At Mount Feilong, Lu Changsheng and Zhao Yi had finally returned.
From the looks of it, Mount Feilong had not undergone any significant changes.
This brought a slight relief to Lu Changsheng and Zhao Yi.
Lu Changsheng sensed Lin Qingluan. Since she had constantly been accompanied by his avatar, his absence had not affected her much in practice. Because of this, Lu Changsheng did not go to see Lin Qingluan right away, heading instead to the cave dwelling of his master, Sovereign Feilong.
"Disciple Lu Changsheng pays his respects to Master."
"Disciple Zhao Yi pays his respects to Master."
Lu Changsheng and Zhao Yi bowed respectfully to Sovereign Feilong.
"You two have finally returned. It seems your ventures across the alternate universes were quite fruitful."
"Changsheng, in particular, the aura upon you is so immense. Has your True Realm's volume grown?" Sovereign Feilong asked.
"Master, this disciple's True Realm volume has indeed grown a bit."
"Oh? Exactly how much has it grown?"
"At present, my True Realm's volume has reached six hundred times its original size!"
Sovereign Feilong's smile froze slightly, looking almost petrified.
A volume of six hundred times?
Naturally, Sovereign Feilong understood what Lu Changsheng meant by a six-hundredfold volume. It was an expansion of six hundred times, taking his original True Realm Plane's volume as the baseline unit.
What kind of terrifying figure was that?
Back when his True Realm Plane was at its original baseline, Lu Changsheng was already comparable to a veteran Second Realm mighty figure. Now, it was equivalent to growing six hundred times over. Even a straightforward numerical comparison made it abundantly clear how terrifying this was: it was equivalent to adding six hundred of the former Lu Changsheng together.
Of course, with all that mighty power gathered into a single being, a six-hundredfold volume was far stronger than six hundred separate Second Realm mighty figures.
Let alone six hundred—even against a thousand or several thousand Second Realm mighty figures, Lu Changsheng could sweep through them unchallenged, crushing every single one to dust.
"Master, Junior Brother Lu is truly extraordinary," Zhao Yi chimed in with radiant excitement. "In both Moke Universe and Mingluo Universe, he crushed formidable foes and suppressed a multitude of mighty figures from alternate universes. Even the Supreme Sword Venerable and the Nine-Headed Supreme fell by Junior Brother Lu's hands! Many cosmic mighty figures even speculate that Junior Brother Lu might already qualify for the Hundred Supremes Ranking, standing among the ranks of supreme powerhouses across the myriad universes of the River of Spacetime!"
"Entering the Hundred Supremes Ranking and becoming a supreme powerhouse?" Sovereign Feilong was visibly moved.
If Lu Changsheng's mention of a six-hundredfold volume had only been an abstract concept, the Hundred Supremes Ranking and supreme powerhouses made Sovereign Feilong instantly realize the terrifying heights to which Lu Changsheng had grown.
Perhaps many Second Realm mighty figures in the Great Universe were unaware of the Hundred Supremes Ranking and supreme powerhouses, but as a Sovereign, Sovereign Feilong knew precisely what the ranking signified.
If Lu Changsheng had hope of entering the Hundred Supremes Ranking, he would be the foremost Second Realm mighty figure throughout the entire Great Universe!
"Changsheng, if you truly can rank among the Hundred Supremes, then beyond any shadow of a doubt, you are the greatest cosmic mighty figure in the Great Universe from antiquity to the present!" Sovereign Feilong remarked with deep emotion.
No matter what, Sovereign Feilong could never have imagined that taking Lu Changsheng as his disciple back then would result in him reaching such staggering heights in so short a time. It was practically beyond belief. Even though Sovereigns were said to be all-knowing and omnipotent, at this moment, it all felt rather surreal.
"By the way, Master, we noticed some cultivators from alternate universes right after returning to the Great Universe. What is happening?" Lu Changsheng asked hurriedly.
Sovereign Feilong looked into the void and said with profound meaning, "The reason is simple: the location of the Great Universe has been exposed."
"However, for the Great Universe, this turn of events could be considered fortunate, though whether it turns out to be unfortunate may depend on the future."
"Our coordinates were exposed, yet we were not invaded by an alternate universe. Instead, representatives from the River of Spacetime's Universe Alliance came to make contact. There is no need for you to know the specifics of the negotiations, but in the end, an agreement was reached. The Great Universe will open its doors, allowing cultivators from alternate universes to enter."
"However, the Universe Alliance is an extremely loose confederation. It holds no control over any universe and acts more like a shared platform. The sole advantage of joining the Universe Alliance is gaining access to more resources and powerhouses, but when facing foreign invasions, we still have to rely on our own cosmos."
"If we encounter an overwhelmingly powerful Sovereign whom we truly cannot match, the Great Universe can request aid from the Universe Alliance. So long as we pay a certain price, we can even enlist top Sovereigns."
"Therefore, taking all factors into consideration, the Great Universe decided to agree to the Universe Alliance's terms and open up. After all, the discovery of our location is an established fact. Even if we refused to join, the Great Universe could never remain concealed as it was before."
"Thus, from that moment on, the Great Universe is in constant danger."
Following Sovereign Feilong's explanation, Lu Changsheng and Zhao Yi understood.
Having ventured through alternate universes, they knew such circumstances were quite common. Even if one had never witnessed it firsthand, one would have heard of it. Once a universe's coordinates were exposed, it was an exceedingly perilous matter.
As for being contacted by the Universe Alliance first rather than suffering an invasion, that was indeed fortunate. At the very least, it gave the Great Universe time to prepare in advance.
This was different from the Four Extremes Universe. The Four Extremes Universe had opened its borders proactively out of absolute confidence in its own strength. After all, each of the Four Extremes Sovereigns was a top-tier Sovereign.
And the Great Universe? It lacked even a single top Sovereign. Universes without top Sovereigns were always in immense danger.
One only needed to look at Moke Universe to see why. Lacking a top Sovereign, it was constantly being invaded by cultivators from the Great Universe. The Great Universe could very well become the next Moke Universe.
"I see... Master, has the Great Universe changed as a whole for now?" Lu Changsheng asked.
"Indeed, there has been little change overall."
"The only changes have been for the better. Because of our contact with the Universe Alliance, some cosmic mighty figures have journeyed to prosperous regions under the alliance. There, they can explore other methods to birth immortal true intent without taking lethal risks."
"Even some Sovereigns can openly communicate and trade immortal substances with Sovereigns from other members of the Universe Alliance."
"In short, the Great Universe is currently flourishing, and everything is heading in a positive direction. But the prerequisite is that we are not invaded. Otherwise, the current state of the Great Universe will be thrown into instant chaos..."
Lu Changsheng nodded. Naturally, he understood his master's meaning.
The prosperity of the Great Universe was exceedingly fragile. Its current strength was insufficient to sustain this prosperity indefinitely. If it encountered a powerful enemy, its prosperity would prove as fleeting as a blooming night-cactus. Bolstering its own strength was the paramount priority.
"By the way, your return couldn't have come at a better time."
"With the Great Universe joining the Universe Alliance, the alliance granted our cosmos a single quota for the Eternal Academy. This quota is exceedingly precious. In the past, whenever a cosmos wished to recommend a candidate to the Eternal Academy, it had to pay a tremendous price—often a price that an entire universe could scarcely assemble."
"Because this is our first time joining the Universe Alliance, they granted us preferential treatment, vastly reducing the cost."
"For this single quota, the various Sovereign factions in the Great Universe have racked their brains and competed fiercely, willing to pay any price to send their own cultivators into the Eternal Academy."
"Therefore, as your master, I wish to recommend you to fight for it as well. With your current strength, your chances of securing this quota are very high."
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; you must seize it!"
Sovereign Feilong appeared rather excited. After all, that was the Eternal Academy!
"Master, what exactly is the background of this Eternal Academy? Why does it attract so many universes like moths to a flame?" Lu Changsheng asked.
"The Eternal Academy, as the name implies, aims to nurture seeds of the Eternal Realm."
"Of course, the Eternal Academy has yet to produce a single true Eternal Realm powerhouse to this day, but that doesn't mean it is deficient. While it has not produced an Eternal Realm expert, it has fostered many Sovereigns."
"Many Sovereigns who emerged from the Eternal Academy eventually became top Sovereigns, dominating the River of Spacetime. Even those who did not become top Sovereigns were renowned powerhouses with astonishing combat prowess."
"Furthermore, the Eternal Academy lacks no manner of cultivation resources. So long as one can satisfy the academy, displaying true talent that outshines the crowd, one will receive cultivation resources all the way until ascending to Sovereign."
"It is said that there is another secret within the Eternal Academy: anyone who enters and becomes a true disciple will receive a method tailored specifically for them to comprehend immortal true intent. They have a tremendous probability of grasping immortal true intent, subsequently birthing it and earning the qualification to charge toward the Third Realm Sovereign stage. Of course, that is merely a rumor. Yet it is an undisputed fact that as many as thirty percent of the Eternal Academy's true disciples ultimately advance to Third Realm Sovereigns!"
Numerous thoughts raced through Lu Changsheng's mind.
A full thirty percent chance of advancing to Sovereign.
Was that probability low?
No, not low at all. It was high—staggeringly high—to an almost unimaginable degree.
In an ordinary universe, what was the probability of advancing to the Third Realm? One in ten thousand? One in a hundred thousand? Or perhaps one in a million?
Even when a top Sovereign poured all their resources into nurturing a cosmic mighty figure, the probability of reaching the Third Realm fell far short of ten percent. Yet for true disciples of the Eternal Academy, thirty percent could achieve it. This was nothing short of miraculous.
This was precisely why so many universes coveted a quota for the Eternal Academy.
A full thirty percent chance of becoming a Sovereign.
Anyone would want to stake their fortunes on it.
It was foreseeable that the Sovereign factions of the Great Universe would contest this single quota relentlessly, likely kicking up a massive uproar. Even Sovereign Feilong was not confident he could help Lu Changsheng claim it, despite knowing how formidable Lu Changsheng was and that he was the most suitable candidate. The stakes tied to this quota were simply too massive. Sovereign Feilong could not offer any guarantees; he could only do his utmost to fight for Lu Changsheng.
Lu Changsheng was indeed very interested.
To this day, he had no concrete concept of immortal true intent. There was not even a sign of it coalescing within him. Perhaps by going to the Eternal Academy, he could uncover the reason.
Therefore, Lu Changsheng was determined to secure this quota!
"Master, you mentioned that true disciples of the Eternal Academy have a thirty percent chance of advancing to Sovereign. Does entering the academy not make one a true disciple right away?" Lu Changsheng asked further.
"Indeed. Those who enter the Eternal Academy begin merely as outer disciples. To become a true disciple requires fierce competition. But if you don't even have a quota to enter the Eternal Academy, competing for true disciple status is entirely out of the question."
Lu Changsheng nodded; he understood the reasoning.
Taking a deep breath, Lu Changsheng said in a low voice, "Master, this disciple must obtain this quota for the Eternal Academy. Please lend me your assistance!"
Sovereign Feilong nodded. "Rest assured, I will naturally do everything in my power to support you. However, this quota is extraordinary. Even if I fight with all my might, there will likely be many uncertain variables... I can only do my best."
Lu Changsheng understood his master's words. There were numerous factions within the Great Universe, many led by Sovereigns stronger than Sovereign Feilong. Sovereign Feilong did not possess much of an advantage.
"This disciple wishes for an opportunity! Master, you only need to spread the word: this disciple claims the quota for the Eternal Academy! Whoever refuses to accept it—no matter how many Second Realm mighty figures there are—can join forces to challenge me, life or death! If this disciple loses, I will even offer a set of supreme treasures forged from immortal substance!"
With that, Lu Changsheng produced Demon Venerable Resentment's seven pieces of immortal substance.
Seeing these seven pieces of immortal substance, even Sovereign Feilong's eyes lit up.
They bore clear traces of having been refined. These were truly supreme treasures! Refining immortal substance was exceptionally difficult; once refined, it often unlocked extraordinary functions. Supreme treasures like these were rarities that could be sought but never guaranteed.
Yet Lu Changsheng's ambition was even greater: he intended to pit himself against all the Second Realm mighty figures of the Great Universe through sheer solitary strength!
Sovereign Feilong's heart trembled. Even as an exalted Third Realm Sovereign, he was shaken by Lu Changsheng's audacity. This was an ambition to suppress every Second Realm mighty figure in the entire Great Universe—not one-on-one, but one against a crowd; one against all. Only someone capable of completely overpowering an era could possess such sweeping courage.
Moreover, this was an overt scheme. Once Lu Changsheng issued an open challenge, which cosmic mighty figure would have the shameless gall to take the Eternal Academy quota without facing him? If that person later failed to earn the status of a true disciple, it would be a humiliation—a lifelong disgrace. When that time came, anyone could scoff, "It would have been better to give that quota to Lu Changsheng back then."
Even if Sovereign Feilong lost the political contention, those Second Realm mighty figures would never be able to surmount the towering mountain that was Lu Changsheng. It might even become an inner demon. After all, if these words were declared and Lu Changsheng remained undefeated, it was tantamount to suppressing an entire generation. Any cosmic mighty figure of this era would be forever overshadowed by him.
Yet while it was an open stratagem, it would also infuriate all the Sovereign factions. In particular, those formidable Sovereigns with high hopes of claiming the quota would bear resentment toward Lu Changsheng, to say nothing of the Second Realm mighty figures whose hopes of reaching the Eternal Academy were snatched away. All of them would be deeply offended.
In essence, once Lu Changsheng did this, he would offend the top factions of the entire Great Universe. He would truly make enemies of the entire world! That was the price Lu Changsheng would have to bear.
"Changsheng, are you prepared to bear all of this?" Sovereign Feilong asked slowly.
"Master, so what if I make enemies of the entire world? Once this disciple ascends to Sovereign in the future, all grudges and entanglements will vanish like smoke. Back in Mingluo Universe, this disciple was effectively an enemy of the entire world, yet what came of it? Until Mingluo Universe collapsed, not a single cosmic mighty figure dared challenge me," Lu Changsheng answered calmly.
Lu Changsheng did not care about having the world as his enemy. With his strength, so long as he sought to contend for supremacy, he would find enemies everywhere he went. Take the Eternal Academy, for instance: with a thirty percent chance for true disciples to become Sovereigns, how many outer disciples would fight tooth and nail for it? In the process of that struggle, every outer disciple would be an adversary. How was that any different from making enemies of the entire world?
Besides, making enemies of the world merely applied to the Great Universe. It was not worth fretting over, and Lu Changsheng did not care in the slightest.
"Good! Since you have such courage, this old master will risk his face to aid you! However, once other Second Realm mighty figures challenge you, you must face them yourself."
Sovereign Feilong made his decision.
Lu Changsheng nodded. "Thank you, Master!"
"Go on, then. Wait for news."
With that, Lu Changsheng respectfully took his leave.
Returning to his cave dwelling, Lu Changsheng saw Lin Qingluan.
"Changsheng."
"Qingluan."
The two exchanged glances. Lu Changsheng could see the delightful surprise in Lin Qingluan's eyes. Although she had constantly been accompanied by Lu Changsheng's avatar, she had always felt that something was missing. An avatar was, after all, only an avatar. She had worried for Lu Changsheng; venturing into alternate universes, who knew what perils might arise? Now, Lu Changsheng had finally returned, safe and unharmed.
"Qingluan, how confident are you in advancing to the Second Realm?" Lu Changsheng asked.
"Well..." Lin Qingluan hesitated.
Although she had integrated the Divine Tree of Fortune, she lacked much confidence in breaking through to the Second Realm. Looking back at Lu Changsheng's own advancement, he had gathered immense fortune step by step at the Summit of the Universe before finally succeeding. For ordinary Transcendants, advancing to the Second Realm was fraught with difficulties.
Lu Changsheng naturally understood Lin Qingluan's situation.
"During this trip to the alternate universes, my Divine Tree of Fortune gathered a great deal of fortune. I will remain in the Great Universe for some time. We can interact frequently, circulating our fortunes with each other to assist your cultivation," Lu Changsheng said.
Lin Qingluan understood what he meant by circulating fortune: it was dual cultivation to aid her practice. For the two of them, both possessing Divine Trees of Fortune, this method was the most suitable. Lin Qingluan naturally nodded in agreement.
From Lin Qingluan, Lu Changsheng also learned more about the Universe Alliance's contact with the Great Universe and the influx of foreign cultivators from the alliance.
Time flew by, and several months passed in the blink of an eye.
A few months were more than enough for word to spread across the entire Great Universe.
News had emerged from Mount Feilong—or more precisely, directly from the mouth of Sovereign Feilong: Lu Changsheng was set on claiming the quota for the Eternal Academy! To that end, Lu Changsheng would accept challenges from any Second Realm mighty figure. Even all Second Realm mighty figures seeking the quota could join forces. If they could defeat or even slay Lu Changsheng, that would be their capability. But the Eternal Academy quota was something Lu Changsheng would take by right!
This declaration spread unchecked, swiftly sweeping through the Great Universe. Factions great and small learned of it.
Had the rumor been baseless, no one would have paid it any heed. But this proclamation was indisputably true, having come from Sovereign Feilong himself. It immediately set off a tremendous uproar, stirring up colossal waves throughout the cosmos.
"Arrogant! Utterly arrogant! Lu Changsheng might have performed brilliantly at the Summit of the Universe and advanced to the Second Realm, but on what grounds does he dare behave so brazenly?"
"The quota for the Eternal Academy has driven many Second Realm mighty figures mad. This Lu Changsheng is likely the same, willing to pay any price for it."
"If Lu Changsheng has gone mad, why would Sovereign Feilong follow suit? Driving a Sovereign to madness is impossible. It is far more likely that Lu Changsheng's strength is not to be underestimated, which is why Sovereign Feilong backs him fully!"
"Lu Changsheng must have improved tremendously over these years. Don't forget how he climbed step by step to the pinnacle at the Summit of the Universe, earning the title of the Summit of the Universe and advancing to a Second Realm mighty figure in a single bound."
"Still, with this declaration out, the other factions cannot afford to ignore it. Now that these words have spread across the entire Great Universe, anyone who claims the quota without defeating Lu Changsheng will bear a lifelong stain."
"In the First Realm, Lu Changsheng could shine brightly at the Summit of the Universe and dominate a generation. But now it is the Second Realm! Does he still think he can suppress an era? Pure fantasy! Just watch—someone will soon lose their patience and teach Lu Changsheng a lesson..."
As the news circulated, discussions of all sorts arose. Yet without question, Lu Changsheng was once again pushed to the center of the storm.
In short, Lu Changsheng's objective had been achieved. With this declaration in place, any Second Realm mighty figure wishing to claim the Eternal Academy quota could not bypass Lu Changsheng. They had to defeat him!
However, when the declaration reached the ears of other Sovereigns, they were incensed.
"Fine! Well done, Mount Feilong! Well done, Sovereign Feilong! What does he think he is doing?"
"Sovereign Feilong has always refrained from meddling in the major affairs of the Great Universe. This time, he is truly putting everything on the line for this disciple of his, risking his old face just to carve out an opportunity. Fine, then this seat will grant him one."
"Nan Yun, make a trip to Mount Feilong. Teach Lu Changsheng a lesson and make Sovereign Feilong abandon this foolish notion entirely."
"Yes, Master."
With that, Nan Yun turned and left, crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
Nan Yun was also determined to obtain this quota for the Eternal Academy. In his eyes, he was the only one worthy of it, and the only one capable of rising from an outer disciple of the Eternal Academy to become a true disciple. For anyone else, going there would be a wasted effort.
As for Lu Changsheng? Nan Yun had heard of his name—a First Realm Transcendant who had once dominated the Summit of the Universe. But so what? Nan Yun had never dominated the Summit of the Universe, yet he had defeated more than one cultivator bearing that very title, all of whom were Second Realm mighty figures. In Nan Yun's eyes, whether it was the Summit of the Universe or other Second Realm mighty figures, they were all fragile before him!
Nan Yun operated with swift decisiveness. He engaged in no public announcements or hype. Just as in his past, he remained calm and unhurried, holding no great renown across the cosmos. Yet anyone who truly knew Nan Yun understood how terrifying he was.
Before long, Nan Yun arrived at Mount Feilong alone. Upon reaching the mountain, he formally requested an audience and stated plainly by name that he had come to battle Lu Changsheng.
At that moment, Lu Changsheng was standing before Sovereign Feilong.
"Nan Yun?" Lu Changsheng searched his memories at the sound of the name, but found nothing.
Sovereign Feilong, however, bore a grave expression. He said in a deep voice, "This Nan Yun is extraordinary. He hails from Tianfeng Tower and is the most prized disciple of Sovereign Tianfeng."
"Though Nan Yun lacks widespread fame, his strength is immensely terrifying. Among Second Realm mighty figures, Nan Yun is widely regarded as one of the handful standing at the very peak of the Great Universe."
"He is also dead-set on claiming the quota for the Eternal Academy!"
"Will you accept Nan Yun's challenge?"
Seeing Sovereign Feilong's solemn countenance, Lu Changsheng smiled instead.
"I accept!"
"Since he took the initiative to come, how could I refuse? He is the first challenger. Nan Yun might not want publicity, but we must publicize it—the louder, the better! A victory will deter many, enhance my renown, and even harvest fortune."
Lu Changsheng's tone was resolute. To secure the Eternal Academy quota, he needed to overpower an entire era. His fame had to be as grand as possible; keeping a low profile was out of the question.
Soon, Sovereign Feilong granted Nan Yun an audience.
"Greetings, Sovereign Feilong. Has Fellow Daoist Lu agreed?" Nan Yun asked.
"Changsheng has agreed. Your battle is set for one month from now."
"One month?" Nan Yun furrowed his brows.
He was a man of swift action. Coming to Mount Feilong alone, he had intended to settle the matter quickly without dragging his feet. Now, he was expected to wait a month?
However, this was a date personally set by a Sovereign. Even with his displeasure, Nan Yun could only accept it.
Before long, Nan Yun discovered why Sovereign Feilong had scheduled the duel a month later: Mount Feilong was wildly publicizing his upcoming battle with Lu Changsheng. Clearly, while Nan Yun preferred a low profile, Mount Feilong—or rather, Lu Changsheng—had no intention of keeping things quiet.
Nan Yun did not mind.
"Schemes and stratagems are useless; only strength matters," Nan Yun muttered under his breath.
He genuinely did not care. The publicity was deafening now, but if Lu Changsheng lost when the time came, it would all be meaningless. No amount of fanfare could surpass genuine power, and Nan Yun possessed absolute confidence in his own strength!
With Mount Feilong spreading the word, the Great Universe instantly buzzed with excitement.
"A battle between Nan Yun and Lu Changsheng?"
"Who is this Nan Yun? People know Lu Changsheng—the figure who once dominated the Summit of the Universe and the personal disciple of Mount Feilong's Sovereign, claiming he can suppress an era!"
"Nan Yun has little renown, so many might not know him, but he is the most prized disciple of Sovereign Tianfeng! His combat strength is so terrifying that he ranks among the foremost Second Realm mighty figures in the Great Universe. To think Nan Yun would be the first to fight Lu Changsheng—Lu Changsheng's very first battle will be an uphill struggle."
"What? Nan Yun possesses such a background? Yet Mount Feilong took the initiative to publicize it widely. It seems Lu Changsheng has absolute confidence."
"When the time comes, we must head to Mount Feilong to see whether this Lu Changsheng is all show and bluster, or if he truly possesses the peerless might to suppress an era!"
Over the course of a month, Mount Feilong successfully built immense momentum. Numerous cosmic mighty figures, and even Third Realm Sovereigns in person, arrived at Mount Feilong to bear witness to this clash!
Chapter 534