Promoted to True Disciple, Ancient Region Heavenly Sect Shaken! Brain Domain Expansion, the Secret of Divine Treasury!

"Di... Divine Treasury?" "Senior Brother Lu has advanced to the Divine Treasury Realm?" "This... this is too fast. How long has it been since he arrived at the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect? At most a few months. Probably not even half a year." "When Senior Brother Lu first arrived at the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, they say his mind power had an index of only forty-eight. Now he has already broken through to the Divine Treasury Realm—is this the caliber of a top-tier genius?" Although they all knew Lu Changsheng possessed peerless talent and could not be judged by ordinary logic, going from a mind index of forty-eight to one hundred in just a few months, unlocking his brain domain directly, and advancing to the Divine Treasury Realm—such speed was still utterly unbelievable. The Elder of the Deacon Hall took a deep breath. He slowly recovered his composure. "Divine Treasury..." The Deacon Hall Elder sensed Lu Changsheng's aura slightly. It was indeed the Divine Treasury Realm. Right now, Lu Changsheng could be called the foremost genius in the entire Ancient Region Heavenly Sect; his breakthrough to the Divine Treasury Realm was bound to cause a huge stir. "Lu Changsheng, please wait a moment." The Deacon Hall Elder went straight to fetch the Vice Hall Master. The Vice Hall Master handled the paperwork for Lu Changsheng personally. In just half an hour, all procedures were finalized. "Lu Changsheng, now take your identity token and head directly to the True Disciple Hall." "Starting today, you are a true disciple of our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect!" "As for the benefits, general guidelines, and introductory information regarding true disciples, someone at the True Disciple Hall will give you a True Disciple Manual, which records everything in detail." Lu Changsheng nodded. "Thank you for your trouble, Vice Hall Master." Lu Changsheng turned around, preparing to leave the Deacon Hall. Meanwhile, the inner disciples inside the Deacon Hall spoke in unison, calling out respectfully, "Respectfully seeing off Senior Brother Lu!" Lu Changsheng nodded in return, even though he did not recognize any of them. Lu Changsheng made his way toward the True Disciple Hall. The True Disciple Hall was the most magnificent hall in the entire Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. After all, everyone knew the True Disciple Hall was the sect's true core. However, the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect had always maintained strict secrecy regarding the True Disciple Hall, as well as the circumstances of the true disciples. This resulted in even members of the sect having only a superficial, hazy understanding of the True Disciple Hall and its disciples. When Lu Changsheng entered the grand True Disciple Hall, he found it vast and empty. There wasn't a single disciple inside. Only an Elder of the True Disciple Hall sat there resting with his eyes closed. "Elder, disciple Lu Changsheng has advanced to true disciple. Here is my identity token; please look it over," Lu Changsheng spoke. "Hmm?" "Someone else has been promoted to true disciple?" The Elder opened his eyes. In the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, those promoted to true disciple were few and far between; it was by no means an easy feat. However, when the Elder saw Lu Changsheng standing before him, his pupils constricted sharply, and his gaze locked onto him. "You... you are Lu Changsheng, the one who struck down a Divine Treasury from below?" "This disciple is indeed Lu Changsheng." Lu Changsheng was not surprised. He was now well aware of how much influence his reputation carried. It was hardly confined to the inner sect. Even the True Disciple Hall was closely watching him. *Hiss.* Even the True Disciple Hall Elder, typically unruffled by any disturbance, could not help drawing a sharp breath, deeply astonished. He took Lu Changsheng's identity token and confirmed again, "Lu Changsheng, true disciple seed of the Northern Region Heavenly Sect, teleported to the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect a few months ago..." The identity token recorded everything clearly. In mere months, Lu Changsheng had leaped forward from a mind index of forty-eight, soaring straight to one hundred. And now he had even unlocked his brain domain and advanced to the Divine Treasury Realm! Such cultivation speed made him the most dazzling genius throughout the entire history of the sect's true disciples—without equal! Not to mention his feat of slaying a Divine Treasury while in a lower realm. "Good! From today on, our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's True Disciple Hall has gained another true disciple." "Lu Changsheng, remember this well: your residence is Cave Dwelling Number Seven in the True Disciple Hall." "Your identity token can unlock the cave dwelling. In the True Disciple Hall, unless ordered by the Sect Master, no one may trespass into your cave dwelling. You may slay any violators on the spot!" "This is the True Disciple Manual, which details all privileges and entitlements of true disciples." "If you encounter anything you do not understand, feel free to come ask me directly," the True Disciple Hall Elder spoke with an amicable expression. The young man before him had managed to slay a Divine Treasury while only in the Divine Gang Realm, the most brilliant genius in the history of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. How could the Elder's attitude not be warm and gentle? "Thank you for your guidance, Elder." Lu Changsheng cupped his hands in salute, picked up the True Disciple Manual, turned around, and walked toward Cave Dwelling Number Seven. Though the number of true disciples was small, the area occupied by the True Disciple Hall was immense. After searching for a while, Lu Changsheng finally located Cave Dwelling Number Seven. He retrieved his identity token and walked up before the entrance. *Hum.* An invisible barrier seemed to ripple across the entrance, yet as Lu Changsheng held out his identity token, he passed effortlessly through the obstacle. "A formation array?" Lu Changsheng was no longer merely a true disciple seed from the Northern Region Heavenly Sect. Having arrived in the Ancient Region, his horizons had broadened, and he was no stranger to formation arrays. Still, laying down arrays was an enormous expense for a martial sect. Just sustaining them with spirit stones was no small burden. Yet the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect had installed arrays for every true disciple's cave dwelling, which went to show how much importance the sect attached to true disciples. *Rumble!* The stone door of Cave Dwelling Number Seven slowly parted. Lu Changsheng stepped inside. It was evident the cave dwelling had been unoccupied for a long time, yet the interior remained spotless and free of dust. "Dust-avoiding pearls?" Lu Changsheng noticed several dust-avoiding pearls embedded in the walls. With dust-avoiding pearls, no matter how long a cave dwelling stood vacant, not a speck of dust would accumulate, keeping it immaculately clean. Naturally, these were dharma artifacts crafted by Immortal Masters or Dao Lords from the immortal path. Lu Changsheng took out the True Disciple Manual and began reviewing the benefits. "True disciples may browse all martial arts manuals in the Technique Transmission Hall free of charge?" "If a true disciple encounters danger, they may call upon any sect member for assistance. Anyone in the sect who sees a true disciple's distress signal must rush to their aid immediately." "For sect resources requiring contribution points, true disciples receive top priority once an application is submitted." "True disciples..." Lu Changsheng saw clause after clause outlining the privileges granted to true disciples. None were hollow gestures; they were substantial, tremendous advantages. Free access to every martial arts manual in the Technique Transmission Hall alone brought him boundless delight. His comprehension relied on practicing martial arts to advance. The ordinary martial arts he had previously exchanged for were nearly all mastered. With all of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect's martial arts, techniques, and secret methods open freely to true disciples, Lu Changsheng would not have to worry about advancing his comprehension for a very long time. Lu Changsheng remained silent for a long time. He now had a clear grasp of the sect's attitude toward true disciples. It was completely different from how they treated outer and inner disciples. From beginning to end, true disciples were the true core of the sect! Every true disciple was exceedingly precious and represented the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. The sect did everything in its power to provide them with the finest resources and cultivation environment, striving to help them take that next step. "That step lies beyond the Divine Treasury Realm!" "If a true disciple takes that step, they are no longer a disciple, but part of the sect's upper echelons." "Moreover, true disciples are not required to leave the True Disciple Hall after ten years—they are given a hundred years!" "If they fail to break through, they may stay in the True Disciple Hall for a full century." Lu Changsheng's eyes gleamed with sharp focus. A century was essentially an entire lifespan for a Divine Treasury martial artist. Many Divine Treasury martial artists only achieved the breakthrough in their forties or fifties. Staying another hundred years without a breakthrough would bring them to the age of one hundred and fifty, very close to the natural lifespan limit of a Divine Treasury martial artist. By then, further breakthroughs were practically out of the question, and they could leave the True Disciple Hall to settle down in the sect to live out their old age. Therefore, there was essentially no concept of elimination for true disciples. True disciple for a day, true disciple for life! "All these resources and privileges provided by the sect, along with a generous century of time... The sect's sole purpose is the hope that someone among the true disciples will break through and take that step." "What exactly is that step?" Lu Changsheng was very curious. The True Disciple Manual did not state what lay beyond the Divine Treasury Realm. Lu Changsheng pondered for a moment. He still needed to make a trip to the Technique Transmission Hall first. Through those martial arts manuals, he could learn what came after the Divine Treasury and discover how to cultivate next. After all, with his domains now settled inside his brain domain, Lu Changsheng suddenly found himself idle. He didn't even know what to practice next. And since the Divine Treasury was hailed as the beginning of true martial arts, it was undoubtedly crucial; Lu Changsheng naturally could not practice blindly. Thus, Lu Changsheng stood up and headed straight to the Technique Transmission Hall. At this time, there were still numerous disciples inside the Technique Transmission Hall. However, Lu Changsheng's appearance caused another commotion. "News just spread from the inner sect—Senior Brother Lu has unlocked his brain domain, achieved promotion, and become a true disciple of our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect!" "Senior Brother Lu became a true disciple... That's unbelievable! It's only been a few months." "They always say the Northern Region Heavenly Sect's true disciple seeds are all extraordinary. Now it seems the rumors are true—as long as nothing unexpected happens, every seed of the Northern Region Heavenly Sect can basically reach the Divine Treasury Realm." Many disciples looked upon Lu Changsheng with immense envy. The top-tier genius who had slain a Divine Treasury from below and was hailed as the number one Divine Gang in the Ancient Region had indeed lived up to expectations, unlocking his brain domain and advancing to the Divine Treasury Realm! Lu Changsheng went straight to the area in the Technique Transmission Hall where martial arts and secret methods were stored. He presented his identity token directly. "A true disciple!" A glimmer of amazement flashed in the Technique Transmission Hall Elder's eyes. Naturally, he recognized Lu Changsheng. "True disciples may browse any martial arts and secret methods in the Technique Transmission Hall free of charge. Whatever you wish to read, simply provide the title, and I will retrieve the manual for you," the Technique Transmission Hall Elder explained patiently. "May I ask, Elder, do you have any recommendations for books covering foundational martial arts knowledge? For example, what realm lies beyond the Divine Treasury?" Lu Changsheng had considered that searching on his own would be too slow. Having a recommendation from the Elder would naturally be ideal. After all, the Elder had been here for so many years that every manual and secret method was likely etched into his memory. "Foundational knowledge... Then take this book. Written by a senior of our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect, it offers a bird's-eye perspective expounding the true essence of martial arts. Reading it will broaden your horizons and do you much good." The Technique Transmission Hall Elder took out an ancient book and handed it to Lu Changsheng. "Thank you, Elder." Lu Changsheng took the book straight to a private cultivation room. Inside the quiet room, Lu Changsheng slowly opened the book. The book appeared to have been authored by a martial artist named Gu Yuan. Given that it was kept in the Technique Transmission Hall, he was undoubtedly a predecessor of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. With profound insight, the text expounded upon the stages of Body Tempering, the Divine Strength Realm, and the Divine Gang Realm. These three realms seemed vastly different on the surface. Yet Gu Yuan argued that all three were fundamentally identical—all cultivated the "essence" of the human body. The human body was divided into "essence, qi, and spirit." Body Tempering, Divine Strength, and Divine Gang all cultivated human essence—that is to say, the physical body. Qi and blood, muscles, bones, skin, and the like all belonged to essence. In this aspect, demons were the strongest! Martial artists came second, while Immortal Masters were the weakest. Furthermore, bound by physical limitations, the human body could never match the terrifying extremes of a demon's flesh. The ceiling of the human body was limited; the Thousand Tripods Realm was essentially the limit of human flesh, impossible to surpass. For martial arts to advance further, it had to blaze a different path. Martial artists could not replicate demonic essence. As for the immortal path's qi—spiritual power—only those gifted with spiritual roots could draw qi into their bodies to become Immortal Masters. Martial artists basically lacked spiritual roots, meaning they could not draw this "qi" into themselves. Thus, among essence, qi, and spirit, only "spirit" remained. This "spirit" was in truth the unification of mind and soul. Therefore, starting from the Divine Gang Realm, martial artists were required to elevate their mind power. This was because the focus of the martial path lay in spirit. Unlocking the brain domain led to the Divine Treasury. This brain domain was opened by mind power. It was precisely because martial artists unlocked their brain domains that martial arts could henceforth contend against demons and the immortal path. Reading this, Lu Changsheng came to a sudden realization. Before this, his martial cultivation had been somewhat muddled, merely progressing step by step without a systematic understanding of the martial journey. Now, Lu Changsheng understood the foundation of martial arts: it was, in truth, spirit. This was the martial path forged by predecessors hacking through thorns and brambles, a grand avenue reaching toward the heavens! Once the brain domain was opened, martial artists shattered their shackles, and their martial path advanced by leaps and bounds. The brain domain opened in the Divine Treasury Realm was actually not stable. Moreover, while the brain domain possessed various miraculous powers, these wondrous powers could only be wielded by transforming illusion into reality through the brain domain. Yet the capacity of the brain domain to nourish things was limited. This was because the brain domain was not yet strong enough and had not undergone qualitative transformation. If the brain domain could be transformed into a "realm"—equivalent to a world within the mind—at that point, a martial artist's brain domain could fully manifest, with every gesture unleashing terrifying might. This realm was known as the "Dao Foundation," meaning the foundation of martial arts! In reality, it corresponded to the Foundation Establishment Dao Lords of the immortal path. Foundation Establishment established the base of the immortal path; evidently, martial artists had modeled the Dao Foundation after immortal Foundation Establishment. "Beyond the Divine Treasury lies the Dao Foundation, primarily requiring the brain domain to transform into a brain realm, turning the brain domain from illusion into reality." "And to transform the brain domain into a brain realm requires a special treasure: the Boundary Transforming Stone." "Though precious, the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect possesses Boundary Transforming Stones; any true disciple who applies is certain to receive one." "However, once a Boundary Transforming Stone initiates the transformation, the brain domain endures tremendous pressure. If it cannot withstand the strain, it will collapse, resulting in absolute death." Lu Changsheng's heart sank. Clearly, breaking through from the Divine Treasury to the Dao Foundation was exceedingly perilous: success or death! However, there had to be a way to improve the odds of advancing to the Dao Foundation. That was to find ways to strengthen the brain domain. Martial artists had discovered a type of Boundary Suppressing Stone, which could be integrated into the brain domain to stabilize and suppress it, making it far sturdier. Generally speaking, only when the brain domain expanded to ten li in diameter could one refine a Boundary Suppressing Stone. If the brain domain had not reached ten li, one could still attempt to refine it, but the brain domain was very likely to collapse under the strain, doing far more harm than good. Once ten Boundary Suppressing Stones were refined, the brain domain would have expanded to roughly one hundred li in diameter. Using a Boundary Transforming Stone at that point to convert the brain domain into a brain realm yielded a vastly higher success rate—practically guaranteed—without the danger of the brain domain collapsing. Therefore, this was the cultivation path for the Divine Treasury Realm: expand the brain domain and refine Boundary Suppressing Stones! The crux lay in expanding the brain domain. One could comprehend domains and nurture them within the brain domain. As long as a domain was nurtured to perfection, the brain domain would expand by one li in diameter. Yet with this method, expanding the brain domain to a hundred li would mean comprehending a hundred different domains and nurturing each to perfection! That was far too difficult! There were also certain spiritual secret methods that could be placed into the brain domain to widen it. What was more, certain miraculous treasures could be absorbed into the brain domain to cause expansion. However, such treasures were exceedingly rare, each one immensely valuable. Whenever one appeared, it inevitably provoked fierce contention among Divine Treasury martial artists. In contrast, Boundary Suppressing Stones and Boundary Transforming Stones could both be supplied by the sect. The hardest part was expanding the brain domain. This depended entirely on individual talent, comprehension, and opportunities. Most Divine Treasury experts went to the second level of the Ancient Region. The primary reason was precisely to search for opportunities. What if they integrated a treasure into their brain domain and expanded it by ten or several dozen li all at once? Such occurrences were not unheard of. Once, a Divine Treasury martial artist possessed incredible luck and obtained a heaven-defying treasure, instantly expanding his brain domain to one hundred li, smoothly transforming it into a realm and establishing his Dao Foundation! *Snap.* Lu Changsheng closed the book. He now had a solid grasp of cultivation in the Divine Treasury Realm. Only now did he understand why the sect opened all martial arts and secret methods freely to true disciples. Because for a Divine Treasury martial artist wanting to expand their brain domain, comprehending domains was perhaps the most direct method. Yet was it really that easy? Even with comprehension as high as Lu Changsheng's, he had only perceived five domains, not to mention the long process of nurturing them to perfection. That took time. Many Divine Treasury martial artists spent their entire lives and approached their lifespan limit having comprehended only a handful of domains. Some had not even nurtured those domains to perfection, unable to expand their brain domains at all. Only a few Divine Treasury experts with extraordinary comprehension might grasp ten or twenty domains. Nonetheless, most Divine Treasury martial artists focused on seeking opportunities and treasures. When expanding their brain domains, they treated treasures as primary and domain comprehension as secondary. Yet Lu Changsheng felt he had to leverage his own strengths. With comprehension as formidable as his, not using it to comprehend domains would be an utter waste. Therefore, he would treat domain comprehension as his primary path and treasure-hunting as secondary—the exact opposite of ordinary Divine Treasury martial artists. "Right, certain secret methods can also expand the brain domain." "For example, my Mind Sword Mantra Formula! Currently, the Mind Sword is being nurtured within my brain domain, expanding it by one li." Lu Changsheng thought of the Mind Sword. With his five domains plus the Mind Sword Mantra Formula, alongside his initial baseline brain domain of one li, his brain domain had already reached seven li in diameter! He was only three li away from being able to use a Boundary Suppressing Stone. "To expand the brain domain by three li, I only need to comprehend three more domains and bring them to perfection..." Lu Changsheng's eyes glittered. Three domains, and perfected at that. To others, comprehending them might take years or even decades, but Lu Changsheng was different. He felt that comprehending domains did not seem all that difficult. Previously, he had not continued seeking new domains simply because his existing domains were sufficient; grasping more had offered no purpose then. Now, comprehending domains was cultivation itself. Lu Changsheng naturally had to apply himself. *Snap.* Lu Changsheng shut Gu Yuan's book. He stood up and returned the book to the Technique Transmission Hall Elder. "Finished reading?" the Elder asked. "Yes, I have finished. Thank you, Elder." The Technique Transmission Hall Elder nodded. "Go ahead. The third floor holds insights and reflections on various domains. Predecessors of our Ancient Region Heavenly Sect recorded their experiences when comprehending domains. Browse through them; perhaps something will strike a chord and allow you to comprehend a domain." Lu Changsheng nodded. "That is precisely my intention!" This was the heritage of a major sect. The more insights on domains preserved, the more guidance left for future generations. Perhaps some disciples would find inspiration. Of course, domains had to be comprehended entirely on one's own. No two domains were identical. Whether one could be inspired depended entirely on personal fortune and insight. If Lu Changsheng ever approached his life's end, he would likewise record his experiences to enrich the heritage of the Ancient Region Heavenly Sect. Lu Changsheng went up to the third floor. Only true disciples were permitted on the third floor. Inside were various domain insights along with various secret methods. Naturally, secret methods were few. Lu Changsheng first examined the domain insights. There was no need to go downstairs to exchange for these books with the Elder; they could be read directly. Lu Changsheng opened the first book. "Saber Domain!" The first book surprisingly recorded the Saber Domain. This happened to align well with Lu Changsheng, for in battle, he fought with a saber. Yet despite wielding a saber so often, he had never comprehended a Saber Domain. Lu Changsheng finished reading the account of the Saber Domain. The author was a bladesman who had been accompanied by his saber since childhood. Thus, comprehending saber martial conception was a natural progression. One day while practicing, he had suddenly grasped saber intent. He then spent a lengthy period evolving that saber intent into a Saber Domain. Finally, upon advancing to the Divine Treasury, he placed the Saber Domain into his brain domain to nurture it, bringing it to perfection. Such reflections were actually of little practical help. "I have used the saber plenty of times!" "Yet it seems I have never truly observed the saber in my hand with care." "Much less comprehended saber intent..." Lu Changsheng drew his saber. *Clang!* For the first time, Lu Changsheng unsheathed his blade without drawing blood. He attempted to comprehend saber intent! Lu Changsheng stared intently at the blade's patterns. Scene after scene surfaced in his mind—every time he had ever drawn his saber. As those images played out in his mind, Lu Changsheng gradually felt as if the saber in his hand had come alive. *Buzz.* The next moment, a sharp, piercing saber intent emanated from Lu Changsheng. Saber intent was achieved just like that! The entire process had taken a mere half an hour! "With my current comprehension, comprehending saber intent is far too easy." "The real challenge is evolving it into a domain!" Even so, Lu Changsheng had to try. He wanted to see whether, with his current comprehension, he could evolve saber intent into a Saber Domain in a short time. Lu Changsheng went into a dedicated cultivation room. He held the saber in his hands, quietly enveloping the blade with saber intent. Inspirations surged in his mind as he contemplated the intent. Time slipped by bit by bit. One hour, two hours, three hours... Lu Changsheng spent an entire day in the cultivation room. *Whoosh.* Lu Changsheng opened his eyes. "No... I underestimated domains." "Saber intent is easy to grasp, but evolving it into a domain requires slow, painstaking grinding..." Lu Changsheng muttered in a low voice. Painstaking grinding consumed time. And the Divine Treasury only extended lifespan by a hundred years, not a thousand. To slowly grind away comprehending martial conceptions and evolving domains—and needing a hundred of them—how long would that take? Ten years? Fifty years? A hundred years? Or perhaps even centuries? All were entirely possible! Lu Changsheng had no desire to wait around relying on elusive luck. He wanted to hold the initiative in his own hands. He had to evolve domains within a short time. "Two methods: either raise my comprehension to ten thousand points, triggering a qualitative leap where evolving domains might become effortless, or consume Dao Comprehension Pills." At this thought, Lu Changsheng immediately drew a Dao Comprehension Pill from his person.