Chapter 1286, Wings That Unfurl for You

Translator:  Ashish

Translation Checker: Silvain

 

*Boooom…* A deep rumble surged through the Void as the vast, Heaven-shrouding sixteen wings began to retract, folding inward until only three pairs remained.

 

Six wings, each pair a deep, royal violet.

 

They resembled the wings of Angels, but of violet color and strange, unsettling aura. At the tips of each wing trailed long, Phoenix-like plumes. They looked mysterious and beautiful.

 

As the six wings gently flapped, violet streaks, resembling starlight, trailed from their ends, which slowly disappeared into nothing in the distance, drawing cold, aloof, yet mesmerizing tracks.

 

Moreover, maybe it was an illusion or something else, but even the aura of the wings changed.

 

Gone was the divine sanctity they once carried. In its place was a creeping emptiness, the breath of the Void itself.

 

A sweeping violet light enveloped them, giving them a mysterious and otherworldly shade, which gave the impression that they carry the power to devour all.

 

“This is…” Astonishment flickered in Yu Zi Yu’s eyes as he noticed the wings drifting to his back.

 

*Boooom…* The moment they merged with his body, he felt a tide of indescribable power flooding into him.

 

It was the Void Energy, as well as the power of the Imperial Artifact.

 

However, compared to the past, the current Sixteen Holy Wings gave Yu Zi Yu quite a pleasant surprise.

 

Simple because these wings felt as if they were an extension of his very self. It had become like his arms, like his legs.

 

With but a thought…

 

*Boooom…* The six wings unfurled, scattering countless shimmering violet feathers into the Void

 

“These are the Wings of Void… Wings meant for you alone…” The voice of Anzuiel echoed faintly in his mind, carrying a hint of weariness within it.

 

“What’s wrong, Anzuiel?” Yu Zi Yu asked, concerned.

 

“Each of my forms requires me to burn my Quintessence to forge them anew. This form, these Wings of Void, they cost me a lot of Quintessence.”

 

Hearing this, Yu Zi Yu couldn’t help but sigh lightly, his eyes softening.

 

“You didn’t have to? Your other forms were already incredible…”

 

“No… it’s not the same,” interrupted Anzuiel, his voice carrying a hint of undertone. Then, he explained, “You must understand that this form belongs to you, and you alone. Though for now, it only carries the might of a Tier-7 Extreme Dao Artifact, it will grow with you… And when you become a Half-Step Eternal, your Wings of Void will blossom in full.”

 

Then, with something close to pride, Anzuiel chuckled softly and added, “And this is also my greatest secret.”

 

“Your greatest secret…?” Yu Zi Yu froze in shock, as realization sunk upon him.

 

[Ah… this must be why Anzuiel chose me!]

 

Why? Simply because Anzuiel did not simply offer his power, but choses a host. And then, he forges a new form unique and singular to match the host.

 

The more gifted and powerful the host was, the stronger Anzuiel’s new form would be.

 

And in turn, the more it would empower Anzuiel.

 

Perhaps… over the countless eras, there were not merely sixteen forms, but only these sixteen forms remained that had matured.

 

Wings of Storm, Wings of Light, and the final form, Wings of Freedom…

 

The deeper Yu Zi Yu thought, the clearer the truth became.

 

Meanwhile, as if he had seen what was going on in Yu Zi Yu’s mind, Anzuiel spoke once more, his voice filled with emotions, “This is my way of evolving. Of cultivating. So Zi Yu, I’ll be relying on you. The Wings of Void will grow with you. The stronger you become, the stronger they become. And should you one day reach Eternity… then the Wings of Void will transcend all forms, and become something akin to my ultimate form, the Wings of Freedom.

 

And my ultimate form… possesses the might to rival even a High-Grade Imperial Artifact.”

 

A trace of pride and satisfaction rippled through the voice of Anzuiel.

 

The world believed the Sixteen Holy Wings to be a mere Intermediate-Grade Imperial Artifact, but surprisingly, who could have known that his ultimate form, in truth, put it in the ranks of High-Grade Imperial Artifacts?

 

Moreover, among the High-Grades, it held limitless potential.

 

It was an Artifact that could assume countless forms.

 

And for Anzuiel, every form that matured brough it a step closer to unimaginable.

 

The stronger his host became… the more his power would grow.

 

And this was the most dreadful aspect of the Imperial Artifact, the Sixteen Holy Wings.

 

Of course, there was one who understood this well, the Spear of Fate.

 

For it was in that fateful battle long ago that the ultimate form of Anzuiel had been shattered and sealed away by the Spear of Fate.

 

Since then, the Sixteen Holy Wings had been relegated to the status of a mere Intermediate-Grade Imperial Artifact in the eyes of the world.

 

*Hmph…* With a cold snort, Anzuiel could not help but think back on that familiar foe. [If this little one, one day steps into the Eternal Realm… I shall walk with him, and crush you…]

 

…

 

After this brief yet profound exchange, Yu Zi Yu’s understanding of Anzuiel deepened yet again.

 

“A growth-type Imperial Artifact…” He murmured, a glint of brilliance flashing in his eyes.

 

[This type of evolution… is truly monstrous.

 

If Anzuiel ever chose a peerless prodigy, one who stood above all others, then he might surpass even the High-Grade Imperial Artifacts, becoming something even greater.

 

For instance… if he had chosen that glorious First Immortal of the Human Clan, his power now would be…]

 

However, just as his thoughts trailed toward that comparison, Yu Zi Yu sharply shook his head.

 

[What nonsense!? Isn’t that equal to saying my own potential is inferior? That Human Immortal had already reached his limit, while I have not. In terms of potential, I won’t lose to anyone]

 

Smiling with a tinge of pride, Yu Zi Yu lifted his right hand.

 

*Boom…* As if in response, the six violet wings behind him gently descended, cradling his arm like a throne of feathers.

 

“I’ve spent much of my Quintessence to forge these Wings of Void. I shall slumber for now, rest and continue to cultivate. If ever you need me, call me, and I will awaken.”

 

“Understood.” With a slight nod, Yu Zi Yu agreed.

 

He understood full well that Quintessence was the most precious thing for anyone. If Anzuiel didn’t rest after this kind of depletion, his strength might be adversely affected.

 

But just then, as if remembering something, Anzuiel’s voice returned, carrying a note of reassurance, “You needn’t worry. These Wings of Void are now a part of your body. No one will recognize them as an Imperial Artifact, nor know they are my creation. So, if you truly wish to rise as the King of the Void, walking freely among the races… your current form is more than fitting. Amid the bloom of violet, six wings unfurled and feathers drifting about, a slender figure stretches forth, drawn from the very depths of the void. You are the very image of a Sovereign of the Void.”

 

There was a teasing tone in Anzuiel’s voice, but lingering beneath his jest was another emotion: satisfaction for the current form.

 

It completely matched Yu Zi Yu’s temperament.

 

Charming. Dangerous. Unfathomable.

 

And this…would be the face of the future master of the Void, the King of the Void who transcended all, the Void’s absolute Hegemon.