Chapter 431: Still You're So Despicable

The outside world was a flurry of activity, and countless challengers emerged. However, Zhao Xing had already completed the procedures to move into Coral City, put away his Void Grass Figure, and entered Gu Luohe's inner world to cultivate.

Inside Gu Luohe's inner world, at the sixth cultivation ground, withered bamboo leaves covered the ground. Strong winds blew, scattering the dry leaves and revealing hard rocks. Yellowed, lifeless bamboo stalks lay scattered and askew.

Standing on the mountaintop, Zhao Xing unfurled his Dao Field and Origin Space, enveloping the peak. The next second, the mountain revived with the breath of life. The dark mountain body gradually became covered in green, vibrant life force seemingly painting the entire world with brilliant colors. As time passed, bamboo shoots broke through the rocks, bursting with astonishing vitality, even pushing stones skyward. These stones hovered somewhere beyond the sky, forming the outline of Gu Luohe.

"Zhao Xing.""Teacher."Hearing this, Zhao Xing stopped and looked up at the sky.

Gu Luohe said, "You have fully mastered the second step of the Grand Dao of Life, Life Revival. There is no need to stay here any longer." Zhao Xing replied, "It is all thanks to Teacher's excellent guidance. By using the Golden Horn Bamboo to demonstrate the explosive power of the Grand Dao of Life, this disciple was able to comprehend it so quickly. Teacher is like a master painter of life, and these Golden Horn Bamboos are your didactic artworks."

Bamboo-type constructs possess strong explosive power, making them excellent references for comprehending the Grand Dao. However, normal bamboo-type life forms could not possibly offer such effective insights. This is because the world is filled with myriad complexities; when the universe enters the Myriad Phenomena stage, layers of superficial appearances obscure the fundamental essence of the Grand Dao. During this period, even highly gifted cultivators cannot comprehend as quickly as those in the Origin or Primordial periods. Only powerful beings like Gu Luohe can modify the essence of life, removing superficial manifestations to allow direct perception of the Grand Dao's true nature. That is why Zhao Xing said that the bamboo planted by Gu Luohe resembled a master painter's didactic artworks.

"Go to the seventh cultivation ground," Gu Luohe said, ignoring Zhao Xing's flattery, and instantly teleported him there."Thank you, Teacher."

After 1776 years, Zhao Xing had grown accustomed to this. Gu Luohe truly never spoke a single unnecessary word, except concerning cultivation matters.

"Arriving at the seventh cultivation ground means comprehending the third step of the Grand Dao of Life," Zhao Xing thought. "I wonder what this third step entails." He observed the new location. Below was a standard circular landmass, approximately three realm-yuan units in size, covered with seven-colored flowers. A breeze swept through, causing the sea of seven-colored flowers to ripple and large sections to fall over. As the flowers fell, they instantly withered. Then, an even brighter sea of flowers shimmered and collapsed. Ultimately, only a single seven-colored flower remained at the center of the circular landmass. The rest of the area lost its color.

"Three realm-yuan units of seven-colored flowers, and only one remained in the end," Zhao Xing murmured. He immediately landed at the center, simultaneously unfolding his Dao Field and Origin Projection, and began to comprehend.

Three years later, the motionless Zhao Xing rose and left the seven-colored flowers. "Currently, the Primal Chaos Realm is only 2.5 star-realm units in size; it cannot fully cover this area. I simply cannot discern anything from this miraculous phenomenon. No matter, I'll go out first and digest the points I've accumulated from my sweep." Zhao Xing took out a communication talisman and immediately exited Gu Luohe's inner world.

Since becoming a Coral-level member, Zhao Xing had moved into another residence: Coral City. The Primordial Divine Tree has a total of nine enormous leaves, and Coral City is located in the middle leaf region of the Primordial Divine Tree. Zhao Xing's Void Grass Figure had accumulated approximately 3.7 billion points, and now was the time to use them.

"3.7 billion points — that's almost everything I can gain at this stage. Unless my status level increases further, there won't be any more quickly effective resources."

Above Coral City, there is another widely known residential area called Thousand Star City. These correspond to two status levels: Thousand Star members and Primordial Envoys. Thousand Star members are named after the Thousand Star Vine that entwines the Primordial Divine Tree. Thousand Star members are mostly in the Reincarnation Realm, with Dao Domain Realm practitioners making up only a small minority. Primordial Envoys are at least of the Reincarnation Emperor level, and must be exceptionally outstanding in some aspect, earning the full admiration of other Emperors, to become a Primordial Envoy.

The Five Poisons Emperor is only a Ninth-tier Thousand Star member because he is not the only Emperor-level expert proficient in poison cultivation, but there is no second Zuo Qiyu. As for figures like Gu Luohe, they have no formal status level; their name itself is their status level.

"Coral-level member Zhao Xing, you have consumed 3.7 billion points and formulated a 200-year secluded cultivation plan. This expenditure includes purchased physical resources and unique cultivation grounds. Based on your application, you will enter undisturbed mode, meaning that even if you enter public cultivation grounds like the Hundred-Ren Void, you will not be seen by anyone. Please confirm execution.""Confirm."

The moment after Zhao Xing confirmed on the Star Mirror, a "Buzz" sounded as Emperor Chen Jiu, shimmering with silver light, descended from the sky."Greetings, Emperor Chen Jiu," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands.

Emperor Chen Jiu waved his hand, and a ring appeared. "These are the items you requested. For the next two hundred years, I will be responsible for your arrangements.""Thank you, Emperor." Zhao Xing reached out and took it.

From now on, he would enter "offline" mode; ordinary people would be unable to disturb Zhao Xing's cultivation. Even if he went to places like the Primordial Dao Repository, Hundred-Ren Void, or Primordial Ocean, no one would see or bother him, unless their rank was higher than Emperor Chen Jiu's.

Of course, Emperor Chen Jiu's appearance wasn't solely for the purpose of ensuring no disturbances. Among Zhao Xing's 3.7 billion points, many consumable resources were included. Consuming a large amount of resources in a short period could still lead to unexpected issues, but with Emperor Chen Jiu, a sentient manifestation of a Grand Evolution Divine Weapon, providing protection, there would be no problems.

"Emperor, I shall begin.""Hm," Emperor Chen Jiu nodded.

Time flowed by, and in the blink of an eye, two hundred years had passed. In the Primordial Realm, on the supreme Sun Star, an ice coffin floated within the solar flares. Emperor Chen Jiu beckoned, and the ice coffin detached from the solar flares. Zhao Xing emerged from within."Zhao Xing, your cultivation plan has concluded," Emperor Chen Jiu said. "I will no longer be safeguarding your cultivation.""Thank you, Emperor." Zhao Xing cupped his hands, and the next moment, Emperor Chen Jiu vanished.

In Coral City's New Sophora Willow Courtyard, Zhao Xing opened his panel to check his information.

Name: Zhao XingRealm: Grand Divine Ability RealmOccupation: Chief AgriculturistDao Field: Sun Rank SevenSoul: Yin-Yang Dao Domain RealmLuck: Evolution Thirteen (Five Emperor Coins Bonus Tier Two)Age: 6210Remaining Lifespan: 2.9 Epochs

"Sun Rank Seven, my Dao Field has finally become stronger." Zhao Xing looked at his Dao Field's rank, feeling a sense of relief. Previously, his weak Dao Field had prevented him from competing with the top geniuses of the Primordial Assembly. Now, Zhao Xing had finally caught up to the top geniuses in terms of his Dao Field. And with his Dao Field strong, the World Law 'Yin-Yang Divide' also transformed.

Yin-Yang Divide: Grand Divine Ability Rank SevenFive Finger Mountain: Grand Divine Ability Rank SevenGiant Sun Revival: Grand Divine Ability Rank ThreeVoid Grass Figure: Grand Divine Ability Rank ThreeGreat Dream Marsh: Grand Divine Ability Rank ThreeStalk Fighting Immortal: Grand Divine Ability Rank ThreePerfected Minor Divine Abilities: Slaughter Thought Blade, Treasure Mountain Divine Ability, Essence Purging Divine Ability, Violet Light Eight Eras, Three Divine Fate Palace, Soul Heavenly Vision, Divine Fire Turtle Transformation, Five Elements Heavenly ChefPrimal Chaos Realm: Second Layer, Rank 2

"Six Grand Divine Abilities, five of which are classic spells of the Self-Identity School. These include Heart Field Law, World Law, Variant Law, and Grass Figure Law. The Primal Chaos Realm has also reached the second layer, with the Origin Space exceeding 50 star-realm units. Now, the Path of Self-Identity is largely complete. I just need to add one more auxiliary 'required cultivation method,' and there won't be any other major needs. The framework is built; what remains is simply to deepen it."

"I can consider building the cultivation frameworks for the other two schools among the three," Zhao Xing mused. The Geographic Advantage Law is still acceptable, supported by at least one Grand Divine Ability, Five Finger Mountain. But the Heavenly Timing Law is truly lacking. It doesn't even have a single Grand Divine Ability, and only three Minor Divine Abilities: 'Divine Fire Turtle Transformation,' 'Violet Light Eight Eras,' and 'Five Elements Heavenly Chef.' Of the latter two, Violet Light Eight Eras is an auxiliary ability, and Five Elements Heavenly Chef is a dietary supplement spell. Cultivating all three schools simultaneously, the Heavenly Timing Law and Geographic Advantage Law haven't even had their frameworks established.

"Now that my soul is in the Yin-Yang Dao Domain Realm, and my will-power divine ability is protected by the Heart Field Law 'Great Dream Marsh,' I can wield the Void Grass Figure Law without any concerns for now. I can consider multitasking and integrating the Grand Daos of all three schools."

"It is now my 1976th year in the Primordial Realm; Emperor Hong Shan should have arrived by now. In that case, the first layer of 'Extreme Land' can also be broken through."

The first layer of 'Extreme Land' was bought in the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom, and he hadn't been able to cultivate it then, but now it was different. "Gathering spirit into veins. Guiding veins into the body. Extreme Veins initially formed." As Zhao Xing breathed, he drew a realm-star level earth vein into his body, where it appeared within his spiritual energy nebula. "With the first layer of 'Extreme Land' achieved, the spiritual veins now permeate my entire body. My breathing rhythm has changed, as if the earth itself is breathing. However, the Yuanhai Royal Family won't be able to refund my tuition fees."

Once the first layer of 'Extreme Land' is mastered, one can apply to study in the Primordial Hill. The Yuanhai Royal Family would then refund the study fees and even provide additional money. Zhao Xing remembered that 'Extreme Land' had cost him a considerable sum back then.

"Once the first layer of 'Extreme Land' is cultivated, any Dao Domain Realm member of the Primordial Hill nearby will immediately sense it, and each of them has an obligation to become the person's guide." 'Extreme Land' is essentially a unique 'Earth Communication Secret Art' that, once mastered, broadcasts its presence outwards, spreading through realm-stars and stellar land veins to infinite distances.

"I have now ended my secluded 'offline' cultivation mode; Emperor Chen Jiu left long ago. Even if the Primordial Realm's formations are strict and others can't sense it, someone of Emperor Hong Shan's level would still be able to detect it." At this moment, Zhao Xing also deactivated the Star Mirror's shielding.

In a leaf-bubble space within Thousand Star City, located on the left leaf of the Primordial Divine Tree, Emperor Hong Shan sat on the southeast floating platform, with his disciple Tao Yang behind him. Across from him sat Emperor Tian Wu, the leader of the Origin Celestial Palace's contingent this time, and Du Yun, the genius martial artist of the Origin Celestial Palace. The main seats were occupied by representatives of the Primordial Realm: the Five Poisons Emperor, Zuo Qiyu, and Emperor Chen Jiu. The Reincarnation Divine Hall, the Academy City, and the Ancient Desolate Nations Alliance also had their respective representatives. However, at this moment, all of them were verbally cornering Emperor Tian Wu of the Origin Celestial Palace.

"Emperor Tian Wu, our Ancient Desolate Nations Alliance agrees to select geniuses from all sides for a decisive battle, with the results determining our rights and interests. However, it cannot be according to the age range you specified," said a ruler of an ancient kingdom. "I believe the chosen geniuses should not exceed eighty thousand years of age.""Exactly. If we follow Emperor Tian Wu's specified age of one hundred thousand years, it will be unfair.""What difference is there between eighty thousand and one hundred thousand years?" Emperor Tian Wu said with a smile on his lips. "What exactly are you all so concerned about?" The two rulers of the ancient kingdoms immediately fell silent, while Emperor Hong Shan gave a slight smile.

The difference between eighty thousand and one hundred thousand years of age was whether Du Yun could participate. Emperor Tian Wu was clearly trying to make them openly admit their fear of Du Yun participating. How much face would that give the Origin Celestial Palace? And the rulers of the ancient kingdoms clearly wouldn't fall for it. It was fine to say it informally, but to say it aloud now would completely solidify Du Yun's reputation as the top genius of the Desolate Region's second epoch. Whether he was number one or not was just unofficial speculation. Even if it were true, the officials couldn't say it, especially at a time when rights and benefits were being contested.

"Everyone, we need to make a decision," Emperor Tian Wu said calmly. "After discussing for so long, this idea is the most suitable method to resolve the dispute. If powerful individuals were to fight over this allocation of rights and interests, lives might be lost, and the destruction would be too great. It's possible that a win-win situation could turn into a multi-loss scenario. It's perfectly reasonable for geniuses to compete, and for the ultimate winner to take more resources, proving that we haven't wasted resources! At this point, let's not talk about balance."

"Emperor Tian Wu, just state your point, don't digress." Emperor Yuan Ding, the representative of the Reincarnation Divine Hall, was somewhat displeased. "This fellow... who is he secretly mocking?"

"My Academy City will not participate in the dispute; we are merely witnesses." An old man dressed in scholar's robes, holding a book, stated his position."Silence!" The Five Poisons Emperor suddenly slammed the table and shouted loudly, "You've argued dozens of times; it's time to hear the host's opinion. I think Emperor Tian Wu's proposal is good and very reasonable."

Emperor Tian Wu looked at the Five Poisons Emperor in surprise. The rulers of the other ancient kingdoms also exchanged bewildered glances. Some of their ancient kingdoms were subordinates of the Scarlet Star Empire, heavily reliant on it, and had originally attended this meeting to oppose Emperor Tian Wu. Now, their representative, the Five Poisons Emperor, suddenly agreed with Emperor Tian Wu, catching them off guard.

Zuo Qiyu, moreover, directly messaged the Five Poisons Emperor, cursing him: "Shut up, what are you doing? You were brought here as a decoration! Who told you to spout such nonsense? If you agree to this method and Du Yun participates, who do you plan to have contend against him? Don't tell me You Beixuan; while his martial arts talent is decent, he's still a step behind Du Yun."

The Five Poisons Emperor quickly replied, "No, neither of them. Let Zhao Xing participate.""You... haha."Seeing Zuo Qiyu's speechless, chuckling expression, the Five Poisons Emperor immediately stated his idea: "Zhao Xing has mastered the Void Grass Figure, and you can control all grass figures. This decisive battle has no Divine Realm monitoring. If Zhao Xing participates and reveals his Void Grass Figure for you to control, what is there to fear from Du Yun?"

Zuo Qiyu was stunned. So, what the Five Poisons Emperor was proposing wasn't a fair fight, but rather cheating? "It can certainly work, but what if it's exposed..."The Five Poisons Emperor immediately shook his head. "If you procure a set of Origin Body materials from the Void Ancestor galaxy for him, would there still be any chance of exposure?"Zuo Qiyu blinked, and after a moment, said, "You really are despicable."