Chapter 2 – Eternal Heaven-Devouring Sutra
The Misty Peaks Valley stretched endlessly beneath the golden dawn, shrouded in mist that shimmered like liquid gold. Bamboo groves whispered as the wind passed through them, and distant streams reflected the sun's first rays. But Hao Zan was not here to admire the scenery. He stood atop a jagged cliff, his golden aura faintly illuminating the valley below. Around him, treasures from the System hovered in quiet harmony—the Golden Core Condensation Crystal, the Soul Harmonization Stone, and the Hidden Artifact of Endless Potential—each radiating a soft, resonant glow.
He had already completed the refinement of his body, mind, soul, and physique, reaching the peak of Qi Gathering 7th level. That foundation, combined with his System treasures, allowed him to attempt the next step: mastery of the Eternal Heaven-Devouring Sutra. Forged in a lifetime long past, the Sutra was unlike any ordinary cultivation method. It could devour spiritual energy from all sources—ambient energy, lingering spiritual residues, treasures, and even fragments of divine aura—then harmonize them perfectly with Hao Zan's body, mind, and soul.
Golden runes spiraled in the air around him, shimmering and shifting with the rhythm of his heartbeat. He knelt, closing his eyes, and inhaled deeply, letting the Sutra guide the flow of energy. Streams of mist, the subtle pulses of the earth, and even traces of long-vanished spiritual beasts converged into his dantian, each fragment meticulously absorbed.
[System Alert: Eternal Heaven-Devouring Sutra Activated]
[Current Cultivation: Qi Gathering, Level 7]
[Next Target: Deva Realm, 1st Level]
The treasures in the System responded in unison. The Golden Core Crystal enhanced the conversion of raw energy, ensuring maximum efficiency; the Soul Harmonization Stone refined his spiritual perception; and the Hidden Artifact of Endless Potential stabilized his mental clarity, preventing any strain from overwhelming his senses. Golden light coursed through every fiber of his body, muscles flexing and relaxing in perfect harmony, bones aligning as if sculpted anew.
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Heavenly Absorption
The first step of the Sutra, Heavenly Absorption, required patience and precision. Hao Zan placed his palms on the moss-covered stone, feeling the subtle vibrations of the valley's energy. The Sutra whispered guidance, instructing him to absorb without restraint, to harmonize without forcing, to allow the valley itself to feed him willingly.
Streams of energy from trees, rocks, rivers, and the faint remnants of spiritual beasts long gone all flowed toward him, entering his dantian in golden threads of pure essence. The System ensured every joule of energy was cataloged and stored, ready for later integration. Hao Zan's aura expanded, faint golden halos rippling outward. Even the mist seemed drawn to him, swirling as though eager to participate in his cultivation.
He exhaled slowly, feeling the Sutra aligning his internal structure: body, soul, mind, and physique were now prepared for Condensation.
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Devouring Condensation
With the absorbed energy fully collected, Hao Zan initiated Devouring Condensation, the Sutra's second step. The energy within him began to converge, spinning and refining at impossible speed.
His body was strengthened, muscles contracting and stretching with perfect control.
His physique gained near-unmatched resilience and flexibility, bones now aligned to handle extreme stress.
His soul harmonized, aura sharpened, perception heightened, and spiritual awareness extended across miles.
His mind became razor-sharp, capable of instant calculations, battle predictions, and strategy formulation.
Even the valley itself seemed to respond—the leaves quivered, mist shifted, and distant elemental traces swirled toward him, feeding into the Sutra's unending loop of absorption and refinement.
A faint laugh escaped his lips, low and amused. "So simple, yet so satisfying."
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Trial of the Corrupted Beast
Before Hao Zan could fully settle, a roar shattered the serene morning. From a ravine, a corrupted spiritual beast emerged, jagged, twisted, and brimming with malice. Its crimson eyes locked on Hao Zan, sensing the massive surge of energy from the Sutra.
Hao Zan's lips curved into a faint, confident smile. "Perfect… a trial."
The Sutra activated reflexively, golden runes spinning around him. As the beast lunged, part of its energy was devoured mid-combat, amplifying Hao Zan's aura and reflexes. The clash was brief yet intense; one precise strike later, the creature lay subdued, its spiritual energy absorbed entirely. Even the confrontation became part of his cultivation, reinforcing the Sutra's efficiency.
[System Tip: Energy from external combat successfully devoured and integrated]
Hao Zan exhaled slowly, golden light rippling outward. "You've done well," he muttered to the beast, though it no longer had awareness to comprehend the words.
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Boundless Overflow and Sutra Mastery
With the trial complete, Hao Zan initiated Boundless Overflow, releasing golden energy outward. Streams of energy—ambient, beast-derived, and treasure-fueled—flowed through him in perfect harmony, each pulse refining his cultivation further.
A surge of golden light erupted from his dantian, cascading over his body and expanding into the valley. The Sutra had done its work. His cultivation reached a new threshold: Deva Realm, 1st Level. Body, mind, soul, and physique were fully refined, and the treasures were completely integrated.
Hao Zan opened his eyes, calm and commanding. Mist swirled around him, responding to the subtle pulses of his aura. The Sutra had become an extension of himself, an eternal guide capable of devouring, refining, and recording every fragment of energy around him.
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Foreshadowing and Resonance
Even in this quiet moment, a subtle resonance extended beyond the valley. Distant eyes—lovers, allies, and those connected to his destiny—would sense it. Faint, almost imperceptible, a whisper of his awakening brushed across the lands.
Hao Zan's lips curled into a faint smile. "Soon… everything will align."
He let the golden aura pulse gently, allowing the Sutra to harmonize every aspect of his being. For now, the valley breathed with him, the treasures rested, and the path toward the Mahayana Realm lay ahead. Yet even in this moment of calm, the distant threads of fate were shifting, preparing for reunions, challenges, and the formation of the Empire of Monarch.
Hao Zan finally exhaled fully, eyes glowing with quiet authority and amusement. The Eternal Heaven-Devouring Sutra hummed softly, a constant reminder: he was devouring heaven and earth, forging his path, and nothing could stand in his way.
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