You seem to be expecting us," said Tie Zong, the leader of the five-people squad. He was a bald man with tattoos on his head. His martial clothes were sleeveless, showing his bulging muscles and even more tattoos. He held a red halberd with his left, casually leaning it on his shoulder.
Wang Wei could feel the intense fiendish aura of his person along with the other four. He knew these people were individuals who lived their lives through battle.
"Mercenaries?" he asked.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Yes, especially since you're the type of person willing to become other people's pawn."
The five quieted down for a moment before three laughed out loud.
"Boss, the information was correct; this kid has a mouth on him," said Monkey, a thin man with a luxurious robe who looked like a monkey with squinty eyes.
"It seems so."
"Don't be careless," said Liu Tong, an ordinary-looking young man wearing all black. "Based on the information, this kid is not simple.'
The group immediately became serious after hearing this. Liu Tong was the advisor of their mercenary group; because of his strategic mind, they could strive in the mercenary business and survive many difficult situations.
Wang Wei noticed the shift in these people's state after the ordinary young man spoke. "You must be the leader?"
"I'm just a humble advisor."
Wang Wei observed the dynamic between these four people before looking at the only woman in the group. She wore a dress that revealed her shoulder and a little bit of her bosom. She was beautiful by all typical standards, but the most striking aspect of her image was the tattoo on her left shoulder, granting her a wild and enticing aura.
"I understand. The bald man is the group leader but feels threatened by your intelligence and capability. He wants to kill you but knows the group will not survive long, and the others will leave once they learn the truth.
"However, this is not the only reason he wants to kill: it's because of her. He loves, well, maybe not love. He considers her his property, but she has feelings for you. Meanwhile, you are aware of all of this, so you intentionally make yourself look ordinary and less impressive to not garner his attention.
"You love her too, but you dare not show or confess your feelings. Am I right?"
No one answered him because he was spot on. Even Monkey–the slowest person in the group–caught on to the weird dynamic of this group.
"The only thing I'm wondering is why you are still in this group. Why not kill the baldy and pursue your happiness? Or, at the very least, run away?"
Wang Wei had genuine puzzlement as he asked this question. He did not use any ability to find this information but simply deduced things based on these people's body movements, facial expressions, demeanor, and aura. His eyes were bright as he looked at these five, making them unconsciously shiver.
Their Heavenly Halberd Squad was famous in the Commerce Hub, known for accomplishing countless missions across hundreds of World Communities. However, only a few times have they felt such pressure and fear from one gaze, and the first time it came from a mortal.
"I figured it out: loyalty," said Wang Wei. "The baldy saved your life, so you swore you would follow him no matter what. So, you will abandon your happiness and live every day in fear to keep your word."
Wang Wei frowned, "Based on your reaction, I was partially wrong: you did swear loyalty to him but not because he saved your life."
Tie Zong and Liu Tong knew the reason for their odd relationship. When they were mortal, Liu Tong's poor mother fell sick and needed a lot of money for medicine, money that he did not have. Tie Zong was his neighbor and best brother. One day, the latter went to steal money in the City Lord's mansion and lost an arm in the process.
With the money, Liu Tong saved his mother and swore to always remember this act in his life. Later, they were both lucky enough to walk on the path of cultivation and even found a way to regrow Tie Zong's arm. These two sworn brothers were then fortunate enough to find a secret realm with a Dao Seed and become Dao Ancestors.
Unfortunately, things became complicated with the creation of the Heavenly Halberd Mercenary squad and the appearance of Ding Hua.
"If you think your words can affect our state of mind before this battle, you are gravely mistaken," said Liu Tong, who used all his experience to calm down and appeared unbothered.
Wang Wei shrugged his shoulders, not minding in the slightest. "If you guys tell me who hired you, I will pay you ten times their price."
"How generous of you," said Ding Hua with an obvious sneer. No women like their deep secrets being revealed–especially so casually.
"Not really. I will hunt you down afterward. If you can run away from me, the reward will be yours. If not, I will get my money back."
"Enough," said Tie Zong, veins appearing in his neck and bald head. "I hate cocky brats like you the most: born with a golden spoon in your mouth, flaunting your god-given talent and intellect. If not for your high birth, would you be anything? Would you have achieved your current strength and status?"
"Life is not fair, so you can only blame fate," shrugged Wang Wei. Tie Zong no longer wished to use any more breath on this brat. He held his halberd with two hands, gathering his momentum.
Wang Wei's lackadaisical attitude suddenly changed to be more serious; he did not underestimate these people as he knew their strengths were similar to his. The Dao Ancestor Realm 5-Root system is not a division of realm but of foundation.
To describe it with game terminology, it's like two game bosses at level 20: one is an ordinary boss, and the other an elite one. The regular boss represents someone with 3-Root and the elite with 5-Root. Nevertheless, they are still on the same level/realm.
Bang!
Wang Wei used his hand to block Tie Zong, but the force pushed him a few meters into the void, leaving a white mark on his palm.
'3-Root, 16% Grand Dao Source. Each root gives an extra 5% boost in battle strength, so his strength is on par with my 5-Root.'
Although technically weaker, he could make up the gap with his superior law and other tactics.
'The others should be equal or weaker than him,' he analyzed.
[Mount Heaviness]
Tie Zong wielded his halberd downward, borrowing the power of the Grand Dao Source. Wang Wei felt an intangible pressure, not from the attack but from the Grand Dao Source itself. This is a power that is inherently noble, reigning supreme above all others forms of power. As such, when he, a mortal, is facing it, he is naturally suppressed, making it harder for him to respond.
Luckily, this was not the first time he faced a Dao Ancestor, and he trained himself to react to even greater pressure.
Crack!
The sound of bones crashing echoed in the heavens, followed by a loud groan. However, the sound did not originate from Wang Wei but from Tie Zong. When the attack hit him, he rapidly switched his fate with Tie Zong, transferring the damage to his opponent.
And since he did not expect this outcome, he suffered a terrible blow.
Liu Tong acted swiftly; he waved his hand to manifest a healing talisman that restored his boss' injury. "Don't be rash; the information said he most likely cultivated Fate Dao.
Meanwhile, Wang Wei was slightly surprised at Liu Tong's Talisman Dao. Any Profession Dao is extremely difficult to cultivate because of the immense resources required. The result of which is loose cultivators are less likely to become Professionals–let alone cultivated it as their primary Grand Dao Source.
All these thoughts flashed in his mind in less than a second. Then, he rushed toward these people; he would not let them calmly heal themselves.
"I won't let you," said Ding Hua as she rushed forward with unmatched speed. The Grand Dao Source of Wind flashed on her body as her speed surpassed infinity.
She turned into a gale as she flew around him, attacking all parts of his body with her claws. Her attack could not break his skin, but Wang Wei's reaction speed was slower than hers, rendering him incapable of catching her or responding.
Then, she suddenly stopped moving. Ding Hua had a shocked look, wondering what had just happened. Of course, Wang Wei would not tell her he used Order Dao to ban the use of elemental powers in his immediate surroundings.
Bang!
Wang Wei punched her face intending to explode her head. Unfortunately, a black shield appeared at the right time and blocked most of the force–but not all of it. Ding Hua flew backward dozens of kilometers before crashing on the ground.
Wang Wei then looked at the person who intervened: the group's fifth member. He was a muscular man holding a red shield in his hand.
Wang Wei looked at the fifth man. He was only the only calm person in this group throughout his monologue. Besides a slight surprise at the beginning, he returned to a stoic and taciturn state.
Wang Wei instantly appeared before him and punched him. The power of destruction emanated from his fist, trying to annihilate anything in its path.
Crack!
Cracks appeared on Gong Fan's Dao Artifact, and he felt a terrifying power trying to erase him from the mortal plane. Luckily for him, Liu Tong acted swiftly and used a defensive talisman to boost his already powerful defensive shield. Ans since Gong Fan cultivated the Defense Dao, he survived the attack.
Regrettably, Wang Wei seemed to have predicted this outcome as he instantly activated his Destiny Ability: Purpose Manipulation. He changed the purpose of the talisman from a defensive talisman to one that boosted his attack; in other worse, he took Liu Tong's power for himself.
Bang!
Gong Fan flew from the sky and crashed on the continent.
'Survived?' thought Wang Wei as he felt the vivid life force of the opponent. His mind rushed as he analyzed the situation. And he soon knew why: an Emperor Artifact.
Mortal cannot bring the full strength of Emperor Artifacts. The best they can do is bring out about 20% of it–unless things like an array and a faction's Qi Luck are used. And even then, only when Immortals control the arrays and luck could the weapon be used to their full capacities. And that's because the essence of mortals and Immortals are different.
Dao Ancestor can activate 20 to 90% of an Emperor Artifact, depending on the user. And with his current strength, Wang Wei can only bring about 60%. However, if he uses more than the 20% limit, the artifact will absorb his life span because of his Mortal Essence.
'However, these people are Dao Ancestors and do not have any issue with using Emperor Artifact,' thought Wang Wei. His mind worked faster than a quantum computer, so he analyzed the situation at an unimaginable speed.
He moved his body slightly to evade Monkey's attack.
'A Saber Dao cultivator?' he thought. Saber Dao has one of the highest offensive capabilities–even more than Sword. The saber is a weapon for killing, and all saber wielders know this and treat it as such. Meanwhile, swordsmen often romanticized the sword. Even a powerful swordsman like Wang Tian is guilty of this mindset.
Unfortunately, it is not as prosperous as Sword Dao. And there are many reasons for that. The main one is there are no philosophies of pursuing pure Saber Dao. Most saber-wielders will do anything to increase their strength and kill their enemies. However, the few who pursue pureness as swordsmen are ten times scarier.
"Use the talisman I gave you," yelled Liu Tong, and the group followed his order. A mysterious power enveloped them, protecting their fate.
"You guys are well prepared," commented Wang Wei. However, he did not care. His mastery of Fate Dao made these talismans minimal in their protection. At best, they can reduce his attacks and method by a few percent.
Swish!
An arrow came out of nowhere, and his body moved on instinct to dodge. He looked over to see Ding Hua, with a swollen face holding a bow and condensing wind arrows.
[Fate Escape]
Whenever fate is, Wang Wei can be there. So, he instantly appeared before her. Before anyone could react, he attacked her again. Or so he thought.
Bang!
A shield blocked his attack, and this time around, she was not even pushed back. Wang Wei looked at Gong Fan, "You're annoying, so you'll be the first to die."
An enormous version of himself manifested behind him: his Dharma Body.
"He-He wasn't serious before," muttered Monkey. The battle began less than a few minutes ago, and the opponent had already placed so much pressure on them. And even then, he was not going all out.
"Formation 12-D," suddenly yelled Liu Tong, and everyone acted on instinct–including the healed Tie Zong. A mountain appeared above Gong Fan, followed by numerous talismans and a wing barrier capable of shredding a few Great Thousand Worlds. Meanwhile, Monkey used his most potent saber attack to stall the enemy.
"Useless," commented Wang Wei as his Dharma Body punched forward. The punch seemed nothing extraordinary, but Gong Fan's body slowly dissipated immediately afterward. The odd thing was he had no injuries on his body and soul.
"W-what just happened?" asked Monky, unable to hide the fear in his eyes and voice.
"The Law of Time," said Liu Tong with gritted teeth. He had a circular rune in one of his eyes as he looked at Wang Wei. "He sent his attack a few minutes to the past, killing Gong Fan. Since past Gong Fan is dead, the present one will also die."
"He can do that?"
"You can actually see through my technique? You're quite the talent," commented Wang Wei. "Do you want to join my Dao Opening Sect? I can give you the status of ancestor and enjoy countless resources."
"No, thank you."
"It's alright. Anyway, I don't think you will survive much longer," Wang Wei replied before looking at the monkey-looking man. "You're next."
"Liu Tong, what do I do?" Monkey did not think he could survive that attack. Liu Tong bit the tip of his tongue to remain sober as he felt fear and hatred overwhelm his senses. He analyzed the situation, thinking of countermeasures.
"Keep calm and always be on guard. If your past self can block the attack, you can survive." Although this was the truth, how would the past self know when someone would attack it? Moreover, which past self? One minute ago? Five minutes ago? Or maybe, even years from the past?
"Use your Grand Dao Source to disturb the space-time around you," added Lie Tong.
'Really a decent talent,' thought Wang Wei. Although this tactic would not work on him because of his high mastery of Time Law, it might work on some other Dao Lord or someone with an Innate Time Treasure like Huang Yuan. After all, there is a reason why some Dao are considered Outlaws and others are not.
Wang Wei took out his Proving Dao Artifact, which turned into a large sword. The Dharma Body held it, and his Daor Heart changed to that of a supreme swordsman dedicated to the sword.
[Fate Slashing]
Monkey looked horrified as he saw his life flash before his eyes. Luckily, he had millions of years of experience, so he used his Saber Grand Dao Source to use a defensive technique.
Ding Hua acted even faster than him as she flew and arrived next to him in an instant; she had never flown with such speed in her life. She held him by the back of his neck and evaded the slash.
"No living thing can escape its fate," said the Dharma Body, and it was right. The attack was not directed at Monkey but at his fate line. As such, a grey line suddenly appeared, connected to him. The slash cut off the line, and Monkey closed his eyes.
"He's dead?" asked Ding Hua, confused as she used different means to check the latter's body.
Liu Tong trembled as he did not know how to answer her.
'Were done.' That's the only thing on his mind. He should have guessed this outcome when the battle began. The opponent messed up their minds through his words. With such a state, they could not respond normally or use the thousands of tactics and formations they've practiced during their careers. Then, he used the overwhelming superiority of his Dao to bully them.
Wang Wei ignored them as he waved his hand to read Monkey's disappearing fate line.
"SO, that's how it is," he muttered, as he finally understood why these people could interfere in another world's Heaven Will Battle and not pay the consequences. Their hirer gave him some weird talisman that can hide from Heavenly Dao.
'But how is that possible? I can understand hiding from Heavenly Dao, but True Heavenly Dao? What's going on?' frёewebηovel.cѳm
His eyes landed on Ding Hua, making her tremble.
"Haaaaaa," screamed Tie Zong. His entire body turned red as if he was a furnace. He rushed toward Wang Wei and slammed his halberd.
Bang!
Wang Wei crashed into the ground. If he did not control the force of his landing, the entire continent would have been destroyed.
'What a powerful force,' he thought. He only had a scratch on his arm that instantly healed. "Burning your Dao?" He could tell the baldy was burning his Dao to increase his strength. This method will result in severe injuries that could prevent him from using his Grand Dao Source for millions of years.
Or worse, it could affect his Origin and make his cultivation realm fall. By then, he would barely have the strength of 1-Leaf.
Wang Wei flew into the sky and directly confronted Tie Zong with his fleshly body to temper himself. He did not bully the latter with his Fate Dao but relied on his fleshly body and Zodiac Technique to battle. As such, he was on the losing sign for most of the fight, leading to injuries all over his body.
"Hahaha," laughed Wang Wei out loud. "I have not fought such a satisfying fight in a while. It's a shame."
"What is?" asked Tie Zong with a hoarse voice and deep fear hidden in his eyes. He watched as his opponent restricted himself and used this battle as a tempering method. In this short confrontation, he witnessed the latter's defense and strength drastically increase.
'71 Primordial Dragon Force: an increase of 1.' In this short battle, with the constant injury and healing, his body was sublimated by 1 Primordial Dragon Force. Although it appeared to be a meager increase, he would accept any improvement in his True Power Dao.
"It's coming," replied Wang Wei, not caring about the terrible state of his clothes.
"What is?"
"True Heavenly Dao."
The face of the three suddenly changed, but there was nothing they could do. An enormous eye suddenly appeared from the sky, looking at them. Everything around seemed to stop due to the presence of the eye.
'Is this True Heavenly Dao? Although not as magnificent as Grand Dao, it's still scary.' Wang Wei can act arrogant before his world's Heavenly Dao. But he did not dare in front of this one or Grand Dao.
True Heavenly Dao looked at the three before three black lightning fell from the sky and annihilated them before they could even react. Then, it disappeared as if it was never here.
'So, their method could delay its arrival, not completely hide from it,' thought Wang Wei. 'I'm glad True Heavenly Dao is still active despite the blockade.' This information was very useful to him as he knows there is still some order in the lower dimension.
END OF VOLUME.
NEXT VOLUME: Fate Dominating Emperor
Wang Wei was in a trance-like state as he remembered the black lightning that destroyed these three mercenaries. He reviewed the process over and over in his mind, entering a state of enlightenment. After what felt like an eternity, he muttered: "That's how it is."
He saw the path of Heavenly Dao Control and even the levels after that.
"Unfortunately, I need to become an Emperor to reach such a level." Even if he broke the Nine Extremity Limit and achieved Third Class strength, he could not reach the level of control because of the lack of Grand Dao Source. However, the moment he entered that realm, he no longer had to spend time creating it.
"Is this the reward for being an Era Son?" Wang Wei felt it was too easy to directly see how innately capable Heavenly Dao was at controlling laws. It should not be this easy, even with his monster-level comprehension. As such, he guessed this was a gift from True Heavenly Dao.
"I really am a protagonist," he said with a wry smile. He shook his head to look in the distance. He saw Wrath and some other devil watching the battle and the subsequent aftermaths.
He did not contact them; he only activated the formation on his clothes to grow back to their original shape. Then, he teleported to the Nine Devil God World, leaving this continent.
"Thank Heavens that nothing happened to you," said Li Jun.
"What can happen to him?"
"Another death or near-death experience."
Wang Wei's lips twitched; he did not have a counter, so he changed the subject, "Did you report to the sect?"
"I did, but they haven't arrived yet."
"They should be here but decided not to show up publicly."
As soon as he said these words, Sword One appeared behind him as if she was always there.
"How long have you been here?"
"Long enough to know," she replied, with the stoic mask. "Let's return home."
"No problem," replied Wang Wei before remembering something. "Was there a vision showing a Heaven Chosen fallen?"
"No."
"Even before the changes to the devil continent?" he asked, thinking about all the geniuses who died after the foreign invasion.
"There was no vision."
"So, someone did kill Fang Lijuan," commented Li Jun.
"The little girl from the Divine Dao League? What happened to her?" The group explained the situation to Sword One, and she replied, "Do you want to use such an excuse to plunder the Divine Dao League?"
"Forget it; they are poor enough that it's not worth it," Wang Wei shook his head. Currently, he wanted nothing but peace and tranquility until the final battle. "Plus, I'm sure many people are already on edge with your Eternal Strength. So, let's not rock the boat."
"How do you know about my strength?" she asked, amused.
"Well, you've disappeared, and you're now back: it's not hard to guess," replied Wang Wei. "Plus, your aura is different, more ethereal and confident."
"Good observation, as always," she said. "Alright, let's hurry home: there are things for you to discuss and decide as the sect master."
Sword One took one step, and the entire group appeared before the entrance portal connected to the Lifeless Domain. Even with her ability, she cannot directly teleport to the Myriad Emperor World because of Wu Hong's seal.
After passing through the gate, she took one more step, and space bent to her will. In an instant, the group arrived outside the Dao Opening Sect before flying in. Sword One sent the others to the Li Clan Mountain before taking Wang Wei directly into a secret realm to meet with Origin One.
Then, the two told him about the recent attack on the world and their discovery of the Spirit Genesis Sect.
"What do you think?" asked Origin One in his usual calm tone.
"Are there any restrictions on using planar warfare to intervene in another world's Heaven Will Battle?"
"You mean an invasion similar to what the devil race did?"
"Yes."
"There are. Heavenly Dao does not care about other forms of invasions. But when it is close to the Heaven Will Battle, the invaders have to announce their invasion and give the invaded time to prepare. However, all war must stop 500 years before the final battle."
"Well, war is a great way to temper genius, so it makes sense," commented Wang Wei. "Was it like that during the devil era?"
"In the early stage. However, by the middle and end, the devil could break all the rules, and True Heavenly Dao did nothing."
Wang Wei nodded, knowing it was probably the Devil Primogenitor's doing. So, he focused on this Spirit Genesis Sect and said:
"We can guess Emperor Jia's paradox can shield his sect's action from True Heavenly Dao."
"That's the only explanation that makes sense."
"What's your plan to deal with them?" asked Sword One.
"Right now? Nothing. I only want peace. However, I will send my Fate Shadow Guard into their Heaven Will Community's lower realm to gather information."
"What about the future?"
"The title of Strongest Sect is a double edge sword. Yes, it will garner people's envy. But the Luck gathered is enough to ensure the sect's prosperity and longevity. So, it must be ours," Wang Wei replied calmly. "Plus, if there is a way to really hide from True Heavenly Dao, I am very interested."
"I'm always reassured with how you do things," nodded Origin One. He did not care about the title of strongest sect. He cared about the sect surviving countless eras and passing on its legacy. And since the title can guarantee this, he will also work to acquire it.
"The final battle is approaching," said Sword One. "Do whatever requires to prepare: use all resources, if necessary."
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself," added Origin One.
"He's right. With your talent, as long as you survive, you can prove the Dao in the next generation. So, makes plans to ensure your survival."
"I will."
Wang Wei briefly chatted with the two before leaving the secret room. While floating in the air, he stretched his body. "Who should I go see first? My parents or beloved wife?" A struggle appeared on his face for a moment.
"Why do I need to choose? I'm basically a god," he muttered with a sneer before instantly creating a clone. One flew to see his mother, while the other when to see his wife.
"Mom, I'm back," he yelled after landing on the Wang Clan Mountain.
"What a miracle! You actually came to see me first," said Yu Yan.
"Don't be jealous of your daughter-in-law," he responded as he hugged her. "Where is dad? Is he still in the state of enlightenment?"
"No, he finished not long after you left."
"The result?"
"He's going to temper his body," she replied with a smile.
"That's good. Which method is he using? Or did the ancestor leave with a method?"
"No, she suggested he create his own art."
"That's a good idea since it would be perfectly suited for his sword path," he commented. "What about you? How is your cultivation?"
She raised her hand, and a mass of darkness appeared. She slowly clawed Wang Wei, and he raised his hand to block her attack.
"4-Leaf. You've succeeded with the Eight Heterogeneity Foundation."
"Why do you sound surprised?"
Wang Wei smiled in embarrassment. He always knew his mother was extremely intelligent, probably capable of passing the Dao Overlord Trial if she could detect some clues beforehand. However, regarding her cultivation talent, he always evaluated her as slightly worse than Li Jun before the Chaos Qi baptism. However, it seems he was wrong.
"Anyway, how are your preparations for the plan?" he asked, changing the subject. Yu Yan gave him a look before answering, "I can now be considered a Sage-level Scholar. So, there should be no problem."
Wang Wei hesitated for a moment before telling her about his apprehension or worry regarding using a "side-door" method of proving the Dao.
"It's fine to only become a Pseudo Eternal," she replied calmly. "Didn't you say the Dusk Emperor became a Boundless Paragon without becoming an Eternal? Find how she did it, and I will attempt it in the future."
"That's a good idea," said Wang Wei. He wanted his family to become Eternals not because of strength but mainly for their survivability. He wanted them to have extra layers of protection in this cruel world–especially since he seemed to attract trouble left and right.
"The final battle is approaching. Are you mentally prepared?"
"I am."
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself," said Yu Yan with a worried look. One of the things she always felt she failed as a mother was the pressure she placed on her son ever since he was young. Unfortunately, as the Wang Clan heir and the only hope of the Dao Opening Sect for a long time, this was unavoidable.
"Make sure you have ways to survive. Surviving means you have hope."
"I will."
"You have always been reliable," she said as she caressed his face. "Maybe a little too reliable."
Wang Wei only smiled.
"Your grandfather sent a message his seclusion will end soon. He can impart some wisdom about his experience."
"That's more good news."
Fate Transcending Mountain:
"Wife, I"m back. Did you miss me?"
Good. You're not dead."
"Why does everyone keep saying that," said Wang Wei. Even his mother stated he was glad he was not dead during their brief conversation.
"Well, every time you leave the sect, you either end up exiled, missing limbs, or dead," Wu Hong casually replied. "It's beginning to become a pattern."
"Aren't I fine now?" he replied as he embraced her.
"Are you happy that you did the bare minimum of surviving?"
"No, I'm showing you I've grown and can barely protect myself."
"At least you know your limitations," added Wu Hong. "So, what happened?"
Wang Wei explained to her in detail what happened during the clean-up. "By the way, do you know the Devil Primogenitor?"
"Never met him, but you can say we have a special fate." After hearing what happened, new memories appeared in her mind. In the other timeline, the Primogenitor was not defeated by an alliance of all the influential factions of the upper dimension. After that battle, he escaped with severe injuries.
After her ascension, he blamed her for her failure and created a lot of trouble for her. Luckily, people like Maitreya and the Sword Empress protected her. And when she reached the peak of a Boundless Paragon, she slaughtered the injured Devil Primogenitor. That fight was one of the most difficult of her life–not because of the opponent's strength. But because of a magical artifact, he had it in his hands.
In this timeline, future her not only wanted to remove the entanglement between Wang Wei and Xu Junyao or make his path smoother; she also wanted to fix one of her biggest regrets.
'Meng Xiaohui,' thought Xu Shi.
While the devil race forces hunted her in the upper dimension, she met a young girl who ran away because her family wanted to sell her to a rich young master in the city.
…
"You said your name is Meng Xiaohui?"
"Yes."
"What a beautiful name."
"T-Thank you."
"You said your village sold you?"
"Yes. They keep saying it's the blessing of my ancestors to be desired by the Young Master Lin. Damn then. I've seen the fate of the women favored by that stupid young master," said Meng Xiaohui with her young voice.
"You remind me of a young me."
"Really? Does that mean I can one day be as powerful and beautiful as you?"
"Probably not, since between heaven and earth, I'm unique. But you can try."
Wu Hong's eyes moistened a little as the memories flooded in.
"Master, can I be your apprentice?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I will only bring you trouble. I should never have stayed here for so long."
"Master, when are you going to teach me cultivation?"
"I'm not your master."
"No, master. So, when?"
"…Master, master, I've succeeded in practicing the sealing technique."
"Indeed. Congratulations," said Wu Hong with a smile. She had not smiled in a long time. But recently, she found herself doing it more and more often.
"Unfortunately, it took me so long."
"The Sealing Dao does not suit you. Even the Origin Path System is not perfectly suited for you."
"But master, I want to be like you."
"You should walk your own path. If you focus too much on being like me, you'll only become a copy and have no chance of ever surpassing me."
"I-I understand."
"We will go to the Heavenly Temple of Record to find the cultivation system perfectly suited for you. We need to be quick and discrete and not be discovered."
"It seems you're talented with the Spear. I, your great master, will get you the best Spear Dao Emperor Scripture and refine the best spear for you."
"...Master, I'm sorry I disappointed you."
"You don't need to feel sorry. Comprehending a silver of Existence and walking the path of Nine Extremity is not something anyone can achieve."
"But you did it."
"I didn't. I used an alternative method," Wu Hong's eyes became bright. "A method that could work for you. Wait for me, and make sure to hide and not leave the cave."
A year later.
"This is for you."
"Master, what is it?"
"There is this genius in the devil race territory with a 2-Root Nine Extremity Foundation. I took his Dao Foundation and power. I will help you observe. Huh, why are you crying?"
"Master, thank you," said Meng Xiaohui, who could see the slight pale complexion of her master. Although she tried to hide it, she could tell.
"Silly little girl, I am your master, am I not?"
"…Master, my Heaven Will Battle is coming. Any advice?"
"Always be calm to respond to any situation. Be ruthless and use everything you've learned during your cultivation journey."
Meng Xiaohui nodded like a little girl listening to her mother nagging. Although she had lived for a long time, she would always be the little girl running away from him in front of her master. Then, she hesitated to say something.
"What is it? You know you can always talk to me," said Wu Hong.
"Master, couldn't you just get a Heaven Will for me? With your strength, you could get your hands on one by negotiating with one of the clans or sects. If not, take it from the devil race territory. Why do we have to go to the Emperor Path Arena?"
The Emperor Path Arena is mainly used by loose cultivators or people with no background to compete for a chance to prove the Dao, similar to the mortals from the lower dimension. Every 50 million years, 12,000 Heaven Wills appear in different territories and are usually snatched by powerful factions or cultivators.
However, there are 100 Emperor Path Arenas where people can compete. With her master's ability, getting her hands on one of them is not a problem.
"You have the wrong misconception," explained Wu Hong patiently. "The geniuses from these factions will never directly use a Heaven Will to prove the Dao. They will gather on Arena 12 and battle out to the death. Can you guess why?"
"To create more powerful Emperors."
"Exactly. The winner will prove he is the absolute best in his generation, sublimating his state of mind before absorbing the Heaven Will. The defeated will have their Dao Path cut off forever, and the survivors are also brilliant Heaven Chosens. They can return to their faction and absorb the Heaven Will."
"I understand," replied Meng Xioahui with determination in her eyes.
"You don't have to fight in Arena 12, but you will fight in the second strongest: Arena 6. Be prepared."
"...Master, master, I'm now an Emperor; I have escaped the shackle of death with a lifespan above Heaven and Earth."
"Why are you screaming? You're now a dignified Great Emperor: act like it." Meng Xiouhui stuck her tongue out, acting all cute. Wu Hong shook her head, "We need to run before the devil race finds us."
Wu Hong had tears in her eyes, staring into the distance.
"Are you alright?" hurriedly asked Wang Wei, extremely worried. The only time he saw his wife cry was during their wedding, which was out of happiness. However, he never saw her so sad during their entire time together.
Wu Hong did not answer her as she was lost in her memories.
She was bleeding on the floor with a spear stabbed in her chest. She slowly removed it from her body while thinking about how she had suffered numerous injuries in her life, was once brutally tortured before escaping, and survived three simultaneous tests of the Flesh Tribulation. However, nothing could compare to the pain of that spear.
Wu Hong looked at her disciple not far away, "Hui'er, why?"
No response. All she saw was a cold and indifferent stare–devoid of any emotions or remorse.
"No, she would not do that," groaned Wu Hong, trying hard to fight her fading consciousness. "Unless…Mo Yuan, you bastard, come out."
The space broke, and the Devil Primogenitor appeared, but he frowned. "Dao Heart is still intact?"
"Is this your doing? You controlled her?"
"Control? You underestimate me," he said with a sneer. "I created her in the first place. I went to extreme lengths to hide the secrets of Heaven and borrow the power of fate to make it seem as if your meeting was normal and nothing out of the ordinary."
As a Paragon–even an injured one–it was a great shame he had to go to such lengths to kill a little Emperor–even an extremely talented one. However, he knew his destiny was intertwined with hers, and she was blessed by luck. Adding her intelligence and cunningness, he had no choice but to be extra prudent.
"You!" Wu Hong's anger made her spew even more blood. She gazed at her disciple and watched as she slowly dissipated between Heaven and Earth, forever erased from this world.
"Enough wasting time. Die."
Unfortunately, before he could succeed, an enormous golden palm followed by a brilliant sword slash came from the distance heading toward him with unimaginable power.
"Damn it; it's those two again. I did everything correctly, so how did they discover me? Can't I escape my fate?" Before disappearing, he looked at Wu Hong with hatred, despair, and unwillingness.
"...Little Wu Hong, the world is a Sea of Bitterness, full of sorrow, pain, and suffering. But don't let it close your heart," said a young but ordinary female monk before leaving the room, giving her space to process this experience.
…
Wu Hong wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Are you alright?" Wang Wei asked again.
"I am; I just remembered something painful."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Another time," she replied, going deeper into his embrace. She looked in the distance in a daze.
'Luckily, you don't have to experience that pain."
Eternal Ascension World:
There is a humongous continent hundreds of times larger than the entire lower dimension in the east. It is known as Origin Seal Continent. Numerous lives survived and thrived on that continent: from mortals to demons to Emperors–there are too many different races.
The Origin Seal Continent is famous throughout the Eternal Ascension World because it is one of the few places not controlled by the 2 Suns and Seven Moons where Tier 12 powerhouses exist–albeit only from the Dao and Immortal Path.
And that is because the ruler of the continent–Empress Wu–sheltered all sentient beings. In a special place in the Origin Seal Continent, Wu Hong looked at a beautiful woman with a pale complexion but extremely sharp eyes.
"How are you doing?"
"I'll survive," said the Sword Empress, exhaling deeply. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
"You should have come to me sooner."
"My hiding place was perfect. I didn't expect that bastard to find me," said the Sword Empress with gritted teeth. Thinking about how she had to run away from that bastard, a terrifying killing emanated from her body. It was so intense that the surrounding time and space froze.
"I want to kill him."
"Cam down and don't do anything rash," persuaded Wu Hong. She knew if her friend used some extreme means, she might be able to kill Time Eater. However, the result would be her death and entering limbo. And even then, reviving would become a hundred times more difficult.
"Something is wrong with him," said Sword Empress. "Back then, although he was annoying, his personality was not that of a coward."
"Indeed, he should have participated in the Ultimate Taboo," nodded Wu Hong. From what they know about Time Eater, he would have taken the risk to participate. Even though his cultivation did not reach the peak, it was closed enough for him to gamble. Instead, he secretly plotted against the world and established the current situation.
"Didn't he likes to travel through the Infinite Trichiliocosm? Maybe he found something in another timeline?"
"That's the most likely scenario," nodded Sword Empress. "How are your injuries?"
"I've solved the other issues, but the root of the problem still requires some time. How about you?"
"My situation is worse," she shook her head. She cannot rely on the Dao Opening Sect's luck to accelerate the progress, nor use a similar method as Wu Hong and gather incense from all sentient beings because of Time Eater. Furthermore, she has to gather resources for the other 8 to prepare for their resurrection. So, her situation was not the best.
However, recently, the luck of the sect in the lower dimension drastically increased, so her situation was much better.
"What is the situation with Maitreya?" Her old friend had been acting shady in the past few years. However, Sword Empress did not entirely blame her since she protected all the people in Limbo from Supreme Unity.
"Probably some restrictions with the method she received," said Wu Hong with a hint of annoyance. "Luckily, her recent situation has improved."
"At least we know she was not completely gone," she replied with a deep sigh. "It's a shame that we can only wait, given the current situation."
The eight parasites entirely control the world's resources, luck, and destiny. And with Supreme Unity's strength, the situation worsened for people from the old era. They could not even escape the Eternal Ascension World to recuperate somewhere else.
"You can rest here to recuperate," said Wu Hong. "He won't dare come here to search for you." After chatting with her friend for a while, she left the secret realm, back to her territory.
Wu Hong floated above the sky, overlooking this continent. Compared to anywhere else in the Eternal Ascension World, this place was beautiful, prospering, and full of life. But she did not like it.
The nine parasites made rules not allowing any Tier 12 of the Emperor Path to appear. She did not care about these cockroaches but could not do anything about Supreme Unity.
Back then, the latter was probably not her match. But now, Wu Hong knew he could destroy her with one finger. She felt a little frustrated.
'Detachment…detachment,' she thought before teleporting away. She had not walked around the Eternal Ascension World in quite some time, so she decided to change that.
Wu Hong walked around mountains, rivers, forests, great cities, and powerful Empires; she experienced different civilizations. One day, while walking near a river called Red String River. There are folk tales in the surrounding domains that this river is a place that can bring people fated people together.
Wu Hong walked to the river, removed her shoes, and walked on the river's edge. Recently, she had the urge to walk barefoot, like in her younger years. She was baffled by this sudden urge since she thought she had outgrown that phase of her life. Regardless, her sudden desire was not that significant.
After walking around for a few minutes, she left the river and placed her shoes back on. Of course, they instantly dried the moment she left the water. Wu Hong walked away, and no one detected her presence, not a single person of the thousands of people bathing in that river, hoping to find love.
After walking for a few minutes, she stopped with an unpleasant look, maybe even disgusted.
"What do you want?" she asked to the sky, and three people suddenly appeared a distance from her: Time Eater, Five Feather Phoenix, and Earth Emperor.
"Empress, the world needs your help," said Earth Emperor, with a soft voice. However, Wu Hong looked at him with deadpan eyes and no reaction. She did not say a single word to continue the conversation.
"This is an emergency, and we need your help."
Wu Hong gazed at him for a moment and ignored him. She already predicted he was a pawn in the chess game the Human Emperor has been calculating for who knows how long. So, this man would not have a good ending.
She looked at Time Eater and said coldly, "Why are you disturbing me? I thought you people agreed to leave me alone."
"The situation has changed. The All-Seeing Temple released a new divination that caused turmoil throughout Primordial Chaos. Countless people have been attacking our world and testing our foundation."
"So? What does it have to do with me?"
"As long as you agree to sign a peace treaty with us, we will use all the world's resources to heal your injury. With your strength, you can scare most of these people and buy us more time and peace," added Time Eater.
"Not interesting. Now, get out of my way. Your presence ruined the good day I was having," said Wu Hong nonchalantly.
"Woman, be grateful and watch your tongue," said Five Feathers with a sneer. "No matter how brilliant you once were, you are currently just a little Empyrean."
Wu Hong looked at Five Feathers, and her heart involuntarily skipped a beat. For a brief moment, she experienced an emotion she had not felt in a very long time: fear.
Wu Hong looked into the void before looking at Time Eater: "You should know even if all 8 of you attacked me, I can still slaughter half of you in my current state before dying. And I promise you will be one of the four. Do you want to try?"
Time Eater's eyes secretly twitched as he knew she was telling the truth. The woman before him was not only a Boundless Paragon but an Inextinguishable one as well. Even though her [Existence] was severely injured, thus drastically reducing her strength, her fleshly body still retains the defensive capabilities and stamina of an Inextinguishable Paragon.
And if by chance she possessed some extreme method to briefly returned to her peak strength, then none of them would survive in her hands–including him.
'My plan is closed to finish. And once I'm done, I can become a Peak Boundless Paragon and maybe even touch the realm beyond.' He is currently a regular Paragon with 97% Time Grand Dao Source. But once he accomplished his plan, he would reach a height he could only dream of in the past.
'I need more time.' Time Eater knew that not only was Time not in his favor, but even fate was against him. The 2 Suns and Seven Moon Era showed signs of collapsing. He secretly looked at Five Feathers and Earth Emperor and could see a faint sign of Qi of Calamity. And it was the horrifying kind not easily detected or removed by even Boundless Paragons.
"Can't you be a little bit more flexible? The world is at stake."
"You people made this world in this state, so deal with the consequences of your action," replied Wu Hong before teleporting away, ignoring these people. As she continued her journey, her eyes saw the River of Fate.
'Their Era is ending, and the people in Limbo will soon return. Maybe they can delay the process, but the end is inevitable. However, this is not what is most important,' thought Wu Hong.
'I can feel it: another chance for detachment is coming.' Her eyes brightened. 'This chance might be better and safer than the Ultimate Taboo. I need to prepare.'
Wang Wei opened his eyes, looking at his wife snuggling in his arm. Last night, she was vulnerable, so they held each other tightly while sleeping. Although they did not speak, it was enough to have each other's comfort and warmth.
"How are you feeling?"
"Much better," replied Wu Hong with a smile, making Wang Wei dazed. Her pure white sleeping gown and brilliant smile granted her a more pure, ethereal, and soft aura he had never experienced before. And it was enchanting.
"You're beautiful," he said, kissing her forehead.
"Aren't I always beautiful?"
"Yes, but today, you're radiant."
"Thank you, and you're not so bad yourself," replied Wu Hong, lightly tapping his face.
"Not bad? You should know anywhere I go, I can eat soft rice with this face."
(AN: Eating soft rice is a Chinese saying when a man uses his handsomeness to rely on his wife for financial stability or other forms of power or authority.)
"And I can easily get a sugar daddy with a snap of my finger. What are you getting at?" she replied, making Wang Wei's mouth twitch.
"Fine, you win."
"That's right. You're my boy toy: don't forget your status."
"Yes, my queen."
"You catch on very quick. Very well," said Wu Hong. "I will give you a present."
"Really?"
Wu Hong nodded before a white worm-like creature with grey stripes appeared in her palm.
"What is it?" asked Wang Wei after rapidly checking his memory and not finding the relevant information.
"A Fate Gu from the Gu Worm World," said Wu Hong. "I sent a clone to use their system to cultivate it using the River of Fate."
"Wang Wei took it as he sensed the power of fate emanating from this tiny creature, and he was astonished by how much power it contained.
"I prepared this for you during Gu Xuan's trial in case you hit the 4-Root level and could not achieve 5-Root. A way to achieve Fate Baptism through the Fate Gu. But now, it's not that useful."
"Not necessarily." Wang Wei could tell after refining this Gu, and with his Fate Palace Baptism, his strength will increase from a Dao Ancestor who controlled 4.99% to 4.999%--maybe even more. The 0.009% might not make a difference to the 5% of the Great Emperor Realm. But when encountering someone else with 5-Root strength, the difference will be between heaven and Earth.
"Thank you," he said, kissing her on the cheek. This small Gu is a perfect manifestation of his powerful luck and destiny. If he did not have the idea of using the Fate Palace to complete the Nine Extremity Foundation, the Fate Gu would become the perfect boost he needed to succeed.
"We are husband and wife: there is no need for words of gratitude."
"Sometimes I feel I don't deserve you," said Wang Wei with a sigh.
"I sometimes feel the same way about you," she replied. "Let's not get too sappy and emotional. I have a feeling you wanted to ask me something yesterday."
"Oh, right. It almost slipped my mind. Do you know an Emperor Jia?"
"Who?"
"Emperor Jia from the Spirit Genesis Sect," replied Wang Wei before explaining everything that occurred yesterday in the trial, including the Spirit Genesis Sect from the Battle Spirit Sect.
Wu Hong frowned after hearing him. "I understand how he could influence the record of every Heavenly Dao in the lower dimension. But to even affect True Heavenly Dao? That should not be possible–even on the tiniest scale."
"Really?"
"Most Heaven Will World's Heavenly Dao is on par with Third or Second Class Emperors. However, True Heavenly Dao's power equals Half-step Detachment. So, how could it easily be influenced?"
Wu Hong knew Paragons ruled the world and did as they pleased, but only because True Heavenly Dao was cruel and indifferent. It does not care whether Paragons slaughter all life in the world or rule over them with an iron fist. Besides reinforcing specific rules, everything else did not matter. After all, none of them were capable of destroying the entire Eternal Ascension World.
It did not even care about the current situation of Seven Moons and 2 Suns. The only reason it helped Wang Wei by sealing the lower dimension is due to Supreme Unity. Wang Wei's actions could lead to the latter's downfall, allowing Heavenly Dao to regain its freedom and power so it can continue doing its job.
If Wang Wei were in danger of dying, it would not save him. It would try to find another person to replace him.
"If you told me a Paragon did this, I would still be suspicious, let alone a Great Emperor," said Wu Hong.
"So, you don't know this Emperor Jia?" asked Wang Wei with a frown.
"No. I've met the Boundless Paragon from the Spirit Genesis Sect. He had top strength–albeit not peak like myself and some of your ancestors. As for this Emperor Jia, never heard of him."
"There are a few possibilities for this," Wang Wei thought out loud. "Emperor Jia immediately entered Primordial Chaos after ascending. If you consider the possibility he is a reincarnated Paragon like the Human Emperor, this choice made sense."
"The other is he is staying in the lower dimension, plotting something," added Wu Hong. "And whatever it is, it should be major."
There are many other possible explanations for the latter's disappearance, such as mysteriously dying and entering Limbo or accident being sealed in a dangerous place in the lower or upper dimension. However, these two possibilities are the most likely they can deduce based on the given information.
"According to the Star Lord Mountain information, Emperor Jia proved the Dao roughly during the Incense Era, so before your time," continued Wang Wei. "This means he should have become a Paragon by the time of the Second Origin Battle or the Ultimate Battle. Yet, you don't know him."
"Either he hid and did not participate, or he did it secretly," added Wu Hong. "Either option indicates he is suspicious."
"Indeed. And if he's been hiding in the Endless Void for so long, I don't know how much strength he has."
"With the time constraint, his Grand Dao Source percentage should not be high." Regarding cultivation time in the Immortal Stages, the Incense Era was not that long ago. "However, you could never view such a genius with a normal lens. So, you can't underestimate him."
Wang Wei nodded, "If he is still in the lower dimension, he and the Spirit Genesis Sect might be a threat on par with the Corpse Selling Sect–maybe even worse." After all, he might be dealing with a reincarnated Paragon.
"Well, good luck," said Wu Hong with a sinister smile that displayed she was enjoying his misfortune.
"Are you making fun of me? Today, I will show you who is the man in this relationship." He put the Fate Gu away before going in for a Yin-Yang Harmony battle; he was confident.
Wang Wei walked out of his mansion, hunching over and one hand on his waist. He ignored the weird look the maids gave him as he slowly walked out.
'That woman broke my waist.'
All his life, he has always been proud of his fleshly body. After all, except one person, no one in his generation could compare with him. But even that person, he would one day surpass. However, today, his wife broke his pride by breaking his waist.
His mighty fleshly body succumbed to the terror of that woman.
'How vindictive,' he complained as he felt the Duyi Realm inside his waist that was preventing him from healing. No matter what he tried, he could not remove it.
'That's what I get for being too cocky.' Wang Wei grunted before exploding his body and instantly recondensing it; there was no hesitation in his action.
"Much better," he muttered as he straightened his waist. He moved around as he felt his body was lighter. However, he swore he could still feel the pain.
'Psychological trauma?' He was speechless. After walking out of the mansion, Wu Hong was already waiting for him.
"How are you feeling?"
"I"m not talking to you," said Wang Wei. "For the next year, I will give you the silence treatment."
'It's not my fault you wanted to court death," she shrugged.
"You know how fragile my ego is; you could have gone easier on me. Hmph. Anyway, I'm not talking to you."
"We are about to go see mother-in-law," she reminded.
"Fine, I won't talk to you after we meet her."
Wu Hong laughed as they flew to meet Yu Yan. She did not believe he could last this long. Wang Wei felt taunted, so he reaffirmed his result: no matter what, he would last a year. No, at least six months. Maybe, three.
'Yes. Three months it is,' he thought.
He had breakfast with his mother and chatted until the afternoon before heading to Tianwei Peak to deal with Sect Master affairs. As soon as he arrived, the Elders handed him a bunch of documents and talismans to review and make decisions.
He looked into their eyes and could tell they would not let him leave until he dealt with all these issues.
Wang Wei resisted the urge to yell and ask whether these Elders were revolting against the sect; how dare they treat the sect master in this way. However, he remembered how irresponsible he was about this position, so he shut his mouth.
'To be fair, it's not my fault.' He has to cultivate and prepare for the Heaven Will Battle. So, he could not be like his father and spend more time reviewing the sect affairs. Anyways, everything was fine as long as he steered everyone in the right direction and took care of the major decisions.
Wang Wei sighed out loud before reviewing all this paperwork. He suddenly remembered his past life as a young Deputy Manager. He spent almost every day buried in the smell of paper and ink.
'Luckily, I'm now a cultivator.' He used his Divine Sense to review everything rapidly; he wanted to finish everything as soon as possible.
'The first issue is the demon race in the north,' thought Wang Wei. The alliance proceeded smoothly. The sect helped revitalize the north by sharing Qi Gathering Array with them and fixing the Origin Source Veins underneath the continent. In less than a million years, the Spiritual Qi of the north should return to a standard level and drastically increase their resources.
Although it will still be the lowest of the five continents, it will be better than the Sea Islands between the continents where low-level Loose Cultivators thrived; it will no longer be as barren as it was in the past.
The sect helped the demons plant more spiritual herbs and prevented other factions from ravaging these newly planted Medicinal Gardens.
Lastly, the Dao Opening Sect shared allowed the demon race to enter the professional industry through their channels. Albeit, only the low-level markets.
Wang Wei suggested the sect achieve this step through low-level demonic beasts. After creating the concept of [Demon School], the number of low-level demonic beasts exponentially increased, resulting in a booming in the low-level market of Professions.
Low Tier Talisman Makers need to use papers to make talismans instead of spiritual jade. However, uniquely processed papers must be used, and they can be expensive. Luckily, there is an alternative and cheaper option: the skin of demonic beasts. Since demonic beasts absorb Spiritual Qi into their bodies, some of it remains after their death–making them perfect for Talisman making. And it's not just their skin; their blood is also great to use to create special ink engrave runes on talismans.
Demonic beast's bones and muscles are excellent materials for making low-tier Origin Artifacts. Before Tier 4 and becoming true demon races, they have bloodline cores inside their bodies that are great ingredients for pills, along with their blood, bones, and flesh.
Lastly, their bloodline core, bones, and organs are also material for low-level Array Disks–which are portable arrays used by Array Masters in the early stages of their cultivation to have some fighting powers.
Not to mention beast-taming. Because of the early widespread use of constructs for traveling, the beast-taming industry took a significant hit since people no longer needed demonic beasts to travel. Many factions whose primary source of income came from this industry suffered.
However, with the new demands for low-level demonic beasts, they began to thrive again.
With all these benefits, the Profession Industries have boomed, and the Dao Opening Sect benefited immensely since they were the creator of the Demon School Concept. And now, they invited the demon race to take part.
At first, they hesitated since the demon race might be repulsed at the idea of using demonic beasts in such a way. However, they quickly agreed after seeing all the benefits. After all, the demon race did not consider demonic beasts the same race as them.
Only after the latter reached Tier 4 and could change into human shape would they be considered a low-bloodline demon race and barely accepted. Before that, they are nothing but animals with little intelligence.
Wang Wei reviewed the information on the north. There was nothing much for him to pay attention to besides some other factions secretly trying to prevent the rise of the demon race. Some were even allies.
He ordered the sect to keep watch on these people. And if they catch some people, make them pay a heavy fine or suffer the consequence.
Wang Wei nodded in satisfaction with this issue. Although the sect has invested a lot of resources in the north with little to no return, the future benefits are incalculable.
The next major issue was the spread of different branches in the Lower Realm. There was nothing of significance except for the news they might have found a world with a branch of the Emperor Enlightened Academy. The sect worried they were doing the same as them, spreading their tentacles into the Lower Realm.
'The Academy's Qi Luck stabilized and recuperated faster than I anticipated after that incident. This could explain why,' thought Wang Wei. The sect was already searching for other worlds where the Academy might exist, so he did not need to do much except increase the manpower required for the search.
Someone recommended they destroy that branch, but he vetoed this suggestion. Sooner or later, the other factions will follow the sect's footsteps and spread in the Lower Realm. They only need to use the headstart to establish an overwhelming advantage over everyone else.
The third main issue involved the devil cultivators in the western continent. Low-level Devil cultivators have become more potent because of the demonic beast. They can raise these beasts through the school system before slaughtering and absorbing their flesh, blood, and soul.
"I guess this is better than them killing humans,' thought Wang Wei. 'However, these devil cultivators are a restless bunch: who knows what they will do after their overall strength increases.'
Wang Wei frowned. According to historical records, these devil cultivators always become restless around the Clean Up because of the Devil Race. It is an opportunity for them to kill without restraint, morality, or judgment; it's the perfect time to increase their strength.
'The Great Purge,' thought Wang Wei with a frown. When a world is overpopulated, Heavenly Dao will lower Qi of Calamity, driving most of the habitants crazy and causing chaos that leads to mass killing. This process is also called the [Great Calamity of Heaven and Earth], and it has happened twice in the Myriad Emperor World: in the Null Era and the Middle Emperor Era.
However, the one in the Middle Emperor was different. To be specific, well controlled and not as random. A secret realm appeared in the Western Continent full of blood, flesh, soul, and other resources that can forcibly raise the cultivation realm of cultivators.
After the secret realm suddenly appeared, the strength of the devil cultivators drastically increased. But they became a little too powerful as they allied together and forced the Di Clan to close their family mountain and enter a defensive position.
Then, Heavenly Dao intervened. At that time, the world's population reached critical mass and needed cleansing. Heavenly Dao lowered Qi of Calamity, forcing a Great Purge directed toward the devil cultivators. Numerous sects, clans, religions, and other factions began slaughtering the devil cultivators, turning the Western Continent's soil red.
The devil cultivators even turned on each other because of competition for the secret realm. Of course, countless sect cultivators died in that melee, thus reducing the population.
'Could a new purge be on the horizon? I remember the demon race was also severely impacted.' The human race was the protagonist of this world, so Heavenly Dao decided to use the purge to eliminate the cancer of the race–devil cultivators–and their greatest enemy–the demon race.
'The devil cultivators and the demon race are prospering. All these could be a sign of another Purge,' thought Wang Wei, pondering what to do next if it was true.
'The core of the issue is the lack of resources. But if I revert the environment to Innate Period, most of this problem can be solved. However, in the future, another critical mass will lead to another Purge."
The situation is not that easy to solve. The laws of Heaven and Earth are already balanced. Cultivators absorb Spiritual Qi to increase their vitality, and when they die, their flesh decomposes and returns some energy back to Heaven and Earth.
Even if he keeps increasing the resources available to the Myriad Emperor World, there will still be a limit. Once that limit is reached and overpopulation occurs, the Great Purge is the only answer.
So, there is nothing much Wang Wei can do.
'No, there is.' He thought. The bodies of Void Shattering Realm cultivators and above do not quickly decay. It's not impossible for a Saint's Body to last a few million years and remain relatively intact because of the baptism of the Law. As a result, many weak factions will turn these bodies into weapons or puppets as the foundation for their sect.
'I can change the world's order and make these Law Bodies decompose faster and return their strength to Heaven and Earth.
Wang Wei smiled since this was another way to get some merit. Then, he continued with the sect affairs. As for the devil cultivators and possible Purge? It should not happen so close to the Heaven Will Battle. So, he only needs to keep an eye out for them and their actions.
And if it did, he would try to direct it toward the Devil Race and the Sea Race–these people have been too peaceful and never suffered. Their population alone might be the largest–even bigger than humans.
The subsequent sect affairs Wang Wei had to deal with was regarding the Sea. The Dao Opening Sect has begun to openly compete for resources in the sea–along with many other factions who copied them. However, two people were unhappy with this change: the Sea Race, since they did not want anyone near their territory.
Secondly, it's the loose cultivators. Under the sea used to be a place where the major sects and clans did not have much control or reach; it was a place for high-level loose cultivators to compete and gather resources. However, the Dao Opening Sect's paw now reached the sea, encroaching on their territories. frёewebnoѵēl.com
The Loose Cultivator Alliance even sent them a letter condemning their actions and trying to talk them out of doing this. Wang Wei even guessed they were trying to force an alliance with the Sea race to block other factions from setting foot under the sea.
'The sea is a place full of resources. Although most of it is water and Yin attributes, it's still a place deserving of attention,' thought Wang Wei before ordering the sect to concentrate their efforts on developing the sea. He even set up a team of Immortals to travel deep under the sea to see if there were any unknown secrets.
'I need to know if there are more things related to the Old Ones underneath the sea.' Wang Wei remembered Yi Liancheng since the latter was one of the most bizarre encounters he had in his cultivation journey.
'I should probably send an Insurgent. Maybe even ask Sword One to supervise the situation. But it's too dangerous. She's the sect's foundation, so nothing can happen to her.'
Although Sword One now has Eternal Emperor strength, the undersea exploration might involve Cthulhu and the Old Gods. Although Wang Wei did not know exactly how powerful that creature was, something told him even Paragons could not deal with it.
Of course, there is also the possibility it is a [Taboo] not for its strength but for something completely different similar to science and technology.
Wang Wei waved his hand, and a few seconds later, a projection appeared before him. He isolated the sound to prevent the elders from listening.
"I thought you weren't talking to me for a year?"
"I will, but only after this time."
"I believe you," said Wu Hong casually. "What is it this time?"
"I forgot to ask you whether you know about one of the taboos, Cthulhu."
"The Old Gods?"
"Yes." Wang Wei explained in detail what happened to him with Yi Liancheng. Yesterday, he focused more on the devil race and the invaders from foreign world communities.
"You really are a magnet for trouble," commented Wu Hong before frowning.
She dug into her memories. She only knew about the Old Gods because Wang Wei told him about some myths and legends from Earth. As for the taboo, she only had one encounter.
"I've once met a Fiendgod with a similar aura as Yi Liancheng, most likely another follower," uttered Wu Hong. "I fought with him, but he was unkillable. So, I had to seal it. Besides that, I have no other knowledge about this particular taboo."
Despite her strength and experience, she did not know about all 13 Taboos. After all, the Chaos Universe is vast beyond comprehension. Although Paragons and Fiendgods are considered the rulers of Heaven and Earth, that's only on the surface. There are simply too many mysteries, unknown, and forbidden things in the universe.
Wang Wei nodded in agreement. He did not think because he could kill Yi Liancheng meant, he could do the same for all followers of the Old God. Most likely, the higher their cultivation, the scarier and more dangerous they are.
"Alright, thank you. And starting now, I will stop speaking to you."
"Sure you are."
Wang Wei ended the communication as he thought about how to deal with this sea exploration. He frowned for a few minutes before suddenly remembering the mercenary squad he had met. 'Right. I just need to pay some loose cultivator mercenary squad to supervise this meeting.'
Although Insurgent Loose Cultivators were rare, they still existed. Some are willing to take any risks after asking for an exorbitant price. Nevertheless, no matter how much they asked for, it was nothing compared to a sect that existed for billions of years and accumulated generational wealth.
Wang Wei found this solution satisfying, so he signed an order for someone to execute it.
Then, he continued his review. He took a document discussing the sect's alliance with Origin Pill Dao Sect.
Long ago, after infiltrating the sect, he told Lou Cheng he could ally with the sect. Although it took some time, the alliance became true–but both sides agreed to keep it on the down-low.
The Dao Opening Sect did not want other factions to know their political influence had exponentially increased with the alliance. Meanwhile, sect master Ye Lao wished to use the sect's power to fight against Fu Caiyun, and he succeeded as Lou Cheng became the next sect master and seemed to have complete control, sidelining Fu Caiyun.
'Lou Cheng, huh?' thought Wang Wei with squinting eyes. This person has always been an unknown variable because of his relationship with the Flame Emperor. So, Wang Wei has his Fate Shadow Guard closely watching him.
Nevertheless, since Lou Cheng received the Flame Emperor's inheritance. Despite having a reputation even better than Fu Caiyun and Yan Liling due to his sudden talent increase, he rarely showed himself outside of the sect, focusing on pill refining.
If not for the few occasions he appeared to fight political battles with Fu Caiyun in the early stages of his ascension to the position of sect master, Lou Cheng's presence in the world would have been even more transparent.
'I know some of the chess pieces and move of everyone in the game,' thought Wang Wei, thinking about the seven moons, Maitreya, and many people in Limbo–including the Human Emperor. 'However, I'm clueless about the Flame Emperor.
'Does he want to deal with the Seven Moons, or is he planning something else?'
So far, he only knows Lou Cheng is the Flame Emperor's chess piece, but he does not know what he wants to do.
'So far, Lou Cheng has shown no sign of wanting to participate in the final battle. Does that mean the Flame Emperor does not need a Great Emperor, or he has an alternative method of proving the Dao?'
Wang Wei pondered for a few minutes before moving on. If Flame Emperor has another goal, he cannot think of anything now. However, if the latter has an alternate method for proving the Dao, it must be related to pill refining. So, he engraved some of his ideas and guesses before sending them to Wang Ju and the Fate Shadow Guard headquarters.
Wang Wei picked another issue to supervise. It was also about another alliance but from the Origin Rune Palace.
'What is Wu Ming doing?;
He met Wu Ming during the Spirit Road Trial when the latter found the inheritance of his ancestor–a talented Array Master in the Ancient Emperor Era. However, despite the fact his ancestors had immense hatred for the Origin Rune Palace, Wu Ming joined them and even became their Palace Master. And now, he was asking for an alliance.
'I can't believe the weak and thin boy I met before is now the ruler of an ancient Emperor Lineage. This guy is not simple.' Wang Wei applauded him simply because no one in the Palace discovered his connection to his ancestor. Of course, there is the possibility Emperor Haiyuan removed all evidence of Wu Ming's ancestor, so the Origin Rune Palace had no hatred for him in the first place. After all, what he did was too shameful. With his status, he would not want anyone to know–especially not his legacy.
'Although I can roughly guess his intention, let's wait and see.' Wang Wei agreed to a primary secret alliance and see how things develop from now on. He also tasked his spies in the Origin Rune Palace to keep their eyes on him and send him more information.
Finally, he dealt with the internal affairs of the sect. Most things ran smoothly. After all, an institution like the Dao Opening Sect has been operating for so long that it now formed its own system. As the sect master, his job is to ensure no significant problem occurs in the system.
So, everything was fine regarding the sect's resources acquisition and distribution, disciples recruitment and training, and elder's internal and external duties.
The only issue that warranted his attention, no, his gaze, was some people from the sectarian side refused to accept the situation and became restless again after the sect acquired some talented individuals. However, Wang Wei did not have to do anything as the leaders of the sectarian faction themselves swiftly dealt with these restless people.
So, everything was peaceful.
The last thing Wang Wei had to deal with was the Commerce Hub. With the help of the Star Lord Mountain, the Dao Opening Sect has established some foundation in that place, exchanging resources with hundreds of World Communities.
Since they had just established themselves, their powers and influence were not up to par, but Wang Wei wanted to take it slow. So far, the profit from the Commerce Hub has increased the annual yield sect by 5%. Although this number looked small, it's extraordinary considering the resources the Dao Opening Sect acquires each month.
It is similar to a person who makes 10,000 Yuan a month, increasing his salary by 5%, and a billionaire doing the same; the amount of money each makes is vastly different.
'The Commerce Hub has so much potential,' thought Wang Wei. 'When I get my hands on it, I can expand it to all world communities in the lower dimension. And if Heavenly Dao allowed it, I could expand the scope to the upper dimension.'
Beyond Tier 10 resources are impossible to exchange, but it would greatly benefit the lower dimension if they could trade with the Eternal Ascension World.
'Not even Tier 10 resources. I'm sure the upper dimension has a larger quantity of Mortal Resources and more variety.'
A perfect example would be resources to temper the body. The lower dimension might, let's say, have a million unique spiritual herbs. But the upper dimension would have at least 1000 times that number.
With more variety, body refiners do not have to worry about their bodies having immunity to resources, making the body refining path more challenging in the later stages. Some people have unique physiques, and certain medicines work better than others. With access to the upper dimension's resource pool, more people can cultivate by refining the resources suited for them.
The benefit will not only apply to body refining but soul, energy, healing, law comprehension, alchemy, and all professions.
'Although there is a low chance of succeeding, I should try.' Of course, Wang Wei has to worry about the Seven Suns if his plan even works.
'Maybe this is not a good idea. Or, one I can only accomplish after getting rid of them,' he thought with a frown, thinking about the feasibility. Even if he could get True Heavenly Dao's approval, he has to find a way to bypass these parasites. They have absolute control over the upper dimension.
'The rebels. There should be a rebel group opposing them. Maybe, I can trade with them.' Wang Wei does not know whether they would be interested in the resources in the lower dimension, but maybe they would be interested in something.
'Talent. Is it possible to send them talented individuals from the lower dimension?' Any faction would kill to have talented individuals as their backbones, not to mention this struggling rebellion with probably a high death rate. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
The problem is that only Great Emperors can bring people from the lower dimension through ascension, but he has yet to hear of sending people there. So, he did not know if it was feasible.
'With my power, maybe I can do it,' thought Wang Wei with bright eyes. 'Most of the people who will lose their Heaven Will in this Ultimate Glorious Age are extremely talented individuals. If they go to the upper dimension and get their hands on a Heaven Will, most will become Pseudo and real Eternal Emperors. I'm sure the rebels would love to have such a fighting force behind them.'
The more Wang Wei thought about this idea, the more he liked it and the more feasible he found it.
'These talents will be the vanguard until I ascend. They can set up a foundation for me to use to deal with the parasites. I can also cultivate a force in advance.'
Wang Wei knew he could not rely on the upper dimension Dao Opening Sect after ascending. Their current situation must be precarious without the founders, and his presence will only bring them more trouble. So, having a force of his own after ascending will significantly benefit him.
'I'm getting ahead of myself. I don't even know how Heaven Wills are acquired in the upper dimension.' Although he had his guesses, he was not entirely sure. So, he shamelessly called his wife again and asked. Wang Wei has little information about the upper dimension from Gu Xuan and Ao Tian's memories. However, they are both incomplete and biased. A lot of it he has to deduce based on specific memories. So, he wanted to know more from his wife.
Then, after getting what he wanted and swearing not to talk to her, he continued his planning.
'12,000 Heaven Will: I'm sure the rebels have ways to get some of them. If not, these talented would be fine in the Emperor Path Arena.'
True Heavenly Dao should protect these arenas from the paws of the Seven Moons, but Wang Wei was not sure about Supreme Unity. Hopefully, Maitreya would restrain him.
'From Xiao Tiandi and the other geniuses, I can deduce that the Eternal Ascension World's current spirit is laziness, fear, and lack of ambitions. So, the powerful factions would have stopped sending their geniuses to Arena 12.'
These parasites have done everything to weaken the world and prevent terrifying geniuses from showing up. So, as long as Wang Wei sends these lower-dimension geniuses into the Emperor Path Arena, they can easily prove the Dao.
'I don't have to worry about their Karma with the Karma Washing Water,' he continued to ponder, thanking the Heavens for his Karma Incarnation. No, he thanked himself for being wise, cultivating the Dao of Karma, creating the incarnations, and giving them missions.
'No, they will still owe me karma, and I will ensure that,' continued Wang Wei.
If he has no way to suppress these people, how could they easily work for him? So, they must owe him a tremendous karmic debt.
'I need to find a way to contact the rebels. From Gu Xuan, I know there is a rumor Emperor Kong is secretly funding the rebels. However, the latter is completely fine and has not been clean-up by the parasites; he's not simple.'
He pondered the possibility of contacting Emperor Kong through the Academy and coming to an agreement or alliance.
'Then there is the woman: Xu Junyao. My instinct tells me she also might be related to the rebels.' Although Wang Wei relied on his instinct to conclude this fact, he also has an observation to back it up.
Xu Junyao is the most beautiful woman in the Eternal Ascension World, yet no Paragons have tried to force her into their harem or ruin her beauty. With her Everlasting Empyrean strength, she would not be able to stop them. And Wang Wei does not think that not even one of the parasites did not desire her.
Subsequently, there is her apprentice, Xiao Tiandi. Anyone who becomes that guy master should know the danger of such a talented individual. The parasites cannot accept the existence of Xiao Tiandi or anyone related to him.
Knowing this, Xu Junyao still took him in and probably sheltered him; she's perhaps one of the main reasons he was still alive today.
'Three possibilities: Xu Junyao is a master political strategist and uses her beauty to lure one of the parasites to shelter her. Maybe, even lure more than one of them and form a balance of power where they all desire her, so they decide to leave her alone to prevent infighting.
'She has a hidden trump card that even they have to be wary of. Or, she has a backer, most likely, Maitreya.'
Numerous thoughts flashed in his mind before squinting. 'Or maybe all three,' thought Wang Wei with a sneer. 'Worthy of a woman who has a love fate connection to me: how could she be simple.'
Of course, he knew there was a chance none of these deductions were true, and she was really just a beautiful woman. However, he leaned more toward the first possibility.
Wang Wei sat straight, thinking about the future and planning ahead. The Elders were suspicious of why he was thinking about the sect affairs so intensely, but they did not dare bother him. Although he did not release any aura and looked like an ordinary mortal, his body naturally released a momentum that demanded respect and authority.
'I need to calm down and not get ahead of myself,' thought Wang Wei. 'There has never been a direct connection between the lower and upper dimensions. However, we are currently in an adverse situation.
'True Heavenly Dao wants the world to prosper, most likely as a way to fight against Supreme Unity. Maybe, it will allow it.'
Wang Wei decided to try this method. If not, he will try secretly smuggling. The Spirit Genesis Sect can hide from True Heavenly Dao, and this method is possible with their method.
'I can contact Emperor Kong. And if he does not work, I have two candidates,' thought Wang Wei. 'The second one is risky. But if it works….' He squinted his eyes before making a final plan. He finally finished his paperwork before looking at the elders:
"Summon Jin Mengyao to see me."