So-called ultimate evolution was to transcend one's own limits, elevating one's level of life to a state of absolute perfection and extremity.
Under such circumstances, any living being would essentially stand at the pinnacle in every respect.
In terms of combat prowess in particular, the transformation compared to before was nothing short of world-shaking.
Originally, Lu Yuan had regarded the transition from Heavenly Position Immortal to Supreme Immortal as merely the elevation of a cultivation realm.
Now, however, it seemed entirely different, for he could feel the changes permeating every fiber of his being.
The Heavenly Position Laws had completely integrated into his flesh and blood, while every ounce of power he had previously mastered was thoroughly condensed into his soul.
Within the space he had forged, everything answered to a single thought. Aside from truly living beings, all matter and phenomena could be created in an instant. Thus, to some degree, this extreme realm could be said to have reached a state of mutual balance with the power of various laws.
Under these conditions, Lu Yuan's strength and every attribute began to undergo a complete metamorphosis, his entire form enveloped in boundless divine radiance.
Yet while he was advancing from Heavenly Position Immortal to Supreme Immortal, the situation across the wider universe had quietly begun to shift.
Within the Milky Way Star Sector.
Led by two Supreme Immortals—Jiang Taiyu, Domain Lord of the Jiang clan, and the Present Buddha of the Bliss Star Sector—figures stood assembled. From every one of them emanated an unceasingly formidable and daunting might.
Waves of terrifying auras surged forth, causing countless distant stars to tremble and flicker between light and dark.
After all, every individual present had reached the Immortal Realm.
Across the entire cosmos, they were undeniably peak powerhouses whose every gesture could shift the course of galaxies.
At this moment, however, gravity marked their expressions.
As they looked beyond the Milky Way Star Sector, deep concern surfaced in their eyes.
After an extended period of reconnaissance, Jiang Taiyu and the others had confirmed that the Ji Clan Domain Lord and the Eternal Domain Lord truly appeared to have returned from the cosmic borderlands, and they were already drawing near the Milky Way Star Sector.
Though their true objective remained unknown, one thing was certain: they had not come with good intentions. Moreover, through Lu Yuan's earlier warning, everyone already knew that these two Domain Lords had allied with extraterrestrial beings and were preparing to assault this universe.
By now, Extraterrestrial Demons had begun appearing across various star sectors throughout the cosmos, using their power to influence this world in preparation for their arrival.
Even though Jiang Taiyu had already rallied experts from several star sectors to begin purging those Extraterrestrial Demons, the problem remained that doing so could not resolve the core crisis.
Above all, the return of the Ji Clan Domain Lord and the Eternal Domain Lord from the borderlands meant they had finalized their preparations. When both sides met again, a catastrophic war would likely erupt—a war that would decide the fate of this universe.
"As matters stand, we cannot go anywhere. Those two could arrive at any moment," a Jiang clan powerhouse said, his tone utterly solemn. He knew that if they could withstand those two supreme beings, everything that followed would become far more manageable.
"I only wonder how much stronger the Ji Clan Domain Lord and the Eternal Domain Lord have grown after receiving the power of the Extraterrestrial Demons. If they are merely at the Supreme Immortal Realm, we need not fear them in the least. What I fear is that they have directly transcended the limits of life's evolution. If so, dealing with them will be troublesome indeed."
Jiang Taiyu spoke. He did not fear battle; what truly worried him was the prospect of being unable to withstand them. Should they fall, nothing would be left to halt the extraterrestrial invasion and erosion of this universe.
Originally, had those two Domain Lords not turned, there would have been no cause for such dread.
Yet who could have foreseen that two existences who had already attained the rank of Supreme Immortal would conspire with extraterrestrial beings?
Still, upon careful reflection, it seemed somewhat inevitable. An immense expanse of time had passed since anyone in this universe had transcended the Supreme Immortal Realm. For those two to make such a choice in pursuit of further advancement was understandable.
At least, in the eyes of Jiang Taiyu and his companions, it was understandable—yet understanding did not mean condoning.
And so they stood guard in the Milky Way Star Sector, awaiting their arrival to commence the true battle.
Time continued to slip by.
*Rumble—*
After an unknown interval, a colossal roar abruptly resonated from the distance.
Immediately following it, a bolt of lightning of unfathomable length materialized, spanning countless stars. Like a radiant river of stars, it shone with such brilliance that even the suns grew dim by comparison.
Yet that was of secondary importance. What mattered most was the magnificent aura that surged immediately in its wake.
The moment this aura appeared, myriad surrounding stars shattered, and even blazing suns were annihilated, unable to endure it for a single instant.
The expressions of Jiang Taiyu and the Future Buddha of the World of Ultimate Bliss shifted in that very instant as they looked into the distance.
The power of Supreme Immortals surged continuously from their bodies, causing the surrounding cosmos to roar as brilliant rays of light intertwined.
At last, they saw clearly. Behind that suffocating aura stood two silhouettes stationed in the distant starry expanse, enveloped in immortal radiance. In the very next breath, they appeared directly before Jiang Taiyu and the others.
The aura radiating from these two was intensely dense. Wherever they passed, even the power of the laws could not endure it, appearing on the verge of collapse.
Seeing this, shock flashed across the eyes of the powerhouses led by Jiang Taiyu, for this power truly seemed to have transcended the Supreme Immortal Realm.
"Jiang Taiyu, it has been a long time. I trust you have been well?" the Ji Clan Domain Lord spoke, a smile lingering in his eyes.
In an ancient era long past, the Jiang clan and the Ji clan had fought side by side as true allies.
Yet with the passage of time, the two factions had drifted apart, eventually standing in opposition through the conflicts of their rising descendants.
Between the Ji Clan Domain Lord and Jiang Taiyu, old grievances ran deep. Now, meeting once more, though a smile touched the Ji Clan Domain Lord's face, his eyes were devoid of anything but cold detachment.
"Spare the pleasantries. I already know that your Ji clan and the Eternal Star Sector have colluded with extraterrestrial beings. Whatever your aim, I know with absolute certainty that I must stop you today," Jiang Taiyu said, wasting no words.
The two had come to the Milky Way Star Sector surely to pave the way for the arrival of the extraterrestrial beings—something he would never permit under any circumstances.
"I knew you would say that, but neither of us cares. Let me say only this: if you intend to stop us, there will be only one outcome." At this point, thick, murderous intent surfaced in the Ji Clan Domain Lord's voice. "Total annihilation!"
Chapter 582