The universe is vast and boundless. Viewed purely from beyond its boundaries, its edges are nearly impossible to encompass, and its overall state remains elusive. Yet for Meng Qi, who resides at an infinitely lofty height, it appears as a bizarre, overlapping point, entirely within his sight. At this moment, this otherwise inaccessible universe is shrouded in a hazy mist, distinctly different from other realms, blocking the probing of Meng Qi’s divine sense.
This peculiar situation piqued Meng Qi’s interest. His divine sense took form, transforming into a translucent, ancient glazed lamp that emitted swirling black-and-white radiance, drawing in all surrounding threads of causality. Within the lamp’s wick, these threads continuously converged and dispersed, flickering like flames.
After attaining the Legendary realm, the Jade Void Divine Calculation became intrinsically linked with the “Cause of All Effects,” nearly merging into one. Meng Qi’s ability to deduce and infer ascended several levels, far surpassing even Wang Siyuan’s current capabilities. Among the great powers, he now stood as truly exceptional.
The flames flickered rapidly, growing faster and fiercer, as if on the verge of spiraling out of control or exploding. Just as this intensity peaked, everything stabilized. From within the ancient glazed lamp, Meng Qi’s voice emerged: “So that’s how it is…”
Such a universe was not unfamiliar to him. Within the true Jade Void Palace, he had once entered a similar realm through an ancient well, where he defeated an independent “avatar” of the Primordial One—the creator Brahma—and obtained the corresponding “Other Self” projection.
In such universes, an ancient Nirvana-level being had gained absolute dominance and control, elevating their essence to approach that of the True World. Within these realms, one could not permanently alter their natural laws by relying on the aura of the True World; only temporary manipulation was possible.
Now, it seemed that such universes, permeated by the aura of Nirvana-level beings, were normally inaccessible for projection. Entry could only be achieved through specific pathways, such as the thirty-six ancient wells outside the Jade Void Palace, which led to similar universes where “Primordial Projections” held absolute dominance. It was conceivable that analogous passages existed in the Western Paradise of Ultimate Bliss, the former Yu Yu Heaven’s Green Touring Palace, the abode of the Heavenly Lord of Virtue, the Perfect Bodhi Pure Land, or certain intact locations of the ancient Spirit Mountain.
“Which Nirvana-level being does this universe belong to?” Meng Qi pondered in confusion.
No matter how much his deduction abilities improved, details involving Nirvana-level beings remained hazy. Only a Nirvana-level being could oppose another.
Unable to determine its origin, Meng Qi shifted his thoughts to other considerations:
Given that many Legends could still achieve perfection, the number of such universes must be limited. Relative to the near-infinite whole, they fell far short of the threshold for qualitative transformation. Even if entry, projection, or the creation of “Other Self imprints” were impossible, it would not hinder the final push toward perfection. Projections could naturally emerge as new universes or fragments of time came into being.
Since their numbers were limited, they were not randomly selected. What mysteries lay within them?
And what benefits could controlling such universes offer ancient Nirvana-level beings like the Primordial Lord of Heaven or Amitabha Buddha?
Questions arose one after another. Meng Qi was tempted to interrupt Gu Xiaosang’s seclusion to seek answers, but in the end, he merely entertained the thought without acting.
This matter clearly involved conflicts among Nirvana-level beings—perhaps even only the ancients were qualified to participate. He was still far from that level, so there was no need to rush.
After one last deep look at this universe, Meng Qi’s divine sense transformed into a streak of light, continuing its journey to other universes, striving to increase the number of his projections.
…
In a certain region of Great Zhou, several serene pavilions stood, forming a courtyard facing a tranquil lake, where flowers bloomed brilliantly.
The place exuded an air of desolate emptiness, clearly indicating that its owner seldom visited. The handful of remaining attendants, compared to the vast expanse, were like flies in a ruined temple, unable to sustain any liveliness.
In one of the pavilion rooms, bolts of lightning suddenly erupted, silver serpents writhing and purple dragons soaring, illuminating the entire space.
Amidst the thunder, five figures gradually emerged. Some wore long robes with hoods pulled low, while others were clad in form-fitting armor—each dressed distinctively, as if from foreign lands.
“This world belongs to the Nightmare tier. We must not take the mission lightly,” said the leader, a man with eerie tattoos on his forehead.
Beside him, a beautiful woman with pointed ears and a long bow slung across her back gritted her teeth. “The Six Paths are truly despicable this time. We couldn’t even check the mission in advance, leaving us no time to prepare.”
“Had I known we were entering a Nightmare-tier world, I would’ve paid the karmic merit to cancel this mission. But since we’re here, let’s assess the situation. Nightmare worlds are dangerous, but they also offer unparalleled opportunities. This might be the breakthrough our team needs,” the tattooed man said, turning to a delicate, scholarly-looking girl. “Jinghua, you’re the best at gathering intel from other teams. Do you have any information about this Nightmare world?”
Yu Jinghua adjusted the small glasses on her nose, her eyes flickering with computational precision. “Yes. The inhabitants of this Nightmare world call it the ‘True World.’ Its overall power level is significantly higher than other reincarnation worlds, and its civilization is as advanced as the technological worlds we’ve encountered.”
“The most prominent figures at the peak of this Nightmare world include: the ‘Primordial Emperor’ Immortal Venerable Su Meng of the Jade Void Palace on Kunlun Mountain, the ‘Reincarnated Maitreya’ of the Earthly Buddha Kingdom, the ancient Great Sage Bull Demon King… It’s said they all surpass the standard Divine Demon level. To us, they are practically omnipotent—comparable to the creator gods of the reincarnation worlds we’ve experienced before. The difference is that those creator gods were mere legends, possibly fictional, whereas these figures still walk the world. We must never provoke them—or even approach them—lest they detect our identities as reincarnators.”
“Since the Six Paths changed their model, lifting many restrictions—allowing exchanges of martial arts, immortal techniques, magic, and technology—and classifying world tiers, few teams have entered Nightmare-tier worlds. The failure rate is extremely high. Most of the intel comes from two mysterious organizations: ‘Immortal Trace’ and ‘Myth.’ I suspect many of their members originate from Nightmare worlds!”
…
As Yu Jinghua spoke, the other team members exchanged uneasy glances. They had once witnessed Divine Demon-level power, an utterly overwhelming force. Yet the overlords of this Nightmare world far surpassed even that level.
Please don’t let this mission involve them, or we’re dead for sure!
“Don’t worry. This isn’t a death mission, and every world has hierarchies. Teams of different strengths face different challenges,” the leader, Mao Jin, reassured them.
Just then, the candle before them suddenly flared, casting words onto the wall—their mission.
“Main Mission One: Travel to Great Zhou’s capital, Changle, infiltrate the Prince of Jin’s residence, and remain undercover for at least six months…” Mao Jin read aloud, then turned to Yu Jinghua. “Do you have any intel on Changle or the Prince of Jin’s residence?”
Yu Jinghua nodded. “Some, but not much. Great Zhou is the dynasty ruling the core lands of this Nightmare world. Its emperor is called the ‘Human Emperor of the Present Age,’ wielding the Human Emperor Sword—ranked first on the Divine Weapon Exchange List, though marked as ‘missing.’ He’s said to possess peak Divine Demon-level strength. Behind this dynasty stands the Primordial Emperor Immortal Venerable of the Jade Void Palace. The Prince of Jin, Zhao Heng, is the heir apparent, with strength approaching the Divine Demon level. Of course, intel has its limits, and things may have changed.”
Mao Jin nodded. “We have time. Let’s not rush to Changle yet. Everyone, disguise yourselves and gather intel from nearby towns and villages. In a Nightmare world, caution is paramount.”
Unskilled in reconnaissance, he chose to remain as the central liaison, focusing on cultivation.
Two hours later, one of his male teammates returned, looking utterly shaken.
“Old Zhu, what happened?” Mao Jin’s heart sank.
Zhu Tianming stared blankly at his captain. “I saw crowds of people practicing the same martial art—one that supposedly leads to the Divine Demon level. And… it’s available at an unbelievably low price.”
“How low?” Mao Jin’s eyes gleamed.
Divine Demon-level martial arts were worth immense karmic merit. If they could acquire them cheaply, it would not only be a windfall but also a massive boost to the team’s strength.
He assumed “cheap” meant relative to its true value.
Zhu Tianming looked like a lost soul. “So cheap… it’s no more expensive than a bowl of noodles.”
“What?!” Mao Jin nearly leaped to his feet.
Is this Nightmare world so terrifying that Divine Demon-level techniques are common as dirt?
Zhu Tianming seemed on the verge of tears. “It’s true. I wanted to buy a few, but… the Six Paths warned us not to purchase or practice them!”
Mao Jin froze, then sighed heavily. “The Six Paths are as shameless as ever!”
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