Chapter 96: Renown Across the Cosmos: The Secret Art of Trade

"Lord of Banishment truly is the topmost Lord of the Universe; my seven clones acted at once, only just managing to press him back a head." Zhou Yu watched Lord of Banishment leave, and did nothing else.

A Universe Lord like Lord of Banishment, whose accumulation is incomparably deep and who is topmost in every aspect, even briefly suppressing him by a head is already impressive; keeping him is utterly impossible, even the strongest of the universe cannot do it.

Without much thought, Zhou Yu's seven-star clones quickly returned to Nine Dragon Hall; Nine Dragon Hall accelerated slightly, entered the Dark Universe, and vanished from the starry sky.

However, although Zhou Yu left, the storm triggered by everything that happened inside the Black Prison Abyss had only just begun.

A large number of Universe Venerables from various factions died, especially nearly a hundred Universe Overlords among them; such a matter could not possibly go unnoticed.

As many strong beings were revived, the truth gradually surfaced.

All factions quickly learned that the human "Domain Venerable" was merely a bait; a Lord of the Universe had been constantly accompanying him, and not just one.

However, even from the revived Universe Venerables' mouths, the full picture could not be reconstructed, so many factions' Lords of the Universe went into the interior of the Black Prison Abyss to reverse time and investigate.

Even the Demon Race, after Lord of Banishment was repelled, sent people into the Black Prison Abyss to investigate; evidently they realized that after the many Universe Venerables and Universe Overlords were slain, something else must have occurred.

"So the golden‑armored Lord of the Universe that appeared at first was actually the Lord of Jiuxiu?"

"The Lord of Jiuxiu actually possesses such a domain treasure."

"Wait, look at the divine‑power aura; the Lord of the Universe hidden inside that palace treasure is clearly the 'Domain Venerable', and he has become a Lord of the Universe?"

"Hiss, the Lord of Jiuxiu was outright annihilated? What a terrifying Lord of the Seven Stars!" Seven Stars!"

"."

As the Lords of the Universe reversed time to examine everything and relayed the news, numerous factions across the universe were swiftly shocked.

"Lord of the Seven Stars, with only a single clone, can unleash such power? His clone's treasure and divine body aren't even topmost; has he perhaps devised the strongest fusion secret technique of a Lord of the Universe? Ordinary secret techniques can't achieve this; only a technique extremely adept at killing could produce such effect."

"According to information gathered in the Seven-Star Secret Realm, the Lord of the Seven Stars hasn't acted since breaking through the Universe Venerable; not only did he quietly become a Lord of the Universe, but his secret technique also grew this strong?"

"The Grand Alliance really got lucky, managing to easily recruit such a top‑tier strongman."

"."

Many cosmic factions, while shocked, felt immensely envious of the Grand Alliance's good fortune.

Indeed it's absurd; such a topmost being of the universe was so easily recruited.

Especially, the Lords of the Universe who went to investigate the Black Prison Abyss soon discovered battle traces outside the Abyss; they also reversed time to look, and the sight gave them a huge fright.

It turned out that outside the Black Prison Abyss, the Lord of the Seven Stars had already clashed with the Demon Race's Lord of Banishment.

The opponent's seven major clones each unleashed terrifying power, even suppressing Lord of Banishment by a head.

The news spread at an incredible speed.

With the Lord of the Seven Stars' myriad god‑defying feats, the annihilation of some Universe Overlords and Universe Venerables seemed trivial.

Even Zhou Yu's human clone, who became a Lord of the Universe in a very short time, attracted slightly less attention; after all, there are more Lords of the Universe now, but only a few are the topmost among them.

Primordial Universe, Chaos City.

Zhou Yu's human clone arrived at the residence of the Lord of Chaos City; at this moment he wore black armor, with a pair of jet‑black wings on his back, deliberately exuding aura.

"Zhou Yu, you arrive just in time; I have some matters to ask you," the Lord of Chaos City said upon seeing Zhou Yu.

"Are you referring to the Lord of the Seven Stars?" Zhou Yu asked.

The Lord of Chaos City nodded, and sighed: "You and the Lord of the Seven Stars are truly renowned across the universe; especially the Lord of the Seven Stars, his power is unbelievably god‑defying. When we first recruited him, we only thought his ability to possess special lives was strong and promising, so we spent that price; but now it seems we merely spent the cost of a peak‑domain treasure and got a great bargain."

"The Lord of the Seven Stars himself is of human origin; his choice to join the Grand Alliance may also have emotional reasons," Zhou Yu said.

Of course, the crucial reason is that a thousand years ago his seven-star clones were far weaker; all clones combined were only a second‑tier Lord of the Universe.

"Yes, perhaps emotional factors," the Lord of Chaos City said, eyes bright, then asked, "It seems you get along quite well with the Lord of the Seven Stars?"

"It's okay," Zhou Yu smiled, "Our temperaments match; it's like an instant friendship."

"That's good; it seems my decision to have you contact the Lord of the Seven Stars was a wise choice," the Lord of Chaos City reflected. He naturally understood that such top‑tier strongmen have few external needs; if among humans there is a Lord of the Universe like Zhou Yu who becomes friends with the Lord of the Seven Stars, many matters will become much easier.

"Master, regarding the Lord of the Seven Stars, I have something to tell you," Zhou Yu suddenly said.

"The Lord of the Seven Stars can wield such overwhelming power not because his secret technique has reached your level, Master, but because he relies on a special secret art."

"What? A special secret art?" the Lord of Chaos City was taken aback.

"The Lord of the Seven Stars told me it's a technique that can dramatically accelerate the burning speed of divine power," Zhou Yu said.

"This technique, by burning massive divine power, can unleash strength far greater than normal divine combustion; the Lord of the Seven Stars alone isn't that strong—only after employing the technique does his power surge a level."

Hearing that, the Lord of Chaos City fell silent, saying nothing for a long while.

"Are you sure?" the Lord of Chaos City suddenly asked.

"Hmm, it doesn't seem fake," Zhou Yu nodded.

"Is it an innate secret technique?" the Lord of Chaos City asked again.

"The Lord of the Seven Stars firmly told me it's a secret technique," Zhou Yu added.

"Let's go meet the Founder of the Great Axe," the Lord of Chaos City decided promptly.

The Lord of Chaos City naturally knew that if such a technique truly existed, capable of raising a strongman's power by one tier, its value would be incalculable.

Virtual Universe, inside the Great Axe Temple.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Three figures appeared here.

"Chaos, Domain, you're both rushing to find me?"

The Founder of the Great Axe smiled at the two, and because of the news about the Lord of the Seven Stars, his mood was exceptionally good; it had been a long time since anything had made him so pleased.

"Great Axe, Zhou Yu just told me something," the Lord of Chaos City quickly relayed the recent matter to the Founder of the Great Axe.

Upon hearing that, the Founder of the Great Axe's expression suddenly changed.

"Divine Power Burning secret art? Power increase by one tier?" the Founder of the Great Axe could hardly believe it.

Hearing Zhou Yu's description, this technique boosts power by accelerating divine power combustion; could it also work for him?

However, the Founder of the Great Axe, being very human, quickly calmed down.

Domain realm—since the Seven Stars Lord deliberately told you the news, that means his secret technique isn't absolutely secret, right? Giant Axe Originator looked at Zhou Yu and asked.

The Seven Stars Lord said this secret technique can indeed be passed on, but it requires treasure in exchange. Zhou Yu said.

What treasure does he want? the Giant Axe Originator asked.

I don't know, but my divine power incarnation is still with him; Giant Axe Originator, if you're interested, I can ask. Zhou Yu said.

Go ahead and ask. the Giant Axe Originator immediately said.

Soon—

Zhou Yu then said: "A palace-type supreme treasure."

Upon hearing that, the Giant Axe Originator and the Chaos City Lord were both helpless; a supreme treasure? The human race simply doesn't have one!

What's more, it even has to be palace-type.

However, the Giant Axe Originator and the Chaos City Lord both understood that the Seven Stars Lord wasn't making an outrageous demand; if his secret technique truly had such heaven-defying effects, then compared to a supreme treasure, it would merely be a drawback of greater divine power consumption.

But a supreme treasure can only be used by one person, whereas the secret technique can be spread.

The improvement would be the strength of the entire human race.

"I don't have a supreme treasure, but I can offer other treasures of equal value for exchange," the Giant Axe Originator said.

"But the premise is that we must verify the authenticity of this secret technique."

"That means you, Giant Axe Originator, have to go personally to negotiate with the Seven Stars Lord." Zhou Yu didn't add more.

"Hmm, I'm already on my way to the Seven Stars Secret Realm." The Giant Axe Originator nodded; such a major matter indeed required his personal presence.

"Giant Axe, this secret technique involves too much; even if it's true, it shouldn't be spread immediately." the Chaos City Lord reminded.

"I know."

The Giant Axe Originator nodded and said: "If this secret technique truly can boost my power further, then I could go to some deep places in the cosmic sea, and once I obtain another supreme treasure, I'd have nothing to fear."

Upon hearing that, the Chaos City Lord's face also showed a hint of anticipation.

If that day truly comes, perhaps the human race will once again see the flourishing era of his teacher's primordial ancestor before it was suppressed.

Of course, the premise is that this secret technique must be genuine, and the Seven Stars Lord must truly be willing to exchange.

……

Chaos City, inside the lord's mansion.

"If it succeeds, then our human race will likely enter a new era." At this moment, the Chaos City Lord's heart was filled with excitement.

"Teacher, since the Seven Stars Lord dares to say it, there's a ninety percent chance it's true, and he indeed has the intention to exchange." Zhou Yu said:

"My divine power incarnation is over there and can also help speak."

"Good, I'm counting on you!"

The Chaos City Lord nodded; just now Zhou Yu had told him that he and the Seven Stars Lord hit it off at first sight, so his persuasion would surely be useful.

Time was passing, and Zhou Yu remained at the Chaos City Lord's side without leaving.

Soon, Zhou Yu said: "Teacher, the Seven Stars Lord has given a portion of that secret technique to the Giant Axe Originator, which confirms the technique is genuine."

"Oh?" the Chaos City Lord's eyes lit up.

The secret technique is genuine; this step is the most important. Once this is confirmed, the rest can be easily discussed.

Although the human race lacks a supreme treasure, we still have some foundations; no matter what, we must obtain this secret technique.

"The terms are settled: the Giant Axe Originator will pay one peak-domain supreme treasure, one peak-palace supreme treasure, one peak-soul supreme treasure, three peak-attack supreme treasures, three peak supreme treasure armors, and also help the Seven Stars Lord search for a treasure capable of raising the divine body's gene level to ten thousandfold." Zhou Yu quickly added.

"These conditions aren't overly harsh." the Chaos City Lord understood.

Many treasures, though the human race normally wouldn't open exchanges for them with cosmic overlords, they are stored in the clan's reserves; these treasures are only taken out at critical moments, and now is such a moment!

As for enhancing the divine body?

Although the human race currently can't produce a suitable treasure, with some thought we can also find one.

"Zhou Yu, the Giant Axe said, this time we owe it to your mediation; you've rendered great merit." the Chaos City Lord said with a smile.

"I only said a couple of sentences; the main point is that the Seven Stars Lord is willing to exchange, otherwise he could simply go trade with other cosmic powerhouses." Zhou Yu said.

"Exactly, that's the rarest part." the Chaos City Lord sighed.

"Even in the cosmic sea, no one has heard of such a heaven-defying secret technique; many races there are not lacking in supreme treasures."

Zhou Yu and the Chaos City Lord talked for a while, then suddenly the Chaos City Lord said:

"By the way, Zhou Yu, while we've been talking about the Seven Stars Lord, you've become a cosmic overlord; now it's time to make it public, right?"

"Now the whole universe already knows; keeping it secret within the clan is pointless." Zhou Yu naturally nodded.

"You're also a legend; although our human race has had peerless geniuses who became cosmic overlords in a short time before, none were as fast as you." the Chaos City Lord remarked.

Upon hearing that, Zhou Yu nodded; however, his speed of becoming a cosmic overlord, while exaggerated, hasn't reached an inconceivable level.

After all, his human-divine clone in the simulation had stayed at the world-master stage for tens of thousands of years.

"After going public, what are your plans?" the Chaos City Lord asked again.

"Just accumulate a bit more time." Zhou Yu said without hesitation.

A human cosmic overlord either ventures into the cosmic sea to make a name, or sits in command of some important locations within the clan.

As for the cosmic sea, Zhou Yu's human-divine clone certainly won't go there lightly; after all, his clone's survivability is weak, and if he dies, it's a true death.

"The Seven Stars Lord, it was thanks to your help that we killed the Nine Cultivations Lord; what level has your secret art reached?" the Chaos City Lord asked at this moment.

"It can be considered the strongest secret art of a cosmic overlord." Zhou Yu said.

"Really the strongest secret art of a cosmic overlord? You didn't rely on any treasures?" the Chaos City Lord inquired.

"No." Zhou Yu naturally shook his head.

"How long have you been a cosmic overlord? You haven't even undergone tempering, yet you've created the strongest secret art of a cosmic overlord." the Chaos City Lord felt astonished.

He suddenly realized that Zhou Yu might truly be the one capable of changing the human race.

Creating the strongest secret art of a cosmic overlord in an extremely short time, reaching his level in the future is almost certain, and there is great hope of becoming the strongest in the universe.

"I have a clone that has always been in the Primordial Secret Realm; your strength is not weak either—help me guard the Primordial Secret Realm for a while, how about it?" the Chaos City Lord asked.

"Good."

Zhou Yu thought for a moment and agreed.

He planned to continue cultivating for a while; going to the Primordial Secret Realm was also suitable.

Zhou Yu chatted with the Chaos City Lord for a while; soon, both received news from the Creator of the Giant Axe.

"Haha, the exchange was successful."

In the Virtual Universe Giant Axe Temple, the Creator of the Giant Axe laughed and said: "I have obtained the latter part of that secret technique; I can now be certain that this secret technique will definitely boost my strength. I will immediately set out for the Cosmic Sea, Chaos, the Primordial Universe—relying on you."

"Rest assured." The Chaos City Lord nodded.

"I promised the Lord of the Seven Stars that this secret technique would only be spread within the human race." The Creator of the Giant Axe said again.

"But for now, it is not suitable to announce it publicly within the clan."

"Chaos, I will transmit the secret technique to you; in case I encounter an accident in the Cosmic Sea, it won't be lost."

The Chaos City Lord nodded upon hearing that.

"Giant Axe, although your strength has increased, you still need to be careful." The Chaos City Lord still said.

"Haha, that's natural; I won't act rashly." The Creator of the Giant Axe laughed loudly, then immediately turned his gaze to Zhou Yu.

"Domain Realm, this time the trade succeeded thanks to your persuasion of the Lord of the Seven Stars; this secret technique, I will also pass it to you." The Creator of the Giant Axe said.

"But you must not use this secret technique in the short term."

"Okay." Zhou Yu naturally nodded and agreed.

This secret technique, his human clone would not normally use it lightly.

Although the Divine Power Burning Secret Technique is good, its consumption of divine power is indeed too great; without a massive true body like the Seven Star Vine, his human clone simply cannot withstand it.

The Creator of the Giant Axe was indeed decisive; after giving instructions to the Chaos City Lord, his true body directly headed for the Cosmic Sea.

And within Chaos City, Zhou Yu's human clone, after bidding farewell to the Chaos City Lord, also intended to leave.

However, at that moment, the Chaos City Lord seemed to have discovered something and asked: "Zhou Yu, the winged treasure behind you is just an ordinary supreme treasure, right? Does it still help you?"

Previously, the Chaos City Lord's attention had been focused on the transaction with the Lord of the Seven Stars and the public revelation of Zhou Yu's identity; he hadn't paid much attention to other matters.

But now, with many matters settled, the Chaos City Lord suddenly noticed the problem.

The aura emanating from this winged supreme treasure appears ordinary; it should be just an ordinary supreme treasure. Ordinary supreme treasures are generally used by Cosmic Overlords; for a Cosmic Lord, they are of little use.

The key is, the Chaos City Lord felt this wing looked somewhat familiar.

"Teacher, this wing is the treasure of the Mechanical Race's Cosmic Overlord Venerable Heavenly Sun; I rather like this treasure." Zhou Yu said, secretly feeling moved in his heart.

When he first came to see the Chaos City Lord, he deliberately wore this wing on his body and deliberately let its aura emanate; the Chaos City Lord finally noticed.

The key is, if the Chaos City Lord doesn't bring it up himself, he can't just directly ask for it, can he?

Upon hearing that, the Chaos City Lord nodded.

"Being able to make you like it is rare." The Chaos City Lord smiled: "I have a similar supreme treasure; I will have someone send it to you later; you might also like it."

"Then thank you, Teacher." Zhou Yu smiled and expressed gratitude.

"Just an ordinary supreme treasure." The Chaos City Lord naturally didn't care.

PS: That's it for today; I'll make up for it later.

(End of Chapter)