Chapter 365: The Cultivation Realms in the Universe, The Painful Experience of the Xia Dynasty

The Xuanhuang World was "destroyed." Among those present, only three people knew the truth: Zhao Xing, Ji Che, and Yun Tiandao.

Everyone else was stunned.

"The Xuanhuang World exploded!" Lu Ying’s face turned pale. "How... how could this happen?"

"It's because we extracted too much material," Chen Ju stammered, trembling with guilt.

"We can't go back," Mi Fu murmured.

"My home is gone," Liu Tianning's eyes dimmed.

"It should have been me who died, Heaven knows..." Ling Tianchen closed his eyes in agony.

"Alas..."

Everyone displayed varying degrees of sadness, guilt, and shock.

Even Yun Tiandao and Ji Che, who knew the inside story, were somewhat stunned. Zhao Xing had mentioned "hidden illusions breaking," but they hadn't expected it to be proven true just half a year later.

"Your Majesty, ministers, you must not grieve excessively. We still have many matters to attend to. For the sake of our citizens within the World Ark, we need to recover quickly," Zhao Xing said.

"Oh, right." Ji Che also composed himself. "Lu Ying, close this observation area. The rest of you, return to your quarters."

"Yes."

"Your servant takes his leave."

"Your Majesty, please take care and do not dwell on sorrow."

The ministers departed one after another, some offering words of comfort to Ji Che.

Once most people had left, Ji Che and Yun Tiandao simultaneously teleported, following Zhao Xing to a certain location.

"Elder Brother, what you said has truly been proven!" Ji Che said, somewhat excited. "The Xuanhuang World was not destroyed!"

"Indeed," Zhao Xing nodded.

"Why?" Yun Tiandao pressed. "Why did such a phenomenon occur?"

"Do not press the matter," Zhao Xing pointed upwards. "This involves a secret. Qingyuzi was hunted precisely because of this. His enemies might still be alive, and if I say too much, I fear I might draw their attention."

"It's only because I have cultivated the Three Divine Life Palaces that I dare reveal this much to you. But from today onwards, you must bury this matter deep in your hearts and never mention it to anyone."

(In reality, Qingyuzi's dying words never mentioned this; Zhao Xing merely used it as a convenient excuse. However, Qingyuzi had already shouldered many burdens, so one more wouldn't matter.)

Ji Che and Yun Tiandao exchanged glances, then both nodded, indicating they would not bring it up again.

"Elder Brother, I am curious, just how terrifying are the powerhouses in the universe?"

Zhao Xing pondered for a moment, then pointed his finger. A holographic star map appeared above their heads.

"To discuss cultivation realms, we must first understand where we are located."

"This is a map left by Qingyuzi."

"The Xuanhuang World is located in the Chenluo Desolate Domain."

"The Chenluo Desolate Domain is one of the desolate star belts within the Xuanling Starfield, which is part of the Ancient River Domain."

Yun Tiandao mused, "Does 'Desolate Domain' correspond to a 'Spiritual Qi Domain'? Does 'Xuanling Starfield' refer to a region of the universe filled with spiritual energy?"

Zhao Xing nodded. "Yes, the Ancient River Domain encompasses countless spiritual energy starfields, and the Xuanling Starfield is one of them."

"A domain is a collection of spiritual energy starfields, and it represents the current boundary of the known and explored universe."

"In reality, this boundary is constantly expanding. Qingyuzi once heard rumors that the Ancient River Domain is merely one domain within a larger cosmic concept."

(If Qingyuzi were still alive, he would surely be relieved. 'Fellow countryman, if you talk for a few more years, I'm afraid I'll become an omniscient, all-knowing cosmic expert!')

Zhao Xing continued, "Within the Ancient River Domain, there are countless spiritual energy starfields, inhabited by numerous large, cross-starfield powers. Examples include the Desolate Domain Ancient Kingdoms Alliance, the Primordial Hill, the Crimson Star Empire, the Origin Heavenly Palace, and the Samsara Divine Palace."

"However, cross-starfield travel is too distant. There are many desolate domains and even dead domains in between. Our current mobility is too weak, so we shouldn't even think about traveling across starfields for now."

"Let's just talk about our Xuanling Starfield. It also has countless civilizations, billions upon billions of races, and an uncountable number of World Stars, which have not been fully explored even to this day."

"In fact, the territory of the Desolate Domain Ancient Kingdoms Alliance alone is boundless. Just Qingyuzi's homeland, the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, contains an unknown number of World Stars and small worlds like the Xuanhuang World."

"In the Xuanling Starfield, human forces and other racial forces are roughly split 40/60."

Zhao Xing mused, "Qingyuzi said that his homeland, the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, is only a mid-to-upper-tier ancient kingdom, not a top-tier great nation."

Ji Che took a deep breath and said, "Elder Brother, does that mean our homeland belongs to: Ancient River Domain -> Xuanling Starfield -> Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom -> Chenluo Desolate Domain -> Xuanhuang Star System -> Xuanhuang World?"

Zhao Xing shook his head. "To be precise, the Chenluo Desolate Domain does not belong to the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom. It's just a leaderless star belt scattered within the Xuanling Starfield."

"Of course, along our current trajectory, we will eventually appear within the territory of the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom."

"Are there multiple routes?" Yun Tiandao asked.

"Yes," Zhao Xing nodded.

(In fact, the current space route he was taking was different from his previous life. In his previous life, Zhao Xing took another direction through the Chenluo Desolate Domain.)

(After about eight thousand years of slumber, he appeared in a spiritual energy domain. That route led to the border region of the Crimson Star Empire.)

(Of course, later on, ascending players gradually discovered many more star routes.)

(It was possible to find the Chenluo Desolate Domain. As long as one didn't take the death star route, they would always end up within the territory of one of eight powers: the Crimson Star Empire, the Lingyan Ancient Kingdom, the Tianfeng Ancient Kingdom, the Cangyue Demonic Nation, the Hailuo Dynasty, the Tianyuan Star Alliance, the Lan Hai Dynasty, and the Divine Earth Palace.)

(If one took the death star route, the ultimate outcome was a dead end, requiring a restart. This desolate belt not only traversed the territories of the eight major powers but also extended beyond the Xuanling Starfield.)

"In the Xuanling Starfield, any 'X Dynasty' typically has a small territory and has existed in the Xuanling Starfield for a relatively short time. They are usually unstable and comparatively weaker," Zhao Xing said.

"Like our Great Zhou?" Ji Che asked.

"Uh, not exactly." Zhao Xing was a bit awkward. "This weakness is relative. To be on the list of powers in the Xuanling Starfield means they have already made a name for themselves. They occupy at least tens of thousands of World Stars or small worlds, whereas our Great Zhou can at most be considered a World Star-level power."

"Meaning it's about on par with a bandit stronghold," Yun Tiandao added, twisting the knife.

"... " Ji Che was a bit speechless. How did he, an emperor, get downgraded to a mountain bandit king in the universe?

"No matter, I believe that in the near future, Great Zhou will surely stand at the pinnacle of the Xuanling Starfield."

"Excellent! With confidence, it will surely be achieved!" Zhao Xing enthusiastically supported him.

"So, 'Ancient Kingdom' means long-standing and strong?" Yun Tiandao continued to ask.

"Yes, any entity referred to as an 'Ancient Kingdom' is to distinguish them from ephemeral dynasties and powerful nations," Zhao Xing said. "They must have existed for at least ten epochs, occupy at least one star system, and possess over a million habitable World Stars. Only by meeting these two criteria can they be considered an Ancient Kingdom."

Ji Che's eyes widened. Only then did he begin to grasp what Zhao Xing had just said.

To possess a million Xuanhuang Worlds was the minimum threshold to be considered an ancient kingdom, and even then, in the Xuanling Starfield, that would surely be the weakest nation!

"The path to establishment is long and arduous," Ji Che mused, but such a vast stage only strengthened his conviction. "I must strive to make Great Zhou an Ancient Kingdom!"

"There are roughly a hundred ancient kingdoms in the Xuanling Starfield," Zhao Xing said. "As for dynasties, they are innumerable, though those with over ten thousand World Stars are considered strong among dynasties, just lacking in deep foundations."

"Returning to what we first discussed, the Crimson Star Empire, the Samsara Divine Palace, the Primordial Hill, and the Origin Heavenly Palace are all super-powers that transcend starfields. They are extraordinary, influencing not only the Xuanling Starfield but also other spiritual energy starfields."

"Of course, if we consider the Desolate Domain Ancient Kingdoms Alliance as a whole, it can also be regarded as a cross-starfield superpower."

"Wait a moment," Yun Tiandao asked, puzzled. "Why is it called the 'Desolate Domain Ancient Kingdoms Alliance' and not simply 'Ancient Kingdoms Alliance' or 'Xuanling Ancient Kingdoms Alliance'?"

Zhao Xing replied, "That involves the environment of the Xuanling Starfield."

"A long time ago, roughly thirty epochs ago, powers like the Crimson Star Empire, the Samsara Divine Palace, the Primordial Hill, and the Origin Heavenly Palace discovered that the Xuanling Starfield was experiencing a 'desolation phenomenon'."

"Due to continuous warfare within the Xuanling Starfield, this situation grew increasingly severe. Consequently, these superpowers began referring to these ancient kingdoms as 'ancient kingdoms within the desolate domain' and propagated a prophecy: that within no more than 100 epochs, desolation would spread throughout the entire domain, and after 1000 epochs, the entire Xuanling Starfield would no longer be suitable for any great nation to survive."

Ji Che suddenly understood. "So, they issued a death warrant for the Xuanling Starfield?"

Zhao Xing nodded. "Precisely. Later, the Desolate Domain Ancient Kingdoms Alliance was formed and began dedicating some effort to the environmental issues within their own starfield."

"However, fighting still happens as usual. It's common to see them swear blood oaths one day and lay siege to each other's cities the next."

"Only when dealing with foreign races or invasions from other spiritual energy starfields do they temporarily cease hostilities and unite against the common enemy."

(Peace was impossible. What did environmental problems have to do with him? His people in a dynasty couldn't even get enough to eat, were trapped at home, unable to travel the universe, and he was supposed to care about what happened after 1000 epochs?)

(Zhao Xing hadn't heard of the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom in his previous life. He suspected that the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom was probably destroyed in war.)

(Of course, there was no need to tell Ji Che and the others this for now. He would first go out and find out the exact situation.)

Hearing Zhao Xing's words, deep worry creased Yun Tiandao's brow.

A weak World Star-level power was so difficult to manage. What had happened to the Great Xia Dynasty since its ascension an epoch ago? Was it struggling in dire straits?

He was about to ask, but Zhao Xing spoke again:

"Alright, that's all Qingyuzi mentioned. Let's now discuss the cultivation realms in the universe."

"Above the Ascension Realm is the Origin Realm."

"The Origin stage is divided into three major realms."

"The first realm is the Nascent Realm," Zhao Xing said slowly. "To explain the mysteries of the Origin Realm, we need to consider two perspectives."

"Firstly, for spellcasters, it emphasizes the path of spells, soul, and comprehending the mysteries of the universe through magic."

"Secondly, for martial artists, it emphasizes the physical body, developing physical potential, and continuously increasing the upper limit of the physical body."

"Because at the Foundation Establishment Realm, the martial artist path and the spellcaster path have already diverged significantly, and their advancement and power systems are also vastly different."

"For example, when a martial artist establishes their foundation, their soul and physical body are already fused. The body is the soul, and the soul is the body. To kill a martial artist, you only need to destroy their physical body to completely kill them."

"Accordingly, for martial artists, upgrading the physical body means upgrading the realm."

"For the spellcaster path, both the soul and the physical body must be upgraded, but the conditions for physical body upgrading are much easier; it merely needs to be able to contain the spiritual energy of the corresponding realm."

Ji Che nodded. "I understand this. If you compare the physical body to a house, a martial artist's house is stronger and more reliable, able to withstand wind and rain."

"A spellcaster's house just needs to be habitable, flashy but impractical."

"Precisely," Zhao Xing nodded. "Because spellcasters frequently change houses, the focus is on the soul and the comprehension of the Dao, so there's no need for the body to be that sturdy."

"The most frequent 'house-changers' are arguably the puppeteers among artificers."

"Of course, regardless of the path, the essence is the utilization of spiritual energy origin, just with different methods of utilization and varying emphases."

"A martial artist in the Nascent Realm has a physical body as hard as a Star Dao Soldier. Even a Sword Sect martial artist is incredibly tough," Zhao Xing said. "If it's a Qi Sect martial artist, it's even more outrageous; a spell practitioner might attack them a hundred times, and they might not even die."

"But if a martial arts practitioner punches a spell practitioner, they can shatter the body and capture the spell practitioner's soul."

"Either for artifact refining or to sell for money."

"Sell for money?" Yun Tiandao was stunned. "This can be sold for money?"

"Of course," Zhao Xing said. "Soul-reaping banners exist in the universe, not to mention that artifact refiners love the souls of powerful individuals the most. Doesn't the sacrifice stream have drawbacks? Sacrificing others poses no problem."

Ji Che puzzled, "Doesn't that mean spellcasters are at a great disadvantage? One mistake and they're gone."

Zhao Xing shook his head. "Quite the opposite. The number of martial artists is far greater than spellcasters. The spellcaster path isn't something one can just walk; it requires talent."

"Moreover, the spellcaster path has numerous life-saving methods. Even if the physical body is shattered, the soul isn't so easily captured. Even if it is, in most cases, it's merely a sub-soul; the capture of the main soul is relatively rare."

"It's generally acknowledged in the universe that, under normal circumstances, spellcaster professions have higher attack power than martial artist professions, but in terms of survivability, martial artist professions surpass spellcaster professions."

"If both are in a desperate situation, a martial artist with a strong body can endure for a long time, while a spellcaster can easily die."

"In terms of poison resistance, disease resistance, and resisting calamities, a martial artist's physical body also has an advantage."

At this point, Zhao Xing concluded, "In the first realm of Origin, Origin Nascent, a spellcaster's 'Dao Domain' further expands. The casting distance and spell range increase further, comprehending the mysteries of the universe from within outwards."

"A martial artist's physical body becomes stronger, and their 'Dao Domain' shrinks, but their physical body becomes increasingly vast. Their vitality becomes more tenacious, with the ultimate goal of compressing the 'Dao Domain' into the body, which is another fusion goal after the fusion of the life soul and physical body."

Yun Tiandao asked, "Then what are the characteristics of the second realm of Origin?"

"The second realm of Origin is called the Void Realm."

Zhao Xing manipulated the star map, displaying endless darkness.

"The cosmic environment is harsh. Both the spellcaster path and the martial artist path exist for survival, to make oneself better adapted to the cosmic environment."

"The Nascent Realm is still very weak. The transformation by the spiritual energy origin is incomplete, or the spells are not strong enough, or the physical body is not strong enough. In short, it is still very difficult to survive in the void, and tools must be relied upon."

"Daring to cross the starry void alone is basically a death sentence."

"The cosmic void holds various disasters and unknowns."

"In the Origin Nascent Realm, whether a spellcaster or a martial artist, encountering a 'Void Wind' might lead to their demise."

"From external factors, the first realm cannot withstand the pressure in the void."

"From internal factors, during long journeys through the cosmic domain, the first realm also cannot sustain itself without food or drink, still requiring spiritual energy replenishment and physical recovery."

"I mentioned earlier that cosmic domains are divided into spiritual energy domains and desolate domains."

"In the first realm, even in a spiritual energy domain, one cannot directly absorb the spiritual energy from the void, because void spiritual energy is violent and chaotic, even containing toxic substances."

"The spiritual energy within a cultivator's body, however, requires stability and docility."

"Let alone desolate domains; there is no spiritual energy at all, and the void's oppression and various disasters are even stronger."

Ji Che: "So, the second realm of Origin, the Void Realm, requires one to be able to absorb the chaotic spiritual energy in the universe, and for one's spells or physical body to be able to withstand void pressure and be fearless of void turbulence and accidents?"

"Not quite rigorous," Yun Tiandao added. "One must exclude desolate domains. In desolate domains, even the second realm cannot survive without relying on tools."

"Right," Zhao Xing summarized. "In the second realm, Origin Void, Dao spellcasters initially grasp the fundamental mysteries of void spiritual energy and can resist void pressure."

"Within their Dao Domain, they can fly in the void and also absorb chaotic spiritual energy from the void."

"A martial artist's physical body further expands and strengthens, storing a vast amount of spiritual energy. Their physical body becomes comparable to a mid-grade or even high-grade Star Dao Soldier, and they can also absorb chaotic spiritual energy."

"However, flying while resisting the pressure is significantly slower than flying within a World Star or small world."

"Even if a second-realm cultivator could fly unprotected, they wouldn't be so foolish; they would still use tools for flight."

"Of course, theoretically, as long as one is not afraid of dying from an accident, they can indeed survive in the void."

"Thus, the second realm is named the Void Realm."

"What about the powerhouses of the third realm?" Yun Tiandao asked.

"The third realm is the Divine Ability Realm," Zhao Xing said. "At this point, both the spellcaster path and the martial artist path have thoroughly comprehended the origin of spiritual energy."

"Whether it's the gentle and orderly spiritual energy within World Stars, small worlds, or star continents, or the chaotic, violent, and toxic spiritual energy in the void and dangerous areas, they are all completely understood."

"Deep mastery leads to more profound utilization."

"The spellcasting abilities of spellcaster professions, such as 'Purple Light Eight Eras,' can briefly revitalize a barren planet, turning it into a temporary survival supply point. This is turning decay into magic."

"The physical abilities of martial arts professions, such as the famous martial ability of the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, 'Great Sun Divine Travel,' allow one to walk on sun stars. If they hide on a sun star, spellcaster professions can only stare helplessly."

Ji Che and Yun Tiandao were full of doubts. "Wait, the third realm only masters divine abilities, but Elder Brother, myself, and Mr. Yun have all mastered divine abilities. How is this possible?"

Zhao Xing chuckled. "Firstly, it's because the three of us are the most powerful in this realm, and our talents far exceed ordinary people."

"Secondly, the environment is different."

"We are in the Xuanhuang World, where we use stable and gentle spiritual energy to cast our abilities."

"The divine abilities I just mentioned refer to those cast in the void."

"Shooting an arrow in a windless environment and hitting the bullseye every time is rare, but hitting it even in a raging storm is true skill."

"Moreover, divine abilities vary in power. We have only mastered minor divine abilities."

"In the third realm, most can cast minor divine abilities, and geniuses can cast major divine abilities. This standard of evaluation is all based on the void environment."

Ji Che quipped, "So, if we were captured, we wouldn't be reduced to mining, would we?"

"Mastering minor divine abilities at the Ascension Realm, especially in a stable spiritual energy environment, is indeed commendable."

Zhao Xing also smiled.

Indeed, they wouldn't be reduced to mining. Unless their captors were fools, they could be sold for a good price!

Yun Tiandao sighed, "I never thought there were so many tall mountains in the universe."

Ji Che, on the other hand, focused on other key points. "So, the third realm should be considered a powerhouse in the ancient kingdoms, right?"

"Powerhouse?" Zhao Xing shook his head. "Although the third realm can traverse the void physically and has great combat power, they are still not considered powerhouses in ancient kingdoms; they are merely elites."

"Of course, if placed in a dynasty, they could be considered powerhouses. They could establish their own dynasty, and if there were a few more third-realm cultivators, they might even be able to establish a foothold."

Ji Che curiously asked, "What does it take to be considered a true powerhouse?"

"Dao Domain Realm!" Zhao Xing said. "Only by reaching the Dao Domain Realm can one be considered a powerhouse in an ancient kingdom."

"What is the Dao Domain Realm?"

"For the spellcaster path, the Dao Domain leaps in this realm. The range of the Dao Domain can cover at least one star system, or even more extensively."

"For the martial artist path, their strength can easily move suns and moon stars, carrying them through the void."

Ji Che and Yun Tiandao held their breath.

A Dao Domain covering a star system? Wouldn't that affect billions of World Stars?

Moving suns and moon stars?

It was simply unimaginable!

"Reaching the Dao Domain Realm makes one a revered guest in any ancient kingdom!" Zhao Xing said. "Because Dao Domain Realm cultivators can counter the spread of desolation in starfields."

"Especially for the spellcaster path, if a certain frontier is guarded by a Dao Domain Realm cultivator, the desolation phenomenon will be greatly delayed, or even completely halted."

"The martial artist path is slightly inferior. They can only create a 'life belt' by moving moon and sun stars and placing them at the frontier," Zhao Xing explained.

"Martial artist path, isn't that equivalent to planting trees?" Yun Tiandao offered an imaginative analogy.

"Hahaha, you could say that," Zhao Xing chuckled. "Massive bodies, fiercely absorbing spiritual energy, then exhaling it into a star system, moving moon and sun stars – compared to the spellcaster path, the martial artist path is indeed that arduous."

"That's why I said earlier that the spellcaster path requires more talent; not everyone can walk it."

"Even at the same Dao Domain Realm, in the various ancient kingdoms of the Xuanling Starfield, spellcaster professions receive more preferential treatment."

Ji Che imagined that magnificent scene, his heart surging. "Truly invincible!"

"Invincible? That's not what we call invincible," Zhao Xing shook his head. "Above the Dao Domain Realm, there's still the Samsara Realm."

"There's more?" Ji Che was stunned.

"The Dao Domain Realm has not comprehended the grand dao of Yin and Yang, life and death, so their lifespan is limited," Zhao Xing said. "They cannot resurrect themselves after death, nor can they resurrect others."

"Only those in the Samsara Realm can resurrect themselves after death and possess the ability to resurrect others." "Of course, those in the Samsara Realm are very rare."

"The Samsara Divine Palace monitors these Samsara Realm cultivators, forbidding them from resurrecting others at will, and also prohibiting them from resurrecting themselves through certain rituals."

Ji Che murmured, "Even those in the Samsara Realm don't have freedom. Even after comprehending life and death, they are still monitored by the transcending power of the Samsara Divine Palace..."

Yun Tiandao also sighed, "Only now do I understand the vastness of the universe."

After listening to Zhao Xing, both felt a profound sense of their own insignificance.

"Elder Brother, then what is the realm above the Samsara Realm?" Ji Che asked.

"God," Zhao Xing mused. "This realm is a legendary one. Qingyuzi's master once told him that above the Samsara Realm are Gods who look down upon all sentient beings and witness the cycle of reincarnation of all things."

"As for what abilities Gods possess or how to cultivate to that realm, it's completely unknown."

"Leaping out of samsara, looking down on all sentient beings?" Yun Tiandao and Ji Che, on the other hand, had no reaction to this.

Because it was too distant, they had no expectations.

(Is there anything above God?)

(Zhao Xing could confirm there was, but he couldn't remember clearly. Because in his previous life, he failed to break through to the God Realm, and that memory was very blurry. His foresight only reached this point, but he vaguely felt that the God Realm was not the end.)

"Now the path of advancement is clear," Zhao Xing said. "Origin Nascent Realm, Origin Void Realm, Origin Divine Ability Realm, Dao Domain Realm, Samsara Realm, and the legendary God Realm."

"World Star-level powers, minor and major dynasty powers, ancient kingdom powers, and cross-starfield superpowers."

"Star Dao Soldiers, World Star Dao Soldiers, Lunar Dao Soldiers, Solar Dao Soldiers, Origin Divine Weapons."

"Che, once we reach human territory, we will inevitably come into contact with external forces."

"I intend to disseminate this knowledge taught by Qingyuzi to the Great Zhou's principal ministers, because they will sooner or later interact with the outside world."

Ji Che said, "Elder Brother, you said the universe is dark and cruel. Should we be more cautious when interacting with the outside world?"

"Of course we must be cautious. So the first step is to popularize common knowledge about the universe. We cannot let people know that we are a newly ascended dynasty," Zhao Xing raised a finger.

"Because newly ascended dynasties are the best targets for plunder!"

"Think about it, how many Star Dao Soldiers do we possess now? We even have a few World Soldiers. This is a great temptation for those in the third realm."

"Some World Soldiers are even desired by Dao Domain Realm cultivators."

"We are like children carrying a pile of gold, swaggering through the streets of the universe, utterly lacking self-protection. So, we must hide ourselves initially, we must stay low!"

"Popularizing common knowledge, making people think we are not bumpkins, but experienced cosmic cultivators or descendants of some major power, will greatly reduce the risk of being robbed."

(Zhao Xing chose this route to the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom because the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's Purple God Mansion was Qingyuzi's origin. With this connection, he could somewhat reduce the risks.)

(In his previous life, when players took out the treasures of the Xuanhuang World, they had painful experiences; they were completely looted as soon as they left the desolate domain.)

"The second step is to sell our treasures and convert them into our own strength," Zhao Xing raised a second finger. "World Soldiers are difficult to sell. For us, who are only at the Ascension Realm, selling World Soldiers carries great risk. But Star Dao Soldiers can be sold, and spiritual energy materials can be sold, such as spirit liquids and spirit crystals. These are hard currency and can be exchanged for the currency issued by a certain ancient kingdom. We'll convert some currency from wherever we plan to settle."

"The third step, when the time is right, and there must be someone who has reached the third realm, then we can choose a relatively strong and peaceful power and establish the Great Zhou Dynasty there."

"Initially, buying a World Star will suffice. Of course, this needs to be done quickly, because our World Ark cannot circulate indefinitely. At the latest within three thousand years, we will have to move out all residents."

"Additionally, the specialties of the Xuanhuang World must also be moved out, otherwise many things will automatically degrade due to the World Ark's incomplete origin, just like food spoils over time or weapons rust."

Ji Che nodded frequently, and Yun Tiandao listened quietly, because Zhao Xing was talking about the survival strategy for a newly ascended dynasty.

He felt this information was useful, and perhaps it could help the Xia Dynasty in the future.

"The fourth step: when we move out, we will certainly face challenges. At that time, we must be sufficiently prepared."

"No matter how vast the Xuanling Starfield is, after countless years, it is still overcrowded. Suitable territories are scarce, and we must contend for them."

"Fifth..."

On the day the Xuanhuang World "exploded," Zhao Xing spoke at length with Ji Che and Yun Tiandao.

There was no other way; survival in the universe was too difficult. The Xuanhuang World had brought up so many treasures, yet without strong protectors, even a slightly more powerful Origin Realm cultivator could sweep through the Great Zhou Dynasty at this moment.

Local forces were too unruly and impolite. The slightest slip-up would lead to them seizing the opportunity to attack.

What calamity could befall them for annihilating a newly ascended force with no backing?

Yet the profits were immense. It was well known that newly ascended dynasties were the fattest targets! Robbing them was a business with a ten-thousand-fold return!

If Zhao Xing didn't mention it, the Great Zhou would certainly fall into many pitfalls, perhaps even leading to its demise.

Most of the ascended dynasties from the Xuanhuang World had perished for this very reason.

(Of course, Zhao Xing wasn't solely for the Great Zhou. He also hoped that the Great Zhou could provide him with resources in the early stages, as earning money in the cosmic version was simply too difficult.)

(Legitimate ventures were not his turn, and he lacked the strength for illegal ones. This current period was not his previous life's ascension point, nor was it a familiar region; he hadn't even heard of the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom!)

(Therefore, the Great Zhou was the foundation for his early development, and he had to protect it.)

"Che, let's stop here for today," Zhao Xing ended his narration. "I think this information is enough for the next five hundred years."

"Okay, I understand," Ji Che nodded. He had already seen the impatient look in Yun Tiandao's eyes. It was due to Old Yun's good cultivation and patience that he had held back from asking for so long.

Now that he understood the cruelty of the universe and had personally witnessed the explosion of the Xuanhuang World, he naturally wanted to know the situation of the Xia Dynasty immediately.

"I'll take my leave. You two chat," Ji Che exited the Altar of Heaven plaza, leaving only Yun Tiandao and Zhao Xing.

"Brother Yun, ask whatever you wish," Zhao Xing said. "I will fulfill my promise and tell you everything without reservation."

After waiting for a while, Yun Tiandao remained silent.

After learning so much, he was somewhat afraid to ask, fearing a bad answer.

Finally, Yun Tiandao sighed, "What must come, will come. Zhao Xing, first tell me, was the Xia Dynasty destroyed or does it still exist?"

"It lives," Zhao Xing nodded, "but the situation is very difficult."

"How difficult? Are Emperor Xia and my family still alive?" Yun Tiandao stared at Zhao Xing.

"You also said just now that cultivators in the third realm of Origin, through slumber, longevity-extending methods, and various other means, can at most live for three epochs (3.6 million years). I stayed in the Xuanhuang World for 1.128 million years. Even if you say Emperor Xia is gone, I can accept it, but please don't lie to me or give me false hope."

Zhao Xing nodded. Cultivators from the first to third realms of Origin, with maximum (including slumber and various longevity-extending treasures) lifespans, were 1.2 million to 3.6 million years respectively.

Old Yun being able to live for 1.128 million years was actually due to the power of the special treasure, the Epoch House, not his own natural lifespan.

"Emperor Xia is still alive."

"Your wife, Fairy Nifeng, is still alive."

Yun Tiandao's eyes lit up. His emperor was still alive, and his wife was still alive – this was undoubtedly very good news.

"But everyone else is dead."

"Including your master, your fellow disciples, all the principal ministers of the Xia Dynasty, and very few of your close friends are still alive, perhaps two or three, but they are scattered across the universe."

Yun Tiandao's heart trembled. "Why? What happened?"

Zhao Xing sighed, "At this time, all the ministers and citizens of the Xia Dynasty have been enslaved by a certain demon king from the 'Cangyue Demonic Nation'."

Yun Tiandao's expression was calm, but a hint of sadness still appeared in his eyes.

Zhao Xing also felt a touch of reluctance. In the previous life's plot, Yun Tiandao played the role of a 'guide.' Of course, he didn't know much, but at least he had more experience than the people of the Xuanhuang World.

On his journey to the cosmic starry sky, he taught many people, impartially sharing his unique skills with the ascended players.

Perhaps it was fate's irony, but the cruelty of the cosmic version was manifested through Yun Tiandao's Xia Dynasty. In later parts of the story, Yun Tiandao painstakingly searched for traces of the Xia Dynasty and finally found the Emperor he had served, only to discover that the Xia Dynasty had suffered greatly, and Emperor Xia and his wife no longer remembered him at all.

Zhao Xing said solemnly, "After the Xia Dynasty ascended, it encountered evil forces in the starfield. All its treasures were looted."

"Although they miraculously escaped, many principal ministers died or were injured. What was worse, the fact that the Xia Dynasty was a newly ascended dynasty was spread by the original looters, causing many bandits to search for this 'fat meat'."

"So, in the first hundred thousand years, the Xia Dynasty was either fleeing or on the road to fleeing."

"Because their wealth was plundered and they were injured in fierce battles, their cultivation speed greatly decreased. They could only enter slumber to recuperate and constantly hide."

"It was in such a harsh environment that the Xia Dynasty only produced its first Origin Nascent Realm cultivator after a hundred thousand years. The first Origin Realm cultivator was none other than your wife, Fairy Nifeng."

Yun Tiandao couldn't help but clench his fists. He could fully imagine the hardships his family and nation had endured.

"An Origin Nascent Realm cultivator can barely protect themselves. Even after breaking through, they couldn't solve the immediate predicament. The territory they were in was a chaotic and lawless zone."

"So the Xia Dynasty could only hide in some backward World Stars or star continents, with only a few strong individuals venturing out."

"Fortunately, in the second hundred thousand years, the Xia Dynasty recovered some of its vitality, and the number of Origin Nascent Realm cultivators reached over a hundred."

"Emperor Xia and your wife also broke through to the Origin Void Realm."

"At this time, the Xia Dynasty was still very weak," Zhao Xing said. "They migrated to a Yuan Cave star system under the Fran Dynasty, intending to develop there for a while before moving to the adjacent Starfall Ancient Kingdom."

"However, settling in an ancient kingdom is not so easy. Every ancient kingdom strictly controls foreign races and populations."

"It's simple for an Origin Realm cultivator to become a resident of an ancient kingdom themselves, but not to bring others. Because two hundred thousand years had passed, exceeding the optimal cultivation period, the Origin Realm cultivators of the Xia Dynasty were considered to have ordinary aptitude in the eyes of the great ancient kingdom powers."

"After all, reaching the Origin Void Realm in two hundred thousand years indicates very average aptitude."

"The third hundred thousand years was a period of earning and accumulating for the Xia Dynasty."

"The Yuan Cave star system was slightly more stable than all previous locations. The Fran Dynasty was a large dynasty, with forty-five third-realm cultivators, over ten thousand second-realm cultivators, and over ten thousand World Stars."

"However, just as they began to improve, the Fran Dynasty was engulfed in war."

"Soon after, the Fran Dynasty was destroyed by another large dynasty, the Atlan Dynasty. All their powerhouses either died, fled, or were captured, their citizens became slaves, and their territory was annexed."

"The powerhouses of the Xia Dynasty were conscripted into the war. Their Origin Realm cultivators were sharply reduced to single digits, and even Emperor Xia and Fairy Nifeng were injured, falling back to the first realm."

Zhao Xing sighed, "Fleeing, struggling, a total of three hundred thousand years. After that war, everything had to start from scratch."

"The Xia Dynasty was seen as part of the Fran Dynasty and was hunted by the Atlan Dynasty."

Hearing this, Yun Tiandao's heart sank to rock bottom.

They had finally developed and seen hope, only to encounter another unexpected disaster.

"The previous star pirate pursuits were minor skirmishes. The Atlan Dynasty's power was formidable; even hiding was difficult."

"This time, to escape, the Xia Dynasty paid a huge price, forced to hide in the outer fringes of the desolate domain."

"For a full two hundred thousand years, the Xia Dynasty could only barely survive in the desolate domain."

(Again, their mobility was too weak.)

(The Xia Dynasty couldn't suddenly escape from one star system to another.)

(At this time, the Xia Dynasty was like villagers displaced by war, hiding in remote mountains and forests, becoming desolate people.)

"During those two hundred thousand years, the Xia Dynasty did emerge once. In the first fifty thousand years, the Atlan Dynasty called off the hunt and announced that they would accept citizens of the Fran Dynasty."

"However, not long after they emerged, the Atlan Dynasty itself declined. In less than ten thousand years, it split into sixteen different factions."

"After that came a long period of chaotic warfare. The Xia Dynasty spent these two hundred thousand years moving in and out, hiding and seeking."

"Emperor Xia and Fairy Nifeng returned to the Origin Void Realm, and the number of first-realm cultivators slowly increased."

"Ultimately, the Xia Dynasty decided to undertake another great migration – a cross-star system migration to completely leave this war-torn region, because staying there offered no hope of the fighting stopping."

"The Xia Dynasty planned to secretly cross into the Crimson Star Empire, which was a risky move," Zhao Xing recalled. "Because it required passing through chaotic battlefields, hostile territories of non-human races, and desolate zones."

"It was precisely this adventure that plunged the Xia Dynasty into extreme peril."

"As the Xia Dynasty passed through the territory of the Cangyue Demonic Nation, their World Ark was captured by a third-realm demon powerhouse."

"Since then, the Xia Dynasty has been continuously enslaved within the Cangyue Demonic Nation."

"Human cultivators can do certain things that demon cultivators cannot, such as farming and cultivating luck."

"Demon cultivators take pride in capturing human slaves. The more slaves one has, the higher their status, much like humans keeping demonic beasts as pets."

"The Xia Dynasty has been enslaved for approximately six hundred thousand years now."

"That demon powerhouse from the third realm has since advanced to the Dao Domain Realm."

"The Xia Dynasty has completely devolved into a slave nation of the demons."

"During this time, several principal ministers of the Xia Dynasty were resold and have completely forgotten their identities."

Yun Tiandao's eyes were bloodshot, and his breathing became rapid. "Are you saying that Emperor Xia and my wife no longer remember me at all, that they have become alien creatures?"

"No," Zhao Xing shook his head. "Emperor Xia and Fairy Nifeng have both reached the third realm. They have not been demonized; after all, maintaining the image of orthodox humans allows that demon powerhouse to boast about them."

"It's just that under the demon powerhouse's continuous brainwashing, they have indeed forgotten everything about their past and now believe themselves to be part of the Cangyue Demonic Nation."

(Everything Zhao Xing said was learned while undertaking Yun Tiandao's quest in his previous life. The plot details were largely the same, and the Xia Dynasty's trajectory over these million years was roughly as described.)

Yun Tiandao fell into complete silence after listening.

A Dao Domain Realm enemy, and within hostile territory of the human race — the Xia Dynasty's plight was simply despairing.

Zhao Xing said, "Brother Yun, I had you come out early because the Cangyue Demonic Nation will soon go to war with the Dao Xuan Ancient Kingdom. If you were to arrive two thousand years later, that great demon would die in the war, and Emperor Xia and Fairy Nifeng would also perish."

"But you've arrived two thousand years early, so there's still time!"

Yun Tiandao gave a bitter laugh. "Two thousand years, a Dao Domain Realm... Even if I, Yun Tiandao, think highly of myself, I wouldn't have such confidence. Moreover, even if I reach the Dao Domain Realm, will it truly be enough for me to rescue them from the Demonic Nation?"

"It will definitely be enough!" Zhao Xing clasped Yun Tiandao's hand. "You must believe me."

"Leave me alone for a while," Yun Tiandao withdrew his hand and vanished from the Altar of Heaven plaza.

Watching Yun Tiandao's disappearing back, Zhao Xing didn't know what to say. He had kept his promise and told Yun Tiandao everything, but he didn't know if it would change Yun Tiandao's path.

"Yun Tiandao shouldn't fall into despair and give up, right?"

"I don't know if this is right or wrong." Zhao Xing shook his head and returned to his own residence.

A month passed before Zhao Xing saw Yun Tiandao again.

At this time, Zhao Xing was holding a knowledge dissemination session in the hall.

The dissemination had been going on for many days, but this was the first time Yun Tiandao had attended.

From his appearance, he had recovered his usual composure, as if nothing had happened.

"Great Minister of Agriculture, I have a question!"

Suddenly, someone's question drew Zhao Xing's attention.

"General Ye, what is your question?" Zhao Xing asked.

"Great Minister of Agriculture, you just said that for the martial artist path, breaking through to the Origin Realm requires compressing the Dao Domain back into the body," Ye Yukong scratched his head. "But my martial artists are divided into Qi and Sword sects. The Qi sect is fine, but the Sword sect's Dao Domain develops by expanding. Does it also need to be compressed and integrated? Does this mean that the only option for martial arts breakthrough in the universe is the Qi sect style?"

Ye Yukong's question led to a lively discussion among many Sword Sect martial artists. Ye Yukong's confusion was also their confusion.

For example, Long Xiao was also of the Sword Sect style; his sword manipulation skills focused on flying far, and after breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, his Dao Domain was also expanded as much as possible, making his sword manipulation very fast and more offensive.

If it had to be retracted, wouldn't that conflict with their current cultivation direction?

Did this mean that in the cosmic version, the Sword Sect was in decline?

Zhao Xing said, "Indeed, among martial artists in the universe, the Qi Sect methods are prevalent."

"However, this isn't because the Sword Sect isn't strong enough; it's because that path is too powerful. The major top-tier powers strictly control their secret arts, and what can be bought are mostly ineffective methods."

"To my knowledge, the Sword Sect doesn't need to compress the Dao Domain into the body but rather into their destined divine weapon."

"Of course, I'm only explaining the essence, not the specific cultivation methods. You mustn't practice blindly... Long Xiao, stop that!"

"Uh, please forgive me, Great Minister of Agriculture." Long Xiao awkwardly clasped his hands, for as soon as Zhao Xing spoke, he had begun to try, only to be seen through by Zhao Xing at a glance.

"When cultivating within the World Ark, your comprehension of the Dao is incomplete. The Dao in the desolate domain is also obscure and fragmented. At most, you can refine your martial skills and spells, but you cannot comprehend the Dao," Zhao Xing warned. "You must not cultivate on your own, or you will easily suffer from qi deviation."

(The internal environment of the World Ark certainly couldn't support cultivation for powerhouses. Otherwise, why would the Xia Dynasty have hidden for so many years and constantly desired to live in a spiritual energy starfield? It was precisely because the desolate domain made it impossible for people to continue cultivating upwards.)

(Those who had already reached the Foundation Establishment Realm could only continue cultivating upwards after leaving the desolate domain and finding a spiritual energy territory. Otherwise, they would be like Yun Tiandao, whose spells continuously improved, but whose Dao realm remained stuck.)

"Did everyone hear what the Great Minister of Agriculture said!" Ji Che shouted. "Remember, this is a prohibition."

"Yes," everyone responded, indicating they had noted it.

After the lecture, Zhao Xing held a small meeting with Ji Che and the six principal officials.

"Your Majesty, within the Xuanhuang World Ark, there is no need for too many powerhouses to be awake. Your subject suggests allowing some to enter the slumber realm to pass this long journey through the starry void," Zhao Xing proposed.

"The Great Minister of Agriculture is right," Ji Che nodded. Since the Dao could not be improved, too many awakened powerhouses would waste spiritual energy, and merely refining techniques might not show much progress in five hundred years.

"You all should draft a protocol. With a hundred-year interval, the six principal officials and their subordinates will awaken and slumber in rotation," Ji Che said. "Officials not strictly required to be on permanent duty will slumber for a minimum of five hundred years."

"Yes."

The six ministries worked quickly, presenting a concrete implementation plan seven days later.

It was announced at the court meeting, though this was primarily aimed at super-grade ministers. As for other officials, there were no restrictions, as their consumption was negligible.

After the meeting, Zhao Xing, having announced the protocol, cupped his hands to everyone.

"Everyone, we shall meet again in five hundred years."