Chapter 1326: The royal family of Spiritual Realm, which can be opened after a million times
After Gu Changge departed from the Immortal Domain, he took a step forward, and the long river of time flowed beneath his feet as if time itself shifted, revealing scenes of universe dissolution.
In a mere instant, he arrived at the edge of numerous shattered universes, traversing across the vast battlefield. The scene was now dim, with countless strands of chaos intermingling to form a vast chaotic sea, with myriad star fragments scattered and floating within it.
The desolate world stretched endlessly, barren and frigid, devoid of any hint of vitality. Not a single living creature could be found within it. Even the heavens and earth lay in ruin, with horrifying voids gaping open, from which various divine lights emanated into the sky, with corpses drifting up and down, each possessing the faintest trace of true immortality.
Furthermore, numerous corpses of immortal kings littered the landscape, their tattered remains exuding a potent aura of destruction. They had fallen to terrifying creatures during their lifetimes.
This was merely a desolate ancient battlefield, originating from an unknown era, washed out from the chaos and exposed to the outside world.
Various peculiar creatures dwelling in the vastness were feasting upon the corpses of those immortal kings. Some resembled crows, while others appeared as vultures or hound-like beasts. Yet, their ability to effortlessly tear apart the immortal king corpses showcased their terrifying strength.
Even an immortal king in their prime, when faced with such a group of bizarre creatures, could only cautiously avoid them, unwilling to provoke their ire.
Standing atop the boundary embankment, Gu Changge beheld wave after wave of darkness rushing toward him, akin to an endless sea, with mist shrouding the far reaches of the world.
An indescribable oppressive atmosphere cloaked the sky above the world, making every breath a struggle.
However, within Gu Changge’s field of vision, one could discern the constantly unfolding fortune in the Dao Chang Realm, shining like a brilliant beacon amidst the darkness of the night, particularly striking.
After some contemplation, he disregarded the creatures tearing apart immortal king corpses for sustenance on the ancient battlefield and proceeded forward, departing from that place and venturing into the vast expanse.
The turbulent waves and ceaseless forces of the world’s motion, now subdued by his power, gradually subsided and grew tranquil. One portion of the ancient world bobbed up and down within it, emitting a deep rumble.
In Gu Changge’s perception, these worlds were devoid of life, shrouded in silence and coldness. Many ancient realms of existence were nurtured within the boundless sea. However, only a select few worlds were deemed worthy of advancement to reality in the end.
Over the course of countless years, these ancient worlds faced collapse and catastrophe, overwhelmed by the aura from beyond the boundless sea, eventually succ.u.mbing to chaos and darkness. The vast and unseen ruins of these ancient worlds overlapped one another, forming barriers that hindered predecessors from traversing the vast expanse.
Nevertheless, Gu Changge paid little heed to these obstacles, his gaze fixed on the depths of the darkness, a faint golden light glimmering in his eyes.
“Is the Dao Chang Realm truly so close? Excellent, it saves me a great deal of trouble…”
A great Dao materialized beneath his feet, solidifying into a pathway that spanned the vastness.
Spatial orientation held no sway in this expansive realm, and in some areas, it was an entirely lawless and desolate expanse, devoid of the constraints of time and s.p.a.ce. Even an Ancient Cultivator in the Dao Realm struggled to pinpoint the exact locations of certain areas without precise coordinates.
Hence, prior to the onset of catastrophe, many ancient ethnic groups within the Dao Chang Realm viewed escaping to the vastness as a choice akin to a dead end. They were uncertain of where to venture within the vast expanse and where they could possibly settle next. Even if there were individuals within their ethnic groups who had achieved great heights, finding a safe haven in the boundless realm remained a daunting prospect.
Even the patriarch of the Gu family hesitated, unsure whether he could safeguard the entire clan. Until the very last moment, he refrained from making such a weighty decision. Furthermore, even if clear spatial coordinates and routes were provided, the vast expanse harbored numerous dangers, enigmatic and unpredictable. Even Gu Wuw.a.n.g, the Gu family’s patriarch, couldn’t guarantee a safe pa.s.sage, let alone for the rest of his kin.
Many years prior, on the opposite side of the Dao Chang Realm, ancestors of the imperial clan observed abnormalities, growing wary and contemplating relocation. Gu Changge was privy to their plans but disregarded them, knowing they would struggle to find a new abode. The real world, bereft of the protection of the true spirit, stood as a radiant beacon amidst the dark vastness, serving as a guiding light for beings navigating the expanse.
….
The mist swirled, and the shattered ancient world resembled rolling broken clouds. Crushed beneath the weight of the ancient warship, it crumbled like mountains and rivers, emitting a terrifying rumble that shook the heavens and the earth.
Numerous powerful individuals of the Spiritual Realm reclined on this boundless ancient warship, ensconced within their own chambers and palaces. Amidst the chaotic mist, figures loomed tall, akin to ancient G.o.ds from mythologies past, their skin golden and ancient lines etched between their brows.
Remarkably large, the ancient warship resembled a boundless continent, containing its own universe within. Palaces, pavilions, mountains, rivers, and lakes adorned its surface, with various terrains distributed across its expanse.
In addition to the powerful figures seated cross-legged at the forefront, countless creatures inhabited the vast expanse behind them. The majority hailed from ancient realms tethered to the Spiritual Realm, while many others belonged to slave groups. For generations, they had inhabited this colossal, boundless ancient warship, drifting through the vastness, tasked with maintaining its operation and repairing damaged runes.
For these creatures, this place served as their homeland, boasting vast mountains, rivers, and boundless territories. Islands, lakes, cities, and ruling cla.s.ses dotted the landscape, mirroring the world of cultivators.
However, in the grand scheme of the vastness, this ancient warship was but a mere vessel traversing the expanse. Though it contained its own universe and operated under its own laws, its influence remained limited, unable to create significant ripples.
To the beings journeying through the boundless sea, clouds and mists undulated everywhere, concealing countless creatures and worlds within. Each flower, each leaf, represented its own world—nothing more, nothing less.
Clang, clang, clang…
In an inconspicuous blacksmith’s shop tucked away in a corner of the city, the dull sound of heavy hammers reverberated incessantly. As red-hot iron met ice-cold water, a piercing sound of tempering filled the air, momentarily dispersing the fog.
Beside the water-soaked tempering pool stood a young figure, sleeves rolled up to reveal bronze-toned arms, repeating words under his breath.
“Ninety-nine thousand and ninety-one, ninety-nine thousand and ninety-two, ninety-nine thousand and ninety-three…”
With each swing of the heavy hammer in his hand, he counted aloud, the words a steady rhythm in his mouth.
This young figure bore resemblance to the human race, with gray pupils and a fine layer of metallic scales adorning his hands.
On the other hand, the figures milling around him appeared to belong to various races upon closer inspection. Their bodies and bone structures were taller than those of ordinary humans, bearing the distinctive traits of their respective races.
These figures seemed accustomed to the scene unfolding before them. Many would pause in front of the blacksmith shop to admire the forged iron objects—simple knives, long swords, bows and arrows, war spears, shields, and the like—but would soon depart without making a purchase.
After hundreds of thousands of repet.i.tions, the figure tirelessly hammering and tempering the iron tool finally ceased. His hair, long and disheveled, nearly obscured his face, which bore scorched black marks. Unconcerned, he turned in the tempering pool, scooped up water, and casually washed his face.
“I heard the royal family of the Spiritual Realm is recruiting master craftsmen from the ghost clan and formation masters from the Heavenly clan. I wonder what they’re planning to build this time…”
“Over the years, many from the Ghost clan and Heavenly clan have been enlisted, yet few have returned. Rumor has it they’ve been working on repairs.”
“But something feels off to me. My parents mentioned this sort of thing before…”
“Hush, lower your voice. Do you not fear the spiritual beings overhearing? Mind your words, lest you attract unwanted attention and face repercussions.”
As the murmured conversations of pa.s.sing shadows reached his ears, the young figure washing his face froze, his hands halting mid-motion. Beneath the tangled strands of his long hair, his eyes seemed to chill, their depths growing colder.
“Brother Chu, it’s time to eat…”
At that moment, the curtain behind the blacksmith shop suddenly lifted. A young girl with delicate features darted back and forth, calling out to the young figure.
“Coming.”
Upon hearing her, the figure snapped back to reality, acknowledging her call. He then washed his hands, grabbed a nearby handkerchief to wipe them clean, and followed the girl.
On the other side of the curtain lay a moderately sized courtyard, where laundry hung drying and poultry roamed in captivity, infusing the s.p.a.ce with vitality.
Seated in a rocking chair, a burly old man with a disheveled appearance cracked peanuts leisurely.
“Master.”
The young figure addressed him respectfully, settling down at a nearby dining table and reaching for his chopsticks, prepared to eat.
“Your mind is troubled…”
The burly old man cast a glance at the young figure, seeming to perceive his inner turmoil in an instant. He shook his head slightly and straightened up.
“Master…”
The young figure fell silent for a moment.
Beneath the tangle of his long hair, those eyes suddenly emitted a chilling light, and his voice dripped with bone-chilling coldness. “You’re aware of what’s happening beyond these walls…”
The burly old man nodded solemnly. “As your master, I’m well aware that the royal family of the Spiritual Realm is recruiting members of my Ghost clan and the Heavenly clan far and wide. They’ve done this periodically, but as of late, the frequency has increased.”
“Master, you understand that this is a conspiracy, and you know its inevitable outcome. Why do you allow it to continue?”
“For generations, my Ghost Clan and Heavenly Clan have served the Spiritual Royal Family faithfully. We’ve labored to construct armies and formations for them, only to be betrayed in the end. They slaughtered my Ghost Clan under the guise of conscription—all to conceal a shocking secret and prevent the revelation of their treachery.”
“The Spiritual royal family’s cruelty knows no bounds.”
At this moment, the young figure could barely contain his fury, each word dripping with loathing.
“Senior Brother Chu…”
The weight of these words left the girl beside him stunned, her expression shifting to one of sorrow as she grasped the magnitude of the situation.
Who would have imagined that the very place they called home for generations was nothing more than a cage? Their ancestors and descendants were condemned to perpetual imprisonment, endlessly constructing formations for the Spiritual royal family and filling in the gaps.
To silence any who dared to speak the truth, the Spiritual royal family spared no one, even slaughtering those who repaired the formations. Unbeknownst to them, the Ghost Clan and Heavenly Clan unwittingly contributed to the construction of a ma.s.sive sacrificial array for the Spiritual royal family.
The day when all living beings in this world would become sacrifices loomed ominously, its arrival uncertain but undoubtedly imminent.
“This is the fated destiny of our family, one we cannot escape.”
Upon hearing this, the burly old man’s expression mirrored the sadness etched on the faces of the others as he shook his head in resignation.
Breaking free from the grip of the Spiritual royal family? As the most formidable member of the Ghost clan, he understood all too well the formidable influence wielded by the Spiritual royal family.
Throughout countless epochs, among the ancestors who had uncovered the truth, there were plenty who stood as the strongest of their era. Yet, what came of it? It was akin to tossing a stone into the depths of the sea—no ripple in sight.
Even with the foreknowledge of the inevitable outcome, what could they possibly do? Resisting the might of the Spiritual royal family was nearly impossible.
“Chu Lian, it’s not that your master doesn’t care, but that I’m powerless to act,” the robust old man sighed.
Chu Lian, his adopted disciple, hailed from a lineage of master craftsmen in the Ghost clan and great masters in the Heavenly clan. However, both parents had been forcefully taken by the Spiritual royal family years ago, leaving behind no trace or news.
Hearing this, Chu Lian couldn’t help but sink into a profound sense of powerlessness and frustration. If even the current strongest member of the Ghost clan couldn’t effect change, did that mean they were forever bound by the manipulations of the Spiritual royal family? Were they doomed to this fate?
“No, no… I still possess the light sphere. It a.s.sures me that by repeating a single action a million times, I can unlock it, become its master, and wield the power of an entire civilization.”
“Right now, I’m just a hundred thousand repet.i.tions away.”
Suddenly, a spark of hope ignited in Chu Lian’s eyes as he remembered something.