Yuan’s Ascension

Chapter 1355: Confronting The Primordium, Half-Real Spacetime (1)

Over the span of two trillion years, the Ming Jian Eternal Realm had methodically claimed the entire universe as its domain. The once-powerful Saintdoms, which had maintained some semblance of autonomy, had long since collapsed and withdrawn their forces.

This retreat wasn’t due to conquest. Dao Zenithel Ming Jian had pledged to permit the True Saints behind these Saintdoms to govern their vast territories until the current samsara cycle concluded. They had withdrawn voluntarily, and for good reason.

Throughout this passage of time, Dao Zenithel Ming Jian had ventured deep into the cosmic sea, intervening in numerous conflicts and striking fear into the hearts of major powers. During one particularly notable clash in the cosmic sea’s depths, he killed the supreme leader of the Abyss Alliance, the Lord of the Abyss, sending ripples of terror throughout all realms.

This marked the first time since the Primordium that anyone besides Goddess Nüwa had directly slain a Full Dao Zenithel using soul-class techniques. The feat left all factions stunned and afraid.

On the Eternal Rankings, Dao Zenithel Ming Jian now towered above titans like Great Emperor Yan Tuo, Eldritch Progenitor Di Jiang, Imperial Majesty Dong Huo, and Imperial Majesty Nan Guang, second only to the three supreme powerhouses: the Heavenly Imperator, Saint Yuan, and Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu.

For the countless Dao Zenithel powerhouses traversing the cosmic sea, encountering the Heavenly Imperator or Saint Yuan remained highly unlikely. Even if such encounters occurred, they might survive long enough to escape. But facing Ming Jian? His psyche weapon attacks could strike across vast distances of spacetime in an instant, and his unparalleled spacetime traversal abilities meant that once targeted, nowhere in the cosmic sea offered refuge.

No Dao Zenithel dared provoke him.

Beyond his combat prowess, Ming Jian had been openly acknowledged by the Blood Emperor and Dream Emperor as First Alliance Leader of the Blood Dream Alliance. This elevation in status had transformed the alliance into the third greatest power in the endless cosmic sea, surpassed only by the Eldritch Court and Immortal Court.

Under Ming Jian’s leadership, the Blood Dream Alliance had formed an open alliance with the Eldritch Court, creating a counterbalance to the Immortal Court. His mere existence had kept the Immortal Court perpetually cautious, preventing them from launching any decisive battles even after Eldritch Progenitor Hou Tu’s demise.

Ming Jian’s renown had grown so vast that it approached that of Goddess Nüwa herself. He was universally recognized as the foremost Dao Zenithel of both the Psyche Dream class and Psyche Arsenal class.

Under these circumstances, how could any Saintdom forces within the Ling Jiang Universe harbor ambitions? Even the Dao Zenithels supporting those True Saints had lowered their heads in submission.

The universe stood unified. Dao Zenithel Ming Jian had become its supreme ruler, with countless beings chanting his name in worship. From Perennial powerhouses to the innumerable sempiternal lifeforms, all acknowledged that when the next samsara cycle arrived, Ming Jian would assume complete control.

…

Within the Ling Jiang Universe, at the Spacetime Temple of the Ming Jian Eternal Realm, preparations were underway.

“Everyone, take utmost care. Slacking off will not be tolerated,” a black-robed man commanded, his voice resonating with authority. “This banquet was personally ordered by the great Dao Zenithel Ming Jian, the first in more than a trillion years.”

He surveyed the gathered Sovereigns with a stern gaze. “Those attending will be the most eminent figures of our Ming Jian Eternal Realm. Perfection is expected.”

“Understood!” Over a hundred Sovereigns bowed respectfully, barely containing their excitement.

As Sovereigns, they controlled the fate of countless beings within their respective macrocosms. Yet within the Eternal Realm, they recognized their relative insignificance. To serve as attendants at this banquet was an honor few could claim, especially considering that the Ming Jian Eternal Realm commanded over a hundred thousand Sovereigns.

“Why is the great Dao Zenithel Ming Jian holding this banquet?”

“I don’t know.”

“They say all the top figures within the Eternal Realm will attend. Even Saint Yuan might descend.”

“Really?”

“It would be unsurprising if Saint Yuan came. The Ling Jiang Universe is his homeland. His closest relatives were entrusted to Dao Zenithel Ming Jian’s care.”

These Sovereigns allowed to attend the banquet were all core members of the Eternal Realm, possessing intelligence that surpassed many ordinary Overlords.

Soon, three figures streaked through the void, approaching at remarkable speed.

“Welcome, you’re the first to arrive,” the black-robed figure smiled, stepping forward to welcome them.

The arrivals were none other than Overlord Bei You, Overlord Dong Yang, and Overlord Heng Yang, all of whom had gradually become Overlords over the long years.

“Hei Zhen, it’s been too long,” Overlord Bei You smiled, treating Overlord Hei Zhen as an equal.

The three Sovereign Custodians of the Spacetime Dao Realm had now become the three Overlord Custodians of the Ming Jian Eternal Realm.

Each possessed extraordinary power. Overlord Lan Yan had become the number one Overlord of the Ling Jiang Universe, with combat power approaching that of a fifth-stage Overlord. Overlords Hei Zhen and Hong Yi had likewise attained strength comparable to fourth-stage Overlords.

“Indeed, it has been long. Please, enter and be seated,” Overlord Hei Zhen smiled. His authority within the Eternal Realm was immense, having earned Dao Zenithel Ming Jian’s deep trust.

Yet Hei Zhen knew that certain individuals within the Eternal Realm remained untouchable. The three before him numbered among these. Overlords Bei You and Dong Yang, as grandmaster and master to the Dao Zenithel, had received his Great Dao imprint, enabling their rapid rise and granting them astonishing strength.

Overlord Dong Yang had even created an eternal ultimate technique. While outsiders remained ignorant, Hei Zhen knew his combat power matched Overlord Lan Yan’s.

“Since we arrived first, let’s proceed inside,” Overlord Bei You suggested, and they entered together.

…

Not long after, three more figures descended. All were female, led by a woman in blue robes with faint flames encircling her body.

“Lan Yan, you’ve arrived,” Hei Zhen exclaimed excitedly.

The Sovereigns might lack understanding of cosmic sea politics, but they knew of the battles and power structures within the universe. The blue-robed figure was none other than Overlord Lan Yan, the number one Overlord of the universe.

“Greetings, everyone,” Overlord Lan Yan smiled. “Overlord Hong Yi and Overlord Haiyue rarely attend gatherings, yet I notice you don’t inquire much about them.”

“You jest,” Hei Zhen laughed.

“I still see Overlord Hong Yi frequently, but Overlord Haiyue is indeed a rare sight,” Bei You added.

“Overlord Haiyue spends years roaming the cosmic sea, yet she’s returned for this occasion,” Overlord Hei Zhen explained.

The Sovereigns might not realize it, but as core members of the Eternal Realm, the Overlords knew that Zhuo Haiyue’s power was formidable, at the peak of fourth-stage Overlord combat power. She even possessed battle records against Perennials, though her years were mostly spent traversing the cosmic sea, leading to limited rumors about her within the universe.

“I received a direct message from the Dao Zenithel, prompting my return,” Zhuo Haiyue nodded.

“I also received such a message,” another Overlord confirmed.

“Indeed, all attendees were personally contacted by the Dao Zenithel, though it appears none of the Perennial powerhouses will join us.” The Overlords sensed the unique nature of this gathering.

The Eternal Realm housed many Perennials and Saints from the Blood Dream Alliance lineage. Though unable to enter the Ling Jiang Universe’s interior, their status remained exceptionally high, commanding respect from ordinary Overlords and Sovereigns alike.

“Overlord Qian Yang has arrived.”

“And Overlord Fu Ben.” Six streaks of light flashed past, arriving together and immediately drawing attention.

At the forefront stood a bald man in golden robes, his aura domineering as the sun itself. His presence far surpassed ordinary Overlords; among those present, only Overlords Lan Yan and Haiyue could compare.

“Greetings to all the Seniors.”

“Greetings, Ancestor.”

“Grandmaster.” The bald man and five Overlords behind him bowed slightly, displaying courteous respect.

These six were the most outstanding disciples among the thousand-plus nominal disciples Dao Zenithel Ming Jian had recruited over the years. Each had created an eternal ultimate technique and possessed fourth-stage Overlord combat power.

Even if Dao Zenithels or True Saints devoted themselves to cultivating disciples, producing so many powerful Overlords within a single samsara cycle seemed impossible. Yet Ming Jian had accomplished this through meticulous screening across the universe, nurturing peerless geniuses from youth and sparing no expense in resources.

The cosmic sea’s major powers followed a gradual approach of letting disciples struggle and compete for resources. After all, their ultimate goal was to produce Dao Zenithels, so sufficient natural potential and talent were necessary. On the contrary, Ming Jian had invested vast resources and treasures, focusing solely on the Ling Jiang Universe when selecting disciples.

The result: six nominal disciples who had created eternal ultimate techniques.

It was undeniable. In this samsara cycle, even after excluding the inconceivable Dao Zenithel Ming Jian and Saint Yuan, the Ling Jiang Universe had produced talents equal to those from the Eldritch Court Universe or Immortal Court Universe.

As time flowed on, more arrivals were announced.

“Overlord Wu Yijun has arrived.”

“Overlord Fang Xia has arrived.”

“Saint Yuan’s closest relatives are here.” Seven figures approached from a distance.

They were Wu Yuan’s mother Wanqin, sister Wu Yijun, Fang Xia, and nephews Wu Zishan and Wu Zimu—all now Overlords—along with Overlords Kua Chi and Cang Feng.

“Everyone, please be seated,” Overlord Hei Zhen said respectfully, the other Overlords equally courteous.

Throughout the cosmic sea, who didn’t know that Saint Yuan and Dao Zenithel Ming Jian were close friends, bonded through life and death? These seven were either Saint Yuan’s closest kin or his master and friends. Though they resided in Ming Jian’s Eternal Realm, none dared show disrespect.

Moreover, rumors had long circulated that Saint Yuan had willingly given the Ling Jiang Universe to Dao Zenithel Ming Jian years ago.

“Kua Chi,” Overlords Bei You and Dong Yang turned toward Overlord Kua Chi.

“By my calculations,” Overlord Kua Chi transmitted, “this samsara cycle approaches its end. I fear the time has come.”

While outsiders remained unaware, these three knew that Dao Zenithel Ming Jian and Saint Yuan were one and the same person. Looking at those attending this banquet, they had begun to understand Wu Yuan’s purpose.

Time flowed on.

More Overlords gradually appeared in the realm, all subordinates under Ming Jian’s Eternal Realm who had created limitbreak Overlord ultimate techniques.

When all had finally gathered and taken their seats, exquisite immortal wines and rare delicacies materialized before each guest. The atmosphere shifted as a white-robed figure silently manifested upon the highest throne in the hall. His presence was otherworldly, ethereal yet supremely commanding, as though he existed in a dimension separate from all others.

Despite completely suppressing his aura, everyone present had reached the Sovereign phase at least. They could all sense the vast, unbridgeable gulf between themselves and him. This wasn’t merely a difference in power but in the order of life. The comparison was like that between a speck of dust and a blazing star.

The assembled Overlords attempted to rise in respect but found themselves gently held back into their seats by an invisible force.

“Today’s banquet is a family affair,” Wu Yuan’s qi refiner self said warmly, his gaze sweeping over those gathered below. “Those invited are either my elders, my closest friends and family, or my disciples and juniors.”

Everyone listened intently, having already noticed this pattern in the gathering.

“This banquet serves one purpose: to help you achieve eternity,” Wu Yuan continued, his voice measured and deliberate. “This samsara cycle of heaven and earth is coming to an end.”

“What?”

“The end of the cycle is near?”

“This—!”

Shock rippled through the assembly. Even those like Fang Xia and Wu Yijun, who once stood far beneath the Sovereigns and Overlords in the distant past, reacted with alarm. After countless eons, they had obtained Great Dao imprints, transforming their talents and enduring countless trials. With Wu Yuan’s unwavering support, their strengths had grown, their perspectives vastly expanded. They understood perfectly what the end of the samsara cycle signified.