Chapter 324: The Wonders of the Great Universe, the Strongest Power

Chapter 324: The Wonders of the Great Universe, the Strongest Power

In the heavens, a dark and deep fissure appeared, like a heavenly scar, striking fear into the hearts of all who witnessed it. With terrifying speed, the fissure expanded until a figure disappeared into its depths.

This scene startled countless people below, and it was all too familiar, having occurred just a few years ago, leaving an indelible impression.

Some tried to follow, to enter the fissure, but they were blocked and could not pass through.

"Is that... the Royal Heavenly Ancient Path?! What's going on? The Ancient Path has reopened after several years!" exclaimed a martial artist from the Nine Palaces.

"If I remember correctly... Senior Uncle Ji returned yesterday. Wasn't the young figure who just entered the fissure Senior Uncle Ji?"

"Senior Uncle Ji from the Great Universe?!"

"Of course, who else could it be besides him? Could it be that someone else has the qualification to enter the Ancient Path again, after being the first on the Eternal Tablet? I don't recall any similar records in the history books..."

"Isn't he busy breaking through in the Great Universe?"

"Brother Mu has been in seclusion recently. Senior Uncle Ji broke through to the Tianren Realm half a month ago and instantly killed a Great Heavenly Rank!"

"Before breaking through to the Tianren Realm, he was already a powerful figure in the Divine Prohibition. Now, having surpassed the Heavenly Gate, he is rumored to be able to rival the Tianwang. Who in the Great Universe can be his match?"

"Perhaps he has come to the Nine Continents because there are no more worthy opponents in the Great Universe, and he's feeling lonely..."

...

Returning to the Ancient Path once more, Ji Jingqiu felt like rubbing his hands together, for it was time to feast on the resources of the wealthy.

The most frustrating thing for him at the moment was his journey to the Tian Sheng Lake.

Although the Nine Palaces had a good relationship with him and had sought help from the Federation, they were unlikely to treat him like the "Untethered One" at Tian Sheng Lake, granting his every request. Unless he had agreed to stay and become the "Chosen One" of the Nine Palaces in the past.

Currently, his clone, far away at the third Feisheng Altar, was almost through the first wind disaster, thanks to the abundant resources of Tian Sheng Lake.

"Senior, I have broken through to the Tianren Realm and wish to borrow the power of the Ancient Path's fragmented realms to further my progress."

Ji Jingqiu bowed to the illusory figure before him.

This was a projection of the will of the Ancient Path.

Ji Jingqiu vaguely sensed that this figure seemed more solid than the last time they had parted...

According to their previous conversation, shouldn't this figure's strength have gradually diminished over time?

"The Ancient Path has no shortage of realm worlds. If you can swallow them, you may do so."

The will of the Ancient Path had expected Ji Jingqiu's purpose upon his return.

For a Tianren cultivator, the quickest way to cultivate their inner realm was either by swallowing other realm worlds or by enduring disasters.

With a wave of its hand, countless stars appeared, densely packed yet orderly, hanging in the heavens, representing the numerous fragmented realm worlds of the Royal Heavenly Ancient Path.

It first drew out a line of less than two hands' worth:

"These are the inner universes of the former Heavenly Lords and above, remnants of the Royal Heavenly Realm. Even if some are only fragments, they are still like a child eating ginseng, an excessive supplement that is difficult to digest, filled with the profound truths of the Dao."

It then separated out another line, this time with hundreds of stars, and after a slight hesitation, it further divided this into two parts:

"These are the inner realms of the Tianwang and Zongshi cultivators. This portion is what you can barely digest at your current level. You can use the remaining illusory Dao as proof, but for the rest, it's best not to think about it for now. Their realms are too high, making them difficult to digest and may even turn against you, affecting the operation of your inner realm."

It pointed to the remaining stars: "These are Tianren-level realms. You can take them at will and refine them into your foundation."

Ji Jingqiu gazed at the countless stars, dazzling like a treasure trove, and couldn't help but sigh. Indeed, this was the former Royal Heavenly Universe, second only to the Great Universe.

And this was just what remained; who knew how many powerful cultivators had perished, leaving no trace of their existence.

After a brief hesitation, Ji Jingqiu discussed with Hela and said, "Senior, I'd like you to help me select those whose paths are similar to mine from the Tianren-level inner realms."

The will of the Ancient Path nodded, "Indeed, a wise choice. I thought you would go for the Tianwang-level realms first."

Ji Jingqiu smiled, "For now, I'm mainly focused on enduring the three disasters to strengthen my inner realm's foundation. The Tianren-level realms are sufficient, as long as the paths are similar and can complement each other."

This was the conclusion he had reached with Hela.

Although digesting a Tianwang-level inner realm would bring great benefits, it would be too challenging and time-consuming for him. Instead, it would be more efficient to swallow multiple Tianren-level inner realms to enhance his own realm's foundation.

Once he had endured the three disasters, he could then aim for these Tianwang-level fragmented realms, achieving twice the result with half the effort.

There was no need to rush for these fragmented realms; they weren't going anywhere.

"What path do you follow?"

"I see the infinite through the finite," Ji Jingqiu added, "Even if they are rare and obscure paths, they are also acceptable."

The will of the Ancient Path contemplated for a moment and then pointed out forty-nine stars, which it refined into one. With a light snap of its fingers, the stars vanished before Ji Jingqiu's eyes.

At the same time, Ji Jingqiu sensed a change in his inner realm. When he looked inward, it was as if a bright red star had appeared in the heavens.

Although there were forty-nine fragmented inner realms, they were condensed into one, and the depth of their Dao, laws, and principles were either similar or completely unfamiliar.

Confirming this, Ji Jingqiu's eyes burned with anticipation, and indeed, it was a feast for the senses.

These forty-nine incomplete demi-planes will keep you occupied for three to five years. Come back to me after three to five years.

The Will of the Ancient Path was unconcerned about the disappearance of the forty-nine stars.

Four words: Wealthy and generous.

On the contrary, it felt that Ji Jingqiu's current realm was too low. Even if he devoured them, he wouldn't be able to consume too much, and it would take time.

At this moment, a figure with a faint red glow emerged from the True Spirit Pool at the center of the Inner Heaven and Earth. As it rose into the sky, its body continued to expand, eventually becoming so vast that it blocked out the sun. It wandered through the galaxy, swallowing the crimson star in one gulp, and then, with its head and tail connected, it hung in the sky.

Ji Jingqiu did not stop it; instead, he looked on with anticipation.

With the help of the World-Swallowing Serpent's innate divine ability, the digestion of this "star" would be simpler, and the refinement process would be purer.

According to Hela's estimation, it would only take half a year or so for most of the heavenly laws and principles to be smelted into this heaven and earth, and during this time, the foundation of the Inner Heaven and Earth would also be continuously replenished.

The remaining "losses" would fall into the belly of the World-Swallowing Serpent.

Ji Jingqiu didn't care about the "losses"; he only cared about time.

Again, four words: Wealthy and generous.

Soon, Ji Jingqiu felt a faint rumble from within the Inner Heaven and Earth. Between heaven and earth, it was as if the laws and principles were turning into raindrops, showering down like a spring rain.

Oh, right, do you still have a World-Swallowing Serpent?

The Will of the Ancient Path suddenly remembered and said,

You can use the World-Swallowing Serpent to help you digest the Inner Heaven and Earth, saving you a lot of time. It's a great opportunity to explore the Great Universe.

Explore the Great Universe? Ji Jingqiu asked in surprise.

The Three Disasters—Heavenly Wind, Fire, and Thunder—are like a 'stumbling block' on the path of cultivation for others. If they can't overcome it, they face death. But for you, the challenge is too light. You need to learn to increase the difficulty yourself.

"Increase the difficulty myself?" Ji Jingqiu had never heard of such a concept before.

The Three Disasters refine the heavens and earth, elevating the world's essence and stimulating the birth of the will of heaven and earth. This is something that devouring countless Inner Heavens and Earths cannot compare to.

I know of three places in the Great Universe, which were used as strange lands for the cultivation of the roots of the younger generation during the Five Great Pillars era. You can go there and borrow the power of the heavens and earth to refine your Inner Heaven and Earth.

Having heard that these places were left behind by the Five Great Pillars, Ji Jingqiu became interested but also hesitated:

"Won't it be too far? Even traveling there will take a considerable amount of time."

If you're interested, I can send you there.

"Senior, can you send me there directly?"

Ji Jingqiu was surprised and tempted. Did this mean that the Royal Heaven could lead to any place in the Great Universe?

In the past, the entire Royal Heaven and Earth sacrificed themselves to protect the Great Universe from disasters. Now that the will of the Great Universe has awakened, it will naturally offer compensation and blessings, but unfortunately...

A sigh echoed with a sense of loneliness.

The current Royal Heaven, apart from its Dao tradition, has little left. There are only a few worthy successors.

"Junior has heard that when the Royal Heaven and Earth were destroyed, some clans and powers chose to migrate to the 3,000 Jambudvipa. Don't they count?" Ji Jingqiu asked tentatively.

The Will of the Ancient Path ended the conversation with five words:

Not fellow travelers.

Then, this guiding figure said:

Opening a gateway to the Great Universe, leading to a specific region, is not difficult with the Great Universe's tacit approval.

Since you now have the strength to act recklessly in the Great Universe, you should seize the opportunity and indulge in it. Get your hands on whatever treasures you can.

The foundation of the Great Universe far surpasses all other realms, but it is currently in a 'receding tide' phase, hidden and not readily apparent.

Ji Jingqiu's eyes lit up, understanding the logic behind this.

Additionally, two of these strange lands are near the Feisheng Altar. If you pass by, you can suppress the divine restrictions of various families, slowing down and delaying the establishment of the Saints in the 3,000 Jambudvipa.

The Will of the Ancient Path paused and warned:

They carry the Dao rules of the Saints. Defeat is acceptable, and even humiliation, but if you kill them, you must be cautious. It may provoke a 'backlash from the Great Dao.'

Ji Jingqiu nodded, understanding that behind each divine restriction stood a powerful force. He would not make enemies of everyone by killing them one by one.

Of course, switching to an alternate account when necessary would be a solution.

In the cultivation of the Great Dao, the law of wealth is primary, followed by the law of the partner.

The Will of the Ancient Path sighed softly.

The destruction of the Royal Heaven and Earth in the past was not without its own reasons. It considered itself second only to the Great Universe and ignored the rest of the 3,000 Jambudvipa...

"Senior, our Federal warriors are quite homebodies and rarely venture out. We're not very familiar with the regional divisions of the Great Universe. Do you have a map, preferably one that directly marks the locations of treasures?"

Ji Jingqiu asked, his eyes filled with anticipation.

The Will of the Ancient Path fell silent for a moment, even though it had intended to provide such a map. Hearing Ji Jingqiu's request, it couldn't help but pause for a moment.

"A humble abode?"

A master of the Heavenly King Realm, even in the vast Yanfu Ti, could still make a name for themselves.

Even in the True Saint Realm, a Heavenly King was considered part of the upper echelons, possessing decision-making power.

If one were to embark on the path of cultivation, there would be no need for further explanation.

According to his knowledge, the top martial artists of the Federation from ten thousand years ago, those who were accustomed to roaming the cultivation world and creating new identities, had shaped the current situation in ways that no one could fully comprehend.

The situation might improve, as many forces cherished past sentiments, but it could also turn a hundred or a thousand times worse, with old grudges and new enmities intertwining.

However, one thing was certain: regardless of the outcome, the attention of various forces towards the Yanfu Ti Federation would far exceed the current level.

This "mustard seed" of a place would become a thorn in the eyes of all parties.

Although it was already the case at present.

"I've heard that your Federation recently had some issues regarding inheritance with certain forces in the Yanfu Ti."

Hearing this sudden question from the Ancient Road Will, Ji Jingqiu was taken aback for a moment before nodding.

Although this matter was not directly under his responsibility, he had heard about it.

He sighed and said, "There are some disputes. Both sides clashed, and some past events were buried deep in history, making it difficult to discern right from wrong."

Clash of divine abilities? The Ancient Road Will almost couldn't hold back.

Indeed, it was a consistent inheritance!

The Yanfu Ti lineage, up until now, had only had a few of the top martial artists exposed for their "glorious history," but not all. For instance, the name of Mu Shitian was far less renowned than the others.

However, in terms of cultivation realm, this person was the highest in the Yanfu Ti lineage throughout history. With the burden of carrying the hearts of countless beings, he once surpassed the five great pillars of the past. The Four Devils considered him an enemy of the Great Dao, yet few True Saints in the various realms knew the truth about this person.

Instead, it was Ji Tianxing, who, despite not having a high cultivation realm, was quite adept at stirring up trouble. His reputation far exceeded his strength, and he was especially skilled in seducing others.

Thinking of this, the Ancient Road Will glanced at Ji Jingqiu. This young man inherited the teachings of the Southern Emperor He Donghuang and also possessed the Mu Shitian lineage. Regardless of which side, he should have no connection to Ji Tianxing.

Then there was hope.

"Go on a journey through the Great Universe for a year. For the Great Universe, a year is a short time, but it will still allow you to gain something."

Ji Jingqiu nodded. The reason for a year was that, after a year, the period of turmoil would begin.

Subsequently, he expressed another intention for his visit to Jiuzhou.

"The Buddha Realm... I cannot help you. Although I am the Ancient Road Will, I can barely be considered the Will of the Heavens. However, the Heavens have long since changed, and I cannot defeat those two True Saints."

"Once I appear, those two True Saints will not let me go. At most, I can help you gather some intelligence."

"Two True Saints?"

Hearing that the Ancient Road Will couldn't assist him, Ji Jingqiu felt a bit regretful. He then asked, "Are there only two True Saints in Jiuzhou now?"

As the gathering place of all the top civilizations from the old universe, having only two True Saints could be considered extremely rare.

"The Lord of the Ten Thousand Phenomena is also equivalent to a True Saint, but he fell into a deep slumber long ago and is in a poor state."

The Lord of the Ten Thousand Phenomena...

Ji Jingqiu seemed to ponder this. Not long ago, someone from the Ten Thousand Phenomena Divine Nation had come to the Federation, hoping that Ji Jingqiu would go to the Divine Nation and become the Ten Thousand Phenomena Divine Son, second only to the Divine Lord.

Before Ji Jingqiu could refuse, Ji Anquan had already declined on his behalf.

The Ancient Road Will extended a finger and pointed at Ji Jingqiu's glabella, and in an instant, a vast star map appeared in his mind.

"This is a partial star map to help you avoid getting lost."

"The channel I've opened for you will last for four months. You have four months to explore the surrounding areas, and then you can return and enter the next realm."

Ji Jingqiu scanned the star map, confirming the locations of several strange lands and the nearby ascension platforms, and instantly had a plan in mind.

"Senior, please wait a moment. I need to make a trip back to the Nine Palaces."

"Alright."

...

...

The third moon of the Four Guardian Stars.

Meng Jintian, who had met Ji Jingqiu once before, suddenly opened his eyes, his expression solemn.

A martial artist walked into the grand hall.

"You..." Meng Jintian narrowed his eyes, recalling recent rumors, "Shouldn't you be at the Martial Assembly? What brings you here?"

Pei Yu calmly said, "It's been a long time since we last met, and I've been missing you. I've come to see you."

Meng Jintian slowly stood up, his eyes cold and piercing. His spiritual power radiated out, instantly scanning the moon. He chuckled, "Pei, what did Zhang Tiancheng give you to make you so loyal, even betraying the Federation?"

Pei Yu looked at him intently and said, "Do you feel restrained within the Federation?"

"Restrained?"

"We, as heavenly beings, have long transcended the mundane world and advanced to another level of life. Yet, we still have to abide by the laws and even protect ordinary people. Isn't this a reversal of the natural order?"

Pei Yu spoke solemnly, "Do you know, Meng, that in the various realms, a heavenly being can rule over a region. It's like having the power of 'heaven's will,' which is a thousand times more liberating than being in the Federation!"

Meng Jintian scoffed, "Don't even think about it. Do you think I haven't explored the various realms? I'm called Jintian, and I dare to dream."

Among the major powers, which of them can guard the lower realms in the Heavenly-Human Boundary are not direct disciples or scions of prominent families? Do you think that just by going there, you can match them?"

Pei Yu shook his head, "That's why we chose to follow Zhang Mengzhu. He is a genius on par with the Seven Great Generals. On this trip, he will attain the Heavenly Venerate realm and establish his own sect."

Meng Jintian furrowed his brows, "Has Zhang Tiancheng already reached the Grand Master realm?"

Pei Yu replied calmly, "It happened a thousand years ago."

Meng Jintian's expression grew even more solemn, "In other words, today's events were planned by the Wan Wu Society a thousand years ago?"

Pei Yu tried to persuade him again, "Brother Meng, the Federation is already on a dead-end path. A thousand years ago, the Seven Great Generals fought against the Four Demons. But who can we rely on this time? Do we count on Ji Jingqiu? He does have talent, not inferior to the Alliance Leader, but unfortunately, he was born a thousand years too late to shoulder such a heavy responsibility."

Meng Jintian scoffed, "In the end, it's just that you're afraid of death and think the Federation's future is bleak, unwilling to sink with the ship."

Pei Yu asked in confusion, "Shouldn't we?"

Meng Jintian's face turned expressionless, losing interest in communicating with these people.

When paths diverge, there is no common ground.

If everyone had abandoned their hometowns without a second thought, how could there be a 'you' today, Pei Yu?

"It's better if Brother Meng doesn't take action today. In terms of strength, you're no match for me, who has fought in the Heavenly Road for many years," Pei Yu said calmly.

Meng Jintian let out a cold laugh and surprisingly did not make a move.

Time passed by second by second as the two of them stood off against each other.

Pei Yu scanned the surroundings with his mind, and they had secretly taken control of all the defensive lines around them. Up until now, not a single defensive line had encountered any accidents.

Upon realizing this, he couldn't help but glance at Meng Jintian with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.

Their words sounded better than their actions, but in the end, they were only concerned about their own lives.

If someone were truly willing to sacrifice themselves for a just cause today, he would have some respect for them. But now, what's the difference between these people and them?

However, as time passed by.

It seemed like nothing had happened.

At this moment, Pei Yu noticed the sneer on Meng Jintian's lips, but he wasn't panicked. Instead, he revealed a sinister smile and said,

"Have you already set up an ambush? Is it Ji Jingqiu? Do you think you have the upper hand?"

He suddenly burst into laughter, "This is our declaration of allegiance! Zhan Yang had already infiltrated the Four Guardian Stars in advance, waiting for Ji Jingqiu's arrival! No matter how invincible he is, he can't defeat the unsealed Four Demons led by Hela!"

Meng Jintian maintained his sneer, "You're overthinking it. We indeed had no idea about your infiltration. But to guard the Four Guardian Stars and eliminate you insignificant lot, why would we need the Ji family's lineage leader?"

This unusual action caused the smile on Pei Yu's face to gradually fade.

What did they mean that they had no idea?

The day before, they had quietly infiltrated the Four Guardian Stars without anyone noticing. However, at the request of the Four Demons' followers, they had delayed their actions, hoping to lure in the big fish, Ji Jingqiu.

Did the email not reach its destination?

Even if the other party suspected that the email was a trap, they should have had doubts and stepped into the trap.

Just then!

A chain pierced through the void, and in an instant, Pei Yu was strung up on it. He had no chance to break free and was dragged into the void with a terrified expression!

A Heavenly-Human, like a child, was taken away.

Meng Jintian was not surprised by this terrifying scene. He even saw dozens of figures hanging on that "chain."

Meng Jintian sighed, as the Wan Wu Society, which was part of the Federation, had betrayed them today. He wondered if the other forces in the Federation had also turned against them.

Additionally...

According to Pei Yu's words, they had infiltrated the Federation several days ago without anyone noticing, waiting for Ji Jingqiu's arrival.

How could Xuezu, who was stationed in Baiyu Jing, not have noticed? It was clear that he was "too playful"!

This made Meng Jintian feel helpless.

Another person who felt helpless was Ji Anquan, who was currently in Baiyu Jing.

He looked at the small snake with black and white stripes in front of him and sighed, "Why couldn't you have acted earlier? What if something unexpected happens?"

He felt that this was a pure problem child!

Much more difficult to handle than Ji Jingqiu!

Xuezu widened his golden eyes and raised his head, his voice youthful but his words carried an autumnal air, "What unexpected event? The Dream Demon seems to be lying in the laboratory, but in reality, I've already sent it to another void. Only a Grand Master can touch it."

"With the Old Ancestor here, what are you afraid of? In the current Macroverse, the Old Ancestor is the strongest!"

Its tail swung, and dozens of Heavenly-Human figures instantly exploded, turning into a cloud of blood mist that slowly fell onto its tail, forming dots of red among the black and white.

The abnormality caused by the first indiscriminate killing of Heavenly-Humans surprised even Xuezu.

How were these dots of red similar to his crooked-headed silly sister?

This caused Xuezu to fall into deep thought.

Unconsciously, the tip of its tail scratched its chin.

Could it be that his sister had already surpassed him?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end