Chapter 1232: Portal Opens

A few days slipped by in a leisurely stroll.

Until this day, a profound energy fluctuation suddenly emanated from the void above the platform, followed by a gradual appearance of a speck of light.

In an instant, everyone's gaze was drawn to it. Even though Yang Qing said nothing at that moment, Lu Ye knew that the Grand Beginning Realm was likely about to open.

Indeed, the speck of light rapidly expanded, gradually transforming into a portal. Deity Ocean Realm cultivators from top-tier realms had already leaped, soaring towards the light, completely fearless of how such public attention might affect subsequent contests or if it would cause others to gang up on them.

This was an absolute confidence in their own strength!

In a blink of an eye, hundreds of figures gathered around the speck of light. They eyed each other, scrutinizing, because they all believed that those appearing at this moment would be the strongest opponents in this contest.

More participants were still waiting. Just as there were those willing to stand out and take risks, there were naturally also those willing to lie low and be patient. It wasn't to say that those who lacked the courage to step forward at this moment were necessarily inferior to others.

The elders from the various great realms were as tranquil as ever. There wasn't much left to instruct. Everything that needed to be said had already been said; there was no time for last-minute admonishments.

Only Yang Qing suddenly seemed to remember something, and with a calm expression, he said, "Boy, my demands for you aren't high. Just getting into the top ten will suffice. Can you do it?"

Lu Ye replied, "This junior will do his best."

Everyone understood the reasoning, but human nature being what it is, it was unavoidable even for Moon Radiance and Sun Radiance cultivators.

The fewer stars, the lower the value, naturally.

So, in such a gamble, typically, fewer treasures were withdrawn from the Treasure Garden each time, while many participants failed, leading to continuous accumulation.

You weren't restricted in what you could wager; even a single strand of hair would suffice. Of course, at their cultivation level, what they put forward wouldn't be too paltry. It could be said that each item was a top-quality treasure, an extremely rare and excellent find.

Lu Ye realized that the right pillar clearly had the ability to record the origins and names of these prodigies. He couldn't help but feel a little worried: "Senior, my origin from the Four Regions..."

After the Reincarnation Tree's voice faded, a cloud of misty radiance slowly unfurled in mid-air. It resembled a colossal pool, its 'water' being a shimmering, colorful vapor, and within this vapor, treasures gleamed everywhere, sparkling with starlight.

Yellow Dragon Realm, Gu Yulou.

As soon as the words were spoken, they immediately drew agreement from all sides: "As usual! As usual!"

It wasn't to say that Grand Beginning Realm cultivators from top-tier realms would necessarily have the last laugh. Their elders might favor them and wager heavy treasures, but if they died, the treasure would remain in the pool. Such examples were numerous.

Insect Emperor Realm, Zhi Qian.

What they cared about was the cultivation level displayed by the treasure pool when it channeled spiritual energy!

Four Heaven Realm, Lu Yiye!

Moreover, to ensure fairness and impartiality, it would mark the value of each wagered treasure. This was determined by the number of stars it emitted!

Frankly speaking, regarding the Reincarnation Tree's attitude towards the Four Regions, the Four Regions had always been on edge. But now it seemed that it genuinely harbored no ill will towards the Four Regions. If it truly had ill intentions, the Four Regions, with their current limited strength, would be powerless to resist.

Each time this grand event occurred, it gathered powerhouses from two to three thousand realms. Even if only a fraction of them participated, the number of treasures gathered was immense. In the end, it was a scenario where one winner took all the spoils.

Northern Underworld Ghost Serpent, You Ping.

Furthermore, due to historical accumulation, a large quantity of treasures remained in the Treasure Garden on the Reincarnation Tree's side, all left over from previous years' gambles.

The Reincarnation Tree said, "Don't think about biding your time and hiding your true strength. The opportunity in the Deity Ocean Realm is the greatest opportunity in this star-filled sky for your Grand Beginning Realm cultivators. If you don't fight for such a good thing, then don't fight for anything else in the future."

Lu Ye added, "Remember these realms, these people. Each of them comes from a top-tier realm and will be your strongest opponents on this trip. When you advance to the Star Host Realm and venture into the starry sky in the future, you might even interact with some of them."

Lu Ye nodded, and couldn't help but remind him again, "If you truly can't endure it, find an undisturbed, uninhabited place, and shout 'I'm exiting' towards the sky. The Reincarnation Tree will naturally let you out. However, shouting that while fighting others will be useless."

A gamble that needed to be hosted by the Reincarnation Tree.

The Reincarnation Tree, as the seemingly forced house, was undoubtedly the biggest winner.

As the two spoke, more figures had already soared from all directions, rushing towards the portal. Seeing that it was almost time, Lu Ye said, "Senior, then I'll be going."

They didn't pay too much attention. In the eyes of people like them, that Fourth-Layer cultivator, once inside, probably wouldn't last more than two days; they were merely there to accompany the 'princes' in their studies.

For a moment, a casual smile appeared. They also wondered what was going on with the Four Heaven Realm... had their talent pool dwindled to such an extent that they had to send a Fourth-Layer cultivator to participate in such a grand event?

Yao Heaven Realm, Nan Xiong.

Lu Ye nodded.

Myriad Devil Continent, Mokoshaw.

Powerhouses from various realms had once evaluated that a treasure marked with one star by the Reincarnation Tree was worth at least ten thousand spirit jades.

This was also the greatest opportunity for Grand Beginning Realm cultivators. How fortunate was he to be able to participate in it! If he didn't fight for such a good thing, what else was there to fight for?!

Many powerhouses who were paying attention to the portal's movements revealed surprised expressions. It wasn't because they had heard the name 'Four Heaven Realm' before. The starry sky was vast and had countless realms; even they wouldn't dare claim to know all of them, so a sudden appearance of an unheard-of realm was quite normal.

Treasures varied, and so did their values. However, this didn't pose a challenge to the Reincarnation Tree. Its lifespan was long, and it was widely knowledgeable, so it could instantly discern the value of any treasure at a glance.

As the two spoke, the portal had fully formed. Simultaneously, two colossal pillars suddenly appeared on either side of the portal, standing parallel like gateposts.

He immediately responded in a deep voice, "This junior will strive to return within the top eight!"

The Reincarnation Tree would almost always issue such a reminder, but it was largely useless, as it had already become a customary practice.

Lu Ye fixed his gaze, and saw the golden lights rapidly transform into lines of text.

From this perspective, Lu Ye (the senior) also had considerable feelings for the Four Regions. Thus, even after ten thousand years, he was willing to look after this junior who also originated from the Four Regions.

Lu Ye calmly said, "Don't worry, the Reincarnation Tree is recording this. It won't record your original origin. If you enter, it will only show that you are from the Four Heaven Realm. These things don't require us elders to report them."

Lu Ye explained, "After a month, the names of the top hundred ranked individuals will appear on the left pillar. By that time, whoever's name is on the left pillar will be eligible to enjoy the fruits of this event."

Lu Yiye, who was qualified to enter the Deity Ocean Realm, was fiercely competing inside.

The Sun Radiance realm cultivator bowed respectfully: "Elder Tree, please open the Grand Beginning Realm!"

He dutifully responded, soared into the sky, and swept into the portal. Immediately, a line of text appeared on the right pillar.

This was also a common phenomenon. Among two to three thousand participants, taking the top hundred, the vast majority were merely there as foils.

Lu Ye understood, and then curiously asked, "The right pillar records these, but what does the left one do?"

Such an immense fortune, even the most top-tier realms would eye with envy. But everyone knew that what was inside couldn't be seized by force, unless they were courting death.

Seven-Colored Realm, Baoshi.

A Sun Radiance realm cultivator of extraordinary demeanor spoke up: "Those who should enter have entered. The contest for the Deity Ocean Realm has begun. As for us, let's proceed as usual."

For the top hundred, he was still quite confident. Although he had only encountered a few prodigies from other realms so far—just Yu Yaorao and Yan Ya—and they were all strong, he himself was not inferior.

The Reincarnation Tree's voice rang out for the first time: "Fellow daoists from various realms, I still say this: small gambles delight, big gambles harm. Please act within your means!"

Soon, all Grand Beginning Realm cultivators participating in the Deity Ocean contest had poured into the Deity Ocean Realm portal. The portal slowly closed, leaving only the two colossal pillars standing. The left pillar was blank, while the right pillar displayed over two thousand lines of text...

He had also brought himself to participate in such a grand event. This was a great favor, which Lu Ye silently kept in mind.

The gambling method was also straightforward: bet on which of the Grand Beginning Realm cultivators would ultimately emerge victorious. Bet correctly and you'd naturally gain rewards; bet wrongly and you'd lose your entire stake!

For these powerhouses, participating in such a gamble was quite interesting. Winning made them happy, and losing wasn't annoying—it was just a process of entertainment.

But for it (the Reincarnation Tree), this held no meaning at all. It was already a supreme treasure of the starry sky, unique in the universe. What treasure could be more precious than it?

The hundreds of figures gathered around the portal all cast their wagers.

Lu Ye laughed heartily: "You have ambition, but don't be too ostentatious. It's easy to incur public resentment, and then the gains won't outweigh the losses."

Lu Ye felt a warmth in his heart, sensing the concern of the Dragon Race senior.

If it were merely a simple arena fight, he would be confident of placing in the top ten. But the contest within the Deity Ocean Realm was not as straightforward as an arena fight. Especially with its various rules, if one became too prominent, it would be easy to be targeted. Therefore, there were many unpredictable elements once inside.

Lu Ye had indeed been thinking that way: once inside, he would try to act discreetly and avoid doing anything too conspicuous. But upon hearing Lu Ye's words, he immediately realized the problem.

This was the very core of the gamble. The treasures floating in the pool likely numbered in the tens of thousands!

Among all the Grand Beginning Realm cultivators participating in the Deity Ocean contest, he was the only Fourth-Layer cultivator.

So that's how it was.

Only Deity Ocean Fourth-Layer! Purple Xuan Demonic Star, Yao Ruoli.

These elders, having nothing to do there, couldn't just sit and watch; they had to wait for several months. It was unknown when it started, but a gambling game arose.