Chapter 548: Du Yun's Unofficial History? Traveling Through Time, Birth of a New God

Correction: Zhao Xing was among the 800, placing him in the third tier of opportunities.

The Ark of Time and Space, an artifact of the Hall of Reincarnation, holds importance equal to the Stele of Divine Derivation, though the world remains unaware of its existence.

Zhao Xing and Ji Si first followed Yan Ao to the Divine Selection Division Hall, located on the Ancestral God Star within the First Ancestral Void Galaxy of the Primordial Celestial Palace, for their assembly.

There, Zhao Xing encountered many familiar faces, including Venerable Zhang He and Venerable Tian Guan, whom he had previously bypassed, and Venerable Wan Ying, Venerable Fu Ping, Venerable Sheng Yi, and Venerable Hao Yu, whom he had met in the City of Mind. Also present was an old acquaintance, Du Yun.

Du Yun, in particular, surprised Zhao Xing. While everyone else was unaccompanied, Du Yun had a Divine General by his side, clearly acting as his Dao Protector. Typically, the path of an Independent God does not involve a Dao Protector. Even more surprising to Zhao Xing was Du Yun's rank; he had actually reached the level of a Seventeenth-tier Demigod.

Du Yun, who had been standing silently beside the Divine General, instantly brightened upon seeing Zhao Xing and quickly walked over.

"Brother Zhao, Brother Ji, long time no see."

"Long time no see indeed. Has it been six solar years?" Zhao Xing replied.

Ji Si bowed with a slight smile, saying, "Your radiance, Governor, is even brighter than before."

"Yes, since I began cultivating the Method of Devouring Calamities, I've had no time for social calls. Counting from when I first encountered this method, it's been nearly ten solar years."

One solar year is equivalent to one thousand realm-star years, meaning Du Yun had been cultivating the Method of Devouring Calamities for ten thousand years.

"Brother Du, your arduous cultivation has yielded extraordinary results. You are likely the foremost Demigod of the Primordial Celestial Palace," Ji Si praised.

"Different paths make comparison difficult. However, among Demigod martial artists, I have indeed undergone the most tribulations," Du Yun replied.

"Brother Du, such rapid progress must have come at a great cost in hardship," Zhao Xing inquired.

At the mention of this, Du Yun seemed to finally find a sympathetic ear and immediately poured out his grievances: "Ten thousand years, ten thousand years! Do you know how I spent those ten thousand years? Cultivating the Method of Devouring Calamities, I was either undergoing a tribulation or on my way to one, every single day!"

"What do you mean?" Ji Si knew little about the Method of Devouring Calamities and couldn't grasp how Du Yun could undergo tribulations daily for ten millennia.

"Elder Ji, you might not be aware, but once the Method of Devouring Calamities is cultivated to a certain degree, one can participate in other people's tribulations," Du Yun explained. "The Palace records hundreds of thousands of tribulations experienced in the Reincarnation Realm, along with their predicted dates. Whenever someone is undergoing a True Spirit Tribulation, the Palace Master teleports me there instantly. Then, using a secret method, I swallow the tribulation-undergoer. At that moment, their tribulation falls upon me."

"Such a thing exists?" Ji Si was somewhat surprised. "Doesn't interfering with a True Spirit Tribulation cause problems?"

"Of course it does. Interfering with the person undergoing tribulation immediately intensifies the tribulation many times over. However, this is also the very purpose of the Method of Devouring Calamities; otherwise, ordinary True Spirit Tribulations of the Reincarnation Realm wouldn't affect me," Du Yun explained.

Zhao Xing nodded. The Method of Devouring Calamities was created by the Void Ancestor to provide a path to godhood for martial artists. As a method devised by a Divine Emperor, undergoing tribulations on behalf of others and saving all sentient beings—how could this not be a form of Dao attainment acknowledged by heaven and earth?

"Wind, Fire, Mountain, Forest; Metal, Water, Thunder—these common tribulations are still manageable, merely involving combat or a few painful moments," Du Yun recalled, still a little apprehensive. "But after undergoing so many tribulations, you inevitably encounter those formless and invisible ones."

"Such as?"

"For instance, the Karma Tribulation, Gluttony Tribulation, Sudden Illness Tribulation, Five Tones Tribulation, Breath-Holding Tribulation, Mute Tribulation, and Red Phoenix Tribulation..." "Red Phoenix Tribulation? Is that the same as a 'Peach Blossom Tribulation'?" Zhao Xing's expression immediately became amused. He recalled that Du Yun had a Dao companion named Fairy Hu Tao after becoming an Emperor.

"Quickly, elaborate on this Peach Blossom Tribulation."

"Ah, let's not delve into that," Du Yun said with a bitter smile. "In short, after encountering this tribulation three times, I stopped taking on that type of cultivation. Just don't ask for specifics."

Seeing Du Yun's dejected expression, Zhao Xing became even more curious, though he decided not to press for details.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, I actually know a little about this," Ji Si secretly transmitted. "It's rumored that during the fourth solar year, a Ninth-tier Demigod physician arrived in the Tianyou Ancient Kingdom. She claimed to be Du Yun's confidante and confronted Fairy Hu Tao—"

"What?! And then?" Zhao Xing seemed to have stumbled upon a major piece of gossip.

"Fairy Hu Tao explained that both she and Du Yun only possessed 'false memories,' but the other party refused to believe it. Fairy Hu Tao became enraged and engaged in a Daoistic Struggle with her, ultimately sending that person to reincarnate."

"Holy crap, such explosive news! Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Zhao Xing lamented, feeling as though he had missed out on a fortune.

"Well, I only heard it from a historian friend. I didn't believe it was true at the time—"

"A historian said it? Goodness, Du Yun's unofficial accounts, right? Do you still have a copy? Get me one to read sometime," Zhao Xing blurted out.

Du Yun: "—So, you're not even trying to be discreet, are you? What are you whispering about with Ji Si?"

"Haha, nothing at all," Zhao Xing quickly changed the subject. "Tell me more about the Gluttony Tribulation, Sudden Illness Tribulation, Five Tones Tribulation, and Breath-Holding Tribulation—"

After chatting with Du Yun for a few days, a sudden moment arrived. All the Demigods ceased their idle chatter and turned to gaze at the sky above Ancestral God Star. Yet, no one saw anything.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, why do I feel as though something has arrived, yet I can't perceive it?" Ji Si inquired.

"Me too," Du Yun echoed, puzzled.

"I can't see it either," Zhao Xing admitted. He also sensed something ought to be in the sky, but from any angle—be it through life essence, magical fluctuations, soul scans, or otherwise—he couldn't perceive it. He only had a momentary sensation.

"The Ark of Time and Space has arrived," Yan Ao stated. "It's so close to complete Divine Concealment that not only can you not see it, but even I wouldn't be able to perceive it unless it actively descended. We must wait a moment before we can board."

Hearing Yan Ao's explanation, Zhao Xing immediately recalled Qing Yuzi's experience. Old Qing had also been trapped in a place of Divine Concealment.

"It seems not only living beings can achieve Divine Concealment, but certain divine artifacts can as well," Zhao Xing mused inwardly.

Over the next two and a half months, the Ark of Time and Space finally revealed its form: a massive, dark-golden bird, frozen mid-flight above Ancestral God Star. Even upon seeing this, Zhao Xing still perceived nothing unique about the great bird; it appeared no different from an ordinary mortal fowl.

"It must be a divine-level life form transformed into the Ark of Time and Space. The methods of the Divine Craftsman are truly terrifying," Zhao Xing mused.

*Swish!* As everyone gazed at the dark-golden bird, a figure materialized within it. Enveloped by twelve crescent-shaped devices, with light contained around its form, the figure was none other than Divine General Jieluo, as Zhao Xing observed through his interface.

"The creator of the Four Realms Fa Luo; so it was him," Zhao Xing mused. He was, of course, familiar with the name; the first Agriculturist weapon he purchased after entering the universe was the Four Realms Fa Luo.

"Board the Ark!"

Upon Divine General Jieluo's appearance, his voice resonated within everyone's minds.

*Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!* Everyone was drawn upwards, a thousand streams of rainbow light ascending to the sky. All the most promising Demigods from the entire Mysterious Spirit Starfield were gathered here.

*Boom!*

Zhao Xing heard a thunderous boom, and with a flash of light, he found himself and the others standing on a pale blue floor. The surroundings were empty; there was no ceiling or walls, only three visible sections of this floor. Individuals from different batches were not grouped together.

"No movement. Mental communication is permitted, but no vocalization."

As Divine General Jieluo finished speaking, Yan Ao, Lu Ya, and Divine General Gongwu, standing next to Du Yun, began communicating amongst themselves. Zhao Xing observed the positions of these Divine Generals, sensing that more divine beings were present than he could see.

"Du Yun has a Dao Protector, and the first tier of opportunities likely includes many more, not all necessarily Divine Generals, but equally difficult to perceive," Zhao Xing mused. He then withdrew his gaze and established a mental link with Ji Si, Du Yun, and Wan Ying for communication.

The third tier comprised Demigods ranked from five hundred and one to one thousand, totaling five hundred individuals. Although Du Yun's cultivation level was high, his contribution ranking was low, thus he stood on the third floor section.

Inside the Ark of Time and Space, conversation dwindled as everyone quieted down, awaiting departure. As the floor began to glow, Zhao Xing felt a sense of detachment from both his body and mind. It felt as though he was being drawn away from this world, with all rules and restraints seemingly losing their efficacy. Zhao Xing noticed anomalies on his status panel as well; his magical power, magical body, and spells were temporarily inactive. Only the God of Nine Swamps and the True Self Divine Law functioned normally, and the divine power of the Primordial Dao Pagoda could still be sensed.

*Buzz!*

The void before Zhao Xing's eyes suddenly began to materialize, revealing numerous "lines" and points of light. These lines and light points eventually coalesced into a river. Zhao Xing felt the Demigods around him transform into lines and pixelated forms, while only the Divine Realm beings retained their original appearance.

The figures of the Divine Realm beings grew progressively taller, like giants, until Zhao Xing could only perceive the soles of Lu Ya's and Yan Ao's feet. He and the other Demigods, by contrast, were incredibly small, drifting within the long river of time.

After an unknown duration, the lines and points of light gained direction and began to sink rapidly. Conversely, he and the numerous Demigods, in their pixelated and linear forms, rose steadily. The sense of detachment intensified.

"I'm about to leave this space-time," Zhao Xing realized, looking down at the countless light points and lines. "Those lines represent the Dao cultivated by powerful individuals, while the light points signify weaker life forms."

Countless lives ebbed and flowed in the sixth solar year of the Third Era of the Desolate Domain. Just before being drawn out of the River of Time.

*Moo!*

Suddenly, all the Demigods heard a sound, as if emanating from a primordial beast of ancient times—desolate and mournful, causing their hearts to pound. However, everyone remembered Divine General Jieluo's instructions to remain silent, so no one uttered a sound. At this point, even mental communication ceased.

Once the floor had completely detached from the River of Time, Zhao Xing looked towards a particular point where, amidst the ebbing and flowing River of Time, a colossal beast seemed to be resting in the waves. However, as the Ark of Time and Space rapidly receded, the creature continuously drifted further away. Eventually, the unsettling sensation completely vanished.

"Senior Lu Ya, what was that just now?" Zhao Xing couldn't help but ask, seeing Divine Generals Yan Ao and Lu Ya approaching.

"What else could it be? Just a Sky Curtain Behemoth," Lu Ya said disdainfully. "It's merely resting in the first solar year of the Third Era of the Desolate Domain, specifically in the Chaotic Sea Region. So loud and noisy, it's utterly annoying! If it weren't for the Palace Master's order to avoid triggering a large-scale divine war and to exercise restraint, I would have devoured that foolish creature long ago!"

So Lu Ya and the others could see it? If they wished to avoid a large-scale divine war, they all needed to exercise restraint. The Desolate Domain Era was already in its sixth solar year, and Zhao Xing hadn't heard of any significant actions by evil gods to destroy the Mysterious Spirit Starfield. It was said that many divine beings perished in the Third Era of the Desolate Domain. However, none of them died in battle; all were either subdued through sermons at Dharma Assemblies or had their Dao shattered, like Divine General Qiluo.

After departing the River of Time, Zhao Xing's most noticeable sensation was a disrupted biological clock and a diminished sense of time. After an unknown period, a square on the third floor section illuminated.

"Fellow Daoists, I, Feng Pu, shall go first."

A martial artist, clad in light blue full body armor and wielding an azure blade, transmitted a mental message. He then stepped onto the illuminated square.

*Swish, swish, swish!* The eyes of the other four hundred ninety-nine individuals fixed upon Venerable Feng Pu. Zhao Xing had never heard of this person, but Ji Si knew him intimately.

"Feng Pu was the ruler of the Tianhai Ancient Kingdom two generations ago, born in the eighth era before the Desolate Domain. This marks his third journey through time and space."

Zhao Xing nodded. Most individuals standing here in this lifetime would likely have been born no earlier than the tenth era before the Desolate Domain. And just moments ago, the Ark of Time and Space had already traveled to the thirty-first era before the Desolate Domain, Feng Pu's chosen jump point. He was the one who chose the most recent jump point in time.

"Fellow Daoist Feng, take care!"

"Congratulations in advance to Fellow Daoist Feng for attaining the Dao and becoming a God."

"Brother Feng, I hope to see you soon."

Many individuals sent mental messages of congratulations. In reality, Feng Pu was aiming to become an Independent God, but naturally, the congratulations extended to him attaining the Dao and becoming a True God. Feng Pu also cupped his hands to those around him, then lightly tapped his foot.

*Swish!*

The floor of the square where Feng Pu stood instantly vanished, and Feng Pu plunged downwards, re-entering the space-time he had chosen.

*Buzz!*

The Ark of Time and Space briefly paused, no longer moving upstream. This was standard practice for the Divine Selection Division; they would wait for a moment after each departure. Assuming Feng Pu became a god, he might return to the Ark of Time and Space. And regardless of how much time Feng Pu experienced in that space-time, only a brief moment would pass for Zhao Xing and the other Demigods on the Ark of Time and Space. It was as if he would fall and instantly reappear.

"Three auspicious hours have passed, and Feng Pu still hasn't returned."

"Alas, it seems we won't be waiting for him."

"Brother Feng, after all, isn't able to return."

"Not necessarily, he might have returned through irregular channels."

Hearing the voices within the mental sanctuary, Zhao Xing understood that Feng Pu had most likely failed in his attempt to reach the Divine Realm. Divine General Jieluo said nothing further. After waiting for three immeasurable hours, the Ark of Time and Space resumed its journey.

"Feng Pu most likely died," Du Yun shook his head. "If he had attained godhood, he should have returned immediately, as the return path accompanying the Ark of Time and Space is the safest."

"I heard Feng Pu chose to descend into the thirty-first era before the Desolate Domain to seek the inheritance of the 'Three-Bladed Divine General' from the 'Mingyue Heaven' ruins?"

"That should be the case," Du Yun confirmed. "The Three-Bladed Divine General was a neutral Independent Divine General whose origins are unknown, but who perished in 'Mingyue Heaven' during the thirty-first era before the Desolate Domain. After his death, he left behind an inheritance, forming an obscure ruin from his divine power origin. Feng Pu once obtained an inheritance key, but many others acquired keys alongside him."

"Actually, the difficulty of acquiring this opportunity was relatively low. Since it was in a comparatively safe space-time, there were fewer competitors," Du Yun, possessing some inside knowledge, explained. "When Feng Pu first obtained this opportunity, everyone believed he would smoothly achieve godhood. However, unexpectedly, he failed his first and second attempts, and for some reason, it dragged on until his third try."

"That's truly a pity," Zhao Xing also sighed with a touch of regret.

The thirty-first era before the Desolate Domain was a period under the dominion of the Desolate Domain faction. Theoretically, Feng Pu only had to face the trials left by the Three-Bladed Divine General, without needing to contend with encirclement and interception by the Evil God faction upon descending into that space-time. Of course, theory is one thing, reality another. No one knew what truly happened to Feng Pu, or if there were other potential competitors.

"The path to godhood is arduous and fraught with peril. Sometimes, those deemed to have a high chance of becoming a god do not necessarily succeed absolutely. Even if I received affirmation from the Earth God at the Earth God Altar on the Primordial Hill, that doesn't absolutely guarantee my Dao attainment and godhood. The path still has to be walked by myself," Zhao Xing mused silently.

As the Ark of Time and Space traversed the River of Time at great speed, less than twelve hours after its second departure, another square on the third floor section illuminated.

"Fellow Daoists, I, Xiong Yue, shall go first."

A clear mental voice resonated. Zhao Xing looked over to see a heroic and captivating young woman standing on the square, carrying a medical kit. In reality, Xiong Yue was a Demigod of the Demon Race, hailing from the Ten Thousand Rivers Demon Kingdom, one of the Ten Great Demon Kingdoms. He had even met her before; Xiong Yue was among the envoys from the Demon God Hall during the sealing of Six-Wing Mountain.

Xiong Yue was also a member of the Primordial Demon Race, having grown up on the Primordial Hill during her infancy. She had always maintained a human form, only reverting to her demon physique now, just before descending.

"Fellow Daoist Xiong Yue, I wish you success in attaining the Dao and becoming a God."

"May our fellow Daoist return safely."

"When the Fairy returns, she shall be the Medical God!"

Although Xiong Yue was a Demigod of the Demon Race, having grown up on the Primordial Hill and also being a Demigod physician, she had good relations, and many voices offered congratulations. Zhao Xing also cupped his hands in congratulations, and soon Xiong Yue likewise descended from the square.

The Ark of Time and Space waited, as was customary. A short while later, Xiong Yue reappeared on the square.

"Huh? Successful?"

Zhao Xing immediately looked over, only to see Xiong Yue’s appearance completely transformed. She was covered in wounds, her face had turned entirely purple, and she had even sprouted venom sacs and tumors. Her medical kit was gone, and her magical robe was tattered. She had originally been a Fourteenth-Tribulation Demigod, but her aura had drastically diminished, now less than Thirteenth-tier.

*Whoosh!*

Immediately, an Independent God rushed over to treat Xiong Yue. Divine light descended, covering Xiong Yue's body, and she quickly recovered to her original state. Although Xiong Yue failed to achieve godhood, she returned alive.

"Fairy, what happened?" someone familiar inquired.

"I failed to acquire the divine power origin of the 'Five Immortals Palace'," Xiong Yue said with a somewhat crestfallen expression, "and instead was wounded by a venomous Demigod from the Evil God faction. I am ashamed."

Her situation was similar to Feng Pu's; Demigod physicians were extremely rare in the Desolate Domain era. In the era she chose, no one from her own faction competed with her. However, evil gods might still secretly cross over to vie with her.

"Xiong Yue, recount your experience in detail."

"Understood."

Divine General Jieluo led Xiong Yue aside, apparently intending to ascertain how the Demigod from the Evil God faction had managed to sneak in.

As time progressed, more and more Demigods began entering their chosen space-times to pursue their opportunities. Many acted alone, but some individuals chose the same or similar eras. Due to their differing professions, there was no conflict. The Ark of Time and Space had already journeyed back to the one hundred and eighth era before the Desolate Domain. By this point, half of the five hundred Demigods on the third floor section had already made their descent.

"Two hundred fifty-seven people have gone down, and not a single one has become an Independent God."

"However, while none achieved godhood, over eighty percent successfully returned," Zhao Xing noted, observing the individuals.

"Achieving godhood is truly not easy."

The third-tier opportunities were actually quite substantial for these Demigods, but none had succeeded thus far.

"Compared to the Five Emperors Era, the Spirit Domain Era still presents a significant disparity. First-tier opportunities almost universally occur in the last solar year of the Luo Emperor Era, with nearly half leading to godhood. Second and third-tier opportunities are limited to the Spirit Domain Era, which is better than the Desolate Domain Era, but not by a large margin."

The era itself imposed a ceiling on Demigods; only prodigies could break through these limitations. Only then did Zhao Xing realize the immense significance of Qing Yuzi's path to godhood; Old Qing had actually achieved godhood during the Desolate Domain Era.

"Brother Zhao, Brother Du, Brother Ji, we must set off now," Venerable Wan Ying, Venerable Fu Ping, Venerable Sheng Yi, and Venerable Hao Yu announced after another day.

"I hope to greet you all as Divine Generals, rather than Venerables, when we next meet," Zhao Xing said with a smile.

"Divine General?" Wan Ying and the other three chuckled. "It would be fantastic to become a Divine Soldier; I wouldn't dare to ask for more."

"To become a Divine General in one go, Zhao Xing, you truly flatter us. That would require an immense opportunity," Venerable Fu Ping added.

"My first time, I don't even hope for a Divine Soldier. I'll just familiarize myself with the situation first," Sheng Yi said, looking unconfident. "The first time in the Spirit Domain Era is always about understanding the differences in Dao and clarifying the extended karmic destiny. The second attempt holds greater certainty."

"Believe in yourself, you can do it."

"Hao Yu, Ji Si, are you two trying to tell my fortune?"

"If you want us dead, just say so," Hao Yu grumbled.

"Hahahaha, let's go." Wan Ying waved his hand, and the four instantly descended together.

The Ark of Time and Space paused and waited, and Zhao Xing gazed at the River of Time below. Although he couldn't discern anything specific, he was still quite concerned about Wan Ying and the others, especially since both Wan Ying and Fu Ping had previously offered him assistance or guidance. His Time-Space Guyu Robe had been introduced by a buyer Fu Ping knew, and he had learned about the Starlight Society from them as well.

*Whoosh!*

Before long, the floor square reopened, and Venerables Wan Ying, Sheng Yi, Fu Ping, and Hao Yu reappeared. Zhao Xing immediately looked, noticing that Sheng Yi, Fu Ping, and Hao Yu had all sustained varying degrees of injury. Only Wan Ying emanated a brilliant divine radiance; everyone felt their minds grow warm and illuminate. The mental sanctuary they were communicating through instantly expanded severalfold.

"Wan Ying, congratulations on becoming a Heart Independent God," Divine General Jieluo, acting as the helmsman, smiled for the first time and approached to congratulate Wan Ying.

"Wow, Wan Ying became a god?!"

"Hiss, a God of Spirits! That's truly remarkable!"

"Wan Ying achieved godhood with a Sixteen-Tribulation Demigod foundation; how incredibly powerful must that make him!"

"No wonder I suddenly felt much more comfortable in here; the cramped sensation significantly diminished."

"Incredible!"

Congratulations poured in like a tide, and the divine light around Wan Ying gradually receded.

"Thank you, Divine General Jieluo, and thank you all," Wan Ying said, cupping his hands to those around him.

"Silence!" Divine General Jieluo quickly silenced the other congratulatory remarks.

"Wan Ying, since you have achieved godhood, proceed to reclaim your three Dao threads." Divine General Jieluo produced a trumpet-shaped artifact. "This item will assist you in rapidly reclaiming the influences of karma, destiny, and your three life threads. Your divine tribulation will not descend for a short period."

"Yes," Wan Ying replied, respectfully accepting the divine artifact and immediately sitting cross-legged to cultivate.

As an observer, Zhao Xing immediately perceived Wan Ying's figure becoming increasingly ethereal, and the karmic entanglements he had shared with him during a certain period also grew progressively fainter. Still present, but weakened.

"This situation signifies that it no longer matters whether I repay Wan Ying's favor or not," Zhao Xing mused, carefully analyzing the feeling. "He no longer cares."

Even the memories grew very faint, as if the moments spent with Wan Ying were merely a dream, fading upon waking.

"Brother Wan Ying—" Fu Ping, Sheng Yi, and Hao Yu felt the same, their expressions somewhat complex. They understood that after attaining godhood, Wan Ying needed to undergo Divine Concealment first to ensure his safety and consolidate his divine position. Yet, despite their understanding, the sensation was quite unsettling.

*Buzz!* Moments later, the light surrounding Wan Ying dissipated. Divine General Jieluo cast a glance at Zhao Xing, Fu Ping, Sheng Yi, and Hao Yu. He keenly sensed that Wan Ying had preserved his connections with these individuals. At this point, all other Demigods had completely forgotten Wan Ying's existence, including those who had been congratulating him just moments before.

"Wan Ying, are you certain you wish to halt your concealment at this stage?" Divine General Jieluo reminded him. "You've just achieved godhood, and being on the Ark of Time and Space offers the best moment for complete Divine Concealment."

"Divine General Jieluo, I am certain of this step," Wan Ying nodded. "I do not wish for my friends to entirely forget me. I have no Dao companion, and my relatives have all passed away. Only my friends and the survival of humanity constitute my spiritual bonds."

"Hmm," Divine General Jieluo nodded, said nothing further, and turned to leave.

"Brother, what just happened?" Venerables Fu Ping, Sheng Yi, and Hao Yu found that the unfamiliar sensation had vanished again, replaced by a return of familiarity.

"I have completed preliminary Divine Concealment. Only a few of you can perceive me now," Wan Ying smiled. "Just be sure no one breaks my Divine Concealment."

"Congratulations again, Brother Wan Ying," Zhao Xing said, offering his renewed felicitations.

"Thank you, little brother Zhao, you'll be there soon too," Wan Ying said with a smile. His bond with Zhao Xing was certainly not as deep as with Sheng Yi and the other two, but since Zhao Xing had a high probability of achieving godhood, Wan Ying chose to preserve this karmic connection.

As for Ji Si and Du Yun, having no previous connection, they had completely forgotten Wan Ying's existence. Even if Wan Ying stood beside them, they wouldn't perceive him. This was the perceptual barrier mortals experienced after Divine Concealment. Of course, if Du Yun and Ji Si also achieved godhood, they would naturally recall this brief encounter, as Wan Ying was not in complete Divine Concealment, only partial; he couldn't achieve full concealment for now.

"Grand Minister of Agriculture, I seem to have forgotten something," Ji Si communicated mentally with Zhao Xing after the latter's brief exchange with Wan Ying. "Did someone become a god and achieve Divine Concealment from me?"

Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised; was Ji Si so perceptive that he could still sense something?

"Yes, but I cannot speak his name. You will remember him later."

Ji Si looked at the empty squares. "It seems an empty square doesn't necessarily mean failure; it could also mean success in achieving godhood."

Over the following period, Zhao Xing witnessed five more Demigods successfully break through and cultivate their divine power origins. However, he soon forgot four of them, as they had no prior connection to him and naturally chose to enter Divine Concealment from his perception. Zhao Xing only remembered one individual.

Speaking of this individual, Zhao Xing hadn't known him before, but they had shared a brief encounter just now, and Zhao Xing had offered a casual congratulation. Such a minor karmic connection, yet the other party had actively chosen to preserve it, even engaging in communication and strengthening the bond.

"Agriculturist Zhao, my respects."

"Mountain Master Yi," Zhao Xing responded, somewhat surprised, not understanding the other's actions.

"I have often attended Agriculturist Zhao's Dharma Assemblies. The Three Era Realm Theory, the Dao Manifestation Cosmic Origin Theory, and the Overlapping Realms Mountain Method have all been immensely helpful to me. These are truly divine theories," Yi Zhen stated.

It turned out that Yi Zhen was a Geomatic Agriculturist, hailing not from the Primordial Hill but from the Ancient Kingdom Alliance.

"You flatter me," Zhao Xing humbly replied.

Nearby, Lu Ya couldn't help but poke Yan Ao's head. "Zhao Xing possesses immense charisma! Even Yi Zhen, who achieved godhood, still respects him as Agriculturist Zhao, and preserved such a minor karmic connection as a greeting."

"Haven't you read his Dharma theories?"

"Didn't finish it. It made me sleepy," Yellow Duck shook his head.

"Then you should at least know about the Divine King's manifestation and the Divine General's demotion at the Primordial Hill."

"I know, but how much of that is the Primordial Hill trying to inflate its own prestige? It's still very early days for the Ten Directions Mountain."

"Having that one stroke is enough," Yan Ao stated. "That single stroke is enough for you and me to enter the world and protect the Dao; it's enough for Independent Gods like Yi Zhen to maintain respect for Zhao Xing."

"How splendid!" Little Yellow Duck praised, then seemed to recall something. "Divine Yan, why are you still reading books?"

"Get down here!"

The Ark of Time and Space made frequent stops and starts. As it traversed beyond the three hundredth era before the Desolate Domain, not only did Demigods from the third tier descend, but also a few individual Demigods from the second and first tiers. Beyond the three hundredth era before the Desolate Domain, they were already very close to the final era of the Five Emperors, with the lingering light of the Divine Emperor Era even illuminating the River of Time. Zhao Xing could distinctly feel the Ark of Time and Space moving more smoothly, as if guided.

"Zhao Xing, I'm almost there."

In the 342nd era before the Desolate Domain, the square beneath Du Yun's feet illuminated. Zhao Xing glanced at the ground beneath Du Yun's feet, noting the era: Du Yun had chosen the 7th solar year of the 342nd era.

"The 342nd era of the Spirit Domain was the early period of the Spirit Domain Era, following the conclusion of the Divine Emperor Era. At that time, ancient gods emerged, causing chaos and wreaking havoc across the world. I will journey to Asura Heaven to seek opportunities, slay the Ancient God clan, and seize their divine power origins to strengthen myself."

The moment Zhao Xing heard Du Yun's choice, he knew this approach was somewhat risky. Because Du Yun would undoubtedly have to engage in combat with divine beings. This method was far more perilous than the paths to godhood chosen by Feng Pu or Xiong Yue. Only a genius of Du Yun's caliber would dare, and be able, to attempt such a feat. Just as Zhao Xing himself could transform into the God of Nine Swamps and wield divine-level combat power, Du Yun, by choosing such a method, must likewise possess the capability to contend with divine-level adversaries.

Zhao Xing was about to say "see you later," but Du Yun spoke first: "I won't be returning through normal means. After I achieve godhood, I'll immediately depart to carry out a mission assigned by the Palace Master, so you won't see me later. Assuming you return to the sixth solar year of the Third Era of the Desolate Domain before me, and I have no news, please help me look after—"

"Hey, hey, don't say such things! Taking care of Fairy Hu Tao is something you should do yourself," Zhao Xing interrupted.

"What are you thinking?!" Du Yun gave him an exasperated look, then lowered his mental transmission, subtly hinting, "I wanted you to help look after Fairy Yanuò—"

"Who is Fairy Yanuò—" Zhao Xing looked bewildered, but then immediately realized, "Holy crap, Brother Du, do you really have another confidante?"

So, you, Du Yun, truly didn't overcome that Peach Blossom Tribulation? But asking your brother to raise your mistress isn't exactly proper, is it?

"It's not what you think; there's nothing between me and Fairy Yanuò," Du Yun sighed. "We both shared 'false memories and emotions.' I moved past it, but she couldn't at the time. Later, she sought me out and was forced to reincarnate, and I truly feel somewhat sorry for her. But I can't possibly meet her myself; even helping her directly could easily lead to further complications. You are the Mountain Master of the Primordial Hill. If you help look after her and ensure her reincarnation and re-cultivation proceed smoothly, no one will know."

"Understood," Zhao Xing gestured. "Leave it to me."

"Good brother," Du Yun said, relieved, extending his fist. "Until we meet again."

"Take care," Zhao Xing replied, extending his fist and bumping Du Yun's.

The next moment, Du Yun and his internal Dao Protector vanished together beneath the square. And after the Ark of Time and Space paused, Du Yun did not reappear as expected.

The Ark of Time continued its journey upstream, and soon Zhao Xing could vaguely discern a bottomless abyss and black clouds shrouding the entire river from the abstract upper reaches of the River of Time. It was the presence of this enigmatic cloud and the abyss that separated the Five Emperors Era from the Spirit Domain Era. In smaller, localized areas, man-made fortresses stood.

These fortresses stretched continuously, like a city wall. Compared to the dark clouds, they were mere embellishments, yet they remained stably positioned across the River of Time. Within this unique temporal segment, Zhao Xing could almost directly perceive some of the 'time traps' that Bowie had mentioned. Certain whirlpools persisted, never dissipating; lives caught within them would loop infinitely. That segment of the River of Time was no longer tranquil either; indistinctly, some behemoths or human figures drifted within it.

Zhao Xing was somewhat shaken, and many Demigods undergoing time travel for the first time were equally stunned. It was their first direct experience of divine beings' interference with time, as if they were discovering the truth of this world for the first time.

"What do the Great Fissure and the dark clouds represent? Are they perhaps remnants of the last divine war?"

"The dark clouds and mist represent a historical discontinuity. How many eras did the Spirit Domain Era last after the Luo Emperor Era concluded?"

"It feels as though some destiny is lurking here."

"Don't look; you'll get entangled in karma."

"It's terrifying; falling into such a time whirlpool, I doubt escape is possible."

The Demigods conversed mentally, and at that moment, Zhao Xing also withdrew his gaze as the Ark of Time and Space stopped once more. The squares beneath his and Ji Si's feet illuminated.