Yang Kai didn’t feel strange even though Wu Kuang pointed out what was on his mind.
Although the person before his eyes had lent him a hand in many ways, Yang Kai had never forgotten that the man was the Heaven-Devouring Great Emperor who had devastated many Star Fields in the past. Wherever he went, all the Stars would be destroyed and all living creatures killed.
If he suddenly had the urge to commit an outrageous act in the New Great Territory, the consequences would be dreadful. The Martial Dao of the Universe Worlds in this New Great Territory was generally low, so they were certainly unable to ward off the Heaven-Devouring Great Emperor if he was determined to kill.
Furthermore, the Heaven-Devouring Great Emperor was now a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master.
With that said, Yang Kai became at ease upon hearing Wu Kuang’s words. Given the latter’s cultivation, he wouldn’t be able to get any benefits by harming those Universe Worlds.
“Just spill it. Why have you come all the way here to look for me? I don’t think you’re here just to see how I’m doing,” Wu Kuang asked nonchalantly.
“There’s indeed something I need to ask you about.” Yang Kai nodded and looked at him frankly, “After the Dao Theory Assembly, I entered a Small Source World named the Divine Armament World in Yin-Yang Cave Heaven to get some training. I tried cultivating the Heaven Devouring Battle Law in there, but I almost suffered from cultivation dissonance.”
Wu Kuang said with a grin, “You’ve really cultivated the Heaven Devouring Battle Law?”
Yang Kai nodded, “The effects of this Secret Art are Heaven-defying. It’s able to absorb all sorts of energy, and my cultivation increased swiftly in the initial phase. However, as my cultivation improved, the downsides of the Secret Art also started appearing. My temperament was affected and I nearly lost all rationality.”
“That’s to be expected. There are pros and cons to everything in this world. How could there be no downsides for an amazing Secret Art like the Heaven Devouring Battle Law?”
Yang Kai looked fervently at him, “But I don’t think you’ve suffered from any downsides as you cultivate it.”
Wu Kuang scoffed, “Who told you that? Do you think this King was born a heinous murderer who thought nothing of slaughtering people?” He seemed to be reminiscing about the past, “When I first started cultivating, I treasured life so much that I wouldn’t even dare to kill the ants on the ground!”
As astounded Yang Kai stared at him in shock. Could the infamous Heaven Devouring Great Emperor of the Star Boundary have once been a kind-hearted man in the past? Although he couldn’t believe it, he thought that it was at least possible; after all, everyone was supposedly born to be kind.
All of a sudden, Wu Kuang cackled wildly as a fierce look spread all over his face, “Of course, I’m lying you brat! This King was born wild and savage. All living creatures are no different from ants in my eyes! The reason you’re suffering from the downsides of Heaven Devouring Battle Law is that you can’t resolve the impurities you’ve absorbed. This King can do that, so I’m not bothered by it.”
“How do you resolve them?” Yang Kai asked humbly. There was no doubt that Heaven Devouring Battle Law was an evil Secret Art, but he had to acknowledge that it was astonishing. He had a taste of it while getting his training in the Small Source World, so he could declare with certainty it was the pinnacle of Secret Arts.
He might have more chances to enter other Small Source Worlds in the future, so if he had to start over like he had experienced in the Divine Armament World, he could rely on Heaven Devouring Battle Law. Despite having a Dragon Vein though, Yang Kai couldn’t guarantee that he would never suffer from cultivation dissonance when cultivating the evil art. This problem could be solved if Wu Kuang was willing to teach him a thing or two.
“You can’t resolve them.” Wu Kuang waved his hand with a smile, “Many things are predestined, just like how the Stone Spirits are born to be suitable for cultivating the Heaven Devouring Battle Law. Everyone else who wants to cultivate it won’t be able to escape the downsides.”
Yang Kai fell into his thoughts.
Although Wu Kuang never pointed it out, the insinuation in his words was apparent to Yang Kai. He was trying to say that just like the Stone Spirits, he was born suited to cultivating the Heaven Devouring Battle Law. This couldn’t be achieved with hard work as it was an innate trait.
Several tens of thousands of years ago, Wu Kuang was killed while some of the Great Emperors perished in the battle in the Shattered Star Sea. However, Wu Kuang’s Remnant Soul remained as he hid inside the Shattered Star Sea and waited for a chance to revive himself. Bustling World Great Emperor was willing to cripple his own cultivation repeatedly, causing him to fall from the status of Great Emperor to below the Dao Source Realm, then enter the Shattered Star Sea in order to get rid of Wu Kuang for good.
Unfortunately, his body was occupied by Wu Kuang instead. Although Wu Kuang had only partly succeeded, he managed to escape the fate of death.
After the battle against Great Demon God Mo Sheng, Wu Kuang seized Mo Sheng’s body and finally resurrected completely.
However, he was still able to cultivate the Heaven Devouring Battle Law. In other words, the body didn’t matter when it came to cultivating this evil Secret Art, nor was it the kind of support he relied on. Otherwise, he couldn’t have practised Heaven Devouring Battle Law after occupying someone’s body.
Yang Kai’s eyes brightened as he asked, “Is there something special about your Soul?”
Wu Kuang, who was about to directly drink from the wine bottle again, paused his movement and gazed at him in shock, “Brat, you’re really something to be able to realise it.”
“It’s really because of your Soul?” Yang Kai’s interest has been piqued. He didn’t expect his speculation to turn out to be true.
Wu Kuang put down the wine bottle and gave it a thought for a moment. Then, he put on a grin, “Fine. Since you’re able to realise this, I’ll show you something good. I never even let Old Ghost Duan see it before.”
Yang Kai immediately raised his hand to stop him, “If you’re going to kill me after showing me that thing, I don’t want to see it.”
It had to be noted that Wu Kuang and Duan Hong Chen had stayed in the same body for years. If Wu Kuang really had any secrets, Bustling World Great Emperor should have been fully aware of them. However, since he said that Duan Hong Chen was also not aware of it, he must have carefully hid this particular secret.
It was probably his best-kept secret.
Wu Kuang snickered, “I’m not able to defeat you anyway, so how am I supposed to kill you in order to keep the secret hidden? You also have something similar; otherwise, I wouldn’t have decided to show you.”
“I have something similar?” Yang Kai frowned as he had no idea what the other man was talking about.
While he was doubtful, he suddenly became horrified because Wu Kuang reached up his hands and clenched his own head before pulling it apart.
His skull cracked open and his brain was revealed!
It was an understatement to say that Yang Kai was horrified. He almost wanted to curse at him.
On the other hand, Wu Kuang lowered his head and showed him his brain in an undefended manner. There was a petite Soul Avatar, which was transformed from Wu Kuang’s Soul, sitting there; however, the Soul Avatar was presently solemnly seated on a blooming lotus.
When Yang Kai caught sight of the lotus, he became startled for a moment. That was because the lotus looked just like his Soul-Warming Lotus. The only difference was its colour. The Soul Warming Lotus radiated a glow of seven colours while the lotus in Wu Kuang’s head was pure white, which looked like it contained absolutely no impurities.
“The Two Supreme Lotuses, Innate Supreme Treasures of the World. One of them is Soul Warming Lotus while the other is my Flawless Purifying Lotus.” The Soul Avatar that was seated on the lotus opened his eyes and looked smilingly at Yang Kai. Instead of appearing savage though, he looked like the purest person in the world.
“One of the lotuses works on the Soul while the other works on the body. The Soul Warming Lotus is able to nourish the Soul and increase the power of one’s Divine Sense. Even though the Flawless Purifying Lotus is also slightly beneficial to the Soul, its biggest effects are on the body. It can cleanse all impurities from the body. Whoever has the Flawless Purifying Lotus in their possession will obtain the Divine Flawless Body. After the battle in the Shattered Star Sea in the past, this King’s body was destroyed, and my Remnant Soul survived by hiding inside the Flawless Purifying Lotus. Without this thing, this King’s Soul would’ve been extinguished long ago. Unfortunately, the Flawless Purifying Lotus doesn’t have a great impact on the Soul like the Soul Warming Lotus. I only managed to recover after many years. The reason I was more powerful than the other Great Emperors in the past was because I had the Divine Flawless Body.”
While Wu Kuang slowly narrated his story, the emotions in Yang Kai’s heart undulated.
He finally came to the realisation why Wu Kuang never suffered from any downsides while cultivating the Heaven Devouring Battle Law and what the latter meant that he had something similar.
The Soul Warming Lotus worked on the Soul while the Flawless Purifying Lotus worked on the body. It was no wonder that Wu Kuang was able to subsequently occupy the bodies of Duan Hong Chen and Mo Sheng without any downsides. It was because he had the Flawless Purifying Lotus.
With this thing in possession, all the impurities Wu Kuang absorbed while cultivating the Heaven Devouring Battle Law could be easily dispersed, and he wouldn’t be affected in any way. It was a Supreme Treasure that perfectly complimented the Heaven Devouring Battle Law.
That also explained why he was able to hide his cultivation from Seventh-Order Masters so easily. It was all thanks to the Flawless Purifying Lotus. After all, the Flawless Purifying Lotus had the biggest effects on the body. It had been many years since Wu Kuang obtained it, so it wasn’t surprising that he had developed some Secret Techniques that took advantage of the Flawless Purifying Lotus.
It was just like how Yang Kai had comprehended Blossoming Lotus and Sealed Lotus.
Otherwise, a Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master, even a Sixth-Order one, could never hide his cultivation from High-Rank Masters.
Wu Kuang closed his skull as the crack perfectly healed. Not even a drop of blood was shed.
A dumbfounded Yang Kai said enviously, “With the Flawless Purifying Lotus in your possession, you would never be killed.”
Wu Kuang questioned, “You have Soul Warming Lotus. Does it mean your Soul will never be destroyed?”
It was then the realisation dawned upon Yang Kai. The Soul Warming Lotus was able to protect the Soul and help it heal from any damage, just like how the Flawless Purifying Lotus could help restore Wu Kuang’s body. However, if his Soul was instantly destroyed, no treasure would be able to help.
Wu Kuang then said with a grin, “This King wouldn’t have revealed his biggest secret if it weren’t because I know you have the Soul Warming Lotus. You have to keep it a secret.”
Yang Kai pursed his lips, “That will depend on what price you’re willing to pay.”
Wu Kuang curved his lips into a smile without responding to him.
Initially, Yang Kai wanted to ask him how to hide his own cultivation. The skill was immensely useful as it could be used to fool enemies. It might even help to turn things around at critical moments. However, there wasn’t a need to ask him about it now.
The reason Wu Kuang was able to hide his cultivation was that he had the Flawless Purifying Lotus, not because of some Secret Technique.
“The Two Supreme Lotuses respectively work on the body and the Soul. If we can combine them, the results would certainly be incredible,” Wu Kuang said longingly.
Yang Kai said, “You’ll find out if you give me your Flawless Purifying Lotus.”
Wu Kuang shot him a glance, “Why don’t you give me your Soul Warming Lotus instead?”
Yang Kai grinned meaningfully, “Let’s see who will live longer then. If you pass away, I’ll have a chance.”
“I’ll wait for that chance as well.”
Yang Kai rose from the chair and said, “Inform me whenever you want to leave. If you have some free time, help explore this New Great Territory and see whether there are any good things.”
Wu Kuang leaned against the chair and closed his eyes before waving his hand impatiently, “Get lost.” As he spoke, he fished out a jade slip.
Yang Kai took it and looked into it, then left the place with a smile.
“Young Master, Gathering Yuan Union’s Lu Jing is here. He has also brought back several hundred thousand disciples from Void Land.”
Yue He approached Yang Kai as soon as he returned to High Heaven Palace.
“I saw.” Yang Kai looked up at the fleet of ships outside of High Heaven Palace, “Where’s Lu Jing?”
“He’s waiting for you in the reception hall,” Yue He replied.
“I’ll see him now.” Yang Kai left the place upon finishing his words.
The next moment, in the reception hall, Lu Jing rose from the chair and cupped his fist, “Senior Brother Yang!”
Yang Kai patted the other man’s shoulder and extended his hand, “Have a seat.”
After both of them were seated, Yang Kai spoke first, “Many thanks for your efforts, Brother Lu.”
Lu Jing quickly waved his hand, “Don’t mention it, Senior Brother.”
Before Mo Mei returned to Void Land, Yang Kai had told her to have the disciples of Void Land prepare to return to the Star Boundary. When he previously brought 600,000 disciples to Void Land from the Star Boundary, his intention was to give them a better environment to cultivate and develop in.
However, he had not expected that once the World Tree grew up, the benefits it would give back would be so immense. By residing in the Star Boundary, one could better understand the Heavenly Way and Martial Dao. This in turn allowed one to condense a firmer Dao Seal, which would allow them to achieve a higher initial Order when ascending to the Open Heaven Realm.
Therefore, Yang Kai decided to bring several hundred thousand disciples back. The only ones who remained were those who had already condensed their Dao Seals.
When he previously moved those people from the Star Boundary to Void Land, Yang Kai made use of his Small Sealed World. However, his Small Sealed World was gone for good, and he was swamped with work; hence, he could only ask Mo Mei to come up with a solution to send the disciples back.
Several hundred thousand people were a staggering number. While Mo Mei had no idea how she should handle this matter, Lu Jing came knocking on the door and offered to transfer the people by using Gathering Yuan Union’s fleet of ships.
Mo Mei didn’t turn him down and let him take over the matter.
Gathering Yuan Union was a great force focused on commerce, with many ships scattered all over the 3,000 Worlds. Since Lu Jing was the Young Union Master, he was able to mobilise 100 such ships at once. However, it still wasn’t enough.
In the end, it was the merchants in Void Star City who decided to help out by offering some ships, thus allowing the several hundred thousand people to return to the Star Boundary safely.
Presently, about 1,000 ships of different shapes and sizes were hovering in the sky outside of High Heaven Palace. The sight was truly magnificent.
Since they had offered to help, Void Land would certainly repay the favour. They were given some benefits in both the Star Cities of High Heaven Territory and Void Territory, so it could be considered a deal that would please both parties.
As of now, only about 10,000 disciples were left in Void Land. These people had all condensed their Dao Seals, so it was pointless for them to come back to the Star Boundary.
Looking back, Yang Kai realised that it wasn’t a wise move to bring those 600,000 people to Void Land in the past, for he now had to transfer almost 99% of them back to the Star Boundary.
Nevertheless, given the situation at that time, he couldn’t have imagined that the World Tree would have such amazing effects on the residents living in this place. Fortunately, it still wasn’t too late to rectify his mistake.
Furthermore, those 10,000 people managed to condense their Dao Seals because they were sent to Void Land.
In just ten to twenty years, these 10,000 people from the Star Boundary would subsequently ascend to the Open Heaven Realm. By then, Void Land’s shortage of manpower would be alleviated.
When Zuo Quan Hui previously led Heavenly Sword Union to cordon off the Territory Gates in order to slowly starve out Void Land, many of the merchants in the Star City fled, which caused the popularity of Void Star City to plunge. However, Lu Jing did exactly the opposite. Regardless of whether he had sharp vision or he was simply grateful to Yang Kai who had protected him in the Prison Star back then, he would never be treated poorly by Yang Kai since he had offered to help when Void Land was in crisis.
This time, Lu Jing was also the biggest contributor in bringing the disciples of Void Land back to the Star Boundary.
Therefore, after some small talk, Yang Kai told Yue He to bring over the map of the Star City in High Heaven Territory. Upon opening it, he said to Lu Jing, “The shops labelled in green on the map already have owners, and the rest are ownerless. You can choose ten shops from this map. Consider it a gift from me.”
Lu Jing was amazed by Yang Kai’s generosity.
It had to be noted that the Star City in High Heaven Territory was different from any other existing Star City. All the Cave Heavens and Paradises had gathered together in this place, which made it the centre of attention for the entire 3,000 Worlds. The place was destined to be a super Star City where resources from countless Great Territories would converge.
The average great force would be lucky to acquire a single shop here, let alone ten shops.
However, Yang Kai was generous enough to give him ten shops right away. The shops alone were incredibly valuable, so the profits that would follow would be unimaginable.
Before Lu Jing came to this place, his Father, the Union Master of the Gathering Yuan Union, told him that if they could get a shop in the Star City in High Heaven Territory, they would be able to take the business of Gathering Yuan Union to the next level; therefore, he asked his son to rent a shop in the Star City in High Heaven Territory regardless of what it cost.
If his Father knew that they were getting ten shops instead of one, he would probably faint from happiness.
Lu Jing was still in a dazed state as he had never expected that he would get such a tremendous reward in return for his offer to help a few years ago.
While suppressing the excitement in his heart, he said, “You’ve already helped me a lot, Senior Brother. If it weren’t because of your protection in the Prison Star, I wouldn’t have survived. It was the least I could do help deliver the disciples of Void Land back to the Star Boundary. It’s not worth such a reward.”
Yang Kai patted the other man’s shoulder with a smile, “Business is business. The ten shops won’t be given to the Gathering Yuan Union for no reason. See it as a gift to you for cooperating with High Heaven Palace. In the future, High Heaven Palace and Void Land might need your help again.”
When developing the New Great Territory, they would surely acquire a lot of resources. Some of those resources were useless to Void Land, so it would be best to exchange them for something else or simply sold.
Therefore, they would have to rely on the network the Gathering Yuan Union had.
Upon hearing Yang Kai’s words, Lu Jing stopped turning him down. However, ten shops were a lot, and Gathering Yuan Union might not effectively use them all. After giving it a thought, he continued, “Senior Brother, I’ll accept the ten shops on Gathering Yuan Union’s behalf, on the condition you remain a shareholder. If there’s any profit at all, you’ll receive 30%. If you don’t agree to this, I won’t dare to accept the shops.”
He reckoned that he might invite trouble to himself by taking the shops directly. Presently, countless great forces were trying to secure a place in the Star City, and many people visited the Governor’s Mansion every day, which was giving Bustling World Great Emperor a severe headache. Other than the Cave Heavens and Paradises, no one else could even dream of obtaining ten shops at once.
Although Gathering Yuan Union was fairly powerful, it still wasn’t comparable to the Cave Heavens and Paradises. If they suddenly obtained ten shops in the most coveted Star City in the 3,000 Worlds, some ill-intentioned people might try to sabotage them.
Without Yang Kai as a backer, Gathering Yuan Union might not be able to bear the burden; therefore, it would be beneficial to form a cooperative relationship by offering a 30% share of the profits, trading some money for peace of mind. After all, for business people, they could only make money by having a harmonious relationship with others. If they had to deal with all sorts of strife every day, they wouldn’t have time to do business.
Understanding apparently dawned on Yang Kai as well, so he didn’t bother to decline, “Sure.”
An elated Lu Jing cupped his fist, “Many thanks, Senior Brother.”
He then wiped his mouth as though there was a palatable dish in front of him. As he looked at the map, he asked, “Senior Brother, can I choose any shops that are not labelled in green?”
Yang Kai picked up his teacup and replied with a smile, “Yes.”
Lu Jing directly pointed at the map and made a swipe, “I want half of this street, then.”
After taking a sip of the tea, Yang Kai looked down and chuckled, “You do have sharp vision. This street will certainly be popular in the future. We were planning on opening an auction house there after all.”
An ecstatic Lu Jing replied, “Since you’re going to build an auction house there, there’s no way the street won’t be filled with people.”
The reason the Star City in Void Land was able to garner so much popularity in a short time was because of its auction house.
Other auction houses might not be able to cause such a big impact, but it was made possible by Yang Kai since his auction house had Heavenly Yuan Seal Stabilizing Pills to sell.
Yang Kai initially wanted to treat him to a meal, but Lu Jing was eager to head to the Star City to secure his ownership of the shops, so Yang Kai reluctantly let him go. After writing something in the jade slip, he passed it to Lu Jing and told him to give it to Bustling World Great Emperor when the latter arrived at the Governor’s Mansion in the Star City.
The popularity of the Star City was rising rapidly as more merchants started opening their shops. Even though it was still in the early stage, they could see that the place would certainly develop into a super Star City one day.
On the other hand, the three Space Arrays set up by Yang Kai in High Heaven Territory could now be used by anyone. It could save them more travelling time than simply using a Universe Temple.
In the Star Boundary, Hua Qing Si had been very busy since she had to help the several hundred thousand disciples who had returned to High Heaven Palace settle down. The Cave Heavens and Paradises had also moved many young disciples from their own Great Territories into the Dao Temples in the Star Boundary.
These were the people those Cave Heavens and Paradises had high hopes for. Most of them were children that had never cultivated. There were even some newborn toddlers. Of course, many parents and caretakers were also brought to this place. No one knew whether these kids would grow up to be amazing Masters in a few hundred years, but they were all looking forward to the possibilities.
As time passed, High Heaven Territory became organised following the initial commotion.
More good news soon arrived from Void Land. The Pseudo-Great Emperors Li Wu Yi, Jiu Feng, Yang Yan, Bing Yun, and several others, including Yang Kai’s Wives Su Yan, Xia Ning Chang, Xue Yue, Shan Qing Luo, Ji Yao, and Yu Ru Meng had all ascended to the Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm, which significantly increased the overall power of Void Land.
Apart from that, the number of Open Heaven Realm Masters had increased by 100 people. The people who had followed Yang Kai in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary like Lang Qing Shan and the others had also made it to the Open Heaven Realm. Lang Qing Shan didn’t disappoint Yang Kai as he directly ascended to the Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm, while the others were mostly in the Fourth-Order.
In a secret room in High Heaven Palace, Yang Kai slowly opened his eyes and let out a turbid breath. Following years of cultivation in seclusion, his cultivation saw a significant increase.
When he previously battled against Zuo Quan Hui, he borrowed the Star Boundary’s World Strength to temporarily become a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. Although he returned that power to the Star Boundary afterwards, his foundation had been strengthened during the process, which saved him years of cultivation.
Unfortunately, in the battle in the New Great Territory, Zuo Quan Hui made a surprise move before his death, which contaminated Yang Kai’s Small Universe with impurities, effectively rendering the gains he made moot.
In order to ward off Zhuo Bu Qun and Yu Huan, Yang Kai borrowed the Star Boundary’s World Force again.
However, he couldn’t get as many benefits as when he did it the first time. The increase in the heritage of his Small Universe was only half of that of the first time.
Yang Kai reckoned that if he ever borrowed World Force for a third time, there wouldn’t be any benefits at all. Borrowing World Strength was just like consuming special cultivation Pills. The effects of the first time were the best, but repeated uses yielded progressively fewer benefits.
In the Grand Hall, Yang Kai was seated across from Hua Qing Si as he listened to her report and nodded from time to time.
Everything in High Heaven Territory was running smoothly as the Cave Heavens and Paradises had settled down in the Star Boundary. The Star City in High Heaven Territory was also on the rise.
The development in the New Great Territory was still slow, but it wasn’t a problem that could be resolved in a short time.
However, there was one thing that surprised Yang Kai.
“Many of the High-Rank Masters remained in the Star Boundary?”
Hua Qing Si nodded, “Only about 30% of them have left. The rest are still in the Star Boundary. Moreover, most of them are meditating on the World Tree. I’m not sure if there are any unexpected benefits to be gained by cultivating there.”
Yang Kai arched his brow.
Even though only a few years had passed, everything in High Heaven Territory had stabilised; therefore, it was surprising that the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters from the Cave Heavens and Paradises had remained in this place.
It had to be noted that those High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were Inner Elders of their respective Sects. Not only did they have noble identities, but they were also very powerful. Furthermore, since they were responsible for handling external affairs, they should be swamped with work.
Yang Kai initially thought that most of them had left, so he was surprised to learn that not only had they stayed, but they were also cultivating on the World Tree.
[What’s going on?]
Seeing that Hua Qing Si appeared hesitant, he demanded, “Just spill it!”
With a frown, Hua Qing Si replied gently, “I’m not sure if this is my misconception, but after years of observation, this Mistress has a feeling that the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters are guarding against something.”
A shocked Yang Kai asked, “Guarding against what?”
Hua Qing Si shook her head, “I have no idea. Perhaps we’ve underestimated the importance of the World Tree to those High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters.”
Yang Kai fell silent.
Hua Qing Si went on to say, “Senior Xu said that once you exited retreat, you should head to the World Tree to look for him. It seems that there’s something he needs to discuss with you.”
Yang Kai nodded and got up, “I’m going over now. After meeting Martial Uncle Xu, I’ll be leaving, and I’m not sure when I’ll return.”
Hua Qing Si hurriedly asked, “Do we need to inform Madam Yue He and the others?”
Yang Kai waved his hand, “There’s no need for that. Just tell them to take care of High Heaven Territory and Void Territory. If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll be back within 100 years.”
“Yes,” Hua Qing Si replied respectfully. When she looked up again, the man was nowhere to be seen.
Yang Kai no longer had to worry about anything in High Heaven Territory and Void Territory, and after a few years of cultivation in seclusion, he desperately needed to go out and take a stroll. Moreover, there were really some matters he had to handle.
The next instant, he appeared at the bottom of the World Tree. When he looked up at the gigantic tree that covered the entire sky, he was still awestruck by its magnificence.
He could clearly feel that some hidden and powerful auras were swirling around the branches. They were none other than the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters who were cultivating on the tree.
Besides that, he also realised that there were some traces of an abstruse Grand Array around the World Tree. The way the Grand Array was arranged was ingenious and extremely well-hidden. If it weren’t because he was a Great Emperor who was fully aware of everything that was going on in the Star Boundary, he wouldn’t have noticed it at all.
This prompted him to furrow his brows.
He initially didn’t mind it when Hua Qing Si said that the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were guarding against something, but now it seemed that she was right.
However, what could possibly make so many High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters act so cautiously? They had even arranged a powerful Grand Array around the World Tree.
Yang Kai directly leaped onto a thick branch without anyone around and sat down with his legs crossed. As he closed his eyes, he started circulating his Secret Art.
A moment later, he opened his eyes while feeling helpless. He initially thought that there were some unexpected benefits to be gained by cultivating on the World Tree that made so many High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters remain here. Nevertheless, after giving it a try, he realised that it wasn’t the case.
There was no doubt that the World Tree was continuously nourishing the Star Boundary, but cultivators were unable to refine that power directly from its source. There were no additional benefits by cultivating in this place.
Then, he looked up and saw Xu Ling Gong beckoning to him with a smile from a higher branch. Qing Kui and Su Ying Xue were also standing behind him.
Yang Kai leaped into the air and landed in front of Xu Ling Gong before cupping his fist, “Martial Uncle Xu.”
“You’ve finally left seclusion.” Xu Ling Gong examined him.
Yang Kai nodded and asked curiously, “Why are all of you here?”
“It’s said that Humans are driven by greed and interests.” There was an inscrutable smile on Xu Ling Gong’s face.
Yang Kai knitted his brows, “What do you mean?”
Xu Ling Gong directly drew a circle in the air, “They’re trying to put the World Tree inside their Small Universes.”
Yang Kai instantly became infuriated. The reason the Star Boundary didn’t fall apart in the past was that he had planted a root of the real World Tree here. The prosperity that the Star Boundary now enjoyed was also thanks to the World Tree. If someone managed to put the World Tree inside his or her Small Universe, the Star Boundary would be doomed.
By then, not only would the Star Boundary lose its stability, but its very existence would also be in question.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but feel that he had been betrayed by these people.
With the continuous nourishment from the World Tree, more talented youths started appearing in the Star Boundary. Although Yang Kai had no other choice, he was still willing to share the benefits with the Cave Heavens and Paradises; however, he had never expected that while he was cultivating in seclusion over the past few years, these people were trying to harm his interests.
That was the reason Yang Kai was incensed. He then summoned his Azure Dragon Spear directly and unleashed Dragon Pressure all around as he roared, “Don’t you all dare cross the line!”
The weather in the Star Boundary changed dramatically since the Great Emperor was furious. Even the World Tree shook. The High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters, who were cultivating with their eyes closed on the branches, were shocked as they opened their eyes and gazed at Yang Kai from all directions.
It was expected that Yang Kai was worried. Even though the World Tree was gargantuan, the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were still able to put it inside their Small Universes if they insisted on doing that.
Yang Kai was also able to do that in the past, not to mention those High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Xu Ling Gong quickly raised his hands and placated him, “Stop being so agitated. It’s not as bad as you think!”
A furious Yang Kai refuted, “It’s still not bad enough? Would it only be considered bad when they finally snatch the tree?”
Xu Ling Gong broke into a fit of laughter, “The World Tree is now connected to the Star Boundary. As a Great Emperor of this place, you must be fully aware of that. The roots of the World Tree have penetrated the cores of the Star Boundary and Demon Realm. In order to obtain the World Tree, one has to put both the Star Boundary and Demon Realm inside their Small Universe. Do you think any one of them can do that?”
Upon hearing that, Yang Kai relaxed slightly.
Just like Xu Ling Gong had said, as a Great Emperor of the Star Boundary, Yang Kai was fully aware of what was going on in this place. Beneath the ground where no one else could see, the roots of the World Tree had spread and penetrated the entire Universe World. It had indeed merged with the Star Boundary and Demon Realm.
In order to take away the World Tree, one had to put both the Star Boundary and Demon Realm inside their Small Universe, which was an extremely difficult task.
Xu Ling Gong went on to say, “Moreover, even if there’s really a person who can do that, it wouldn’t be worth it. The Star Boundary and Demon Realm have their own unique World Forces. Putting them inside their Small Universe is no different from absorbing countless impurities that don’t match their own foundation. That might destabilise their Small Universe and cause their realm to plunge.”
It was only then that Yang Kai lowered his Azure Dragon Spear, “Why did you say they’re trying to put the World Tree then, Martial Uncle Xu?”
Since there were so many downsides to it, why were they still trying to do it?
Xu Ling Gong explained, “It’s not what you think. What I mean by putting the World Tree in their Small Universes is that we’re cultivating here in an attempt to obtain the World Tree’s acknowledgement so that we can transfer a root into our Small Universes. If we can do that, it’ll be immensely beneficial.”
The Star Boundary had been transformed from a desolate place into a prosperous one thanks to the World Tree. If any High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master was able to plant a root of the World Tree in their Small Universe, they would get tremendous benefits once it started growing.
“Unfortunately, it’s just the subtree of the World Tree, so we can’t guarantee that the root will survive such a transplant. There wouldn’t be such a problem if it was the Mother Tree.” Xu Ling Gong sighed and gazed at Yang Kai, “If you planted the root in your Small Universe instead of putting it in the Star Boundary in the past, you wouldn’t have faced any bottleneck when trying to ascend to the Ninth Order.”
Upon hearing that, Yang Kai was startled for a moment.
“Do you regret it?” Xu Ling Gong stared at him with narrowed eyes.
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “I’ll certainly make it to the Ninth Order sooner or later; however, if the root of the World Tree hadn’t been planted in the Star Boundary in the past, my home would have fallen apart. Despite my loss, the Star Boundary has stabilised and even started thriving. It was worth it, so why would I regret anything?”
Xu Ling Gong stared fixedly at him as though he was trying to look deep into his mind, but Yang Kai’s gaze was clear and calm.
“A decision has been made regarding the matter I had mentioned some time ago,” Xu Ling Gong suddenly changed the topic.
A puzzled Yang Kai asked, “What are you talking about?”
“The Universe Temples. Have you forgotten about it?”
Yang Kai arched his brow, “Have the higher-ups agreed to it?”
Xu Ling Gong replied with a smile, “You’re only going to be given a chance. As for whether you’ll get their acknowledgement, you’ll have to go through a test.”
With a frown, Yang Kai asked, “You said that some of the Universe Temples have broken down. If I can figure out the secrets of the Universe Temples, I might be able to repair them. Since I have to exert myself to do that, why should I go through a test?”
Xu Ling Gong shook his head, “Do not think that it’s unfair to you. The secrets of the Universe Temples have far-reaching implications, so we must not be negligent. I can’t tell you the details, but you just have to know that I won’t harm you.”
“Of course, I trust you, Martial Uncle,” Yang Kai nodded.
“In that case, come with me,” It was then Xu Ling Gong stepped forward, followed by Qing Kui and Su Ying Xue.
After storing the Azure Dragon Spear, Yang Kai hurriedly followed them.
A moment later, Yang Kai suddenly sensed something, and as he turned his head to look, he couldn’t help but narrow his eyes.
That was because the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters, who were cultivating in hidden places just now, had all appeared in front of the World Tree. Regardless of their age, status, or gender, all these Inner Elders from the various Cave Heavens and Paradises wore solemn expressions.
When Yang Kai turned his head to look, dozens of people suddenly lowered their heads and cupped their fists. Even Zhuo Bu Qun and Yu Huan, who were clearly on bad terms with Xu Ling Gong, were doing so.
These people saluted the four of them in a way as though they would never return.
All of a sudden, Yang Kai felt a sense of solemnity and forlornness in the air.
It was convenient to go from High Heaven Palace to the Territory Gate that led to the neighbouring Great Territory through the Space Arrays.
There was a Grand Hall in this place where Open Heaven Realm Masters from Void Land were in charge of the Space Array and collected the fees from the cultivators who used their arrays.
Upon seeing Yang Kai, these Open Heaven Realm Masters quickly saluted him.
Yang Kai waved his hand and left the Grand Hall alongside Xu Ling Gong as they headed straight to the Territory Gate.
After passing through the Territory Gate, they entered a different Great Territory. It was then Xu Ling Gong fished out a flight-type artifact. The four of them stepped into the artifact, after which Qing Kui was responsible for controlling it while Xu Ling Gong led Yang Kai to a secret room and took a seat.
As he looked out the window, he fell into a dazed state. It wasn’t certain what was on his mind.
On the other hand, Yang Kai couldn’t help but recall the sight when they left the World Tree just now. He had a feeling that something was going to happen, but he couldn’t figure out what it was.
“It has been ten years since Qu’er was confined. When her punishment is over, brat, you must not forget to head to Yin-Yang Cave Heaven to look for her,” Xu Ling Gong suddenly said.
Yang Kai nodded, “Of course, I will remember.”
“You don’t have to worry about Myriad Demons Heaven and Xuan Yuan Heaven. Although you haven’t perfectly concealed the death of Pei Wen Xuan and Yin Xin Zhao, there’s no solid evidence either. No one saw how they passed away or whether you were the one who killed them. Although those from the two Cave Heavens have their speculations, they can only keep their mouths shut in order to protect their interests with the World Tree; after all, they’re aware that it was Yin Xin Zhao and Pei Wen Xuan who provoked you first, and the reason they were killed is that they were weaker than you. Dead people are not as valuable as those who are alive. Of course, if you hadn’t also killed Zuo Quan Hui, they wouldn’t have made a concession so easily. The reason they’re willing to give in is that you’re strong enough now.”
Yang Kai nodded again.
“However, you’d be seriously mistaken if you think that the two Cave Heavens are pushovers. They’re willing to hold back their fury not because they’re afraid of you or Void Land, but rather because you’ve made use of other Cave Heavens and Paradises to make them concede. You’d better not let them find any mistakes that you’ve made; otherwise, they’ll not hesitate to destroy you.”
“Senior,” Yang Kai gently called out.
“What’s wrong?” Xu Ling Gong gazed at him.
“Are you going somewhere dangerous?”
“Why do you think so?” An amused Xu Ling Gong stared at him.
Yang Kai replied frankly, “It feels like you’re telling me your last words.”
As soon as he finished his words, Xu Ling Gong landed a slap on his head, “You’re such a jinx!”
Yang Kai covered his head, “Also, why did those people at the World Tree salute us?”
A shameless Xu Ling Gong guffawed, “Now you know how important I, your Father, am. I was just going away for some time, but they were not willing to see me go like they were toddlers who still needed care and attention.”
Yang Kai pursed his lips, thinking that instead of realising how important this old man was, he could clearly see that the latter was unabashed. Nevertheless, he would never dare to say it out loud, for Xu Ling Gong would really beat him up if he did.
“What a magnificent view in the 3,000 Worlds!” Xu Ling Gong looked out the window and remarked.
Yang Kai followed his gaze but couldn’t see anything special. He wondered why the other man was so dispirited.
On the way to their destination, Xu Ling Gong told Yang Kai about some interesting encounters he had in the past. Time flew by while they were having a friendly chat as they passed through several Universe Temples.
It wasn’t until two months later that Su Ying Xue knocked on the door one day and said in a clear voice, “We’ve arrived at our destination, Honoured Master.”
Following a grunt, Xu Ling Gong got to his feet and pushed the door open.
He was followed by Yang Kai.
A moment later, they appeared in front of a Universe Temple. Unlike the ones Yang Kai had seen before, this Universe Temple was devoid of people. Although there were some shops on the streets, they were dilapidated and it was apparent that no one had visited this place for a long time.
Meanwhile, a Golden Armour Great General stopped them from going further with a halberd in hand. This majestic-looking man was entirely clad in golden armour. He was none other than an Open Heaven Realm Master from Great Battle Heaven.
Xu Ling Gong loudly declared, “Yin-Yang Cave Heaven, Xu Ling Gong, on orders from the Sect Master has brought Void Land’s Yang Kai to this place.”
Just then, Yang Kai could clearly see that the eyes behind the golden helmet were glowing as the man looked fixedly at him, as though he was able to figure out all of his secrets.
This prompted Yang Kai to frown.
However, the Golden Armour Great General didn’t do anything else. After taking a glance at Yang Kai, he stepped aside and revealed a passageway. Xu Ling Gong led Yang Kai to move forward while Su Ying Xue and Qing Kui followed them.
Yang Kai turned his head to take a glance and narrowed his eyes.
Back then, when he heard Xu Ling Gong say that the secrets of the Universe Temples had far-reaching implications that might cause a disaster in the 3,000 Worlds if they fell into the wrong hands, he thought that the latter was exaggerating. However, he now realised that the Cave Heavens and Paradises were truly concerned about the Universe Temples.
Even an abandoned Universe Temple was guarded by a Golden Armour Great General from Great Battle Heaven, which went to show how important it was.
The Proprietress had told him before that those who wore golden armour in Great Battle Heaven were Generals at the very least, which meant that they were Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters. The person he saw just now was a Sixth-Order Great General.
Furthermore, Yang Kai could detect other hidden auras, which meant that there was more than one Sixth-Order Master around.
While Yang Kai was doubtful, Xu Ling Gong spoke, “When you see the Ancestors later, there’ll be a test for you. It’s entirely up to you whether you want to take part in it. If you don’t, however, you won’t be allowed to enter the Universe Temple’s core to explore its secrets.”
Xu Ling Gong had already told him that when they departed from the Star Boundary.
Yang Kai hurriedly asked, “What kind of test is it?”
Xu Ling Gong brushed him off by saying that he would find out soon.
A moment later, they arrived at a hall. Xu Ling Gong jerked his head to the side and said, “You’ll go in yourself. I’m not going to keep you company.”
Yang Kai bowed his head and shuffled forward.
All of a sudden, Xu Ling Gong said, “Kid, do not forget to look for Qu’er when her punishment is over.”
Without turning his head, Yang Kai waved his hand, “Got it.”
When he opened the door and stepped into the hall, he realised that there was no one around. There was a complicated pattern on the ground though and Yang Kai instantly recognised that it was the Grand Array of the Universe Temple.
Usually, when a cultivator used the Universe Transference Law to travel to a Universe Temple, they would arrive at such a place.
Yang Kai had made use of Universe Temples to move around many times before, so he was familiar with this kind of scene.
Upon making sure that there was really no one around, he walked over to the centre of the Grand Array and looked down to observe it. He had always wanted to study this Grand Array, but unfortunately, he was unable to stay for much time every time he appeared on the Grand Array, which was a shame.
Since the chance was right before his eyes now, Yang Kai certainly wouldn’t want to miss it.
Outside of the Universe Temple, Xu Ling Gong shuffled forward while Qing Kui and Su Ying Xue approached him. The Golden Armour Great General was nowhere to be seen, and it wasn’t certain where he had gone.
“Honoured Master,” Su Ying Xue called out gently.
Xu Ling Gong looked smilingly at her and lovingly stroked her head, “When I picked you two up in the past, your Senior Brother was very protective of you. He thought that I was a bad person, so he tried to bite my hand.”
Qing Kui blushed in response. Back then, he was a young teenager who was always starving and had to deal with all sorts of bandits and beasts. Therefore, he became a ferocious person. One day, he came across a guy who spoke foul language and did not look like a good thing. He certainly wouldn’t agree to it when the man wanted to bring him and his Junior Sister away, for he and the young girl had stayed together for quite some time. Despite his young age, he had seen countless people plotting against one another just for the slightest benefit. At that time, he attempted to jab a sharp bone into the man’s stomach, but the bone instantly broke apart while his hands were injured.
While he was in a dazed state, the burly man picked him up with one hand. Without hesitation, he bit down on the man’s wrist and almost broke his own teeth.
The young but bony girl was only eight years old at that time. She had always been protected by the young boy, and even though she didn’t even have the strength to walk, she still grit her teeth and pounced at the man. After wrapping her arms around the man’s thigh, she also tried to bite him.
That was what happened when the Master and his Disciples met for the first time.
Qing Kui and Su Ying Xue still remembered it vividly as though it had just happened yesterday.
At that time, their Honoured Master was still a young and headstrong man. Without allowing them to protest, he picked up both of them at once and moved forward at the speed of lightning. The little ones started bawling while he guffawed in an unconscientious manner.
Now, their Honoured Master’s sideburns had started becoming grey. As Su Ying Xue gazed at the conspicuous grey hair, she felt heartbroken while Qing Kui looked away.
“Do you blame me?” Xu Ling Gong asked, in a gentler tone than he had ever used in his life. If anyone who was familiar with him saw his expression, they would be astonished.
His Legacy Disciples shook their heads.
A gratified Xu Ling Gong put on a smile, “I’m glad that you don’t blame me. Even if you do, there’s nothing you can do because I was the one who picked you up in the past. We’ll not come back once we set off on this journey. I’ll give you two half a year to fulfil any wishes you have.”
Qing Kui exchanged glances with Su Ying Xue, then said, “Our greatest wish is to remain by your side, Honoured Master.”
Su Ying Xue on the other hand appeared a bit hesitant.
Knowing what was on her mind, Xu Ling Gong asked, “You want to take a look at Qu’er?”
Su Ying Xue nodded, then shook her head, “Little Junior Sister is beautiful and intelligent. If I visit her, she’ll probably figure out what’s going on. I’d better not see her.”
Xu Ling Gong chuckled and said, “Yang Boy is a man of his word. If he’s not killed, he’ll look for Qu’er when the time comes. I can rest assured since he’ll protect her.”
“You’ve always been meticulous when it comes to the judgement of people, Honoured Master.” Qing Kui bowed his head.
“Since there’s no wish you want to fulfil, let’s go now.” Xu Ling Gong waved his hand.
It was going to be a long journey, one they would not be returning from. Once they departed, they would be involved in a life-and-death battle, and whether they’d survive depended entirely on the Heavens’ whims.
In a Restricted Area in Yin-Yang Cave Heaven, Qu Hua Shang, who was meditating, suddenly opened her eyes. She felt extremely anxious, as though there was an invisible hand that was clenching her heart, which made it hard for her to breathe.
Her alluring face instantly turned as pale as a white sheet. As she looked at the weltering clouds outside the Restricted Area, she muttered under her breath, “Honoured Master.”
Following that, she felt the urgent need to leave the Restricted Area.
However, she soon stopped in her tracks and remained on the same spot for a long time as her tears slid down her face.
Suddenly, she wiped the tears off her eyes with her sleeves and went back to cultivating in seclusion. She sat down with her legs crossed and emptied her mind.
Only by ascending to the Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm quickly could she request to look for her Honoured Master, Senior Brother, and Senior Sister sooner.
Inside the Universe Temple, Yang Kai, who was squatting in an indecent manner, was studying the Grand Array on the ground when all of a sudden, he froze.
When he looked up, he realised that there was a figure at the edge of the Grand Array. It seemed that the person had always been there, but Yang Kai was completely unaware of it. It wasn’t until he realised that someone was watching him that he noticed the person.
He was unable to make out the person’s face since the figure was somewhere between illusion and reality and shrouded in a faint light.
Yang Kai turned around and realised that there were two more figures on each side of him.
They seemed to have formed into a triangular formation as Yang Kai was trapped in the middle.
Not daring to make a scene, he slowly got up. The auras of these three people were even ampler than that of Xu Ling Gong, so it was apparent that they were all Eighth-Order Masters.
As he recalled what Xu Ling Gong had said, he came to the realization that these were Ancestors of the Cave Heavens and Paradises.
“Void Land’s Yang Kai greets Seniors,” Yang Kai saluted them respectfully.
However, the three of them only examined him in silence, the invisible pressure causing Yang Kai to frown.
A moment later, the person that Yang Kai first saw finally spoke, “I’m sure Xu Ling Gong has told you everything.”
Yang Kai replied, “Martial Uncle Xu said that I would have to go through a test, but he didn’t specify what kind of test it would be. Please enlighten me, Seniors.”
The figure remained silent as he raised his hand and pointed one finger at Yang Kai.
Yang Kai didn’t move a muscle, not because he trusted these mysterious Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters, but because he believed that Xu Ling Gong wouldn’t bring him here to get him killed.
Moreover, if these Eighth-Order Masters really wanted to harm him, there was nothing he could do anyways.
The person’s finger suddenly started radiating a pure-looking white light. As the light expanded, it engulfed Yang Kai in it.
Yang Kai looked down to examine himself, but he couldn’t find anything unusual. The white light seemed to be just a means to inspect him without the ability to cause any harm.
Despite not knowing what they were trying to inspect, Yang Kai could only set his mind at ease.
A while later, the white light went out as the figure nodded gently. The pressures coming from the other two figures also subsided.
A curious Yang Kai asked, “Have I passed the test?”
The figure replied with what seemed to be a faint smile, “It hasn’t even started yet.”
A speechless Yang Kai calmed himself down and said, “What do I need to do?”
The figure didn’t seem one for small talk so he simply replied frankly, “We need to examine your Small Universe. So, you have to open it for us.”
Despite trying to prepare himself for whatever this test might have been, Yang Kai was still vexed upon hearing such an unreasonable demand, so he asked grimly, “You want to inspect my Small Universe?”
“Yes.” The figure nodded.
Yang Kai was so exasperated that he started laughing while the three figures remained dispassionate.
The Small Universe of an Open Heaven Realm Master was their foundation and contained all their secrets. There was no way he would easily let anyone else look at it, much less perform a thorough inspection.
One’s Small Universe was even more confidential than their Space Ring.
Usually, it would be a humiliation when a person was asked to hand over their Space Ring to be examined, let alone their Small Universe.
Yang Kai had never expected this to be the test. What did repairing the Universe Temple have anything to do with this? Why were they so cautious?
Since Yang Kai was unable to figure it out, he instinctively wanted to reject them, “What if I don’t agree to it?”
The figure replied impassively, “No one will force you. If you don’t agree to it, you may leave now.”
Yang Kai instantly cupped his fist, “Farewell, then.”
He then turned around and shuffled out of the Main Hall.
The three figures remained standing on the edge of the Grand Array without moving a muscle.
A moment later, Yang Kai nonchalantly returned with his hands behind his back. Upon taking a seat in the middle of the Grand Array, he made a concession and said, “Let’s start.”
Although he didn’t trust these Eighth-Order Masters who never showed their faces, he had faith in Xu Ling Gong. Since the old man had made such an arrangement, he didn’t want his efforts to go to waste simply because of his pride.
Furthermore, Yang Kai didn’t have any secrets that must not be exposed anyway. The only thing special about his Small Universe was that it had materialised. What’s more, the secrets of the Dao of Space in this ancient building were deathly attractive to him.
After weighing the pros and cons, he decided to give in.
The figure put on a smile, “Don’t worry. It’ll only take a while.”
As Yang Kai proactively opened his Small Universe and felt three auras streaming into it the next instant. Despite knowing what was about to happen, he still felt disgruntled as it was like three burglars had barged into his home.
Upon entering the Small Universe, the three figures were startled for a moment as they realised that Yang Kai’s Small Universe was different from ordinary.
Only when a cultivator ascended to the Seventh Order could their Small Universe transform from ethereal to corporeal; however, Yang Kai was only in the Sixth Order and had already achieved this, something thought exclusive to the High Rank.
Moreover, the heritage in the Small Universe of this Sixth-Order Master was amazingly ample.
The three of them were Eighth-Order Masters, so throughout the entire 3,000 Worlds, rarely was anyone a match for them when it came to experience and knowledge. However, they had never seen a Sixth-Order Master whose heritage was as strong as that of Yang Kai.
They were amazed and thought that it was no wonder this person was able to kill Zuo Quan Hui. Even though he wasn’t alone at that time, he would need to have strength far above average to even stand before a Seventh-Order Master when he was only in the Sixth-Order.
After they recovered from their shock a moment later, they split up and began wandering around Yang Kai’s Small Universe.
Yang Kai had a feeling that they were looking for something specific as they carefully examined every plant and piece of land in his Small Universe.
His entire Small Universe was inspected by three auras repeatedly as they never seemed to run out of patience.
They went through his Small Universe three times in total, and it was already half a month later when they finally left.
Yang Kai reckoned that they must be exhausted. While he just had to open up his Small Universe and remain seated, the three of them had to meticulously examine every area three times, which had certainly taken quite some effort on their part.
The three of them exchanged glances and nodded.
Yang Kai sealed off the portal that led to his Small Universe and asked, “Have I passed the test, then?”
The figure right in front of him replied, “Yes.”
“May I know what you were looking for, Seniors?” Yang Kai asked.
Without answering his question, the figure went on to say, “The Grand Array in a Universe Temple is divided into the Outer Array and the Inner Array. The average person can only see the Outer Array, which is used to transfer people to the Universe Temple. On the other hand, the Inner Array is a top secret that most people are never allowed to see. From now on, the Inner Array of the Universe Temple is open to you as you can try to comprehend it. If there’s anything you need, just inform the disciple of Great Battle Heaven in this place.”
Following that, a piece of jade gently flew towards him.
Yang Kai took it, and just when he wanted to ask something, he realised that all the figures had vanished. As he looked around, he felt somewhat dejected that he was left alone in the Main Hall.
The three Eighth-Order Masters were extremely elusive. Up until this moment, Yang Kai still wasn’t sure if those were their real bodies or just projections. He also hadn’t figured out how they appeared and disappeared.
After he examined the Main Hall and realised that there was nothing unusual, he reached for the door and stuck out his head.
Before he could scan his surroundings, he saw a golden light approaching him rapidly and then standing in front of him. The person was none other than the Golden Armour Great General he and Xu Ling Gong had come across earlier.
The Golden Armour Great General never said a word as he stared at him through the gap of his golden helmet.
Yang Kai batted his eyes and said, “Please ask Xu Ling Gong to come over.”
The Golden Armour Great General didn’t respond to him or move a muscle.
Yang Kai called out to him again, and upon seeing that the person remained unmoving, he walked out on his own impatiently.
A moment later, Yang Kai knitted his brows because he couldn’t find Xu Ling Gong, Qing Kui, and Su Ying Xue. It was apparent that they had left.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but criticize them for leaving without informing him. He initially wanted to ask Xu Ling Gong what the test was about, but he was unable to do that now.
The Golden Armour Great General followed him closely as his armour clanged. If it weren’t because the person’s aura could be felt coming from the golden armour, Yang Kai would’ve thought they were some kind of corpse or puppet.
Xu Ling Gong had left, and this Golden Armour Great General didn’t seem like someone he could have a heart-to-heart talk with. Since Yang Kai was eager to find out the secrets of the Universe Temple though, he directly flew to the Main Hall.
With the jade in his hand, Yang Kai infused his power into it and instantly realised it was an Array Jade that was used to control this Universe Temple, just like how there was a jade that could be used to control the Nine Heavenly Layers Grand Array in Void Land.
However, in order to control the Grand Array, he’d first have to refine the jade.
It took him half a month to finish the refinement, and it was then that he was able to access the Inner Array of this Universe Temple. A buzzing sound was heard permeating the Universe Temple as the pattern on the ground started flickering. The array charts of the Inner Array that were usually hidden started appearing in the Main Hall.
An elated Yang Kai became engrossed in studying it tirelessly.
When he came into contact with a Universe Temple for the first time, he realised that this thing worked in a similar way to his Space Beacons. Both things could serve as locators in the Void and allow the cultivators to move to them.
The difference was that Space Beacons worked in pairs and were bidirectional while a Universe Temple was a singular entity and unidirectional. A Universe Temple wasn’t comparable to Space Beacons in this regard.
With that said, a Universe Temple had its own advantages. After a person left behind his Imprint in a Universe Temple, they could return to it by using the Universe Transference Law as long as they were in the same Great Territory.
Additionally, a Universe Temple was vastly superior to Space Beacons when it came to the distance the user could travel across.
Certainly, the further the distance, the more pressure a cultivator would bear while they were teleporting to the Universe Temple; therefore, a cultivator would usually be careful about the limits they could bear and wouldn’t choose a Universe Temple that was too far away. Otherwise, before they even reached the Universe Temple, they would lose their life.
Moreover, it took some time to execute the Universe Transference Law, so it wasn’t as swift as using Space Beacons. Therefore, a person could be easily disrupted before they were successfully sent to the Universe Temple.
All in all, Universe Temples and Space Beacons had their own advantages and disadvantages. Yang Kai had always wanted to merge the two by eliminating their drawbacks and only retaining their benefits. Unfortunately, he hadn’t had a chance to study the Universe Temple in the past. Now, he could finally fulfil his wish.
However, the most pressing issue for him now was to figure out the secrets of the Universe Temple.
When a person was totally engrossed in something, they couldn’t feel the passage of time.
Yang Kai was now trying to comprehend the secrets of the Universe Temple as he compared it to his understanding of the Dao of Space. Instead of feeling bored, he was completely immersed in it.
The Universe Temple was an ancient building where there was a very abstruse Grand Array. Yang Kai’s eyes would brighten whenever he discovered something new as the new insights allowed him to further enhance his mastery of the Dao of Space.
It took him five years to go through the entire Grand Array. He had noticed many damaged spots in the Grand Array, and only by deducing and repairing the damaged spots could he make it functional again.
Deduction was a taxing activity. Yang Kai had to exert himself every single day, and every time he surmounted a difficulty, his mastery of the Dao of Space would be strengthened.
However, regardless of how engrossed he was, he still felt pressured and isolated doing the same thing every day for years on end. If it weren’t because he was a staunch and determined person, he would’ve gone mad.
Therefore, he would take a stroll outside from time to time. Only by getting enough rest would he be able to be more efficient in his work.
Every time he left the Universe Temple, the Sixth-Order Golden Armour Great General from Great Battle Heaven would immediately approach him in anticipation of any needs he might have.
Nevertheless, this person was completely unresponsive. In the beginning, Yang Kai would still try to talk to him, but he never got any response.
Eventually, he stopped expecting him to give a response. Sometimes, he would talk to himself when he had the urge. Sometimes, he would walk around the outside of the Universe Temple to relax his mind. The Golden Armour Great General would follow him closely as though he was a servant.
There were also times when Yang Kai asked him to get some dishes and wine so that he could enjoy a meal alone.
The Golden Armour Great General never complained about anything. Regardless of what request Yang Kai had, he would do his best to fulfill it. Yang Kai was initially worried that he was being bothersome, but he soon got used to it and became at ease.
When he left the Universe Temple this time, he told the General to prepare a meal for him.
Just in front of the Grand Hall of the Universe Temple, Yang Kai nonchalantly took a seat on an abandoned bench and drank wine on his own. The Golden Armour Great General was just standing nearby. His figure was as straight as a spear while he looked fixedly at the front.
After drinking for a bit, a joyous Yang Kai started talking to himself, “After five years of going through the Grand Array, I’ve found 1,135 damaged spots. Following two years of deduction, I’ve only repaired seven spots. At this rate, it’d take me more than 100 years to finish repairing the Grand Array.”
100 years was neither long nor short. It was the entire lifetime for a long-lived mortal, but for an Open Heaven Realm Master, 100 years would pass in the blink of an eye.
“Brother Jin,” Yang Kai looked up at the Golden Armour Great General. He had no idea what the person’s name was, so he randomly gave him a surname. The other person never protested, so Yang Kai kept addressing him in such a way, “I’m worried that you’ll have to keep me company for a long time, but don’t worry, 100 years is just a rough estimate. It took me half a year to repair the first spot while it was five months for the second spot and four months for the third spot. The speed with which I can make repairs will only accelerate from now on. Perhaps it won’t take long before the Universe Temple is completely restored.”
As usual, Brother Jin remained silent.
Yang Kai chugged down the wine, then rose from the bench before shuffling towards the Grand Hall, “I’ll continue working now. You can get some rest.”
“Why don’t you take a look at other Universe Temples?” An unfamiliar voice suddenly sounded from behind him.
Yang Kai turned around and gazed at the Golden Armour Great General in shock. With widened eyes, he examined the person again.
It wasn’t until a moment later that he broke into a fit of laughter, “So it is Senior Sister Jin, not Brother Jin.”
If the Golden Armour Great General hadn’t spoken on this day, Yang Kai wouldn’t have found out that she was a woman. Furthermore, she actually had a clear and pleasant-sounding voice.
A woman with such an enchanting voice was certainly quite beautiful.
However, during their contact over the years, she had never said a word. Moreover, she looked sturdy in her golden armour, which was why Yang Kai believed she was a man. It never crossed his mind that the person was actually a woman.
After recovering from his shock, he slowly shook his head, “I know what you mean. There are several Universe Temples in the 3,000 Worlds that have broken down, and the damaged spots of these Universe Temples are definitely different. If I take a look at the other places, I wouldn’t need to exert myself to deduce anything in order to find solutions. After all, while this spot is damaged in this place, it might be in perfect condition in another place. However, in that case, why don’t I just look for a perfectly fine Universe Temple and study it? By doing so I could have a reference and easily repair all the damaged spots.”
Senior Sister Jin fell silent.
Yang Kai went on to say, “The reason I’m not going to do that is that it will be pointless if I don’t deduce things myself. By imitating the ancients, I’ll only be walking down a well-trodden path. Only by making deductions myself would the understanding belong to me,” He nodded and inadvertently took a glance at Senior Sister Jin’s chest.
In an instant, she unsheathed her sword from her waist as a cold glint flashed through Yang Kai’s eyes.
Yang Kai hunched his back and dashed into the Universe Temple as his voice could be heard faintly, “Thanks for the meal, Senior Sister. I’ll need you to prepare some materials for repairing the Universe Temple the next time I come out.”
After the door was closed, Yang Kai still felt extremely guilty as he thought that women were truly sensitive. Just now, when he thought of the saying that women with big chests were brainless, he was instantly engulfed in murderous intent. Women from Great Battle Heaven were truly not to be trifled with.
With that said, he had thought about Senior Sister Jin’s suggestion before, but he rejected the idea in the end. It could save him time and effort by emulating his predecessors, but it would do nothing to enhance his mastery of the Dao of Space. If he took a peek at the abstrusity of the Grand Array in advance, he would only be using solutions that were readily available; however, if he could make a deduction and construct the solution himself, he would be rewarded handsomely.
That was the reason he was willing to exert himself in this place.
Just like what he had said, it took him half a year before he found a solution for the first damaged spot, then it took him five months for the second spot and four months for the third spot. The time he would need would only shorten, and eventually, he would just have to take a glance before he could come up with a fix.
Three years later, Yang Kai had successfully deduced solutions for the 1,000-plus damaged spots. Presently, he was seated in the centre of the Grand Array as his World Force undulated. After going through the Grand Array that he had reconstructed in his mind and making sure that there was no problem, he left the Grand Hall.
Unsurprisingly, Senior Sister Jin approached him again.
Yang Kai appeared exhausted, but his eyes remained bright. He then fished out a jade slip and passed it to her, “Please get these materials ready, Senior Sister.”
After taking it, Senior Sister Jin turned around and left without asking any questions.
For the next few days, she was nowhere to be seen. It was apparent that she was in the process of preparing the materials for Yang Kai.
The Universe Temple in this Great Territory was no longer in use since it had broken down, but there was a Star City here. Although the materials Yang Kai needed were expensive, they weren’t rare. Given Great Battle Heaven’s wealth, it wouldn’t take Senior Sister Jin long to obtain what he needed.
After having some rest for a few days, Yang Kai was fully refreshed. He then flew out into the void and closed his eyes before slowly pushing out his fists.
Ten years of cultivation in seclusion in the Universe Temple and deducing solutions to the damaged spots of the Grand Array allowed him to achieve greater heights in his comprehension of the Dao of Space.
After years of cultivation, Yang Kai had divided Dao comprehension into ten levels based on his own feelings. From the lowest to the highest, they were Superficial Contact, Peering Through the Doors, Taking the Initial Steps, Traversing a Familiar Path, Attaining Mastery Through Comprehensive Understanding, Exceeding the Ordinary to Reach the Extraordinary, Standing Above All Others Within Sight, Summiting the Peak, Transcending the Mundane, and Shocking History and Dazzling the Present.
This kind of classification was clear and it could allow a cultivator to determine their current position in their cultivation. Yang Kai had already passed down this kind of ranking system to those in Void Land and High Heaven Palace.
When he mentioned it to Xu Ling Gong in the past, the latter praised him for coming up with this classification system and said that he could possibly establish an entire standardized system for Dao comprehension. If this method became widely adopted, Yang Kai would be its creator and biggest contributor, and his name would never be forgotten in the history books. When anyone used this system to refer to his or her own comprehension in the future, he would naturally remember the man who invented it.
According to the system Yang Kai had created, his comprehension of the Dao of Space stood at the peak of the Seventh-Level, Standing Above All Others Within Sight, and he was about to achieve a breakthrough to the Eighth-Level, Summiting the Peak.
As his understanding of the Dao of Space improved, Yang Kai faintly felt like he had gained enlightenment into something new.
While he repeatedly pushed out his fists, Space Principles weltered as the Void around him contorted.
He felt as though he was a silkworm that had been trapped in a cocoon. If he could break free from the cocoon, he would be able to make it to the next level; however, he was crestfallen since he was unable to achieve that last breakthrough.
Presently, a golden figure was standing on a spot near Yang Kai as she silently watched his movements. To outsiders, his movements were rather comical as he repeatedly pushed out his fists without any regular patterns. He alternated between slow and fast as though he was an old man who was trying out various exercises. There was no awe or intimidation to speak of.
However, it was these seemingly powerless attacks that caused space itself to shudder and shake.
After a long period of observation, Senior Sister Jin suddenly summoned her halberd. As her World Force surged, she turned into a ray of light and attempted to stab Yang Kai with her weapon.
She didn’t seem to be holding back at all, as though she was determined to end his life while he was distracted.
Her World Force was surging like violent waves, and Yang Kai was forced to turn his head and deal with the halberd with his bare hands. As he drew upon his Small Universe, World Force surrounded his fists.
Following the silent clash in the void, two figures brushed past one another. While Yang Kai’s clothes became tattered, some sparks were also seen on Senior Sister Jin’s armour.
Nevertheless, the woman didn’t seem to have the intention of stopping. As she whirled around, her halberd turned into countless shadows which surrounded Yang Kai, all of them wrapped in thick murderous intent and a sense of ferocity.
Yang Kai kept taking steps backwards, but the movements of his fists still alternated between fast and slow as he clashed with the halberd with various degrees of force and resolved the other party’s fierce attacks.
As the two figures entangled with one another, flickering back and forth as they exchanged places numerous times. Their battle raged across more than 10 million kilometres as they traded countless moves every breath in an intense melee.
Senior Sister Jin from Great Battle Heaven was definitely not a cultivator who made it to the Sixth Order through cultivation in seclusion. She was adept at fighting, so it was apparent that she had quite a number of life-and-death battles in the past.
As she fully pushed her power, she didn’t show any signs of frailty as a woman; instead, she was tough and strong.
Yang Kai took the approach of passively reacting as he was faced with the bombardment of attacks.
They went on to fight fiercely in a radius of 10 million kilometres in the void for half a month.
Then suddenly, there came a moment when Yang Kai’s eyes no longer appeared turbid as his gaze brightened. He had been trapped inside a cocoon for days, and at this moment, he finally broke free from it and became a butterfly.
Faced with the halberd, he didn’t have the intention of dodging; instead, he just gently pushed out his fist.
Despite his seemingly powerless attacks, the impact was tremendous. Senior Sister Jin’s movements came to an abrupt halt as though she was no longer able to circulate her strength smoothly. Her halberd stopped right in front of Yang Kai’s chest.
Yang Kai remained silent with a smile while Senior Sister Jin slowly put away her halberd. Her eyes behind the golden helmet appeared astounded.
“Many thanks for your help, Senior Sister,” Yang Kai cupped his fist.
Over the past fifteen days, Senior Sister Jin used her full strength to battle against Yang Kai, which helped him break through the fog which was clouding his vision and gain enlightenment in battle. If not for her assistance, he would’ve needed another opportunity to take his comprehension of the Dao of Space to the next level.
Now, he had finally made it to the Eighth Level, Summiting the Peak. Besides that, he had also obtained a new technique to deal with his enemies.
“What’s the name of this roguish Divine Ability of yours?” Senior Sister Jin asked.
Yang Kai shook his head with a smile, “It’s not a Divine Ability. It’s just a method of applying Space Principles. I don’t think it’s roguish in any way.”
Senior Sister Jin replied dispassionately, “You trace your opponent’s aura back to its source and directly attack their Small Universe. Once their Small Universe falls into turmoil, they can’t attack or defend. However, if one completely seals off their aura, how are they supposed to use their World Force to battle against you? If this isn’t the method of a rogue that gives an absolute advantage in combat, what else could it be?”
To put it simply, Yang Kai’s new way of dealing with his opponents was attacking their Small Universe by using Space Principles. That was how he managed to easily disperse Senior Sister Jin’s last attack with just a simple punch. Since her Small Universe had been shaken, she was unable to keep fighting regardless of how strong she was.
Even though she could withdraw and then continue to fight, she would be suppressed once Yang Kai used this technique again. That was the reason she directly gave up.
Furthermore, she didn’t really intend to defeat Yang Kai, she just wanted to help him.
The Small Universe was the foundation of an Open Heaven Realm Master as well as their source of power. When Yang Kai was battling against Zuo Quan Hui in the past, his Small Universe often shook as his realm was lower. As a result, he suffered setbacks numerous times. After such an experience, coupled with his newfound knowledge of the Dao of Space, Yang Kai managed to create this technique.
Just like Senior Sister Jin had implied, this technique was quite unscrupulous. Even for High-Rank Masters, it was difficult to directly attack an opponent’s Small Universe, let alone an average cultivator; however, Yang Kai was able to target his opponent’s Small Universe directly by tracing their World Force back to its source using Space Principles.
It was basically impossible to guard against such a technique; however, in order to successfully use it, it still required some luck and patience. The reason Yang Kai was able to easily resolve Senior Sister Jin’s last attack was that he had become familiar with her moves following fifteen days of battle.
“How did you come up with such a roguish technique?” Senior Sister Jin looked curiously at him.
It seemed that Yang Kai could never get rid of that label, so without refuting her, he replied, “I had the luck to witness Purple Jade Cave Heaven’s Shattering Dao Seal Technique in the past and was inspired by it. Some ideas also flashed through my mind when I battled against Zuo Quan Hui. That’s how everything came into place on this day.”
When Yang Kai was in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary in the past, he entered the Primordial Land in order to take part in the Spirit Seizing War. At that time, he was ambushed by someone who used the Shattering Dao Seal Technique, which was a Divine Ability from Purple Jade Cave Heaven. It was a famous technique that was only taught to the most important disciples.
The name of the technique suggested that it was a Divine Ability that targeted a person’s Dao Seal. This Divine Ability was horrifying for people that were somewhere between the Emperor Realm and the Open Heaven Realm. That was because, for those cultivators, their Dao Seals were their foundation. Once their Dao Seal was damaged, they would end up in a horrible state.
The foundation of an Open Heaven Realm Master was their Small Universe, so if there was a way Yang Kai could directly target an enemy’s Small Universe, he could easily gain the upper hand in combat.
Senior Sister Jin nodded and praised him by saying, “This is a rare technique where a weaker person can hope to defeat a stronger opponent. Unfortunately, this technique requires Space Principles as its foundation, so no one else can learn it.”
“Many thanks for your compliment, Senior Sister,” Yang Kai replied humbly.
Given Yang Kai’s current strength, he was practically peerless among those below the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm; however, if he was faced with a High-Rank Master, he would be defeated. He had temporarily possessed the might of a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master before, so he was fully aware of the huge gap between a Seventh-Order and a Sixth-Order Master.
Now that he had such a technique though, he wouldn’t be so battered when dealing with a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master like Zuo Quan Hui.
“Among mortals, they call it a cow punch when such an unfair method is used.”
Yang Kai played along and put on a meaningful grin, “Many thanks for giving it a name, Senior Sister! This technique will be called Cow Punch from now on!” Instead of punching a cow though, this technique targeted an opponent’s Small Universe.
Senior Sister Jin fell silent with conflicted feelings. Such an amazing technique was given such a foolish name, which didn’t do justice to its abstrusity.
Just then, a Space Ring flew towards Yang Kai. Senior Sister Jin turned around and dashed towards the Universe Temple, soon disappearing.
The ring contained materials that Yang Kai had asked her to buy. Upon making sure that all the materials were right, he also decided to return to the Universe Temple and start repairing the Grand Array.
He had come up with a plan to repair the more than 1,000 damaged spots in the Grand Array, and with these materials in possession, he just had to execute his plan.
The entire process took Yang Kai a year to finish.
One day, Yang Kai, who felt extremely bored, was seated in the centre of the Grand Array and waited patiently.
The Grand Array had been restored, and even though he believed there wouldn’t be a problem with it, he had to give it a test. He initially intended to do it himself, but Senior Sister Jin rejected his idea. Left with no choice, he could only let her give it a try.
Yang Kai knew that she was well-meaning. There wouldn’t be a problem if the Grand Array had been successfully repaired; however, if there was any mistake, he might come across some danger by using the Universe Transference Law to send himself back to this place from billions of kilometres away.
In the entire 3,000 Worlds, Yang Kai was currently the only one capable of repairing the Grand Array in a Universe Temple. Senior Sister Jin naturally wouldn’t let him take such a risk.
Despite her stern demeanour, she was actually a kind-hearted person. Yang Kai found out about it when she previously helped him achieve a breakthrough in comprehension without him even asking.
However, for all these years, this woman from Great Battle Heaven had never taken off her armour, so he had never seen her face that was covered in the golden helmet.
All of a sudden, the Grand Array started glowing as though fireflies were dancing in the air. As Space Principles undulated, the space in front of Yang Kai started contorting and Senior Sister Jin’s figure abruptly appeared.
After coming to her senses, she nodded at Yang Kai to indicate that the Grand Array had been successfully restored. She then said, “The Sect Masters have told me that once you’re done with repairing this Universe Temple, you’ll have a year to rest. After that, you can come back here, and I’ll take you to the next Universe Temple.”
Yang Kai got to his feet and patted his backside, “There’s no need. Let’s go now.”
After a moment of silence, Senior Sister Jin decided not to persuade him, “Wait a moment, I need to pass my duties to someone else.” She then turned around and left the Grand Hall.
A while later, the two of them flew out of the Universe Temple and headed towards the nearest Territory Gate.
Senior Sister Jin initially intended to summon her flight-type artifact, but Yang Kai rejected her idea. As a Master of the Dao of Space, he usually didn’t need to rely on any artifact to move around when he didn’t have a lot of companions.
In just one month, they moved past more than ten Great Territories and arrived at another abandoned Universe Temple.
This place was also guarded by a Sixth-Order Master from Great Battle Heaven, so the person was from the same Sect as Senior Sister Jin. After the two of them had a brief conversation, Yang Kai was allowed to enter the Grand Hall that had remained closed for years.
With ten years of prior experience, Yang Kai was now far more efficient.
It only took him half a year to identify all the damaged spots in the Grand Array, and it took him another half a year to deduce solutions for them. Following that, he needed half a year to repair it. He could now do it much faster than the first time.
Senior Sister Jin then brought him to the third Universe Temple.
In the entire 3,000 Worlds, only five Universe Temples had been abandoned due to malfunction.
Including the time they spent travelling, it took Yang Kai two years to repair the third Universe Temple.
While they were heading to the fourth Universe Temple, they passed by Lang Ya Paradise’s Territory, so Yang Kai decided to stop by and visit Zhang Ruo Xi since the two of them hadn’t met for a long time.
Since word got out that there was a World Tree in the Star Boundary, all 108 Cave Heavens and Paradises had gathered together there, so representatives from Lang Ya Paradise were naturally sent as well. The Seventh-Order Master from Lang Ya Paradise was pretty amicable to Yang Kai, perhaps because of Zhang Ruo Xi and Gu Pan.
Yang Kai had asked him about Zhang Ruo Xi and found out that she was cultivating in seclusion at that time, so she hadn’t tagged along.
It remained a regret in Yang Kai’s heart.
Since they would pass by Lang Ya Paradise, he naturally wanted to visit her.
However, his wish was not granted. Zhang Ruo Xi had made it to the Open Heaven Realm, and two years ago, she and Gu Pan left Lang Ya Paradise to head to the Star Boundary, so Yang Kai couldn’t see her.
Then, he asked about Zhang Ruo Xi’s Order. Upon learning that she had ascended to the Fifth Order just like what he had expected, he felt at ease.
Since Zhang Ruo Xi and Gu Pan were not around, Yang Kai didn’t intend to stay. On the other hand, those from Lang Ya Paradise were quite hospitable; after all, the Star Boundary had become a household name in the 3,000 Worlds because of the World Tree. Not only was Yang Kai a Great Emperor of the Star Boundary, but he was also a Sixth-Order Master, so hardly anyone would dismiss him now.
After turning down various invitations from Lang Ya Paradise, Yang Kai continued on his journey alongside Senior Sister Jin.
A few years later, after testing the fifth Universe Temple, Yang Kai confirmed that the Grand Array had been restored. Then, Senior Sister Jin solemnly fished out a golden token and passed it to Yang Kai with both hands.
With his brow raised, Yang Kai took it and realised that it was pretty weighty. The character ‘Universe’ was engraved on it, but he wasn’t sure what this token was for.
“It’s a Universe Token. The Sect Master specifically asked someone to make it for you,” Senior Sister Jin explained, “With this token, you can enter any Universe Temple and receive the same treatment as a Sect Master of the Cave Heavens and Paradises.”
“Is this considered a reward for me?” Yang Kai raised his brow. He had spent almost twenty years repairing five Universe Temples, which would offer immense benefits to lots of people; however, those Sect Masters were pretty stingy. They only gave him a Universe Token and no other useful benefits.
Senior Sister Jin shook her head, “It’s not really a reward. The Sect Masters hope that when you have a chance to use the other Universe Temples, you can also examine their Grand Arrays. If there’s a problem, they want you to help fix it.”
Yang Kai failed to stifle his laughter, “The Sect Masters are pretty clever, aren’t they? Do they think I’m a free slave or something?”
With a solemn expression, Senior Sister Jin replied, “You can turn them down, but I’ll have to retrieve the Universe Token.”
Yang Kai immediately pocketed the token, “Forget it. I’ll keep it since it’s specifically made for me.”
Senior Sister Jin nodded gently, “Since the matter regarding the Universe Temples has been resolved, I’ll return to Great Battle Heaven now. Farewell!”
Upon finishing her words, she directly turned around and left in a dashing manner. Yang Kai couldn’t help but smile as he watched her leave. Regardless, they had spent the last twenty years together, but she left without any hesitation. She was a true free-spirited person.
The 3,000 Worlds were vast, so they might not have the chance to meet again.
The matter regarding the Universe Temples was an accident of sorts. Yang Kai had never expected that he’d be held up for such a long time. Back then, he decided to take a stroll outside since he wanted to relax. There was a list of things he had to do; however, other than paying a visit to Lang Ya Paradise, he hadn’t managed to complete anything.
Although he had visited Lang Ya Paradise, he hadn’t had the chance to meet Zhang Ruo Xi, which remained a regret in his heart. Fortunately, before his departure, he had told Hua Qing Si that he’d return within 100 years; therefore, even if he didn’t show up for a long time, there shouldn’t be a problem in the Star Boundary or Void Land.
He then fished out a Universe Chart and studied it. Upon confirming his current location and mapping out a route, he disappeared from the spot the next moment.
A few months later, Yang Kai arrived at Black Territory, where Luan Bai Feng personally greeted him.
She was the overlord of the Black Prison and titled herself Warden. In the past, after helping Yang Kai arrange the Space Arrays in High Heaven Territory, she returned to the Black Prison.
She had also brought with her more than 100 Open Heaven Realm Masters from Heavenly Sword Union who had been captured in the war. Although 100 ore slaves was not a lot, they were mostly Fourth-Order and Fifth-Order Masters, so the quality made up for the quantity.
It had to be noted that after the epic battle in High Heaven Territory, many of the Open Heaven Realm Masters from both Heavenly Sword Union and Void Land were injured or killed. The people who had survived the cruel battle were no ordinary cultivators.
If any other great force had obtained more than 100 slaves, it would’ve been difficult for them to handle. They would be considered ruthless and cruel if they simply killed these people, but they would also be considered soft-hearted and weak if they released them. However, these people were immensely useful in Luan Bai Feng’s hands.
The Black Prison was a place where Black Stones were mined, and Luan Ba Feng needed a lot of ore slaves to do this. The environment of this place was hostile, and the deepest parts contained a corrosive aura that would weaken the heritage of a cultivator’s Small Universe. As time passed, one’s foundation would collapse apart and their cultivation would be destroyed.
Hence, countless ore slaves had lost their lives in the Black Prison over the years.
Outside the palace, Luan Bai Feng gazed at Yang Kai with displeasure, “Where have you been all these years? I told Xin Peng to head to the Star Boundary and look for you, but you were nowhere to be seen.”
According to the agreement she had with Yang Kai, he was supposed to have visited Black Territory more than ten years ago. Unfortunately, there had not been any news about him. She told Xin Peng to look for him in the Star Boundary, but he had already left. Hua Qing Si also wasn’t aware of Yang Kai’s whereabouts.
If it weren’t because they were connected by the Loyalty List, Luan Bai Feng would’ve thought that he had passed away.
“I was held up by some matters,” Yang Kai replied nonchalantly, “I’m here now, am I not?”
Luan Bai Feng rolled her eyes, “Do you need to get some rest first?”
“There’s no need for that. This matter cannot be delayed. Let’s begin.” Yang Kai waved his hand.
Although the environment in the Black Prison was terrible, this place was also rich in resources. Presently, Yang Kai possessed Void Star City and a 5% stake in High Heaven Star City. The former was a First Class Star City that was comparable to those controlled by the Cave Heavens and Paradises while the latter was a Super Star City that was the first of its kind. Both Star Cities were extremely popular and prosperous. He also had exclusive ownership of a New Great Territory. Since he had so many properties now, he was no longer a poor man.
The two Star Cities and the New Great Territory were like treasure troves that could continuously provide for the needs of those in Void Land and High Heaven Palace.
However, there was a constant shortage of Yin and Yang Element materials in the Sixth Order and above.
Be it in the two Star Cities or the New Great Territory, they could hardly find any Yin and Yang Element materials in the Sixth Order and above.
On the other hand, in the depths of the Black Prison, Ore Stars had a decent chance of producing Yin and Yang Element materials in the Sixth Order and above.
With the continuous nourishment from the World Tree in the Star Boundary, High Heaven Palace was in a favourable position. In the future, they would have a lot of talented disciples and also quite a number of young people who could directly ascend to the Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm.
These people needed Sixth-Order materials in order to ascend. Yang Kai still remembered the difficulties the Great Emperors encountered when they were cultivating. At that time, in order to look for Sixth-Order Yin and Yang Element materials, they had spent countless amounts of time and energy. In the end, Black Territory was where the majority of his success was found.
Yang Kai had to come up with a long-term plan so that they wouldn’t need to ask around for such resources in the future.
At the mention of Sixth-Order materials, Yang Kai couldn’t help but recall the resources given to High Heaven Palace by the Cave Heavens and Paradises. At that time, all the High-Rank Masters had come to an agreement that they could respectively get five disciples from the Star Boundary every 100 years, and they had to give High Heaven Territory a set of Sixth-Order materials for each of these disciples.
Yang Kai had already taken into consideration that Sixth-Order Yin and Yang Element materials were extremely rare. Even though the Cave Heavens and Paradises had some of them, they wouldn’t be willing to give them away.
As expected, the Cave Heavens and Paradises really never gave them any Yin and Yang Element materials. High Heaven Palace had collected quite a lot of Sixth-Order Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth materials, but no Yin or Yang Element. All the materials were traded for Fifth-Order and even Fourth-Order materials of the same value.
That was why Yang Kai was vexed.
Despite that, he wouldn’t blame the Cave Heavens and Paradises for being stingy, for Sixth-Order Yin and Yang Element materials were strategic resources to them too, so they wouldn’t bring them out easily.
If Void Land and High Heaven Palace wanted to become as powerful as those Cave Heavens and Paradises, they had to collect these materials themselves and attract a lot of talented people at the same time.
On the other hand, Yang Kai had high hopes for the Black Prison. More than half of the Sixth-Order Yin and Yang Element materials that Void Land and High Heaven Palace would need would likely come from this place.
“This is the Space Array I’ve spent years developing. You need to see if there’s any problem though; after all, I know nothing about the Dao of Space.” Luan Bai Feng tossed a jade slip at Yang Kai.
After taking it, Yang Kai infused his Divine Sense into it and nodded from time to time.
The Space Array was obviously derived from the ones Yang Kai had shown to her before, but it was larger and much more complex.
When Xu Ling Gong told Yang Kai to arrange some Space Arrays in the past, Luan Bai Feng assisted him. This woman was innately talented when it came to the Dao of Spirit Arrays. Yang Kai had only built several Space Arrays with her, but she could already almost master them and even offer some new insights.
Yang Kai had never seen a person more talented than her in Dao of Spirit Arrays. Even Grandmaster Wu Liang, who built the Nine Heavenly Layers Grand Array, was inferior to her.
If it weren’t because she knew nothing about the Dao of Space, she could’ve built this new Space Array all on her own.
After going through the jade slip, Yang Kai nodded, “There’s no major problems, and I’ve marked the places that require small modifications. Let’s discuss it now as we have to further refine the array. There’s no rush in moving the Ore Stars to another place.”
“Since you’re the boss, you have the final say,” Luan Bai Feng appeared nonchalant.
They then sat on the ground as they started drawing something on the soil while having a discussion.
Yang Kai had spent the past twenty years repairing broken Universe Temples. During that period of time, he witnessed the abstrusity of the Grand Arrays in the Universe Temples and comprehended the wisdom of the ancients. As he also reflected upon his own insights, he had gained immense rewards.
The Grand Arrays in Universe Temples and Space Arrays worked in similar ways, so there was something Yang Kai could learn from.
Soon, Luan Bai Feng’s initial plan was almost completely changed. Instead of getting mad though, she greedily absorbed the essence of Space Arrays into her own knowledge.
A month later, Yang Kai let out a long breath and got to his feet, “That’s it. There’s nothing else we could change.”
Luan Bai Feng stroked her glabella and looked up at Yang Kai, “You’re actually pretty talented in Dao of Spirit Arrays.”
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “I’ve only studied Space Arrays a little. I know nothing about other Spirit Arrays.”
Luan Bai Feng wasn’t interested in fawning over him, so she just asked inquisitively, “If there’s no problem, I’ll tell them to come over now.”
Yang Kai nodded.
A moment later, several hundred dispirited Open Heaven Realm Masters, led by Xin Peng, arrived at this place. The over 100 people at the front sported conflicted expressions when they saw Yang Kai. They were fearful, mad or resentful.
These over 100 people were the captives from Heavenly Sword Union that Luan Bai Feng had previously brought back from High Heaven Territory.
It was apparent that they had been living a terrible life as all of their auras were unstable. Even though some of them glowered at Yang Kai, they appeared as weak as enraged sick cats.
“Xin Peng greets Sir, and greets Warden!” Xin Peng scurried towards them with a fawning smile. This guy had also left his name on the Loyalty List, and although he had no backbone to speak of, he was a fairly powerful Fifth-Order Master.
Luan Bai Feng extended her hand into the void and grabbed a middle-aged man who glared at Yang Kai. While clenching his neck, she pushed her World Force and sneered, “It seems that some of you still don’t know your place. Regardless of who you were in the past, you’re now the lowliest ore slaves in the Black Prison. This Queen can decide whether you’ll live or die as she pleases!”
While the man had the guts to glower at Yang Kai, he was obviously terrified of Luan Bai Feng. It wasn’t certain what he had gone through over the past few years, but as he hovered in mid-air, he appeared greatly flustered. He was also unable to resist her since she was in a higher realm.
“Ore slaves should behave like ore slaves. If anyone dares to be impolite again, you’ll end up like him.” Upon finishing her words, she exerted more force with her hand. The middle-aged man instantly burst into blood mist as his World Force dissipated.
Luan Bai Feng killed the Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master with a smile on her face, as though she was stepping on an ant. Although these ore slaves were fully aware of how ruthless this woman was, they were still horrified. All of them hung their heads low to avoid getting targeted by her.
There was no expression on Yang Kai’s face as he didn’t sympathise with them. It was said that might made right, and the loser was always in the wrong. If those from Void Land had lost the battle, its more than 1,000 Open Heaven Realm Masters would’ve ended up in an even worse state.
“Let’s start,” Yang Kai ordered impassively.
Luan Bai Feng nodded and started making the arrangements. The reason they had to gather all the ore slaves in the Black Prison together was that they were going to create something very important, which required a lot of manpower and resources.
Before Luan Bai Feng returned to Black Territory from High Heaven Territory, Yang Kai had mentioned to her a whimsical idea.
Since Open Heaven Realm Masters could travel across the Void through Space Arrays, there was a possibility that the Ore Stars hovering in Black Territory’s Inner Region could also be moved in the same way.
Of course, in order to move the Ore Stars, it would require a gigantic Space Array.
Previously, Yang Kai used brute force to move an Ore Star to the Outer Region. Not only did that consume a lot of time and energy though, but he also had to keep changing directions and control the speed of travel, which was quite troublesome. If he accidentally crashed into other Ore Stars, his effort would go to waste.
However, if he could make use of the Dao of Space and directly move the Ore Stars, things would become much easier.
Nevertheless, in order to achieve this, they needed to do a lot of preparations in advance. Just like Yang Kai had said, there was no rush in moving the Ore Stars as they had to get everything ready first. If their plan was successfully carried out, their efficiency of mining Black Stones would be significantly enhanced, and their source of Sixth-Order and above Yin and Yang Element materials would be secured.
For the past twenty years since Luan Bai Feng returned to Black Territory, she had been designing this new Space Array. It wasn’t until Yang Kai’s arrival that it could be completed though, because she needed the help of his mastery of the Dao of Space.
Since the Ore Stars in the Black Territory came in all different shapes and sizes, the array had to be flexible and adjustable.
With that as a pre-requisite, Yang Kai and Luan Bai Feng combined their insights of the Dao of Space and Dao of Spirit Arrays before creating this Space Array that had never before been seen in the world.
Over the next three years, several hundred Open Heaven Realm Masters became swamped with work at the palace in the Black Territory’s periphery. Some of these Open Heaven Realm Masters were experts in different skills. For example, there were some who were adept at Artifact Refining. Luan Bai Feng would assign some important tasks to these people while those who were strong but unskilled had to help out from the side.
Yang Kai was on top of everything as he examined every process to ensure there were no problems.
Three years later, sixteen artifacts were finally completed. They were divided into two sets with eight artifacts in each set. One of them was Yin while the other was Yang. They were just like two sides of a mirror.
Due to this characteristic, the complete set of artifacts were named Void Yin-Yang Mirrors by Yang Kai.
Every artifact was actually an Array Board that was made using countless resources. If they were traded for Open Heaven Pills, each individual mirror would be worth approximately 3 billion pills.
If Yang Kai hadn’t owned two Star Cities and a New Great Territory and hadn’t prepared an enormous amount of materials before his departure, he wouldn’t have dared to even attempt this.
Since an array board was worth three 3 billion, the set of sixteen artifacts was worth 48 billion in total. With this staggering amount of money, one could buy several hundred Seventh-Order materials. It was enough to bankrupt any Second Class great force.
Half of all the materials Yang Kai owned had been consumed in this single endeavour, which was why he felt quite heartbroken.
If his plan was successful, he would more than make back his losses and even become filthy rich; however, if it failed, he would suffer immense losses.
Despite being wealthy, he still appeared worried after the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors, which consisted of sixteen artifacts, was completed.
He passed eight artifacts, the Void Yin Mirrors, to Luan Bai Feng while storing the corresponding Void Yang Mirrors. After taking a deep breath, he looked in the direction of the Black Territory’s Inner Region and said, “Just wait here and play it by ear.”
Luan Bai Feng nodded with anxiety, but she was already looking forward to this test.
Since such amazing artifacts were made by her, she naturally wanted to find out if these items would work as intended. They had previously carried out an experiment and confirmed that there wasn’t a problem with their functionality, but that was just a trial after all. They didn’t have the confidence that they could successfully move a huge Ore Star.
It wasn’t the first time Yang Kai visited the Black Territory’s Inner Region, where there was an eerie force that could erode a person’s Small Universe. The deeper a person went, the faster the heritage of their Small Universe would be shaved away.
With that said, Yang Kai had the Towering Evergreen, so he could ward off this force and reach a location most people couldn’t.
More than ten days later, he felt that he had reached his limit, and if he went any further, even his Towering Evergreen was unable to protect him.
After finding an Ore Star, he started his preparations.
He fished out the eight Void Yang Mirrors he had brought with him. With the arrangements of Eight Trigrams Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui, he placed them around the Ore Star.
He then sat in the Qian spot and performed different hand seals. As Space Principles undulated, he shouted, “Activate!”
The next moment, the eight Void Yang Mirrors started shaking and humming. Rays of lights shot out from the Array Boards and connected with each other.
In the blink of an eye, all eight Void Yang Mirrors were linked. From a bird’s-eye view, one could see that eight Array Boards had formed into an octagonal cage, and in the middle of the cage was the Ore Star that Yang Kai had selected.
Furthermore, the eight Array Boards that had been connected had also formed into a huge Space Array.
At the same time, Luan Bai Feng was waiting patiently in the void at the periphery of the Black Territory. The eight Void Yin Mirrors were controlled by eight Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters, and were also placed according to the arrangements of the Eight Trigrams.
There came a moment when the eight Void Yin Mirrors started shaking and humming. As rays of light flashed through everyone’s eyes, a huge projection appeared inside the perimeter of the Void Yin Mirrors.
That was the projection of the Ore Star that Yang Kai had selected. It was the exact same size, but it was only an illusion.
Luan Bai Feng arched her brow and yelled, “Act according to the plan!”
The Fifth-Order Masters who controlled the Array Boards wouldn’t dare to be negligent as they surged their World Force into the Array Boards in the appropriate order. Every Void Yin Mirror had to be in sync with the corresponding Void Yang Mirror on Yang Kai’s side.
In the Black Territory’s Inner Region, with a dark gaze, Yang Kai seemed able to surmount space and see what was going on in Luan Bai Feng’s place.
He then used a different hand seal and shouted, “Lock!”
As Space Principles undulated, the sixteen Void Yin-Yang Mirrors flickered and turned ethereal at the same time, as though they would disappear at any moment.
Yang Kai extended his hand with the most serious expression he had ever sported and as he flipped his palm over, he yelled, “Turn!”
A violent force burst out as the eight Array Boards became blurred and then stabilised. They also stopped shaking and humming.
The Ore Star, which was originally trapped by the cage formed from the eight Array Boards, abruptly disappeared.
In the periphery of the Black Territory, Luan Bai Feng looked dazedly at the giant Ore Star that had suddenly appeared before her. Although she already knew this was to be the outcome, she was still astounded when she actually saw the sight. She muttered under her breath, “It works…”
Despite the fact that there was a distance of billions and billions of kilometres between them, Yang Kai had successfully moved the Ore Star to this place with the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors.
He had pulled off a feat that was rather astonishing.
Xin Peng, who was standing beside Luan Bai Feng, gulped as he appeared awestruck by the Ore Star’s appearance and instinctively asked, “How did he do it?”
Although he was an experienced Fifth-Order Master, the sight before his eyes was still unbelievable to him.
Prior to this day, if anyone told him that a huge Ore Star could be moved from one place to another in an instant, he would never have believed him. There was a limit to a Human’s strength. Even the legendary Ninth-Order Masters could not do something like this.
However, it happened right before his eyes.
Luan Bai Feng smiled as she was apparently in a jovial mood. She then explained, “That guy has spent years building these Void Yin-Yang Mirrors, which is a suitable name. The Yang Mirrors are on his side while Yin Mirrors are on our side. Coupled with his Space Secret Techniques, he flips the mirror over, sending what is on his side over to our side.”
Xin Peng appeared puzzled as he obviously didn’t understand her.
Luan Bai Feng went on to say with a smile, “Take your hand as an example. If you grab something in your hand, it now faces down. After you flip your hand over, the thing will now face up.”
A fawning Xin Peng remarked, “Warden and Sir are truly brilliant. I’ll never be a match for you two. If it’s just like you’ve said, does it mean that these eight Array Boards with us now are the Yang Mirrors that Sir had previously brought with him?”
Luan Bai Feng replied with a smile, “It seems you’re not so foolish after all.”
There were two sides to the mirror, which were Yin and Yang. The sixteen Array Boards were used for positioning. As they flipped, not only was the Ore Star moved to this place, but the Yin Mirrors and Yang Mirrors also exchanged locations. Yang Kai had previously taken the Yang Mirrors with him and left behind the Yin Mirrors. As such, the Yin Mirrors were now on his side.
Xin Peng fell silent for a moment. Even though he was unresigned when he left his name on the Loyalty List in the past, it now seemed to him that he was indeed no match for Yang Kai in any respect. It wasn’t so terrible after all to work under someone like him.
Furthermore, the concept of the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors was truly awe-inspiring. The thing Luan Bai Feng gave Yang Kai three years ago was just a draft of the Space Array. If they carried it out according to her original design, there would be some effects as well, but it wouldn’t be so convenient.
The Void Yin-Yang Mirrors were flexible as the cage that was used to localize the Ore Stars was fully adjustable. There was no doubt that it was much better than her original static Space Array.
The Fifth-Order Masters, who controlled the eight Array Boards, were still in a dazed state, so Luan Bai Feng quickly snapped at them, “Stop dreaming and get ready! The next Ore Star will arrive soon.”
It was then that the eight of them started getting ready as they removed their respective Array Boards and flew to another empty space before setting them up again.
In just ten days, another huge projection appeared inside the Void Yang Mirrors. With the prior experience, the eight of them started making a move without the need for Luan Bai Feng to give the order.
A moment later, as the Array Boards started glowing, another Ore Star that was just as large as the previous one was suddenly moved to this place.
On the other hand, several hundred ore slaves had already streamed towards the first Ore Star that had been moved to this place and started mining Black Stones.
Every ten days to half a month there would be an Ore Star, which was originally from the Black Territory’s Inner Region, that was moved to the periphery. In just one year, the originally empty periphery was now filled with more than thirty Ore Stars of different sizes.
This kind of amount was just a drop in the ocean compared to the reserves in the entire Black Territory.
However, no one would underestimate the resources these thirty-odd Ore Stars could produce. They were initially in the depths of the Black Prison, so it was extremely difficult to mine them as even Sixth-Order ore slaves were unable to reach that location safely.
Nevertheless, Yang Kai used a stunning move to transfer them to a safe area such as the periphery.
When Yang Kai previously brought back an Ore Star that was half the usual size, it allowed the ore slaves in the Black Territory to keep on mining for a few years. Now that there were more than thirty Ore Stars, it was enough for them to mine these Stars for 100 years.
If the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors hadn’t shown signs of breaking, Yang Kai would’ve brought even more Ore Stars over.
However, over the past year, the hastily made Void Yin-Yang Mirrors had to bear the pressure of moving many gigantic Ore Stars. Cracks of different sizes started appearing on the sixteen Array Boards, and if this went on, they might come apart at any moment.
These things were extremely costly as each of them was worth 3 billion Open Heaven Pills. Yang Kai did not have the heart to see them break.
Though he still wasn’t satisfied with his current haul, he could only leave the Black Territory’s Inner Region.
Upon his return, he saw the huge Ore Stars hovering in the periphery. When he realised that several hundred Open Heaven Realm ore slaves were already working on the first Ore Star he had brought back, he was pleased.
“The Ore Stars you’ve sent back are rich in resources. So far, we’ve found more than thirty Sixth-Order materials. There are even two Sixth-Order Yang Element materials and three Yin Element materials. Additionally, there are several thousand materials that are below the Sixth Order,” Luan Bai Feng reported while accompanying Yang Kai to have a look at the first Ore Star.
Yang Kai nodded, “All the effort was worth it.”
Luan Bai Feng replied with a smile, “Despite that, it’ll take another twenty years before we can cover the cost of refining the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors.”
“It’s fine as long as we can earn it back.”
As they moved forward, the ore slaves respectfully saluted Yang Kai and Luan Bai Feng.
Half a day later, Yang Kai stopped in his tracks and said, “I’ll leave this place to you. Just remember to send the extracted materials to Void Land every two to three years.”
“Got it,” Luan Bai Feng replied, then shot him a glance, “Where are you going?”
After giving it a thought, Yang Kai decided not to hide it from her, “I’ll ask a senior expert to make something for me, and then I’ll go to the Shattered Heaven. If anyone from Void Land asks about it, you can just tell them the truth.”
“The Shattered Heaven is not a kind place. Don’t get killed over there and drag me into it.” Luan Bai Feng frowned.
Yang Kai smiled and took a step forward as his figure rapidly faded.
There were countless Great Territories in the 3,000 Worlds. Every Great Territory was named after the most powerful great force in that place, other than some remote Great Territories which only had generic identifiers, there was no exception.
However, every great force would rise and fall, just like how a person would get sick and die of old age. A Great Territory could be named after a great force because it was the most powerful, but when this great force was destroyed and replaced, the Great Territory would be given a different name.
When Void Land replaced Seven Wonders Land in the past, Seven Wonders Territory became Void Territory.
Therefore, the name in the latest Universe Charts would be changed, while the owners of the older Universe Charts could get them updated or just manually change it.
With that said, there was actually one exception.
In Great Evolution Territory, the most powerful great force was supposedly Heavenly Martial Hall. This great force was much stronger than the original Seven Wonders Land because there was a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master assuming command of it.
Supposedly, the Great Territory where Heavenly Martial Hall was located should be named Heavenly Martial Territory; however, since time immemorial, the name of this Great Territory had never been changed in the Universe Charts. It had always been Great Evolution Territory!
Those from Heavenly Martial Hall were certainly displeased with this. By naming the Great Territory after their own Sect, it would be a great way for them to popularise themselves. The 3,000 Worlds was vast, and even though Heavenly Martial Hall wasn’t weak, it still wasn’t comparable to the real behemoths. Although they had a golden opportunity to make a name for themselves, their wish had never been granted, which was why they were disgruntled.
Therefore, the cultivators of Heavenly Martial Hall repeatedly visited Four Seas Union and argued with them in the hope that they could change Great Evolution Territory to Heavenly Martial Territory when making the Universe Charts.
All the Universe Charts in the 3,000 Worlds were made by Four Seas Union, which was backed by one of the 36 Cave Heavens. Their shops could be found in all the major Star Cities, including Void Star City and the newly built High Heaven Star City.
After all, it was extremely inconvenient to move around the 3,000 Worlds without a Universe Chart; therefore, as long as a cultivator had the money, they would buy a Universe Chart. Four Seas Union had made a fortune through this business.
It wasn’t hard to enter Four Seas Union, it was a business entity after all. Those from Heavenly Martial Hall had visited the Four Seas Union countless times, but the name Great Evolution Territory always remained in the new Universe Charts. There had never been a change.
This made the people from Heavenly Martial Hall feel vexed; however, they were weaker than the other party, so there was nothing they could do.
There was one thing they didn’t understand, though. There was no great force in Great Evolution Territory that had anything to do with the title ‘Great Evolution’ now, so why was it so hard for them to change the name?
Several hundred years ago, Heavenly Martial Hall had almost changed its name to Great Evolution Sect in order to take advantage of the name Great Evolution Territory. However, they hadn’t forgotten the hard work their Ancestors had put in to build their Sect, so they ultimately decided against this name change.
Nevertheless, they creatively created a Heavenly Martial Hall Great Evolution Branch as a silent protest against the Four Seas Union.
Although the Great Evolution Branch had been founded, it was basically half-abandoned. Those from Heavenly Martial Hall had spent a large amount of manpower and resources on this project, but they had only managed to nurture several Fourth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters. The Elders, who initially had high hopes for the Great Evolution Branch, gradually lost interest.
As Yang Kai went through the route in his mind, he went from the Black Territory to the Great Evolution Territory and arrived at a particular spot in the void.
He had been to this place once before, but it was the Proprietress who brought him here. Even though he was on his own this time, he hadn’t lost his way.
After straightening his face, he cupped his fist and shouted, “Void Land Yang Kai greets Senior Ma Fan. Please forgive me for disturbing you.”
No one replied to him from the void while he waited patiently.
After he waited for one hour, two hours, and then the entire day, there was still no one who responded to him.
Yang Kai put on a helpless smile. Even though he had witnessed Senior Ma Fan’s bad temper when he tagged along with the Proprietress previously, and he had a feeling that he’d be turned down this time, he still felt frustrated when it really happened.
Since he had already expected it, he didn’t say anything and simply sat down with his legs crossed.
He believed that Senior Ma Fan would be moved by his sincerity. Regardless, he had to see this Artifact Refining Grandmaster.
In fact, he was jealous of the Heavenly Sword Union for possessing the Heavenly Sword Palace. Not only could it attack and defend, but it could also serve as a flight-type artifact. It was like a moving palace.
If he hadn’t made use of the Star Boundary’s World Force and temporarily advanced to Seventh-Order, and with over 1,000 Open Heaven Realm Masters who maintained a large-scale barrage of attacks on the Heavenly Sword Palace, they couldn’t have stopped this moving fortress from moving forward. Had Heavenly Sword Palace reached the Star Boundary, the situation would’ve been flipped around, and Zuo Quan Hui would have won.
Fortunately, the Heavenly Sword Palace exploded less than five million kilometres away from the Star Boundary following a long and bloody battle. It could be said that Zuo Quan Hui was just one step away from success.
At that time, Yang Kai swore that if there was a chance in the future, he would also build a similar palace artifact for Void Land, that way, when they were faced with something like the Heavenly Sword Palace again, they could defend themselves at the very least.
When he was having a negotiation with the Cave Heavens and Paradises previously, he looked for some of the High-Rank Masters in private and asked them if their Sects’ Artifact Refining Grandmasters could help Void Land build such a palace artifact.
Certainly, Void Land could provide the materials and offer an appropriate remuneration. Yang Kai even offered to exempt those who helped him from paying the Sixth-Order materials required to take disciples from the Star Boundary.
However, all of them had turned him down.
Hong Xiang Ling from Azure Void Cave Heaven, who wanted to get his Disciple married to Yang Kai, was kind enough to offer an explanation. He said that it would take too much time and energy to refine such a thing, and although the Cave Heavens and Paradises were capable of doing it, they would only do so for their own Sects. They couldn’t even meet their own demands for such artifacts, so they wouldn’t offer help to someone else. It was pointless for Yang Kai to ask regardless of what payment he promised.
Yang Kai then asked Xu Ling Gong about it, and the latter gave him a similar explanation.
In that case, he could only give up on seeking help from the Cave Heavens and Paradises. Instead, he had his eyes on Grandmaster Ma Fan.
Yang Kai still had some vivid memories of this Artifact Refining Grandmaster. In the past, in order to arrange the Nine Heavenly Layers Grand Array, they needed some items to be served as Array Cores. The Proprietress brought him to this place and pleaded with this Artifact Refining Grandmaster. As a result, the Heavenly Executioner’s Sword and the Heavenly Net Umbrella that had been placed in the Nine Heavenly Layers Grand Array were made by Grandmaster Ma Fan.
The Proprietress had said that Grandmaster Ma Fan came from one of the ancient Paradises; however, his Sect no longer existed. He was the only one who was still alive as he led a reclusive life in its expansive ruins.
At that time, Yang Kai was a mere Emperor Realm Junior who had just arrived at the 3,000 Worlds, so he knew little about the Outer Universe. He was shocked that one of the Paradises had fallen in the past. As he recalled it now, he came to realise many things that he hadn’t back then.
There was no doubt that Grandmaster Ma Fan’s mastery of Artifact Refining was unrivalled. With the help of the Nine Heavenly Layers Grand Array, Yang Kai activated the power of Heavenly Executioner’s Sword and defeated the Union Master of Heavenly Sword Union Kong Feng despite being an Emperor Realm Junior at that time, which went to show that the Heavenly Executioner’s Sword was truly incredible.
Since none of the Cave Heavens and Paradises were willing to help, Yang Kai could only hope that Grandmaster Ma Fan would refine a palace artifact for him.
However, Grandmaster Ma Fan wouldn’t respond to him. Since Yang Kai had made up his mind, he naturally wasn’t in a rush. As he was seated in the void, he fished out one of the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors that was slightly damaged.
This thing was as large as a house. It wasn’t that Yang Kai didn’t want to make it smaller and more convenient, but rather that he couldn’t. He and Luan Bai Feng knew little about Artifact Refining, while only several Fifth-Order Masters had some skill in it. They had already done their best to refine the current Void Yin-Yang Mirrors.
Fortunately, the most important thing was the Space Array, not the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors themselves; otherwise, they couldn’t have succeeded in moving the Ore Stars in Black Territory.
Now, there was a crack that was the width of a finger and several dozen centimetres long on this Array Board that was as large as a house. That was because it had been overused previously.
After examining it for a while, Yang Kai fished out some rare ores and activated his Golden Crow’s True Fire in an attempt to repair it.
However, he was an amateur in Artifact Refining, so how was he supposed to repair it? A few days later, instead of being fixed, the crack had expanded.
Yang Kai scratched his head as he fished out another damaged Array Board and acted recklessly again.
A few days later, the crack on the second Array Board had also been enlarged.
It was then Yang Kai fished out the third one.
The person who was hiding in the void was unable to take it anymore as he felt that Yang Kai was doing more harm than good to such amazing artifacts. Fluctuations of Space Principles were suddenly felt coming from the Void, then a portal swirled into existence in front of Yang Kai.
The next instant, a big, illusory hand extended from the swirl and directly grabbed the Array Boards Yang Kai had fished out back into the Void.
Yang Kai didn’t have the intention of interfering as he took a glance at the portal and let out a sigh of relief. He then got to his feet and stepped into it.
The world seemed to spin around him, and the next moment, he arrived at a different space. Raising his gaze, he could see many Stars of different sizes hovering in the void while circling a single Great Sun. This was like a whole Great Territory.
When he came to this place for the first time, he was a weak cultivator without much experience, so he was unable to see anything special about this place. Now that he had returned, Yang Kai finally understood something.
This was obviously a sealed space. Some Great Expert must have used a stunning Divine Ability to pull this place out from Great Evolution Territory and isolate it from the outside world.
It could be said that this place was the foundation of Great Evolution Territory, the ruins of Great Evolution Paradise. That was the reason the Great Evolution Territory had never changed its name.
Those from Heavenly Martial Hall thought that they were the most powerful in Great Evolution Territory, but they were not aware that there was such an Isolated Territory within Great Evolution Territory.
Only several Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters working together would be able to pull out a section of Great Evolution Territory and seal it off, and not without the use of many profound and powerful Grand Arrays.
It was imaginable that Great Evolution Paradise must be truly glorious when they were at the peak of their power. Yang Kai wondered why such a top great force in the 3,000 Worlds had fallen all of a sudden.
He had asked Xu Ling Gong about it before, as the latter must be aware of something, but he never provided any details. Xu Ling Gong just said that fate was truly unpredictable. The Ancestors of Great Evolution Paradise were respectable as they had the bravery to face the impossible head on.
Yang Kai mentioned Senior Ma Fan while having a chat with Xu Ling Gong. That was how he found out some of the information about Great Evolution Paradise.
He followed the aura and saw a grey-haired old man who was seated on the ground with his legs crossed. In front of the old man were the damaged Array Boards as he examined them.
“Senior!” Yang Kai saluted him.
When he previously tagged along the Proprietress to see this Artifact Refining Grandmaster, he had a speculation that the old man was a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master. However, he was weak at that time, so he was unable to confirm it. Now that he had returned to this place as a Sixth-Order Master, he instantly realised that his speculation was right.
Grandmaster Ma Fan was a Seventh-Order Master, and one at the very peak of the Seventh-Order at that, only a step away from the Eighth-Order.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but admire him. Despite being a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master, he had to endure a life of isolation to guard his fallen Sect’s foundation. It must be an unimaginable burden. The old man seemed to have a permanent hunchback because of that.
“You knew that I couldn’t bear to see such a good thing being wasted, so you took them out to lure me out, right?” Grandmaster Ma Fan shot Yang Kai a glare.
Yang Kai put on a meaningful grin, “I wouldn’t dare to pull such a trick on you, Grandmaster.”
“Hmph!” Grandmaster Ma Fan pursed his lips, “You’re just like that little girl, Lan You Ruo. Both of you are intelligent in an annoying way.”
A bashful Yang Kai replied, “Many thanks for your compliment, Senior.”
“When she brought you here previously, I knew that I’d meet you again in the future. How troublesome!”
With a straight face, Yang Kai replied, “Have you forgotten that I owe you a favour, Senior? Of course, we’d meet again.” Grandmaster Ma Fan was previously asked to refine the Heavenly Executioner’s Sword and Heavenly Net Umbrella. However, instead of getting any reward, he made Yang Kai owe him a favour.
Since there was nothing he had to pay upfront, Yang Kai directly agreed to it.
Grandmaster Ma Fan appeared dispassionate as he said with a frown, “What’s the point of getting a favour back from a Sixth-Order Master? At that time, I saw that you had a pretty exceptional aptitude, so I thought that you could directly ascend to the Seventh Order. It turns out that I’ve made a loss.”
Yang Kai gritted his teeth as he finally realised why this Artifact Refining Grandmaster made such a demand back then. It was because the old man believed that he could directly make it to the Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm.
He certainly wanted to directly ascend to the Seventh Order as well, but things didn’t go as planned. In the end, he was forced to ascend to the Fifth Order in the Shattered Heaven. Although he had consumed a Mid-Rank World Fruit to make up for some of the losses, his limit would be the Eighth Order if there were no additional opportunities.
There were quite a number of Eighth-Order Masters in those Cave Heavens and Paradises. Even Grandmaster Ma Fan could possibly make it to the Eighth-order in the future.
It was true that Yang Kai’s favour was now useless.
“These three pieces aren’t the whole picture. There are more, right?” Grandmaster Ma Fan asked.
“Yes, there are. You do have sharp eyes, Grandmaster.” Yang Kai hurriedly buttered him up as he fished out the remaining Array Boards.
Since this Artifact Refining Grandmaster was interested in these hastily made things, Yang Kai would naturally satisfy him.
The sight of sixteen items as large as houses placed together was pretty magnificent. With a hunchback, Grandmaster Ma Fan placed his hands behind his back and took a walk around these Array Boards.
A moment later, he arched his brow and remarked, “Even though their refinement leaves much to be desired, the concept is quite ingenious. Did you make them?”
Yang Kai honestly replied to him.
Grandmaster Ma Fan nodded, “By flipping these Void Yin-Yang Mirrors, you can move things which are sealed by them across the Void.” He suddenly appeared solemn, “What were you moving that required such expensive artifacts?”
Yang Kai replied with a grin, “Some Dead Stars and Ore Stars.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan appeared slightly surprised, but he soon composed himself and said after a sigh, “Young people like you do like to dream and take reckless actions.”
He then waved his hand, “Take them back.”
Yang Kai was slightly disappointed that the old man didn’t help to repair the Array Boards; however, he didn’t come all the way here to ask this Artifact Refining Grandmaster to repair the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors, so he didn’t pursue the matter. He then quickly put away all sixteen artifacts and said with a straight face, “I have a request, Senior.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan repeatedly shook his head, “Go away. I’m not going to listen to you.”
Yang Kai was torn between tears and laughter, “Please let me finish my words at the very least, Senior.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan grinned with a shrewd gaze, “There’s nothing else I have, so the reason you’ve come all the way here is to ask me to refine an artifact. Suffering a loss once is enough. I’m not a fool, so why would I do it again?”
Yang Kai replied, “If there’s anything you need, Senior, I can get it for you. To be frank with you, even though this Junior’s cultivation is low, I am now fairly important in the 3,000 Worlds. So, I might be able to fulfill your wish.”
“Oh?” Grandmaster Ma Fan arched his brow, “How important are you?”
A guilty Yang Kai put on a smile, “That will depend on what you need.”
After giving it a thought, Grandmaster Ma Fan suddenly lifted his hand and a drop of darkness appeared above his palm, expanding out like a blot of ink.
A puzzled Yang Kai looked intently at it.
Seeing that the young man knew nothing about it, Grandmaster Ma Fan appeared disappointed. He then retracted his hand as the darkness dissipated. Turning around, he waved his hand, “Leave now. There’s no need to return my favour. If you come again, I won’t open the door for you.”
Certainly, Yang Kai wouldn’t listen to him. Since he had finally entered this place, he had to get his wish fulfilled. Before coming to this place, he had considered asking this Artifact Refining Grandmaster to become a Supreme Elder in Void Land, but seeing his attitude now, he knew that he shouldn’t even think about it. Still he had to get him to make a palace artifact for him.
Yang Kai then raced after the old man and persuaded him; however, Grandmaster Ma Fan just ignored him. Although he had asked Yang Kai to leave, he didn’t kick him out directly, seemingly determined not to even acknowledge Yang Kai’s existence.
That was indeed the case for the next six months as Grandmaster Ma Fan never replied to him regardless of how sincere and persuasive Yang Kai was. The Artifact Refining Grandmaster pretended that he didn’t hear him and never even spared him a glance.
This made Yang Kai feel dejected. Thinking that he could go by the old man’s interests, he started fishing out the rare items from his Space Ring and Small Universe to show him.
The old man never spared them a glance, with the only exception being the strange Purple Qi. Despite being obviously interested, however, he still remained silent.
In fact, Yang Kai still had no idea what this Purple Qi was. He simply snatched it from Luan Bai Feng some time ago.
On the other hand, Luan Bai Feng obtained it from the New Great Territory. After snatching the Purple Qi, Yang Kai put it inside his Small Universe and ignored it. If he hadn’t decided to fish out some things to attract Grandmaster Ma Fan’s attention, he would’ve forgotten about it.
Since Grandmaster Ma Fan appeared interested in the Purple Qi, Yang Kai decided to wear the Purple Qi around his fingers and show it to the old man every day.
Nevertheless, Grandmaster Ma Fan still ignored him.
Yang Kai was defeated in the game of patience with him. Over the past six months, the old man showed admirable determination and resoluteness.
Seeing as how stubborn the old man was, Yang Kai couldn’t help but consider quitting; after all, it was pointless to pester the old man every single day.
One day, Yang Kai was seated in a palace in the ruins of Great Evolution Paradise when he arched his brow and looked in a particular direction. The next instant, he dashed out of the palace.
Looking up, he saw a ray of light rapidly approaching. Judging from the aura, the person was a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master.
Yang Kai was shocked by the arrival of a person in this sealed place; however, he soon realised that something was off. He could only enter this place after Grandmaster Ma Fan opened up the portal while others were unable to come in even if they wanted to.
Could it be that there were other residents in the ruins of Great Evolution Paradise besides the old man?
The ray of light dissipated as a beautiful woman landed on a spot near Yang Kai. She looked to be in her twenties, and while she was clad in a green dress with flowery patterns, her hair had been casually tied behind her back. She had a curvy figure and a demure temperament.
The woman was evidently surprised when she saw Yang Kai. After taking a doubtful glance at him with a pair of clear eyes, she elegantly saluted him, then moved past him and headed to the main hall.
A dazed Yang Kai stared fixedly at her. The woman seemed to have sensed this, so she turned her head and put on a smile.
A moment later, the woman nonchalantly entered the main hall where Grandmaster Ma Fan resided.
Yang Kai could finally confirm that the woman was a resident in this sealed place; she was probably a survivor or descendant of Great Evolution Paradise. Otherwise, she couldn’t have easily entered the hall.
It had to be noted that Yang Kai had been trying to step into the main hall all this time but to no avail. He was simply ignored by Grandmaster Ma Fan.
After waiting for an hour, he saw the woman in green leaving the hall.
Yang Kai waited for her to come closer before cupping his fist, “Void Land Yang Kai greets Senior Sister.”
The woman in a green dress flashed a smile at him, “Are you trying to ask Old Ancestor to make an artifact for you?”
[Old Ancestor!] Yang Kai knew that his speculation was right when he heard that, then he nodded, “Yes.”
The woman smiled with her lips covered, “Did he not agree to it?”
Yang Kai smiled meekly, “You’re indeed intelligent, Senior Sister. The Grandmaster has turned me down.”
A realisation dawned upon the woman as she asked, “Old Ancestor opened up the portal half a year ago. So, you’re the visitor from then. Have you been waiting for the past six months?”
Yang Kai sported a solemn expression, “I believe that the Grandmaster will be moved by my sincerity.”
“There’s no use doing that.” The woman shook her head, “If Old Ancestor isn’t willing to help you, it’s pointless for you to keep waiting. Since you’ve called me Senior Sister, I’ll give you some advice.”
“Please go ahead, Senior Sister.”
“Go back to where you’re from. You’re only wasting your time by staying here.” Upon finishing her words, she playfully winked at Yang Kai and left.
A speechless Yang Kai gave it a thought before racing after her. He soon moved forward alongside the woman.
She seemed to be surprised by how thick-skinned he was and asked, “Why are you following me? I know nothing about Artifact Refining. Old Ancestor has never taught me anything about it.”
Yang Kai grinned, “I’m not asking you to refine an artifact for me, Senior Sister. I just want to have a chat with you.”
“What do you want to talk to me about?” The way the woman frowned was quite charming.
“Anything we can think of,” Yang Kai replied in a perfunctory manner. Although it had been a short time since they came into contact as they had only chatted a little, Yang Kai could see that this Sixth-Order woman was pure-hearted. To put it nicely, she was as innocent as a child. But to put it bluntly, she was naive and gullible.
It was rare for a Sixth-Order Master to have such a temperament. In the outside world, any Sixth-Order Master would have experienced lies and betrayal countless times as they grew up. Even if they were born innocent, they would be influenced by their environment.
The reason the woman in green could keep her temperament was that Great Evolution Paradise was a sealed place.
“But there’s nothing I want to talk to you about,” the woman shook her head.
Yang Kai put on the most harmless smile he could manage and flattered her the best he could, “I found you to be amicable the moment I first saw you, Senior Sister. It’s as though we’ve known each other for a long time.”
The woman blushed as she snapped in a slightly annoyed tone, “How could you say something like that?”
A sincere Yang Kai replied, “I wasn’t teasing you. I was speaking the truth. Please don’t get mad at me.”
The woman seemed to believe him as she started appearing bashful.
Soon, they arrived at a Universe World and landed in front of some palaces.
Yang Kai could see that this Universe World was not a bad place. The World Principles were complete while the World Energy was ample. Its World Force was also strong. It could be considered a top-class Universe World.
Moreover, when he was up above the sky just now, he could see that many people were living in this Universe World.
Some Open Heaven Realm Masters of different Orders were already waiting there. Upon seeing the woman in green, they all called out, “Eldest Senior Sister.”
A man that appeared to be in his thirties asked with anxiety, “What did Old Ancestor say, Eldest Senior Sister?”
The woman replied with a smile, “Don’t worry. Old Ancestor said that the wine you’ve brewed this time is rich and flavourful. He found it delicious.”
Upon hearing that, they started cheering.
It was then Yang Kai realised that the woman in green had gone all the way to send wine to Grandmaster Ma Fan, and the wine was made by these Open Heaven Realm Masters.
However, he frowned at the Orders of these people. They were clearly the remnants of Great Evolution Paradise, but their Orders were so low. Apart from the woman in green who was in the Sixth Order, the rest of them were in the Third Order, Fourth Order, or Fifth Order.
Yang Kai could sense that several Sixth-Order Masters were cultivating in seclusion in some of the places in this Universe World, but there wasn’t a single Seventh-Order Master here.
Even though Great Evolution Paradise had fallen, it shouldn’t be so weak. It was apparent that there was a severe lack of powerful Masters here.
A young woman in the Fourth Order noticed Yang Kai and examined him curiously, “Who is this, Eldest Senior Sister?”
The woman in a green dress replied, “He’s a guest who’s trying to ask Old Ancestor to refine an artifact for him.”
The young woman’s eyes brightened when she heard that, “A guest? Does that mean that he came from the outside world?”
The other Open Heaven Realm Masters became excited as well while they looked fervently at Yang Kai. They studied him in a way as though he was some strange and unusual creature.
Yang Kai cupped his fist and greeted, “Void Land Yang Kai greets fellow Brothers and Sisters.”
They suppressed the curiosity in their hearts as they saluted him back and told him their names.
The cheeky young woman in the Fourth Order approached Yang Kai and looked up at him, “Senior Brother Yang, can you tell me more about the outside world since that’s where you come from?”
As the Eldest Senior Sister, the woman in green chided her by saying, “You can’t be so impolite, Junior Sister Cen!”
The young woman named Cen Cen pouted with her lips pressed together and hung her head low in a dispirited manner.
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “Junior Sister Cen, I’d be happy to tell you about the outside world if that’s what you’d like. It’s not some kind of secret anyway. However, haven’t you all visited the outside world before?”
Cen Cen’s shoulders drooped as she shook her head, “Old Ancestor said that we’re only allowed to leave once we make it to the Seventh Order. It seems that I’ll never be able to leave in my lifetime.”
She was only in the Fourth Order, so even if she directly ascended to that Order, her limit would be the Sixth Order. It seemed that there was no hope for her to make it to the Seventh Order in her lifetime.
Yang Kai was lost for words for a moment before asking, “Why is there such a rule?”
Surprisingly, none of them actually knew the reason. It was the rule their Old Ancestor had set, and no one dared to disobey him. Despite knowing there was an outside world, they hadn’t come into contact with outsiders prior to today.
After pestering Grandmaster Ma Fan for half a year, Yang Kai still couldn’t get him to refine a palace artifact for him. The reason he followed the woman in green to this place was that he wanted to indirectly achieve his goal. He thought that by becoming closer to these remnants of Great Evolution Paradise, he could then ask them to help persuade Grandmaster Ma Fan.
Since he had a favour to ask of them, Yang Kai naturally had to satisfy them first.
The group of people, regardless of their gender or age, hospitably welcomed Yang Kai into a large hall. They were then seated around Yang Kai, including the woman who was the Eldest Senior Sister. They all looked forward to hearing stories from him.
Yang Kai found it funny and sorrowful at the same time.
He didn’t mind telling them about the outside world. Over the years, he had gained quite a lot of experience by venturing to many places, so he began regaling them of sights and scenes they had never experienced before.
Most of the events were pretty boring actually, but when Yang Kai spoke about the times he fell into danger, they would exclaim and become resentful of his enemies as well.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but think that these people were too pure-hearted since they had been living in this sealed space for their entire lives. It was no wonder that Grandmaster Ma Fan wouldn’t allow them to leave. If they suddenly entered the outside world, they would’ve been easily deceived and taken advantage of.
He had been ignored by Grandmaster Ma Fan for half a year, but in this place, Yang Kai had become a popular figure. At the thought of this, he couldn’t help but think that fate was truly unpredictable.
Yang Kai wasn’t in a rush to ask them to help persuade Grandmaster Ma Fan either. He had already waited for half a year anyway, so he wouldn’t mind waiting for another six months. There would come a time when his wish was granted.
The Eldest Senior Sister, whose name was Nalan Lu Shui, helped him settle down in a three-storey bamboo house. The environment was clean and serene. When he opened the door, he could see a sea of flowers that were fighting for his attention with their vibrant colours.
However, Yang Kai could never get some proper rest while he was there. There would always be people who looked for him and asked him to talk about the outside world almost every day.
After one month, they gradually became familiar with one another, especially Cen Cen. It seemed she loved making new friends, and Yang Kai could quench her seemingly insatiable curiosity; therefore, in her heart now, while her Eldest Senior Sister was ranked first and the Old Ancestor came second, this visitor named Yang Kai was firmly in third place. All her other Fellow Brothers had to step aside.
Sometimes, Yang Kai would go out to take a stroll and talk to the people here, and soon he had a better grasp of the situation in this Universe World.
In fact, this was the only Universe World where there were living beings in the entire Great Evolution Paradise. Although there were other habitable Universe Worlds in this sealed space, there were no survivors residing in those places.
Supposedly, they were the only descendants of Great Evolution Paradise, but even though their Sect had fallen, they shouldn’t have been so weak. In reality, there wasn’t even a single Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master that was born in Great Evolution Paradise in the past 10,000 years. Other than that, the number of Open Heaven Realm Masters in this place was also surprisingly small. Apart from the fact that there wasn’t even a single Seventh-Order Master, there were just over thirty Open Heaven Realm Masters among these remnants of Great Evolution Paradise.
Moreover, none of these thirty or so cultivators had directly ascended to the Sixth Order. Although Eldest Senior Sister Nalan Lu Shui was in the Sixth Order, she made it to her current realm from the Fifth Oder through hard work.
Basically, all these remnants could only directly ascend to the Fifth Order, Fourth Order, or even lower.
It felt as though this place had been cursed by a mysterious power that limited the growth of these survivors.
In fact, Yang Kai had spent some time examining this Universe World, and he found that the number of residents in this place was quite small. Supposedly, given the heritage left behind in Great Evolution Paradise, there should have been many more Open Heaven Realm Masters, and their Orders shouldn’t have been this low.
Yang Kai had tried finding out the reason behind this situation but to no avail, so he could only give up.
What was more surprising to him was that other than Eldest Senior Sister Nalan Lu Shui and some older Open Heaven Realm Masters, the others like Cen Cen had no idea that they were the remnants of Great Evolution Paradise.
They were born and bred in this place, and none of them had left this sealed space before, nor had anyone told them about the history of Great Evolution Paradise.
The glory and honour of this great force that was once one of the 72 Paradises had been forgotten by their descendants, which was sorrowful indeed.
In just three months, Yang Kai had managed to figure out many things.
After that, he returned to the place where Grandmaster Ma Fan lived. The door of the main hall remained tightly shut as he was apparently not welcome to enter.
Standing outside the main hall, Yang Kai sported a faint smile and slowly said, “When I was still a Great Emperor in the past, I broke free from the restraint of my Universe World and arrived at the 3,000 Worlds. Not long after that, I came across an accident and fell into a Sealed World called the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary. That Sealed World was truly amazing, but it was also extremely dangerous. Many Divine Spirits lived there and fought against one another. In the middle of Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, there was a secret place that was called the Primordial Land by the Divine Spirits. Only cultivators below the Open Heaven realm could enter that place while the Divine Spirits were barred from entry. I had the good fortune to enter the Primordial Land and compete against many other talented youths for opportunities. Inside the Primordial Land, there was a tree called the World Tree that could bear World Fruits. I had an opportunity to go through some trials and eventually obtained quite a number of World Fruits. I was also lucky enough to have obtained a root from the World Tree itself.”
The person inside the main hall didn’t respond to him, so it was as though Yang Kai was talking to himself. However, Yang Kai knew that Grandmaster Ma Fan must be able to hear him, it was just that the old man didn’t bother to reply to him.
Yang Kai didn’t mind it as he went on to say, “A calamity fell upon the Universe World where I came from, which was the Star Boundary. Powerful cultivators fought against each other there, which caused great damage to the world. On top of that, much of its Auspicious Spirit Essence was consumed. A member of the Giant Spirit God Clan, which was attracted to my dying Universe World, eventually told me that the World Tree could save my home. Therefore, after I obtained the root of the World Tree from the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary, I returned to the Star Boundary when there was a chance. Then, I found a place and planted the root there. The Giant Spirit God clansman didn’t lie to me. Over the years, the root grew and transformed into a subtree of the World Tree. The Star Boundary gradually stabilised as there were no longer any signs of it collapsing. I thought that matters would end there. I was already lucky enough to have obtained a root from the World Tree, and my wish had been granted since my Universe World was saved. I wouldn’t dare to ask for more. However, I had never expected that saving my World was just the tip of the iceberg of the World Tree’s power. A few years ago, someone from my homeland came to my Void Land and told me some news that would leave me pleasantly surprised. Following the continuous nourishment from the World Tree, the heritage of the Star Boundary became increasingly ample, which allowed cultivators living there to more easily comprehend the Heavenly Way and Martial Dao. The aptitudes of my parents had always been average at best. If there hadn’t been such an opportunity, they would’ve ended up in the Third-Order Open Heaven realm; however, since they were in our homeland and grew together with the World Tree, not only did they manage to condense their Dao Seals far ahead of when I had expected them to, but they could also hope to make an initial breakthrough to the Fourth-Order or even the Fifth-Order.”
The aura in the main hall, which was usually impassive, shook a little at those words.
Yang Kai put on a smile and continued, “Senior, you’ve been living inside the ruins of Great Evolution Paradise all this time, so it’s not surprising for you to be unaware of what’s going on in the outside world. It’s expected that you don’t know that I fought an intense battle against an Inner Elder of Thousand Cranes Paradise, Zuo Quan Hui, in the recent past. In that battle, several hundred Open Heaven Realm Masters lost their lives, including several Sixth-Order ones. After they passed away, their Small Universes collapsed apart and their World Forces dissipated. However, all that World Force was absorbed by the World Tree subtree, which in turn allowed it to grow even larger and more rapidly. It is now 300 kilometres tall and its roots have spread throughout the entire Star Boundary. The nourishment it returns to the Star Boundary is astonishing. Now, all 108 Cave Heavens and Paradises have gathered together in my homeland, the Star Boundary. An agreement has been reached among us that allows them to respectively take on five disciples every 100 years from the Star Boundary. I’ve also given them a landmass of 500,000 square kilometres each to build Dao Temples for themselves where they can raise talented disciples of their own. In the entire 3,000 Worlds, the Star Boundary is the most unique Universe World in existence. With the continuous nourishment of the World Tree, the Star Boundary is bound to see many more talents appearing. Even if one is not born in the Star Boundary, their future would still be bright if they were nurtured there from a young age. Several hundred years to 1,000 years later, there will be countless people who will be able to directly ascend to the Fifth and Sixth Order directly.”
The next instant, the door, which had remained closed for a long time, creaked open. Yang Kai put on a smile and adjusted his clothes before stepping through it.
Inside the main hall, Grandmaster Ma Fan was seated with his legs crossed as he appeared doubtful with a scowl. When he saw Yang Kai coming over, he shot him a distrustful look.
Yang Kai directly took a seat in front of him and put on a helpless smile, “It’s so difficult to see you, Grandmaster.”
The long grey eyebrows of Grandmaster Ma Fan flapped in the air, “If it’s just like what you’ve said, the tree that has grown in your homeland is just the subtree of the World Tree. Is it really so amazing?”
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “The Star Boundary and the World Tree are open for all to see. If you don’t believe me, you can go over and have a look. By then, you’ll know whether I’m boasting or not.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan shook his head, “I’ve certainly heard about the World Tree, but I wasn’t aware that it could provide continuous nourishment to the land it is planted in.”
Yang Kai nodded, “I only found out about it recently as well. I guess prior to that, no one knew that the World Tree had such an effect; after all, the Mother Tree lives in the Grand Ancient Ruins Boundary. No one has brought it out and planted it in a Universe World before. That’s why no one was aware of the benefits it could provide.”
“I’ll definitely have a look at the Star Boundary. If you dare to lie to me…”
“I wouldn’t dare to.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan pursed his lips, “Did Lan You Ruo tell you about Great Evolution Paradise?”
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “The Proprietress never told me anything. I found out about it while having a chat with a Senior from Yin-Yang Cave Heaven.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan sported a milder expression and nodded.
Yang Kai straightened his face and said, “I don’t know what happened to Great Evolution Paradise in the past that caused the great force, which was once one of the 72 Paradises, to fall into such a state. However, the portal leading to these ruins has been sealed off, and you’ve imposed a restriction on Senior Sister Lu Shui and the others that they can never leave this place before they make it to the Seventh Order. Obviously, you’re worried that your enemies will retaliate against them. They may be safe staying here, and if they leave, they might expose their whereabouts. I admire the fact that all of you from Great Evolution Paradise have been patiently growing stronger and preparing yourselves, but it’s said that even the cleverest woman cannot cook a meal without rice. You’ll need more capital in order to get your revenge. Given the situation in Great Evolution Paradise now, how long will it take before the glory of your Sect will be restored?”
Grandmaster Ma Fan shot him a look, “What are you trying to say, brat?”
Yang Kai put on a meaningful grin, “You can find some youths with exceptional aptitudes and send them to the Star Boundary just like the 108 Cave Heavens and Paradises have done. The disciples might turn out to be pretty powerful. Even though this move is risky, I can make some arrangements and ensure that your enemies will not find out about it.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan questioned, “We do have some enemies… but who do you think our enemies are?”
Yang Kai frowned, “Is it not like what I think?”
He thought that the enemies of Great Evolution Paradise must be from one of the Cave Heavens or Paradises; after all, given the power of Great Evolution Paradise back then, they couldn’t be easily oppressed by just any great force.
Previously, Grandmaster Ma Fan made Yang Kai owe him a favour because he could see that the young man had the potential to directly ascend to the Seventh Order and become a Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master eventually.
If Yang Kai really made it to the Ninth Order, he would be powerful enough to deal with those Cave Heavens and Paradises.
However, Grandmaster Ma Fan’s words suggested that Yang Kai’s assumptions were incorrect.
The old man didn’t bother to explain anything; however, the World Tree was apparently attractive enough to him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have opened the door and let Yang Kai enter.
After giving it a thought, Grandmaster Ma Fan said, “You wait here for a few days. I’ll go out and ask around. If this matter is just like you’ve said, everyone must be aware of it since all 108 Cave Heavens and Paradises have gotten involved. If you’ve lied to me though, I’ll sweep you out of this place and never allow you to return.”
Yang Kai extended his hand to motion for him to go ahead.
Following that, Grandmaster Ma Fan disappeared the next moment.
After the old man was gone, Yang Kai let out a breath with an elated expression. Initially, he followed Nalan Lu Shui back to her place in the hope that she could help persuade Grandmaster Ma Fan to make him change his mind and refine a palace artifact of Void Land.
However, after getting to know more about this place, Yang Kai realised that things were a little different from what he had thought. Now, he no longer needed Nalan Lu Shui to help him. If the old man wanted to restore Great Evolution Paradise to its former glory, he would certainly be tempted by the allure of the Star Boundary.
After all, the focus of all the Cave Heavens and Paradises was on the Star Boundary now, so there was no way the ruined Great Evolution Paradise could ignore it.
Presently, Great Evolution Paradise was like a traveller in the desert while the Star Boundary was like an oasis where there was plenty of water.
Yang Kai stroked his chin as he was in a jovial mood. Now, it was Grandmaster Ma Fan who had to seek his help, not the other way around. Could he try to get more benefits out of this situation?
It was extremely difficult to find such an Artifact Refining Grandmaster, and it would take Void Land an enormous amount of time and energy to nurture one.
Yang Kai wasn’t worried that the old man wouldn’t get any information about the Star Boundary. After such a long time, the existence of the World Tree had become a well-known fact across the 3,000 Worlds. Besides the Cave Heavens and Paradises, there were also many cultivators from Second Class great forces wandering around in the Star Boundary. Before Yang Kai left, many powerful cultivators would visit High Heaven Palace and ask for a place to build Dao Temples of their own.
Certainly, those from High Heaven Palace would never agree to this. The table was only so big and there were only so many seats. All of the seats had been occupied by the Cave Heavens and Paradises as well as High Heaven Palace. Anyone who wanted to obtain a place had to get the permission of those from High Heaven Palace as well as the Cave Heavens and Paradises, so no one would dare to make a scene.
Although those from High Heaven Palace never gave these people any land of their own, they wouldn’t stop those powerful cultivators from obtaining disciples in the Star Boundary as long as they followed the rules. It was their own opportunity to get their desired disciples. Yang Kai was looking forward to the day when the cultivators from the Star Boundary became powerful enough in all the places in the 3,000 Worlds, which was why he never even intended to stop these people.
There were a Star City and Universe Temple in Great Evolution Territory, so it would be convenient for Grandmaster Ma Fan to get the information he needed from these two places as both places were filled with people from all walks of life, and all sorts of information spread around very quickly.
Therefore, the old man returned about ten days later.
Yang Kai was waiting for him in the main hall, but he didn’t get up to greet him when he saw him. The old man was obviously in a different mood. A glimmer of hope suddenly came into his sight just when he had almost given up. Despite his best efforts, he could barely contain his excitement.
The information he obtained from the Star City and Universe Temple proved that Yang Kai didn’t lie to him. There was really an amazing World Tree in the Star Boundary that had attracted the attention of everyone in the 3,000 Worlds. All 108 Cave Heavens and Paradises had set up Dao Temples while many High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had gathered together in that place.
The Star Boundary was now touted to be the 3,000 Worlds’ Open Heaven Realm Cradle, which was a peerless honour.
Although Grandmaster Ma Fan hadn’t gone to the Star Boundary to see it for himself, he could confirm that Yang Kai wasn’t exaggerating.
Faced with such a temptation, both the old man and Great Evolution Paradise were unable to resist it; therefore, despite knowing that he had to pay a price by biting the bait, he would still do it.
The old man then took a seat in front of Yang Kai and spoke in a frank tone, “Although Great Evolution Paradise is now a husk of its former self, we used to be one of the 72 Paradises. Just like you’ve given to the other Cave Heavens and Paradises, we’ll also get five disciples from the Star Boundary every 100 years, and I want a landmass of 500,000 square kilometres to use as a Dao Temple.”
“Good.” Yang Kai nodded as he didn’t have the intention of haggling with him over this.
The old man was slightly surprised by his straightforwardness, then he continued, “I don’t know what benefits those Cave Heavens and Paradises have offered you, but we don’t have any rewards to give you now. However, you owed me a favour, and you must have come all the way here to ask for something. I won’t take advantage of you. Just see it as you’ve returned the favour, and I’ll also agree to your request this time.”
Yang Kai put on a grin, “You’re truly a straightforward person, Senior. I won’t stand on ceremony then. Do we have a deal?”
Grandmaster Ma Fan nodded, “However, you’ll have to wait here for a while longer. I’ll have to send the young ones to the Star Boundary and help them settle down before I return and refine the artifact for you.”
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “I’m not in a rush for that artifact. You can handle the matters regarding Great Evolution Paradise first.”
He knew that the old man would never be at ease before having a look at the Star Boundary himself. Only when the old man visited the Star Boundary and witnessed its prosperity would the deal be approved.
After a pause, Yang Kai added, “Senior, would you be interested in becoming a Supreme High-Rank Guest Elder of High Heaven Palace? If you agree to it, I’ll offer more benefits to the disciples of Great Evolution Paradise living in the Star Boundary.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan fell silent upon hearing that.
Seeing that the old man didn’t immediately reject him, Yang Kai knew that there might be some hope; hence, he quickly followed up, “There’s no rush in making a decision, Senior. You can have a look at the Star Boundary first, and we’ll talk about it later. To be honest with you, Yu Chang Dao of Free and Unfettered Paradise is now a Supreme High-Rank Guest Elder of High Heaven Palace.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan stared intently at him and remarked, “It seems that the Star Boundary is truly attractive to a lot of people.”
If that wasn’t the case, a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master wouldn’t have agreed to becoming a Guest Elder of a Universe World Sect.
Yang Kai put on a meaningful grin.
The old man got up and said, “I’ll make the arrangements for the young ones now. You can do whatever you want here.”
After taking a few steps forward, he turned his head and asked, “What do you want me to make for you this time?”
Yang Kai hurriedly replied, “A mobile palace artifact. I suffered a setback when I was dealing with Zuo Quan Hui previously, so I want to obtain one for my Sect.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan commented, “That will require a lot of materials. You’d better get prepared.”
Yang Kai smiled and nodded, “I know.”
The old man stopped talking and left the place.
It was pretty troublesome to send the young ones of Great Evolution Paradise to the Star Boundary. First of all, they had to pick out disciples with exceptional aptitudes. Nalan Lu Shui and the others were astounded when they heard about the news. Yang Kai went on to wait in the place where Grandmaster Ma Fan usually lived for one month before he saw the old man again.
After some asking, Yang Kai found out that Nalan Lu Shui was still in the process of selecting disciples, and it would take some time before the matter could be settled.
Yang Kai said, “Senior, it’ll take you half a year to go to the Star Boundary and come back here, so I won’t linger here. After you arrive at the Star Boundary, just look for the Head Manager of High Heaven Palace, Hua Qing Si, and she’ll make all the arrangements. Also, you can tell her all the materials that are required to refine the palace artifact. She’ll prepare everything.”
After saying that, Yang Kai passed the old man a jade slip that served as a Faith Token. Yang Kai had written down all the information Hua Qing Si would need.
Grandmaster Ma Fan took it and frowned, “Are you not coming with me?”
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “I’m not going back for now as I still have other matters to attend to. I’ll come get the palace artifact when I return to this place in the future.”
“Good.” The old man nodded as he didn’t want to force him. A moment later, he suddenly said, “Take out your Void Yin-Yang Mirrors.”
Upon hearing that, Yang Kai grinned from ear to ear as he said, “Many thanks, Senior.”
Grandmaster Ma Fan said, “I’ve never taken advantage of anyone before. Artifact Refining is my craft, and it won’t take me much effort. Since you’ve offered me such great help, I’ll repay you in kind. Regardless of whether I agree to becoming a Supreme High-Rank Guest Elder of your Sect, you can come to me whenever you need to refine artifacts in the future.”
Yang Kai was ecstatic, “Many thanks, Senior!”
Since he had gotten such a promise, it no longer mattered whether the old man would become a Guest Elder or not.
Sixteen Array Boards were then taken out swiftly. Grandmaster Ma Fan asked for many materials from Yang Kai before he started working on them. He certainly needed to repair the damaged parts, but he also planned to remodel them based on the existing foundation.
Just like refining pills, making artifacts required attention to detail. Usually, once an artifact had taken shape, it would require an Artifact Refiner more skillful than the original creator to further refine and improve it. Grandmaster Ma Fan was obviously capable of doing this. It would just take him some time to refine the hastily made Array Boards, which wasn’t difficult for him at all.
When Yang Kai retrieved the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors some time later, the sizes of all sixteen Array Boards had shrunk significantly. Additionally, the Void Yin-Yang Mirrors obviously had been upgraded after the refinement. The consumption of energy it would require to activate this set of artifacts had been lessened and their sturdiness had been improved.
Yang Kai was certainly pleased with it.
Grandmaster Ma Fan would only start refining the palace artifact after he returned from the Star Boundary, and it would take a lot of time. Since Yang Kai didn’t have the intention to wait here, he bid the old man farewell. He wouldn’t need to worry about the materials anyway. By then, Grandmaster Ma Fan would just have to give a list to Hua Qing Si, and everything would be prepared by her.
However, before Yang Kai’s departure, Grandmaster Ma Fan suddenly recalled something as he said, “Leave that Purple Qi here. I can mix it in with the palace artifact and increase its power.”
Hearing that, Yang Kai hurriedly fished out the Purple Qi from his Small Universe and asked curiously, “Does Senior know what this thing is?”
He had previously noticed that Grandmaster Ma Fan was a little interested in the Purple Qi, so the old man could clearly recognise it. The item was certainly terrific since it could catch the attention of an Artifact Refining Grandmaster.
“It’s a Purple Heaven Divine Thunder,” Grandmaster Ma Fan replied, “It’s also called the Purging Evil Divine Thunder which is capable of vanquishing all kinds of wicked and malicious intent.”
“Divine Thunder?” Yang Kai was astounded. The Purple Qi that had swirled around his fingers like a snake didn’t look like lightning at all.
Grandmaster Ma Fan didn’t explain anything as he gently flicked the Purple Qi.
The next instant, an explosive sound was heard as a series of booming thunderclaps rang out. The Purple Qi that originally draped around Yang Kai’s fingers in an obedient manner suddenly became violent, as though it was a beast that would swallow its prey alive.
Although Yang Kai was strong, his fingers still felt numb from the impact.
“It’s a very rare material. Only a pristine and pure Universe World can nurture a strand of Purple Heaven Divine Thunder. Unfortunately, with this thing around, such a Universe World is destined to decline.” Grandmaster Ma Fan took the Purple Qi from Yang Kai’s hand and activated his World Force to suppress it. The violent Purple Qi soon became obedient again.
“Why is that?” Yang Kai was puzzled.
Grandmaster Ma Fan explained, “That’s because the entire essence of a Universe World is absorbed into this thing. How could a Universe World survive such a process?”
Yang Kai seemed to understand something.
As the old man looked at the Purple Heaven Divine Thunder in his hand, he fell into his thoughts. He remembered that in the past, there was a woman clad in red clothes in Great Evolution Paradise who possessed a purple sword that was refined from Purple Heaven Divine Thunder. That woman said that she would destroy all evil in the world with her sword in a clear voice. His memory of it was so vivid that it was as though it just happened yesterday.
At that time, Grandmaster Ma Fan was a Common Disciple who had just joined the Sect.
Time passed by so quickly and in the blink of an eye, he was already an old man with a long grey beard.
“You may leave now. The palace artifact will be ready when you come back next time.” Grandmaster Ma Fan waved his hand.
Yang Kai bowed his head, “Many thanks, Grandmaster.”
An hour later, in a Restricted Area in Great Evolution Paradise, candle-lights flickered inside the ancestral hall. In front of more than 30,000 memorial tablets, Grandmaster Ma Fan said with a smile while his eyes were slightly red, “Sect Master, Elders, Senior Brothers, Senior Sisters, I’ve persevered long enough to see this day. There’s hope for Great Evolution Paradise now. Just you wait, I’ll soon lead the descendants of Great Evolution Paradise out to obtain revenge for all of you!”
On that day, a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master arrived at Heavenly Martial Hall’s Great Evolution Branch and destroyed its signboard, though he didn’t harm anyone in the process. The Open Heaven Realm Masters, who were in charge of the Great Evolution Branch, trembled in fear as they had no idea whether they had offended this top cultivator in some way, nor did they know where he came from. They just knew that he was an old man with grey hair and beard.
After he left, the cultivators in the branch hurriedly informed those from the headquarters of Heavenly Martial Hall about it. The Hall Master personally came to look into the matter, but he couldn’t find any answers.
However, after that day, those from Heavenly Martial Hall tactfully stopped using the name Great Evolution for their branch.
A few days later, in the ruins of Great Evolution Paradise, Grandmaster Ma Fan looked down at the selected youths and nodded with satisfaction.
Nalan Lu Shui and the others were surprised to see that their Old Ancestor, who always had a hunchback, was standing tall on this day, as though the burden on his body had finally disappeared.
The Shattered Heaven was a lawless land where opportunities and crisis co-existed. It was rumoured that there were countless treasures in this place; therefore, even though it was extremely dangerous, it could still attract brave souls to step into it.
In a restaurant in the Shattered Heaven Star City, Yang Kai was seated by the window on the second floor. As he looked down at the sea of people, he tutted in amazement.
He previously came to this place to enter the Shadowless Cave Heaven and save the Proprietress. Since he was in a rush at the time, he wasn’t in the mood to look around.
It wasn’t until he revisited the Shattered Heaven Star City that he realised that despite the fact that the city was small and disorderly, there were a lot of valuable items on sale.
Certainly, it might have something to do with his cultivation as well. He was only an Emperor Realm cultivator when he previously came to this place, but now, he was already a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. Since his horizons had been broadened, he naturally could see things in a different light.
“I heard that the Shattered Heaven was formed because ancient Great Experts fought against one another and destroyed several neighbouring Great Territories. I wonder what got those ancient Great Experts into such a scuffle,” Yang Kai muttered.
There was a grim-looking middle-aged man who was seated across from him who decided to ignore Yang Kai as he took a sip of his wine.
Yang Kai turned to look at him and put on a smile, “You’ve lived for so long already, so why do you still get mad so easily?”
Wu Kuang snapped, “You should try being trapped in a sack for twenty years!”
Yang Kai chuckled, “Well, there was a change of plans. I hadn’t expected that it’d take me such a long time to repair the Universe Temples.”
After Yang Kai left the Star Boundary, his visits to Black Territory and Great Evolution Paradise didn’t take him much time; however, he had been held up for twenty years repairing the broken Universe Temples.
During this period of time, Wu Kuang had been hiding inside the Six Fated Paths Bag while Yang Kai lugged it along with him.
After all, this guy was still a disciple of Myriad Demons Cave Heaven on paper. He had killed Yin Xin Zhao and Pei Wen Xuan before absorbing all of their cultivation. He could hide his whereabouts while he was in the New Great Territory as those from Myriad Demons Cave Heaven and Xuan Yuan Cave Heaven wouldn’t be able to find him there. Nevertheless, if he rashly showed up anywhere else, he would probably be discovered by Yu Huan from Myriad Demons Heaven. By then, it would be hard for him to explain himself.
Therefore, when he learned that Yang Kai was coming to the Shattered Heaven, he told the latter to bring him along.
The first thing that sprang into Yang Kai’s mind was the Six Fated Paths Bag. His own Small Universe couldn’t accommodate Wu Kuang, who was also in the Sixth-Order, as it would render him too weak if he did so. As such, he could only use the Six Fated Paths Bag.
In the past, Yang Kai had used this thing to keep Yue He, who was also in the Sixth-Order, inside it; however, this artifact also had a limit. It could only accommodate a few Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Yang Kai had never been able to figure out what the Six Fated Paths Bag was made of that allowed it to keep Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters inside it.
There was no way Wu Kuang could return to Myriad Demons Cave Heaven. Meanwhile, no Sect in the 3,000 Worlds would welcome him. As such, the Shattered Heaven was the best place for him. Murder and robbery were rampant in this cursed place. It was no wonder that a Devil Lord like Wu Kuang would take a liking to it.
Yang Kai had never expected that before his departure, he would be brought to a Universe Temple by Xu Ling Gong to repair it, and he went on to do exactly that for the next twenty years.
As a result, Wu Kuang was trapped inside the Six Fated Paths Bag for twenty years. Anyone would be upset if such an incident happened to them. However, Wu Kuang would never dare to make a rash move despite feeling vexed. If he really tore the bag apart and left, he might be caught. Not only would his future be hanging in the balance, but Yang Kai would also be dragged into the mess.
Wu Kuang then chugged down the wine and slammed the cup on the table before rising from the chair, “Farewell!”
Following that, he turned around and shuffled out of the restaurant.
Yang Kai picked up his own cup and gently called out, “Don’t get killed somewhere.”
Wu Kuang waved his hand without turning his head as though he never heard him. Once he stepped out of this restaurant, he would be like a tiger that returned to the mountain or a Dragon that dove into the ocean. The world would be his to savour.
On a street that was crammed with people, a handsome young man in all white clothes strolled around. Wherever he went, the passers-by would be slightly pushed away from him by an invisible force.
Sensing something, Yang Kai took a glance at this person, and it just so happened that the young man also stopped in his tracks and looked up.
As they exchanged glances, both of them frowned.
Even though Yang Kai was certain that it was the first time he came across this white robed youth, he immediately felt repulsed by him for no apparent reason. It was almost an instinctual reaction, as though it was how it was naturally supposed to be, which was unprecedented for him. Yang Kai wasn’t an arrogant or overbearing individual, and since it was the first time they met, why would he feel such distaste for this young man when they had only exchanged glances? They hadn’t even spoken to each other yet.
Judging from the white robed youth’s expression, Yang Kai knew that the other party shared the same sentiment.
Fortunately, neither of them seemed to want to cause trouble. The white robed youth was apparently in a rush, so he soon retracted his gaze and strode out of the Star City alongside the crowd.
A moment later, Yang Kai paid the bill and calmly left the restaurant.
Outside the Star City, a petite young woman, who had been following the white robed youth, asked, “What did you see, Young Master? You seem displeased.”
The young woman appeared innocent as she held a branch with some peach blossoms on it. As jovial as a monkey, she kept jumping around the young man.
The white robed youth replied dispassionately, “Nothing. I just saw someone I dislike.”
The young woman batted her eyes, “Since you don’t like him, I’ll kill him for you.”
While never stopping in his tracks, the white robed youth shook his head, “There’s no need for that. There are countless people I hate in the world. It’s not like he matters at all.”
In a matter-of-factly manner, the young woman said, “I’ll kill anyone you hate, Young Master.”
The white robed youth didn’t respond to her.
As they spoke, they had already flown out 10 million kilometres.
Meanwhile, Yang Kai had also left the Star City. After identifying the direction, he turned into a ray of light and shot forward.
The reason he visited the Shattered Heaven was to increase his strength. An Open Heaven Realm Master had to increase their heritage in order to strengthen their cultivation, which was a painfully long process. Be it refining Open Heaven Pills or various materials of different Orders, it required a lot of time and effort.
For a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master to ascend to the Seventh-Order, 1,000 years of cultivation was the absolute minimum requirement. For a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master to make it to the Eighth-Order, it would take him several thousand years to over 10,000 years to even make an attempt. As for an Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master trying to reach the Ninth-Order, several tens of thousands of years were required.
Yang Kai had no idea whether there were any Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Cave Heavens and Paradises, but he had seen several Masters in the Eighth-Order before. Be it the Ancestor who was in charge of the Small Source Worlds in Yin-Yang Cave Heaven or the Ancestors he had seen in the Universe Temple, they were all Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters.
As for Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters, Yang Kai speculated that such people did exist in the Cave Heavens and Paradises, but there wouldn’t be a lot of them. Perhaps there was only one Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master in each of those Sects. Yang Kai even speculated that some of the Cave Heavens and Paradises might not have a single Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master overseeing them.
He was now a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, and due to the various opportunities he had come across, the heritage of his Small Universe was more ample than average. However, he was still some distance away from the Seventh-Order.
In order to increase his cultivation quickly, Yang Kai either had to enter another Small Source World or look for a Temporal River like the one Xu Ling Gong had mentioned before.
Nevertheless, he was unable to use either of these shortcuts. The Cave Heavens and Paradises all had Small Source Worlds, but they were only open for their own disciples. Even Yin-Yang Cave Heaven would never allow Yang Kai to use their Small Source World again, let alone other great forces.
The only way to speed things up that Yang Kai could think of was the Astral Wind Divine Ability that he had come across after leaving the Shadowless Cave Heaven with the Proprietress back then.
It was a Divine Ability that was left behind by a Great Expert in ancient times. Although many years had passed, it still remained intact as it blocked the exit of the Shadowless Cave Heaven. The Astral Wind would gust into Shadowless Cave Heaven from time to time and sweep away the heritages of Open Heaven Realm Master’s Small Universes. It was similar to the eerie aura in Black Territory.
In the Astral Wind Divine Ability, Wind Spirits had been nurtured.
Previously, Yang Kai drew some Wind Spirits in his Small Universe and killed them. After they passed away, they left behind a lot of very pure World Force, which helped strengthen his heritage.
However, Yang Kai was eager to return to Void Land at that time, so he didn’t stay for long. Instead, he memorised the route and thought that he would come back in the future.
The reason he revisited the Shattered Heaven this time was to go after the Wind Spirits in the Astral Wind Divine Ability.
As long as he could attract all the Wind Spirits into his Small Universe and kill them, he would make a huge leap forward on his way to the Seventh-Order.
Yang Kai still remembered that after they left the Shadowless Cave Heaven previously, they went on to wander around the Shattered Heaven for half a year before they ran across a fight between two Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters. After asking them for directions, Yang Kai’s group kept moving forward for half a month before they arrived at Shattered Heaven Star City.
Since he didn’t have much time to memorise the route back then, Yang Kai wasn’t sure if he could find the Astral Wind Divine Ability this time. However, the Astral Wind Divine Ability covered a vast area, so as long as he knew the general location, he would eventually find it.
Wherever he went, Yang Kai could see cultivators who were in a hurry. Although the Shattered Heaven was dangerous, it was also a battlefield of Great Experts from ancient times where many treasures and hidden Universe Cave Heavens and Universe Paradises were left behind. Therefore, it could still attract many cultivators to fight for opportunities.
Sometimes, Yang Kai would see cultivators getting into bloody fights. He would usually ignore and circumvent these people.
As he went further, Yang Kai encountered fewer and fewer people.
After looking around for half a year, his wish was finally granted as he saw the gigantic Astral Wind Divine Ability hovering in the void.
Although it wasn’t the first time he saw it, Yang Kai was still awestruck by its magnificence.
It was a storm that covered an area of several tens of millions of kilometres as it swirled around, affecting the void around it, making it seem like space was being torn apart.
If a Universe World such as the Star Boundary was hit by such a Divine Ability, it would be ground to pieces instantly. The cultivation of the ancient Great Expert who unleashed this Divine Ability must be inscrutable.
Yang Kai longed for that kind of strength.
Such a Divine Ability could only have been produced by a Master in the Eighth-Order at the very least. However, considering the fact that the Divine Ability had been worn down over time, the person who used it in the past must have been a Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master.
There was no doubt that a Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master came from one of the Cave Heavens and Paradises.
What was the reason that caused those ancient Great Experts to fight here and even shatter the neighbouring Great Territories?
It was said that all 108 Cave Heavens and Paradises had been united since time immemorial, so why did they fight against one another in this place?
Compared to the 3,000 Worlds, which had existed for countless eons, both Void Land and Yang Kai were still young and inexperienced.
There were many secrets he hadn’t figured out and many sights he hadn’t seen in this vast universe.
Xu Ling Gong had said the secret behind the Universe Temples could threaten the safety of the 3,000 Worlds, but Yang Kai hadn’t figured out the reason behind it.
A Universe Temple was like a transit station for cultivators. As long as one had left behind their Imprint, they could use the Universe Transference Law and instantly return to a Universe Temple within the same Great Territory. Although it was truly abstruse, Yang Kai didn’t understand why it had something to do with the safety of the 3,000 Worlds.
In any case, he didn’t really mind it as he reckoned that he would figure out all these puzzles one day.
Presently, he was staring at the huge Astral Wind Divine Ability, but just when he was preparing to enter, he saw a figure actually emerge from it.
The person was clad in tattered clothes and covered in blood while he almost crashed into Yang Kai, who instantly stopped in his tracks.
The man who just dashed out of the Astral Wind was startled as he hadn’t expected to see another Human in this place.
With that said, he was pretty agile as he quickly moved aside and brushed past Yang Kai. Upon stopping on a spot that was 1,000 metres away, he turned around to look at Yang Kai in shock.
Yang Kai was staring at him as well. Although this person was battered and his aura was weak, he was clearly a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. Moreover, the wounds on this person’s figure radiated a golden glow while the flesh in the wounds squirmed and healed itself at a visible rate.
With his brow raised, Yang Kai couldn’t help but recall a Secret Technique from one of the Cave Heavens, Immovable Bright King Body.
The Star Boundary had become a household name since there was a World Tree in that place. Back then, while Yang Kai was still in the Star Boundary, he came into contact with High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters from all 108 Cave Heavens and Paradises. Xu Ling Gong also helped him understand more about these top great forces at the time.
Bright King Cave Heaven was one of the 36 Cave Heavens, and their disciples were all Body Tempering Masters whose figures were extremely sturdy and far surpassed cultivators in the same Order. That was because they had a Secret Art called the Immovable Bright King Body that was best suited for Body Tempering.
From the Sect Master to the Common Disciples, everyone from Bright King Cave Heaven was a Master in Body Tempering while the people who had the right to cultivate the Immovable Bright King Body were the best of them all.
They were not used to using any artifacts as their bodies were the strongest weapons and armor. In the 3,000 Worlds, Bright King Cave Heaven had collected the highest number of Body Tempering Secret Arts and Secret Techniques. Stout Immovable Bright King Body, Unbreakable Diamond Body, and Flawless Golden Body were extremely rare Special Constitutions in the outside world, but they were very common among Bright King Cave Heaven disciples.
Xu Ling Gong once mentioned that it was extremely hard to harm a cultivator from Bright King Cave Heaven. Both men and women from the Sect were sturdy, and they had no regard for any great forces that were below their calibre.
When two cultivators in the same realm fought, the one from Bright King Cave Heaven would usually win if the other was not overwhelmingly stronger. Given their intrepid physiques, they could simply wear their opponents down until they won the battle.
Yang Kai never expected to come across a cultivator from Bright King Cave Heaven in this place. It seemed that just like Xu Ling Gong had said, these guys who cultivated Immovable Bright King Body were mad men who didn’t treasure their lives. They would always make use of anything they could to temper their bodies, no matter how dangerous.
It was apparent that this person had dashed into the Astral Wind Divine Ability some time ago in order to strengthen his physique.
Yang Kai couldn’t help but admire this man, whose body was as sturdy as his own Half-Dragon Form. It had to be noted that the Astral Wind Divine Ability was probably left behind by a Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. Even the average High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master would have a hard time while inside of it. Although this Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master appeared battered, in truth he had only suffered some flesh wounds.
The reason Yang Kai had a robust body was because he had a Dragon Clan bloodline. On the other hand, this person tempered his body through pure hard work and perseverance.
That unknown man arched his brow and asked, “Are you here to temper your body as well, Junior Brother?”
“Indeed.” Yang Kai smiled and nodded.
The person’s eyes lit up when he heard that as he gave Yang Kai a thumbs-up without hesitation, “You’re brave and insightful.” He then pointed his thumb at his own nose and boasted by saying, “Just like me.”
Yang Kai chuckled upon hearing that. Since it was confirmed that this person was from Bright King Cave Heaven, he could let his guard down. Cultivators from the Cave Heavens and Paradises could be arrogant, but they wouldn’t usually create trouble and get into fights with others for no reason.
“Xu Wang.” The young man told Yang Kai his name and looked fervently at him, “What’s your name, Junior Brother?”
Although both of them were in the Sixth-Order, this person directly regarded himself as the Senior Brother, so it was apparent that he had a frank personality.
“Yang Kai.”
“So it is Junior Brother Yang.” Xu Wang nodded firmly. While he was speaking, all the wounds on his body had healed. Although he still appeared exhausted, he would recover after getting some rest. He then passionately said, “Junior Brother, since you’ve found this Astral Wind Divine Ability and want to enter to temper your body, I have some advice for you as a Senior Brother.”
“Please go ahead, Senior Brother Xu.” Yang Kai extended his hand.
Xu Wang said, “The inside of this Divine Ability is indeed a good place for Body Tempering; however, it’s also extremely dangerous, so you have to be careful. You have to be especially cautious of the Wind Spirits and must not let them come near you. It’s hard to get rid of them, and they can absorb your World Force to strengthen themselves. If you fight them, they’ll grow even stronger, but if you don’t fight them, they’ll never leave you alone. They can also sneak into your Small Universe, so be especially cautious.”
Yang Kai was already aware of this. In the past, he had brought quite a number of Open Heaven Realm Masters out of the Shadowless Cave Heaven. When they were passing through the Astral Wind Divine Ability, some of the Fourth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters were invaded by the Wind Spirits. In just over ten breaths, their heritages were swallowed up, which caused their Small Universes to collapse and led to their demise.
It was obvious that Xu Wang was a forthright individual since he didn’t hide this truth from Yang Kai despite the fact that it was the first time they met.
A moved Yang Kai asked, “Was your Small Universe intruded by a Wind Spirit, Senior Brother?”
This person wouldn’t have realised it if he hadn’t experienced it.
As expected, Xu Wang appeared somewhat fearful as he recalled, “En. Fortunately, I was somehow able to force it out; otherwise, I would’ve lost my life.”
He was more than just lucky since he was able to force a Wind Spirit out of his Small Universe. This person named Xu Wang apparently had his own unique methods.
Yang Kai didn’t delve deeper into the topic and just nodded with gratitude, “Many thanks for the warning, Senior Brother Xu. I’ll remember to run away from the Wind Spirits if I see them.”
Xu Wang grinned and revealed his white teeth, “A real man is able to yield when it’s necessary to do so. I’m quite fond of you, Junior Brother.” All of a sudden, he balled up his fist and hit it with his other palm. While appearing to be combative, he said, “Since I’ve given you such valuable information, I’d like to ask you to do me a favour. You might find it a little odd, though.”
A bad feeling swept over Yang Kai as his brow twitched slightly, “Since it’s odd, you probably shouldn’t bring it up.”
Xu Wang guffawed, “Sorry, your request is denied. Since both are Body Tempering cultivators, and we’re in the same Order, we shouldn’t miss such a chance. Please fight with me, Junior Brother. Don’t worry, I won’t kill you, and I won’t mind it if you’re able to break me.”
Without caring about whether Yang Kai would agree or not, Xu Wang directly charged forward and pushed out his fist.
Since Yang Kai was already expecting this, he immediately raised his fist to meet the attack. He instantly felt a violent force coming at him as though he was punching an entire universe.
Borrowing that force, Yang Kai didn’t resist and allowed himself to be sent flying backward, crashing into the Astral Wind Divine Ability.
Xu Wang, who had only let out one punch, became dumbfounded for a moment before he pursed his lips, “That Junior Brother is a slippery one.”
He wanted to chase after Yang Kai; however, he had just consumed a lot of his strength. If he entered the Divine Ability again in such a state, he would be inviting trouble to himself. After giving it a thought, he put on a grin, “It’s not like you can hide inside forever. I’ll just wait for you to come out!”
Following that, he sat down with his legs crossed and gulped down some Open Heaven Pills before recuperating in silence.
Three days later, Xu Wang appeared amazed. He initially thought that Yang Kai could only last one or two days in the Astral Wind, but the latter was still nowhere to be seen.
It had to be noted that when he came here for the first time, he could only last for five days.
After five days, Yang Kai was still nowhere to be found. There was an approving look on Xu Wang’s face as Yang Kai was also able to last for so long despite the fact that it was his first time here. It went to show that Yang Kai was just as sturdy as Xu Wang was, and they were probably equal matches.
Ten days later, Xu Wang sported a solemn expression.
Half a month later, Xu Wang was unable to sit back anymore as he dashed into the Astral Wind to look for Yang Kai.
Another half a month later, he flew out of the Astral Wind while covered in blood. He turned to look at the gigantic Astral Wind and sighed, “Why did he die at such a young age? Now there’s one fewer person who can fight with me. This feels terrible.”
It had been a whole month since Yang Kai entered the Astral Wind, but he still hadn’t returned. Xu Wang tried to look for him, but it was to no avail. It was now obvious that Yang Kai had lost his life.
Xu Wang reckoned that Yang Kai had passed away after his Small Universe was invaded by a Wind Spirit. The reason Xu Wang was able to force a Wind Spirit out of his Small Universe was that he had come across a certain opportunity in the past that gave him more control over his Small Universe. However, other Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters might not be able to copy his success.
With that said, what really made Xu Wang feel vexed was that Yang Kai hadn’t had a proper fight with him before his death.
Despite that, they were mere acquaintances. Although he felt sorry for Yang Kai, they were not really friends to begin with, so after feeling regretful for a moment, Xu Wang stopped thinking about it and rested for a bit before returning to the Astral Wind. As he let the Astral Wind cut his flesh, he attempted to comprehend the abstrusity of the Immovable Bright King Body.
Meanwhile, Yang Kai, who was thought to be dead, was seated somewhere in the depths of the Astral Wind with his legs crossed. There was an ancient tree hovering behind him as its low hanging branches formed a shield that warded off the Astral Wind around him. The wind that could cause people like Xu Wang to be covered in blood was unable to penetrate the Towering Evergreen at all. It could only form some ripples on the surface of the green light barrier.
A Wind Spirit with four limbs but without any facial features howled and shot towards Yang Kai, as though it was a shark that caught a whiff of blood in the water.
Just when it was about to crash into the Towering Evergreen, a thought flashed through Yang Kai’s mind as he slightly opened up the protective layer of his Divine Manifestation.
Since there were no more obstacles, the Wind Spirit directly dove into Yang Kai’s Small Universe.
There were already some Wind Spirits of different sizes and strengths inside Yang Kai’s Small Universe; however, all of them were being burned by Golden Crow’s True Fire.
When Yang Kai previously escaped this place, he made use of his Golden Crow’s True Fire to deal with the Wind Spirits which had appeared. With such an experience, he was now able to repeat this process with ease.
While the Wind Spirits appeared to be growling, they were voiceless. They struggled in silence as they were being destroyed by the Golden Crow’s True Fire.
After each Wind Spirit was incinerated, a dark fog would be released along with a large amount of pure World Force. Yang Kai could easily absorb this World Force to strengthen his Small Universe.
The dark fog was obviously something bad; therefore, Yang Kai would seal it and then force it out of his body. As a result, he appeared to be shrouded in a layer of Black Qi, which was quite eerie.
A lot of Wind Spirits had been nurtured in the Astral Wind Divine Ability over the millennia. Moreover, they were sensitive to their surroundings. The moment Yang Kai barged in, even the Wind Spirits in the distance noticed him and charged towards him.
The Wind Spirits were burned and killed while the heritage of Yang Kai’s Small Universe increased.
One month later, fewer Wind Spirits jumped into the trap, and eventually, no more showed up.
Yang Kai got to his feet and headed towards the depths of the Astral Wind Divine Ability before repeating the same process.
Meanwhile, Xu Wang, who had been practicing Body Tempering in the Astral Wind Divine Ability, felt somewhat confused recently. In the past, every time he entered the Astral Wind, he would be bothered by the Wind Spirits from time to time. He didn’t have the intention to deal with those eerie Wind Spirits, so he could only flee; therefore, his training involved enduring the Astral Wind Divine Ability while escaping from the Wind Spirits.
However, he could clearly feel that the Wind Spirits had decreased in number recently, and eventually, he couldn’t even see a single one.
This was puzzling to him. He had been cultivating in this place for more than ten years, but the situation had never changed. It wasn’t until the arrival of the young man named Yang Kai that things had become different.
Could the disappearance of the Wind Spirits have something to do with him?
Nonetheless, Xu Wang had personally experienced the power of those Wind Spirits. Although he was also a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, he still had to run away from them, so how could Yang Kai possibly be spared the calamity?
While feeling curious, Xu Wang shuffled towards the depths of the Astral Wind, which he had never attempted to enter in the past ten years. Wherever he went though, other than the destructive Astral Wind, he couldn’t see a single Wind Spirit.
He was unable to go too far into the Astral Wind since he wouldn’t be able to bear the tearing forces. When his limit was reached, he had no choice but to leave. Unfortunately, he was unable to figure out whether Yang Kai was still alive, or whether the disappearance of the Wind Spirits had anything to do with him.
One day, while Xu Wang was meditating outside of the Astral Wind, he suddenly felt that something was off. When he opened his eyes, he saw a red crow with bloodshot eyes 1,000 metres away. While hovering in the void, the crow stared at him with a tilted head.
Seeing that Xu Wang had opened his eyes, the crow suddenly flapped its wings and squawked.
A disturbing cry was instantly heard in Xu Wang’s mind. Following the lead of the voice, his thoughts fluctuated while a gust of energy shot towards his head.
“Blood Crow!” Xu Wang widened his eyes and hurriedly leapt to his feet.
Blood Crow was a symbol as well as a title of one of the greatest calamities in the Shattered Heaven over recent decades. Blood Crow Divine Monarch, who had gathered together a group of Open Heaven Realm Masters, had taken up residence in the Shattered Heaven and over the past few years, had committed a lot of outrageous crimes and killed countless people. Other than the cultivators from the ordinary Sects who explored the Shattered Heaven to seek out treasures, even some of the top cultivators from the Cave Heavens and Paradises had suffered losses because of Blood Crow Divine Monarch. Some of them were even killed. Many of them were Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Others might not know the background of Blood Crow Divine Monarch, but Xu Wang was fully aware of that since he was a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master from Bright King Heaven.
Some years ago, the Blood Monster Cave Heaven, which was located in Blood Monster Territory, collapsed. Blood Monster Cave Heaven was a Universe Cave Heaven left behind by an Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master known as Blood Monster Divine Monarch after his death. At that time, he had trapped another Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master called Black Crow Divine Monarch in his Small Universe.
When Blood Monster Cave Heaven opened up previously, Black Crow Divine Monarch seized the chance and was reborn in another person’s body. He already had the heritage of a Seventh-Order Master, so although he was only a Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master after seizing another body, he was a cunning and sly old fox. While he was suppressed in the Universe Cave Heaven, Black Crow Divine Monarch comprehended the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture left behind by Blood Monster Divine Monarch, which significantly increased his strength.
Inside the Blood Monster Cave Heaven, Black Crow Divine Monarch had killed many of the disciples from the Cave Heavens and Paradises who had entered the Universe Cave Heaven for life experience, which infuriated those great forces.
After the Blood Monster Cave Heaven fell apart, those from the Cave Heavens and Paradises cordoned off the Territory Gates leading out of Blood Monster Territory in an attempt to capture Black Crow Divine Monarch so that they could avenge the death of their disciples; however, it wasn’t certain what trick that guy had used, but he had managed to escape.
Following that, Black Crow Divine Monarch arrived at the Shattered Heaven. In the entire 3,000 Worlds, only a lawless land such as the Shattered Heaven was relatively safe for him.
Xu Wang had heard from his Elders that Ti Zheng, who was responsible for the external affairs of Myriad Demons Heaven, was killed by Black Crow Divine Monarch. It was said that he was ambushed when he was in critical condition and drained of all his Blood Essence. Otherwise, a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master wouldn’t have passed away so easily.
Over the years, the Cave Heavens and Paradises had deployed countless disciples and resources to the Shattered Heaven in an attempt to capture Black Crow Divine Monarch. Those from Myriad Demons Heaven were especially enthusiastic about this task. However, their efforts turned out to be futile. As years turned to decades, Black Crow Divine Monarch recruited even more subordinates. Since he had fully comprehended the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture, his power had increased significantly, and he had also changed his title from Black Crow to Blood Crow.
It was said that wherever the Blood Crow went, all living creatures would die.
Therefore, the moment Xu Wang saw a blood crow, he knew that he was in trouble.
While getting up, he threw a punch out at the squawking Blood Crow and instantly turned it into a blood mist. Before Xu Wang could flee though, a blood cloud rushed over and surrounded him, which ensured that he wouldn’t be able to escape. At the same time, an eerie laugh was heard and a voice called out, “You have very ample vitality, brat. This Monarch is in luck!”
Xu Wang roared as he charged forward with clenched fists. While he was inside the blood cloud, he was unable to identify his direction, and though his World Force surged and shattered pieces of the blood cloud, it was soon restored and continued engulfing him.
Despite being in a perilous situation, Xu Wang remained unfazed. As he used his Divine Sense to look for Blood Crow and repeatedly pushed out his fists in an imposing manner.
Since he was always able to get out of the Astral Wind Divine Ability, there was no way he would lose his life here.
Like a cat that had captured a rat, Blood Crow Divine Monarch taunted him by saying, “Try harder, brat. Why are you so weak? Keep your blood burning!”
Xu Wang naturally ignored him.
The intense battle lasted for three days. Xu Wang’s vitality never withered as he remained at the peak of his power. His body radiated a golden glow as his Immovable Bright King Body was fully activated.
The average Open Heaven Realm Master, even if they were in the Sixth-Order, would have been penetrated by the blood cloud and had their blood sucked out long ago. Once one’s vitality withered, their strength would plunge to a point where they would be easily captured by their opponent.
Since Xu Wang was able to ward off the Astral Wind, he naturally could do the same for this blood cloud. The Immovable Bright King Body was a Body Tempering Secret Art that was superior to even the Flawless Golden Body. Although Blood Crow Divine Monarch’s blood cloud was abstruse, it was unable to harm Xu Wang in the short time.
However, to the Blood Crow Divine Monarch, Xu Wang was just a cornered beast who would eventually have to admit defeat.
Since he held the absolute advantage, he would be able to enjoy his meal as long as he could continue trapping Xu Wang. It was actually a source of amusement watching his food struggling before death.
Half a month later, Xu Wang suddenly stopped attacking. As he gazed at the dense blood cloud, he praised the other party by saying, “You indeed live up to your reputation, Blood Crow Divine Monarch.”
The eerie laugh was heard again, “Stop flattering this Monarch. I won’t let you go no matter what. If you’re tactful enough, surrender now and I will kill you without causing too much pain. If you remain obstinate, I’ll make sure that you suffer greatly before you die.” He cackled.
Xu Wang grinned and revealed his white teeth, “You want to eat me? Aren’t you worried your stomach might burst?”
Blood Crow sneered, “This Monarch has a strong stomach. There’s nothing in the world that I can’t eat.”
“Give it a try, then.” Upon finishing his words, Xu Wang directly sat down with his legs crossed and stopped making any futile attempts to escape. As he emptied his mind and remained unmoving, a golden figure manifested behind him and protected him.
Seeing that, Blood Crow frowned.
If Xu Wang had continued blindly exerting himself, he would’ve only hastened his own death. Although a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master was strong, the heritage of their Small Universe was limited. It wasn’t like Xu Wang could go on squandering his strength forever.
However, now that Xu Wang had sat down and focused all his efforts on protecting himself, he could stall for a much longer time, which made Blood Crow feel vexed. He had rarely come across anyone whose vitality was as ample as this guy in his previous life, let alone this life. If he could refine Xu Wang’s Blood Essence, his cultivation would increase greatly. It was more effective than consuming several ordinary Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Blood Crow then snorted, “Let’s see how much longer you can persevere.”
Following that, he fully activated the blood mist in an attempt to penetrate Xu Wang. Layers of ripples started appearing on the golden figure, which was the manifestation of the Immovable Bright King.
In the meantime, several Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters suddenly showed up in the blood mist and bombarded the seated Xu Wang with their Secret Techniques and Divine Abilities.
These Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters were all lackeys of Blood Crow Divine Monarch. Some of them were brought out of the Blood Monster Cave Heaven by him in the past while some of them were subdued in the Shattered Heaven. Without any exception, they were all taught pieces of the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture and planted with a Blood Principle Restriction. That was the reason they wouldn’t dare to disobey Blood Crow.
There was once a newly subdued Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master who remained arrogant and defiant, but with a single thought, Blood Crow Divine Monarch turned that Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, who was planted with a Blood Principle Restriction, into a puddle of Blood Essence and ate him.
After that, no one dared to disobey Blood Crow again.
Although the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture they cultivated was not the complete version, they were already able to refine Blood Essence as well, which allowed their cultivation to increase rapidly. Nevertheless, their foundations were unstable, and their temperaments had been affected, becoming more brutal and savage.
The place where the Astral Wind Divine Ability was located was in the depths of the Shattered Heaven where rarely anyone would visit. Xu Wang chanced upon this wonderful place for Body Tempering in the past by accident, but now that he was trapped by Blood Crow’s Divine Ability, he couldn’t even hope to be rescued.
His situation exacerbated since he was faced with the attacks of the several Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters who served Blood Crow.
In just a few days, the golden glow of his Immovable Bright King Body had dimmed significantly. The golden figure behind him faltered as well, as though it would collapse at any moment.
Since he was in such a perilous situation, he would be doomed without the protection of the Immovable Bright King Body.
In fact, Xu Wang wasn’t afraid of death. It had come to a point where he was at peace with destiny, he was just frustrated with himself for being so weak that he wasn’t even able to escape from Blood Crow.
He was a disciple from Bright King Cave Heaven who had cultivated the Immovable Bright King Body. As a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, he was naturally powerful. Of the cultivators in the same Order, only those from the other Cave Heavens and Paradises were potentially a match for him. The rest of the Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters in the 3,000 Worlds would never be able to defeat him.
However, Blood Crow was different. This guy was reborn after occupying someone else’s body, so he had the heritage of the Seventh-Order, and he possessed some profound and mysterious Divine Abilities. So, he was much more powerful than the average Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. Additionally, he had a number of Sixth-Order Blood Slaves to serve as his lackeys. That was the reason Xu Wang felt so dispirited.
“You won’t last much longer, boy. What’s the point of struggling so hard? You have to know that the sooner you give up, the quicker you’ll be relieved of your suffering.” Blood Crow’s voice reverberated around the blood cloud as he attempted to harass him.
Xu Wang naturally wouldn’t fall for his trick as he ignored Blood Crow entirely. While he was warding off the blood mist, he also had to deal with the Sixth-Order Blood Slaves.
“You’re so obstinate. In that case, I’ll let you have a taste of the pain of death!” As soon as Blood Crow finished speaking, the blood cloud around Xu Wang surged violently. A tiny crack appeared on the already dim Immovable Bright King Body. The blood mist passed through the crack and swirled around Xu Wang like a snake.
Xu Wang bellowed and pushed his strength to block all his pores and acupoints. He knew that once he was penetrated by the blood mist, he would be doomed. By then, regardless of how sturdy his body was, he would be controlled by Blood Crow Divine Monarch’s Blood Principles.
Being distracted though, Xu Wang found it even harder to deal with the Sixth-Order Blood Slaves.
Just when his life was hanging by a thread, a figure suddenly shot out of the huge Astral Wind Divine Ability. Seeing the sight in front of him, he remarked with surprise, “It’s quite lively here.”
When this newcomer detected a familiar aura, he arched his brow and looked at the blood cloud while muttering, “Black Crow?”
Just when Blood Crow was ready to destroy the stout Immovable Bright King Body and absorb Xu Wang’s Blood Essence, he became startled for a moment. Upon detecting Yang Kai with his Divine Sense, he exclaimed, “Why are you here, you brat?”
While Yang Kai was surprised to have come across Blood Crow in this place, the other party was equally shocked.
The two of them were old acquaintances.
When they were in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven back then, Blood Crow initially wanted to seize Yang Kai’s body since the latter had incredibly rich vitality, but he ultimately failed in his attempt. Since Qu Hua Shang was a woman, she wasn’t a valid target either. On the other hand, Pei Wen Xuan, who was from Myriad Demons Cave Heaven, had a way to ward him off. In the end, Blood Crow could only occupy the body of Zhou Yi, who was from Great Thousand Blood Land, and was successfully reborn.
After that, he headed straight to the Blood Monster Divine Palace in an attempt to refine and take control of it. If he had succeeded, he would become the owner of the Blood Monster Cave Heaven. By then, all the cultivators in that place would be controlled by him. With the resources in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven as his support, Blood Crow would have ample time and capital to restore himself to his peak.
However, his plans were foiled by Yang Kai, who had destroyed the Blood Monster Divine Palace and caused the Blood Monster Cave Heaven to break apart. Blood Crow Divine Monarch was thus exposed ahead of time and became the target of scorn.
It could be said that it was because of Yang Kai that Blood Crow had to go into hiding in the Shattered Heaven. If this brat hadn’t foiled his plan, he would’ve stayed in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven and lived a carefree life instead of having to be cautious all the time now.
When Yang Kai previously arrived in the Shattered Heaven to save the Proprietress, the two of them had met and secretly worked together. In that battle, Blood Crow Divine Monarch led his Blood Slaves and killed many Open Heaven Realm Masters from the Cave Heavens and Paradises.
Although they had joined forces before, it still hadn’t resolved the grudges between them.
There had never been a day when Blood Crow didn’t want to skin Yang Kai alive and drink his blood. However, since Yang Kai’s last visit to the Shattered Heaven decades ago, there had not been any news about him. Although Blood Crow was fuming with rage, there was nothing he could do.
Nevertheless, he hadn’t expected to come across Yang Kai on this day.
While he was shocked, he was also ecstatic. Back then, Yang Kai had the protection of Zhu Jiu Yin, a powerful Divine Spirit, so there was no way for Blood Crow to deal with him. After weighing the pros and cons, he even decided to work with him. However, things were different now. Not only had Blood Crow ascended to the Sixth-Order, but his Blood Slaves had also become tremendously powerful. Even Xu Wang, who was from Bright King Cave Heaven, was trapped in his Divine Ability. As long as Yang Kai wasn’t protected by a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, he wouldn’t be spared from calamity this time.
It was apparent that he was on his own, and there was no Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master or Divine Spirit around to protect him.
“Hahaha!” Blood Crow couldn’t help but guffaw in a smug manner, “One really wears out iron shoes looking for their feet! Brat, it’s a double happiness for me today! It seems that I’ll have an ample meal after so long. The Heavens have been kind to this Monarch!”
Certainly, Yang Kai’s vitality was more vigorous than that of Xu Wang. That was the reason Blood Crow had his eyes on Yang Kai back then and even wanted to seize his body.
Xu Wang alone was enough to allow him to take a huge leap forward in his Sixth-Order cultivation, so if he could also consume Yang Kai, he would reach the threshold of the Seventh-Order.
No one else could make it to the Seventh-Order from the Sixth-Order in such a rapid manner; however, Blood Crow was different. He already had the heritage of a Seventh-Order Master to begin with, and he had fully comprehended the abstrusity of the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture. Even though there would be some drawbacks if he ascended to the Seventh-Order so soon, there wouldn’t be a problem if he was willing to spend some time resolving those issues and stabilising his cultivation afterwards.
“Capture him!” Blood Crow yelled.
Immediately, two Sixth-Order Blood Slaves ditched Xu Wang and dashed out of the blood cloud before charging towards Yang Kai.
The Blood Slaves were leaking blood mists while there was an unusual shade of red on their skin. Their eyes were so bloodshot that they looked like lanterns, which was quite horrifying to see.
Yang Kai gazed at the Blood Slave on his left in silence and sighed.
This man was Elder Tan Luo Xing from Abundance City who held the same status as Pang Duo and Gong Yang Xi in the past. However, he had made a mistake and became a traitor to Abundance City.
Before the Blood Monster Cave Heaven fell apart, he fled from Abundance City. Somehow, Blood Crow Divine Monarch found him and brought him out of that place.
Back then, Tan Luo Xing lusted after the City Lord of Abundance City, Mo Mei. Although he was a conniving person, he hadn’t made any huge mistakes up until the point he met Yang Kai. But now, he was engulfed in a savage aura, and there wasn’t a hint of reason behind his gaze. It was obvious that his temperament had changed for the worse.
With that said, he could still recognise Yang Kai. That was why the fury and murderous intent behind his eyes were more intense than those of his companion.
Pang Duo, Gong Yang Xi, and the others were still in the Fifth-Order, and given their pace of cultivation, it would take them several hundred to 1,000 years before they could make it to the Sixth-Order.
On the other hand, Tan Luo Xing was already in the Sixth-Order. However, judging from his chaotic and unstable World Force, Yang Kai figured Tan Luo Xing hadn’t reached his current Order through conventional means. There were naturally drawbacks to increasing one’s cultivation too quickly. It seemed that it was the end of Tan Luo Xing’s Martial Dao in his lifetime, and even his lifespan had been affected as a result.
Faced with two Sixth-Order Blood Slaves, Yang Kai remained unmoving as though he was dumbstruck.
As World Forces undulated, two blood-coloured figures crashed into Yang Kai. After a slight pause, however, the figure on the right was sent flying away as quickly as he came. While tumbling out, he sprayed out a mouthful of blood and the blood mist around him almost completely dissipated.
On the other hand, Tan Luo Xing’s neck was clenched by Yang Kai as he was held firmly in place. He was a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, but at this moment, he was completely powerless to resist Yang Kai, as though he was a child who had never cultivated before.
Inside the blood cloud, Blood Crow’s laughter abruptly stopped as he looked at this sight in horror.
The Blood Slaves he had brought with him were all in the Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm, and although they were not comparable to the disciples of the Cave Heavens and Paradises like Xu Wang, they were definitely much stronger than any newly promoted Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master should be.
Nevertheless, one of them was sent flying away while the other was captured.
Blood Crow hadn’t even managed to see how Yang Kai made a move. He just felt a surge of World Force and then the scene before him played out.
Certainly, it was also because he hadn’t been paying attention to the situation Yang Kai was in. He reckoned that even if Yang Kai was a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, it definitely hadn’t been long since he broke through. Given Yang Kai’s relatively weak heritage, it would be like a walk in the park for his Blood Slaves to capture him. That was why Blood Crow didn’t pay attention to him. All he had to do was defeat Xu Wang and enjoy his meal.
However, he was stunned by this unexpected outcome.
Even if he were in Yang Kai’s situation, he couldn’t have achieved this. He might be able to send a Blood Slave flying away by using his full strength, but it was inconceivable that Yang Kai was simultaneously able to capture and incapacitate his other Blood Slave.
These Sixth-Order Blood Slaves were not weak chickens in a pen that one could snatch up at will. Blood Crow could even see that Tan Luo Xing had been trying to resist, but whenever he attempted to draw on the might of his Small Universe, he would be interrupted by Yang Kai’s Secret Technique. That was why he was unable to use his strength at all and appeared so comical.
A person who couldn’t draw on the power of their Small Universe couldn’t be considered an Open Heaven Realm Master. He was just a slightly stronger cultivator.
Yang Kai appeared dispassionate while hoisting up Tan Luo Xing.
He hadn’t expected that when he used Cow Punch on an enemy for the first time, the person would be someone from Abundance City. If Tan Luo Xing hadn’t been blinded by jealousy and fled from Abundance City back then, he would’ve been working under Yang Kai now, just like Mo Mei and the others.
Nevertheless, life was like that. Once a person committed a mistake, it would be hard for them to return to the right path.
Since he had made the wrong decision, there was no turning back. Perhaps losing his life in this place would be the best outcome for him.
As Space Principles undulated, Yang Kai activated Cow Punch while a violent force gusted into Tan Luo Xing’s Small Universe.
Three layers of visible ripples spread from Tan Luo Xing. Following that, his Small Universe collapsed as his figure turned into a blood mist. He was killed just like that.
Back when Yang Kai had just made it to the Sixth-Order, he was already able to defeat the Head Mountain Lord of Profound Yang Mountain, Mao Zhe, who was at the peak of the Sixth-Order. Since then, Yang Kai’s cultivation had increased significantly through years of accumulation.
Be it the power of the Small Source World, or the Star Boundary’s World Force, or the Wind Spirits he had killed in the Astral Wind Divine Ability recently, they had all contributed to the tremendous increase in his heritage.
There was a huge gap between the average Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master and himself. If Tan Luo Xing was still clear-headed, he might have been able to trade a few moves before being defeated; however, he was just a Blood Slave whose mind had been warped, blinded by hatred and murderous intent. He would be useful if he was going to oppress a weaker person; however, when faced with a cultivator like Yang Kai, he was practically useless.
The Blood Slave, who was sent flying away by Yang Kai earlier, returned at that moment. The blood mist had gathered around him again, and it seemed as though it was boiling. Before he even reached his opponent, the blood mist swirled into a huge hand and attempted to grab Yang Kai.
Yang Kai extended his hand and summoned his Azure Dragon Spear. Then, he pushed his spear forward as his weapon turned into innumerable shadows.
While the blood hand fell apart, the spear shadows converged and penetrated the chest of the Blood Slave who had just returned like he was a common fish. Presently, the Blood Slave was pierced through by the tip of the spear Yang Kai wielded.
However, the Blood Slave didn’t immediately pass away as he growled like a caged beast and shot out a blood arrow from his mouth. Despite its petite size, the blood arrow had condensed all the power of a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. Even if there was a Universe World in front of it, this arrow could still penetrate it.
Yang Kai tilted his head and dodged, but he still felt a sting of pain on his face as the arrow brushed past him.
He then swung his spear and surged his World Force before exploding the upper body of the Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master while his lower body, which was void of any vitality, drifted off.
In just three breaths, the two Sixth-Order Blood Slaves sent by Blood Crow Divine Monarch were killed, like they were chickens to the slaughter.
The sight horrified Blood Crow.
When he met Yang Kai previously, the latter was just an Emperor Realm Junior. If Yang Kai hadn’t had the protection of some powerful cultivators at the time, he wouldn’t even have the right to have a discussion with him. But when they met again on this day, Yang Kai had already become so formidable.
Furthermore, what made Blood Crow surprised and doubtful was that Yang Kai was now in the Sixth-Order, not in the Fifth-Order as he remembered.
Only a couple of decades had passed at most, so there was no way his heritage could be so ample regardless of how fast he accumulated strength. How did he achieve this kind of cultivation without several hundred years to 1,000 years of accumulation?
While Blood Crow was shocked, the blood cloud that had been engulfing Xu Wang weltered. Countless Blood Crows with crimson eyes suddenly appeared and swarmed Yang Kai.
Yang Kai snorted and used Near Distant Horizon.
As though space had been extended infinitely, the Blood Crows became sluggish regardless of how hard they tried to move forward. It was as if they were standing still, unable to advance.
Then, the Void shook as the Blood Crows were ground into blood mist.
With the spear in his hand, Yang Kai shot past the blood mist and thrust his weapon into the blood cloud.
Following that, he surged his World Force, but he didn’t manage to harm his enemy.
Blood Crow’s eerie laugh was heard again, “Is that all you’ve got, boy?”
Although Yang Kai was indeed powerful, Blood Crow was no pushover. He had his Seventh-Order heritage, and he had fully comprehended the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture. No one could harm him unless a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master showed up.
Moreover, he had actually escaped from the pursuit of the Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters from Myriad Demons Heaven over the years.
“You’ll know if that’s all I’ve got soon enough.” An unfazed Yang Kai twisted his wrist as the dark Golden Crow’s True Fire spilled over the Azure Dragon Spear and started burning the blood cloud.
The blood cloud weltered as it was ignited and World Forces repeatedly clashed, causing the surrounding space to warp and contort.
“That’s it?” Blood Crow sneered. While fending off the Golden Crow’s True Fire, he still had the energy to split some Blood Crows out of the blood cloud to launch a counterattack on Yang Kai.
The Space Principles around Yang Kai undulated and formed into an impenetrable defensive layer. The Blood Crows would instantly turn into blood mist after crashing into it; however, as time passed, the blood mist around Yang Kai thickened as it was starting to show signs that he was being engulfed.
Once that happened, he would fall into the same situation as Xu Wang. After he was trapped inside it, he would never be able to get out unless he could break free from the blood mist.
After a cup of tea’s time, Yang Kai’s figure could only be faintly seen.
Blood Crow cackled, “Got you!”
As he spoke, the Blood Essence left behind by Tan Luo Xing and the other Blood Slave killed by Yang Kai seemed to have come alive as it split into two streams of blood and engulfed Yang Kai.
An unperturbed Yang Kai grinned, “What a coincidence. I was about to say the same!”
Swinging his fist, Yang Kai unleashed his Cow Punch as he followed the traces of Blood Crow’s aura back to the latter’s Small Universe.
There was a reason that the Secret Technique named Cow Punch was regarded as roguish by Senior Sister Jin. That was because if the opponent didn’t use their World Force, they couldn’t use their Open Heaven Realm strength. However, if they did activate their World Force, they would give Yang Kai a chance to trace it back to their Small Universe. It would be extremely difficult for anyone to deal with Yang Kai when faced with such a strange technique.
Yang Kai wasn’t sure if there were other Divine Abilities and Secret Techniques in the world that could directly target an Open Heaven Realm Master’s Small Universe, though he believed that given the profound heritage and inheritance of the Cave Heavens and Paradises, they should have similar Secret Techniques.
Nevertheless, those must be Core Secret Techniques of those great forces, and their effects couldn’t possibly be as great as his Cow Punch.
After all, his Secret Technique used Space Principles to directly bypass all forms of defence.
There was a prerequisite for the Secret Technique to work though. Yang Kai needed to successfully follow the traces of his opponent’s World Force, which would allow him to find openings in their Small Universe.
That was the essence of his Cow Punch Secret Technique. As long as Yang Kai had a chance to find the opening in his opponent’s Small Universe, the other party would certainly suffer a setback.
Earlier, Tan Luo Xing’s Small Universe was continuously shaken by his Cow Punch Secret Technique. That was why he was easily controlled by Yang Kai despite being a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. Since he was unable to activate his World Force to resist, he was subsequently killed by Yang Kai.
Tan Luo Xing’s temperament had become contorted as his eyes were filled with hatred and murderous intent, so his normally focused and guarded aura was wildly swung about, making it easy to find. That was how Yang Kai could instantly subdue him.
However, it would take him some effort to pull the same trick on Blood Crow; after all, it wasn’t easy to find the openings of the latter’s Small Universe. Yang Kai directly jabbed his spear into the blood cloud, but he was unable to harm him; hence, he decided to start a contest of World Force. It seemed like a move made when he had no other choice, but he had actually done it deliberately.
A cup of tea’s time was more than enough for Yang Kai to trace back Blood Crow’s World Force.
Therefore, as the blood mist formed from the Blood Essence of the two Blood Slaves engulfed Yang Kai, his Cow Punch Secret Technique activated at the same time.
The blood cloud started immediately showing signs of coming apart. Blood Crow’s Small Universe descended into chaos, as though it had suffered a heavy blow, causing him to feel dazed and disoriented.
Before Blood Crow could compose himself, he felt an immense force surging within the blood cloud.
While he was astonished and tried to resist, it was too late for him to suppress it.
Xu Wang, who had been trapped for days, turned into a ray of light and shot out of the blood cloud. While his clothes were tattered, his hair flapped freely in the air. He was a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master from Bright King Cave Heaven after all, so his senses were incredibly sharp and didn’t miss this chance to escape. Although he wasn’t sure why the blood cloud that had restricted him had suddenly become loose, he realised that it was his opportunity to extricate himself.
Since he was finally set free, the energy that he had saved for days finally exploded.
Looking up, he saw Yang Kai with his spear in his hand as well as the Blood Slaves who had been harassing him this past month. There was also a figure that was condensing from the blood cloud.
[Blood Crow Divine Monarch!] Xu Wang was truly vexed. It had been many days since he was first trapped, and he was almost reduced to a puddle of blood, but it wasn’t until this moment that he finally saw the infamous person who had been reborn by occupying another’s body.
Blood Crow had the appearance of a grim-looking young man. From what Xu Wang had gathered, the young man was supposedly a disciple from Great Thousand Blood Land named Zhou Yi; however, after his body was occupied by Blood Crow, his Soul must have been devoured as well.
At this moment, Blood Crow appeared to be reeling from shock as he gazed at Yang Kai in disbelief. His pale face also suggested that he had suffered a small loss.
Upon seeing that, Xu Wang realised that it was Yang Kai who saved him.
Although he appeared composed, he was astounded in his heart.
It turned out Yang Kai wasn’t killed in the Astral Wind Divine Ability. It had to be noted that it had been half a year since they last met, so how did he survive in the Astral Wind for so long
It was apparent to Xu Wang now that the disappearance of the Wind Spirits must have had something to do with Yang Kai. There was no other explanation.
What made him feel even more surprised was that Yang Kai’s aura had become noticeably stronger compared to half a year ago. He was now even more powerful than the old ghosts in his Sect who had been stuck in the Sixth-Order for countless years.
Xu Wang had the urge to ask Yang Kai where all the Wind Spirits had gone, but it was obviously not the right time to do that, so he just nodded gently to him as a gesture of gratitude.
“What did you do?” Blood Crow sported a gloomy expression as he gazed doubtfully at Yang Kai. If his Small Universe hadn’t been shaken at that moment, causing it to descend into turmoil, Xu Wang wouldn’t have escaped, and Yang Kai would’ve been trapped as well. By then, he would be invincible. Although it would take him a longer time, he would be able to devour these two whose vitality was unbelievably vigorous.
However, he had never expected that Yang Kai had a way to target his opponent’s Small Universe directly.
“Would you like a second look at it?” Yang Kai looked smilingly at Blood Crow.
Blood Crow snorted without responding to him as he began racking his brain. He was certainly wary of Yang Kai’s new Secret Technique, but since he was now aware of it, he could take precautions.
He then recalled the death of his Blood Slave, Tan Luo Xing. At that time, he only felt that Yang Kai had used a mysterious technique to subdue Tan Luo Xing and kill him. Now, it was obvious to him that Yang Kai had used the same move on him just now.
He was an Old Monster who had been reborn after occupying someone else’s body, but he still suffered a setback because of Yang Kai’s Secret Technique, not to mention the Blood Slaves who had their thoughts blinded by hatred and murderous intent.
However, judging from Yang Kai’s previous action, Blood Crow believed that the eerie technique couldn’t be used as the other party pleased. Otherwise, Yang Kai could’ve instantly made him suffer a setback instead of waiting.
After pondering on it for a moment, he guessed that a technique that could directly target a person’s Small Universe was extremely brilliant, which required a lot of preparation. The characteristics of the technique were similar to some of the Secret Techniques he had heard of in the past.
At the thought of this, he grinned, “Since you’ve come all the way here to invite trouble to yourself, we’ll settle the grudges between us today, boy!”
Yang Kai pointed his spear at him, “I share the same sentiment!”
The reason he had come all the way to the Shattered Heaven was to go after the Wind Spirits. Since he had achieved his goal, he now had to get some training. The fact that Blood Crow managed to revive and escape from the Blood Monster Cave Heaven had something to do with him. Since he was partly responsible for it, Yang Kai naturally wanted to settle this issue.
As soon as he finished speaking, he took the initiative to thrust out his spear to attack his opponent.
Although both of them were in the Sixth-Order, Yang Kai wouldn’t dismiss this kind of Old Monster who was reborn by occupying someone else’s body and think that he could easily defeat him. If he really believed so, he would be the one suffering a setback in the end.
No one knew what this old fart, who was originally a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, had up his sleeves. Yang Kai had personally experienced Blood Crow’s methods back in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven, so there was no way he would underestimate his opponent.
Faced with the ferocious attack, Blood Crow seemed to have been enraged as he clenched his fists and grasped a pair of twin butterfly daggers. As he surged his World Force, his twin daggers started radiating a glow that spanned across several kilometres of the void as though a butterfly was fluttering its wings.
Then, Blood Crow crossed the twin daggers in front of him and clashed with the tip of Azure Dragon Spear before pressing down the weapon as well as Yang Kai’s imposing aura. Following that, he pushed his twin daggers forward in an attempt to behead Yang Kai in one motion.
Instantly, Yang Kai tilted backwards as the daggers brushed past his forehead. He then wielded his spear and knocked back the twin daggers before following up with the stab of his weapon towards Blood Crow’s chest.
While moving backwards like a ghost, Blood Crow brought his right dagger down as though a mountain was descending upon Yang Kai.
An unfazed Yang Kai swung his spear and pushed it towards Blood Crow’s throat.
As their World Forces clashed, visible shockwaves blasted out. A few strands of Yang Kai’s hair were cut while there was a bit of redness on Blood Crow’s throat.
Only two or three breaths of time had passed since they began trading moves, but they had both respectively knocked on the gates of death at least once, which went to show how dangerous this confrontation was.
There wasn’t a moment for them to take a breath as they clashed with one another again, as though they had tacitly agreed to it.
A battle between Open Heaven Realm Masters was all about the competition between the heritages of their Small Universes and how much World Force they could bring forth. The more ample one’s heritage was, the stronger the World Force they could use, allowing them to gain the upper hand. The Divine Abilities and Secret Techniques were just like flowers decorating the bouquet.
As such, it was rare to see cultivators like Yang Kai and Blood Crow who engaged in fierce close combat with their artifacts as it was an extremely perilous form of battle. If they were not careful, both of them would be killed.
Blood Crow had never expected Yang Kai to be so ruthless, and Yang Kai was surprised to learn that Blood Crow had such impressive combat prowess. Every move he made with the twin butterfly daggers was shocking, pushing Yang Kai’s Supreme Limitless Spear Technique to the extreme as he attacked and defended simultaneously.
For a time, the battle fell into a deadlock.
Xu Wang felt his blood boiling as he watched the battle before him. As a cultivator from Bright King Cave Heaven, he was most fond of exchanging fists with his enemies. The cultivators from Bright King Cave Heaven were not good at using Divine Abilities or Secret Techniques as their bodies were their most powerful artifacts. Every move they made was able to split Heaven and Earth apart.
There was no doubt that a battle of the kind in front of him best was suited to his tastes. At that moment, his fighting spirit had been ignited. Nevertheless, before he could go over to help, the remaining two Blood Slaves came at him. It was apparent that they wouldn’t allow him to assist Yang Kai on the battlefield.
A helpless Xu Wang could only fight the enemy before him.
If he was still at the peak of his strength, he wouldn’t have any regard for these Blood Slaves whose foundation was unstable as they had made it to the Sixth-Order through some Evil Art; however, he had suffered for over a month under Blood Crow’s oppression. After such consumption, Xu Wang was only able to exert about 70% of his peak power. Faced with the two Blood Slaves, he realised that he wasn’t able to defeat them easily in his current state. Fortunately, there was no risk of him losing the fight either.
On the other hand, Blood Crow grew more astonished as the battle dragged on.
When he saw that Yang Kai was able to easily destroy the two Blood Slaves earlier, he already realised the heritage of this brat’s Small Universe was more ample than he thought. However, since he had his Seventh-Order foundation, and he had repeatedly escaped from the pursuits of some Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters, he didn’t have any regard for Yang Kai, who was also in the Sixth-Order.
It wasn’t until they traded moves that he realised Yang Kai was a true anomaly.
Blood Crow had never seen a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master whose heritage was as ample as Yang Kai’s. Every time their World Forces clashed, it was Blood Crow who would be the one at a disadvantage. It wouldn’t have mattered if it was just once or twice, but the repeated clashes were causing his Small Universe to shake and destabilize.
What made it feel even more inconceivable to him was that Yang Kai’s spear technique was truly exquisite. The spear in his hands seemed to have come alive. Despite being an expert in melee combat himself, he still couldn’t get the upper hand.
His heritage wasn’t as ample as that of Yang Kai, and his combat skills couldn’t gain him an advantage. Meanwhile, his Blood Slaves had to hold Xu Wang up. Hence, he was unable to defeat Yang Kai.
At the thought of this, Blood Crow started considering fleeing.
The reason he had survived for so many years and even found a chance to become reborn after years of suppression was that he could adapt to the circumstances.
He wouldn’t easily offend opponents that he could not defeat. Young people who were bold but inexperienced would always end up in a horrible state because of their pride and stubbornness.
Although Blood Crow wasn’t willing to admit it, he knew that Yang Kai was already invincible within the Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm. No one could defeat him unless they were a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master.
Before Blood Crow could make up his mind though, Yang Kai found a chance to trace back his aura and used his Cow Punch again.
At that instant, Blood Crow felt his Small Universe shaking violently. The mountains crumbled and everything appeared pale inside of him.
[It’s that damned technique again!] Blood Crow clenched his teeth while trying to suppress the weltering vitality in his chest and the turmoil in his Small Universe.
Just then, he saw a Great Sun leaping into the air as the cawing of a Golden Crow echoed across the void.
The darkness of space was illuminated by the brilliant light of the new Sun and a horrified expression filled Blood Crow’s face.
An expressionless Yang Kai lifted his spear to the Great Sun before thrusting it out at Blood Crow, timing it so that the latter still hadn’t been able to stabilize his Small Universe.
Initially, Yang Kai didn’t use his Divine Manifestation to attack the blood cloud because Xu Wang was still trapped inside it. If he really made a move, he would’ve harmed him as well. Afterwards, he still didn’t use it because there wasn’t a suitable opportunity. Although Golden Crow Casts the Sun was powerful, it would be pointless if Yang Kai missed his target.
Since Cow Punch was immediately followed by Golden Crow Casts the Sun, Blood Crow had no choice but to face this attack head on, regardless of how much strength he could actually exert.
As expected, faced with the Divine Manifestation which was on par with the full powered strike of a Seventh-Order Master, Blood Crow could only counterattack by slashing out with his glowing twin daggers.
However, his attempt was futile.
As the Great Sun exploded, Yang Kai could faintly hear someone scream as Blood Crow turned into blood mist.
As the light dimmed, Yang Kai didn’t show any happiness following his successful attack and instead narrowed his eyes as he turned to look at Xu Wang.
One of the Blood Slaves that was attacking Xu Wang was suddenly replaced by Blood Crow.
“I knew it!” Yang Kai grumbled.
He had definitely killed someone using his Golden Crow Casts the Sun just now, but just before his strike landed, he could feel that Blood Crow had exchanged places with one of his Blood Slaves.
In other words, Yang Kai had killed a Blood Slave, not Blood Crow.
Blood Crow, who had just used a Secret Technique to swap places with one of his slaves, appeared pale, like he had overexerted himself. Still, he swiftly slashed his twin daggers towards Xu Wang.
Upon seeing that, Xu Wang became slightly flustered.
Although it had been difficult for him to deal with the Blood Slaves, he wasn’t in a disadvantageous position at the very least. Nevertheless, since one of the Blood Slaves was replaced by Blood Crow, the pressure he had to face intensified greatly.
The twin daggers soon broke through Xu Wang’s World Force defences and were about to cut into him.
At the most critical moment, Xu Wang bent his body in an impossible angle and performed a hand seal by pressing his thumb against his middle finger as he roared, “Immovable Bright King!”
A golden light exploded out, but was soon destroyed by Blood Crow.
The twin daggers stabbed almost a palm’s length into Xu Wang’s flesh, causing him to bleed.
Fortunately, as a cultivator from Bright King Cave Heaven, his body was extremely robust, so a palm’s length was the best Blood Crow could achieve in his current state.
Seeing that his attempt had failed, Blood Crow landed a kick on Xu Wang’s shoulder and sent him flying away. In the meantime, he turned into a blood light and directly shot towards the depths of the void.
Meanwhile, the only surviving Blood Slave turned around and pounced on Yang Kai. It was apparent that Blood Crow knew that Yang Kai would try to stop him, so he ordered the Blood Slave to get into his opponent’s way.
Yang Kai was indeed rushing over. The moment he realised that something was off, he knew that Xu Wang was in trouble. Nevertheless, Blood Crow’s methods were truly profound and unpredictable, so he was late to rescue Xu Wang. Seeing that Xu Wang was wounded by the twin daggers and sent flying away, which left him badly injured, Yang Kai was quite vexed.
As he stared fixedly at the blood light that was fleeing, he thrust his spear forward ruthlessly.
The Blood Slave that was coming at Yang Kai didn’t even try to dodge though; instead, his figure started radiating a red glow as his blood appeared to be boiling.
Yang Kai frowned, but it was too late by the time he realised that something was wrong.
The Blood Slave directly detonated and turned into a blood cloud before engulfing Yang Kai in it. At that instant, all he could see was red.
In order to create a chance for himself to flee, Blood Crow had readily abandoned a Sixth-Order Blood Slave. It went to show that he was truly determined.
With that said, he knew that a Blood Slave was unable to hold Yang Kai up for a long time; after all, he also wasn’t a match for Yang Kai, so how was a Blood Slave, who had lost his mind and was blinded by rage, supposed to persevere for a long time?
Earlier, two Blood Slaves were killed by Yang Kai in three breaths.
Therefore, Blood Crow decided to detonate the Blood Slave and trap Yang Kai for a while so that he would stand a greater chance of fleeing.
Although the blood cloud was eerie and corrosive, it couldn’t stop the burning power of the Golden Crow’s True Fire; as such, after a dozen breaths of time, Yang Kai, who was covered in a black flame, left the blood cloud unscathed. The initially thick blood cloud had also become very thin due to the fire.
As he looked around, Yang Kai realised that Blood Crow was nowhere to be seen.
Yang Kai gazed in a particular direction and sneered. [Do you really think you can flee from me?]
Since Yang Kai was an expert in Space Principles, he was unmatched when it came to both fleeing and pursuing enemies. Although Blood Crow was nowhere to be seen, he would not be able to get rid of Yang Kai if the latter insisted on chasing after him.
Yang Kai didn’t immediately pursue though. Instead, he moved and appeared in front of Xu Wang the next instant.
The wounds on this guy’s chest were still bleeding, and he looked slightly pale. Moreover, his injuries were infected with some kind of strange power that squirmed like a snake and consumed Xu Wang’s Blood Essence to strengthen itself.
Although Xu Wang was trying his best to suppress it, it would take him some time to get rid of the eerie Blood Principles technique.
“Just leave me here and pursue the enemy, Junior Brother,” Xu Wang looked up and said.
Yang Kai nodded gently, “Please be cautious, Senior Brother Xu.”
Xu Wang flashed a smile at him, “I won’t die since I have a strong body. Go now. I’ll follow after you soon.”
Without speaking further, Yang Kai followed the trail and pursued Blood Crow.
Blood Crow had fully comprehended the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture, and his understanding of the Dao of Blood was deep. He was able to flee rapidly by using Blood Principles, but this kind of speed paled when it was compared to Space Principles.
Although he had a several dozen breaths of time head start, and he had been changing directions to throw Yang Kai off, he was still unable to shake off the latter.
One day later, in the depths of the Shattered Heaven, the two once more engaged in an intense battle.
Blood Crow was previously defeated, so he knew that he wasn’t a match for Yang Kai. In this battle, he was no longer as imposing as before. After persisting for about half and incense, he was already at a disadvantage, which put him in a perilous situation.
Just when Yang Kai was about to kill him ruthlessly, Blood Crow suddenly clenched his teeth and split into three. Not only were these figures identical, but there was also no difference between their auras. All of them were even holding twin butterfly daggers in their hands.
The three Blood Crows formed into a triangular formation and launched an attack on Yang Kai in an imposing manner.
Yang Kai warded them off with his spear but was still pushed back 100 kilometres. When he raised his head again, he saw that the three Blood Crows had turned into separate rays of lights and fled in three different directions.
The three Blood Crows then each split into three again. Presently, there were nine Blood Crows.
Although Yang Kai was knowledgeable and experienced, he still couldn’t help but frown at this sight. He released his Divine Sense to scan these nine clones, but he was unable to identify which one was the real Blood Crow.
The fact that Blood Crow was able to split into nine in the first place was amazing. The Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture was truly abstruse.
Without wasting any time, Yang Kai lifted his spear and chased after the nearest Blood Crow. Since he was unable to find the real one, he simply decided to kill all nine of them.
This dragged on into a lengthy pursuit.
One month later, eight Blood Crows were killed by Yang Kai using his Azure Dragon Spear, and the only remaining one was running for his life.
Yang Kai didn’t think he would be so unlucky to the point where he had killed eight fake Blood Crows out of nine, so he could only speculate that all nine Blood Crows were fake, but at the same time, all of them were also real.
In other words, as long as any one of the nine Black Crows was still alive, he would not die.
Five days later, Yang Kai finally caught up to the last Blood Crow. During the fierce battle that followed, Blood Crow was powerless to counterattack. At the most critical moment, he detonated himself and turned into countless blood-coloured crows that fled in all directions. Although Yang Kai attempted to kill them all, some of them successfully escaped.
Despite being at an advantage, Yang Kai still couldn’t help but lament that Blood Crow had innumerable ways of fleeing, which was an eye-opening experience. He had never seen a person that was so hard to kill.
On a shattered Spirit Province in the serene void, Blood Crow sported a gloomy expression as he gulped down a large amount of Open Heaven Pills to replenish his energy.
Although he had escaped from death twice, he had never been more embarrassed.
He was once hunted down by the Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters from Myriad Demons Cave Heaven, but they were unable to push him to his limits.
On the other hand, Yang Kai, who was only in the Sixth-Order, let him have a taste of the worst time of his life.
Although the Dao of Blood was amazing, the Dao of Space was even more abstruse. Faced with such a Master, Blood Crow felt helpless while trying to flee.
At that moment, he felt fortunate that the Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters from Myriad Demons Cave Heaven who pursued him were not experts in the Dao of Space; otherwise, he wouldn’t have survived.
After a long time of running and using several highly consuming Secret Techniques, Blood Crow was finally able to catch his breath. Presently, his aura was so weak he could only exert 50% of his peak strength.
Just then, he saw a few rays of lights approaching him. He was now frightened by the slightest sound after being pursued by Yang Kai, so when he saw these lights, he became horrified and almost instinctively fled.
However, he soon realised that none of them was Yang Kai; instead, they were some cultivators who had come together to explore the Shattered Heaven.
Although there were not a lot of people in the depths of the Shattered Heaven, there were still some. Most of them were cultivators from Second Class great forces who came searching for opportunities.
That was because this place was where many ancient Great Experts, who were all High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters, passed away in an epic battle. Besides the Legacy Artifacts these Masters had left behind, there were also a lot of Universe Paradises and Universe Cave Heavens hidden in the Void.
Those were the Small Universes of the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters that had remained after their deaths; unfortunately, the entrances to such places were usually very well hidden.
Shadowless Cave Heaven, which Yang Kai had ventured into before, was one such Universe Cave Heaven.
In the 3,000 Worlds, the Second Class great forces were neither the best nor the worst. That was why the Universe Paradises and Universe Cave Heavens in the Shattered Heaven were deathly attractive to them.
If they could find one of the entrances, they would have an exclusive right to the resources inside, which were the former belongings of a High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Master.
Since time immemorial, many Sects had found rich rewards in the Shattered Heaven that helped increase their collective strength.
Therefore, in the 3,000 Worlds, many Second Class great forces would send their top cultivators to the Shattered Heaven to search around in the hope that they could gain something.
When the Blood Monster Cave Heaven opened up, it caught the attention of everyone in the 3,000 Worlds. Even many Cave Heavens and Paradises had sent their disciples into that place to get some training, so nothing need be said about the hidden treasures in the Shattered Heaven.
Presently, the people approaching Blood Crow were cultivators from a Second Class great force. There were three men and one woman, all of whom were in the Fifth-Order.
Since Blood Crow had been pursued by Yang Kai, he had been cautiously hiding his aura. Furthermore, he was still a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master; therefore, when this group of four was approaching, they were not aware of his existence.
It wasn’t until they landed on the ground that they saw Blood Crow, whose face was as pale as a white sheet. The shattered Spirit Province was only a dozen square kilometres in size, so it was impossible for them to not notice him.
The four of them were stunned as the elderly man at the front gazed vigilantly at Blood Crow. The Shattered Heaven was a lawless land where one’s background was useless and only the fittest could survive. Many disciples from the Cave Heavens and Paradises would be killed in this place every year, and the great forces behind them were unable to avenge their deaths since they often couldn’t even find the murderers.
In a place like this, someone who dared to move around on his own was definitely not weak.
Blood Crow appeared to be anxious and weakened though, which allowed the four of them to set their minds at ease.
A middle-aged man darted his eyes around, then shuffled towards Blood Crow with a smile as he asked amicably, “Are you hurt?”
Blood Crow, who was seated on the ground, tensed up and nodded faintly.
The smile on the middle-aged man’s face became brighter, “Don’t panic. My name is Si De Ye, and I’m a doctor who is best at healing wounds. If you don’t mind it, I can perform a check-up on you.”
Despite what he said, he didn’t ask for Blood Crow’s permission as he grabbed the other person’s wrist.
A seemingly powerless Blood Crow was easily grasped by Si De Ye, who froze the next instant as a blood mist came right at him and snuck into his body through his seven orifices.
Blood Crow, who hadn’t moved until now, curled his lips into a smile. He then let out a sigh of pleasure.
The other three people were fully aware of what Si De Ye was up to when they saw what he was doing, but they didn’t intend to stop him. Newcomers to the Shattered Heaven wouldn’t proactively provoke others; however, if they stayed long enough, they’d find out that human nature could be very crooked in places like this. Here, it was common to kill others and steal their belongings.
Since Si De Ye was facing away from the three of them, they were not aware that his face had been covered in blood mist.
A moment later, when the only woman among them saw that Si De Ye didn’t speak or move at all, she finally realised that something was off. As she frowned, she called out, “Senior Brother Si?”
Si De Ye naturally didn’t respond to her.
The old man sported a cold expression and his murderous intent surged as he bellowed, “Something is wrong!”
As soon as he finished speaking, he heard an eerie laugh that sounded more like the cawing of a crow. Si De Ye’s burly figure was suddenly covered in a layer of blood mist. The next instant, he turned into a puddle of blood while his clothes were corroded and melted away.
The sitting man, whose face was pale earlier, slowly got to his feet while his clothes flapped around him despite there being no wind. His Sixth-Order aura was also exposed at this point.
He opened his mouth and sucked all the blood into his stomach, which restored some of the colour to his pale face. He then licked his lips and let out a long breath, “I’ve finally restored some energy!”
The old man’s expression changed drastically as he exclaimed, “Blood Crow Divine Monarch!”
It was a title that sent chills down the spines of everyone present.
Cultivators who wandered around the Shattered Heaven definitely knew who Blood Crow Divine Monarch was. Over the recent years, many cultivators had lost their lives because of this man. It was rumoured that this person was an expert in Blood Principles and his targets would all be melted down into blood which he then fed upon to enhance his strength.
They had never expected that they would come across this Devil Lord when they merely wanted to get some rest on this shattered Spirit Province.
It also never crossed their minds that the infamous Devil Lord would pretend to be weak so that one of them would make a move and then become his food.
It was rumoured that Blood Crow Divine Monarch was always accompanied by several Blood Slaves who were all in the Sixth-Order. Any one of them could easily defeat their group; however, Blood Crow Divine Monarch didn’t seem to have any Blood Slaves with him today.
Nevertheless, Blood Slaves were nowhere to be seen while Blood Crow Divine Monarch himself appeared to be badly injured. It was apparent that he had battled against someone powerful recently; otherwise, given his strength, he would’ve directly killed them instead of pretending to be anxious.
The old man immediately made a decision, “He’s injured, attack together!”
He had considered the possibility of fleeing, but faced with such an infamous person, they would be doomed if they did that; instead, if the three of them could work together, they would stand a chance to survive.
They naturally were not a match for Blood Crow Divine Monarch if the latter was still at his peak; however, an injured Blood Crow might not want to get into a prolonged fight with them.
It had to be said that the old man was pretty resolute, and he was just as bold as when he was young. Right after he yelled, he took the initiative to launch an attack on Blood Crow.
The woman lagged behind slightly, but she soon charged forward and cast a stunning Divine Ability.
On the other hand, the last man appeared horrified. As though he hadn’t heard the old man, he instantly turned around and fled.
Blood Crow didn’t move as he allowed their Divine Abilities to strike him. The lower part of his body turned into blood mist as he laughed in a wicked manner, “If the four of you had made a move together earlier, this Monarch might have been put in a difficult position, but now… how dare two Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm trash act arrogant in front of this Monarch!”
Following that, the blood cloud beneath him swelled up and covered the old man and the woman.
The woman exclaimed in horror while the old man was equally flustered. Despite their best efforts, they were still not spared the calamity as they were instantly shrouded in the blood cloud.
A moment later, the blood cloud streamed back into Blood Crow’s body while the old man and the woman were nowhere to be found. Even their clothes had been melted down, only leaving behind two worn-out Space Rings.
The colour on Blood Crow’s face had been restored as he licked his lips and muttered under his breath, “It’s not enough! It’s not enough!”
His gaze seemed able to penetrate the void as he looked in the direction where the last man had fled. Following that, he turned into a blood light and flew after him.
A shot while later, the man was intercepted by Blood Crow. His face was as pale as a white sheet as he fell on his knees and kowtowed, “Please don’t kill me, Divine Monarch! Please don’t kill me!”
Blood Crow chuckled, “But this Monarch is hungry. Where should I get my food if I don’t kill you?”
The man was terrified at first, then he recalled something and exclaimed, “I know where you can obtain a full meal, Divine Monarch! There are many people in that place. You can go there!”
Blood Crow arched his brow, “Oh?”
The person immediately spilled everything he knew, then looked cautiously at Blood Crow, “I’m willing to submit to Divine Monarch and obey your orders.”
Blood Crow nodded gently, “How thoughtful of you.”
While still keeping his guard up, the man put on a fawning smile.
“In that case, why don’t you become one with me? This Monarch can grant you an eternal life!” Blood Crow released a blood mist that looked like two rivers and engulfed the man instantly.
Following a shriek, silence fell again.
Blood Crow retrieved his blood mist as his aura stabilised. The Sixth-Order Blood Slaves he had spent decades nurturing were all been killed, so if Yang Kai hadn’t been chasing him, he wouldn’t mind taking on a new Blood Slave and nurturing him. It would take a few years for that person to ascend to the Sixth-Order and become a useful aide.
However, since he couldn’t get rid of Yang Kai, and he also desperately needed to restore his strength, he wouldn’t waste any time on a mere Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master now.
He then turned to look in a particular direction. According to the man, before his death, many Open Heaven Realm Masters had gathered together in that place for some reason, as though they had discovered something.
The group of four were initially surveying that area as well. Unfortunately, they came across that large group of people and had no choice but to flee since they were too weak to remain.
It never crossed their minds that they would encounter Blood Crow Divine Monarch and be killed.
Blood Crow wasn’t interested in what those people had discovered, but he drooled over those Open Heaven Realm Masters as they were no different from delicacies in his eyes.
Of course, he wouldn’t mind obtaining whatever treasure they had discovered while he was at it.
He then turned into a blood light and shot forward in that direction before disappearing into the distance.
One hour later, Yang Kai arrived and landed on the shattered Spirit Province. After looking around, he furrowed his brow.
He could detect some traces of a Blood Principles Secret Technique in this place. It was apparent that Blood Crow had stayed here for a short while, and apparently some unlucky people must have bumped into him and gotten killed.
During his pursuit, Yang Kai almost lost track of Blood Crow. Nevertheless, since he had found the vestiges of a Blood Principles Secret Technique in this place, he reckoned that he was heading in the right direction.
The next moment, he sped off into the void.
Hours later, Yang Kai was stunned by the sight that fell upon his eyes.
That was because in the middle of the void, over 200 Open Heaven Realm Masters, some as individuals or in small groups, had gathered together. They were scattered in a radius of several dozen kilometres, and it wasn’t certain what they were doing.
However, Yang Kai could detect a faint aura of Blood Principles in this region.
[Blood Crow is here.]
Others might not be able to notice it, but Yang Kai had been pursuing that man and had fought against him several times; as such, he was quite sensitive to the aura of Blood Principles.
Even though Blood Crow was trying to suppress it, Yang Kai could still detect it.
Yang Kai swept a glance over the crowd and sneered. Was Blood Crow trying to hide among the crowd so that he couldn’t find him?
It had to be said that Blood Crow’s move was bold, but also effective.
That was because after scanning the 200 plus Open Heaven Realm Masters, Yang Kai still couldn’t find Blood Crow. On the other hand, his arrival had caught the attention of many people as he felt some faint Divine Senses scanning him.
After Blood Crow Divine Monarch was reborn, not only did he still possess the techniques and experiences he had in the past life, but he had also comprehended the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture that originally belonged to Blood Monster Divine Monarch. It was said that when one mastered the Blood Light Scripture, one could be reborn from a single drop of blood, thus allowing one to become immortal and indestructible. Yang Kai had seen the myriad of ways Blood Crow could flee, so he figured the latter’s concealment skills were also excellent.
All of a sudden, Yang Kai caught a glimpse of a certain white robed youth and frowned.
The young man on the other hand didn’t conceal his contempt and disdain.
The two gazed at each other as though there was an irresolvable blood feud between them.
Yang Kai soon remembered this person. Previously, after he dropped Wu Kuang off in Shattered Heaven Star City, he leaned against the windowsill, looked down, and saw this white robed man.
At that time, Yang Kai was instinctively repulsed by this young man. He initially thought that he was affected by the mood he was in at that time; however, he still felt the same way the second time they met.
The young man was followed by a young woman that looked like a maidservant. Standing behind the young man, she bared her fangs at Yang Kai, as though she was a fierce tigress.
Yang Kai retracted his gaze while feeling puzzled. He didn’t understand why he would feel hostile towards a stranger.
After pulling himself together, he approached the nearest Open Heaven Realm Master and asked with a smile, “Fellow Brother, what’s everyone doing here?”
Since more than 200 Open Heaven Realm Masters had gathered together in this place, something important must be about to happen. However, Yang Kai had observed the place for a while but couldn’t see anything, which was why he was perplexed.
This man didn’t show his aura, so it wasn’t certain what his Order was, but he was tall and burly. At this moment, he was staring intently at somewhere in the void. As he was interrupted by Yang Kai, he shot him a displeased glance, “You’ll find out soon. Why did you even ask?”
Yang Kai scratched his nose.
The burly man had not circulated his strength, so Yang Kai couldn’t find out the other party’s Order. On the other hand, his Sixth-Order aura was conspicuous as he had just flown over.
Since the burly man was still unperturbed when facing a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master like him, it was apparent that he was also in the Sixth-Order; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so haughty.
What’s more, this burly man wasn’t the only Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master in this place.
Yang Kai grew curious as he wondered what good thing was in this place that had attracted so many Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Since he couldn’t find Blood Crow for the time being, and it wasn’t like he could interrogate all 200 of the people here, Yang Kai decided to sit down with his legs crossed and act accordingly.
A few days passed, but still nothing happened. On the other hand, there were now more than 300 Open Heaven Realm Masters in this place. There was no doubt that they had received some news. Many of them appeared excited as though they were looking forward to something.
Yang Kai tutted in amazement. He had heard that there were many Open Heaven Realm Masters who would venture into the Shattered Heaven to look for treasures; nevertheless, while he was heading to the Astral Wind Divine Ability some time ago, he didn’t come across anyone, so he thought that it was just an exaggerated rumour.
It wasn’t until he saw it with his eyes now that he realised the truth. It was just that the Shattered Heaven was too vast, so it was hard for one to come across anyone without some common purpose.
A few days later, a ray of light was seen approaching from the distance. Sensing a familiar aura, Yang Kai instantly turned his head.
The person paused for a moment when he arrived, but when he saw Yang Kai, he directly landed beside him.
Yang Kai nodded in response.
The person was none other than Xu Wang from Bright King Cave Heaven. Previously, after Blood Crow escaped, Xu Wang had to recover from an extended struggle and his new wounds, so he told Yang Kai to leave him there, and that he would look for him at a later time.
However, during the pursuit, Yang Kai had changed directions many times and crossed billions of kilometres. It was commendable that Xu Wang could actually find him.
Xu Wang let out a breath and looked around in amazement, “What are so many people doing here?”
With a helpless smile, Yang Kai shook his head, “I have no idea.”
A stunned Xu Wang asked, “What are you doing here if you have no idea?”
“Blood Crow is somewhere around here.”
“What?” Xu Wang arched his brow. As he recalled what Blood Crow had done to him, he became furious and scanned his surroundings in an aggressive manner.
“You won’t find him. He used some kind of special technique to conceal himself. I can only detect a faint aura.”
“What should we do then?” Xu Wang knitted his brows. Despite knowing that Blood Crow was here, they still couldn’t find his whereabouts, which was why he was vexed.
“Just wait,” Yang Kai replied impassively, “He’ll expose himself eventually.”
Just when Xu Wang was about to speak, a fluctuation of Space Principles was suddenly felt coming from the Void. Following that, a bean-sized black dot appeared in the originally empty space.
At that instant, the several hundred Open Heaven Realm Masters, who had been waiting in this place all this time, became energised as they looked fervently at the black dot.
Right in front of everyone’s eyes, the black dot in the void soon expanded to the size of a baby’s fist. Furthermore, the aura of another Universe World wafted from the black dot.
Yang Kai arched his brow as he finally understood why so many people had gathered together in this place.
Xu Wang exclaimed, “It’s a Universe Cave Heaven!”
The black dot that suddenly appeared in the void was actually a portal that led to a Universe Cave Heaven.
The Small Universes of High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were corporeal. If their Small Universe didn’t collapse when they passed away, there was a chance for them to merge with the Void. The Small Universes left behind by Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters after their deaths were called Universe Paradises, while the ones left behind by Eighth-Order and Ninth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters were called Universe Cave Heavens.
There were countless Great Territories in the 3,000 Worlds. There might be some existing Universe Paradises and Universe Cave Heavens in any Great Territory, but it was always hard to find the entrances to these hidden Worlds.
Of all the Great Territories, there was no doubt that the Shattered Heaven had the highest number of Universe Paradises and Universe Cave Heavens; after all, this was the place where many Great Experts fought against one another in ancient times. Countless High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had passed away here.
Many of the Sects in the 3,000 Worlds, especially the Second Class great forces, had their own teams deployed into the Shattered Heaven all year round in the hope that they could find those hidden portals.
Before coming to the Shattered Heaven, Yang Kai thought about the possibility of him discovering such a portal, but that remained a casual thought, as he didn’t have any high hopes of it.
The Shattered Heaven had existed for countless years already, so the portals that were easy to find had all been discovered. Those that were not yet discovered must be extremely well hidden. Moreover, the Shattered Heaven was vast. Even though he was a Master of Space Principles, he might not be able to find anything even if he searched.
However, Yang Kai had never expected that while chasing after Blood Crow, he would come across a portal that led to a Universe Cave Heaven.
This was the legacy that was left behind by an Open Heaven Realm Master that was at least in the Eighth-Order, possibly containing that Master’s entire inheritance. Even other High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters would be tempted, not to mention those in the Mid-Rank.
While Yang Kai was in a dazed state, the black dot had expanded to the size of a palm. All of a sudden, right in front of everyone’s eyes, the portal that led to the Universe Cave Heaven contracted and disappeared as though it had never existed before.
Yang Kai and Xu Wang were stunned upon seeing that.
The burly man, who was asked a question by Yang Kai some time ago, was initially looking forward to entering the portal. All his energy was about to surge as he was ready to dash into it; however, all his hopes were crushed since the portal had abruptly disappeared. He then let out a sigh and cursed.
According to his mutterings, it seemed this wasn’t the first time such an incident happened. There were many times in the past when the portal didn’t successfully open.
It was then that Yang Kai realised why this place had attracted so many people to come together.
It was apparent that for some reason, the portal of this Universe Cave Heaven started showing signs of opening recently, but there were many times when it didn’t fully open. After word got out, many Open Heaven Realm Masters started gathering in this place in the hope that they could go in and snatch up the treasures when the portal fully opened.
“Could you forcefully open it if you make a move, Junior Brother?” Xu Wang secretly asked.
After a moment of silence, Yang Kai nodded, “It would take some effort.”
It was then Xu Wang arched his brow, “You’re truly incredible, Junior Brother!”
Suddenly realising something, Yang Kai turned to look at him, “You know me, Senior Brother Xu?”
The question was somewhat strange; after all, they had just parted ways outside of the Astral Wind Divine Ability after only exchanging names. Nevertheless, from the questions Xu Wang was asking, he seemed to know about him.
With a smile, Xu Wang replied, “I found your name familiar when I first heard it, and after witnessing you take action, I finally recalled that there was a person who had embarrassed the Cave Heavens and Paradises in the Dao Theory Assembly in Yin-Yang Cave Heaven back then. Even a Core Disciple of Thousand Cranes Paradise was killed. Furthermore, the Star Boundary and High Heaven Territory has become household names since the appearance of a World Tree over there. Even though this Xu doesn’t care about worldly affairs, it’s not like I’m deaf. There are trillions upon trillions of people in the 3,000 Worlds, and countless people share the same names; however, you’re a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master, and even Blood Crow, who has been reborn by occupying someone else’s body, was not a match for you. If I can’t figure out who you are, I’d be embarrassing my own Sect, Bright King Cave Heaven.”
Yang Kai nodded gently.
There was a shocked expression on Xu Wang’s face as he asked, “Are you really that Void Land’s Yang Kai?”
Yang Kai broke into laughter, “Haven’t you already figured it out?”
Xu Wang landed a slap on his own forehead and grinned, “It was just a speculation, but I hadn’t expected it to be true.” He then looked fervently at him, “I heard that you killed Zuo Quan Hui. Is that true?”
Yang Kai replied, “It’s true, but there’s a lot more to that story. I didn’t achieve that on my own.”
Xu Wang nodded, “Regardless of how you did it, it’s astonishing enough already that you were able to kill a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master while only being in the Sixth-Order. En, you’re stronger than I am. I should probably call you Senior Brother instead.”
As he spoke, there was a bashful expression on his face. When he first met Yang Kai, he immediately claimed to be the Senior Brother. At that time, he just thought that other than the disciples from the Cave Heavens and Paradises, no one else in the Sixth-Order could be a match for him. Since he was now aware that this person was the famous Yang Kai, he didn’t have the nerve to claim that he was a Senior Brother to him.
Yang Kai replied with a smile, “Well, you’re definitely older than I am, Senior Brother Xu.”
Xu Wang rolled his eyes, “Why don’t you just say that my aptitude is worse than yours?” He was an open-minded person though, and since Yang Kai didn’t mind calling him Senior Brother, he wouldn’t be concerned either.
After straightening his face, Xu Wang looked at the spot where the portal appeared and asked, “I wonder who the senior expert was that left behind this Universe Cave Heaven. Do you want to open it, Junior Brother?”
Yang Kai shook his head, “There are too many people watching over the portal now. If we make any rash moves, we’ll just draw public outrage. We’d be better off just waiting and seeing. Moreover, I don’t know where Blood Crow is. It will be troublesome if he launches a sneak attack on us while we’re distracted.”
Xu Wang nodded in agreement.
Thus, they continued waiting in silence.
A few days later, the portal appeared once again. Previously, it had expanded to the size of a palm and disappeared. This time, it had expanded to the size of a washbasin.
Yang Kai had no idea how many times this portal had appeared before, but it seemed that it was getting bigger every time it opened. The reason the people around here never made a move was that the portal was not large enough for a Human to pass through. If they forcefully tried to enter through it, it might lead to some unexpected consequences.
From the looks of it, the portal would be large enough for them to enter after two more openings. By then, there would be a fierce struggle between the evenly matched opponents for control of the entrance.
It was apparent that Blood Crow had been hiding in this place without exposing his aura because he wanted to sneak into this Universe Cave Heaven and get rid of Yang Kai.
Certainly, Yang Kai wouldn’t let him achieve his goal. He had learned how hard it was to kill Blood Crow. If he couldn’t destroy him this time, it would be extremely difficult to do so after the latter recovered.
Although there were some grudges between them, Blood Crow was the one who had suffered most of the setbacks. If Yang Kai hadn’t ruined his original plan, he would’ve refined the Blood Monster Divine Palace and occupied it. If he were successful, all the resources in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven would’ve belonged to him. Blood Crow could’ve slowly restored his strength instead of wandering around in the Shattered Heaven.
From Yang Kai’s perspective, it wasn’t necessary for him to destroy the other party.
However, he also had his eyes on the Grand Evolution Immortal Blood Light Scripture.
He had comprehended parts of the Blood Light Scripture in the Blood Monster Cave Heaven before, so he knew that the Secret Art was truly abstruse. Unfortunately, those tablets there were not complete, so he was unable to have a full picture of the Secret Art.
The Blood Light Scripture was a Secret Art related to the Dao of Blood. If he could fully comprehend it, it would be immensely beneficial to his Dragon Clan bloodline. Besides him, the Dragon Clan members from Void Land would benefit as well. Even the other Divine Spirits might be able to have a clearer picture of their futures by learning this Secret Art.
Bi Xi and Zhu Jiu Yin once told him that the way Divine Spirits cultivated was different from that of Human cultivators. For the Divine Spirits, it was all about improving their bloodline. The stronger their bloodline, the more powerful they would be.
The Blood Light Scripture might be useful to the Divine Spirits in Void Land. Even if it wasn’t the key to unlocking the shackles of their bloodlines, they would still get something out of it.
Therefore, if Yang Kai could capture Blood Crow, he would not hesitate to make a move against him. Nevertheless, this guy was even more adept than Yang Kai at fleeing and saving himself. That was the reason Yang Kai hadn’t managed to achieve his goal.
A few days later, the portal opened up again, and it was two times larger than before.
It seemed that just like Yang Kai had speculated, the portal would be large enough for the cultivators to pass through when it opened one more time.
Certainly, the other Open Heaven Realm Masters who had gathered together in this place had figured this out as well; therefore, these hundreds of people, who were initially calm and quiet, now became tense and morose. They secretly circulated their strength so that when the portal opened again, they could immediately charge into it and gaze upon the magnificence of the Universe Cave Heaven.
As time passed, the tension in the air intensified as they all looked around with vigilance.
Suddenly, there came a moment when six people moved forward and stood right in front of the portal.
Seeing that, Xu Wang snorted, “Ridiculous!”
These people apparently wanted to stay close to the portal and be the first to enter. Although they appeared to be fairly powerful, the Open Heaven Realm Masters at the scene naturally wouldn’t allow them to achieve their goal. If they ignited public outrage, they would be knocked out of the competition in advance.
However, as soon as Xu Wang finished speaking, a few more groups of people came forward from all directions. The numbers of people varied from two to eight.
Soon, over thirty people had gathered together in front of the portal.
These people then surrounded the portal as though they had already agreed upon it. The next instant, they activated their auras together.
The onlookers, who initially looked teasingly at them, had their expressions changed, while Xu Wang turned solemn as well.
That was because seven out of the more than thirty people were in the Sixth-Order. The rest of them were weaker, but they were all in the Fifth-Order.
It was apparent that they didn’t come from the same great force. They belonged to about five to six different Sects, but since they knew each other, they had secretly come to an agreement to help each other out. As soon as they made a move, they were in an advantageous position, and the rest had to be wary of these people.
Although thirty or so people was not a lot, the seven Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters among them were intimidating enough; therefore, while the onlookers were displeased to see that this group of people had joined forces to get ahead, they wouldn’t dare to reprimand them.
The burly man, who was standing not far away from Yang Kai, spat with a dark expression. He then took a glance at Yang Kai and Xu Wang before asking, “Why don’t we join forces?”
Yang Kai smiled without replying to him while Xu Wang didn’t bother to respond.
The burly man thought that they were timid, so he said with disdain, “People like you can never obtain anything in life. Just wait and see if there are any scraps left for you!”
He then stopped paying attention to them as he looked around in an attempt to seek reliable allies.
Just then, Yang Kai looked up and said in a small voice, “It’s about to start.”
A faint fluctuation of Space Principles was felt coming from the Void. While others might not notice it, the fluctuation was as conspicuous as a light in the darkness for Yang Kai.
As expected, right after he finished speaking, a black dot appeared at the spot where the portal had opened up several times before.
At that instant, hundreds of gazes turned to look at the black dot. The burly man didn’t have enough time to get any allies as he stared fixedly at the black dot as well.
In the blink of an eye, the black dot expanded to the size of a fist. Judging from the previous circumstances, the portal would be large enough for Humans to pass through this time.
The over thirty Open Heaven Realm Masters around the portal who had temporarily joined forces appeared excited and nervous.
Right then, a middle-aged man who was on his own shuffled forward from a particular direction. He looked just like the average cultivator when he took the first step, but his speed doubled when he took his second step, and it doubled again when he took a third step.
More than ten steps later, he turned into a ray of light and attempted to crash into the portal like a meteor.
The over thirty Open Heaven Realm Masters instantly felt threatened upon seeing that. All seven Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters turned to look at him as one of them bellowed, “Please be patient, Friend!”
They didn’t intend to stop others from entering the Universe Cave Heaven; they just wanted to be the first to enter; however, the portal hadn’t fully opened when someone came forward to make a scene. The person who called out just now naturally wanted to stop him.
As he spoke, he pushed out a palm that didn’t carry any murderous intent. It was obvious that he just wanted to make the middle-aged man back down for now.
The middle-aged man was unperturbed and didn’t even try to dodge the attack from the Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master. Instead, while moving forward, he simply swung his sleeve.
Instantly, his World Force surged like a tsunami as Seventh-Order pressure swept out across the void.
The Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master who made a move had his expression change drastically as he felt an immense force coming right at him. He lost his footing immediately and was sent flying away like a kite with a broken string in the next moment.
Besides him, the more than thirty people around the portal were all sent flying away as well. The weaker Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters spat blood as their faces turned pale.
The turn of events stunned everyone, as no one had expected that a Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master had hidden among them.
After the Seventh-Order middle-aged man made a move, all the people around the portal were blown away. The portal happened to be fully open when the man arrived, and without stopping, he dashed inside and disappeared.
Following that, a few figures flew forward from different directions. There was an old woman whose hair was all grey, a young boy with delicate skin, and a woman with a curvy figure.
All of them exuded Seventh-Order auras. These people had all come here independently.
The hundreds of Open Heaven Realm Masters, who were supposed to be scrambling into the portal, were shaking like quails in the winter without nests as none of them dared to move a muscle.
A small number of figures streamed into the Universe Cave Heaven and disappeared.
As soon as the last person entered it, the portal contracted and vanished.
The rest of the crowd was vexed upon seeing that the portal had disappeared; after all, they had been waiting here for days, but they didn’t even have a chance to enter. However, since so many High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had entered the Universe Cave Heaven, these people wouldn’t dare to pass through even if it was still open. To do so would be no different from trying to snatch food from Tigers.
Yang Kai was dumbfounded as he muttered, “There are so many High-Rank Masters here…”
He had never expected that so many High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had hidden among these hundreds of Open Heaven Realm Masters.
Xu Wang snorted, “They’re just timid and useless people. They don’t deserve the title of High-Rank!”
A shocked Yang Kai gazed at him, “Are they not from the Cave Heavens or Paradises?”
If those people were from the Cave Heavens and Paradises, they would be considered Xu Wang’s Seniors, and he wouldn’t have made such a disdainful remark.
Xu Wang scoffed, “There is no scum like them in the Cave Heavens and Paradises.”
Yang Kai frowned in puzzlement.
As though knowing what was on the other man’s mind, Xu Wang sighed, “The Shattered Heaven is more complicated than you think, Junior Brother. The waters are muddy here. There are even Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Shattered Heaven, not to mention Seventh-Order ones.”
Upon hearing that, Yang Kai was astounded, “How can that be?” If that was true, he wondered why he hadn’t heard of them before. He was fully aware of how dangerous the Shattered Heaven was, but it never crossed his mind that there were Seventh-Order and even Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters in this place. He wouldn’t have believed it if it wasn’t Xu Wang who said it.
Xu Wang went on to say, “They have been living here for a long time, and they usually don’t expose their cultivation. That’s why most people are not aware of their existence. In any case, it’s true that there are many High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Shattered Heaven.”
Yang Kai’s expression changed, and then he asked slowly, “There’s something I’ve always been curious about. Would you please enlighten me, Senior Brother Xu?”
Xu Wang turned to look at him, “Please ask, Junior Brother.”
“Great forces in the 3,000 Worlds are categorised into different classes. A great force with only Low-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters is Third Class, while a great force with Mid-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters is Second Class. Only the Cave Heavens and Paradises can be considered First Class great forces. Logically, Third Class great forces would become Second Class one day, and Second Class great forces would become First Class one day. After all, even if there are no cultivators who have directly ascended to the Sixth Order in those Second Class great forces, quite a number must have directly broken through to the Fifth Order. As time passes, those Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters would naturally ascend to the Seventh-Order. However, why is there not even a single Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Master in any Second Class great forces I know of? I haven’t been able to figure this out.”
“I know what you’re trying to ask, Junior Brother,” Xu Wang replied with a smile, “There are rumours that in order to maintain their dominant positions in the 3,000 Worlds, the Cave Heavens and Paradises never allow the Second Class great forces to have any High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters. Once that happens, the Cave Heavens and Paradises will either suppress or make the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters who come from those Second Class great forces join the Cave Heavens and Paradises.”
Yang Kai shook his head, “I don’t believe such a rumour. Given the depth of the heritages of the Cave Heavens and Paradises, it wouldn’t matter if there were some Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Second Class great forces. They wouldn’t do such a thing just to destroy their reputations.”
“Is that how you look at it, Junior Brother?” Xu Wang gazed at him.
Yang Kai knitted his brows, “Is it not true?”
Xu Wang said with a smile, “What if I tell you that the rumour is real?”
Yang Kai scowled as he suddenly thought of the Proprietress, who was trying to achieve a breakthrough to the Seventh Order back in Void Land. If the rumours were true, after she made it to the Seventh Order, she would be suppressed or forced to join one of the Cave Heavens and Paradises.
“If that’s true, it’d appear that those from the Cave Heavens and Paradises are rather narrow-minded.”
Xu Wang asked with a smile, “Are you disappointed in those so-called Cave Heavens and Paradises?”
Yang Kai replied dispassionately, “I never had any hopes for them, so why would I be disappointed?”
Xu Wang let out a sigh, “Junior Brother, the rumours you’ve heard about are true, but there’s a reason behind it, which I’m not at liberty to tell you. Given your aptitude, you’ll find out when the time is right. However, I can tell you that the reason the Cave Heavens and Paradises do such a thing isn’t to strengthen their rule over the 3,000 Worlds, nor are they worried that the Second Class great forces would someday grow powerful enough to threaten them. There’s a reason that most people are not aware of. The Cave Heavens and Paradises always act with a clear conscience.”
Yang Kai arched his brow without giving any remark.
Xu Ling Gong once told him that the 3,000 Worlds were not what it seemed, and now Xu Wang was saying something similar. At that instant, Yang Kai felt that his eyes had been shaded by a fog of mystery, which barred him from seeing through the nature of this expansive universe.
“Besides, do you think there are really no High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters in those Second Class great forces?” Xu Wang put on a smile, “There are quite a number of them actually. Just like what you’ve said, some of them directly ascended to the Fifth Order, and as time passed, they reached the Seventh Order; however, they wouldn’t dare to show up easily. That’s because once they do, they will instantly catch the attention of the Cave Heavens and Paradises. By then, they’ll lose their freedom. Many of those at the peak of the Sixth Order from the Second Class great forces suppress their cultivation and don’t dare to achieve an ascension because of that rumour. They’re worried that a calamity would befall them once they make it to the Seventh Order.”
Yang Kai suddenly recalled a person he had come across in the past, Li Luo Shui, who was the Old Ancestor of Golden Rainbow Province. When Yang Kai brought his people to storm Golden Rainbow Province, the woman’s appearance gave him a real shock. If it wasn’t because her realm was unstable since she had just broken through to the Seventh Order, Yang Kai wouldn’t have been able to defeat her.
Now, it seemed that just like Xu Wang had said, Li Luo Shui was one of those cultivators at the peak of the Sixth Order who hadn’t dared to achieve an ascension. Otherwise, it was unlikely that right after he arrived at Golden Rainbow Province, Li Luo Shui was able to make it to the Seventh Order.
Previously, he was still worried that the woman would come to retaliate against him; however, he hadn’t heard any news about her over the years. Now, it seemed that the woman was either subdued by one of the Cave Heavens and Paradises, or that she wouldn’t dare to show up easily for fear of just that.
“Rumour has it that after the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters from the Second Class great forces join the Cave Heavens and Paradises, they’ll soon vanish. It’s said that they’re either imprisoned or secretly killed,” Xu Wang put on a smile. “Over the years, I’d indeed seen some High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters from the Second Class great forces. They were brought to Bright King Cave Heaven by the Elders in the Sect.”
Yang Kai asked curiously, “How are they now?”
Xu Wang shook his head, “I’d only met every one of them once. After that, I haven’t heard about them anymore, and it’s not certain whether they’re dead or alive.”
Yang Kai felt a chill running down his spine. The insinuation in Xu Wang’s words made him realise that he didn’t understand the Cave Heavens and Paradises at all.
“It’s hard for the Cave Heavens and Paradises to monitor the affairs in the Shattered Heaven; therefore, many people who have ascended to the High-Rank will come here to live. Some of them have even come all the way here to achieve a breakthrough in order to avoid catching the attention of the Cave Heavens and Paradises. So, there are not only Seventh-Order but also Eighth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters in the Shattered Heaven. You have to be careful while you’re here, Junior Brother.”
“I’ll take note,” Yang Kai nodded lightly. However, his heart wasn’t as calm as his expression. If what Xu Wang had said was true, the waters in the Shattered Heaven were truly muddy.
The several Seventh-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters who had hidden among the crowd obviously knew a thing or two about the Universe Cave Heaven; otherwise, they wouldn’t have waited here and raced through the portal right after it opened up.
Unfortunately, after they entered, the portal instantly disappeared. There was no hope for the others to go in and get some leftovers. Yang Kai was capable of following the traces and forcefully opening the portal, but he wouldn’t do such a thing as it wasn’t worth the effort.
“The Shattered Heaven is indeed an amazing place.” Yang Kai suddenly sighed, then turned to look in a particular direction and smiled, “Don’t you agree, Blood Crow?”
Xu Wang’s expression turned solemn as he followed Yang Kai’s gaze.
There were three people, two men and one woman, in that direction who were apparently from the same Sect. Noticing the stares of Yang Kai and Xu Wang, they turned to look at them.
The two men frowned while appearing both vigilant and perplexed. The woman also asked in puzzlement, “Are you talking to us, Senior Brother?”
Yang Kai flashed a grin at her, “If the High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters hadn’t appeared and disturbed you, causing your aura to leak, I wouldn’t have discovered your whereabouts. Since I’ve found you, there’s no point for you to keep pretending. You’re a senior expert, so you should behave like one. Juniors like us will be disappointed if you keep acting dumb.”
The woman said with displeasure, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Senior Brother.”
The two men beside her glowered at Yang Kai, thinking that he had offended the beautiful woman.
Yang Kai sneered, “What’s wrong? Are you sick of being a man, so you’ve decided to live as a woman now?”
One of the men bellowed, “Please mind your language, Friend! The three of us have no grudges against you, nor do we even know you. Have we ever offended you before?”
“Are you mistaken?” Xu Wang asked in a small voice. He didn’t find any traces of Blood Crow coming from that woman, nor could he detect any unusual aura around her. The way the woman reacted was also natural and reasonable; hence, he was puzzled at Yang Kai’s accusation.
The conflict had caught the attention of many people at the scene. The portal that led to the Universe Cave Heaven had disappeared while several High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters had entered it. Many had thus already decided to leave.
After all, High-Rank Open Heaven Realm Masters were immensely formidable. They wouldn’t dare to snatch anything from them.
Since there were no benefits to be gained, they wouldn’t mind watching a good show. At that moment, many of them turned to look at the source of the conflict.
Right in front of everyone’s eyes, Yang Kai suddenly extended his hand and summoned his spear. As a light flashed through the weapon, he thrust out his weapon. Faced with the attack, the alluring woman with an hourglass figure didn’t even have time to react before her head exploded. Blood started spurting out of the headless corpse like a fountain.
Everyone was stunned by this scene.
The burly man, who was standing somewhere near Yang Kai, was especially terrified. When Yang Kai asked him a question some time ago, he brushed him off because he was a Sixth-Order Open Heaven Realm Master with profound cultivation. Even though he was aware that Yang Kai was also in the Sixth Order upon the latter’s arrival, it didn’t bother him one bit.
However, Yang Kai’s incredible attack and the heaviness of his World Force made the burly man realise the immense difference between them.
At that moment, he was covered in cold sweat as he instantly retreated dozens of kilometres, so that he wouldn’t be dragged into this mess.
In the blink of an eye, the alluring woman was killed just like that.
The men beside her were startled for a moment before their eyes reddened. One of them bellowed, “How could you murder Junior Sister Guo? I’ll kill you!”
Upon finishing his words, he summoned a long sword and pushed his World Force before charging towards Yang Kai. Although the other person remained silent, he also summoned his artifact as his murderous intent surged.
Both of them were only in the Fifth Order. Despite knowing that they were no match for Yang Kai, they couldn’t keep a cool head since their Junior Sister was killed for seemingly no reason.
Xu Wang hurriedly raised his hand and explained, “Please calm down. She wasn’t your Junior Sister. That person was…”
Before he could explain anything, he felt a spear brushing past his ear. He instinctively tilted his head, and when he looked up again, he realised that the two Fifth-Order Open Heaven Realm Masters had perished together with their Junior Sister, their heads exploding in the very same way as they passed away.
Xu Wang turned his head and yelled, “Yang Kai!”
If Yang Kai hadn’t saved him from being killed by Blood Crow, he would’ve launched an attack on him just now. He initially had a good impression of Yang Kai, which was why he had told him many secrets that were not very important; however, he had never expected that Yang Kai was such a ruthless person who had no qualms about killing people.
Until now, he still hadn’t detected the aura of Blood Crow from any of these three people.
Without gazing at him, Yang Kai looked up with a solemn expression, and then his lips curved into a sneer, “You’ve indeed lived up to your name as a senior expert. What an ingenious move!”
Xu Wang realised that something was off as well. As he looked around, he saw that about twenty people, who were supposedly onlookers, had just stepped forward. They consisted of men and women as well as young and old people.
Their companions gazed at them in shock as they had no idea why these people had stepped forward when they were supposed to just watch the show.
In a particular direction, a woman, who was in a group of four people, looked at the leaving figure in puzzlement and called out, “Senior Brother Lu?”
The person called Senior Brother Lu didn’t even turn his head as he spread his palms and activated his World Force. He then bellowed, “Anyone can destroy such a Devil Lord who has no qualms about killing others. Aren’t cultivators like us supposed to stand up to injustice?”
There was a glow behind the woman’s eyes as the already perfect Senior Brother Lu in her heart appeared even more heroic now. She then stepped forward and stood beside him, “I’ll assist you, Senior Brother!”
Upon seeing that, the remaining three disciples from the same Sect had no choice but to come forward as well.
The same thing happened to other groups of people. Initially, there were only some twenty people who had stepped forward, but in the blink of an eye, the number increased to over seventy since the companions of the initial people had come forward.
Although Xu Wang was from Bright King Cave Heaven, he was still dumbstruck by the sight. He wasn’t a fool. He was furious because he thought that Yang Kai had killed some innocent people just now; however, it was awkward that more than twenty people had suddenly come forward together right after that.
All of them were Open Heaven Realm Masters who had seen enough of the world to know not to take a stand so easily. They were not headstrong youths and they could decide whether they wanted to fight or kill based on not just emotions, but logic and reason. For such people, it was no different from self-deception to claim to be standing up against injustice.
Xu Wang would rather believe that there was a problem with the more than twenty people who first stepped forward than naively think that they were really trying to bring the murderer to justice.
However, there was supposedly no problem with their companions from the same Sects who had come forward to help them out.
“What should we do?” Xu Wang asked in a small voice.
“Just kill them all,” Yang Kai replied.
Xu Wang rolled his eyes, “How are you still in the mood to joke around?”
Yang Kai shrugged, “Even if I can’t defeat them, I can still flee. None of them can stop me.”
Xu Wang hurriedly said, “Don’t forget to bring me with you when you flee! Although the disciples from Bright King Cave Heaven are tough and resilient, it’s not like it’s fun to be beaten up by so many people.”
“It’ll depend on my mood,” Yang Kai replied dispassionately.
A speechless Xu Wang stared at him.
“We are disciples of Bright King Cave Heaven!” Yang Kai suddenly raised his spear and shouted. At the same time, he secretly kicked Xu Wang.
After Xu Wang got his hint, a thought flashed through his mind as the golden Immovable Bright King Body appeared behind him. He wasn’t in the mood to reprimand Yang Kai for pretending to be a disciple from Bright King Cave Heaven. At this point, it was the best choice to make use of Bright King Cave Heaven’s name.
As expected, after Xu Wang activated the Immovable Bright King Body, the group of seventy or so people became wary. They certainly knew that Bright King Cave Heaven was one of the 36 Cave Heavens.
“We were pursuing Blood Crow Divine Monarch and have chased him all the way to this place. Blood Crow has many deceitful tricks up his sleeves. The three people I killed just now were controlled by his Blood Principles. Even your companions have ended up the same. They’re no longer the friends or family you once knew.” Yang Kai looked provokingly at the more than twenty people who first stepped forward.
The whole crowd broke into a commotion.
Blood Crow Divine Monarch was infamous in the Shattered Heaven. He was an expert in the Dao of Blood who loved to absorb the Blood Essence of cultivators. Those who were targeted by him would end up in a horrible state.
The emotions in their hearts were undulated when they heard Yang Kai’s words. Some of the agile ones immediately moved away from their companions who looked perfectly normal. Nevertheless, most of them were still doubtful; after all, they hadn’t separated from their companions recently. They would’ve noticed it if Blood Crow was really around.
“Senior Brother Lu!” The woman called out in a shaking voice as she gazed at the man’s profile, “Is what he has said true?”
Senior Brother Lu didn’t seem to hear her as he looked impassively towards the front. The woman suddenly covered her mouth as her tears slid down her face like the pearls after the string snapped.