Among the ultimate existences, there were those who preferred not to involve themselves in the conflicts between the two great factions, such as the Lord of the Myriad Realms Pavilion. These individuals typically resided within the chaotic void. When the Primordial Ancient Sacred Realm shattered, certain fragments—particularly those from the most unique regions—survived the explosion and drifted into the chaotic void. Thus, amidst the vast expanse of the void, beyond ordinary lands and universes, there existed peculiar realms where some Cosmic Deities chose to dwell permanently.
The Ninecloud Continent, the largest fragment of the Primordial Ancient Sacred Realm aside from the ‘Ancient Sacred Realm’ itself, was home to a Cosmic Deity known as the ‘Pure One Dharma Ancestor.’
Though the Pure One Dharma Ancestor resided there, he remained aloof, refusing to engage in the disputes between the two great factions.
Moreover, the number of ultimate existences was exceedingly small. Some were needed to guard the Sacred Realm, while others were stationed at the fringes of the void. The Ninecloud Continent, only one-twentieth the size of the Sevenstar Sea Sacred Realm, saw the highest-level figures from the two factions merely at the Chaos Realm! As an Inner Hall Elder, Dongbo Xueying possessed protective treasures that, once activated, could sustain him for a time even against Chaos Realm overlords.
With caution, the Ninecloud Continent was a suitable place for him to test his limits!
“However, my methods are too limited. I only have the ‘Dark Bubble’ technique, and once used, my enemies would immediately recognize my identity,” Dongbo Xueying mused. The shadow of the Ancient Sacred Sect loomed over the assassination attempts, and they could easily review the battle scenes, knowing his signature move.
If a powerful figure were to hire assassins from the Myriad Realms Pavilion to target him…
Exposing himself on the Ninecloud Continent might very well draw the attention of Chaos Realm experts from the Ancient Sacred Sect.
“Best to remain hidden,” Dongbo Xueying considered. In the Sevenstar Sea Sacred Realm, Ancestor Tianyu and the Sword Master could manifest their avatars instantly in times of danger. But the distant Ninecloud Continent lay deep within the chaotic void—aid would take time to arrive.
“Time to challenge the sixth floor.”
Dongbo Xueying soared upward, passing through the void in the sky to enter the higher sixth level.
The sixth floor of the Star Tower was a desolate desert, dotted sporadically with tenacious green plants. Suddenly, streaks of bloody light surged across the sands, coalescing into a seductive woman clad in crimson armor.
“Another one?” Dongbo Xueying muttered to himself.
The fourth, fifth, and sixth floors each had only one crimson-armored foe. Yet, after conversing with Ancestor Tianyu, he knew the Annihilation Fiends varied in strength—ranging from the first-floor level of the Star Tower all the way to Cosmic Deity tier!
“A mere Unity Realm whelp?” The crimson-armored woman chuckled softly, and an overwhelming wave of alluring pink mist instantly filled the sixth floor. Every resilient green plant in the desert withered instantly under its influence. Even Dongbo Xueying felt threatened by the mist.
Though his Rule Domain held it at bay, the strain was evident.
“Tsk.” The crimson woman smiled, splitting into nine phantoms that darted into his Rule Domain in a flash, all nine figures lunging toward him simultaneously.
…
The battle ended swiftly.
Though Dongbo Xueying struggled to discern the true body among the illusions, he unleashed six Dark Bubbles—some encapsulating two figures at once—allowing him to strike multiple foes simultaneously. The eight illusions were annihilated instantly, but the remaining true form, struck by only one Dark Bubble, emerged unscathed and closed in on him.
Uncertain of his teleportation’s success, Dongbo Xueying activated his protective treasures and conceded immediately.
There was no other way.
The Dark World’s ultimate technique was designed to slay foes from afar. Once an enemy closed the distance, defeat was nearly inevitable.
…
Exiting the Star Tower, Dongbo Xueying reflected, “I must refine my skills further. Relying solely on this one technique would be too disadvantageous on the Ninecloud Continent—and far too recognizable.” Unlike the adaptable Thirteen Swords of Annihilation, which could be disguised in close combat, the ‘Dark Bubble’ was unmistakable at a glance.
…
In the following days, Dongbo Xueying took his time. He frequently perused the tomes in the Myriad Phenomena Hall. Though he had memorized many, reading the originals—imbued with the traces of their creators—offered deeper insights. Occasionally, he engaged in discussions or sparred with fellow Inner Hall Elders.
Over two thousand years after his Star Tower attempt, fully prepared, Dongbo Xueying entered the Time Palace for secluded cultivation.
The cost for Unity Realm cultivators in the Time Palace was steep—a hundredfold acceleration for 100 million years demanded 25 Sourceworld Stones. Fortunately, 250,000 merit points could substitute, a more economical choice. Dongbo Xueying was meticulous with his resources, saving Sourceworld Stones for his lofty goal: the ‘Crimson Cloud Pomegranate Core.’
Time flowed on.
Now in the Unity Realm, his soul was far stronger than in the Nascent Soul Realm, allowing rapid comprehension of the Walker’s Secret Treasury. Early in his Time Palace seclusion, he focused primarily on this art.
Back in the Sevenfold Sandalwood Meditation Chamber of Tianshui City, he had already neared the breakthrough threshold for the Walker’s Secret Treasury.
As expected, within 66,000 years inside the Time Palace, he ascended to the thirty-first layer of the Walker’s Secret Treasury, officially stepping into the Unity Realm of the Voidwalker lineage.
“Boom—”
Within the Time Palace, atop a grassy planet, Dongbo Xueying sat cross-legged, his body enveloped in a dark, chaotic void force as he underwent a profound metamorphosis.
“The leap between realms is indeed transformative.” He exhaled a radiant multicolored beam that dissipated into the air.
“Now, to focus on comprehending the laws.”
He had prioritized the Voidwalker lineage for two reasons: its imminent breakthrough and the soul-enhancing effects of its ascension, which accelerated his cultivation.
Dongbo Xueying was confident.
Though his prowess in the Path of Slaughter and the Path of Oscillations might lag slightly behind his mastery of the Illusory Path, reaching the fifth-floor strength of the Star Tower in these aspects was merely a matter of time. After all, he had cleared the third floor as a Nascent Soul cultivator using the Thirteen Swords of Annihilation alone.
…
Time marched forward.
Every 100 million years, the Twelve Cities of the Void held recruitment trials for the Tai Void Heavenly Palace. Nearly 90 million years into Dongbo Xueying’s seclusion, a new batch of disciples arrived.
“Tai Void Heavenly Palace…”
A group of True God disciples gazed in awe at the floating peaks in the distance, particularly the majestic palace at the center of the continent, its radiance illuminating the entire space. The light bathed them, stirring both nervousness and excitement.
They had made it.
After countless trials, they had finally earned their place in the sacred Tai Void Heavenly Palace. Gaining entry was no small feat—each of them possessed extraordinary talent.
“Upon entering, do not wander recklessly,” cautioned an Outer Hall Elder leading them. “Some areas belong to Purple-Robed Disciples, others to Golden-Robed Disciples, and even Inner Hall Elders and Palace Masters. Trespassing carries severe penalties. Follow me.”
Among the group was a couple from Tianshui City—Lei Chen and Qing Ruo.
“I wonder where Elder Dongbo resides?” mused the burly Lei Chen. The couple had struggled through the trials to become the most junior disciples of the Tai Void Heavenly Palace.
“You know Elder Dongbo?” another True God disciple asked in surprise.
“Elder Dongbo showed us great kindness,” Lei Chen and Qing Ruo replied.
“You’re fortunate to have such a connection,” the disciple remarked. “Elder Dongbo is an Inner Hall Elder who cleared the fifth floor of the Star Tower immediately upon reaching the Unity Realm. His talent is monstrous—he may one day become a Palace Master of our Tai Void Heavenly Palace. My name is Yan Qiong, and my ambition is to reach his heights.”
“Bold words.”
“Quite the boast.”
Many of these disciples came from influential backgrounds, granting them superior training environments and higher chances of passing the trials. Those with connections had heard of the prodigious Elder Dongbo, and while many secretly aspired to emulate his meteoric rise, few dared voice it aloud—lest they invite ridicule.
In the entire history of the Tai Void Heavenly Palace, figures as extraordinary as Elder Dongbo were exceedingly rare.
After settling in, Lei Chen and Qing Ruo attempted to visit Dongbo Xueying, only to find him still in seclusion.
…
This seclusion was Dongbo Xueying’s longest yet.
In the outside world, 180 million years passed. Within the Time Palace, he cultivated for a staggering 18 billion years. His upcoming journey to the distant Ninecloud Continent demanded thorough preparation. Only when every avenue of progress had reached a temporary impasse did he finally emerge.
Whoosh.
Outside the Time Palace gates, a white-robed Dongbo Xueying materialized.
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