Chapter 371: Breaking Through the Origin Realm

Zhao Xing, of course, used his own money to buy the first level of "Extreme Land" for 100 million.

He needed a legitimate reason to leave the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom within 2,500 years; otherwise, the Purple God Mansion would not release him. After learning their divine abilities and joining their ranks, coming and going as one pleases would make the Purple God Mansion seem like a mere marketplace!

However, if he successfully mastered the first level of "Extreme Land," the Purple God Mansion would not only approve but would also organize a festive farewell party. Of course, mastering "Extreme Land" was inherently difficult. After all, fewer than 10 people in the Ancient Kingdom had mastered it within a single era. In his previous life, Zhao Xing had also traveled the world undertaking tasks to improve his comprehension and aptitude, only successfully mastering it and joining when he reached the completion of the Second Realm.

"You are very courageous," Yuan Forty-Six said, admiring Zhao Xing's casual gesture of payment. "It's rare to see someone in the Ascension Realm dare to purchase 'Extreme Land'."

Zhao Xing shrugged. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Glancing at Chen Shijie, Zhao Xing asked Yuan Forty-Six, "Can't I get a discount if I buy two copies?"

Before Yuan Forty-Six could reply, Chen Shijie spoke first: "Don't you dare buy it for me. Why are you so extravagant?"

Zhao Xing chuckled, "Is there anyone who doesn't want good things?"

Chen Shijie retorted exasperatedly, "Such a high-difficulty task, you challenging it alone is enough. Don't put pressure on me. If you bought me 'Extreme Land,' every day I woke up, I'd be thinking I owe 100 million. How much pressure would that be? Even Gui Niang would cry if she knew." A burst of laughter immediately filled the living room.

They didn't know the exact success rate of mastering "Extreme Land," but since it was so expensive and Yuan Forty-Six wouldn't say, it was certainly an extremely difficult endeavor. Otherwise, they wouldn't refund the fee upon mastery and have the Ancient Kingdom cover the tuition at the Primordial Hills. Zhao Xing had the money and the audacity to do it, but Chen Shijie certainly didn't. "True," Zhao Xing thought, considering the difficulty of its cultivation; it would indeed be tough on Old Chen. Even if he were to buy it, he should wait until Old Chen reached the Origin Realm.

"What other Earthly Advantage faction techniques are there, priced between 500,000 and 1,000,000?" Zhao Xing asked. They were already over budget anyway, so they might as well buy everything. They couldn't have secret techniques for all other professions but not for the Sages of Agriculture. Among the Great Zhou's Ascension Realm cultivators, Sages of Agriculture constituted a significant number. Chen Shijie, Qiu Yuanshan, Ling Tianchen, Mist Walker, Liu Tianning... In short, this was the investment phase, so they shouldn't be reluctant to spend.

"Please see," Yuan Forty-Six said, filtering a list of techniques according to Zhao Xing's price range.

"'Mountain Treasure Technique,' first level, worth 500,000. This technique is the origin of mountain methods, starting with the legs. It opens up thirty-six acupoints in both feet, drawing void particles into the acupoints to form mountains. This technique can be cultivated up to the Third Realm. Upon mastering the first level, the practitioner's feet become like pillars supporting the sky. Standing within their domain, the domain's stability becomes extremely strong, allowing for powerful combat effectiveness even in unstable void spaces."

"So, it's that one," Zhao Xing immediately smiled.

In the universe, professional paths are diverse. Sages of Agriculture are not necessarily physically weak; some have pioneered the path of Martial Sages of Agriculture. For instance, this "Mountain Treasure Technique" allows the practitioner to cultivate an extremely strong and tall body while retaining their domain.

"The first level of the Mountain Treasure Technique is jokingly referred to as the 'Mountain Foot Technique,' the second level as the 'Mountain Waist Technique,' and the third level as the 'Mountain Peak Technique.' Mastering all three completes the Mountain Treasure Divine Ability. This is about training a person to become a mountain, which shares similarities with how we cultivated mountains in the Xuanhuang Realm back then. Only with this Mountain Treasure Technique, the person is the mountain, and the mountain is the person, cutting out the middleman," Zhao Xing spoke eloquently. "Cultivating the 'Mountain Treasure Technique' requires matching mountain methods and mountain-type Dao soldiers. The usual combat style involves opening the domain, a great mountain suppressing its center, and then swinging 'Heavenly Cripple Feet' – or rather, 'Sky-Supporting Pillars' – to stomp on people. The second level is 'Iron Mountain Lean,' and the third level is 'Yin-Yang Summit,' all of which are close-quarters combat techniques. If one can cultivate to the Third Realm, acquiring the Mountain Treasure Divine Ability, their entire body becomes as vast as a mountain. A pair of feet stepping into a void river can shake out all people and realm boats hiding within it. Then, with a lean and a headbutt, even a realm boat can be shattered."

Seeing how knowledgeable Zhao Xing was, Yuan Forty-Six merely smiled and remained silent.

King Rahu, however, asked, "What's the difference between this and a martial artist?"

Zhao Xing spread his hands and said, "No difference. This is a martial technique for Sages of Agriculture, just like the Internal Training Transformation Method also makes the body tough. It simply retains the domain, allowing for more diverse combat styles. The Mountain Treasure Technique also exists in the martial artist path, but it's called the 'Treasure Vase Technique.' The founder realized it wasn't selling well among martial artists, so they modified it and put it up for sale as a Sage of Agriculture technique. If you don't believe me, ask Yuan Forty-Six if the 'Mountain Treasure Technique' sells much better than the 'Treasure Vase Technique.'"

Yuan Forty-Six praised, "You are truly learned. The Treasure Vase Technique was indeed removed an era ago precisely because of its poor sales and no longer appears in the Yuanhai Hall's technique sales."

"My teacher, Qingyuzi, taught me all this," Zhao Xing replied casually.

Yuan Forty-Six nodded and continued, "The Mountain Treasure Technique and the Treasure Vase Technique still have significant differences. The Treasure Vase Technique is a Qi School method, which uses the origin of spiritual energy to forge a physical treasure vase to contain more primal energy. It ultimately produces only one divine ability: the Primordial Treasure Vase divine ability."

"It's still a method that can cultivate a divine ability, so why was it delisted?" Dong Ze asked, puzzled.

Yuan Forty-Six smiled. "That's classified. You're not authorized to know."

Zhao Xing languidly said, "It's not really a secret. The founder was a Dao Domain Realm cultivator who plagiarized the 'Glazed Chapter' technique from 'Void Ancestor Golden Body,' modified it, and used it to swindle money from various ancient kingdoms. Later, the ancient kingdoms deemed it an infringement on the Void Ancestor Golden Body's copyright and imprisoned him. However, this Dao Domain Realm martial artist then created the 'Mountain Treasure Technique' in the Star Prison, atoning for his crime, and was released early, successfully clearing his name."

Chen Shijie was somewhat speechless. He was a Dao Domain Realm expert, so what was the point of resorting to fraud? He wasn't just a pure swindler; he was also able to create another technique, recognized by various countries, even after being caught.

Yuan Forty-Six said, somewhat surprised, "This secret has been blocked in all national databases. Where did you learn it?"

Zhao Xing smiled without speaking.

Yuan Forty-Six immediately realized. "Your teacher is truly learned."

Chen Shijie was unwilling to pursue the direct physical combat path, but Zhao Xing still bought the "Mountain Treasure Technique." Qiu Yuanshan and Mi Fei were both interested. Since realizing the universe was fraught with danger and survival was difficult, many Sages of Agriculture's perspectives had changed. Only by surviving could they talk about anything else! Evidently, this "Mountain Treasure Technique" was a method that could increase one's chances of survival. In any case, at 500,000 per copy, Zhao Xing bought it.

He was also interested in a certain divine ability later in the "Mountain Treasure Technique," and furthermore, this technique was related to a plot quest: The founder of the "Mountain Treasure Technique" was later arrested again for fraud and imprisoned. If he could be rescued, Zhao Xing would obtain a powerful divine ability from this technique: the "Five Finger Mountain!" Zhao Xing thought he might attempt it in the future.

Mi Fei, Qiu Yuanshan, and himself—that made three copies. With a 10% discount for group purchase, it cost another 1.35 million. Chen Shijie ultimately chose a technique called "Thirty-Six Starry Underground Palace," valued at 450,000.

Finally, all that remained was to choose techniques for the Ego Faction. Liu Tianning was due to undertake the trial on Tianxing Continent in half a year, so this selection was mainly for him.

"Yuan Forty-Six, please filter some Ego Faction Sage of Agriculture techniques for me, priced over a million," Zhao Xing said.

Liu Tianning said, "Zhao Xing, we've already overspent a lot." They had originally planned to spend only one to two million, but now they had already spent 7.38 million. This didn't even include "Extreme Land," as Zhao Xing had paid for it himself, not using the Great Zhou's public funds.

"It's fine, I'll pay for the Ego Faction techniques out of my own pocket," Zhao Xing said. Old Liu was about to embark on a long journey, and the risk factor on Tianxing Continent was not low. Liu Tianning specialized in the Ego Faction, while the Purple Moon Mansion Lord's lineage belonged to the Heavenly Timing Faction of Sages of Agriculture. Even if there were Ego Faction techniques available, Liu Tianning was an external member and would still have to purchase them. Normally, external members in the Ascension Realm were merely nominal disciples, without teachers or backing. How could they afford any good techniques? If a genius cultivated ordinary, common techniques, they would simply blend in with everyone else.

"There aren't many Ego Faction techniques priced over a million," Yuan Forty-Six said, waving his hand. The list on the screen immediately reduced significantly. Zhao Xing counted; compared to the other two factions, the number of Ego Faction techniques was less than one ten-thousandth.

"Filter out the non-combat techniques as well," Zhao Xing said.

"Yes," Yuan Forty-Six waved his hand again, and the number became even scarcer. Breakthrough methods for the nascent Origin Realm that could sell for over a million Yuanhai coins were not simple, and truly rare.

"Why do most of these techniques only have the first level?" Mi Fei asked curiously.

"Because subsequent levels require joining the corresponding factions to learn," Yuan Forty-Six replied. The techniques and methods of the Ego Faction were rare commodities because they involved cultivation and economic lifelines. The Ego Faction's methods directly pointed to the Great Dao of Life, and even those sold only included the first two levels. In other words, without joining a certain faction, a rogue cultivator could at most learn up to the second level, corresponding to the second stage of the Origin Realm. Rogue cultivators without affiliations, if they learned advanced techniques, could completely break the life structures of sealed seeds, which would cause significant disruption to the market. If they weren't affiliated with any faction, apprehending them would be quite difficult. Among the techniques of the three factions, those of the Ego Faction were the most strictly controlled!

"Let's go with the first level of 'Yuanhai Realm'," Zhao Xing decided after some filtering, finally confirming the purchase of "Yuanhai Realm." "Yuanhai Realm" was created by a royal member of the Yuanhai Imperial Family, and it cultivated pure primal earth. Most techniques' breakthroughs proceeded from external to internal, like "Mountain Treasure Technique," but Ego Faction techniques progressed from internal to external, using the inner world to drive the body's transformation into its original essence.

"Your judgment is excellent. 'Yuanhai Realm' embodies the simplicity of the Great Dao. As long as the inner world framework is built according to the first level of 'Yuanhai Realm,' subsequent cultivation will flow naturally, with absolutely no bottlenecks." Yuan Forty-Six was truly a master of emotional manipulation; no matter what you chose, she'd praise your judgment.

Liu Tianning carefully read the technique description and was left speechless. Because Zhao Xing had chosen a very expensive technique for him. "Yuanhai Realm" indeed had no bottlenecks; once the foundation of the inner world for the first level was completed, all that was left was to "eat, eat, eat." However, this wasn't "eating" in the ordinary sense, but rather allowing the inner world to consume elemental spiritual energy substances. But it consumed a lot of resources. The imperial family developed this technique for lazy royal descendants who couldn't endure arduous cultivation but had plenty of money. It allowed them to skip boring and tedious cultivation stages; its only drawback was its costliness.

"That's not its drawback; it's ours," Zhao Xing chuckled. "Teacher, if you acquire more resources on Tianxing Continent, you'll easily keep up." Staying on Qingyu Realm Star, Liu Tianning had limited channels for acquiring resources, but Tianxing Continent offered many opportunities. Zhao Xing believed that Old Liu could make a name for himself on Tianxing Continent. "Perhaps by the time you return, you'll have saved enough money for the second level," Zhao Xing said. "Breaking through to the Origin Realm will also make you a formal member, and then there will be no obstacles to buying the second level."

Although the Purple God Mansion was not an Ego Faction gathering place, it was a major power in the ancient kingdom, and formal members met the conditions for purchasing the second level. Of course, the second level was not cheap. While the first level was one million, the second level's technique soared to ten million. This was just for the technique's secrets; cultivation resources had to be purchased separately.

"It seems I can't afford not to work hard now," Liu Tianning lamented. Liu Tianning used to put pressure on Zhao Xing, but now the tables had turned, and he was the one under pressure.

Zhao Xing paid out of his own pocket and bought three copies of "Yuanhai Realm" in total: one for himself, one for Mi Fei, and one for Liu Tianning.

When they emerged from the Yuanhai Hall, everyone was truly laden with gains. Excluding "Extreme Land," which Zhao Xing bought, this single expenditure amounted to 10.38 million. If they were buying realm star Dao soldiers instead, they could have bought ten cheap ones! It was a bit expensive, but everyone felt it was worth it. The Great Zhou's starting point was destined to be higher than that of other Ascension Dynasties. In the early stages, everyone was still young; this was the golden cultivation period, so they had to spend when necessary.

Qingyu Realm Star, Tianming Capital. Zhaoyuanzi was chatting with his disciple, Wu Feng. As the highest administrator of Qingyu Realm Star, Zhaoyuanzi was also a strong expert at the peak of the Second Realm. His disciple, Wu Feng, was also in the Second Realm, but only at the early stage.

"Teacher, Zhao Xing and his group purchased a large batch of techniques at the Yuanhai Hall. His personal account spent 103 million, while the Great Zhou Dynasty's account spent 7.38 million," Wu Feng reported. He had helped set up both Zhao Xing's and the Great Zhou's accounts, and since the purchases occurred on Qingyu Realm Star, they were naturally easy to trace.

"Over 100 million? What did he buy?" Zhaoyuanzi was somewhat surprised. Zhao Xing had received 500 million and spent so much so quickly.

"He bought the first level of 'Extreme Land' and three copies of 'Yuanhai Realm'," Wu Feng reported.

"'Extreme Land' and 'Yuanhai Realm'," Zhaoyuanzi shook his head. Undoubtedly, 'Yuanhai Realm' was a clever shortcut; as long as one had money, cultivating to the Third Realm would be unimpeded. But what was Zhao Xing's status? He intended to rely on 'Yuanhai Realm' to cultivate to the Third Realm. Even inheriting Qingyuzi's fortune would barely be enough. This was not a technique for commoners to mess with! Spending 100 million on 'Extreme Land' made Zhaoyuanzi shake his head directly. He could still understand buying 'Yuanhai Realm,' as Zhao Xing had 500 million in funds, which could afford the first level. But buying 'Extreme Land' seemed like a pure waste of money to him.

"Newly rich, foolishly arrogant," Wu Feng commented. "Buying 'Yuanhai Realm' to take a shortcut, and buying 'Extreme Land' is utterly idiotic. However, Teacher, my junior brother's behavior like this is actually a good thing," Wu Feng said with a slight smile. Such behavior proved that Zhao Xing posed little threat and was unlikely to shake their status.

"Alright, you can say that in front of me, but absolutely not outside," Zhaoyuanzi said calmly. "He is your junior brother, after all. Keep an eye on him; don't let him be exploited by others." During the period when the Purple Moon Mansion Lord buried Qingyuzi, Zhao Xing's name was registered as a formal member of the Purple God Mansion, nominally as Qingyuzi's direct disciple. His name was also registered in the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom's archives. Legally speaking, Zhao Xing had the right to inherit Qingyuzi's legacy. However, the Purple Moon Mansion Lord later stated that Qingyuzi's legacy would not be distributed, which many interpreted as the Purple Moon Mansion Lord not intending to hand over the legacy to Zhao Xing. Nevertheless, he still had the right to inherit, and if outsiders exploited this, it would inevitably cause trouble. Zhaoyuanzi did not wish to see this happen.

"Yes, Master," Wu Feng said. "I will keep an eye on him and absolutely not give him a chance to act recklessly."

"My name is Gaoye. By command of my master, Wu Feng, I am here to instruct the three of you." Just a few days after Zhao Xing and his group purchased the techniques, a First Realm Sage of Agriculture named Gaoye appeared before them. Seeing this, Zhao Xing was left speechless.

Qingyuzi's dying wish was for the Purple Moon Mansion Lord to teach on his behalf. It was understandable that the Mansion Lord didn't teach personally. The Purple Moon Mansion Lord handed it over to Zhaoyuanzi, who was Qingyuzi's senior brother, which was also fine. Unexpectedly, Zhaoyuanzi then assigned Wu Feng to teach. Wu Feng, in turn, passed it on to his disciple, Gaoye. It was a complete outsourcing!

Gaoye looked at Zhao Xing and first clasped his hands in greeting. "By seniority, I should address you as Martial Uncle, but as we are now executing the Purple God Mansion's training procedures, which is official business, please forgive me for addressing you by name."

Zhao Xing nodded. "That is as it should be."

Seeing this, Gaoye wasted no time and immediately ordered three large boxes to be brought in. "Liu Tianning, you can take your techniques and basic resources and return to self-cultivate. The Qingyu Dao Field in the capital offers public lectures; you can attend them and seek guidance from teachers over the next six months."

"Yes," Liu Tianning knew he was an external member and not eligible for special instruction, so he took his items and left.

"Yun Tiandao, Zhao Xing," Gaoye said, "You will only go out for trials once you reach the Origin Realm. The Mansion Lord has promised you unlimited resources and free techniques. The Purple Moon Mansion lineage cultivates techniques like 'Purple Yin' and 'Purple Yang,' primarily by absorbing the primordial power of the Lunar Star and Solar Star in the universe. As for spells, Heavenly Law, Origin Law, Void Law—any category can be learned for free. However, before you reach the Origin Realm, it's not recommended to focus on learning Void Law. Without even reaching the Origin Realm, researching spells is a waste of energy and time. Delving into Origin Law will be sufficient," Gaoye explained.

Yun Tiandao nodded. Heavenly Law was the original Ultimate Law, Origin Law was for better absorption of primordial power, Void Law corresponded to the Second Realm, and divine abilities corresponded to the Third Realm. Gaoye clearly didn't know the true backgrounds of Zhao Xing and Yun Tiandao, as the Purple Moon Mansion Lord had never told Zhaoyuanzi or the others. Gaoye was now treating the two as country bumpkins, explaining even the most basic things in great detail. There was nothing for it; Gaoye's own understanding wasn't very profound. For Master Zhao, listening to Gaoye's lessons was torture. Yun Tiandao, however, found it very beneficial, because although he had created a minor divine ability himself, he still lacked much fundamental knowledge. Thus, Gaoye's teaching was agony for Zhao Xing but a blessing for Yun Tiandao.

After a full month, Gaoye also noticed this. He reported to Wu Feng, saying: "Master, Yun Tiandao's talent and comprehension are good, and he listens attentively to my instruction. But this Zhao Xing has a terrible temper. He skips my lectures every few days, claiming he's meditating and digesting my teachings on his own. Hmph, he barely attended my classes a few times; what could he possibly be digesting? He doesn't even go to the lectures at the capital's Dao field. This person is too arrogant!"

Wu Feng listened to his disciple's report and couldn't help but sneer, "Natives from the Barren Region are like that."

Gaoye remained indignant. "I truly don't know how Martial Grand-Uncle Qingyuzi took a liking to such a person."

Wu Feng said, "In the Barren Region, what choice do you have? Naturally, you pick the best of a bad bunch. You don't need to bother with him; just fulfill your duties. If he doesn't study seriously now, and dies during the trials in a few years, no one will be to blame. Resources have been provided, and techniques haven't been withheld. We've done everything we can. Remember, do not reprimand him, and certainly do not make things difficult for him. There are many factions on Qingyu Realm Star watching; avoid gossip, just let him be."

"Yes," Gaoye obediently withdrew.

Tianming Capital, within a luxurious manor. On the mountaintop, Zhao Xing sat cross-legged, bare-chested. A purple moon hung in the sky, its light bathing the peak, completely enveloping it. Purple Qi came from the east, continuously permeating his skin, every inch of his flesh beginning to transform.

"Listening to Gaoye's lectures is truly a waste of my youth. He doesn't even fully understand the Origin Law, yet he dares to teach me. If I don't follow his instructions, he gets upset; I'm truly fed up," Zhao Xing muttered, watching the purple light flow across his skin. If Gaoye actually had something worthwhile to teach, given Master Zhao's personality, he would have tolerated even a bit of tediousness. But this person was hindering his progress, and that was something he truly couldn't tolerate, so he simply stopped attending classes and meditated on his own.

Purple Yin Dao Body: 12Purple Yang Dao Body: 15

Now, in the first month of the teaching period, Zhao Xing's body had begun to transform from the myriad-law Dao body of the primal energy era to a pure spiritual energy-based Origin Dao body.

"The 'Purple Yin' and 'Purple Yang' techniques of the Heavenly Timing Faction absorb the primordial power of the Lunar and Solar stars in the universe to drive the Dao body's transformation and enter the Origin Realm. This Gaoye has mediocre talent; it took him 150,000 years to enter the first stage of the Origin Realm, and he only mastered 'Purple Yang,' not 'Purple Yin,' yet he presumes to teach me. Only Yun Tiandao thinks he's any good," Zhao Xing thought to himself.

Zhao Xing couldn't very well criticize Gaoye for misleading students; after all, he was under another's roof, and this person was Zhaoyuanzi's grand-disciple. Being a guest in someone else's house, it was better to avoid trouble, so he simply decided to self-cultivate.

"At the Purple Light Academy, the Qingyu Dao Field actually has a few Second Realm Sages of Agriculture who lecture quite well." Zhao Xing opened his Star Mirror, which displayed records of recent public lectures by Second Realm Sages of Agriculture. Having Gaoye give him private lessons was less effective than just watching an online course.

"The Lunar and Solar stars never exist alone; the most basic galaxies in the universe are Yin-Yang star systems. The Lunar and Solar stars in every galaxy share the same origin; it is said that each Lunar and Solar star split off from an extremely Yang star and an extremely Yin star. But they will have different variations due to the spiritual energy environment. When we cultivate the 'Great Solar Term Decree' spell, it will also be different from other star systems. Everyone can summon the realm star solar term decrees they previously cultivated to observe. If you begin the journey of condensing an Origin Dao body, your solar term decrees will also change accordingly."

With a thought, two Greater Heat Solar Term Decrees immediately flew out from within Zhao Xing's body. One of them appeared golden, like the sun, but emitted a purple aura around its periphery. The second one appeared dark golden, with a gentle glow, and also began to show signs of purple transformation. After ascending, the pure primal earth he cultivated had not disappeared, nor had the solar term decrees. It was still a path of spells, but while the original solar term decrees only functioned within one realm, they now began to manifest more forms and functions.

Firstly, there was division: when Zhao Xing began cultivating the Heavenly Timing techniques of the universe, his solar term decrees split into Yin and Yang. If he had only cultivated 'Purple Yin' or 'Purple Yang,' this division would not have occurred. Secondly, the primordial power attached to the solar term decrees could manifest in the void.

"If cultivated to the Dao Domain Realm, the solar term decrees can transform into a Solar Star or a Lunar Star, emitting light and effects indistinguishable from true Solar and Lunar stars, capable of nurturing all creation. This is why Dao Domain Realm cultivators can prevent desolation," Zhao Xing mused. Heavenly Timing Sages of Agriculture in the Dao Domain Realm could entirely create a life-bearing galaxy or extend the lifespan of certain existing ones. "The more divisions produced, the stronger that Dao Domain Realm cultivator becomes. The reason 'Purple Moon' and 'Purple Yang' appear purple is their manifestation after the spiritual energy index exceeds 100. The Dao body cultivated with these techniques, when casting spells, will possess powerful vitality. Especially the cloud Qi. When the Purple Moon Mansion Lord arrived on a cloud of light, a purple cloud beneath his feet, he was extremely fast. And as soon as he arrived at Star霰 Pass, he automatically controlled the Yin-Yang twin stars of Star霰 Pass."

Zhao Xing closed his Star Mirror and opened a box in front of him.

"Gulp, gulp." He uncorked a green bottle and drank large gulps of the treasure called Heavenly Origin Water.

"Heavenly Origin Water sells for 100,000 per bottle in the market. It speeds up the absorption of Lunar and Solar power. It's supplied in unlimited quantities, but only I can drink it." After Zhao Xing finished the entire bottle, the purple light on his skin immediately converged inward, turning pure white and crystalline. The previous absorption had reached a certain saturation point, but now Zhao Xing felt he could continue absorbing.

Zhao Xing's spirit urged the spiritual energy within his body, beginning to circulate it through various acupoints and meridians. "Microscopically, the human body's acupoints resemble a star map." Zhao Xing looked within himself, and his vision showed countless specks of starlight. "Normally, lighting up 210 million stars signifies entering the Origin Realm. However, the Purple God Mansion's techniques are stronger. 'Purple Yang' or 'Purple Yin' alone require double that, meaning 420 million stars to be considered newly entered into the Origin Realm. Since I cultivate both, when 840 million stars light up, my Origin Dao Body will be considered complete. Each star also represents the deep, particle-level transformation of the body by spiritual energy. I absorb!"

Tianming Capital was built on the terminator of Qingyu Realm Star. Inside Zhao Xing's luxurious manor, both the Purple Moon and Purple Sun could be seen simultaneously every day. He cultivated "Purple Yang" during the day and "Purple Yin" at night. After reaching maximum saturation in absorption, he would occasionally dabble in "Extreme Land." All other time was spent cultivating "Mountain Treasure Technique" and "Yuanhai Realm."

Gaoye grew increasingly annoyed with Zhao Xing because Zhao Xing didn't study seriously but took out more than three times the cultivation resources Yun Tiandao did! Three months later, when Zhao Xing once again collected resources, intending to return to his residence to cultivate, Gaoye finally couldn't hold back.

"Zhao Xing!"

"Is something wrong?" Zhao Xing stopped, puzzled.

Gaoye said, "Do you know how much a bottle of Heavenly Origin Liquid sells for? 100,000 coins! Even if Qingyu Realm Star produces it itself, the cost is 8,000 per bottle!"

"That's quite a profit margin."

Gaoye was speechless. Was that what he was talking about? "I was telling you not to waste it, and you're talking about its exorbitant profit!" Gaoye felt he couldn't get through to Zhao Xing; it had been like this from the beginning.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving." Zhao Xing had no time to argue with Gaoye and quickly departed after collecting his items.

"What a scoundrel," Gaoye thought bitterly.

Time flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, half a year had passed. At this time, Liu Tianning was about to embark on his long journey. Zhao Xing also ceased his cultivation and came to see him off. A realm boat was docked at the Qingyu Dao Field, and Zhaoyuanzi was speaking above it.

"This time, a total of 86,000 Ascension Realm cultivators from Qingyu Realm Star will journey to Tianxing Continent in the Purple God Galaxy to undergo trials. This iteration of the 'Tianxing Trial' will involve 1.23 billion Ascension Realm cultivators, encompassing 11,360 Yin-Yang star systems under the Purple God Mansion. Some are from affiliated forces, while others are external members of the Purple God Mansion itself. The Tianxing Trial will last for a thousand years. If one can reach the first stage of the Origin Realm within this millennium, they will enjoy the treatment of a formal member. Those with outstanding performance may be granted personal territories."

Zhao Xing quietly listened to the rules of the Tianxing Trial. Nalan De of the Great Ye Dynasty considered his nephew a genius for breaking through to the First Realm before the age of ten thousand. However, in the ancient kingdom, the Purple God Mansion considered a genius to be someone who broke through to the First Realm in no more than 2,000 years. Those who performed exceptionally in the Tianxing Trial would also be granted personal territories, such as a state carved out on a realm star, to be held as private property. However, the Tianxing Trial also carried risks of death.

"Tianxing Continent is merely the size of a low-grade realm star, with billions of Ascension Realm cultivators crammed together in competition. The intensity is extraordinarily high, and it lasts for a thousand years," Zhao Xing took a deep breath. "I hope Old Liu can make it out alive."

Since equipment for the Tianxing Trial was standardized, Zhao Xing couldn't buy any extra treasures for Liu Tianning. Even plant-type soldiers could only be brought in limited numbers, with specified cultivation realms. However, to make a name for oneself, one had to venture out and strive.

"Teacher, take care," Zhao Xing urged.

"Don't worry," Liu Tianning nodded with a smile. "I have my straw figures; my life-saving ability is quite strong. You don't need to see me off anymore."

Liu Tianning looked at the Great Zhou's high-ranking officials who had come to see him off, his gaze lingering briefly on Princess Youruo's face. "My Liu Lang, you must return safely," Princess Youruo directly rushed into Liu Tianning's embrace, showing great reluctance to part.

"Don't worry," Liu Tianning patted Youruo's shoulder. After parting with Princess Youruo, he bowed to Ji Che, "Your Majesty, I am leaving."

Ji Che said, "I command you to return safely."

"Your subject obeys the decree."

The Dao field was filled with Ascension Realm cultivators bidding farewell to their loved ones. As a high-grade realm star, Qingyu Realm Star had Ascension Realm cultivators as numerous as ox hair. To make a name for oneself, the Tianxing Trial was the best opportunity. After simple farewells, the realm boat roared into flight, carrying the 86,000 Ascension Realm cultivators from Qingyu Realm Star as it broke through the realm barrier and flew towards Tianxing Continent. Of this group, probably only half would successfully return, and among those, only a small fraction would successfully break through.

The time of Liu Tianning's departure also coincided with the Great Zhou's migration. That year, the Great Zhou was relocated to Qinglian Realm Star, located 12 light-years from Qingyu Realm Star. Qinglian Realm Star had a spiritual energy index of only 20. Furthermore, apart from a limited few, the citizens of the Great Zhou were not allowed to leave Qinglian Realm Star at will. It was also in this year that Ji Che changed his reign title to Shixin.

This was the 9901st era of the Xuanling Calendar, also known as the 2nd Era of the Barren Region, because 2.4 million years ago, the Barren Region Ancient Kingdom Alliance was established, and the Xuanling Star Region was declared by major superpowers to have entered the Barren Region Era.

In the second year of Shixin, high-ranking officials of the Great Zhou still resided on Qingyu Realm Star. They could move freely, relying on Zhao Xing and Yun Tiandao's affiliated quotas, while Ji Che remained on Qinglian Realm Star. After ascending, Ji Che no longer had lifespan limitations. His cultivation progress was deeply tied to the Great Zhou's national power. If there was no growth in population, territory, or number of experts, Ji Che's cultivation speed would solely depend on his personal aptitude, without any bonuses.

In the tenth year of Shixin, King Rahu, Dong Ze, Li Hao, Long Xiao, Xia Jing, and Ye Yukong participated in the expanded trial of the "Heavenly Star Martial Arts Academy" on Qingyu Realm Star. Among them, King Rahu, Xia Jing, Ye Yukong, and Long Xiao successfully passed. They became external members of the Heavenly Star Martial Arts Academy, but their scope of activity remained limited to Qingyu Realm Star. The Heavenly Star Martial Arts Academy was a martial artist force friendly with the Purple God Mansion. Their levels were equivalent, making it a decent affiliation. However, opportunities like trials were not available every year. King Rahu, Xia Jing, Long Xiao, and Ye Yukong still needed to wait for opportunities to further their progress.

In the fiftieth year of Shixin, King Shenluo and Lu Ying, after failing two recruitment assessments for the Purple God Mansion's "Heavenly Star," turned and joined another force stationed on Qingyu Realm Star, the "Myriad Harmony Celestial Palace." This mechanist force was founded by a royal member of the Ancient Yuanhai Kingdom. Although not as powerful as the Purple God Mansion, its status was not low. However, King Shenluo and Lu Ying also had to wait for opportunities. They could only start as ordinary members, accumulating contribution points on Qingyu Realm Star.

Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, it was the 289th year of Shixin. Apart from Liu Tianning, no one from the Great Zhou had left the realm star and obtained any significant opportunities.

Inside Zhao Xing's luxurious manor.

"Om..." A pillar of purple light descended from the sky, landing on Yun Tiandao.

Zhao Xing appeared on the grassland, watching Yun Tiandao's body gradually transforming into light. "Old Yun has broken through. He entered the first stage of the Origin Realm in only 289 years. Old Yun's aptitude is truly strong," Zhao Xing said, looking at Yun Tiandao. "Cultivating only 'Purple Yang,' this speed is already extremely fast!"