Ten-Thousand-Fold True Realm, Return to the Eternal Academy!

"Lu Changsheng... I recall his name isn't on the Hundred Supremes Ranking, is it? If he hasn't even entered the Hundred Supremes Ranking, how strong could he really be?" "Who knows how he managed to defeat that Sovereign incarnation back then? What if he used some trick, or had a close connection with the Sovereign..." Before the speaker could finish, Liu Sheng barked sternly, "Silence! Who are you to question a Sovereign?" The speaker froze, and seeming to realize the weight of his words, dared not talk back. Had he truly just questioned a Sovereign? Even as a true disciple of the Eternal Academy, one could not casually cast doubt upon a Sovereign. That was sheer irreverence! Sovereigns were said to be omniscient and omnipotent. If a Sovereign took notice, he would never hear the end of it. Liu Sheng's interruption had been the right call. Still, Liu Sheng was quite intrigued by Lu Changsheng. "Anyone who can defeat a Sovereign incarnation is no ordinary figure. Besides, just because he wasn't on the Hundred Supremes Ranking last time doesn't mean he won't be on it this time. The new release of the ranking is coming up soon; we shall see." "The moment Lu Changsheng returns, notify me at once." Liu Sheng gave his instructions. He was destined to ascend to the very summit. He had little genuine interest in Second Realm cosmic mighty figures. His sole objective was to advance to the Third Realm. Even so, while still in the Second Realm, he would either not bother at all, or become the absolute best! *** Far away in the Xingying Universe, Lu Changsheng had no idea what was transpiring in the outside world. He devoured the lifeless planes to his heart's content. There were simply too many planes here. Almost every single one was lifeless. Such an immense expanse of lifeless planes was an outright feast for him. Lu Changsheng did not feel the passage of time in the slightest. One thousand years, two thousand, three thousand, four thousand, five thousand... Time slipped by, counted in millennia. In truth, Lu Changsheng had already noticed this pattern when devouring planes across other alternate universes. He had far too many planes to devour. Every session casually stretched across hundreds or thousands of years. It truly bore out the old saying: cultivation knows no years. *Whoosh.* Suddenly, Lu Changsheng opened his eyes. "The Xingying Universe... collapsed?" Lu Changsheng looked around. The void of the Xingying Universe was caving in. An aura of destruction hung heavy in the air. Looking into the distance, the entire universe was collapsing inward at rapid speed. These were the unmistakable signs of a universe collapsing. Yet Lu Changsheng remembered that although the Xingying Universe had been on the verge of ruin, it should have been able to endure for several thousand or even tens of thousands of years. No matter what, it shouldn't have collapsed so soon. "Wait, my current volume..." Lu Changsheng briefly sensed his own volume. Then, he fell silent. He calculated the time. From the moment he had arrived in the Xingying Universe to cultivate until now, nearly seven thousand years had passed. Lu Changsheng brought up his attribute panel to inspect his condition. Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: Top-Tier Comprehension World Master: Second Realm True Realm Plane: 10,600-fold (growable) Golden Soul: 11% (Golden immortality; can endure ten thousand years without perishing in the River of Spacetime) The volume of Lu Changsheng's True Realm Plane had surged by ten thousand fold! This was a figure Lu Changsheng could once hardly imagine. Moreover, it was precisely because of this that the Xingying Universe had reached the brink of destruction. Lu Changsheng had devoured the vast majority of its planes, causing severe upheaval throughout the universe and triggering its premature collapse. As for his golden soul, it had grown by seven percent. One could not look down on this seven percent; it was actually remarkably substantial. Going from four percent to eleven percent meant an average, steady increase of one percent roughly every millennium. This indicated that Lu Changsheng's destiny remained exceptionally steady. Most likely, this was linked to the spread of his Dimension Ascension Method across the Great Universe. The wider the Dimension Ascension Method spread, the more destiny he accumulated. "A True Realm Plane volume of ten thousand fold... Below Sovereigns—or rather, below a Sovereign's true body—I may truly be invincible..." Lu Changsheng had always been conservative in his estimates. He was inclined to believe that across the boundless River of Spacetime and its countless universes, there were bound to be remarkably gifted, peerless figures possessing immense combat prowess. Yet no matter how conservative he remained, with a ten-thousand-fold True Realm volume, who below a Sovereign could possibly withstand him? Lu Changsheng would not belittle himself. At this moment, he was certain: below the Sovereigns, he was invincible! However, his gaze was no longer set below the Sovereigns. It was not even set on Sovereign incarnations, but on a Sovereign's true body! As for how powerful a Sovereign's true body was, Lu Changsheng had already caught a glimpse through Sovereign Yongye's incarnation back then. Sovereign Yongye had remarked that the incarnation held merely one ten-thousandth of his power. Back then, Lu Changsheng possessed a six-hundred-fold True Realm volume. Going purely by numbers, he would need to reach a six-million-fold volume before he could meet a Sovereign head-on. Yet reality did not work that way. Even among Sovereigns, Sovereign Yongye was exceptionally formidable. Lu Changsheng felt Sovereign Yongye was far stronger than his own master, Sovereign Feilong. What about the most ordinary of Sovereigns? Could he face one head-on right now? Lu Changsheng could not say for sure, but he was eager to try. Besides, once his True Realm volume reached a certain scale, it established a self-sustaining cycle of its own, meaning it could no longer be compared through simple arithmetic. "Never mind, back to the Eternal Academy first." "The term for a true disciple is only ten thousand years, and seven thousand have already elapsed. With only three thousand years remaining, I must put them to good use..." Lu Changsheng had come to appreciate the benefits of being a true disciple of the Eternal Academy. Without that status, how would he have learned of the Xingying Universe? How could he have entered it to cultivate? In the foreseeable future, Lu Changsheng would need to devour far more planes. The more locations like the Xingying Universe he had access to, the better. Only at the Eternal Academy could he enjoy such conveniences. Lu Changsheng could not return to the Eternal Academy via teleportation array. He had to leave the Xingying Universe and slowly travel along the boundless River of Spacetime back toward the academy. Before long, Lu Changsheng returned to the Eternal Academy. The academy seemed no different than before. Outside, crowds teemed like an endless sea. There was always a line of people waiting to challenge the true disciples. Inside the academy, however, an aura of peace and quiet prevailed. The moment Lu Changsheng returned, Sovereign Yongye projected an incarnation down to him. "Lu Changsheng, you have finally returned. Come to the grand hall; there is an important matter to discuss with you." "Understood, Your Sovereignty." Lu Changsheng was somewhat puzzled. He had only just returned—what did Sovereign Yongye want with him? Lu Changsheng made his way to the grand hall. Sovereign Yongye was the only one present. "Lu Changsheng, take a seat." Sovereign Yongye paused, looking at Lu Changsheng before speaking. "I did not expect you to show no sign of activity for seven thousand years after joining the Eternal Academy. I checked your records—did you head to the Xingying Universe to cultivate?" It was hardly surprising for a Sovereign to know the whereabouts of the academy's true disciples. Lu Changsheng nodded. "Yes, this disciple went to the Xingying Universe. However, there is one matter I must report to Your Sovereignty: the Xingying Universe has collapsed..." A faint look of surprise crossed Sovereign Yongye's face. "The Xingying Universe could have lasted several tens of thousands of years, yet it has collapsed already?" Sovereign Yongye deduced that this was likely related to Lu Changsheng. Otherwise, it would be too much of a coincidence for the universe to collapse just after Lu Changsheng spent several thousand years there. Still, the matter was unimportant. It was merely a universe on the verge of ruin. It was bound to collapse sooner or later. A few millennia earlier or later made little difference. "No matter. You were engaged in normal cultivation; its collapse is completely natural and has nothing to do with you." "Thank you, Sovereign Yongye." "May I ask why Your Sovereignty summoned me this time?" Lu Changsheng was very respectful toward Sovereign Yongye. He was a true disciple of the Eternal Academy, and Sovereign Yongye served as an instructor of the academy. In theory, all true disciples were Sovereign Yongye's students. However, an academy differed from an ordinary master-disciple relationship. The bond was not as deep. Even so, proper etiquette had to be observed. "There is indeed a matter. Do you know of the Hundred Supremes Ranking?" "The Hundred Supremes Ranking? Of course I do. It was established by Sovereign Shenyan of the Shenyan Universe for the entire River of Spacetime, recording the hundred theoretically most powerful cosmic mighty figures. Anyone able to make the Hundred Supremes Ranking is hailed as an extreme powerhouse!" Lu Changsheng laid out what he knew in full. "Indeed. The Hundred Supremes Ranking theoretically lists the hundred strongest cosmic mighty figures across the River of Spacetime. However, it is derived from Sovereign Shenyan's deductions after all, and the information he gathers is limited. How could he possibly survey every single cosmic mighty figure across the entire River of Spacetime?" "Therefore, before the ranking is officially released, Sovereign Shenyan invites representatives of our Universe Alliance and other top factions across the River of Spacetime to the Shenyan Universe to preview the list." "If any cosmic mighty figure raises an objection to the ranking, they may demonstrate their strength, and Sovereign Shenyan will assess whether to adjust their standing. And since our Eternal Academy stands at the core of the Universe Alliance, our finest cosmic mighty figures reside here. Thus, the top ten true disciples of the Eternal Academy will be sent to the Shenyan Universe this time. You will need to make the journey as well." Hearing this, Lu Changsheng's heart stirred. Go to the Shenyan Universe? This was an incredible opportunity. Lu Changsheng was not someone who knew only bitter, isolated cultivation. He was well versed in the affairs of the River of Spacetime. He needed to devour planes to raise his combat power, but even more crucial was the transformation of his soul. This concerned his fundamental cultivation path. And for his soul to transform, he required greater destiny. Yet at present, Lu Changsheng had no real way to augment his destiny. Now, however, things were different. The Hundred Supremes Ranking—this was his chance! The Hundred Supremes Ranking established by Sovereign Shenyan had existed for a very long time. It had long been deeply ingrained in the minds of the major universes. Even if there were hidden figures who disdained rankings, the various universes universally recognized the hundred cosmic mighty figures on the list as the strongest. They were even revered as extreme powerhouses! That title alone showed how widely the universes recognized the ranking. If he made the list upon its official release, Lu Changsheng's name would be known across countless universes. How immense would that destiny be? Previously, Lu Changsheng could not have visited the Shenyan Universe even if he wanted to. He lacked the qualification. The release of the Hundred Supremes Ranking was orchestrated entirely by Sovereign Shenyan. Once officially published, it would not be altered—or if it were, not until another ten thousand years had passed. This time, however, was different. If invited to the Shenyan Universe prior to the official release, one would have the chance to demonstrate one's strength, adjust one's rank, or even secure a spot if previously omitted. The significance was enormous! Lu Changsheng was not sure how Sovereign Shenyan carried out his deductions, but it was likely based on publicly known combat records. His own last public display had demonstrated only a six-hundred-fold True Realm volume. While defeating a Sovereign incarnation with that level of power was extraordinarily impressive and made entering the ranking almost certain, his exact rank would be hard to say. For the sake of destiny, Lu Changsheng did not mind traveling to the Shenyan Universe to firmly seize first place. The destiny gained from that would obviously be far greater. "Thank you, Sovereign. This disciple is willing to make the journey to the Shenyan Universe!" Lu Changsheng bowed respectfully. He knew Sovereign Yongye was showing him favor. After all, even his ninth rank had been personally designated by Sovereign Yongye. "Since you wish to go, you must put on an adequate display." "Your ninth-place standing was appointed by me without undergoing any challenges or competition. Over the past seven thousand years, the other true disciples have grown quite dissatisfied with you." "This time, the Eternal Academy will reset the rankings through open challenges. If someone challenges you, you must accept!" "This will continue until one year from now, when the top ten disciples will depart for the Shenyan Universe." Lu Changsheng nodded. Resetting the rankings worked in his favor. He was currently ninth. He could simply challenge first place and secure the top spot right away. With first place in hand, things would be much more convenient when he visited the Shenyan Universe later. Lu Changsheng was never afraid of standing out; he only feared not making a big enough splash. While holding first place in the Eternal Academy might not evoke the same universal envy as the Hundred Supremes Ranking, it was still an achievement that would yield some destiny. With that, Lu Changsheng took his leave. Returning to Cave Dwelling No. 9, everything remained as it had been. *Hmm?* *They're this impatient? The moment I return, someone wants to challenge me?* *It seems my lack of action since entering the academy has led people to treat me like a soft persimmon...* Lu Changsheng immediately sensed something amiss. His cave dwelling was being watched. Yet this was bizarre. Even if he had not fought for seven thousand years, he was still the mighty figure who had defeated a Sovereign incarnation. To challenge him, one first needed the confidence to defeat a Sovereign incarnation. In the entire Eternal Academy right now, who possessed such confidence? Or did they suspect there was foul play involved in his victory over Sovereign Yongye's incarnation? Indeed, such speculation existed. The crux was that Lu Changsheng had never once fought since entering the Eternal Academy. He had barely even shown his face. This naturally led people to wonder: was his low profile merely an attempt to avoid exposing himself? They dared not question Sovereign Yongye, but they had no qualms about harboring the worst suspicions about Lu Changsheng. Lu Changsheng shook his head, unbothered by what others thought. He would proceed according to his own plan. For instance, the current top-ranked disciple was Supreme Gaotian. This Supreme had held first place in the Eternal Academy for ages, his position virtually unshakeable. However, Lu Changsheng's target was precisely Supreme Gaotian. Without delay, Lu Changsheng left his cave dwelling the very next day, preparing to challenge Supreme Gaotian. As soon as he stepped out, he encountered a true disciple. "Supreme Changsheng." "Speaking. What is it?" Lu Changsheng did not recall knowing the true disciple before him. "I am Supreme Liu Sheng, currently ranked eleventh. I wish to challenge you." Liu Sheng's words immediately drew the attention of several nearby true disciples. "You want to challenge me?" Lu Changsheng looked at Liu Sheng. He understood Liu Sheng's intentions right away. Most likely, the person who had sent someone to watch his cave dwelling yesterday was Liu Sheng. "Indeed, I challenge Supreme Changsheng. Under the current rules of the Eternal Academy, you cannot refuse," Liu Sheng said with confidence. "I will not refuse. However, I have a challenge of my own to issue first. Once my challenge is over, I will accept yours. How about that?" Lu Changsheng did not want to waste time on Liu Sheng. "You want to challenge someone? Whom do you intend to challenge?" Liu Sheng was taken aback. Lu Changsheng had never made a move since joining the Eternal Academy. Now, he was taking the initiative to challenge someone? Given his current ninth-place rank, if he were to issue a challenge, it would inevitably be to someone in the top eight. Whom could he possibly defeat? Not only was Liu Sheng surprised, but the surrounding true disciples were even more astonished. Lu Changsheng wanted to challenge someone in the top eight? This was major news. Whom was he targeting? More and more gazes settled upon Lu Changsheng. Lu Changsheng simply walked away. While not outright ignoring Liu Sheng, he certainly did not pay him much mind. A faint spark of anger rose in Liu Sheng's heart. He followed behind Lu Changsheng. He wanted to see just whom Lu Changsheng was going to challenge. Lu Changsheng walked past one cave dwelling after another. Cave Dwelling No. 8, No. 7, No. 6, No. 5... As he passed each dwelling in turn, the expressions of many true disciples turned increasingly solemn. "He's reached Cave Dwelling No. 3! Does he intend to challenge the third-ranked true disciple?" "No, look at him—he's still walking. Is he going to challenge second place?" "He couldn't be thinking of challenging Supreme Gaotian, could he? That's our academy's unshakeable number one true disciple!" "Challenging Supreme Gaotian? Has he lost his mind?" Many eyes were glued to Lu Changsheng. Then, they watched as Lu Changsheng strode past Cave Dwelling No. 3, past Cave Dwelling No. 2, and finally came to a halt in front of Cave Dwelling No. 1. At this sight, everyone was stunned. That included Supreme Liu Sheng, who had come to challenge Lu Changsheng. He could hardly believe what was unfolding before his eyes. Lu Changsheng was challenging Supreme Gaotian? Even as confident as Liu Sheng was in himself, believing he might one day defeat Supreme Gaotian many years in the future, it was definitely not now. Supreme Liu Sheng knew full well that his current strength was enough to squeeze into the top ten. Reaching the top five or top three was virtually hopeless. Let alone the first-ranked Supreme Gaotian. Supreme Gaotian was on an entirely different level compared to the second and third ranks below him. Had Lu Changsheng challenged the third or second rank, it wouldn't have seemed quite so preposterous. Yet he had gone straight for the first-ranked Supreme Gaotian! This was sheer madness. Liu Sheng considered himself arrogant enough, looking down on all around him. Yet even he dared not challenge Supreme Gaotian. Lu Changsheng finally stopped before Supreme Gaotian's cave dwelling. He called out in a resonant voice: "Lu Changsheng of Cave Dwelling No. 9 wishes to challenge Supreme Gaotian!" His voice boomed outward across the surroundings. Though many true disciples were gathered nearby, complete silence fell over the area in that instant. Not a whisper could be heard; a falling pin would have echoed. "Granted." An unfamiliar voice drifted out from the cave dwelling. Supreme Gaotian had accepted. "Then I shall await Supreme Gaotian at the arena," Lu Changsheng said, heading straight for the arena. *Boom.* Everyone's hearts jolted, tossed by stormy waves. The true disciples were thoroughly shaken. He was actually challenging Supreme Gaotian? And Supreme Gaotian had accepted the challenge! It was no mere idle boast. "Quick! Someone is challenging Supreme Gaotian—it's Lu Changsheng, the one who defeated Sovereign Yongye's incarnation!" "Lu Changsheng is truly challenging Supreme Gaotian! Does this mean his victory over the Sovereign incarnation back then was real strength, not a fluke?" "Most likely real strength. Otherwise, how would he dare challenge Supreme Gaotian?" "Someone capable of defeating a Sovereign incarnation... even Supreme Gaotian wouldn't claim absolute certainty of victory, right?" "Regardless, this battle is going to be magnificent..." In an instant, many true disciples began to believe that Lu Changsheng's previous feat of defeating Sovereign Yongye's incarnation had indeed been genuine. If so, this clash would be a clash of titans. They would finally get to witness Supreme Gaotian fight again. After all, the last time Supreme Gaotian had made a move was thousands of years ago. Even with the rankings reopening this time, no one had dared challenge him. Lu Changsheng was the first true disciple in thousands of years to challenge Supreme Gaotian. That alone proved how daunting Supreme Gaotian's reputation was! Lu Changsheng arrived early at the arena and waited quietly. More and more true disciples gathered around the ring. Well over half of the entire academy's true disciples had assembled. This battle was simply too pivotal, too sensational. *Hum.* A ripple stirred the void. Supreme Gaotian arrived. He was a man clad in white, exuding a sacred, detached aura. Yet with a single glance, Lu Changsheng detected a distinctive aura upon him. Immortality! The man possessed the aura of immortality. There was no mistaking it. "Immortal true intent..." Lu Changsheng murmured softly, a strange light flashing in his eyes. Supreme Gaotian had already birthed immortal true intent. The greatest barrier to ascending to the Third Realm had already been breached. All that remained was accumulation. Once his accumulation was sufficient, he could attempt to break through to the Third Realm at any time! Even so, Lu Changsheng had directly crushed a Sovereign's incarnation. What was a cosmic mighty figure of the Second Realm compared to that? A Sovereign possessed not only immortal true intent, but also the power of decomposition. Did Supreme Gaotian possess the power of decomposition? "Lu Changsheng, I have heard of you," Supreme Gaotian said, standing with his hands behind his back. "I heard you defeated an incarnation of Sovereign Yongye, and that there were many witnesses. Even so, I do not believe it. A mighty Sovereign possesses immortal true intent and the power of decomposition even in an incarnation. How could you possibly defeat one?" "It is said you relied on the sheer volume of your world to forcefully exhaust the power of decomposition within Sovereign Yongye's incarnation. But today you face me, and my immortal true intent is endless, never to be exhausted!" His words were brimming with grandeur and confidence. After all, he had reigned supreme over the Eternal Academy for over nine thousand years. For those nine-plus millennia, every true disciple in the academy had lived under his shadow. Unless he ascended to the Third Realm or lost his status as a true disciple, as long as he remained in the Eternal Academy, all other true disciples could only stand beneath him!