Chapter 918: Light

In the Vessel of Origin, just outside Planet Youlan of the Xuanye Empire.

After a thorough exchange of ideas, both Supreme Dao Origin and Li Pin felt quite satisfied.

It was just as Li Pin had mentioned earlier. Supreme Dao Origin might not have fully grasped the laws of reincarnation, but his years of research into its power had significantly expanded and enriched Li Pin's foundational understanding.

With those understandings, the skill tree Li Pin had developed around reincarnation finally flourished into a complete, thriving system.

In the future, he wouldn't be easily outclassed by beings like Creator Miao Ya who had mastered the power of reincarnation, despite falling short in technique.

Once the discussion ended, the two headed directly to the space just outside Planet Youlan.

"This is Planet Youlan," Supreme Dao Origin said. "It's where I sealed that ancient Abyssal Beast."

Li Pin looked at the beast, or rather, at the planet itself.

"It's already taken on a state of existence?"

"Yes. Only then can it be bound," Supreme Dao Origin replied. After a short pause, he added, "More accurately, only in this form can we restrain it with the methods we currently have at hand."

Li Pin gave a slight nod.

When an Abyssal Beast transitioned from a non-existent state into one of existence, it naturally became bound by the laws that governed existence.

This was also why it might take the combined effort of several Supremes just to suppress a single ancient Abyssal Beast in the Void of Chaos, while in a universe abundant in matter and energy, any one Supreme would have the power to subdue, or even kill, such a creature on their own.

"A beast that's consumed too much matter can hardly be called an Abyssal Beast anymore," Li Pin said.

Dao Origin agreed, "You're not wrong. It's like a mountain hermit who enters a bustling town and begins mingling with worldly affairs. Naturally, he can no longer be considered a hermit.

"But it's also because of that change that we're able to interact with them, study them, and glean bits of insight into the power of reincarnation from them."

"That's true," Li Pin said.

If there had never been any point of contact between the two sides, they might never have become aware such lifeforms even existed.

Supreme Dao Origin led Li Pin on a tour across Planet Youlan.

Now that the Abyssal Beast had been sealed, its former might had waned considerably. On top of that, with all the defensive measures Dao Origin had put in place, Li Pin was able to observe the beast's "existence" form at close range.

Compared to its original state, this form could no longer be considered a true Void Faction lifeform.

"I used to find these ancient Abyssal Beasts incomprehensible," Dao Origin said with a trace of emotion. "But after our discussion, I've come to realize that the Abyssal Beasts, even the Void Lifeforms, are still part of the world."

Li Pin nodded.

It did feel somewhat profound.

All things followed the cycle of cause and effect. It was only a question of whether the cultivator had the insight to perceive it.

Dao Origin added, "We now understand the nature of Abyssal Beasts, but how the first one ever came into being remains a mystery."

"How it formed?"

Li Pin had been about to mention the power of reincarnation, but Dao Origin's next words piqued his interests.

"The very first Abyssal Beast?" he asked.

Dao Origin nodded. "Yes. The first existence to comprehend the power of reincarnation."

As he spoke, he looked down at Planet Youlan. "Abyssal Beasts... there must be an origin to them, right?"

He gave a small shake of his head. "I've gone through every bit of information I could find. Back in the era of the Ancient Astral World, these creatures already existed. But after that world shattered, much of its knowledge was lost with it.

“Solving this mystery now... would be nearly impossible, unless the Supremes from that era were to be revived. And not just any of them. Only those who had deep, intimate knowledge of the Abyssal Beasts and related records would stand a chance."

𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Reviving Supremes from the ancient era..."

Li Pin immediately thought of Creator Miao Ya.

These beings... were the supreme and most powerful lifeforms casted out by the power of Eternity during the Ancient Astral World era. Perhaps... they might hold the answers I am looking for. But...

"My True Body has already gone to meet Supreme Regalheaven. As the Human Race's first and most ancient Supreme, he's essentially the leader of the Supreme Council. Through him, I should be able to persuade the others to prepare for the return of beings like Creator Miao Ya and other ancient entities who seek to reclaim the universe and tear it apart in their pursuit of the Power of Eternity."

As Li Pin considered this possibility, he quickly noticed something. Judging by the looks on Supreme Primordial and Supreme Genesis's faces, it was clear they already knew about Creator Miao Ya. It was even possible they had already made some preparations for it. The only question was, would those preparations be enough?

"I've fought Miao Ya before... but it was only against one of his avatars. That's hardly a reliable reference. No one knows just how powerful these ancient beings really are. But if we take Supreme Great Heaven as a baseline with the assumption that he mastered the law of reincarnation, then...."

Li Pin made a rough calculation, and his expression turned solemn.

If Supreme Great Heaven had truly stabilized his Supreme Power... then even if all the Human Supremes joined forces, they might still be no match for him.

And according to Miao Ya, there were more than just one or two beings like him.

In other words... this was a force strong enough to overturn the existing cosmic order and reshape the entire universe.

"Looks like I need to deepen my understanding of the power of karma as soon as possible. Hopefully, Transcendent Equiheaven will offer me something worthwhile."

Originally, Li Pin had wanted to visit the master of the Ocean of Time first. That individual held knowledge relevant to the Dao Realm.

But sending only an avatar to meet him would feel disrespectful, and his True Body still had many things to handle.

There really is no shortage of matters to take care of here in the Material World

, Li Pin thought with a wry smile.

He hadn't imagined that one day, he'd be running around taking care of so many things.

With that thought, he turned to Supreme Dao Origin and said, "Now that things here are settled, I'll be taking my leave."

Then he added, "To reach Liberation from the realm of Supremacy, one must grasp not only matter, energy, time, space, and reincarnation, but also the Dao of Karma. The way to comprehend Karma is through severing it. By directly confronting one's karmic ties in that moment of severance, one can touch upon the true essence of karmic power. So, this avatar of mine must head to Planet Gaia."

"Gaia... that's where you were born, isn't it?"

Supreme Dao Origin sounded a little wistful. His own homeland had long since turned to cosmic dust, lost to the changes in the environment of the universe. He wasn't even sure what karmic bonds he was supposed to sever.

"Well, I won't keep you any longer. I wish you a smooth journey," he said with a smile. "It's a good time for me to enter seclusion too, to consolidate what I've gained. I believe that once I come out of this round of seclusion, I'll have fully mastered the power of reincarnation. When that time comes, we can delve into the mysteries of Karma together and pursue the path to Liberation."

Li Pin smiled and nodded. "I'll be waiting for that day."

Just then, Supreme Dao Origin took a few steps back and bowed deeply to him once more.

Li Pin was about to stop him, but Dao Origin quickly said, "Supreme Origin, you are more than deserving of this bow. I offer it not just for your teachings and guidance, but also for your selfless and generous spirit."

He looked sincerely at Li Pin. "Even if you are far younger than me in age, your heart, your breadth of mind, is something I'll spend a lifetime learning from."

Li Pin didn't try to stop him again and quietly accepted the bow. "Go ahead and pass on the Phantom Space Technique. If you gain new insights in your cultivation, feel free to teach them to others as well.

"There may be good and evil in living beings, but the inheritance of techniques should never be bound by such distinctions. Knowledge, in and of itself, is a magnificent treasure of life, an imprint left by every being. And it's through these imprints that countless generations to come can remember them."

His tone grew wistful. "Perhaps, one day, we'll be gone, vanished without a trace, erased from the memories of all. But even then, these teachings and legacies will remain. They'll tell our stories to those who come after us. Even if they can't fully understand, they'll still be able to walk the path we paved, to reach beyond Liberation, beyond Eternity... and maybe, just maybe, toward a realm even higher."

Supreme Dao Origin said with heartfelt sincerity, "Supreme Origin, if such a realm exists... then surely, you will be the one to achieve it."

Li Pin simply smiled and said nothing more. He waved his hand and left the Vessel of Origin with calm ease, stepping into the boundless galaxy.

Supreme Dao Origin stood there and silently watched his departure, his gaze fixed on that fading figure for a long time.

After a while, he finally let out a soft sigh. "He's like a free and unbound ray of light, guiding me through the confusion when I was lost."

A deep, indescribable sense of loss welled up within him. "I fear that for the rest of my life, I may never again meet someone as brilliant and peerless as Supreme Origin."

He stood there motionless, held by that feeling for a long time.

It wasn't until his two disciples arrived beside him, seemingly seeking instruction, that he finally came back to his senses.

Yet he still didn't respond. Instead, he began to reflect on himself.

Dao Origin... Origin... My title, Supreme Dao Origin, is far too identical to Supreme Origin.

Out of deep respect for that man, he decided to avoid the word "Origin" altogether and take on a new title.

"He was like a beam of light, piercing through my confusion and lighting the path ahead. And he hoped I would carry the legacy forward... guiding those who come after us, walking the road we forged... toward Liberation..."

As he spoke, a faint smile touched his lips.

Light.

"From this day forth, I shall take

Light

as my title. I am... Supreme Radiance."

The former Supreme Dao Origin, now Supreme Radiance, smiled.

In the future, when he reached the next realm and emerged from seclusion, he would found a new faction, pass on the Phantom Space Technique, and preserve Supreme Origin's ideals. He would pave the way for those who came after. A path toward Supremacy, Transcendence, Eternity, and ultimately, Origin.