Chapter 415: Ancient Luo River

"The most critical moment had arrived," Zhao Xing thought, gazing up at Emperor Chen Jiu.

The screening of talents was complete. The next step was the apprenticeship phase, where they would meet powerful individuals of various ranks within the Primeval Realm, divided into different batches.

"Having won a match in the finals, I should at least be able to secure a Reincarnation Emperor as a teacher."

With only 160 participants remaining in the finals, winning a single match placed him among the top 80 talents of the Primeval Assembly. Few combat-oriented cultivators from the Ego Faction could be assigned from the Primeval Realm, and the emperors themselves had limited time to teach. Consequently, the number of potential apprentices was quite small. According to past practice, only about 160 individuals would be accepted as disciples. The remaining 1,840 rarely received instruction from Emperor-level masters.

"Swoosh!"

As Emperor Chen Jiu finished speaking, tens of thousands of cultivators flew out from the temporary residences, including Zhao Xing's. Due to the Primeval Realm's three factions—Heavenly Timing, Geographical Advantage, and Ego—and their six sub-zones, a total of 18,572 cultivators had been selected. The Ego Faction's combat division comprised 2,000 individuals, with the rest coming from other divisions.

The 18,572 cultivators organized themselves into distinct formations based on their divisions and rankings. Zhao Xing's formation was the smallest, comprising just 160 individuals.

"He actually made it to the finals."

"I remember seeing him for the first time in the Manyara minor world during the second round; he hadn't even reached the Great Divine Ability realm then. I can't believe he made it to the finals in only two hundred years." Xiao Xuan, the turtle-human hybrid, felt a strange pang of bitterness seeing Zhao Xing standing among those 160 individuals.

"That scoundrel," Xilin muttered, subconsciously gritting her teeth. She remembered Zhao Xing disfiguring her with an explosion, though she couldn't recall the events immediately afterward. The memory still made her gnash her teeth in anger.

"That animal...""Hmph, wretch!"

These hushed insults came from contestants Zhao Xing had previously eliminated. They had endured untold amounts of Void Mushrooms, all having been tormented by Zhao Xing on the World Star Arena.

"His reputation is certainly comparable to the top ten," Emperor Wudu remarked, standing beside Zuo Qiyu and looking down at the talented cultivators gathered beneath the vines.

"You call that reputation?" Zuo Qiyu retorted, casting a glance at Emperor Wudu. "Actually, you're right; you were much the same back then."

"An old beast taking on a young beast—how fitting."

"And what makes you so good, Left Emissary?" Emperor Wudu scoffed, observing Zuo Qiyu's serene expression. "In the Battle of the Three Bay River, I was certainly not as ruthless as you."

Zuo Qiyu replied blandly, "That was all the work of straw figures; it has nothing to do with me."

Emperor Wudu sighed at the remark, "Left Emissary's brazenness is truly thicker than tree bark."

As they chatted, the talented cultivators below began to teleport in succession via the Thousand Star Vine.

"Even with the Thousand Star Vine's spatial teleportation, it can only cover thirty percent of the Primeval Realm's area."

"However, the good news is that most human activity in the Primeval Realm occurs within that thirty percent covered by the Thousand Star Vine." Emperor Chen Jiu offered these brief explanations as he guided the talented cultivators.

"From today onward, your star mirrors will be individually bound, and their security clearance will be elevated."

"Also, be mindful: never venture to any location not displayed on your star mirror's map. Such places are either forbidden zones within the Primeval Realm or critical storage sites for the Empire's most valuable treasures."

"Trespassing could lead to injury or even death. Even if you somehow survive, you will face severe penalties, including disqualification from further study and expulsion from the Primeval Realm. Remember this well."

"Understood," the group responded in unison, acknowledging the warning.

The Primeval Realm served not only as a sacred training ground for the Empire's cultivators but also as a hub for significant magical research and the creation of divine weaponry. For instance, in the Three Thousand Dao Seed region, Zhao Xing and his companions had previously been restricted to only a few specific locations. Even now, they could access less than a tenth of its total area. Many areas contained highly sensitive secrets, access to which was restricted until one reached the Reincarnation Realm, let alone entry.

Zhao Xing knew of many such places. For example, in the eastern region of the Primeval Realm, a secret galaxy housed ongoing research into biomechanical life forms. This appeared to be an experiment spearheaded by Emperor Chixing, a deity-level expert in the mechanical arts! Zhao Xing knew this because, in the next version of *Star River Myriad Realms*, experimental subjects would be released from the desolate region bordering the Profound Spirit Starfield once it was opened. These experimental subjects, dubbed "Red Star Heavenly Soldiers," were fused with plant life and mechanical constructs, embodying the advanced computational capabilities of the Great Evolution Divine Arms. Their combat instincts were terrifying, possessing nearly every secret art from their profession's full series and capable of weakness analysis. Each one was formidable.

Meanwhile, in the western part of the Primeval Realm, cultivators from the Mount of Primordial Antiquity had already arrived, intending to collaborate on forging an ancient star river path through the desolate regions. The star clusters in the southern Primeval Realm, on the other hand, cultivated vast amounts of strategic materials, the lowest grade of which was still sufficient for Life-Death Dao Domain cultivators.

"The Empire is preparing to explore the desolate region's borders and has already begun funneling national resources toward this endeavor. I will be studying in the Primeval Realm for 2,486 years, and the next version's temporal landmark is roughly 3,000 years from now."

"The desertification of the Profound Spirit Starfield will also accelerate afterward. I fear that only one-tenth of these reincarnated Reincarnation Realm cultivators will manage to fully recover their strength." Zhao Xing idly twirled his fingertips, his gaze sweeping over the "talents" around him. Many had reincarnated, but as the Profound Spirit Starfield's condition worsened, even attaining the Reincarnation Realm, let alone godhood, would become increasingly challenging. This was not a matter of talent, but a consequence of the environment. With the desolate regions spreading, the Great Dao becoming obscured, and spiritual energy diminishing, the Profound Spirit Starfield would eventually show signs of "annihilation!"

"One must cherish the cultivation time in the Primeval Realm. Only by reaching the Life-Death Dao Domain realm can one seize the opportunities presented by the desolate region's development."

"If I had followed the path of my previous life, I likely would have failed to break through to the god realm again. Thankfully, in this life, I entered the Primeval Realm much earlier." These thoughts flashed through his mind, then quickly subsided.

One month later.

Emperor Chen Jiu led the group, making frequent stops, and the number of individuals in the contingent steadily decreased. Upon reaching the final destination, only 160 individuals remained by Emperor Chen Jiu's side. Instead of guiding them through the Thousand Star Vine's teleportation channels, he summoned a small flying vessel.

Soon, a breathtaking sight unfolded before their eyes:

Beneath the vast starry sky, a colossal nine-leaf ancient tree floated majestically in the void. Its uppermost two leaves were largely submerged within the void, with only a small portion visible. The leaves were incredibly vast, their intricate veins winding like ancient runes, emitting a soft, ethereal glow that seemed to whisper the secrets of the universe's primordial dawn.

Upon one of these verdant leaves, a sun-star rested serenely. This blazing orb resembled a colossal, burning furnace, radiating boundless light and heat. Blinding golden light surged outward like a tidal wave, each ray imbued with enough energy to ignite an entire galaxy.

On the other verdant leaf, a moon-star was cradled. The moon-star radiated a cool, pristine silver glow, a stark contrast to the sun-star's intense heat. Its light resembled placid lake water, soft and profound, as if capable of reflecting the very souls of all creation. Craters and vast plains on the moon-star's surface shimmered faintly in its light, appearing mysterious and solemn. These two celestial bodies—one hot, one cold; one bright, one dim—were held perfectly stable by the ancient tree's two green leaves. They remained perfectly still, as if having achieved a profound balance of the Great Dao. Only their interweaving light formed a dreamy, ethereal curtain, distorting the surrounding space into strange configurations.

Below the two massive uppermost leaves, seven smaller leaves were also encircled by numerous stars. A closer inspection revealed cities and architectural structures built upon these smaller stars. Even tinier points, like pixels, showed green leaves curling and weaving into spatiotemporal gates, leading to unknown destinations.

"The Primeval Divine Tree," Zhao Xing murmured, a look of awe still gracing his face despite seeing it again, "it's the very core of the entire Primeval Realm." The other talented cultivators, including Tuosen, Pu Guangrui, Han Qianye, and Youling, all wore expressions of profound awe. Whether they were reincarnated individuals or not, the first sight of the Primeval Divine Tree evoked an uncontrollable sense of wonder from deep within their souls.

"A god-level tree," Pu Tianrui, who ranked second in the competition, murmured, his eyes dazed. "I always thought it was just a legend... I never imagined it truly existed in the Primeval Realm."

"In this vast universe, under the glorious Great Dao, to think that plant life can reach such a pinnacle!" Fairy Youling exclaimed, standing near Zhao Xing. "Humanity truly is insignificant."

"To witness this in my lifetime, I can die without regrets," Han Qianye declared with a fervent expression.

"So the massive Thousand Star Vine's main stem is actually attached to the Primeval Divine Tree."

"Stars orbit the tree, and powerful beings reside upon it. The harmonious unity of humanity, nature, and the cosmic Dao—truly a magnificent design."

"Magnificent..."

The mere existence of the Primeval Divine Tree plunged all the talented cultivators into a state of profound shock, making them acutely aware of their own insignificance.

Emperor Chen Jiu offered a faint smile. He had deliberately chosen to approach by flying from the outside rather than directly teleporting in, precisely to achieve this effect.

"This is merely the tip of the Primeval Realm's iceberg," he announced. "Everyone, hold tight. You'll have plenty of time to explore and appreciate it later." With that reminder, Emperor Chen Jiu piloted the flying vessel beneath their feet, traversing the endless void before descending onto one of the Primeval Tree's lowest leaves. The leaf itself was a colossal continent, adorned with numerous cities and structures of diverse architectural styles.

Upon landing, the initial visual shock subsided, though a profound curiosity remained.

"Everyone," Emperor Chen Jiu announced as he landed before a city painted in blue, white, black, and green. "This is Seaweed City. You may enter directly."

"Seaweed City is named after a fundamental belief held by most powerful individuals in the Primeval Realm: that all life originated from the primordial ocean."

"Secondly, seaweed is recognized as one of the earliest known plant life forms, and Seaweed City itself is constructed from an ancient seaweed material."

"Seaweed City hosts seventy-two powerful masters who deliver sermons here. You are free to attend their lectures and seek out a compatible teacher. Alternatively, some teachers may proactively seek you out. In any case, each of you will have the opportunity to apprentice yourselves to an Emperor!"

After Emperor Chen Jiu finished speaking, he retracted his flying vessel, allowing the 160 talented cultivators to disembark.

"Many thanks for leading the way, Emperor Chen Jiu," Zhao Xing said, being the first to bow in a gesture of unconscious goodwill. The other talented cultivators quickly followed suit, bowing and echoing, "Thank you, Emperor Chen Jiu."

Emperor Chen Jiu glanced at Zhao Xing and offered a faint smile. After returning their bows, he vanished from before Seaweed City.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!

The 160 talented cultivators immediately soared towards the city, eager to find a suitable teacher. Within moments, only a handful of five individuals remained before the city gates. Zhao Xing glanced over and noted that Tuosen, Youling, and Pu Guangrui were among those who lingered. The more eager ones tended to be those with lower rankings, while the top-ranked individuals appeared less hurried.

"Thank you, Fairy Youling," Zhao Xing said, now that it was private time, bowing to her in gratitude for her earlier guidance.

"Oh, didn't you thank me already? Why again?" Fairy Youling asked, her gaze fixed on Seaweed City's walls, when she suddenly heard Zhao Xing speak, turning her head to look at him.

"Our battle allowed me to successfully master the Great Divine Ability of World Law," Zhao Xing explained. "It's just that time was pressing, and I didn't get a chance to prepare the imprinted Dao tablet."

"No matter," Fairy Youling replied nonchalantly. "Good things are worth waiting for; you can bring it whenever you're ready."

Seeing her engrossed in observing the seaweed patterns on the outer city wall, Zhao Xing decided not to disturb her further. As for the others, Zhao Xing had no prior interactions with them and made no effort to approach them, instead walking directly into the city.

No sooner had he stepped into the city than a dark green sermon platform floated overhead, before he could even take in his surroundings. Upon it, a middle-aged man in black-gold robes sat cross-legged, reciting with an enigmatic expression: "The heart's domain, a field where Dao takes root; spiritual roots run deep, intentions never wither. Mornings welcome five qi, nurturing the sapling's growth; evenings guard true essence, helping leaves revive."

Zhao Xing looked up and saw several glittering golden characters carved on the platform: Emperor Wuxing. Emperor Wudu was merely a nickname; Emperor Wuxing was the title he chose for himself. At this moment, it was naturally more fitting to use the title Emperor Wuxing for accepting disciples.

Zhao Xing glanced at him, offered a polite bow, and continued on his way. The verse was fine, but Zhao Xing was familiar with Emperor Wudu's reputation. Wudu frequently invited disciples to "collaborate on experiments," a euphemism for often poisoning them and leaving them in a wretched, half-dead state. While the disciples' cultivation might advance significantly, the process was excruciatingly tormenting. Who could endure living beside toxic plants day in and day out? Emperor Wudu was neither Zhao Xing's first nor second choice; in fact, he had no intention of becoming his disciple at all.

"Huh, he left?" Emperor Wudu mumbled, slightly taken aback. "Was my Daoistic chant not majestic enough?" Musing to himself, Emperor Wudu moved his high platform, vanishing from the spot. Half an hour after Zhao Xing had left, he reappeared around a corner, confronting him again.

"The Yang star, like a flame, ignites true intent; the Yin constellation, like frost, mirrors the melting essence."

"The body nourishes six qi within, the Great Dao's mysteries are infinite... Damn it, he ran again!"

This time, the Dao essence and extraordinary phenomena displayed by Emperor Wudu were truly grand and imposing. While this attracted seven or eight talented cultivators to seek apprenticeship, Zhao Xing once again departed without a single glance.

"Hahahahahahahahaha!" Zuo Qiyu laughed mercilessly from his perch on a rooftop, enjoying wine under the full moon. Seeing Emperor Wudu repeatedly fail to achieve his goal only sharpened his appetite.

"Laugh at your ancestors!" Wudu snapped furiously. "If you think you're so capable, then *you* try!"

Zuo Qiyu dangled from the eaves, legs crossed. "Wudu, don't provoke me," he taunted. "If I actually took him as a disciple, wouldn't you resent me fiercely?"

"You know, why don't you just stop him and tell him directly?"

"Just tell him that poor old me, with my terrible reputation and lack of skill, is practically begging him to take me as his master... Ah hahahaha!"

The void in front of Zuo Qiyu twisted violently. With a flash of his form, he deftly evaded Emperor Wudu's attack. However, his wine bottle shattered into pieces. Zuo Qiyu glanced at the shattered bottle, then, without a word, leaped directly in front of Zhao Xing.

"I am Zuo Qiyu, one of the Twelve Primeval Envoys, skilled in the art of straw figures. I have never taken a disciple; would you be willing to become mine?"

Zhao Xing was startled. Zuo Qiyu? Zuo Qiyu, master of the Primordial Incarnation! He was actively appearing to take him as a disciple! Zuo Qiyu was his top choice—what more could he ask for?

Zhao Xing was about to perform the apprenticeship ceremony. Unexpectedly, his bow wouldn't complete. His body had stiffened, rendering him unable to move.

"What's happening? Am I poisoned?" Zhao Xing asked, looking at his hand in surprise, noticing it had turned a strange liver-like color. Another figure materialized beside him. It was Emperor Wudu, whom he had encountered twice before.

"You will not apprentice yourself to him!" Emperor Wudu declared, glaring furiously at Zuo Qiyu. "It's not that this man has never had disciples; it's that his disciples betrayed him! Hmph... To be a teacher to that extent only shows how utterly incompetent he is!"

Zhao Xing was utterly bewildered, but he sensed that Emperor Wudu had struck a nerve. Zuo Qiyu suddenly ignited with flames, and terrifying fluctuations twisted towards Emperor Wudu.

"No way, they're actually going to fight!" Zhao Xing was stunned. The Ego Faction was known for its eccentric personalities, but this was the Primeval Realm! Two Emperor-level grandmasters, ready to clash at a moment's notice— When the city gates catch fire, the fish in the moat suffer. Zhao Xing now feared he might be caught in the crossfire and severely harmed. However, with two Emperors clashing, he was utterly powerless.

Just as he braced for impact, the next moment—

All terrifying fluctuations dissipated. Zuo Qiyu's flames vanished, and Emperor Wudu's six purple energy pillars retracted back into his body. A man clad in white robes, embroidered with a golden-green seedling, materialized between the two combatants. The seedling's pattern glowed faintly, and its enigmatic markings seemed to cause the surrounding space-time to halt. Zhao Xing noticed that Tuosen, Youling, and Pu Guangrui, who were entering the city from outside, moved agonizingly slowly, like crawling tortoises.

The Demigod Gu Luohe had appeared, interposing himself to halt the conflict.

"Wudu, Qiyu, you've gone too far," Gu Luohe said, his voice calm.

Despite Gu Luohe's seemingly understated remark, both Emperor Wudu and Zuo Qiyu completely calmed down, lowering their heads in acknowledgement of their mistake.

"You two should go calm down for a bit," Gu Luohe instructed, waving his hand. Instantly, the two Emperors sank beneath the ground. The surrounding space-time returned to normal, as if the preceding events had never occurred. Tuosen, Youling, and Pu Guangrui simply walked past, seemingly oblivious to Zhao Xing and Gu Luohe standing in the middle of the street. At that moment, Zhao Xing also noticed his body had returned to normal, as if time had reversed. However, Gu Luohe still stood before him, proof that the recent events were no illusion.

"As expected of Gu Luohe, the demigod capable of locking down life zones in the microscopic world," Zhao Xing thought, filled with immense admiration. The attitudes of both Zuo Qiyu and Emperor Wudu indirectly affirmed Gu Luohe's strength, which was undeniably immense!

"Zhao Xing," Gu Luohe said, turning to him. "During your time in the Primeval Realm, I will personally guide your studies. Are you willing?"