Chapter 1304: A Million Years Of Secluded Cultivation

A single streak of light sliced through the void. As it materialized, the endless expanse of spacetime seemed to dim in reverence. Even the towering crimson-armored figure, once so dominant and boundless, now appeared hazy and indistinct, as if all illumination in existence had been drawn toward this solitary beam of light.

The fluctuations of Daos and Laws dissolved into nothingness. All things, all Daos, all Laws—everything ceased to exist in this singular moment. Only that streak of light remained.

The Great Dao Knows No End?

Wu Yuan whispered, transfixed by the blade ray that had manifested so suddenly before him.

Unlike the magnificent fourth move with its overwhelming fluctuations, this blade ray wasn’t particularly blinding. Yet within its subtle glow resided a different level of profundities and will.

It continued its journey forward, accelerating, stretching ever farther, ascending ever higher, becoming increasingly ethereal and untouchable with each passing moment.

This was the embodiment of a will that refused to stop moving forward. This was the manifestation of an explorer's boundless curiosity.

This saber strike...

Wu Yuan felt something deep within him shift. Though he sensed few Dao profundities from this streak of light, it resonated within his core far more powerfully than any of the previous four moves. It beckoned him toward an entirely new realm, gently guiding him into the uncharted territories of his future.

In what might have been a mere instant, or perhaps ten thousand years, the streak of light traversed the limitless void, and all of spacetime gradually resumed its natural state.

"Remember!" commanded the resonant voice. "The path of your self-created Dao can only be discovered within yourself. The achievements of your predecessors serve merely as reference, not templates to be mindlessly copied. Only when you can completely release my Five Moves of Destruction from your mind will your self-created Dao reach perfection."

Whoosh!

An invisible wave swept through the void, and Wu Yuan's consciousness body dissolved, pulled away from this spacetime.

...

Back on the mountain path of the third realm, Wu Yuan's ether body drew a gentle breath as his eyes flickered open. Confusion momentarily clouded his gaze before profound shock replaced it. Memories cascaded through his mind like a relentless deluge.

The Five Moves of Destruction.

He murmured softly. He could visualize the towering, boundless figure executing those five ultimate moves in perfect succession.

Each move surpassed its predecessor in both complexity and power. Every move represented a path to the ultimate end, containing infinite depths of profoundness. This was, without question, the most powerful inheritance Wu Yuan had received in his life. Even the thousand Dao Zenithel ultimate techniques in the second realm fell far short.

Even the ultimate technique left behind by Goddess Nüwa is fundamentally inferior.

Wu Yuan realized with an inward sigh.

What manner of being was this Great Leader? What inconceivable feats did he accomplish?

He could scarcely comprehend how such terrifying ultimate techniques could exist in this world. The final move, The Great Dao Knows No End, particularly mystified him. Though seemingly devoid of self-created Dao profundities, its distinctive will and profundities were the true treasures, capable of guiding Wu Yuan forward on his path to greater strength.

The Dao is boundless; always maintain a heart of reverence.

Wu Yuan recited internally. With this thought, he bowed respectfully toward the five massive jade tablets standing nearby.

The grace of imparting such knowledge was truly immeasurable.

When he straightened and gazed upon the tablets once more, Wu Yuan discovered they had turned completely blank. The patterns and text that had once adorned the five jade tablets, the very Five Moves of Destruction he had just received, had vanished entirely.

Ten thousand years have passed?

He realized with a start.

Though receiving the inheritance had seemed to take merely moments, Wu Yuan now understood that ten thousand years had elapsed in the world outside. During this extended period, the consciousness of both his ether body and body refiner self had been completely immersed in that mysterious realm, losing all contact with his qi refiner self.

The experience resembled the previous isolations of one true self from another.

Nevertheless, these ten thousand years he had spent here were absolutely worthwhile. Even if Wu Yuan were given another complete cycle of heaven and earth to cultivate, it would pale in comparison to this singular opportunity.

"Wu Yuan, how was it?" A carefree voice broke through his contemplation.

It was the black-robed man, sitting idly at the end of the mountain path.

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior," Wu Yuan replied respectfully.

"Haha, don't thank me." The black-robed man rose to his feet, smiling warmly. "If gratitude is due, direct it toward my junior brother. The ultimate techniques in the third realm are his legacy."

"Your junior brother?" Wu Yuan recalled their confrontation in the second realm. Back then, the black-robed man had commented that Wu Yuan's techniques somewhat resembled his junior brother's. Shock rippled through Wu Yuan's heart as understanding dawned: the black-robed man before him was the senior brother of the “Great Leader” mentioned by High Saint Hai Ling!

"What, surprised?" The black-robed man laughed at Wu Yuan's expression. "My junior brother is indeed remarkable, but regardless of his accomplishments, he must still address me as ‘Senior Brother’ whenever we meet."

"Senior is formidable indeed," Wu Yuan cupped his hands.

"Now then," the black-robed man continued calmly. "You've learned the ultimate techniques. Care to test them against me? You'll only truly understand the third realm's trial after attempting it."

After brief consideration, Wu Yuan nodded firmly. "Very well! I'd be honored to experience Senior's prowess."

Having received the inheritance over these ten thousand years, Wu Yuan believed his strength had improved significantly. It should be fine to make an attempt now.

In one fluid motion, Wu Yuan flew to the mountain path's end. Immediately, spacetime distorted around them, transporting both cultivators into a special spacetime reserved for their confrontation.

Moments later, a thunderous crash echoed through the void as Wu Yuan was violently expelled from the special spacetime, bruised and battered.

"Haha, exhilarating! Truly exhilarating!" The black-robed man materialized back onto the mountain path, his eyes bright with glee as he regarded Wu Yuan. "It's been ages since I've felt so invigorated."

Wu Yuan could only glare in response. While the black-robed man might have enjoyed himself thoroughly, Wu Yuan had endured nothing short of humiliation.

The clash could only be described as a crushing defeat. Wu Yuan had been thoroughly overpowered without any chance to retaliate. Most frustratingly, the black-robed man had shown no mercy, continuing his onslaught until cracks appeared in Wu Yuan's Eternal Psyche before finally relenting.

Then he had unceremoniously kicked Wu Yuan out of the battle space.

"Kid, work hard," the black-robed man advised, looking down at Wu Yuan. "As you are now, you can't even withstand six parts of my power. As for one-tenth? I fear that would kill you outright."

"Thank you for your guidance, Senior," Wu Yuan replied while cupping his hands.

Without another glance, he transformed into a streak of light and rushed back into the second realm.

"This kid sure runs fast," the black-robed man muttered, watching Wu Yuan disappear. "However, his strength has indeed grown remarkably. Despite having just received the inheritance, his power has already improved again. If I still use only six parts of my strength, I might not defeat him so easily next time."

The black-robed man paused, his attention drawn elsewhere. "Hmm? That fool from the fourth passage wants another beating?" With a single step forward, his form dissipated from the mountain path, leaving only stillness behind.

...

Wu Yuan soon returned to the second realm.

This mysterious figure must be a Dao Zenithel.

He contemplated, staring into the distance.

But could he truly be the senior brother of the Great Leader? Is it possible that he still lives?

Uncertainty churned within Wu Yuan's heart. His thoughts wandered to High Saint Hai Ling; was she a living being? His thoughts drifted to the Origin Saint that Mountain Daoist had encountered, another individual born before the Primordial Era. And what of the Azure Saint Tomb?

The vast cosmic sea concealed countless mysteries. Somehow, Wu Yuan sensed an invisible web stretching across its entire expanse.

When I ascend to the Dao Zenithel stage, perhaps I'll finally glimpse some of these truths.

He mused.

But conquering the third realm will not be easy.

Having crossed blades with the black-robed man, Wu Yuan had felt the full weight of his opponent's terrifying power. The black-robed man’s base strength matched Wu Yuan's own, perhaps even slightly weaker. Yet his saber techniques possessed an overwhelming dominance that had easily subdued Wu Yuan.

Most remarkable was the black-robed man's precision, deploying exactly the power he claimed, not a fraction more or less. Such control over his combat power suggested his true capabilities stretched far beyond Wu Yuan's imagination.

Victory isn't impossible though.

Wu Yuan reflected, a spark of determination kindling within him.

Before acquiring the Five Moves of Destruction, Wu Yuan would have needed eons of preparation to harbor even the faintest hope of clearing the third realm. Now, however, these moves illuminated a potential path forward.

First, I must fully comprehend all ten thousand True Saint ultimate techniques from the first realm.

He planned methodically.

Then, I need to absorb the essence of the nearly one thousand Dao Zenithel ultimate techniques from the second realm. Finally, my body refiner self must employ the Chaos Nucleus while proceeding with the ultimate derivation.

The first two steps represented accumulation—his self-created Dao forming the foundation, the Five Moves of Destruction providing guidance, and the vast ocean of ultimate techniques serving as raw material. The Chaos Nucleus would act as a catalyst, triggering transformation and breakthrough.

One hundred million years?

He wondered.

I hope that will suffice.

Calming his turbulent thoughts, Wu Yuan returned directly to the first realm and began meticulously reexamining the profundities of each ultimate technique.

With his current Dao cultivation level, grasping True Saint ultimate techniques came naturally to him. Yet, perfect mastery demanded considerable time as each technique represented a distinct self-created Dao. Fortunately, Wu Yuan possessed abundant patience.

Time flowed like a river, and six thousand years vanished in what felt like moments.

...

Outside an entrance to the Ninth Chaos Void.

The massive gateway, spanning countless light-years with overlapping spacetimes, ceaselessly inhaled and exhaled immense streams of Xiantian qi.

In an inconspicuous corner of this expanse, spacetime rippled subtly as a man in white robes materialized.

Nearby, a woman in white robes materialized, radiating an aura of sacredness.

"Eldritch Progenitor? Forgive my tardiness," Wu Yuan's mana body said, gliding forward.

"No apologies necessary," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu replied with a warm smile. "Come, let me escort you back to the Ling Jiang Universe first."

"Understood," Wu Yuan's mana body acquiesced with a respectful nod.

His ether body wouldn’t be able to get past the obstacles of the third realm anytime soon. He needed to focus his energy on comprehending those ultimate techniques, and required the Chaos Nucleus for support.

With two Chaos Nuclei at stake, along with numerous other treasures, Wu Yuan couldn't risk any incidents. The moment his ether body regained consciousness, he had requested a meeting with Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu, seeking her protection for his journey home.

"There’s no need to fear," Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu assured him gently. "With me around, even the Heavenly Imperator can’t harm a single hair on your head. Don't resist."

With an elegant gesture, she enveloped Wu Yuan's mana body in her power. Together they vanished from the void, departing silently from the Ten Chaos Voids.

...

A few centuries later, Wu Yuan's mana body returned to the Ling Jiang Universe. The two stopped at the edge of the River of Universes.

"Eldritch Progenitor, I entrust these two Chaos Nuclei to your care," Wu Yuan said, revealing the two treasures with an open palm.

"Mm. I shall deliver one to your body refiner self," she responded. "The other will likely be granted to True Saint Qi Guang."

"True Saint Qi Guang?" Wu Yuan's mana body acknowledged with a slight nod, accepting the decision without surprise.

Within the Eldritch Court, after Wu Yuan and True Saint Dong Yi, the next in the hierarchy of power were True Saint Pu Yang, True Saint Qi Guang, and True Saint Bai Bing. These three stood nearly equal in strength and Dao cultivation. Any would be a worthy recipient. Wu Yuan trusted Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu had deeper reasons for her decision, so he asked nothing more.

Whoosh!

Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu departed, leaving Wu Yuan's mana body alone in the void.

I should return to the Saint Realm first.

He decided.

I'll secure my treasures there, then my mana body will proceed to the Tenth Chaos Void to await my ether body's return.

Throughout his explorations in the Ten Chaos Voids, Wu Yuan's mana body and ether body had accumulated treasures worth billions of Xuanhuang merits, all of which had been passed to his mana body. Such riches couldn't be risked lightly.

Soon, Wu Yuan's mana body slipped back into the Saint Realm, his presence known only to his closest circle family and friends. Then, without fanfare, his mana body vanished once more.

...

Shortly thereafter, in the Long Shan Universe, deep within the essence space of his Saint Realm, Wu Yuan's body refiner self gazed at a hovering golden crystal.

The Chaos Nucleus?

Wu Yuan examined the treasure Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu had delivered.

For his ether body, such cultivation aids yielded diminished returns. A single Chaos Nucleus could potentially give rise to a Dao Zenithel, but for Wu Yuan, its value lay primarily in accelerating his deductive processes.

Patience.

Wu Yuan's body refiner self decided.

Once I've fully assimilated all ultimate techniques in the first and second realms, the time to utilize the Chaos Nucleus will come.

Both his true selves had devoted themselves entirely to comprehension and deduction alongside his ether body. For years, neither ventured beyond the essence spaces of their Saint Realms. Besides Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu, none knew that only his mana body and ether body roamed the world outside.

...

Time flowed on, and a million years passed.

A million years was hardly a long time in the cosmic sea, yet in the context of the Xuanhuang Dao Treasure competition, it was an eternity. Previous battles for the Chaos Nuclei had concluded within months. Most eternal powerhouses had expected this contest to be resolved within years or decades at most.

𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

None imagined the wait would stretch across a million years.

Even the most patient True Saints and Dao Zenithels couldn't maintain perpetual vigilance. Most left behind threads of consciousness to monitor for developments while they attended to other matters.

Still, many ambitious Dao Zenithels remained watchful.

In the Long Shan Universe, within the essence space of Wu Yuan's Saint Realm.

Here, spacetime was stabilized. Shrouded by the Saint Realm’s essence power, it was impervious to outside observation.

"Eldritch Progenitor," Wu Yuan's body refiner self greeted, cupping his hands toward the white-robed incarnation of Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu.

While ordinary Dao Zenithels struggled to project themselves into the River of Universes, Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu accomplished this effortlessly. Wu Yuan had also granted her entry to his Saint Realm, allowing her to manifest a fragment of consciousness within his Saint Realm’s essence space.

"Show it to me once more," she requested, her eyes bright with anticipation. "During your previous demonstration, your saber technique approached perfection, nearly rivaling the ultimate techniques of Eldritch Progenitor Zhu Rong and the others."

"As you wish," Wu Yuan replied with a gentle nod.

With a flick of his fingertip, Wu Yuan's body refiner self sent a streak of light across the essence space. Space shifted instantly, matter coalesced, and myriad scenes of living beings materialized, as though an entire world had been birthed within moments.

"Primordium?" Unmistakable surprise flickered across Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu's features as she detected subtle but undeniable ripples of Primordial essence.

She immediately recognized that Wu Yuan's newly created saber technique had risen to new heights since his demonstration two hundred thousand years prior.