Chapter 890: Culture

The courtyard where Li Pin once lived in the Sacred Flame Hall still stood. Under Hou Yun's careful management, everything remained in perfect order.

By now, Hou Yun was already close to condensing his True Spirit. He personally oversaw the servants and attendants, making sure every corner of the courtyard was thoroughly cleaned. He wanted the entire place to feel completely renewed.

None of the servants or attendants dared slack off. They worked with full dedication, carefully cleaning every part of the courtyard.

The Eternal Oblivion Disaster outside was growing worse by the day. For them, being able to live in the heart of the Sacred Flame Hall, even just as servants or attendants, was already far safer and more stable than the drifting lives most Solar Flare Cultivators had to endure.

In fact, if Hou Yun were to announce an opening for managing the courtyard's chores, the number of applicants would be overwhelming. The competition would be fierce, with most of them being Solar Flare Cultivators. Ordinary Astral Gods probably wouldn't even get a chance to interview.

Given all this, everyone gave their best.

Not long after the intense cleaning finished, a streak of light shot straight into the courtyard's inner area.

Moments later, several more streams of light arrived in two separate waves, one after the other, landing inside the courtyard.

The attendants briefly sensed the aura and grew visibly thrilled, though nervous at the same time.

Heavenly Emperors!

Every figure in the first wave was a Heavenly Emperor. They could also sense the presence of Vice Hall Masters like Mo Xuan and Miao Zhuan.

Each one of them was a true ruler within the vast and mighty Sacred Flame Hall.

The Supremes rarely interfered in the hall's daily affairs. Hence, the Heavenly Emperors had gotten more than capable of handling everything large and small. Now, all of these exalted figures had come together, just to visit this courtyard.

All of this was because the owner of the courtyard was none other than the most exceptional prodigy ever to emerge from the Humanity Sanctum, or even the entire Sacred Flame Hall. A peerless overlord who shattered countless records and stood unmatched atop both the Human Race and the entire Astral World—Divine Emperor Origin.

At that moment, an unprecedented sense of pride surged within everyone's hearts. They felt a renewed energy even in their labor.

***

Inside the courtyard.

Miao Zhuan, Mo Xuan, Ji Shun, along with Yuan Guang and Shi Xingzun, both of whom had once served as Vice Hall Masters of the Humanity Sanctum, were all present.

Ji Shun had personally witnessed Li Pin's rapid rise during the Ten Thousand Tribes Dominion War, so he remained relatively composed. But for the others, especially Yuan Guang, who had been Li Pin's main liaison ever since he joined the Humanity Sanctum, it all felt unreal, like watching a dream unfold before their eyes.

But no matter how surreal it seemed, the moment Li Pin raised a barrier on his own to stop the roaring Eternal Oblivion Tsunami, that illusion shattered.

The Li Pin now... had truly earned the title of Divine Emperor Origin.

Even the praise from Miao Zhuan and the others calling him "Number One in the Astral World" was well-deserved.

Miao Zhuan looked overwhelmed with emotion. "Lord Origin, who could've imagined that someone like you would emerge from our Sacred Flame Hall?

“When Supreme Primeval first established the Sacred Flame Hall, part of his intent was to carry on the legacy of an ancient hall of the same name from the era when the Astral World shattered.

"But more importantly, he wanted to give ordinary cultivators a chance. To offer those who weren't direct disciples of the Heavenly Emperors, nor heirs to the Cosmic Radiance or noble Astral God clans, a stage where they could showcase their talent and shine. Looking back now, Supreme Primeval's foresight was truly extraordinary."

He paused, then quickly added, "Of course, true talent shines no matter where they go. Lord Origin, your decision to join Sacred Flame Hall back then was itself a recognition of us. It was our honor. With the reputation you'd already earned in the Heavenly Prison World, it wouldn't have been hard to become a disciple of any Heavenly Emperor."

"Supreme Primeval's founding of the Humanity Sanctum was truly a great deed," Li Pin said. "Over the years, it has nurtured countless talents for the Human Race. Setting aside the Heavenly Emperors, the number of Cosmic Radiances and Tyrants who came out of the Sanctum numbers in the tens of thousands. They've greatly strengthened our foundation."

𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Mo Xuan smiled and said, "Lord Origin, even tens of thousands of Cosmic Radiances and Tyrants together can't compare to a fraction of you."

With the crisis at the Humanity Sanctum resolved and everyone safely relocated to the Sacred Flame Hall, he finally felt at ease.

"You can't judge everyone the same way," Miao Zhuan said with a smile. "His Majesty Origin is a prodigy. In all of human history, there has only ever been one like him. There's no point in comparing others to him."

Everyone else nodded in agreement.

Yuan Guang looked at Li Pin, his eyes filled with a satisfaction he had never felt before.

Compared to the Sacred Flame Hall, the Humanity Sanctum had a much shorter and less impressive history. Over the years, it had nurtured many Cosmic Radiances and Tyrants, but very few ever reached the level of Sacred Monarch or Heavenly Emperor.

Those few who did reach that height were rarely even nurtured by the Sanctum itself. Most had merely shown early promise before being taken under the wing of other Sacred Monarchs or Heavenly Emperors. Through years of guidance, they eventually broke through to those higher realms.

Even then, their numbers remained scarce.

All things considered, the Humanity Sanctum could at most only attract descendants of Cosmic Radiances. As for the heirs of Tyrants or Sacred Monarchs, they rarely gave the Sanctum a second glance.

After all, no matter how talented the offspring of the Astral God clans, Solar Flare families, or even Cosmic Radiants were, how could they compare to the children of Sacred Monarchs or Heavenly Emperors?

It was like graduates from top universities. No matter how capable, they still couldn't match those born into the peak of power. Some things are decided by birth, and no amount of personal effort can change that. Those who managed to rise above it all were incredibly rare.

As for someone like Li Pin, who rose from an ordinary background and achieved a status above even Sacred Monarchs and Heavenly Emperors, he couldn't be called a rare exception anymore. He was a true anomaly.

But regardless of how it came to be, the very fact that someone like Li Pin emerged from the Humanity Sanctum had already given it an unparalleled boost in reputation. Its promotional impact was beyond measure.

It was easy to foresee that going forward, even without him doing much, the mere hint of his support would be enough. Not just the descendants of Tyrants or Sacred Monarchs, but even Heavenly Emperors would be willing to send their children to the Humanity Sanctum for a chance at a better future.

Li Pin said, "The existence of the Humanity Sanctum has indeed provided many outstanding talents, once buried in the dust of the stars, with a great path for advancement. Therefore, whether it's the Humanity Sanctum or the Eternal Ascent of Humanity Initiative, I believe they should not only continue, but be further expanded.

"By integrating the Eternal Ascent of Humanity Initiative into the Homo Sapien Alliance system, every Alliance office throughout the universe can also take on the role of talent selection, seeking out hidden gems among the endless stars to further enrich and strengthen the foundation of our race."

At those words, Mo Xuan, Yuan Guang, and the others revealed joyful expressions. Yuan Guang, in particular, looked visibly moved.

"Once the situation in the Astral World stabilizes, I'll begin promoting it," Li Pin said, turning to Mo Xuan. "The Sacred Flame Hall has plenty of experience in this area. They'll be given full authority to take charge."

Hearing that, Miao Zhuan quickly realized what was happening.

Is Li Pin... planning to fully bring the Sacred Flame Hall under the governance of the Myriad Astral God Hall?

For a moment, the Heavenly Emperors exchanged looks.

The Myriad Astral God Hall was nominally the governing body for humanity in the Astral World, and all human forces were expected to answer to it. But in reality, things were very different. With no Supreme power backing it, and Jin'que, the Sovereign Heavenly Emperor, lacking the strength to command the factions, the Hall had long become more symbolic than effective.

But now, with Li Pin in power... that clearly wasn't going to continue.

Li Pin seemed to have read the thoughts of the Heavenly Emperors and spoke bluntly, "After the Astral World Disaster, it's foreseeable that all races will be left severely weakened. And with the Astral Lord Council sweeping across one race after another, even some Sovereign Races have fallen under their control and been forced to submit. But... the Human Race will never stand by and do nothing."

He said calmly, "When the time comes, we will send out our forces to help the surrounding races resist the Astral Lord Council and restore their rightful rule. If their original ruling class no longer have the power to protect their people... the Human Race can take over management."

Miao Zhuan had already considered this possibility when Li Pin first arrived. Now, hearing him say it out loud, the Heavenly Emperor looked up, eyes sharp with light. "Your Majesty, you mean—"

"Exactly what you think I mean," Li Pin replied.

He added, shaking his head, "There are too many races in this universe."

Despite having already mentally prepared themselves, the Heavenly Emperors still couldn't help but draw a sharp breath at Li Pin's frank and unreserved declaration.

"This universe may be vast," Li Pin continued, "but it isn't infinite. Just accommodating the Human Race is already enough. At most, we can leave one or two other races behind, just to avoid complete homogeneity. So, to simplify the universe, reduce its burden, and ensure that the Human Race never again faces such challenges or oppression... the best outcome would be for humanity to become the universe's sole dominant race."

He looked at the Heavenly Emperors and added, "To make that happen, besides economic power and military strength, culture and education are just as vital. These are what determine whether the Human Race's territories will remain stable in the long run. In this regard, the Sacred Flame Hall has always been strong. So, I hope all of you from the Hall will assist me in spreading Human culture to every corner of the universe."

As soon as he said this, Mo Xuan, Miao Zhuan, Ji Shun, and the others exchanged glances, then stood up with solemn expressions and gave their pledge. "Your Majesty, the Sacred Flame Hall stands ready to follow your lead."

"There's no need to be so formal," Li Pin replied. "My only wish is to build a safer, more harmonious environment for the Human Race."

"But what you're doing, Your Majesty," Miao Zhuan said seriously, "is something unprecedented in all of our history, and something our ancestors had dreamed of achieving."

Li Pin didn't say anything more. He simply gave a slight nod. "Then let us strive for it together."