Boom.
Consciousness roared. The vast and boundless Source World had now become a part of him. To Dongbo Xueying, observing the Source World now felt like an ordinary person examining the lines on their palm.
“So beautiful.”
Dongbo Xueying’s life level was rapidly ascending. His consciousness continuously soared, rising above the entire Source World.
As if gazing down upon it, the Source World was breathtaking—a radiant disk! To his current perception as a Hunyuan expert, his home Source World was a misty, glowing disk of unparalleled beauty. However, this disk was expanding at an extremely slow pace, its surface pockmarked and its structure sparse, riddled with flaws.
This was a Source World on the verge of the Great Destruction.
“Whoosh—”
Dongbo Xueying could clearly sense the Source World’s “World Origin” effortlessly converting the boundless Hunyuan energy from the endless void into fundamental power, nurturing all life within. The efficiency of this conversion was staggering—consumption and replenishment were perfectly balanced. Yet, the World Origin itself had its limits, meaning the life it could sustain was also finite.
“Within the Source World, my power is truly inexhaustible. No matter how fast I expend it, the Source World can instantly replenish it,” Dongbo Xueying mused. “But for my avatars outside, replenishing power is far more difficult.”
At this moment, his physical body and soul within his home Source World were undergoing a drastic transformation.
Both his body and soul were ascending to the World-level Hunyuan tier. The power required for this evolution was beyond comprehension—only the boundless replenishment from the Source World’s “World Origin” could sustain such rapid progress.
Most Hunyuan experts maintained a single “primary combat avatar” outside their Source World, tasked with guarding vital territories or engaging in battles. Meanwhile, weaker avatars were deployed for reconnaissance, observation, or mentoring younger generations.
“At this moment, I stand unique in the infinite Hunyuan void.”
All his avatars—whether in his homeworld, the Heart Realm Continent, or the Sacred Realm of Cultivation—were now extensions of his unified power.
As a World-level Hunyuan lifeform, his power had its limits. If one avatar held the majority of his strength, the rest would be proportionally weaker.
For instance, if his primary combat avatar possessed 90% of his power, then even a million other avatars combined could only account for the remaining 10%. Thus, weaker avatars used for reconnaissance or travel contained only a minuscule fraction of his strength. Yet, no matter how weak, they were still fundamentally at the Hunyuan level—capable of annihilating semi-Hunyuan lifeforms with ease.
“The power contained within a World-level Hunyuan lifeform is terrifying.”
“Even if my primary combat avatar is destroyed, elevating a weaker avatar to that level would require an unfathomable amount of energy—absorbing it directly from the infinite Hunyuan void would take an eternity,” Dongbo Xueying reflected. “But the World Origin’s absorption and conversion efficiency is far superior.”
As he acclimated to the power of a Hunyuan expert, Dongbo Xueying gradually grasped the combat dynamics of this tier.
For example, if a primary combat avatar perished in battle, the standard practice was to cultivate a new one within the Source World and then dispatch it to the battlefield.
Relying on weaker avatars to absorb Hunyuan energy? Far too inefficient!
“Wait.”
“World-level Hunyuan experts can typically only draw power from their own Source World’s World Origin. But I’m different.” Dongbo Xueying’s mind stirred. “My soul can seamlessly merge with any ‘unclaimed’ World Origin, allowing me to rapidly absorb energy through it.”
Suddenly, Dongbo Xueying realized a unique advantage he held over other World-level Hunyuan experts.
If he stationed numerous avatars across unclaimed worlds, guarding various territories, he could instantly dissolve his primary combat avatar upon encountering an enemy. The nearest avatar could then rapidly absorb energy from the local World Origin and elevate itself to primary combat strength.
“Is this the benefit of reaching the ultimate realm in the Soul Path?” Dongbo Xueying marveled inwardly.
A breakthrough in the Soul Path had granted him such a formidable edge even as a Hunyuan expert.
—
As Dongbo Xueying’s life level ascended, breaking free of constraints and directly reaching the World-level Hunyuan tier, the countless beings within his home Source World awoke from their illusions. They had no memory of the fleeting thought that had once convinced them—”Dongbo Xueying is the master of this Source World.” Having fully refined the World Origin, Dongbo Xueying ensured they forgot everything from the illusion.
Life within the Source World resumed as normal.
Figures like Patriarch Tianyu and Swordmaster, though not subjected to the implanted thought, were left stunned and bewildered upon regaining clarity. Dongbo Xueying had not concealed the fact that they had been ensnared.
“An illusion? One so powerful?” Swordmaster gasped. “Was it Xueying?”
On the Heart Realm Continent, ever since Dongbo Xueying’s strength surpassed that of the Five Great Supremes, figures like Xia Emperor and Swordmaster had frequently sought his guidance, experiencing his soul techniques firsthand.
Though Swordmaster had previously succumbed to such illusions, he had at least been able to resist briefly.
This time, he had fallen without even realizing it.
“Has Xueying grown even stronger?” Swordmaster wondered in awe, unaware that Dongbo Xueying had already ascended to the World-level Hunyuan tier.
—
One individual did know of Dongbo Xueying’s breakthrough.
City Lord Luo, sipping tea in a teahouse, observed the countless lives around him freeze for a single breath, all falling into a daze. He could sense that every being in the entire Source World had been affected. A breath later, everything returned to normal.
“An Illusory Realm? At such a level? Has he reached the ultimate?” City Lord Luo was both surprised and intrigued.
“Dongbo Xueying has truly reached this stage.”
“Hmm? The world has a master now?”
“A World-level Hunyuan lifeform?”
City Lord Luo’s perception was razor-sharp. First, he confirmed the Source World now had an owner. Then, he detected Dongbo Xueying’s body and soul undergoing a transcendent evolution.
“Hahaha—” City Lord Luo laughed, his smile radiant. “Achieving the ultimate in the Illusory Realm Path and immediately ascending to World-level Hunyuan?”
“Among World-level Hunyuan experts, Dongbo Xueying must now be the most adept in soul techniques. I wonder how far he’ll go—can he become a Sovereign?”
To grasp a Hunyuan-tier Dao was to become a Sovereign.
Take “Meta,” the most ancient Sovereign. He first became a World-level Hunyuan lifeform, then spent eons accumulating knowledge before finally ascending to Sovereign.
“With this world now having a master, my guardianship is no longer needed.” City Lord Luo nodded slightly.
He was a Sovereign, overseeing vast territories. Dongbo Xueying’s home Source World lay within City Lord Luo’s domain. Fearing this world might face a true “Great Calamity,” City Lord Luo had stationed a weak avatar here to stand guard. Though the avatar was feeble, its insights remained intact, allowing it to detect any latent threats.
As for the Great Destruction? City Lord Luo paid it no mind.
The cycle of destruction and rebirth was natural for Source Worlds—hardly a “Great Calamity.”
“I didn’t even guard for long before my duty ended.” City Lord Luo chuckled.
Originally, this Source World had belonged to “Meta’s” domain.
After City Lord Luo’s ascension, the other Sovereigns had redistributed territories, assigning him vast regions. Protecting such expansive lands was no small burden for a Sovereign.
Thus, this Source World had fallen under City Lord Luo’s jurisdiction.
Of course—
Once a world gained a master, a World-level Hunyuan expert within their own Source World could rival a Sovereign! Guardianship became redundant.
“Dongbo Xueying, congratulations!” City Lord Luo transmitted his voice with a laugh.
—
“Thank you, City Lord Luo, for safeguarding my home Source World all this time,” Dongbo Xueying replied via transmission. Through his time in the Sacred Realm of Cultivation, he had learned that Sovereigns protected vast territories, including Source Worlds.
“My guardianship was brief—a trivial matter. Focus on your breakthrough for now,” City Lord Luo said.
“Understood.”
Dongbo Xueying was indeed mid-breakthrough.
As his body and soul evolved, he familiarized himself with his newfound power.
“The Source World is somewhat damaged. Let’s restore it first.” With a thought—BOOM—the entire Source World’s energies moved at his will. The slowly expanding world abruptly contracted, its “Chaotic Void” shrinking dramatically. Universes shifted as the void condensed, their distances shrinking to half, a fifth, a tenth, a twentieth of their original spans…
Under Dongbo Xueying’s gaze, the pockmarked, sparse “disk” of the Source World rapidly repaired itself while shrinking drastically, its structure growing denser. When it had condensed to roughly 1% of its former size, the contraction ceased.
Now, the Source World’s “disk” was flawlessly dense, its surface smooth as glass.
If before, even a non-Hunyuan lifeform could easily infiltrate via the Great Destruction Teleportation Art, now, not even a Sovereign could penetrate its defenses.
It was utterly sealed, without a single vulnerability.
Of course, entry was permitted if the world’s master allowed it.
The difference between an owned and unowned Source World was vast!
“Restored so swiftly.”
Dongbo Xueying felt his control over the Source World as natural as commanding his own body.
“No wonder they say a master within their Source World can rival a Sovereign,” he marveled. A single punch could channel the entire world’s power into one strike—its force unimaginable.
Like a Sovereign descending upon an unowned Source World, unleashing full power could annihilate it entirely.
An unowned Source World’s energy was scattered, incapable of resistance. To hasten the Great Destruction, it naturally bred Destruction Demons—the world itself lacked the means to form an effective defense, governed only by basic rules.
But an owned one?
It could concentrate all its power into its master—truly invincible.
—
On a small, lifeless Chaotic Land within his home Source World, Dongbo Xueying stood, a hint of puzzlement on his face.
His body was now perfection incarnate. With a mere thought, intricate gray patterns shimmered across his skin, and his eyes deepened into abyssal pools.
“My body and soul have reached the Hunyuan level—the World-level Hunyuan tier.” He savored his newfound strength. His gaze could pierce the Source World, observing the endless Hunyuan void beyond, even distant Source Worlds. His vision spanned vast distances, and with focus, he could scrutinize specific locations.
This was the innate ability of a World-level Hunyuan lifeform’s “eyes.”
“Every movement of mine carries immense might. Even a casual punch now embodies Hunyuan-level profundities.” Dongbo Xueying frowned slightly. “But wielding power doesn’t equate to understanding its essence.”
Like a mortal wielding a bow—they can shoot arrows without knowing how the bow is crafted, why it’s strong, or the intricacies of its design.
Using it requires no comprehension.
But understanding the essence? That’s different. Knowing how to forge the bow, how to enhance it, what materials optimize the arrows—mastery allows crafting the perfect weapon.
A “Sovereign” is akin to this. They grasp the Dao of Hunyuan, elevating their life level to the highest tier—Sovereign. In battle, they unleash their full potential, standing apart.
“Hunyuan experts must also seek enlightenment. The more mysteries they unravel, the more they can harness their body and soul’s latent power,” Dongbo Xueying mused.
Pushing his strength to its peak would place him at the apex of World-level Hunyuan lifeforms.
To ascend further—to Sovereign?
One must comprehend a Hunyuan-tier “Dao.” This is the aspiration of every World-level Hunyuan expert.
—
Given his profound foundations in the “Void Path” and “Illusory Realm Path,” Dongbo Xueying swiftly deciphered the Hunyuan-tier mysteries within his body’s “Void Path,” enabling him to manifest new techniques. Similarly, studying his soul allowed him to derive additional abilities. Each World-level Hunyuan lifeform had their specialties—for now, Dongbo Xueying excelled in the Void and Illusory Realm aspects.
“Ah, one more matter to settle.” Dongbo Xueying’s gaze turned toward the edge of the Chaotic Void. “The Sacred Master. It’s time to end him.”
*Crack.*
With a thought, the Labyrinth Corridor—the breeding ground of Destruction Demons—shattered completely. Every demon lurking within perished instantly, save for the Sacred Master.
“My Source World has no need for Destruction Demons,” Dongbo Xueying murmured. Born solely to destroy, these beings disgusted him. If his world’s inhabitants needed trials, other means existed. Such genocidal entities were better off eradicated. Even the Heart Realm Continent lacked them.
“Sacred Master.”
A cold smile played on Dongbo Xueying’s lips.
Even as a Hunyuan expert, his hatred for the Sacred Master remained undiminished.
—
“What?!”
Hidden within the Labyrinth Corridor, the Sacred Master had sensed the Source World’s drastic changes. At his level, he could perceive its approach to the Great Destruction.
But suddenly, the world was healing, its World Origin strengthening, the Chaotic Void contracting?
The distance between the Labyrinth Corridor and the Sacred Realm was shrinking.
“What’s happening?!” The Sacred Master was stunned.
The Chaotic Void had always expanded—why was it now shrinking? And at such an alarming rate.
Half its size? A tenth? A twentieth?
The Sacred Master reeled.
“What’s going on?!” A sliver of dread crept into his heart. One possibility dawned on him. “Has this Source World… gained a master?”
His lifelong ambition—to control the Source World—had another achieved it first?
*Boom!*
The surrounding Labyrinth Corridor space exploded into nothingness.
The Sacred Master stared blankly as everything around him disintegrated. The corridor, its demons—all vanished, leaving him alone.
“Whoosh.” A white-robed youth materialized ahead.
The Sacred Master watched as the figure strode toward him, his aura towering and majestic. An involuntary urge to kneel seized the Sacred Master. He dropped to one knee before gritting his teeth and forcing himself upright, trembling under the oppressive weight. His jaw clenched so tightly that blood seeped from his gums.
“Dongbo Xueying!” The Sacred Master glared. “You’ve finally reached this point? Taken control of this Source World? Become a Hunyuan expert?”
Dongbo Xueying simply regarded him in silence.
“Will you kill me? Or torture me?” the Sacred Master snarled. Given his atrocities, endless torment at Dongbo Xueying’s hands would be justified. Before this ascended being, he was as powerless as an ant.
“Torture?”
Dongbo Xueying shook his head. “No. You shall simply… vanish from this world. Forever.”
*Hum.*
The Sacred Master was erased—utterly, without a trace.
Dongbo Xueying sighed faintly. The gap between their life levels was too vast. Annihilation was mercy.
“Master.” Dongbo Xueying thought of his mentor, Gu Qi. They had never truly met in person.
“There will be time.” A smile touched his lips.
“And Father, Mother… so many others.”
He could effortlessly sense every life that had ever existed in this Source World’s history—from the first era’s inception to the present. Every being, from the lowliest mortal to the highest Cosmic God, was within his grasp.
As long as they had not ascended to Hunyuan, he could pluck them from the past, restoring them to life with eternal existence.
Such was the power of a “Source World’s master.”
Life and death? Past and future?
To him, they held little meaning. Within his domain, all who had not reached Hunyuan were under his absolute control.
“My current soul is incomparably stronger than at the semi-Hunyuan level,” Dongbo Xueying reflected. “Previously, I estimated merging the Void Path and Illusory Realm Path would take billions of years. But now? My soul is beyond measure more potent.”
A World-level Hunyuan lifeform’s soul dwarfed a semi-Hunyuan’s entirely.
Within his mind, the Void Path rapidly assimilated the ultimate “Illusory Realm Path’s” mysteries, their fusion progressing at breakneck speed.
“At this rate…”
“Two hours, and the merger will be complete?” Dongbo Xueying mused. “And then… I’ll become a Sovereign?”
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