Chapter 139: [137] The Seven Elder’s Interrogation!
The second mountain was a marvel of water and ice coexisting impossibly. Its structure appeared to be made entirely of crystal-clear ice, but massive torrents of liquid water flowed
upward around its surface in impossible waterfalls that defied all natural laws.
The entire peak was shrouded in mist that sparkled with rainbow light, each droplet containing more Astra energy than some cultivation pills. Occasionally, the water would freeze mid-flow, creating temporary sculptures of incredible beauty before melting and resuming its ascent.
The third mountain gleamed with metallic luster that hurt to look at directly. Its surface was composed of countless interlocking plates of steel, bronze, silver, gold, and metals Levi couldn't even identify. The plates constantly shifted and reorganized themselves in mesmerizing patterns, producing a resonant hum that vibrated through the air and made his teeth ache. Occasionally, the metal would liquify and flow like water before re-solidifying into new configurations. It was metal given life and consciousness, the embodiment of all things refined and forged.
The fourth mountain appeared nearly invisible at first glance, but as Levi focused his enhanced gaze upon it, he could see it was actually composed of solidified wind and atmosphere. Visible currents of air spiraled around its peak in perpetual cyclones, sometimes gentle breezes, sometimes howling tornadoes that could strip flesh from bone. The entire structure seemed to breathe, expanding and contracting rhythmically. It was the mountain of pure movement, of freedom made manifest, of the sky itself compressed into physical form.
The fifth mountain was darkness incarnate, an abyss given form and structure. Its surface wasn't black, it was the absence of light, of color, of existence itself. Shadows pooled at its base like liquid night, occasionally writhing and reaching outward like living tentacles before being pulled back by some invisible force. When Levi tried to look directly at it, his eyes slid away as if unable to focus. Occasionally, the darkness would part slightly, revealing glimpses of what might be infinite depth or might be absolute nothingness. It was impossible to tell which was more terrifying.
The sixth mountain radiated pure light so intense it should have blinded anyone who looked at it. Its surface was composed of diamond and crystal that refracted brilliance in every direction, creating thousands of rainbow beams that painted the artificial sky with colors that had no names. But this wasn't merely bright—it was luminous in a way that transcended normal vision. The light seemed to carry weight and substance, flowing down the mountain's slopes like a liquid that could burn away impurities. Occasionally, the light would pulse, and in those moments, Levi could swear he saw glimpses of figures moving within the radiance—beings made entirely of illumination.
The seventh mountain was perhaps the most peculiar of all. It appeared to be constructed from living wood and stone that constantly grew, died, and regenerated in an eternal cycle. As Levi watched, flowers bloomed across its surface in cascades of color—reds, blues, purples, golds—only to wither to brown husks within seconds. Vines crawled across the stone, reaching toward the peak before crumbling to dust, only to sprout anew from the same spot. Trees grew from sapling to ancient giant in minutes, then collapsed and decomposed, providing nutrients for new growth. It was the mountain of life and nature itself, representing the endless cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth that governed all living things. The smell of fresh growth and sweet rot filled the air simultaneously, creating an oddly harmonious scent.
Atop each mountain stood a figure.
Even from this distance, even though they weren't releasing their full auras, Levi could feel the overwhelming pressure emanating from them. These were the Seven Envoys, the ruling council of Chaotic Star Academy. Each one was a Fiend-God realm cultivator at minimum, possibly higher. Each one could reshape reality with a thought. Each one could end Levi's existence before he even realized he was being attacked.