Chapter 358: Demi-God Fang Hai

Chapter 358: Demi-God Fang Hai

"But I'm still far from matching up to you, big brother." Liu Bing sighed helplessly, "You've reached Level 37 in such a short time after your breakthrough. I'm afraid it'll take me at least two years to catch up to you."

"Two years to reach Level 37?" Li Yuan asked curiously.

Liu Bing, with her Seven Stars Pulse breakthrough, could only reach Level 37.9 at the peak of the Flying Sky Stage.

Of course, if she further awakened the Eight Stars Pulse in the Flying Sky Stage, she could cultivate up to Level 38.9.

"In your Mundane Domain, most Flying Sky warriors have insufficient cultivation realms and weak Star Pulses. Just accumulating Essence Energy from Level 30 to Level 35 can take several decades for many," a voice sounded, and a majestic shadow with a single horn appeared.

"Lord Qiu Bing," Li Yuan slightly bowed.

"But Little Bing has the Seven Stars Pulse and has long crossed the threshold of the Law. With the aid of various treasures, her Essence Energy cultivation is progressing rapidly," Qiu Bingzun said. "Spending time on Essence Energy cultivation is a waste. Time should primarily be used to comprehend the Law or strive to awaken the Life Star Pulse."

"These two are the most important," Qiu Bingzun added.

Li Yuan nodded in agreement. A powerful Star Pulse and profound Law Perception would indeed accelerate the absorption of Essence Energy.

Taking himself as an example, within a few short months, with the help of the Divine Crystal Chamber, he had already advanced from Level 37.1 to Level 37.5... He estimated that in about a year, he would be able to reach Level 38.9.

Liu Bing's external cultivation conditions would only be better than his own.

"What a pity."

"I've tried my best, even with the treasures left behind by the Heaven Deities... I still couldn't break through the bottleneck and could only breakthrough with the Seven Stars Pulse." Liu Bing shook her head and sighed, "The Second Stage Eight Stars Pulse is incredibly challenging. I truly have no idea how you managed it, big brother."

Li Yuan secretly acknowledged that he had achieved the Demi-God Soul level, which allowed him to attain the Second Stage Seven Stars Pulse... If not for his spiritual guidance, relying solely on time would make achieving the Second Stage Eight Stars Pulse a very slim possibility.

Indeed, various treasures and opportunities were scarce in the Mundane Domain.

"Walk your own path. Your big brother is probably a once-in-a-billion-year peerless genius in this Mundane Domain. Don't compare yourself to his strengths," Qiu Bingzun smiled and said, "At least during this Flying Sky breakthrough, your Mental Power and Willpower have both advanced... Your Law Perception progress is impressive, even surpassing your big brother."

"That's right." Liu Bing's eyes lit up, and she giggled, "Big brother, I've reached the middle stage of the seventh level in my deduction of the Wind Principle."

"Impressive," Li Yuan sincerely admired.

The seventh level middle stage of Law Perception was already comparable to the Law standards of many Demi-Gods at their peak.

The Divine Blood Heavenly Serpent was indeed the top-tier Wind Divine Beast. Even with its leisurely lifestyle, it could still grow into a True God within a thousand years... not to mention Liu Bing's diligent cultivation.

Liu Bing was cultivating three Ninth Rank Celestial Techniques, one of which was the 'Heavenly Wind Star Meridian True Interpretation'.

With top-tier talent, excellent external cultivation conditions, and her diligent efforts... her progress was indeed terrifying.

At the very least, in terms of comprehending the Wind Star Pulse, Li Yuan was far inferior to Liu Bing's Law Perception progress.

"Little Bing, when you cultivate to Level 37.9, I might not even be your match in a head-on battle," Li Yuan smiled.

When it came to weapons and treasures, Liu Bing was likely superior to him.

Li Yuan had the advantage in Star Techniques.

But Liu Bing's Law Perception was stronger.

"Little Bing, you have endless potential," Li Yuan said.

As they chatted, the topic gradually shifted, and they began exchanging their understanding of the Wind True Intention and the Wind Principle.

Liu Bing was guiding Li Yuan.

After a long while, Liu Bing asked curiously, "Big brother, what's the plan for us?"

She had long known about the existence of the Nine Leaf World and that they would depart for it upon reaching the Flying Sky Realm.

"The Nine Leaf World?" Li Yuan replied, "It's not yet certain, but it shouldn't be too long... Let's focus on cultivating for now, striving to reach Level 37.9 by the time we enter the Nine Leaf World, so you can unleash your strongest combat power."

"Alright," Liu Bing said with determination.

...

Time passed.

As Li Yuan leisurely cultivated in the Divine Warrior Star World, in a mysterious place in the distant sky.

This was a vast world filled with countless life forms, each more fascinating than the last. Among them were powerful deities standing at the pinnacle of the world, receiving the faith of countless beings.

In one of these powerful deity nations.

In the capital.

Today, a grand celebration was being held in a massive mansion.

"Congratulations, Xiahou!"

"Congratulations, Xiahou! Being bestowed the title of King in the Flying Sky Realm is a rare honor in the history of the Anbei Divine Nation!"

"Haha, it's uncommon for a Flying Sky warrior to be bestowed the title of King. The last time it happened was over two thousand years ago!"

"Xiahou's strength is exceptional. Slaying a Demi-God with the power of the Flying Sky Realm justifies the title of King," the powerful beings in the depths of the mansion laughed and chatted freely.

A man in black elegant attire, appearing to be in his thirties, also smiled and joined the conversation.

This scene made those in the mansion feel proud and honored.

The guests who arrived were all Demi-Gods, and even in the capital where powerful beings gathered, Demi-Gods were still considered eminent figures. They had come to congratulate their master, Xiahou.

Xiahou's ability to converse casually with so many Demi-Gods showcased a remarkable composure, a feat that few Flying Heaven Realm cultivators in the Divine Kingdom could match.

"When our master breaks through and becomes a Demi-God, he will undoubtedly become a supreme existence among them."

"In the future, he might even have the potential to ascend to Godhood."

"Once our master becomes a God, he will be worthy of establishing a kingdom. Our status will also rise alongside his ascension." These servants had their own aspirations.

They knew that their master had few relatives and seemingly no heirs.

Therefore, these servants anticipated significant benefits for themselves.

Suddenly, amidst the Demi-Gods' conversations, a powerful aura emerged from thin air, descending from the clouds above.

"A God."

"Paying respects to the God." The Demi-Gods, who had been chatting, immediately sensed this and bowed respectfully.

The man in black also bowed.

As the clouds parted, a white-robed elder appeared, his aura ethereal and far surpassing that of the Demi-Gods.

"Xia Hai," the white-robed elder said, looking down at the black-clad youth.

"God," the black-clad youth replied reverently.

"You've joined the Divine Kingdom for a short time, but you've made significant contributions. I bestow upon you the title of Xiahou," the white-robed elder said softly. "I hope you continue to strive and soon become a Demi-God, and eventually, a God... I look forward to the day you stand alongside me."

"Yes, I will work hard," the black-clad man replied.

Whoosh! The white-robed elder waved his hand, and a circular token with an ancient aura slowly descended.

The black-clad man reached out and took the token, which had the character 'Hou' engraved on its front and a landscape of mountains and rivers on its back. At a glance, it seemed to contain a vast world within.

He felt a surge of excitement and thought to himself, "Finally, I've obtained the Royal Title, even if it's the lowest Third-Rank Marquis. Nonetheless, I've completed the trial mission."

Soon after, the grand banquet concluded, and the white-robed elder and the Demi-Gods departed, leaving the newly established Xiahou Mansion in tranquility.

The black-clad man instructed his servants, "I'm going into seclusion for cultivation."

Immediately, he retreated to the depths of the mansion and activated the formation.

"It's time to return," the black-clad man thought as he sat cross-legged on the jade platform, a hint of sentiment in his heart. "Within ten years, obtaining the Royal Title from any Divine Kingdom is indeed a challenging task."

In this world, gods vied for supremacy, and numerous Divine Kingdoms competed for dominance. Powerful beings were countless.

Even with his strength rivaling that of a Demi-God, he was still insignificant in this world. He had to be cautious, for any slight misstep could lead to his downfall.

"Is this world truly within the Nine Leaf World?" the black-clad man wondered. "Every Divine Kingdom is founded by a True God... According to legends, the three major Divine Kingdoms were established by beings surpassing True Gods."

After these years, the black-clad man had to admit that the power of this world far exceeded that of his homeland, the Mundane Kingdom.

"My homeland, the Mundane Kingdom, seems vast, but even True Gods are scarce now," the black-clad man sighed inwardly.

"But, that's still my homeland."

The black-clad man, Fang Hai, had been wandering in this mysterious world for several years.

He took out the token.

"Registered member 'Fang Hai' requests mission completion," Fang Hai thought, activating the corresponding mark within his body.

Instantly, a formless wave rippled through, and a rift appeared before Fang Hai, who vanished in an instant.

The rift closed, leaving no trace.

Deep within the capital, in a special space, countless flames blazed. Amidst the boundless fire, a terrifying beast sat cross-legged, its aura ominous.

Suddenly, a deep voice echoed through the space, "Master, a mysterious force just intruded into the capital... The newly appointed Xiahou, who possesses the potential of a True God, has disappeared without a trace."

"Disappeared?" The terrifying beast opened its eyes.

"It's strange; the situation is unclear," the deep voice continued. "Logically, with the capital's formation, even a Heavenly God couldn't enter unnoticed."

"Ignore it for now."

"Can we track down Xiahou's whereabouts?" the terrifying beast asked softly.

"I can't trace him for now," the deep voice replied. "I just checked his records; he appeared suddenly a few years ago... However, he hasn't harmed us and has contributed significantly to the Divine Kingdom."

"Then stop the search and retain his title. Announce to the public that Xiahou has been summoned by me for secluded cultivation," the terrifying beast said slowly. "This world holds many mysteries beyond my understanding... Perhaps he's a disciple sent by some mysterious land for training."

"Since there's no harm done, there's no need for further action."

"If he becomes a True God in the future and returns, it will be a virtuous connection," the terrifying beast added.

"Understood," the voice replied.

...

With a flash, Fang Hai felt the space around him shift, and he found himself back in the familiar surroundings.

In a majestic and boundless divine temple, a gentle voice resonated, "Registered member Fang Hai, congratulations on completing the Nine Leaf Trial and becoming a Silver Robe Member. Now, you must make a choice. There are nine promotion gifts, and you can select any four of them. Each gift has its own unique focus."

A vast array of lights converged, forming a colossal screen filled with numerous texts.

Fang Hai couldn't help but gaze upon the screen.

"First, the Universal Commerce Federation Token. The Universal Commerce Federation is... With this token, you can communicate with the Federation and purchase treasures every hundred years..."

"Second, the Ten Thousand Gods Heritage Grotto..."

"Third, the Sixth Level Civilization Guide..."

"Fourth, the Heavenly Deity Disciple Heritage..."

"Fifth..."

...

Fang Hai was thoroughly astounded as he perused the nine promotion gifts and their detailed descriptions.

At this moment, he finally understood what his teacher, Dongfang Ji, had said before entering the Nine Leaf World: "You are more exceptional than I am. If everything goes well, you will undoubtedly pass through the Nine Leaf World... and then you will understand everything."

Fang Hai now fully grasped the truth.

It turned out that everything his teacher had revealed was genuinely derived from the Nine Leaf Nine Mountains.

"These nine promotion gifts have different focuses. Some are geared towards enhancing individual strength, while others can elevate the entire civilization's foundation, but their impact on personal growth is relatively minor." Fang Hai sighed inwardly, "My teacher... has made a tremendous sacrifice."

From past traces, Fang Hai had already inferred the choices his teacher had made.

Most of them were inclined towards bolstering the civilization's foundation.

"No wonder my teacher said that he has already laid the groundwork for the entire civilization, allowing me to focus more on personal growth," Fang Hai thought to himself.

In the past, he didn't understand why his teacher didn't speak openly, but now he comprehended the reason.

There were restrictions imposed by the Law Oaths.

Many things could be done but not spoken about...

"My teacher always said that I was more outstanding, but if he had chosen the gifts that enhance personal strength, he might have become even more powerful," Fang Hai shook his head in admiration, his respect for his teacher growing.

Time passed.

Soon, Fang Hai made his choice.

"Silver Robe Member Fang Hai," the gentle voice continued, "I hope you continue to strive and work hard to pass the Nine Mountains Trial as soon as possible... and become a Gold Robe Member..."

...

September 2051, Seven Star Mountain. Li Yuan was diligently cultivating in his palace.

Suddenly, he sensed a tremor from his Intelligent Ring, causing him to widen his eyes in surprise. His heart was filled with boundless joy, "Principal, have you become a Demigod?"

This was a message from Dongfang Ji, and it was straightforward—Fang Hai had just returned from the Nine Leaf World and successfully advanced to the Demigod realm, now possessing peak Demigod strength.

"The Principal could slay Demigods even before becoming one, relying on his exceptionally high Law Intuition," Li Yuan didn't find it strange, "Now, after breaking through, it's normal to have peak Demigod strength."

In Li Yuan's eyes, it was only a matter of time before the Principal reached the Demigod limit.

The Demigod limit represented the theoretical pinnacle a typical Demigod could attain.

The so-called 'Invincible Demigod' referred to those whose combat power reached the threshold of a False God, and achieving this was often due to very special reasons, making them extremely rare.

...

In the dark void of the Flying Star, two figures were swiftly flying.

"Teacher, I did not fail in my mission," Fang Hai respectfully said.

"Haha, well done! You've successfully become a Silver Robe Member," Dongfang Ji smiled, "Excellent, you are the second in the history of the Seven Star Civilization to become a Silver Robe Member."

Fang Hai listened intently.

Previously, he had ventured into the Nine Leaf World multiple times, completing the Three Leaf, Five Leaf, and Seven Leaf trials, gaining numerous benefits... but he had never uncovered the true secrets of the Nine Leaf Nine Mountains.

Until this time, when he successfully completed the Nine Leaf Trial, he finally understood the hidden mysteries of the Nine Leaf Nine Mountains.

He was well aware that before him, numerous Demigods like Lan Te and powerful Flying Heaven Warriors had likely entered the Nine Leaf Nine Mountains... but none of them had managed to complete the Nine Leaf Trial.

Not to mention the even more challenging Nine Mountains Trial.

"What did you choose?" Dongfang Ji asked.

In the past, he was restricted by the Law Oath and couldn't speak openly, but now that both of them were Silver Robe Members, it wouldn't be considered a leak.

Fang Hai quickly explained his choices.

"That's good," Dongfang Ji nodded in satisfaction, "With these items, your strength will grow faster than mine, and you have a real chance to awaken the Eight Star Vein during the Demigod stage... Once you achieve the Eight Star Vein and pass the Nine Mountains Trial... haha, the possibilities are limitless."

"Teacher, have you not passed the Nine Mountains Trial?" Fang Hai asked.

"I've never attempted it," Dongfang Ji shook his head, "Once you enter the Nine Mountains again, you'll understand. Whether you succeed or fail in the Nine Mountains Trial, it's challenging to try again in a short time."

Fang Hai instantly understood.

The Nine Mountains World concealed deeper secrets than the Nine Leaf World.

Fang Hai also realized why his teacher had been emphasizing that once he and Li Yuan grew stronger, he could relax, as the burden of an entire civilization was indeed immense.

"Now it's settled."

"Li Yuan has broken through to the Flying Heaven realm and possesses Demigod-level combat power," Dongfang Ji smiled, "You've also returned after breaking through to the Demigod realm. With a few more years of cultivation, your strength will significantly increase... and then I can finally embark on my own path."

"Teacher has given so much for the entire civilization," Fang Hai sighed.

"For a civilization to rise, someone must take the first step," Dongfang Ji smiled and said, "Being able to witness your rise one after another makes my initial choice worthwhile."

"Has Li Yuan broken through to the Flying Heaven Realm? What's the situation?" Fang Hai asked curiously, "Has he already reached the Demigod level so quickly?"

"He's even more formidable than you were back then," Dongfang Ji laughed, "He broke through at the second-tier eight-star pulse and immediately reached level 37."

"Second-tier eight-star pulse?" Fang Hai was astonished.

...

"Fang Hai has become a Demigod."

"Demigod? Fang Hai?" This news spread at an astonishing speed throughout the Seven Stars Civilization, causing many powerful beings to marvel and quickly reaching the ears of various alien civilizations.

In terms of attention, Fang Hai was not much less popular than Li Yuan.

When Fang Hai became a Demigod, it wasn't too shocking for everyone, as it was something that had been expected... In the speculations of many alien civilizations, Fang Hai should have become a Demigod long ago.

With such a powerful Flying Heaven Realm reaching the Demigod level, it was destined that he would quickly stand at the peak of Demigods, becoming another pillar of strength for the Seven Stars Civilization.

But not long after, another piece of news completely shook the entire Seven Stars Civilization—Dongfang Ji announced that he would step down from his position as the 'Seven Stars Grand Hall Master' of the Starfire Martial Hall, and Fang Hai would succeed him.

At the same time, the highest decision-making body of the Seven Stars Alliance would undergo major adjustments. Dongfang Ji would remain as the Alliance Lord, but for the first time, the Alliance would have two Deputy Alliance Lords—Lan Te Demigod and Fang Hai Demigod.

Without a doubt.

All the Demigods and Flying Heaven Warriors in the Seven Stars Civilization understood that this marked Fang Hai's official entry into the highest echelon of the civilization... Whether it was the Seven Stars Grand Hall Master or the Alliance Deputy Lord, it was all just a prelude to eventually succeeding the Alliance Lord.

The successive news caused many powerful beings in the Seven Stars Civilization to secretly speculate.

It also sparked speculations among various alien civilizations.

Is Dongfang Ji about to ascend to godhood?

...

"The Principal had just stepped down as the Grand Hall Master of Blue Star a few years ago, and now he's directly taken up the position of the Seven Stars Grand Hall Master," Li Yuan smiled.

Li Yuan wasn't surprised, as strength determined one's status, and the Principal was destined to become one of the top figures in Blue Star.

Moreover, the Alliance Lord had always been grooming the Principal as his successor.

"But even the Deputy Alliance Lord position is directly appointed," Li Yuan thought to himself, "Bringing Lan Te Demigod on board as a Deputy Alliance Lord is probably to silence the many Demigods in the Alliance... Could it be that the Alliance Lord is indeed preparing to leave the Seven Stars Civilization?"

Li Yuan remembered the Alliance Lord's words from a few years ago.

Both the explicit and implicit meanings of his words suggested that he intended to leave.

"Forget it."

"Regardless, striving to become stronger oneself is the right path." Li Yuan thought to himself.

...

The grand celebration of Fang Hai's ascension to Demigod was held on the Flying Planet, but Li Yuan did not attend directly.

However, he privately went to meet Fang Hai.

...

After Fang Hai's Demigod celebration.

The Seven Stars Civilization remained as peaceful as ever. The Demigods guarded the various planets, ensuring overall stability for the civilization, while also diligently cultivating and yearning to make further progress.

The Flying Heaven Warriors and Source Warriors either cultivated diligently or ventured into various starfields for adventure.

Li Yuan continued his low-key cultivation on Seven-star Mountain.

Although there were some discussions outside about why he hadn't broken through to the Flying Heaven Realm yet, the controversy wasn't too significant, as he was still considered young compared to most of the Seven-star Mountain members.

In the blink of an eye, it was October of 2052, and a year had passed since Fang Hai's Demigod celebration.

Lan Tie Star.

This was one of the seven major planets in the Seven Stars Civilization, a rather barren and ordinary planet with a population of only about 50 billion, even less than some starfield breeding areas.

The environment of the entire planet was quite harsh.

Hobbs Sea, a very ordinary and remote sea area on Lan Tie Star.

"Boom~" Deep in the seabed, a mysterious and dark power suddenly surged from a higher dimension, instantly affecting the stability of this spatial area.

The space twisted with a loud noise, and the once-solid seabed mountains were torn apart. Countless waves surged, and innumerable ripples of starlight appeared out of thin air, condensing.

Soon after, a fissure formed, over 300 kilometers long and more than 10 kilometers wide, covered with rippling light.

It was as if a crack had appeared on the planet.

On the other end of the fissure, a faint dark aura could be sensed, visible through the rippling starlight. It seemed to lead to another world.

Just after a quarter of an hour.

"Swoosh!"

A figure enveloped in blue light suddenly flew out of the fissure and stood in the water, vigilantly scanning in all directions.

He was extremely cautious about this newly appeared starfield passage.

He didn't know which alien civilization it was connected to at the moment.

Time passed by, second by second.

"It's the Seven Stars Civilization."

"According to the instrument readings, it should be Lan Tie Star in the Seven Stars Civilization," the blue-light figure quickly confirmed, his eyes filled with excitement, "Haha, in my Cloudscape Starfield, a new starfield passage has appeared, connecting to another planet in the Seven Stars Civilization."

"I must report this immediately."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end