Chapter 1257: The Invitation

Flying Snow City, Divine Emperor’s Mansion.

Beneath a lakeside pavilion, Dongbo Xueying and the Xia Clan’s Emperor sat facing each other, deep in discussion about the Dao.

“*Hunyuan* Body Refinement was originally my creation, Brother Feixue. Trust me,” the Xia Emperor said urgently. “Using the *Hunyuan* space as a womb to nurture and condense a physical body—if successful, I believe it will instantly reach the level of a *Hunyuan* lifeform’s physique. This path is the true way!”

“We’ve tried this many times already. And I think leaping straight from the Ultimate realm to possessing a *Hunyuan*-level physique—even ascending to *Hunyuan* through it—makes achieving *Hunyuan* seem far too easy,” Dongbo Xueying countered. “I believe in progressing step by step. Breaking through with sheer force is no simple matter.”

“I never said it was easy. Using the *Hunyuan* space as a womb to nurture a body is inherently difficult. I was hoping you would assist me, Brother Feixue, so we could explore this path together,” the Xia Emperor pressed.

“Using space as a womb… I can’t even take that first step,” Dongbo Xueying shook his head. “Xia Emperor, let us each walk our own paths. We shall see who truly completes the third layer of *Hunyuan* Body Refinement.”

The Xia Emperor could only sigh in response.

Over the past two hundred billion years, the two had frequently exchanged insights, with their most frequent topic being the third layer of *Hunyuan* Body Refinement from *Hunyuan Inquiry*!

This method was originally created by the Xia Emperor! Unfortunately, he had only perfected the first two layers.

Dongbo Xueying possessed the supreme secret art *Seven Strikes of Hunyuan*, which combined the Dao of Void and *Hunyuan* force in unique ways. Thus, he had already refined some aspects of the Xia Emperor’s foundation. After reaching the ‘Ultimate realm,’ he sought to create the third layer of *Hunyuan* Body Refinement! Moreover, since developing his killing technique, his soul had begun influencing his physical body, giving him new insights into bodily enhancement.

Their exchanges had initially been fruitful.

After all, the Xia Emperor also possessed a supreme secret art—one related to the Dao of Void, titled *Void Blossoms*.

Dongbo Xueying’s supreme secret art, *Seven Strikes of Hunyuan*, was a perfect match for his *Hunyuan* divine weapon, the Qinghe Spear.

Their supreme secret arts differed… and since neither could disclose their contents, they could only clash in terms of conceptual approaches.

Over time, their discussions grew strained.

At first, they had made progress, even creating a ‘prototype’ of the third layer of *Hunyuan* Body Refinement—an incomplete version. Yet even this flawed version elevated their physiques to rival that of peak Monarch-level beings. With just their bodies alone, they could match the likes of the Nightmare Ancestor and other invincible existences.

With this prototype, both were invigorated, seeing hope of breaking free from their shackles.

They often exchanged ideas and researched together.

But gradually, disagreements arose—and they only grew wider.

“This path is arduous. Walking it alone, how long will it take to break through with sheer force? If we support each other, we might both achieve a breakthrough,” the Xia Emperor lamented. He had indeed recognized Dongbo Xueying’s extraordinary talent in body refinement, swiftly identifying numerous breakthroughs. If he had to explore alone…

Though he possessed *Void Blossoms*, the first step—using *Hunyuan* space as a womb—was possible, but nurturing and condensing a body was the true challenge. He lacked confidence in succeeding alone.

He wanted Dongbo Xueying to walk this path with him.

But Dongbo Xueying preferred a more certain route.

“We have ample time. Let us each follow our own paths. If I hit a dead end, I may return to try the direction you’ve proposed,” Dongbo Xueying said with a smile. His talent in body refinement wasn’t originally exceptional, but after creating his illusory realm killing technique, his soul underwent a qualitative transformation, prompting his body to evolve.

A strong soul influenced the body, and these influences gave Dongbo Xueying glimpses of breakthroughs.

……

For now, they set aside their differences and continued discussing their insights into the third layer of *Hunyuan* Body Refinement.

“Hm?”

Suddenly, Dongbo Xueying paused and looked into the distance.

“What is it?” the Xia Emperor asked, refraining from forcefully probing in Flying Snow City.

“A guest has arrived.” Dongbo Xueying smiled as a figure materialized in the distance—a tall, slender man in white robes. The man bowed respectfully. “Zafu pays his respects to the Flying Snow Divine Emperor.”

“And you are?” Dongbo Xueying asked.

He recognized the man as a native powerhouse from the Broken Tooth Mountain Range, but he didn’t know his identity.

After all, a newly ascended Monarch-level figure was hardly noteworthy among the countless in the Broken Tooth Mountain Range.

“I am a servant under the command of Supreme Haogu,” the man replied with a smile. “By his order, I have come to invite the Divine Emperor.”

“Supreme Haogu?” Dongbo Xueying was surprised. “What urgent matter does the Supreme have?”

“That, I do not know. The Supreme merely instructed me to invite you,” the man said.

“If Supreme Haogu wishes to see you, you should go,” the Xia Emperor chuckled.

“Very well.” Dongbo Xueying nodded.

A clone split from his side and addressed the slender man. “Let us go meet the Supreme.”

……

Using the Great Shattered Boundary Teleportation Technique, they arrived at the edge of Haogu’s World.

Dongbo Xueying and ‘Zafu’ appeared, and the latter gestured. “Divine Emperor, please follow me.”

“Supreme Haogu…” Dongbo Xueying mused silently.

Over the past two hundred billion years, he had interacted with all five Supremes.

Eager to study the ‘Thousand-Eyed Water Pearl’—a treasure that granted access to the ‘Fang Corridor’—he suspected only the five Supremes possessed such artifacts. Thus, he visited each. The Supremes had been courteous enough to meet him, but when he requested to study the pearl without consuming its power—even offering to leave a clone in their abodes for observation—all five claimed they had no ‘Thousand-Eyed Water Pearl.’

When he approached Supreme Haogu, the latter had been amiable, saying, “I do possess a Fang Marrow Pearl, but no Thousand-Eyed Water Pearl. Historically, Fang Marrow Pearls are more common than Water Pearls. Including the one you discovered, only three Water Pearls have ever been recorded—all expended in entering the Fang Corridor.”

Whoosh, whoosh.

Haogu’s Divine Palace stood majestic and towering. As one of the two native Supremes, his influence was undeniable.

The palace was heavily guarded, with sentries at every turn.

Yet Dongbo Xueying passed unhindered. The guards and even the Divine Generals treated him with deep respect—they knew this ‘Flying Snow Divine Emperor’ was not only formidable in soul techniques but also ranked among the elite in close combat.

“Greetings, Supreme.” Dongbo Xueying bowed upon seeing the distant figure.

“Flying Snow Divine Emperor, you’ve arrived.” Supreme Haogu sat gazing into the vast void, gesturing to a stone stool beside him. “Come, sit.”

Dongbo Xueying approached and took his seat.

At this moment, Supreme Haogu had completely suppressed his aura. His ancient, indifferent face showed no trace of his usual overwhelming presence—a courtesy, for if he unleashed his full might, it would feel like an all-consuming inferno. Even with his enhanced physique—thanks to the prototype third layer of *Hunyuan* Body Refinement—Dongbo Xueying would find it unbearable, as his body was only at peak Monarch-level.

“Might I ask why the Supreme has summoned me?” Dongbo Xueying inquired. He no longer recklessly explored the floating islands, nor did he keep clones in the Broken Tooth Mountain Range. If needed, they could simply send messengers to Flying Snow City.

“I once told you I possessed a Fang Marrow Pearl,” Supreme Haogu said.

“Indeed.” Dongbo Xueying nodded.

With a flip of his hand, Supreme Haogu revealed two lustrous black pearls in his palm. These pearls were unfathomably deep, drawing the gaze irresistibly. The longer one looked, the more they seemed like vast, devouring worlds. Though Dongbo Xueying could steady his mind, he was still shocked. “Two Fang Marrow Pearls?”

“Correct, two.” Supreme Haogu nodded. “I originally had one but delayed entering the Fang Corridor, having been there multiple times. I wished to prepare thoroughly before venturing again. Yet, not long ago, while exploring a floating island, I chanced upon another.”

“Congratulations, Supreme.” Dongbo Xueying smiled. Some floating islands held extreme dangers beyond his reach, but the Supremes could delve deeper. Fang Marrow Pearls, like Water Pearls, were found in perilous places.

“I can give you one of these pearls,” Supreme Haogu said, watching him.

“Such a treasure, gifted without reason?” Dongbo Xueying chuckled, though inwardly tense. Who wouldn’t desire entry to the Fang Corridor?

Supreme Haogu continued, “But you must enter the Fang Corridor with me and follow my commands without question.”

“Then might the Supreme clarify what exactly I must do?” Dongbo Xueying wasn’t offended—such a treasure came with conditions. Regardless, the legendary forbidden land, the Fang Corridor—merely entering it was cause for celebration.

……