Chapter 2343 — Chapter 2343 Bahrah's Challenge

"That Saaruk! He's much slyer than I expected! He makes himself look like an idiot, but he's actually scheming behind our backs!" Bahrah muttered.

He then focused on Yuan and spoke, "Instead of working for Saaruk, why don't you work for me instead? I don't know what Saaruk promised you, but I can promise you this world and unlimited authority. I will make you its supreme ruler, second to none and above every living being to walk this earth."

"That is a tempting offer, considering that Saaruk didn't really promise me anything except some of his powers." Bahrah laughed at such words and continued, "In that case, you should definitely ditch that idiot and come work for me! In fact, it's only a matter of time before we conquer this world—not with force like Zaaran but strategy and faith."

"Is that why you've been forming an alliance with everyone?"

Yuan already knew their plans but still asked anyway.

"Indeed. This plan started long before Zaaran's interference. Although it was a risky move, I made his puppet kill someone from the Three Pillars of Heaven, forcing Zaaran's hands."

Yuan's eyebrows twitched slightly after hearing this revelation.

'Is that why Kulas went on a rampage even though I was near him at that time? So it was this bastard's doing…'

"What would you have done if I never intervened?" Yuan suddenly asked.

"I have my own ways," said Bahrah with a mysterious smirk on its face.

"What about the Enlightened One, then? If I am going to be second to none, that must include him, you know?"

"Hahaha! There's no problem at all! He might be a little angry, but there's nothing he can do about it!"

"So you're just going to discard him like this?" Yuan sneered. "How am I supposed to work with someone who doesn't hesitate to throw away their own pawn?"

"I am not going to discard him. He's still useful, and there are other things he can do for me. If you're worried that I might do the same to you, then you don't have to worry, since you are countless times better than that kid. However, you still have to prove yourself."

Yuan pondered for a moment before nodding, "Alright, I'll work with you for now. What do you want me to do?"

"I want you to surpass the Enlightened One's authority within the Three Pillars of Heaven."

"Surpass him? That is not going to be simple…" Yuan muttered.

Bahrah laughed. "I never said it would be easy. Did you really think I'd just hand everything to you? If you want his position, you'll have to take it yourself."

He continued calmly, "That said, without a handicap, it would be impossible for you. He's amassed immense influence and faith over the years, while you're nothing more than a stranger who appeared out of nowhere."

"Ten thousand years. I will make it so that the Enlightened One cannot interfere with you for ten thousand years, so try your best to defeat him in that time."

"So he'll also be aware of our little competition?" Yuan asked.

"Of course."

"Very well. I accept the challenge."

"See you again in ten thousand years… if you're still alive by then!"

In the next moment, Yuan found himself back in the Celestial Chamber with the Enlightened One.

"What did you speak to my God about?" The Enlightened One immediately questioned.

"You should ask him yourself."

"What are you—"

The Enlightened One suddenly halted his speech and stood there in silence, almost as if he was in a daze.

'So that's how it looks when I am speaking with an Eternal…' Yuan thought to himself, as this was his first time seeing someone in a conversation with one.

Moments later, the Enlightened One started to move again.

"So you dare covet my position…" he growled, his voice low and feral, like a threatened beast.

"It wasn't my idea, but your God's, you know?" "I don't care! I will never hand my position over to someone like you!" the Enlightened One roared as he suddenly lunged at Yuan.

Yuan stepped aside casually, causing the Enlightened One to stumble and crash to the ground.

"…"

Yuan narrowed his eyes at him. During the fall, the Enlightened One's veil and hood had slipped away, revealing his face.

'Celestial Emperor…'

Yuan instantly recognized his handsome face. The Enlightened One turned out to be the first Celestial Emperor.

However, Yuan wasn't surprised in the slightest, as if he already suspected this when he couldn't sense any cultivation from the Enlightened One.

"I was wondering why I couldn't sense your cultivation. To think you're just a mere mortal…" Yuan spoke with a cold smile.

The Enlightened One's expression paled.

"W-What nonsense are you spouting?! I'm merely concealing my cultivation!" he shouted, panic seeping into his voice as he desperately tried to hide the truth.

Unfortunately for him, his lies held no weight with Yuan, who already knew the truth.

Yuan suddenly reached for his neck and dragged him off the ground and into the air.

"I was given ten thousand years to replace you. At first, I thought it would be pretty difficult. But now… I don't even need a day, as I can simply replace you by killing you," he spoke in a cold voice.

"Y-You wouldn't dare! If you kill me, the Three Pillars of Heaven and half of the world will turn into your enemy! At that point, you will no longer be able to rule the world!"

Yuan fell silent for a moment before releasing him.

"Don't worry. It would be far too easy—and boring—to simply kill you," he said in a grim voice. "I want you to watch as I slowly usurp your authority and replace you."

The Enlightened One glared at Yuan with teary eyes as he lay on the ground, yet there was nothing he could do, as Bahrah had forbidden him from interfering with Yuan for the next ten thousand years.