Chapter 256: Gods Have Finite Lifespans, Too (Part 1)

Chapter 256: Gods Have Finite Lifespans, Too (Part 1)





"One move to kill an ordinary Skysoar Warrior?" Li Yuan thought to himself, feeling quite shocked by this statement.

After all, just a year ago, he was a high school student preparing for the college entrance exam.

Back then, Skysoar Warriors were still legendary figures in his eyes.

"It's not as difficult as you think."

"As long as you cultivate your physical foundation to level 29, and your skills reach the Sixth Level, then cultivate the Ninefold Star Art 'True Understanding of Earth Star Vein' and the Sevenfold Star Art 'Earth Divine Body' to the second-tier limit, you should be able to achieve it." The girl smiled and said, "It's not like you don't have the confidence to match a Skysoar Warrior as an Origin Martial Artist with all this external help."

"I do," Li Yuan said with a smile.

Of course.

In a Seven Star Civilization with a deep foundation, each era would produce several Origin Martial Artists capable of rivaling Skysoar Warriors.

Not to mention Li Yuan, whose ambitions were even greater.

Currently, Li Yuan's primary goal was to become the top Origin Martial Artist in the Seven Star Civilization, and in the future, he aimed to kill Demigods as a Skysoar Warrior... Only then would he barely qualify for the 'Divine Heritage' and have a chance to embark on the path to becoming a deity.

Every deity was once a young genius.

"It's good that you have confidence."

The girl nodded in satisfaction, then added, "By the way, you should have learned the Contemplation Method, right?"

Li Yuan was initially surprised, then he said, "Yes."

"Don't worry, Little Fire told me. When you were practicing the Contemplation Method, it secretly observed and sensed something, but couldn't fully confirm it," the girl smiled and said, "I was just testing you earlier."

Li Yuan was speechless.

"It seems you do have other opportunities," the girl showed a mysterious smile, "But you probably don't understand the value of the Contemplation Method. It's a Deity's technique."

"A Deity's technique?" Li Yuan held his breath.

This was the first time he learned about the origin of the Contemplation Method.

"When Demigods and Skysoar Warriors teach their disciples, they usually spend a lot of time imprinting their spiritual marks on the disciple's mind, tempering their spiritual will," the girl explained, "This is the Heart Palace Method, but over time, the imprints gradually fade... It's quite inconvenient."

"A more advanced method is the Contemplation Method."

"What is the Contemplation Method? The highest level is observing the essence of the universe, followed by observing the essence of nature, and the lowest is observing the essence of deities." The girl continued, "Deities, by expending a lot of spiritual power, can condense their will into a 'Deity's Image,' which can help a cultivator learn the Contemplation Method."

"After learning it, you can observe the Deity's Image day and night, strengthening your spirit and tempering your will. Your chances of becoming a deity will greatly increase." The girl smiled and said.

"Brother, what's the name of the Contemplation Method you learned?" The girl curiously looked at Li Yuan, "And what is the image you observe?"

Li Yuan hesitated, then said, "It's called the 'Great Sun Sky Dharma Sutra.'"

Since it involved the Heart Palace, Li Yuan was reluctant to reveal its origin.

However, after considering the previous circumstances, Li Yuan trusted Gu Ju from the bottom of his heart.

Furthermore, Li Yuan's heart wasn't without the desire to uncover the secrets of the Heart Palace.

"The 'Great Sun Sky Dharma Sutra'?" The girl's eyes widened in confusion, clearly unfamiliar with the name.

"The image I observe is a great sun. One side of my spiritual body is scorched by its flames, while the other side is nourished by its endless light," Li Yuan explained seriously.

"What?"

The girl was genuinely surprised this time, her mouth slightly agape as she stared at Li Yuan. "The essence of the universe and nature... This is one of the most supreme Contemplation Methods, even my father had only heard of it but never seen it."

"Where did you get it from?" The girl couldn't help but ask.

Li Yuan's heart was also shocked.

The Contemplation Method he learned from the Heart Palace was something even the Torch God had only heard of... Was the 'Great Sun Sky Dharma Sutra' that powerful?

But Li Yuan finally understood the mystery of the Heart Palace... If the initial Contemplation Method was considered supreme by deities, what about the others? It was unimaginable.

"Sister, I can't reveal its origin," Li Yuan said with a wry smile.

"Then don't," the girl said with an understanding look, then suddenly giggled, "I was wondering how a weak civilization could produce a monstrous genius like you... As expected, everything has a reason."

"Don't worry."

"The universe evolves, the cosmos rotates, and in this vast Dimensional River, how many secrets and great opportunities are there?" The girl smiled and said, "Brother, the stronger you become, the more powerful your background, the happier I'll be for you."

Li Yuan nodded slightly.

It was good to have a sister who didn't dig too deep into things.

"I originally prepared a Contemplation Method for you," the girl said softly, "But it's no longer needed... However, according to my father's rules, I still have to give it to you."

"You can give it to whomever you want," the girl smiled and said.

She flipped her palm, and a jade stone emitting a radiant glow appeared in her palm.

"To learn the Contemplation Method, you must have at least Skysoar-level spiritual power," the girl instructed, "Just crush the jade stone, sense it with your soul, and you can quickly condense the image in your Heart Palace."

"The Deity's Image isn't eternal, it probably lasts for about 1000 years, which is enough for a Demigod's lifetime of cultivation," the girl said.

"A thousand years?" Li Yuan asked curiously, "Sister, can Demigod-level cultivators only live for a thousand years?" The girl smiled and said, "Don't you know the lifespans of the various cultivation realms?"

Li Yuan shook his head involuntarily.

Indeed, he wasn't sure.

"Below the second tier, the usual limit is about 150 years," the girl stated directly.

"Second-tier cultivators live for 300 years."

"Third-tier Skysoar Warriors live for 500 years."

"Fourth-tier Demigods live for a thousand years."

"Fifth-tier deities live for five thousand years." The girl finally said.

"Even deities can't achieve immortality?" Li Yuan was astonished. In his imagination, those who dared to call themselves deities should have lifespans as long as the heavens, if not living for tens of thousands of years.

Five thousand years was indeed a long time, equivalent to the entire length of the Seven Star Civilization.

But it didn't match his imagination of deities.

"Deities are also just powerful beings. In this world, who can live forever? Nothing is eternal," the girl smiled and said, "The years pass, and the cycle of life and death continues. This is the ultimate truth of the universe."

"Cultivating the martial path is about defying the heavens and extending one's lifespan."

Li Yuan nodded slightly.

He put away the 'Contemplation Technique' gifted by Gu You, unsure who he should pass it on to.

"With your formidable mental strength and exceptional skills, you should aim to reach the seven-star vein level during the Source Warrior stage." The girl's eyes sparkled with anticipation: "Then, you can attempt to break through to the eight-star vein in the Skysoar stage."

"Seven-star vein?" Li Yuan was curious.

Although he already had a goal in mind, even Principal Fang Hai and White Mountain Demigod had, at most, hoped that he could reach the six-star vein.

"All things have spirits, and every living being contains a vast sea of life stars within them. In theory, they all have the potential to break through to the six-star vein, but awakening so many life stars requires extremely high skill and mental strength." The girl spoke solemnly: "And since Source Warriors have limited lifespans and even more limited golden cultivation time... most can't reach their limits and have no choice but to break through."

"One step behind, and you'll always be one step behind."

"If a Source Warrior falls behind, a Skysoar Warrior will lag by two steps."

"In the end, the vast majority of demigods struggle to break through to the seven-star vein." The girl smiled: "The seven-star vein is a legend among many civilizations, with very few reaching it."

Li Yuan listened with bated breath. He had known about the spiritual nature of all things, but the other secrets were new to him.

"Your star vein talent is among the very best. Your skills and mental strength are both exceptional." The girl's expectations rose: "Once you become an eight-star vein in the future... even if you achieve the rank of a deity, you will have an extremely strong foundation among the divine."

"Sister, what star vein foundation does Master have?" Li Yuan couldn't help but ask, his curiosity piqued.

"Father only has a seven-star vein, but he has two ninefold star veins." The girl replied seriously: "Overall, Father's foundation is quite good among the divine."

"After all, in theory, a five-star vein is enough to ignite the divine fire." The girl explained.

Li Yuan was puzzled.

Five-star vein? Is the requirement that low?

"It's just a theoretical possibility. Normally, one would expect at least a six-star vein to ignite the divine fire." The girl smiled.

Li Yuan nodded in agreement, as this matched his own understanding.

"Sister."

"Weren't you saying that Skysoar Warriors find it difficult to further awaken their star veins?" Li Yuan interjected.

"Who said that? Your elders?"

"A bunch of fools." The girl frowned: "Skysoar Warriors simply find it more challenging to awaken their star veins; it's not impossible. In theory, even demigods can continue to awaken their star veins, but very few among them can achieve it."

Li Yuan listened attentively.

Many seemingly 'basic' pieces of knowledge were likely 'knowledge deserts' for the seven-star civilization.

This was the accumulated wisdom passed down by generations of deities.

"Theoretically, during the Source Warrior stage, your skills and mental strength... won't be able to support the awakening of the eight-star vein." The girl spoke earnestly: "Therefore, reaching the seven-star vein is a limit for Source Warriors."

"After becoming a Skysoar Warrior, you should strive to awaken the eight-star vein..."

Li Yuan listened carefully and finally asked, "What about the nine-star vein?"

"Don't be overly ambitious."

"The nine-star vein, not just in your civilization, but in the entire dimensional realm, is probably just a legend." The girl seemed to recall something.

She paused in thought.

Then, she added, "Of course, I'm not saying you have no chance. But you should take one step at a time. The nine-star vein... at least wait until you reach the seven-star vein in the second tier of the Source Warrior stage before considering the nine-star vein."

"Okay."

...

The two chatted for a while longer.

Li Yuan stored away all the treasures given by Gu You, including them in his storage treasure. He also took the token that allowed entry and exit to the Nexus Realm.

"I've said all I need to."

"Remember, after you leave, don't reveal the secret of obtaining the deity's heritage. It's best to be cautious." The girl instructed: "Come back when you believe you've reached the limits of the second tier."

"I'll send you to Little Fire's place."

Without waiting for a response, she waved her hand, and a wave of invisible energy swept over Li Yuan, teleporting him away.

"I didn't expect..."

"After so long without speaking, you said so much as soon as you saw me." The girl murmured to herself: "Father, it seems your disciple is quite extraordinary. He obtained such a top-tier 'Contemplation Technique'... Our chances of success might be better than we thought."

"Brother."

"Don't let my expectations down, okay?" The girl closed her eyes lightly, standing in the void like a porcelain doll, motionless as if in deep slumber.

...

A buzzing sound filled the air, and Li Yuan had many more questions he wanted to ask.

For instance, who killed the Torch God Gu You, or why deities couldn't descend, and what about Lin Lan Yue's whereabouts?

But Gu You seemed to have no intention of answering further.

He directly sent Li Yuan away.

A silent, invisible force enveloped Li Yuan, and when it subsided, he found himself in a vast hall.

The four walls of the hall were a fiery red, and the divine pillars were adorned with carvings of flame divine birds, as if he had stepped into a fiery world.

"The heritage hall of a fire deity?" Li Yuan wondered, not feeling particularly alarmed.

Based on his conversation with Gu You, he was now a direct disciple of the Torch God, and the boundary spirit would likely treat him with great courtesy.

It might even grant him certain permissions.

Suddenly, a surprised voice called out, "Li Yuan, you succeeded?" A figure in a fiery red robe appeared not far away, and it was Lin Lan Yue.

Li Yuan was taken aback.

From their high school days to the present, only a year had passed, and they had often met in the virtual network, especially around the time of Teacher Xu Bo's passing.

Before this, Li Yuan had noticed subtle changes in Lin Lan Yue's demeanor, but it was more of an internal transformation.

Until today.

The two met again, and Lin Lan Yue, though not a stunning beauty, had completely shed her high school shyness. She had undergone a metamorphosis.

Her aura was unique.

Unconsciously, Li Yuan thought of Gu You.

These were two completely different temperaments. Gu You had a saintly aura, and there was also a kind of coldness that made people unwilling to desecrate... Lin Lan Yue, on the other hand, stood there, giving off an endless scorching heat.

Of course.

Li Yuan had to admit that if he were to compare, Lin Lan Yue still paled in comparison.

But she was far superior to many other women he had seen.

Their gazes met.

"Lan Yue, you're here?" Li Yuan smiled as well, feeling unexpectedly pleased that he had obtained the deity's heritage upon entering the Nexus Realm.

He had only intended to come to Lin Lan Yue's rescue.

But judging from the current situation, Li Yuan vaguely understood that he might not need to save her after all.

...

After a long separation, they reunited in such a scene, and both of them felt a little unusual.

"Lan Yue, did you know I was coming?" Li Yuan recalled Lin Lan Yue's earlier words.

"Yes."

"The Boundary Spirit told me about you, saying that you were going to receive the Earth Deity's heritage..." Lin Lan Yue smiled, seemingly happy for Li Yuan.

"That Earth Deity is even more powerful than my master."

"Your master? You've taken the Fire Deity as your teacher?" Li Yuan's eyes lit up.

"Yes, but I'm just a registered disciple." Lin Lan Yue smiled, "In this aspect, I'm far inferior to you. I could become a disciple not because of my talent or understanding, but because of my bloodline compatibility."

"Bloodline?" Li Yuan became more puzzled.

Previously, he had only guessed that Lin Lan Yue might have obtained or was in the process of receiving the Fire Deity's heritage.

But it was just because of her bloodline? This was something Li Yuan had never considered.

"Come and sit down, and I'll tell you slowly." Lin Lan Yue smiled.

"Okay." Li Yuan had the intention to send news of his survival back to the Seven Star Alliance, but he wasn't in a hurry at the moment.

Lin Lan Yue took the lead.

...

The two of them sat down.

Then, Lin Lan Yue began to narrate her experiences.

"This Fire Deity, is she a True Phoenix?" Li Yuan listened to Lin Lan Yue's story, feeling intrigued.

"Yes."

"My master followed that powerful Earth Deity..." Lin Lan Yue sighed, "The True Phoenix is an extremely terrifying divine beast clan in the Dimensional River."

"Every True Phoenix, after a thousand years, can rely on their bloodline to gradually grow into deities. They are born divine beasts, destined for deification."

"Impressive." Li Yuan was genuinely impressed.

Born with the destiny to become deities?

Divine beasts are truly extraordinary.

"Don't be too concerned about your origins. It's good to have a strong birth and innate potential." A gentle voice resonated around the two of them, "But even if you're born weak, there's still a chance to become a deity, or even a supreme existence among deities, like your master, Li Yuan."

"Or like you, Li Yuan. If you become a deity, you might be even more powerful than my master in the future."

"The Boundary Spirit?" Li Yuan looked around.

This voice was familiar; it was the same as the Boundary Spirit he had encountered before.

"The Boundary Spirit won't appear. It only occasionally listens to our conversations and offers a few words of advice." Lin Lan Yue helplessly explained.

Li Yuan nodded, understanding now.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end