Chapter 270: Peerless Genius vs. Old-Timer's Reincarnation

Chapter 270: Peerless Genius vs. Old-Timer's Reincarnation

The so-called Heavenly Autumn Son is none other than Ji Jingqiu.

Through the Formless Heavenly Devil Technique, he drifted along the Heart Ocean, not knowing where he would end up.

As for his identity as a disciple of the Heavenly Holy Lake, it was a random fabrication. He didn't know much about the powers in the Three Thousand Floating Worlds, but he had obtained some information from Tian Qingzi of the Heavenly Holy Lake the last time.

His initial purpose was to stabilize the crowd, especially since his divine embryo was still developing, and his physical body was not yet complete. If the crowd took action, it would be difficult to deal with them.

Especially the talisman in Han Qingxun's hand gave him a dangerous feeling.

After all, this was the Three Thousand Floating Worlds, a place with a high upper limit.

According to Ji Jingqiu's knowledge—

In some small worlds, Heaven People are the supreme gods, acting on behalf of heaven, and their words can become the law of the world.

But in some vast and boundless large worlds, there are numerous Heavenly Kings, and even Heavenly Sovereign-level experts.

So when it's time to keep a low profile, one should indeed do so, especially when one's strength hasn't fully recovered to its peak.

After Ji Jingqiu's physical body stabilized and he gained the confidence to deal with trouble, Han Qingxun invited him.

Hearing the words "Cosmic Light Fragment," although he wasn't sure what it was, Ji Jingqiu readily agreed.

The term "Cosmic Light" not only refers to the universe but also carries the meaning of time.

Along the way, Han Qingxun actively invited Ji Jingqiu to accompany him.

The two of them took the main positions, while the others surrounded them.

Even from this simple seating arrangement, the hierarchical distinction was evident.

Ji Jingqiu thought to himself, "The identity of a Heavenly Holy Lake disciple is indeed useful."

At the same time, Ji Jingqiu also asked La Jian about the safety of their retreat.

"Rest assured. The greatest characteristic of the Formless Heavenly Devil Technique is its formlessness and non-attachment to cause and effect. As long as you don't provoke Heavenly Sovereign-level beings, if you want to abandon your physical body and escape, even Heavenly Kings won't be able to stop you."

Ji Jingqiu immediately understood. Even if his identity was exposed during the journey, he wouldn't have to worry.

Unfortunately, his current physical body was over four times smaller than the Grand Universe, and his Heaven-Human Unity realm had also declined.

Suppressing Heaven People was almost impossible, and he could only manage to resist with great effort.

However...

Ji Jingqiu glanced around.

Dealing with Heart Images was still effortless for him.

"I wonder, Brother Heavenly Autumn, which lineage did you inherit your martial arts from?"

During the journey, Han Qingxun continued to try to draw him out.

Ji Jingqiu fabricated a story, saying that he came from a poor background and was taken in by a master, practicing diligently until he was recently sent out to gain experience. Han Qingxun was shocked to hear this.

So, Ji Jingqiu was also selected from the lower world? No wonder his body and mind far surpassed his peers!

Upon learning that Ji Jingqiu shared a similar background, Han Qingxun's goodwill towards him increased.

In places like the True Sage Bodhimanda, there are countless forces under their command, and the various lineages are extremely complex. After all, a strong individual can give rise to a vast family, and over countless years, their "assets" are immeasurable.

Within the Bodhimanda, most of the positions are monopolized by "insiders."

The remaining positions are reserved for true "Qilin Children" born within their territories or exceptionally talented disciples studying under masters.

Han Qingxun, unlike the scions of noble families, had to rely solely on his own talents to rise through the ranks and be selected from the "lower world" of the Bodhimanda.

At that moment, Han Qingxun couldn't help but sigh, "Brother Heavenly Autumn, although we may not be as favored as Heaven's Chosen, we can still consider ourselves lucky."

"Cosmic Light Fragments are extremely rare, and even fewer can be explored. Moreover, each fragment has different entry restrictions. This Cosmic Light Fragment has a maximum capacity of the Heart Image realm, and it is highly unstable. It may disappear at any moment."

"This time, you and I happened to be nearby and arrived just in time. Those fellow disciples who are farther away won't have the same luck as us."

Ji Jingqiu smiled and agreed.

Through indirect questioning and La Jian's inquiries, Ji Jingqiu learned about the so-called Cosmic Light Fragment.

Cosmic Light Fragments are far superior to ordinary broken planes and worlds. These fragments are "remnants of time" that have fallen from the River of Time.

The plane remnants that are qualified to fall into the River of Time are either worlds with extremely high rank or the inner worlds of Supreme Powerhouses who forcefully entered the River of Time and eventually perished. After being eroded for a long time, a portion of their inner worlds is "spat out."

Regardless of the origin, these fragments contain great opportunities.

Even without considering these opportunities, the time and space laws contained within the Cosmic Light Fragments are the objects of countless martial artists' dreams.

These things are of the most interest to Heaven People who have reached completion and above.

Below the completion stage, it's not that the effect is small, but rather that it would be a waste.

"I've heard that some special Cosmic Light Fragments originate from the River of Time itself and involve the possibilities of the past and future," said one of the companions, their eyes filled with longing.

"Oh? What do you mean?" Ji Jingqiu asked curiously.

The person explained, "It is said that life has many possibilities, and a single choice can lead to different futures. But most of these futures are bound by the River of Time. Occasionally, certain fragments fall out, and inside, there may even be forces and people identical to those in the outside world."

Isn't this the concept of multiverses?

Ji Jingqiu's mind raced with thoughts. Could these Cosmic Light Fragments be fragments of a tributary of the River of Time, captured and eventually fallen into the mortal world? The involvement of the time and space laws is indeed profound and mysterious.

When he used the Mind Manifestation Technique, the opportunity he envisioned in his mind was breaking through the realm. And now, he has encountered such an opportunity in this world.

It seems that this Cosmic Light Fragment may be related to his path.

Hmm, if that's the case, then the power of this small technique of cause and effect far exceeds his expectations! Of course, it could also be his own luck.

Someone else nodded and said, "Unfortunately, these remnants are highly unstable and cannot exist for long. Moreover, the 'King does not see the King,' which involves the integrity of the self. Once someone from the plane escapes, they will resonate with their external body, and the two cannot coexist."

"Has there ever been a real-life example of this in history?" Ji Jingqiu asked.

"Yes!" Han Qingxun replied solemnly, "It is said that in history, there have even been cases of Supreme Powerhouses being 'replaced.'"

To be called a Supreme Powerhouse, one must be at least at the eighth realm or above.

Replacement... does it mean that the external body is killed by the 'possibility' that escaped from the Cosmic Light Fragment? Ji Jingqiu became solemn; this is indeed terrifying.

The Celestial Being Rank of the River of Time far exceeded his imagination.

Just the possibility of convergence could "replicate" a powerhouse of this level?!

He silently asked Hela in his mind.

Hela responded calmly, "I remember the example he gave, but it has nothing to do with the Cosmic Light Fragment. It's the move of the Heavenly Demon."

"As for the River of Time, once you realize your true nature and see your true self, you won't leave any traces in it. You can initially transcend and converge your own timeline."

"Interfering with the River of Time is extremely difficult, but converging your own timeline and achieving initial transcendence is possible."

Ji Jingqiu fell silent for a moment. Could the move of the Heavenly Demon actually "replace" an Eight Realm powerhouse?

Just as he was lost in thought, the topic of conversation among the group shifted to another direction.

"Ah, they say that time and talent are the least valuable. One generation after another, only those who survive to the end are truly talented."

"Hehe, it used to be survival of the fittest, now it's survival of the last." Someone joked.

"In the vastness of the Three Thousand Floating Worlds, how many dare to claim to be geniuses? It's one thing to dominate a small world, but to look at the Many Worlds, that's just arrogance."

"It's not entirely true. We can say that the Three Thousand Floating Worlds are not lacking in geniuses, but we can't say there are none!"

"Indeed, even in the vast Many Worlds, there are numerous prodigies who have made a name for themselves and become famous! Like Mo Bei from the Huangshan Domain, who, despite having a Heart Image body, managed to escape from the hands of a Celestial Being Rank deity. In the end, feeling unsatisfied, he stealthily returned, hid for over ten days, and found an opportunity to strike at the deity's Heavenly Heart with a longsword!"

"There's also the Chi Xing Seven Sons of the Cang Tian Universe, who were born from the same mother. They have all reached the Celestial Being Realm and are also proficient in combination techniques, earning them quite a reputation."

"Tian Jianzi Xiao Ding from the Immortal World is suspected to be this generation's Heaven's Chosen. True Sage Bodhimanda powerhouses have already gone to confirm this, intending to guide him to become the contemporary Holy Son of their power..."

"Hey, although these are impressive, the true prodigies are gathered within the True Sage Bodhimanda and the Ten Directions Sect. They don't compete beneath the Celestial Beings but are instead preparing to break through the Celestial Being Realm!"

The group chatted, sharing information about the latest genius warriors who had made a name for themselves.

Listening to their exchange, Ji Jingqiu couldn't help but sigh, "Heroes under the heaven are as numerous as the fish in the river."

Hearing this, everyone present felt the same way.

The Three Thousand Floating Worlds were vast and boundless, with no individuals claiming to be "invincible" or "unparalleled." Even True Sages and Dao Ancestors were no exception.

One moment they could become famous, and the next, they might meet their end in a foreign land. There were countless examples of this.

However, at almost every moment, there were also young geniuses from various factions making their mark and attracting attention. Such examples were indeed as numerous as the fish in the river!

Soon, someone remembered something and angrily said, "The most outrageous are those old monsters who have lived a second life. I heard that this generation's Heaven's Chosen in the Ghost Host World has been found, and his whereabouts are unknown. Someone calculated that this Heaven's Chosen has been replaced!"

Everyone became solemn. The phrase 'replaced' meant rebirth in another's body.

The Ghost Host World was one of the Twenty-Eight Constellation Worlds and belonged to the Nine Wilds Alliance. It was also considered one of the top worlds in the Three Thousand Floating Worlds.

These Twenty-Eight Constellation Worlds were ancient, and their reflections could be found in the Grand Universe.

In the Grand Universe, if one stood on a planet and gazed into the distant night sky, not all the stars were real; some were manifestations of Dao rules or projections of other worlds.

The Twenty-Eight Constellation Worlds were an example of the latter.

"The Heaven's Chosen carries an immense fortune in their world, making it unreasonable. Breaking through realms is as easy as eating and drinking..."

Han Qingxun's eyes shone with envy, "I've heard that the Heaven's Chosen, in their respective worlds, are at least Pseudo Divine Prohibitions, blessed by heaven and earth."

Ji Jingqiu, however, was puzzled, "Are there really cases of rebirth in another's body? Is it truly meaningful?"

Han Qingxun nodded, "The Heavenly King comprehends the Dharma Realm and truly understands 'I am who I am.' With a second chance, they can make up for their past Dao foundation. In this situation, the Heaven's Chosen's grand fortune is the best choice for them."

"However, hunting the Heaven's Chosen is extremely dangerous. Even a slight mistake, no matter how powerful the Heavenly King is, can lead to a tragic death in various ways."

Han Qingxun added, emphasizing the Heaven's Chosen's defiance of the heavens. He gave an example of a Heavenly King who had captured a Heaven's Chosen but met his end when his secret body-snatching technique backfired due to a riot in the Heart Ocean, resulting in a 'reverse body snatching.'

"In fact, this method of rebirth in another's body is heavily criticized by all sides. Who hasn't started from the bottom? No one wants their young disciples to be targeted."

Someone spoke seriously, earning the agreement of the others, including Ji Jingqiu, who also criticized this behavior.

Han Qingxun nodded, "When you're out there, be cautious of a force called the Star Hunter Guild."

"This force specializes in hunting down talented young warriors who haven't reached the Celestial Being Realm yet, providing others with a second chance."

"They dare to hunt even legendary Divine Prohibition powerhouses!"

"Star Hunter Guild?" Ji Jingqiu whispered, feeling that the name sounded familiar. He soon recalled it from his memory.

There was also a force with the same name in the Grand Universe.

He had learned about this organization from the elven girl after entering the semi-plane of Po Suo. They indeed hunted down geniuses.

Speaking of this force, Han Qingxun's expression turned serious, "This force is terrifying, with a vast background. It's said to have connections with various parties, so they dare to hunt even Divine Prohibition powerhouses without fearing their backers."

Please...You...Collect_6191_Book_1_Bar!

Someone scoffed, "Divine Prohibition? There's a Divine Prohibition in the Grand Universe right now. Would they dare to go after them?"

The rest of the group chuckled.

Ji Jingqiu stroked his chin, having unexpectedly received a warning.

The Star Hunter Guild was hunting Divine Prohibition powerhouses? He wondered if the Grand Universe's Star Hunter Guild would come after him.

"We're here!"

The group had reached their destination and finally saw a white-haired elder hovering in the void ahead.

"That's an elder from the neutral force Potala Heaven, responsible for guarding the exit of the Cosmic Light Fragment, preventing people from accidentally entering and stopping those inside from escaping."

Han Qingxun spoke softly and led the group forward, presenting their identification.

Seeing this, Ji Jingqiu felt a bit uneasy as he didn't have any related proof. Could he get it reissued?

Han Qingxun glanced at him, knowing that Ji Jingqiu's physical body had been destroyed and immediately reconstructed, so he naturally had no proof on him.

Just as he was about to explain, the guarding elder opened his eyes and scanned the group, his gaze suddenly freezing on Ji Jingqiu.

Gradually, the man's eyebrows furrowed.

He stared at Ji Jingqiu for a long time before suddenly scolding, "You old man, reborn and reincarnated, haven't you even polished away the calamity energy from your body? Yet, you're so eager to compete with the younger generation. Do you have any shame?"

Suddenly, the crowd surrounding Ji Jingqiu quickly dispersed, scattering in all directions.

Everyone was as if facing a formidable enemy, their faces filled with shock and apprehension as they looked at Ji Jingqiu.

Tian Qiuzi, an elder, had reincarnated?!

Ji Jingqiu slowly formed a question mark with his hand.

"Old senior, you can eat whatever you like, but you can't just say whatever you want. I'm only eighteen this year!" Ji Jingqiu protested solemnly, not softening his tone just because the other party was an elder.

This accusation was terrible, as it was denying his peerless talent.

The crowd was shocked once again. Was Tian Qiuzi only eighteen years old?!

That couldn't be wrong!

This person must have reincarnated into an older body!

Just like the ones they had discussed earlier!

The gatekeeper's eyes burned with intensity, but the more he looked, the more surprised he became, his heart filled with astonishment.

"His mind image hasn't even taken a few steps, yet his physical body is already close to the standard of a Celestial Being Body. With his current physique, if he breaks through the Heaven-Human Boundary, the Dharmic Body he initially condenses will be able to bear Dao Patterns!"

"Could this be an attempt at a new path, and he has already achieved some success?"

As these thoughts raced through his mind, the old man didn't want to offend this Dao companion. After all, he was serving as the gatekeeper while maintaining a neutral stance.

He spoke indifferently, "If you say it's not, then it's not. Perhaps I've made a mistake."

Ji Jingqiu: "?"

He glanced at the crowd that had been surrounding him moments ago, their words warm and eager to befriend him, this peerless warrior of Tian Sheng Lake.

But now, the warmth was gone, replaced by vigilance, deep apprehension, and palpable hostility.

Only Han Qingxun remained by his side, slightly frowning, deep in thought.

Ji Jingqiu sighed, "I've encountered an elder who doesn't respect his age, casually denying my talent and even blaming me. Tian Qiuzi will remember this grudge."

The gatekeeper's face darkened, and he no longer cared about giving this jerk any face. He coldly humphed, "Some people may appear young and fresh, but they are old and rotten to the core. The one thing they can't hide is their long-settled, lifeless heart..."

The next moment, the old man's voice abruptly stopped.

Ji Jingqiu's heart was like a full and radiant Mind Moon, shining brilliantly, clear and distinct. Within it, there was a vibrant vitality, without a trace of lifelessness or deathly energy. Instead, it was filled with soaring vigor, its energy permeating the void.

The old man's eyes widened in surprise.

Ji Jingqiu stood calmly, allowing the inspection.

"How strange..." the old man muttered, "Could even the heart be reborn?"

Ji Jingqiu coldly humphed and continued to mutter to himself, "Some elders are stubborn in their opinions, preferring to believe in the impossible rather than admit their mistakes."

Han Qingxun, standing nearby, wiped his sweat. Indeed, this Tian Qiu junior brother lacked experience, which was why he was sent out for training by his elders.

Although the opponent was an elder from a neutral force and wouldn't attack them, there was no need to offend him like this...

The gatekeeper's face darkened further. He performed a secret technique to confirm if there were any signs of concealment in Ji Jingqiu's heart and simultaneously used another secret art to question Ji Jingqiu's true age.

Ji Jingqiu answered calmly, his response no different from before.

Not only was he not lying, but even if he were, in Hela's words, this "mere Heavenly King" wouldn't be able to discern the thoughts of someone who had cultivated the Formless Heavenly Devil Technique and the Fire Prison Buddha Realm.

Although there was a huge gap in their Embryonic Breath cultivation, they were still at the same level.

The gatekeeper's eyes widened in surprise once more.

The secret technique didn't react; could this be a peerless genius?!

In the Mind Image Realm, his physical strength was almost on par with the standard of a Celestial Being Body. Such an extraordinary talent...

The gatekeeper's eyes lit up. "Young friend, do you have a master?"

As soon as he spoke, the scattered crowd froze.

No, you've made a big mistake, sir!

They exchanged glances, feeling regret for their previous actions, and noticed Han Qingxun, who had not moved an inch, steadfast in his loyalty.

Indeed, he was worthy of being a genius from the Jade Pool Immortal Land!

Han Qingxun wasn't surprised by this outcome.

He had also tested Ji Jingqiu with his sect's secret technique, and throughout their journey, Ji Jingqiu hadn't lied. Moreover, the most crucial part was the pure and dazzling light of his heart, free of any impurities or lifelessness.

Ji Jingqiu replied with a calm and unyielding tone, "Tian Sheng Lake, Tian Qiuzi."

The gatekeeper couldn't help but show a hint of regret. This young man had already fallen into the True Sage Bodhimanda.

Could this young man be the 'Saint's Chosen' of this generation in the True Sage Bodhimanda?

The gatekeeper secretly speculated that only the two True Saints from Tian Sheng Lake personally nurturing him could have possibly brought out such a physique and the intensity of his heart's light...

At the same time, he had some doubts.

The light of the heart couldn't be faked, but why was there a trace of residual calamity energy in this young man?

Could the two from Tian Sheng Lake have researched a special body-tempering secret technique related to calamity energy, allowing them to forge such a physique in the Mind Image Realm?

He sighed inwardly; every sect was exploring new paths.

"Senior, have you obtained any information about the interior of this Cosmic Light Fragment?" someone asked with a bow.

The gatekeeper nodded. "This Cosmic Light Fragment is of the most special kind, involving a past flow of time and a top-tier force that has disappeared. Some of you may have heard of it—the Ten Phenomena Heaven from long ago."

The crowd fell silent, as most of them hadn't heard of this force.

Ji Jingqiu heard someone beside him gasp in surprise and immediately knew that his brother Han Qingxun, the walking encyclopedia, was aware of the inside story.

As expected, Han Qingxun trembled as he spoke, "Is it the Ten Phenomena Heaven? The one that, ten million years ago, 'ascended' into the Grand Universe in a unique way and eventually retreated to the Nine Continents?"

The gatekeeper glanced at Ji Jingqiu's bewildered face and explained, "I mentioned the Ten Phenomena Heaven, which may sound unfamiliar to you, but what about the Ten Phenomena Heavenly Kingdom?"

Ji Jingqiu's expression changed.

Ten Phenomena Heavenly Kingdom?

The kingdom of the Ten Phenomena Divine Lord in the Nine Continents?

Ji Jingqiu couldn't help but be amazed. If that were the case, then this Mind Manifestation Technique was incredibly precise!

The gatekeeper pondered for a moment and said, "Let's forget about the misunderstanding. I'll give this to you to resolve the cause and effect."

He extended his hand, and a jade token flew into Ji Jingqiu's palm, feeling warm and smooth.

"This token can protect you once inside. If you encounter any danger, crush it, and you can exit."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end