Beastmaster of the Ages

Gladeus’ astralguard formation was known as the Hellstar Formation. When activated, the astralguard formation and netherclouds overlapped so the formation was hidden in the mist. Any outsider who entered would be destroyed by it. After Lin Xiaodao activated the formation, all communication between Gladeus and other stars was interrupted. Commercial transportation was cut off as well. Because the other forces within Gladeus couldn’t travel outside the star or return home for the time being, there was growing discontent and complaints. They were extremely puzzled by Lin Xiaodao’s actions.

Of course, Tianming didn’t care about those things. His attention was completely drawn by the majesty of the Hellstar Formation.

As the Reaper glided through the gray sea, it first passed through nova source, but soon reached a boundless sword energy in the depths. According to Lin Xiaodao, the dense swords that formed the sea were called hellstar reaper swords and were the building blocks of the formation’s manifold defenses.

”There are so many of them! Now this is what an ocean of swords look like!”

In all of the Infinitum Mundus, the Hellstar Formation was second only to Ebonia’s astralguard formation. Mount Taia’s low-sanctuary-class formation couldn’t compare to this high-ether-class one at all.

Gladeus wasn’t large in size. Although it was only a standard fifth-level nova source world, its formations and conditions for cultivation were comparable to a fifth-level nova source world seven or eight times its size.

”I can’t imagine what it would cost the ebons if they were to attack this formation with their warbeasts. It won’t be easy to break into, even if they send an infinitum-class astralship!” Tianming had experienced a nova source war on the sun. However, a nova source war involving a helical-class world was very different from one involving a fifth- or sixth-level nova source world. It would be beyond imagination. The Hellstar Formation, with the endless hellstar reaper swords, left a deep impression on him; but although he was shaken to the core, he was happy.

”The formation isolates Gladeus from Tianxi and the alien monster. I can finally do whatever I want here.”

After passing through the Hellstar Formation, they officially arrived on Gladeus.

”Come, my good disciple!” Lin Xiaodao called from the front.

”Master.” Tianming quickly landed beside him.

”Have you finished reading about Gladeus’ power structure, geography, culture, and the ranking and characteristics of our top experts?” Lin Xiaodao asked.

”It was easy. I’ve got it all memorized,” Tianming said.

”Then your chest muscles must be very well-developed for you to store so much information.” Lin Xiaodao smiled.

”Yeah... I’ll try to store it in my seventh heptastar organ next time. I can store more there,” Tianming modestly said.

”Tsk tsk tsk, more wives means more confidence.” Lin Xiaodao wanted to cry. He was still single despite being the master. Pursing his lips, he mocked Tianming in his head to feel better about himself.

”We won’t go to the Skyhold Palace yet. I’ll take you directly to Skycross Bladegrave to introduce you to everyone and officially announce that we’ve separated from the Swordgod Lin Clan. We’ll get your lifebound beast to enter Gladeus’ nova source, too, and see what happens.”

Tianming had already told him about Ji Ji. Of course, Lin Xiaodao didn’t believe him. At the time, he had said he would call Tianming his father if a lifebound beast could actually increase the power of the Hellstar Formation. The explanation had completely shattered his understanding of the world. Thus, he was certain it wasn’t true. Tianming couldn’t wait to see the look on his face when Ji Ji proved him wrong.

Tianming had read about both places Lin Xiaodao mentioned. The Skyhold Palace was the etherean’s exclusive residence where every etherean cultivated, similar to the Land of Words Unspoken. It was an island in the sky, floating in nova source that erupted directly from the star’s core, which made it the best place for cultivation in all of Gladeus. It also led to the underground ruins which contained the caeli of reges mundi.

The Skycross Bladegrave was also considered one of the best places on Gladeus. It was where the branch of the Swordgod Lin Clan on Gladeus had lived for countless years. The tenth branch had even created a low-sanctuary-class astralguard formation to protect the place. Although it was about a tenth the scale of the Infinitum Swordsea’s astralguard formation, it was still an amazing feat. After all, there were only three sanctuary-class astralguard formations on Gladeus. It was clear that the Swordgod Lin Clan was also a mighty force there.

The Reaper’s current destination was Skycross Bladegrave.

......

The giant gray sword finally emerged from the netherclouds.

”Wow!” It was the young disciple’s first visit to this new world.

”Gladeus is more grim and gloomy than Ebonia. It really is like hell on earth!”

They were surrounded by dark mountains and ruins. Lifelessness pervaded the air, and even the ocean appeared dreary. There were few cities. The world had been covered with gray clouds and mist for too long. It was rare for light to travel very far through the clouds, hence their limited vision. There was also a violent storm over the entire star that had something to do with the nature of Gladeus’ nova source.

Tianming looked down from the sky. There were several obvious vortices sweeping across the world. Perhaps Gladeus had a wind-type nova source that caused chaos in the world outside the fusion formation. As soon as one storm cleared, another rolled up. Hundreds of millions of tornados, big and small, were spread across the world like demons dancing. Given the turbulent storms outside, one could only imagine how terrifying the nova source storm within the fusion formation was.

”The cosmos is full of wonders. Every nova source world has a beautiful side and a deadly side....” Tianming was deeply moved by the sight.

A world with a harsh environment produced strong clans. Violetglory was beautiful and dreamy, so its people were more elegant and gentle, and the sun was hot so the celestial orderians were aggressive.

”No wonder they used to call this Hellstar. It’s so scary.” Feiling stuck out her tongue.

There wasn’t an intact human settlement under the storm. They were shocked, but for Lin Xiaodao, the scene was perfectly normal; it was just where he had been born and grew up.

The Reaper broke through the storm like an enormous dragon traveling thousands of miles in an instant.