The first time Zhao Xing entered the ruins was in Yuan Shou's third year, twelfth month. It took him over fifty-eight years to pass through Qing Yuzi's trials. Now, descending once again, it was already the spring of Yuan Shou's sixty-second year.
Because Qing Yuzi was the eldest of the three companions and had lived the longest, Zhao Xing could also observe the progress of the inheritance trials left by Puta and Fairy Su.
"Fairy Su's soul trial consists of three stages, culminating in a soul-related minor divine ability called Three Divinities Destiny Palace. It is said to be derived from the great divine ability Reincarnation Realm."
Having received the complete inheritance of Qing Yuzi, Zhao Xing naturally gained insight into the other two friends' circumstances. Similarly, anyone who inherited Puta or Fairy Su's legacies would also learn about Qing Yuzi's situation.
"What is the Three Divinities Destiny Palace? Humans possess three souls: Heaven, Earth, and Mortal. These three souls are also called the Three Divinities—Heaven Divinity, Earth Divinity, and Life Divinity. Another set of names for these souls is the Heaven Soul, Earth Soul, and Life Soul."
"In the Xuanhuang Realm, among the three souls, only the Life Soul can be cultivated. The Heaven Soul departs after death, and the Earth Soul is ethereal, unable to be cultivated. They only grow more profound as the Life Soul strengthens."
The Three Divinities Destiny Palace merges the Heaven Soul and Earth Soul into the Destiny Palace, tying them closely to one's inherent destiny. With this, enemies can no longer capture one's causality or trace past lives and reincarnations.
More importantly, this technique locks the three souls away from the erosion of spiritual energy, vitality, and various cosmic essences. It minimizes the weakening and loss of the soul, hinting at a transcendence of the Three Realms and Five Elements.
The great divine ability Reincarnation Realm creates a non-material domain akin to a man-made underworld.
In the Xuanhuang Realm, the fortune dynasties can already convert souls into Yin God bodies, even pulling souls from obliterated states back into ghostly forms. In the spiritual revival Zhao Xing knew, cases of spirits returning to life were not unheard of.
The enemies Zhao Xing encountered in the cosmos often seemed unkillable. Kill one, and another would be resurrected just moments later. Such battles were futile, a complete waste of effort.
The Reincarnation Realm, however, worked by obliterating not only the enemy's Life Soul but also their Heaven Soul and Earth Soul. Trapped in endless reincarnation within the Reincarnation Realm, they could not reincarnate, possess causality, or be resurrected.
The Three Divinities Destiny Palace and Reincarnation Realm were two divine abilities Zhao Xing was quite familiar with.
This was because the creator of the Reincarnation Realm was the founder of the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom, a faction advocating cosmic balance between life and death.
"Reviving endlessly—resurrecting not just oneself but also one's friends, allies, and entire factions—disrupts the grand cosmic principles of life and death. It interferes with universal laws and leads to chaos and entropy."
"The mission of the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom is to restore this balance."
Zhao Xing reflected. How would they restore it?
For example, if two ancient kingdoms were at war, the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom would issue a decree forbidding resurrection. If either side violated this rule, the faction would aid their opponent, ensuring the dead stayed truly dead.
"No resurrection allowed!" This was the philosophy of the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom! Unfortunately, while the ideal was noble, reality was far harsher.
Over countless eras, the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom became corrupt. Many joined not to uphold its ideals but to exploit its secrets, especially the art of great resurrection.
Because no one understood resurrection better than members of the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom.
The minor divine ability Three Divinities Destiny Palace was one such creation born of this irony—a blatant violation of ancestral teachings.
What role did the Derivation Monument play in all this?
Originally, it was a tombstone in a sacred site of the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom, used to suppress soul abysses. Later, fragments of the monument were stolen and scattered across the cosmos, evolving into a soul cultivation method.
Of course, the existing Derivation Monuments are replicas, not the originals.
Zhao Xing had seen the original monument in his previous life after being resurrected. The stolen Derivation Monuments had been refined into artifacts.
Especially in the hands of players, this object became a portable resurrection point. Before battles, they would plant the monument and shout, "Brothers, charge!" This new functionality drove the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom to the brink, as countless factions sought to steal their ancestral relics.
"A sacred tombstone turned resurrection device, prompting countless factions to dig up the Divine Kingdom's ancestors—even auctioning the artifacts! How absurd."
"No wonder Fairy Su derived Three Divinities Destiny Palace from the monument. If her cultivation level is lower than Qing Yuzi's, then her talent in soul arts is extraordinary."
"To transcend the Three Realms and escape the Five Elements, Three Divinities Destiny Palace surpasses even the Eight Epochs of Purple Light in value."
Judging by auction values in Zhao Xing's past life, the Three Divinities Destiny Palace would easily surpass Eight Epochs of Purple Light. Even its weakest effect would be coveted by many.
While the minor divine ability's effects varied by individual, its core feature remained the same: unifying the three souls into one. The Three Divinities Destiny Palace was an essential method for pursuing longevity.
Puta's inheritance was equally remarkable. To be grouped with figures like Fairy Su and Qing Yuzi, Puta was undoubtedly a genius in his own right. According to Qing Yuzi, Puta followed the Path of Dao Soldiers, which typically aligned with master artisans and craftsmen.
A Mechanist King like the famed King Shenluo might not specialize in creating Dao Soldiers, but they excelled in utilizing large-scale Dao Soldiers. Puta, however, was particularly skilled in crafting autonomous Dao Soldiers.
"The Soul Vessel artifact, created by a grandmaster from the Yuanhai Kingdom's Purple Divine Mansion, was said to have been inherited by Puta. This explains why he was capable of producing Soul Vessel fragments. Otherwise, Qing Yuzi wouldn't have left behind so many fragments. Puta even created the Purple Divine Puppet, which boasts combat power comparable to the Origin Realm."
"Puta's mechanical divine abilities…"
Zhao Xing closed his eyes, sensing the trial environment as he entered the core of the Purple Divine Relic. While still within Qing Yuzi's Dao Field, Zhao Xing, as the inheritor, could perceive the status of Puta's inheritance trial.
To his surprise, the fastest progress wasn't made by a Mechanist from the Great Zhou.
He observed a vision: a sprawling cluster of palaces filled with Mechanists, many bald, deeply immersed in study and experimentation. Some stood in deep thought, while others worked tirelessly on hundred-meter-tall mechanisms, assembling intricate components.
"The second stage contains nine palaces in total. Completing all of them qualifies a challenger to pass. As of now, three individuals have reached the seventh palace."
"They are Chen Ju, the Junior Chief Mechanist of the Great Zhou, Yu Feiyang from the Golden Feather Court, and the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable from the White Bone Sect."
"What's surprising is that the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable is progressing the fastest, advancing ten years ahead of the other two into the seventh palace!" Zhao Xing noted, astonished.
Out of sixty-five Mechanists who entered the second stage, the majority were still stuck in the first three palaces. Only nine had advanced to the fourth through sixth palaces.
As for the seventh palace, there were only three participants, marking it as a significant barrier.
"Even King Shenluo remains in the sixth palace, yet the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable has already reached the seventh. Isn't he supposed to be bankrupt?" Zhao Xing was perplexed.
With a thought, he magnified his view, focusing on the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable's activities in the seventh palace.
While he couldn't interfere with the other two trials, observing and listening were entirely within his rights as Qing Yuzi's successor.
Deep within the seventh mechanical palace…
"Click, clack—" The Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable leapt down from a high platform, surveying his latest creation. "The fusion of material and law, an original grand array—it's truly exquisite."
The palace's interior glimmered with a dreamlike glow as countless gemstones embedded in the walls emitted a faint blue radiance. The entire space was suffused with an ethereal ambiance.
Various mechanical constructs of stunning complexity were displayed throughout the palace. Some rotated, others extended and contracted, producing subtle metallic sounds, creating a symphony of engineering marvels.
After observing for a while, the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable turned his attention to a towering mechanical puppet. Crafted from a mysterious purple-gold alloy, the puppet gleamed under the dim light, its joints adorned with intricate gears etched with countless runes. These runes pulsed with enigmatic power.
"The core array of this puppet isn't yet perfect, but imperfection itself is the key to passing this stage. Puta's Purple Divine Puppet Mechanism Diagram consists of 36,000 scattered components. Naturally, these scattered parts are imperfect!"
"What seems perfect is often a trap. Only through imperfection can one create the Purple Divine Puppet!"
The Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable's ghostly glowing eyes fixated on the puppet with a fervent intensity. His hands moved like serpents, gliding over the puppet's surface. Sometimes he tapped lightly; other times, he caressed its form as if engaging in a silent dialogue.
His workbench was cluttered with bizarre tools: crystal chisels releasing strange energies and threads capable of detecting energy fluctuations.
"I owe so much—debts entangled in karma. These pressures wrap around me like an ocean, drowning me in despair, suffocating me," he muttered. "But now, no one can stop me from reaching the shore!"
"If I can claim the ultimate inheritance, I'll never have to return to the molten lava, forging night and day just to repay my debts!" he roared, his voice laced with a mix of desperation and resolve.
"What I've lost, I'll take back, no matter the cost!"
"This guy does this every day to motivate himself?" Zhao Xing muttered.
"Hardship strengthens people," someone responded with a knowing smile.
Zhao Xing had once pulled off a major scheme against the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable, leaving him in immense debt during the reign of Emperor Jing. The debt was so overwhelming that repaying it within a lifetime seemed impossible.
Originally, the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable was poised to become the next sect master of the White Bone Sect. However, that one misstep cost him everything. Not only was the sect master position handed to another successor, but he didn't even secure the vice sect master position, which was snatched away by his junior brother, the Red Bone Heavenly Venerable.
Unexpectedly, a turn of events occurred fifty-eight years ago.
First, the Red Bone Heavenly Venerable died under mysterious circumstances. Then, the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable received orders allowing him to temporarily leave the Lava Earthfire Forging Chamber to compete for the inheritance trial. Of course, this came with significant risks to his life.
After all, even his junior brother, Red Bone, had perished while vying for the inheritance against the Great Zhou Dynasty. Competing with the likes of them was akin to snatching food from the jaws of a tiger. Yet, the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable agreed without hesitation.
"Why waste my life endlessly toiling in darkness underground just to repay debts when I can take a gamble? Push myself to the limit?"
Driven by this resolve, the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable entered the ruins after the Great Zhou and the External Alliance signed a peace treaty. He chose to undertake Puta's inheritance trial. With the determination to escape his financial ruin, he fought his way step by step to the forefront, outpacing everyone else.
"For the sixteen-thousand-eight-hundred-and-fiftieth time, I've hit a critical snag at the 'Eye of Origin' formation diagram. But this time, I will succeed. I must!"
The Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable's deep voice reverberated throughout the palace.
He stretched out his slender fingers, and a wisp of violet light emerged from his fingertips, slowly injected into the core of the puppet.
In an instant, the puppet's runes flickered violently, and its internal mechanisms accelerated. However, a faint grinding noise soon followed. The Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable frowned, murmuring to himself, "It seems I still need to adjust the fundamental path of the origin rules."
Once again, he immersed himself in refining the puppet, as if the entire world consisted solely of himself and this unfinished masterpiece. Unaware of the tumultuous changes outside, his focus was singular—to bestow true life and power upon this mechanical puppet.
"This guy," Zhao Xing observed, his gaze lingering on the scene.
At this moment, the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable's demeanor was starkly different from the confident figure Zhao Xing had once encountered at the Dragon Court.
Back then, the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable had refined the Great Dragon King's bones and received the Dragon King's trial mission. It wouldn't have been long before he succeeded as sect master, brimming with ambition and satisfaction.
Now, his aura resembled a dormant volcano, brimming with unspoken rage at the world and a defiant unwillingness to bow to fate. Yet, with no outlet for this anger, he poured it entirely into crafting mechanisms and studying formation arrays.
"Neither Chen Ju nor Yu Feiyang have this level of determination," Zhao Xing remarked, glancing at the other two figures also working in the seventh palace.
Both Chen Ju and Yu Feiyang exuded a relaxed air, occasionally taking breaks. Compared to the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable, they lacked the intensity to devote every moment to their tasks.
"Fifty years—focusing on one thing—and still maintaining this level of passion for the Dao of Mechanisms. Only the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable could manage that. Keep pushing, debt-ridden Venerable!"
Even Zhao Xing couldn't help silently rooting for him.
Such unrelenting drive earned Zhao Xing's admiration. He liked people with such tenacity.
Ultimately, if the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable claimed the inheritance, he would become an ally, someone Zhao Xing could count on to fight against the Southern Barbarians. Zhao Xing didn't care who won as long as it benefited his cause. From a practical standpoint, he genuinely wished for the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable's success, as his effort far outshone that of Chen Ju and Yu Feiyang.
"Yu Feiyang is royalty, and Chen Ju is a pacifist Junior Chief Mechanist. Neither faces much pressure. They probably think they've worked hard, but compared to the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable, their efforts pale in comparison."
Zhao Xing greatly appreciated talents like the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable.
"I hope when the time comes, the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable doesn't back out. Stand with me."
If the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable gave up, the inheritance would automatically pass to the second-place contender.
"His determination reflects in his energy, spirit, and demeanor. It's completely different from the others."
Zhao Xing sighed deeply, withdrawing his gaze from the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable. "Watching him too long makes me feel guilty," he murmured. "If he succeeds, I hope he can let go of past grievances."
Back in the day, it was Zhao Xing who had orchestrated the downfall that left the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable bankrupt. But now was hardly the time to dwell on the past. Although the Purple Bone Heavenly Venerable was in the lead, nothing was set in stone.
"Derivation of the Divine Spirit Monument!"
Zhao Xing appeared before the towering Derivation of the Divine Spirit Monument, its surface etched with unfathomable runes radiating a mystical aura.
"The first trial of the Soul Dao inheritance is similar to the other two paths. You must use your life soul to create a secret technique capable of unleashing ultimate-level destructive power to break through the law wall."
"The ultimate Soul Law is far more challenging than the other two paths," Zhao Xing remarked, narrowing his eyes.
The Soul Dao inheritance was open to practitioners of all professions, and many had attempted to challenge it. Yet the disparity was evident. While over a hundred had advanced to the second stage of the Qingyuzi Inheritance, and over sixty had progressed in the Mechanist Inheritance, only eight had moved forward in the Soul Dao path—and these eight had done so long ago.
This stark contrast underscored the extreme difficulty of the Soul Dao.
"Shattering Star!"
Zhao Xing decided to give it a try, deploying the most powerful secret technique from the second level of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Art—Shattering Star.
Boom!
Seven soul stars materialized before the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Monument, glowing with an intense radiance.
"Go!"
The seven stars converged on a single point, exploding in unison as they collided.
The combined impact of seven layers of destructive power had once allowed Zhao Xing to break through the protective rule barriers within Wu Yuan's consciousness.
Bang!
However, the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Monument remained unscathed. After the explosion, no marks were left upon its surface.
"This is the challenge of the Soul Dao trial," Zhao Xing muttered, a wave of dizziness washing over him. The strain on his soul was palpable. "Soul power is consumed with every attempt, making repeated tries impossible without recovery."
His soul-based attack had fallen short of reaching the ultimate law level.
"The Seven-Light Soul Water Domain, at the seventh stage, offers only a minor amplification for life-soul secret techniques," he noted with a frown. Even the intrinsic insights gained from the Tianqi Soul Artifact were insufficient to elevate his mastery of the Life and Soul Dao.
"It's an entirely separate path." Zhao Xing focused intently, dedicating himself to comprehending the intricacies of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Monument.
"I do have an advantage here," he admitted to himself. "I've already achieved perfection in the second layer, with fifty thousand soul splits. My previous cultivation speed even broke records."
A faint hum reverberated through the air as countless ethereal projections emerged from Zhao Xing's body, filling the space before the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Monument.
As Zhao Xing had anticipated, after only two and a half months of intense effort, he entered the Realm of Comprehension within the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Monument—a clear sign of progress in understanding the inheritance.
Buzz~
Fifty thousand Zhao Xing projections materialized beneath a starry sky.
"These are the Life-Soul Stars," Zhao Xing observed.
"In the first level of cultivation within the Star Palace, there were only seven secret-pattern stars. But here, there are countless stars, each brimming with immense laws and truths."
The sheer abundance of choices posed a new challenge. With fifty thousand soul splits at his disposal, Zhao Xing found himself overwhelmed by the infinite stars.
"The third level of the Derivation of the Divine Spirit Art emphasizes quality over quantity. Retrieve!"
One by one, Zhao Xing's soul splits flew back into his body, merging seamlessly. As his projections dwindled, the number of stars in the void also decreased.
By the time only three of his soul splits remained, the surrounding stars had been reduced to just three.
"The Solar Star, Lunar Star, and Life Star," he identified.
"These represent Heaven, Earth, and Humanity."
"The Dao begets One, One begets Two, Two begets Three, and Three begets all things."
"In the cosmic interpretation, the three souls align with the Solar Star, the Lunar Star, and the Life Star," Zhao Xing mused.
"In the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom, cultivation reaches its pinnacle when the soul becomes one with the cosmos. Life souls are stored within stars. The Solar Star and Lunar Star exist throughout the universe, and the Life Star is equally boundless."
"The founders of the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom believed that at the ultimate level of the Soul Dao, one could treat the entire universe as their Destiny Palace!"
"Through the Solar Star, the Lunar Star, and the countless Life Stars, one could achieve immortality. As long as these stars exist, resurrection is possible—even without a physical body."
"Of course," Zhao Xing added wryly, "this is only theoretical. In practice, most Reincarnation Divine Kingdom practitioners only have one Life Star. If that star is destroyed, it's true death."
After contemplating for a moment, Zhao Xing recalled his remaining two soul splits.
"The first trial, the Life-Soul Trial, only evaluates the ability to wield the life soul in creating secret techniques. Hence, I only need to focus on comprehending the Life Star."
This clarity of purpose was an advantage born of Zhao Xing's extensive knowledge. Even starting from scratch, his past experience allowed him to avoid unnecessary detours.
"The Life Star brims with vitality—a vibrant, flourishing 'Life Planet,'" Zhao Xing noted as he studied his Life Star.
In the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom, practitioners' Life Stars were often thriving. A barren, cratered Life Star signified impending death.
"The countless supernovae in the universe could very well be the deaths of individuals whose Life Stars exploded," Zhao Xing thought, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"The creator of Great Dream Spring and Autumn truly was a genius," Zhao Xing thought as he recalled the foundational techniques of the Dream God Sect. Within the Dream God Sect's methodologies, there was a proposition that Life Souls inherently possessed "life."
One method to validate this theory was through the Sleep Bug technique.
"By capturing parasitic entities harmful to the Life Soul and preserving those that are beneficial, one can strengthen the Life Soul, promoting its growth and development."
"Therefore, the techniques of the Dream God Sect often encompass vast ranges. A single dream can encompass entire worlds, closely paralleling the essence of the Reincarnation Realm. Truly, the Xuanhuang World has produced unparalleled talent," Zhao Xing mused, as he began adjusting his Life Star.
"Adjusting the Life Star is unlike the Dream God Sect's method of purging parasites from the Life Soul. The process itself is the breakthrough." Zhao Xing's thoughts turned reflective. "I could reference the Self-School's Sinner's Method."
The Four Methods of Self-School—Analysis, Strengthening, Condensation, and Breaking Point—were tailored to regulate the growth of plant life, aligning with the principles of life and vitality. Similarly, these concepts applied to the Life Soul.
If this was akin to solving a challenging problem with numerous solutions, Zhao Xing approached it using the Sinner's Method of Self-School.
The Soul Trial began in the spring of the 62nd year of the Yuanshou Calendar. By the autumn of the 64th year, Zhao Xing successfully passed the first stage.
"Soul Devouring Spear!"
A black spear materialized, gripped tightly by Zhao Xing's spectral projection. He thrust it fiercely toward the Void Monument. The spear, condensed purely from soul power, focused its energy at a single point, unleashing its full might on the monument.
"Hummm—"
A Manifested Dao Form appeared—a woman clad in black robes, her violet hair cascading down. Her features were not delicate but carried a doll-like softness, juxtaposed with a commanding aura.
"Congratulations, you have passed the first stage. Please proceed," she said in a melodic yet ethereal voice.
As the Void Monument cracked open, Zhao Xing followed the pathway into the second stage. At its end, Su Xianzi's Manifested Dao Form awaited him.
"You are the ninth person to clear the first stage," Su Xianzi announced, producing a ring. "This is your reward."
"Soul Artifact: Subordinate Ring."
"When facing an overwhelmingly powerful enemy, one capable of killing both your body and soul, you can parasitize your Life Soul within this ring, entering a state of null camouflage."
Su Xianzi elaborated, "Its material is unremarkable, but its concealment is exceptional. After defeating you, an enemy will inevitably search your belongings. Because of its plain appearance, this ring might be dismissed as worthless and discarded or sold casually."
"The Subordinate Ring will restore your soul from its null state to the Flat Realm after 500 years. Another 500 years will elevate it to the Rare Realm. After 200 more years, it will reach the Refined Realm. Finally, after 50 years, your Life Soul will be fully restored."
"So it's this artifact," Zhao Xing realized. The Subordinate Ring was a survival tool akin to the Heaven Soul Fruit, albeit more advanced and discreet.
"With good fortune, enduring for 1,250 years in the ring, you might stumble upon a low-realm cultivator to nurture. Perhaps, revival will follow," Zhao Xing reminisced about a plotline involving the ring in a past life.
Some bored players would deliberately destroy themselves to enter the ring, engaging in fosterling games on various realm stars.
"Send me 5,000 Source Crystals, and I'll share my revenge plan," Zhao Xing thought with amusement. "What revenge plan? Gather the world's exotic flames and kill a traitorous disciple from my past... Muahaha."
Yet, relying on the Subordinate Ring was ultimately a gamble.
"If luck is on your side, you might survive. If not, you'll be discovered and permanently destroyed."
"In general, the Subordinate Ring is equivalent to a low-grade Star-Tier Dao Weapon. However, it rarely sells at such value due to its variability."
"This method of survival has too many uncertainties. The funds for a Subordinate Ring could be better spent on strengthening one's escape abilities with an actual Star-Tier Dao Weapon. Maybe even a mid-tier..."
Zhao Xing trailed off as he realized the subtle logic behind the Subordinate Ring's existence.
"The second stage is called the Earth God Maze," Su Xianzi's voice drew him back to reality. "If you can find your way out of the maze, you pass. The time limit is 100 years."
The moment her voice faded, Zhao Xing found himself before a gray wall.
"The Earth God Maze, also known as the Karma Maze, extends infinitely upward and sideways," Zhao Xing noted. Only this single "wall" posed a near-insurmountable obstacle. "To sever karma, one must gather the scattered Karmic Souls into the Destiny Palace."
As Zhao Xing stepped through the gray wall, he entered a labyrinth of countless branching paths.
Much like the first stage, using soul splitting to explore was futile here. "The more soul splits, the more paths appear."
Without wasting time, Zhao Xing chose an entrance and began walking.
The walls were gray, but the ground was semi-transparent, with flowing light underneath. As Zhao Xing observed, various scenes from the past flickered across the ground.
"From now on, I'll send you 15 Heavenly Origin Pears each month."
"Thank you, Lord Chen!"
"This Flame Mountain is cursed, Zhao Xing. Is this truly my fate?"
"Old Chen, I'll lead with Long Xiao. You stay behind. Remember one thing." "What?"
"My fate is mine to command, not heaven's!"
Thunder rolled in the distance as eighteen locust willow trees in the courtyard collapsed, causing buildings to crumble. Storm clouds approached from afar.
"Why is everything so unlucky?" someone muttered.
"This is karma at its peak—fortune has fallen to Derivation One!" another voice exclaimed.
"Old Chen, you invested well! I ate a few of your pears in Gucheng, and now I'm risking my life under the Ten Suns for you," a voice joked.
"Ouch!"
Zhao Xing continued walking in silence. The path beneath his feet was aptly named the Karma Path.
With each step, past causes and their resulting effects grew clearer in his mind, magnifying as they played out. He saw events long forgotten, actions taken, and consequences endured. The weight of these memories began to press upon him.
"The unresolved karma makes it easy to get lost here. Even the smallest misstep can lead to doubts—did I make the wrong choice?" Zhao Xing thought. "When burdened by karma, the path becomes impassable."
As he walked, his footsteps grew heavier. Rounding a corner, he spotted a bald bird perched on the ground.
"Squawk!" The sharp cry pierced his ears, forcing him to stop.
It was the Heavenly Fate Blackbird, a creature associated with the Grand Dream Academy.
"Zhao Xing, why haven't you come to save me yet?" the blackbird shrieked.
"You've already risen to the pinnacle of human ranks, so why haven't you kept your promise to set me free?" the bird accused, its voice filled with indignation.
"I haven't had the chance yet," Zhao Xing replied calmly.
"Liar! Deceiver! I'll eat you alive!" With that, the bird lunged toward him in a flurry of wings and talons.
For the first time, Zhao Xing's steps faltered.
In the Matrix Palace, Lord Luohou and Lu Ying observed the scene within the Earth God Maze.
"He stopped," Lu Ying noted nervously. "What does this mean, Commander?"
"I don't know," Lord Luohou replied, shaking his head.
The Soul Trial's second stage, a test of karmic souls, was beyond the scope of external observation. No one could discern what was happening within the maze, as all interactions remained confined to the soul plane.
"The second stage only ends if the participant passes or chooses to forfeit. Once forfeited, they will forget everything they experienced inside."
"Many participants pause at a corner like this," a voice suddenly interjected. Ji Si, a figure of great renown, joined the two observers. "I believe these moments symbolize pivotal turning points in their lives, representing significant shifts in their fates."
Ji Si gestured toward the other eight participants visible in the Earth God Maze. "Look closely—every one of them has paused at such a corner. It's almost universal. They slow down, sometimes even stop altogether."
Pointing to one participant, she added, "Some break down entirely, crying uncontrollably. I suspect they're recalling painful memories or confronting truths they'd rather avoid."
"Do you think this involves an illusion?" Lu Ying asked. The nature of the Soul Trial made illusions seem likely.
"Perhaps. These illusions likely bring forth the most deeply buried truths within their hearts," Ji Si speculated. "If their soul and will aren't strong enough, they'll be unable to pass the trial."
Lu Ying was taken aback. "But I thought you couldn't predict what happens within the maze?"
Ji Si huffed, "That was before. I've had the Star Fate Codex for over two years now. If I couldn't glean some insight, wouldn't that make Zhao Xing's investment in me a waste?"
"Do you know the key to breaking through this stage?" Lord Luohou asked, his tone calm but probing.
Ji Si contemplated, "I've gained some insights; this stage likely revolves around the Earth Soul, specifically the Karmic Soul."
"The Heaven and Earth Souls remain external, while the Life Soul resides in the Destiny Palace. But this trial targets the Earth Soul?" Lord Luohou frowned. "I've broken through to the Rule Domain and integrated my physical body with the Seven Souls and Life Soul. Is this test reasonable?"
The Heaven Soul and Earth Soul are untrainable; how are they to be tested?
Even upon entering the Rule Domain, Lord Luohou had only fused his Life Soul with his Seven Souls. This trial had already gone beyond his understanding. "Extraterrestrials cannot be judged by common reasoning," Lu Ying shook his head. "Perhaps, in realms beyond our comprehension, the Heaven Soul and Earth Soul can be cultivated."
Ji Si responded to Lord Luohou's earlier query, "I suspect this stage examines one's past experiences. The heavier the unresolved karma, the harder the path becomes."
"When people are weak, how often do they consider such matters?" Ji Si continued. "Perhaps they overlook them entirely or miss them altogether."
Lu Ying mused, "So, does this trial measure one's moral character? The fewer shadows in one's heart and the fewer selfish desires, the easier it is to pass?"
Ji Si thought for a moment before nodding. "You could say that, though it's merely speculation."
"Ji Si, calculate the origin of the cloaked figure advancing the fastest within the maze," Lord Luohou requested.
"I cannot," Ji Si admitted, gazing at the figure, cloaked in black, who had ventured the furthest. "This individual is likely already in the Rule Domain."
"Then let it be," Lord Luohou relented.
Suddenly, Lu Ying's eyes brightened. "Look! Zhao Xing has resumed walking."
Within the Earth God Palace, Zhao Xing staggered forward.
Behind him hovered the illusory shadow of a bird, incessantly chirping into his ear. His vision grew hazy, as if shrouded by a layer of Perception Obstruction. "From a cultivation perspective, integrating the Earth Soul and Heaven Soul into the Destiny Palace naturally requires the least karmic entanglements."
"The divine ability Su Xianzi derived comes from the Reincarnation Divine Kingdom. This trial imitates their design, emphasizing minimal karma, for those who control the power of resurrection risk acting selfishly if burdened by heavy karma."
"Fortunately, I was mindful of this even in my early years," Zhao Xing reflected as he trudged forward.
His body was covered in wounds inflicted earlier by the Fate Blackbird's beak.
"As one advances, illusions are born from karma and strike directly at the heart," Zhao Xing thought as he turned a corner, where another figure appeared.
"Zhao Xing, you've wronged this king terribly."
"This king has lost three sons because of you, and you obstructed this king's grand plans! You even insulted this king without reason…"
Zhao Xing fell silent.
The person before him was none other than King Liang, Ji Mingxian. "Sigh," Zhao Xing sighed.
In the next moment, King Liang Ji Mingxian collapsed to the ground.
Zhao Xing had killed him directly.
"Sow evil causes, reap evil results—the maze's illusions are created to entangle challengers. But does King Liang count as part of my karmic entanglements?" Zhao Xing scoffed coldly and stepped over King Liang's corpse, continuing forward.
The illusions generated by the Karmic Maze are designed to mislead challengers, testing their mental fortitude.
"Even if burdened by heinous crimes and countless karma, a resolute Dao Heart can cut through it all, slashing away karma to pass violently."
"Though it's easier said than done."
As Zhao Xing moved forward, he encountered another challenger. "It's Marquis Linghuan."
At this moment, Marquis Linghuan stood frozen, cradling empty air as though embracing someone.
His right hand repeatedly stroked the back of this 'nonexistent person,' and he muttered softly, "Xiner, Xiner, I won't take office anymore. I won't go. I'll never let you down again. I'll stay with you forever…"
Zhao Xing glanced at Marquis Linghuan and shook his head.
Marquis Linghuan had once worked with Ye Yukong, the Master of the Heavenly Food Palace, the Lord of Longyuan, and the King of Shenluo to eliminate a team sent to assassinate them. Zhao Xing had met Marquis Linghuan over fifty years ago, during which Linghuan's inner conflict about war was evident.
"Could the karmic illusion he faces be linked to someone he wronged deeply in love?" Zhao Xing wondered. "Marquis Linghuan himself is a master of illusions—how ironic that the master is trapped by his own art."
Zhao Xing called out a few times, fearing it might be another illusion. Finding it had no effect on him, he attempted to awaken Marquis Linghuan, but to no avail. After observing for a moment, Zhao Xing shook his head and pressed on.
"The illusions born of karma are the hardest to break. Marquis Linghuan's scenario seems akin to a beauty trap."
"Most people think of beauty traps as involving fair skin, long legs, youth, and passion."
"In truth, a beauty trap might sound like, 'Darling, I'm back~'."
"And for someone like Marquis Linghuan, who once betrayed the one he loved most deeply, this trial is lethal."
"Thankfully, I have no such troubles. Women only slow down my spellcasting speed," Zhao Xing thought with some relief.
Zhao Xing walked along the karmic path within the second stage, gradually surpassing Marquis Linghuan. It was unclear how long he had been advancing, but soon, he saw a young man in a Daoist robe appear ahead of him.
"Master, you cannot blame me!"
"If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for not passing the position of Sect Master to me!"
The young man in the Daoist robe growled viciously, his face twisted with rage. "I had no choice but to banish you to the purgatory…" Yet before Zhao Xing could fully make sense of the words, the man's expression shifted dramatically. Tears streamed down his face as he sobbed uncontrollably.
"Master, I'm sorry… sob… sob…"
"You were the only one in the sect who ever treated me well. I'm a wretch, unworthy of forgiveness! My greed consumed me. I'm nothing but a beast… sob…"
The young man's voice cracked as he wailed, his emotions a chaotic blend of guilt and despair.
Zhao Xing examined the man's attire and recognized his origin. "He's from the Qingyang Sect, one of the top sects."
Without lingering, Zhao Xing continued his journey. Although the maze was complex, it generally offered a clear direction for progress.
As Zhao Xing ventured deeper, another illusory figure appeared behind him—Lord Tian.
Once a mentor to Zhao Xing within the Ten Sun Cave-Heaven, Lord Tian had never asked for anything in return.
"In the 18th year of the Yuanshou Era, Lord Tian passed away of old age."
"At the time, I was busy overcoming a trial within a secret realm. I had the ability to extend Lord Tian's life, to help him live a little longer. But I neither did so nor attended his funeral to hear his last words or final wishes."
Zhao Xing shook his head in silence, feeling the ethereal fists of Lord Tian pounding against his back. "You heartless ingrate!" the specter bellowed.
Even knowing this was merely an illusion born of karma, Zhao Xing bore the weight of it willingly. The spiritual pressure on his soul was intense, but he refused to strike back against Lord Tian's illusion.
"Whew…"
His breaths grew heavier with each step. The fusion of the Earth Soul and Life Soul placed immense strain on him, the burden on his soul nearly unbearable.
By this point, Zhao Xing could see no one else along the path ahead.
This meant he had already surpassed the other eight challengers who had entered before him.
"Liar! Liar!"
"You scoundrel! Heartless bastard!"
"Senior brother, do you know how long I've waited…"
The voices swirled in Zhao Xing's ears as exhaustion overtook him. It wasn't just physical fatigue—it was a profound weariness from within, a suffocating pressure that made every step feel insurmountable.
At this point, Zhao Xing could barely move half a meter in an entire day. The karmic illusions weighed heavily on his heart, compressing his spirit with every moment.
Zhao Xing struggled to keep moving forward, his steps heavy but unwavering. Despite the mounting exhaustion, he refused to use the method of "Severing Karmic Bonds" to clear the obstacles behind him. Instead, he gritted his teeth and pressed on.
"Fairy Su, this is my Dao! If you have more illusions to throw at me, bring them on!"
Determination burned fiercely in Zhao Xing's eyes as he pushed forward.
Suddenly, a glowing door appeared ahead. Standing at the entrance was a figure waiting for him.
Zhao Xing trudged closer, his breathing labored, until he could make out the silhouette. It was Fairy Su, her expression serene as she glanced at him and then looked over his shoulder.
"Not bad. You are truly unique," Fairy Su remarked with a slight nod. "Proceed to the next stage."
Zhao Xing stepped through the glowing door. As he crossed the threshold, a wave of relief washed over him, and the immense pressure on his soul lifted.
He felt as though his soul had undergone a subtle transformation. The surroundings changed, replaced by a thick, rolling white mist.
Fairy Su, now clad in black, smiled faintly at him. "Congratulations. You are the second to pass through. Your reward is the 'Earth Spirit Pill.'"
"The second?" Zhao Xing paused, surprised. It seemed that someone else had already surpassed him.
However, he wasn't too discouraged. After all, he had entered this trial more than fifty years late.
"The Earth Spirit Pill," Fairy Su explained, "enhances the clarity of your Earth Soul. After consuming it, you can sever the karmic lines binding your Earth Soul. Any unfair contracts made through your Life Soul will be nullified."
Zhao Xing accepted the small, gray pill, examining it briefly.
"Ah, so this is the fabled 'Earth Spirit Pill' from the universal version. It's also called the 'Karmic Pill'—a treasure that can override all Life Soul oaths. No wonder it has caused so much mistrust and paranoia in the universe."
Zhao Xing carefully stored the pill without consuming it.
He thought to himself, I don't have many karmic bindings that need to be severed right now. This can wait. Even the karmic ties with the Heavenly Fate Blackbird and Lord Tian can potentially be resolved later.
Fairy Su continued, "The third stage is called the Heavenly Spirit Stage."
"The Heavenly Spirit Stage, also known as the Ascension Stage or Rebirth Stage."
"Passing through the Rebirth Stage will grant you insight into the 'Three Divinities Destiny Palace,' a minor divine ability."
"Once you master the 'Three Divinities Destiny Palace,' even if you're burdened by the seven mortal souls of the flesh or suppressed by the essence of the Xuanhuang Realm, your Life Soul will immediately ascend to the Rule Domain!"
"A soul breakthrough will ensure you achieve the Rule Domain in all aspects, leaving no bottlenecks in your path."
"Whether you can establish your Dao depends on the era you are in and whether the times allow for reaching the Dao Establishment Realm."
With that, Fairy Su waved her hand, dispersing the surrounding mist.
As the mist cleared, Zhao Xing saw a black, ancient palace looming ahead.
In front of the palace were thirty stairs. Standing on the fifteenth step was a tall figure clad in black robes, his hands clasped behind his back.
As Zhao Xing gazed at the figure, he saw the man ascend another step, seemingly breaking free from some form of restriction.
Sensing the attention, the man turned his head, his expression faintly surprised as his gaze fell on Zhao Xing.
Zhao Xing cupped his hands respectfully. "Palace Lord."
The black-robed man, revealed to be Qi Tian, nodded slightly. "King Zhao, thank you for sparing my subordinates."
"A trivial matter," Zhao Xing replied. This was none other than Qi Tian, the strongest figure in the Heavenly Realm and creator of the Qi Tian Palace. He was said to have achieved the true Rule Domain.
To Zhao Xing's surprise, Qi Tian seemed younger than expected. "The Palace Lord isn't even four hundred years old."
"You seem to know me well," Qi Tian said, his eyes sharp and penetrating. "Your strength is not as simple as it appears."
"Your own strength is formidable," Zhao Xing countered. "Without entering the trials, you still recognized me as King Zhao and noted the mercy I showed your people."
"It seems we both have our secrets," Qi Tian said with a smile. "You once invited me to the Heavenly Realm. Perhaps we can have a proper discussion this time."
"I was hoping for the same," Zhao Xing said with a nod.
Their exchange ended, and Qi Tian resumed his climb, pressing forward in the trials.
Zhao Xing stepped onto the first stair, awaiting the challenges of the Rebirth Stage.
"Hmm?"
He waited for some time, but nothing happened.
"Shouldn't the Rebirth Stage involve some form of reincarnation illusion? What's going on?"
After another moment, Zhao Xing felt a surge of information flow into his mind.
His eyes widened in shock. "This… insight into the 'Three Divinities Destiny Palace'? But how am I comprehending it automatically?"
"Where's the trial?"
Zhao Xing looked around, bewildered. He hesitantly climbed to the second step, only to find no resistance.
After a short wait, more comprehension of the 'Three Divinities Destiny Palace' filled his mind.
"This... What's going on? Is this a bug?" Zhao Xing muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Why am I only receiving rewards without encountering any tests?"
He rubbed his eyes, suspecting he might already be trapped in an illusion. But the insights were undeniably real.
Cautiously, Zhao Xing continued his ascent, step by step. Before long, he reached the sixteenth stair, where Qi Tian stood.
At that moment, Qi Tian had just passed the sixteenth stage and stepped onto the seventeenth stair. His peripheral vision caught sight of Zhao Xing, prompting him to glance back.
Qi Tian: "???"