Thirty years, a flick of a finger.
Deep within the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty, a massive shipyard spanning the Void Realm slowly opened, air pushed aside by an invisible force field, revealing the colossal behemoth slumbering within. Its entire body was covered in deep bronze-colored plating, intricately carved with profound Formations that contained the immense power to tear through space.
The bow of the ship resembled the sharp teeth of an ancient beast, ferocious and majestic. At its core, a deep, secluded furnace rotated slowly, emitting heart-palpitating fluctuations of Realm Power. On either side of the ship, structures resembling giant wings extended, their Formations layered densely, absorbing the free-floating Chaos energy from the surroundings.
This was the Boundary-Breaking Spirit Ship, the "Lie Yu," forged with the combined might of the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty, smelting countless rare treasures.
At this moment, hundreds of slightly smaller but equally imposing escort ships were arrayed around the Lie Yu in the Void Realm. The ship Formation was strict, with Formations flowing, forming a vast sea of light, and Killing Intent permeated the Starry Sky.
...
Upon the ceremonial platform, Emperor Qian Yuan, clad in his imperial robes and crown, stood with his hands behind his back. His prestige surpassed that of the past, with Dragon Qi swirling faintly around him. His eyes burned brightly, piercing through Chaos, gazing at the unknown beyond.
Tianxing Pavilion Master Ji Yu stood respectfully beside him, his expression focused, holding a round jade plate about a foot in diameter. In the center of the jade plate, a miniature three-dimensional Star Map was projected, with light points flowing—the Three Thousand Realms Map!
Below the ceremonial platform, powerful Cultivators stood in abundance.
The Sword Sect Old Ancestor, Blood Slaughter Divine Lord, Kushan Buddhist Lord, Blazing Heaven Valley Master, the Grand Marshals of the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty's three armies, the Sea-Suppressing King from the Eye of Gui Xu, and all the civil and military officials gathered. Their various Auras intertwined, as if all were awaiting the arrival of a certain existence.
The gazes of the powerful Cultivators, some open and some concealed, all turned towards the center of the bridge.
Emperor Qian Yuan suddenly raised an eyebrow, flicking his fingertip, and an invisible sound wave went directly into Ji Yu's Sea of Consciousness: "Has Fellow Daoist Li sent word yet?"
"It has been conveyed. He said he would attend this expeditionary oath-taking ceremony on time!" Ji Yu's face showed urgency as he respectfully replied mentally.
"Mm! The time has not yet arrived, let's wait a bit longer!" Emperor Qian Yuan nodded.
Above the bridge, Emperor Qian Yuan's fingertip moved slightly. The silent inquiry had just dissipated in Ji Yu's Sea of Consciousness when the air suddenly solidified.
There was no strong wind, no spiritual energy surging. The Void Realm itself was like a calm water surface into which an invisible stone had been dropped, spreading ripples imperceptible to the naked eye.
These ripples spread rapidly, sweeping past the strict ship Formation and over the bodies of every top-tier powerful Cultivator.
The Sword Sect Old Ancestor's fingers on the ancient sword sheath tightened abruptly; the crimson Evil Qi swirling around Blood Slaughter Divine Lord instantly solidified; Kushan Buddhist Lord's lowered eyelids suddenly lifted, golden light bursting from his cloudy eyes; the wisp of World-Burning True Flame flickering in Blazing Heaven Valley Master's palm swayed violently; the sound of the Gui Xu tide faintly appearing around the Sea-Suppressing King roared into existence...
All the powerful Cultivators, whether in the open or hidden, their Auras suddenly tensed like fully drawn bows. Thousands of gazes, like cold lightning, simultaneously pierced towards the center of the ripples—the empty Void Realm at the center of the bridge!
...
The next instant the ripples spread, a figure silently solidified.
His green robes were simple, his Aura perfectly harmonious, blending seamlessly with the surrounding Chaos Void Realm. He stood there as if he had existed since ancient times, or as if he had just stepped over from the other side of time. The afterglow of the spatial ripples still lingered, and the shocked and vigilant postures of the powerful Cultivators froze on the spot, only then revealing the abruptness of his appearance.
It was Li Mu!
Li Mu ignored the thousands of surprised gazes that instantly converged, capable of piercing through stars, and his gaze calmly fell upon Emperor Qian Yuan, who was clad in imperial robes and crown, surrounded by Dragon Qi.
"Greetings, Emperor. Li has arrived late, please forgive him!" Li Mu bowed slightly to Emperor Qian Yuan, apologizing.
Emperor Qian Yuan laughed heartily, his imperial robe sleeve gently fluttering, dispelling the invisible pressure that had solidified on the bridge due to Li Mu's arrival: "Fellow Daoist Li, you speak too seriously! For Fellow Daoist to personally attend this grand oath-taking ceremony is already a immense honor to Us and to the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty. How can there be any talk of being late or not late!"
Emperor Qian Yuan's eyes burned brightly. He stepped aside, pointing to the colossal behemoth behind him that spanned the Void Realm and emitted a tearing Aura: "Fellow Daoist Li, please see, this is the Boundary-Breaking Spirit Ship, the 'Lie Yu,' forged with the combined might of Our Da Qian and thirty years of meticulous effort!"
"The ship's hull is made of Star Core Divine Gold as its bones, smelted with countless rare treasures such as the Profound Ice Soul of the Vast Sea, the Abyssal Iron of Gui Xu, and the Nine Heavens Cloud Gang Stone. It is embedded with three thousand six hundred layers of spatial overlapping Restrictions. Its core furnace can absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to convert into Realm Power, tearing through Void Realm barriers like rotten cloth! The Yin and Yang wing Formations on both sides can draw in spiritual energy tides as power, allowing unimpeded travel through the Void Realm Star Sea!"
Li Mu glanced at the 'Lie Yu' and nodded in praise: "Emperor possesses great talent and strategy, and the Immortal Dynasty has profound Foundation. Forging such a divine object and undertaking this pioneering endeavor will bring merit for thousands of autumns."
Emperor Qian Yuan nodded with satisfaction, unfurled his grand sleeve, and announced in a voice like a great bell that resonated throughout the bridge: "After three thousand years of seclusion, the Three Thousand Realms have fallen. Today, Our Da Qian holds the mandate of heaven, raises the divine ship, and breaks through the Void Realm to open new realms! This is the beginning of Our Cultivators defying fate to seize opportunities and expand Our territory!"
Before his words faded, Tianxing Pavilion Master Ji Yu held up the jade plate with both hands, and the Three Thousand Realms Map suddenly ascended, transforming into a vast Starry Sky projected above the Void Realm. Light points flowed like sand, ceaselessly, the Three Thousand Worlds connected like a giant tree.
Each leaf of the giant tree was a realm, and besides the Three Thousand Main Realms, it was covered with mysterious, tiny 'leaves'!
Ji Yu's fingertip pointed to a suddenly bright leaf among them, and he solemnly explained to the powerful Cultivators: "Reporting to the Emperor, the first realm to be opened has been determined—the Night Shadow Realm! According to the fragmented realm stele, the Origin Qi of this realm is condensed, and the main intelligent beings appear to be 'Shadow Race,' their forms existing between solid and ethereal. They prefer to dwell in darkness, with innate talents for stealth and erosion. There are also unique terrains such as the 'Erosion Light Tundra' and 'Hollow Giant Trees.' Deep within its core, there may be an ancient will comparable to a Grand Immortal lurking!"
"My Lords!" Emperor Qian Yuan raised his imperial seal high, activating the supreme Luck of the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty. His voice, like a grand bell, resonated through the Star Sea, "This journey to Night Shadow is the beginning of Our Immortal Dynasty's expansion! We will guard the central hub, stabilize your Foundation, and mobilize the national Luck! May all of you work together with one heart and mind to spread the prestige of Our Da Qian in a foreign land!"
Emperor Qian Yuan's gaze swept over the powerful Cultivators whose Auras were boiling beneath the bridge: the Sword Sect Old Ancestor, Blood Slaughter Divine Lord, Kushan Buddhist Lord, Blazing Heaven Valley Master, the Sea-Suppressing King... each one a pillar of the Immortal Dynasty.
"However, the Night Shadow Realm is the first realm for Our Da Qian to open! This realm is profound and treacherous, its shadow secrets unfathomable. Without peerless power to suppress its Luck and protect the Spirit Ship, it may be difficult to proceed!" Emperor Qian Yuan's tone shifted.
As his words fell, all gazes converged once more.
They did not fall on the three marshals whose Battle Intent was boiling, nor did they turn towards the Buddhist Master or Valley Master. Instead, they all focused on the figure in green robes.
"Fellow Daoist Li," Emperor Qian Yuan turned slightly, his imperial robe sleeve fluttering, bringing with it a wisp of solemn Aura: "The Night Shadow Realm is unfathomable; what Ji Yu has explored is merely the tip of the iceberg, and that ancient will deep within is an even greater hidden danger. We need to guard the Immortal Dynasty, guiding the national Luck to protect the realm gate passage and stabilize the rear. Within this ship Formation, should there be any unforeseen changes, We fear Our power may be insufficient..."
Emperor Qian Yuan's eyes burned brightly as he looked directly at Li Mu: "Fellow Daoist's cultivation is profound, deeply understanding the Origin of Chaos, and possessing unfathomable methods. We dare to humbly request Fellow Daoist to accompany the ship and guard the 'Lie Yu,' to protect the Immortal Dynasty's sons and for this great endeavor of realm expansion! Should an irresistible force be encountered, Fellow Daoist will be the stabilizing force, the key to turning the tide! For this kindness, We and the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty will never forget!"
The bridge instantly fell silent, all the powerful Cultivators' gazes focused on Li Mu, holding their breath in anticipation.
The Emperor's personal request, and his posture being so humble, showed the importance he placed on this journey, and also highlighted Li Mu's transcendent status.
Li Mu's expression was calm. After a slight contemplation, he nodded and said: "Emperor's sincerity, Li deeply admires. For the Immortal Dynasty's great pioneering endeavor, Li is also willing to contribute a small effort, to protect this ship and ensure its safe arrival at Night Shadow."
"Good! To hear Fellow Daoist say this is better than a million mighty soldiers! We are greatly pleased!" Emperor Qian Yuan was overjoyed and thanked him excitedly.
Emperor Qian Yuan raised a hand, his imperial seal suspended in the air. Dragon-shaped Luck ascended from the depths of the Da Qian Immortal Dynasty, transforming into thousands of golden rays that poured into the Lie Yu's deck Formations.
"All Lords, board the ship! May you achieve immediate victory!"
At his command, it was like a thunderclap.
The Sword Sect Old Ancestor stepped forward, sword light tearing through the Void Realm, and was the first to ascend to the Lie Yu's main battle platform; Blood Slaughter Divine Lord's body surged with Evil Qi, transforming into a bloody rainbow that plunged into the escort ship fleet; Kushan Buddhist Lord's lotus platform beneath his feet bloomed with golden light, disappearing into the ship's internal meditation hall; Blazing Heaven Valley Master's palm fire lotus spun, and he was already gone; the Sea-Suppressing King stood upon the Gui Xu tidal patterns, disappearing into the core of the ship Formation amidst the roaring tides.
Various powerful Cultivators, each in their position, their Auras connecting with the ship Formation, like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea.
Li Mu stood with his hands behind his back, taking one last look at Emperor Qian Yuan on the ceremonial platform. He nodded slightly, then took a step, his figure seemingly merging into a painting, quietly landing on the highest point of the Lie Yu's bridge.
Emperor Qian Yuan floated up from the ceremonial platform, standing in the Void Realm, his imperial robes fluttering. He watched his generals board the ship, his expression solemn and majestic.
After all the powerful Cultivators and the three armies boarded the Spirit Ship, Emperor Qian Yuan announced loudly: "All Lords, heed my command!"
"Lie Yu, set sail!"
"Destination—Night Shadow Realm!"
Boom—!
As Emperor Qian Yuan's command was issued, the entire massive shipyard spanning the Void Realm trembled violently.
The deep bronze-colored plating covering the ship's hull suddenly lit up. The countless profound Formations engraved upon it came alive, layer upon layer, flowing with light that tore through the Void Realm.
Deep within the ship's bow, the structure resembling the ferocious teeth of an ancient beast, the secluded furnace roared explosively, accelerating to its extreme. A surge of irresistible Realm Power, like a tangible tide, erupted with a boom, shattering the surrounding Chaos Void Realm!
Buzz—!
The giant wing-like Yin and Yang wing Formations on both sides of the ship burst forth with a heaven-devouring suction force. The free-floating Chaos energy around the ship Formation was instantly swallowed, transforming into violent power.
Hundreds of escort Spirit Ships responded simultaneously, their ship Formations' light surging, connecting with the Lie Yu's core Formations, forming a vast, dazzling ocean of light spanning the Starry Sky! The Killing Intent solidified like iron, as if to freeze this part of the Void Realm.
"We obey the Emperor's decree!"
The powerful Cultivators and the Grand Marshals of the three armies clanged their armor, Killing Intent soaring to the heavens! The civil and military officials responded in unison, their voices converging, causing the Void Realm to hum.
"Open the realm gate! Break through the Void Realm!" Tianxing Pavilion Master Ji Yu, holding the Three Thousand Realms Map jade plate, shouted sharply.
Ji Yu's fingertips rapidly moved across the round jade plate. The giant tree Star Map projected in the Void Realm suddenly magnified, and the brightly lit 'leaf' representing the Night Shadow Realm shot out a dazzling beam of light, pointing directly at the boundary wall ahead.
The Lie Yu's bow aimed at the direction of the light beam. The Realm Power accumulated to its peak in the secluded furnace transformed into an indescribable torrent of destruction, fiercely blasting forward!
Screech—!
With a sharp screech like an ancient primordial beast tearing cloth, the seemingly empty Chaos Void Realm ahead was forcibly torn open by this torrent, revealing a huge, twisted, pitch-black gap with chaotic turbulence flowing along its edges!
Deep within the crack, a bizarre and twisted passage, where rules seemed distorted, was faintly visible. This was the realm passage leading to the Night Shadow Realm!
"Activate the Formation! Protect the ship!"
Inside the bridge, several Immortal Officials responsible for the Formation hubs shouted in unison.
All the Formations on the Lie Yu's hull increased their brightness by another layer, forming a thick cocoon of light that enveloped the giant ship. The Yin and Yang wing Formations on both sides flapped violently, pulling the massive ship and slowly moving it into the heart-palpitating Void Realm crack.
Hundreds of escort ships, their Formations flowing, followed closely behind, like loyal stars guarding the giant beast that tore through Chaos, disappearing one by one into the dark passage.
As the Lie Yu entered the realm gate first, its hull cut into the long river of Chaos like a sharp blade. The sounds of the surrounding Void Realm collapsing were incessant, and twisted turbulence wildly scoured the outside of the light cocoon, as if billions of vengeful spirits were roaring.
Above the bridge, Li Mu stood with his hands behind his back, his green robes unmoving. His gaze pierced through layers of Formations, staring into the depths of the churning, ink-like passage ahead.
Within the passage, time seemed to slow and quicken, and space was layered upon layer. With every breath forward, countless tiny spatial fragments were crushed like stardust. The Yin and Yang wing Formations swallowed Chaos, converting all the violent energy into propulsion, and the entire giant ship, like a Dragon swimming against the current, roared as it traveled.
Suddenly, at the end of the passage, the light and shadow abruptly changed. A cold, condensed Origin Qi poured back from the other end of the crack, carrying an Aura of decay and gloom, rushing onto the ship's hull like a tide. The light cocoon trembled violently, cracks appeared in the Formations, emitting a buzzing sound of being overwhelmed.
"Night Shadow Realm Origin Qi erosion! Stabilize the protective Formation!" In the central hub of the ship's belly, the Sea-Suppressing King let out a low shout, pressing his hands on the Gui Xu tidal disk. Vast water power surged from the Void Realm, transforming into a thousand-layered tidal wall, suppressing the Formation core. Blazing Heaven Valley Master simultaneously acted, the World-Burning True Flame erupting from seven fire eyes along the ship's spine, forming a crimson flame river outside the light cocoon, burning away the invading Yin and Evil Qi.
Kushan Buddhist Lord sat cross-legged in the meditation hall, his golden body manifested, chanting Buddhist scriptures in a low voice. Golden Sanskrit characters floated from his mouth, merging into the Formations, repairing the cracks. The Sword Sect Old Ancestor stood on the main battle platform, striking out with a sword. His Sword Intent transformed into a rainbow, piercing directly into the passage ahead, splitting a condensed shadow mist into nothingness.
Blood Slaughter Divine Lord sneered, and the Evil Qi around his body transformed into a hundred-zhang blood spear, impaling the Void Realm in front of the ship's bow, forcibly opening up a clear area.
The armor of the three armies' soldiers clanged in unison, their spiritual energy gathering like rivers into the sea, pouring into the main Formation core.
Li Mu's eyes flickered slightly, and he gently waved his sleeve. An invisible Chaos ripple spread out from in front of him, instantly extending throughout the entire passage. The surging darkness seemed to be suppressed by some higher-level rule, suddenly solidifying.
At this very moment, the Lie Yu suddenly shook, finally completely rushing out of the realm passage!
The scene before them abruptly opened up, revealing an boundless Void Realm.
There were no stars, no celestial light, only a thick, ink-like darkness pervading all directions, as if the stillness before the Universe's creation.
Countless shattered realm fragments floated in space, all covered by a layer of eerie purple moss-like substance, slowly wriggling, absorbing the remaining spiritual energy like living creatures—this was the "Erosion Light Tundra," neither land nor space, parasitizing between Void Realm fissures.
Further away, giant tree-like existences floated deep within the darkness, their entire bodies pitch black, their branches twisted like tentacles, with dark red light veins flowing within, like pulsating blood vessels. These were the "Hollow Giant Trees," neither living nor dead, rooted in nothingness. Within their hollow trunks, vague, shadowy silhouettes moved, seemingly the dwelling places of the Shadow Race. (End of Chapter)
