To transcend what was fundamental meant stepping outside the world itself and observing the operative principles governing all things under heaven and earth—this was the Heavenly Position Realm.
At this level, though one had not yet mastered rules, everything was utterly transformed from before. For reaching the Heavenly Position was akin to regarding oneself as heaven and earth, using that vantage to comprehend the myriad phenomena of existence.
Lu Yuan understood. At the same time, he could not help but realize that the benefits bestowed by the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token were truly unexpected, as with this bottleneck he now encountered.
It had been the same last time, when breaking through into the Creation Immortal Realm. In short, the assistance from the Ancient Heavenly Emperor Token was profound indeed.
Though it did not grant an immediate breakthrough, this form of aid was clearly far superior. Rather than directly elevating one's cultivation realm or martial power, it simply allowed one to see for oneself and comprehend on one's own. Of course, had it been anyone else, grasping so much within a short span would naturally have been impossible.
Once one entered the Immortal Realm, the most crucial aspect was comprehending heaven and earth's various rules. No matter how formidable one's strength or supreme one's talent, such comprehension was not something achieved merely by wishing for it.
Yet Lu Yuan was different. He possessed the blessing of the Ancient Bodhi Tree alongside his profound foundation, making the task far less daunting. Moreover, having advanced step by step from the very beginning, he possessed insights uniquely his own, which was why everything went so smoothly.
"Still, to truly reach the Heavenly Position Immortal Realm, I'm afraid it will take time." Only after experiencing it firsthand did Lu Yuan realize the vast gulf between the two realms.
If forced to describe it, it was like the divide between an ordinary mortal and the Immortal Realm. Indeed, the disparity was just that staggering. He finally understood that the stages within the Immortal Realm were entirely worlds apart.
No wonder the Creation Immortals of those two major factions held such supreme confidence in their might. Lu Yuan was certain that without his extraordinary foundation and myriad trump cards, a Creation Immortal from those factions could indeed have slain him outright at the same realm.
And they would have done so without the slightest difficulty or hindrance. Such was the massive gap in strength, even within the identical realm.
Lu Yuan, however, was unlike anyone else. His foundation was unimaginably deep, and his formidable methods were plentiful.
At this point, Lu Yuan set aside stray thoughts and focused entirely on fusing the token. This was a lengthy process, and he discovered that the more tokens he integrated, the more time was required.
Still, he had already obtained the seventh token; there was no need to rush, and taking it slow was fine.
Meanwhile, in the outside world, news concerning the extraterrestrial heavenly demons continued to ferment. Nearly everyone knew that the abrupt disappearance of the two major factions meant they intended to usher in an enemy from beyond the boundary.
It was a terrifying adversary about whom countless rumors swirled—whispers claiming that even Human Sovereign Heavenly Emperors were powerless before such entities, and that the cosmic tribulations across every era had been caused by them.
It could be said that panic gripped Earth, particularly among the extraterrestrial beings. Some had contemplated fleeing early, but ultimately concluded that escaping made little difference.
Once those terrifying beings descended, no one under heaven could remain unscathed. They might as well linger on Earth a while longer to obtain that great era providence.
Yet speaking of the great era providence only brought them deep helplessness. After all this time, not a single soul had made any new discoveries regarding it, not even the Ten Strongest Star Sectors.
Compounded by the imminent menace of the extraterrestrial heavenly demons, the atmosphere on Earth grew increasingly fraught. After journeying across such astronomical distances, they had gained nothing, and worse, they would eventually have to face the extraterrestrial heavenly demons. Anyone would feel utterly exasperated.
In stark contrast to the tension and terror of the extraterrestrial beings, the humans and living creatures of Earth were astonishingly calm. The five great cities carried on as before, without the slightest sign of unrest.
While this was partly due to the Heavenly Court's administration, the true reason was that humans and mutated beasts alike held immense faith in Lu Yuan.
Furthermore, even if a supreme tribulation truly descended and triggered a catastrophic crisis, they were willing to face it alongside the Heavenly Court and Lu Yuan.
For in the eyes of many, the man revered as King Lu had already shielded this world countless times.
From the dawn of the global mutation until now, after enduring so much, how many people would have survived without King Lu?
Though ordinary citizens might not know cosmic secrets, they understood this truth with crystal clarity. Later had come mutated beasts, extraterrestrial entities, and more.
With every calamity that fell, humanity had suffered heavy blows. Yet to this day, countless people were living well.
With the rise of the Heavenly Court, some had even been granted the opportunity to become Awakened and embark on the path of evolution. What had once seemed utterly impossible to them had now become reality.
All of it had been brought about by Lu Yuan. Thus, even knowing a great tribulation lay ahead, they were prepared to face it together. Whatever the outcome, at least their consciences would be clear.
As for the mutated beasts, despite their past grievances with humanity, having witnessed so much—and having watched the extraterrestrial beings go from arrogant and overbearing to humble and subdued—they understood equally well that without Lu Yuan, none of what existed today would be possible.
Therefore, while all the extraterrestrial visitors were gripped by anxiety and dread, this world remained tranquil as ever. Not to mention the Heavenly Court forged by Lu Yuan's own hands, where everyone cultivated relentlessly, striving to evolve to a higher plane in hopes of offering some strength in the coming tribulation.
In short, the extraterrestrial beings and the creatures of this world presented two entirely contrasting states.
The Jiang clan saw all of this and found Lu Yuan increasingly extraordinary. To unify the hearts and minds of an entire world was something no ordinary person could achieve.
For the Jiang clan, allying with him could no longer be called merely a wise choice—it was sheer fortune.
As for Jiang Ningxian, upon learning of this, she paid it little heed. She had long anticipated such an outcome, knowing that as long as Lu Yuan was present, no matter how dire the situation, it was not insurmountable; he would certainly find a way.
Until this day, Jiang Ningxian received word from outside the domain, brought in person by Jiang Huanyun.
"Is this news real? The extraterrestrial heavenly demons have appeared? And a great war has begun?"
Jiang Ningxian's eyes shook with shock, her voice laced with disbelief. She had never expected this calamity to truly arrive so soon.
"It is true. The Domain Lord has issued the order, and we must mobilize as well. At the very least, you and Haokong must leave Earth and head to the battlefield. And if possible, Lu Yuan can come along as well!" Jiang Huanyun said solemnly.
Chapter 457