the Supreme Ladder were no match for even an ordinary member of the Myriad Astral God Hall.

Astral God Mi Meng cautioned, "The higher-ups are taking this divine treasure world's opening far too seriously. Aside from watching out for yourselves and avoiding reincarnation, you must also be wary of others."

"Others?"

They quickly understood her meaning.

Conflicts often arose between pioneers in other divine treasure worlds over various interests. However, with no certainty on whether a world could be broken open, or when it would happen, and with reincarnation as a built-in mechanism, those struggles remained within certain limits.

But this time, the stakes were too high. The competition would be far more intense than they had anticipated.

Just then, a faint pressure spread through the sky.

The new-arrival's energy level wasn't particularly high, yet the moment he descended, a shadow loomed overhead. It was as if a colossal presence had blocked out the sun, plunging the surroundings into darkness.

"This is..."

"The Cosmic Radiance!"

The crowd stirred.

"It's the Hall Master! The great Astral God Mu Hai of the Void Divine Treasury Hall has arrived!"

But the commotion lasted only for a moment before quickly settling into silence.

Everyone—Legends, Divine Beings, even Li Pin—could clearly sense an indescribable shock and impact descending from a higher dimension.

Though he had yet to appear, the sheer vastness of his presence made it feel as if they were standing beneath an infinite expanse.

Like mortals gazing upon celestial bodies. Even if the celestial bodies had yet to descend, even if clouds veiled their true forms, the gravitational pull alone could shake the earth, as if the ground might tear apart at any moment.

Hurricanes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions—unstoppable forces that could crush everything mortals once prided themselves on.

Though the arrival of Mu Hai would not shatter the planet, the tremors it brought struck deep into everyone's souls.

He had done nothing yet, but that presence alone was enough to slow their thoughts by a beat.

A moment later, a figure appeared above the Divine Treasury Gate.

And with his arrival, the suffocating pressure vanished, as if stormy skies had suddenly cleared, and endless sunlight poured down, reviving all things in the warmth of spring.

Li Pin gazed at the figure. "Cosmic Radiance."

This was merely an avatar, far less brilliant than the true form of the Light of the Ark, Yin Luo, whose radiance once illuminated the entire galaxy, yet the miraculous power he exuded far surpassed that of any Astral God.

The gentle voice of Astral God Mu Hai echoed in everyone's ears, like a spring breeze brushing past, calming their minds without resistance. "The Void Divine Treasure holds great significance. Among all the divine treasures revealed by the Divine Treasury Hall, it ranks among the top three. I ask you all to give your utmost to break through the Void World."

Dozens of pioneers responded solemnly in unison, "We will not disappoint you, Hall Master."

Astral God Mu Hai gave a slight nod.

Then, with a wave of his hand, thousands of towering pillars burst into radiant light, sending ripples of space energy surging outward in all directions.

"Begin the transfer!" The third vice hall master, Ran Shenji, gave the order in a deep voice.

One by one, the pioneers stepped forward.

The warm voice of Astral God Mu Hai echoed once more, joined by the blessings of the other Astral Gods present.

"I wish you all a triumphant return."

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