Chapter 390: Transcendence Sutra, Transcendent Sea

Chapter 390: Transcendence Sutra, Transcendent Sea

Ji Jingqiu had only cultivated the portion of the Eternal Chronicle up to the Heavenly Person level.

This secret technique, obtained from Lajiang, had a grand name and an equally impressive description:

— This technique allows one to tap into the historical river within the ruins of civilization, gather fragments of civilization, and glimpse the imprints of the past. Ultimately, these gathered fragments are refined into the body, forging an eternal true strength.

However, in practice, it could only allow one to connect with certain residual powers in the ruins of civilization and glimpse fragmented images of the past.

"That’s just a fragment of a scripture. The true scripture has long been lost. How could someone have found the complete method?"

Upon hearing Ji Jingqiu’s description, not only Heila but even Wuzhou showed some interest.

"If it were the complete method, it would indeed be the Transcendence Sutra. 01 spent a considerable amount of time tracing its origins but found little. The loss of such a true scripture has significant implications..."

Even now, Heila remained cautious and avoided directly calling Taiyi by name.

"Is the one who has cultivated the complete Eternal Chronicle hidden in the Sea of Burial?" Wuzhou asked.

"Indeed."

Ji Jingqiu briefly recounted what he had heard from the Azure Sovereign and then asked,

"What does the loss of the Transcendence Sutra signify?"

"Too many things. It means the extinction of one Transcender and the suppression of another."

Heila gave an example,

"Even True Emperors can return after enduring calamities, let alone Transcenders. The most direct way to suppress such a powerful being is to suppress their Great Dao. The true scripture is the most direct manifestation of their Great Dao in the mortal world."

Ji Jingqiu understood this.

At the Heavenly Venerable level, one needed to establish one’s own Dao lineage to spread the teachings. Otherwise, cultivating Dao power through time alone would be an extremely long process.

Spreading the teachings was essentially passing on one’s Great Dao legacy.

Heila suddenly said,

"Do you have the time to care about eternal matters?"

"Take care of yourself first. If not for the benefits of the Great Dao of Path Opening the Heavens, you wouldn’t even have been able to maintain your newly attained Celestial King status!"

She sneered, "I’ve seen many who aren’t afraid of death, and plenty who court it, but I’ve never seen anyone as foolish as you, who would sacrifice their Dao foundation and harm their own self to extract a life-essence technique at the critical moment of breaking through to Celestial King."

Ji Jingqiu’s lips twitched.

This woman was getting more and more impolite, forgetting her role as a guest.

He didn’t respond, only raising his head to look at the lush Bodhi tree that supported the sky.

At some point,

a half-real, half-illusory fruit had appeared next to the Unrestrained Legacy Dao Fruit, swaying in the air.

This was the Flame Prison Dao Fruit.

Following his previous insights, he knew that to fully condense the Dao Fruit, he needed to wait for the Bitter Sea to descend, when all living beings would be submerged in it. Only then would his Flame Prison reach perfection and bear the Dao Fruit.

"You don’t understand", Ji Jingqiu said softly. "It’s precisely because of this that I can condense the Dao Fruit early."

Once the Dao Fruit was formed,

it meant that his future cultivation of Flame Prison and the growth of the Bodhi tree would no longer be hindered or limited, depending entirely on the path he chose to walk.

This Dao Fruit was merely an unexpected gain.

His greatest achievement this time was in the Misty Sea.

Long ago, someone had told him that becoming the sun was not about hanging high in the sky but about illuminating the land around him, a place of his own peace.

Today, he had taken the first step on this path.

One day, the Misty Sea would become his backyard and his sanctuary.

Ji Jingqiu looked at Wuzhou and said seriously, "The Misty Sea wants to merge with me."

Wuzhou’s lips twitched. As expected.

"Want to die? Then go merge with the Misty Sea!"

Hearing Wuzhou’s unhesitant response, Ji Jingqiu didn’t speak, but Heila sneered,

"Why do I sense a sour smell in the air?"

Wuzhou glared coldly at this madwoman.

"Let me think... Oh—"

Heila pretended to recall something, suddenly looking enlightened as if remembering some past events. She recounted,

"Back then, someone claimed to be in harmony with the Great Dao of the Misty Sea and tried countless methods to merge with it, only to find out they were not favored at all."

"Looking back, it’s not surprising."

"Even if your Great Dao truly harmonizes with the Misty Sea, the collective consciousness of the Misty Sea wouldn’t favor you given the deeds you’ve done in your domain."

"Speaking of which, the claim that ‘Wuzhou is most in harmony with the Misty Sea’ seems to have originated from you, didn’t it?"

Wuzhou retorted, "And what about you? Invading the Heavenly Realm of Yanfu, trying to open a path for the Misty Sea, and in the end, did the Misty Sea show any gratitude?"

As Ji Jingqiu listened to the two bicker, he examined himself.

His breakthrough to Celestial King had brought about a transformation that was nothing short of earth-shattering, and he didn’t have enough time to fully sort through it all.

What concerned him the most, and what Heila had criticized, was his Supreme Wisdom Light.

A flame-like light, akin to a candle, flickered on his fingertip. Though faint, it was a convergence of countless colors, still as bright and radiant as before, now with a touch of sanctity.

This was the newly reignited Wisdom Light.

In this breakthrough, he had consecutively sacrificed his Wisdom Light, innate technique, and Cause and Effect Great Dao, ultimately satisfying the Misty Sea’s “thirst.”

The cost was great, but the gains were substantial.

Ji Jingqiu sat in meditation, lifting his gaze. Whether it was due to his advancement to Celestial King or some other reason, the world before him had become increasingly clear. He could see the flow of Dao in the heavens and earth, and the faint, ethereal world beyond the lights.

His mind was at peace, and even without entering the Misty Sea, he could sense the myriad “fireflies” within it.

The star-like lights seemed brighter and more numerous than ever, illuminating a deeper aspect of the Misty Sea’s Great Dao.

"Even my Great Dao phenomenon is still in the making."

Ji Jingqiu remained in meditation, various insights floating in his mind. His Dao power, which had been stagnant for a long time, was now improving in all aspects, giving him a sense of his body gradually becoming full.

"It seems to be related to the Misty Sea and the Grand Cosmos."

Ji Jingqiu was patient, embodying his Celestial King’s Great Dao, where myriad phenomena converged into one, and the initial state was transforming. It was no longer the former Dao arena but had advanced to the Celestial King’s Dharmadhatu.

The One True Dharma Realm.

The various characteristics of a Celestial King were being refined and reborn, as if anew.

Ji Jingqiu felt an urge to retreat into seclusion for another twenty years to delve deeper into his own Dao.

His breakthrough was unlike that of an ordinary Celestial King. He felt he had unknowingly opened up some peculiar domains.

"Come to the hall."

The Azure Sovereign suddenly contacted him.

"Meet the saints."

Ji Jingqiu found it strange that the Azure Sovereign would suddenly summon him to meet the saints.

Guided by the Azure Sovereign, he entered the hall, where the saints’ gazes greeted him.

As soon as he stepped into the hall, he felt a heavy weight on his body, his heart trembling.

The auras of the saints intertwined, creating various phenomena. The hall was filled with a sea of scriptures, ancient and intricate, like a vast ocean of true meanings. The sound of turning pages filled his ears, evoking awe.

These were the manifestations of the True Emperors’ Great Dao, the true essence of the saints’ Great Dao, revealed as their Great Dao clashed.

To Ji Jingqiu, it was as if ancient scriptures were being pushed towards him, entering his mouth, leaving a lingering, profound taste.

He instantly understood why Senior Cang Qing had forcibly brought him here.

After his advancement, his Dao foundation, which he had cut himself, had stabilized and even been reinforced.

Ji Jingqiu felt that now would be the best time to enter seclusion.

At this moment.

Several gazes fell upon him, each filled with various meanings.

Some were scrutinizing, some admiring, and some were deep and inscrutable, hinting that these people might be the most dangerous for Ji Jingqiu.

Ji Jingqiu remained calm, his expression serene. He glanced around and noticed that Chijin was also present, his eyes closed as he used the intertwining true meanings of the scriptures of the Sovereigns to refine his newly attained Celestial King realm.

He wondered if Chijin would seek him out to complete their unfinished battle.

Ji Jingqiu thought to himself that given Chijin’s temperament, he would likely insist on another confrontation, refusing to back down until he was thoroughly defeated.

"Everyone is here, so I'll repeat this: you have twenty years to resolve your personal grudges and vendettas. During this time, you can engage in bloodshed as you see fit, and we will not interfere."

The words were delivered in a tone that was almost cold and indifferent.

Ji Jingqiu finally understood why the auras of the Sovereigns were intertwined, with a subtle sense of impending conflict.

The three pillars had returned from their battle, their auras unsealed, powerful and domineering, exuding a sense of overwhelming pressure, as if they had returned to the era when the Five Pillars ruled the heavens and earth.

Especially the Holy King, whose aura was like an abyss of the Great Dao, swallowing everything in its path.

He looked at everyone, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"In twenty years, all the Sovereigns will gather to open the Boundless Sea and strengthen the foundations of Daluotian."

Ji Jingqiu noticed that most of the Sovereigns' gazes had shifted away, clearly more focused on this matter than on him.

Most of the True Emperors remained silent alongside the ancient ones, as if they had already been informed of the news.

A few True Emperors were taken aback, some frowning in worry, others showing signs of surprise.

"Has the Five Pillars already reached a consensus internally?"

An ancient True Emperor spoke up.

Void Emperor replied, "The three of us have reached an agreement."

The ancient True Emperor who spoke first remained calm, "What if the Dark Abyss and the Netherworld lineage oppose it?"

Void Emperor said indifferently, "Then we will settle it in a battle. The rules remain unchanged. Those with objections can voice them, but if they wish to change things, they must face us in the depths of the Dharma Realm or beyond the heavens."

The Sovereigns fell silent. The attitude was clear: the True Emperor realm was a matter of who won, and the spoils went to the victor.

Guardian Zhen finally moved his gaze from Ji Jingqiu, standing in opposition to the pillars for the first time, his voice heavy.

"This matter requires a collective discussion among the Sovereigns. It cannot be decided by just the three of you. Opening the Boundless Sea... if we fall in the outer realms, it is uncertain whether the Sovereigns can return."

The last sentence caused most of the new Sovereigns to visibly change in expression, either on their faces or in their hearts.

What was the greatest reliance of the True Emperors?

Naturally, it was "immortality"!

Even if they fell, they could eventually return by harnessing the Great Dao imprinted in the heavens and earth.

Falling in the outer realms, with no return...

"You are correct", Nine Mountains stepped forward, his expression stern, "This matter concerns everyone. How can it be decided by just the three of you?"

The Holy King's gaze fell calmly upon them.

Cang Qing spoke up to ease the tension, playing the role of the mediator today.

"There is no room for negotiation on this, but the benefits of opening the Boundless Sea and the control of Daluotian can be discussed."

"The control of Daluotian?!" A True Emperor exclaimed in shock, "You are willing to give up your positions?"

The tense atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted.

Cang Qing nodded, "You have already noticed that Daluotian currently has only twelve layers, with limited space. However, in our original plan, it should have thirty-six layers. But even with the combined efforts of the five of us, using our own Great Dao foundations, we could not achieve a complete thirty-six layers."

The Daoist of the Azure Sea pondered, "If we help you build Daluotian, will you share the authority with us?"

"More accurately, it will be helping yourselves", Cang Qing corrected, "Let me remind you that ordinary True Emperors, even at the cost of their own Dao foundations, cannot create new layers. Only those at the ancient level have this capability, and even then, it is a stretch."

"Only thirty-six layers?" Kong Xuan suddenly asked.

Cang Qing nodded, "You can understand it as the original 'foundation' only supporting thirty-six layers. Additionally, thirty-six layers are the most complete form according to our calculations."

The Sovereigns' gazes flickered, each with their own thoughts.

In other words, apart from the twelve layers occupied by the Five Pillars, only twenty-four layers of authority were left for them.

"If there are no other matters, let us discuss this among the Sovereigns."

"Agreed."

Ji Jingqiu understood that the Sovereigns had already reached a consensus.

Speaking of which, opening the Boundless Sea... is this a declaration of war on other realms?

His gaze fell in a particular direction.

There stood the representatives of the outer realms.

From the beginning, they had been sending him mental messages, introducing themselves, offering substantial benefits, and probing into his actions before his Path Opening, asking about his connections with the Misty Sea...

Ji Jingqiu ignored them all.

However, from their self-introductions, it seemed they were all visitors from the outer realms.

"Great Sovereign, you mentioned that during the twenty years, you will not interfere with any conflicts or wars that break out?"

As the focus of the Sovereigns shifted to Daluotian, the Moon Deity suddenly spoke up.

The Holy King replied calmly, "Yes."

"Very well." The Moon Deity's flowing black hair danced in the air, ethereal and detached from the mortal world, her voice clear and detached, "Then I support your decision."

Ji Jingqiu clearly felt her gaze fall upon him.

Cang Qing frowned but did not speak to stop her. He sent a mental message to Ji Jingqiu, "The Yanhuang Federation needs to prepare. We cannot prevent this, but we can ensure the 'fairness' of the conflict."

Ji Jingqiu nodded lightly, his expression calm.

He was certain that he needed a war to refine his recently advanced Dao.

In his Inner World, Wuzhou was urging Ji Jingqiu to ask more about the details of the Burial Sea.

Ji Jingqiu satisfied his curiosity, sensing that Wuzhou clearly knew something and was seeking confirmation.

Cang Qing did not hide anything from him, assuming that he might still have some connection with Mu Shitian and needed to report this to their Master.

After hearing certain details, Ji Jingqiu felt a sense of alarm. What did it mean by "one age after another"?

Could it be that the other side had observed the cycles of life and death in this world countless times, reaping the lives of countless beings?

And what did it mean by "those around you are already predestined"?

Was there a "ghost" among the Sovereigns?

Come to think of it, the Holy King had previously suspected Nine Mountains and even the Five Pillars of having issues.

Wuzhou, after receiving detailed information, did not give a definitive conclusion, only saying meaningfully:

"The best way to hide is under the skin of a tiger, especially the skin of a transcendent, because no one can verify its authenticity."

"Whether it is a charade or genuine strength, you will see for yourself."

Then, he changed the subject:

"Ji Jingqiu, you said the Misty Sea wants to merge with you?"

"Do you know that one of the unique aspects of the Misty Sea is its ability to reach any realm through the wilderness?"

Afterward, Ji Jingqiu bid farewell to Senior Cang Qing.

The Sovereigns needed to discuss the specifics of the expansion, and he needed to stabilize his realm, especially since he felt that the key to his Great Dao phenomenon lay in the Misty Sea.

...

In the Transcendent Sea.

A figure stood in a halo of light, with a blurry divine realm behind him. He gazed into the distance, where a hazy curtain stretched across the Boundless Sea, beneath which lay vast cities shrouded in immortal mists.

"Brother Tianxing, congratulations."

Nearby, another figure spoke.

Ji Tianxing felt a sudden surge of inspiration and turned to look.

In the direction they had come from, faint ripples of the Great Dao were spreading, becoming almost imperceptible by the time they reached their feet.

Traversing such a distance, it must have already alerted the surrounding transcendent sects.

"I can sense that the Misty Sea is changing its 'course,' a situation never seen before."

Taiyi, the leader of the Four Demons, who accompanied Ji Tianxing, whispered with a smile,

"I now realize that the new generation's World Honored One might be the most 'interesting' individual in your federation."

"Brother Tianxing, I am a bit regretful for accompanying you."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end