Soul Finally Transfigures, Birth of Immortal True Intent!

Lu Changsheng spent several months inside the supreme treasure forged from immortal substance. Finally, Sovereign Zhaotian came to a halt. "We have arrived. Up ahead is the Purple Crystal Universe." "Thank you for your trouble, Sovereign Zhaotian." Lu Changsheng bowed respectfully in salute. Then he stepped out. Whoosh! Taking a step forward, Lu Changsheng looked toward the Purple Crystal Universe. It was indeed a universe teetering on the brink of collapse. Yet, it appeared vastly larger than the Xing Ying Universe—at least several times greater. Such a colossal universe on the verge of collapse had virtually no intelligent life left within it, much less any cultivators. It was precisely what Lu Changsheng needed. Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng stepped directly into the universe. Boom! His 10,000-fold True Realm unfolded, generating a tremendous upheaval. Even the dying Purple Crystal Universe trembled. The sky-blotting True Realm Plane blanketed a portion of the Purple Crystal Universe, and then he set about refining those dead planes. Sovereign Zhaotian did not leave right away. Instead, he watched from afar outside the Purple Crystal Universe. He could clearly observe Lu Changsheng's every action. "Such a massive world. Though not yet as vast as a universe, if he fully commands it and converges its power, it will be truly terrifying. "At this level of power, he could probably even clash with a Sovereign, to say nothing of Second Realm cultivators. "No wonder Lu Changsheng could become the First Supreme on the Hundred Supremes Ranking. He truly possesses the strength..." Seeing Lu Changsheng unfold his 10,000-fold True Realm Plane, even with his discerning eye as a Third Realm Sovereign, Sovereign Zhaotian felt profound astonishment in his heart. He had only heard about Lu Changsheng's methods, never witnessing them in person. Now that he had seen Lu Changsheng's astonishing display with his own eyes, he was deeply shaken. The title of "First Supreme" was thoroughly well-deserved! After observing for a few months, Sovereign Zhaotian departed as well. After all, as an exalted Sovereign, he could not keep Lu Changsheng company indefinitely. Besides, once Lu Changsheng finished cultivating, he possessed the coordinates of the Eternal Universe and could naturally return to the Eternal Academy on his own. Day after day slipped by. Lu Changsheng immersed himself entirely in cultivation. He steadily devoured planes throughout the Purple Crystal Universe. The 10,000-fold scale of his True Realm drastically increased his devouring efficiency, far exceeding what it had been when his realm was only six hundred times larger. While devouring planes to cultivate, a massive surge of fortune continued to converge upon Lu Changsheng, steadily elevating his Golden-Nature Soul. One thousand years, two thousand years, two thousand five hundred years, two thousand seven hundred years... Roughly two thousand seven hundred years passed. Boom! Lu Changsheng's entire body shuddered. He had been completely absorbed in refining and devouring planes, having dialed his awareness of the outside world down to the bare minimum. In theory, it should have been very difficult for him to awaken under such circumstances. Yet, just now, he had been jolted awake. "Is this... a soul metamorphosis?" Lu Changsheng immediately realized what was happening to his soul. Just then, he cast a glance at his attribute panel. His Golden-Nature Soul had clearly reached 100% progress. And what 100% signified, Lu Changsheng knew all too well. His soul was about to undergo a metamorphosis! At this thought, Lu Changsheng immediately ceased devouring planes. He did not know what terrifying scale his True Realm Plane had grown to, but his soul's transformation was obviously far more important. After all, Lu Changsheng had deduced that once his Golden-Nature Soul transformed, immortal true intent would be born. At this moment, Lu Changsheng focused his entire mind upon his Golden-Nature Soul. Originally, the Golden-Nature Soul had only been flecked with touches of faint gold across his soul, appearing pale and thin. Yet now, as his soul transformed, a rich, brilliant golden glow rapidly blanketed it. Faintly, Lu Changsheng's consciousness seemed to be sublimating, and his soul felt as though it were sublimating as well. Crash, splash... In his mind's eye, Lu Changsheng seemed to glimpse the River of Spacetime surging endlessly. At the same time, he seemed able to sense numerous familiar auras residing across many dimensions. He had felt this familiar aura before—souls from other dimensions! Now, Lu Changsheng could vaguely perceive his souls across other dimensions and other timelines. However, sensing them was one thing; achieving complete frequency alignment to absorb those souls from other dimensions was another matter entirely. So long as he could perceive their auras, with his comprehension, matching their soul frequencies would merely be a matter of time. Even so, in the dark recesses of intuition, Lu Changsheng had a feeling. This was only a special period during his soul's metamorphosis, which was why he could perceive the soul auras of other dimensions. Once the transformation ended, he would likely no longer be able to sense them. He had to commit the approximate positions of these auras to memory as quickly as possible. As long as he remembered their general bearings, he could later rely on his top-tier comprehension to harmonize his soul frequency and directly devour the souls in those other dimensions. One, two, three, four, five... Lu Changsheng immediately seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, steadily committing the soul auras of other dimensions to memory. He did not know how much time had passed. Perhaps an hour. Perhaps a day. Or perhaps even longer. When Lu Changsheng's body gave a sudden jolt, he saw that his Golden-Nature Soul had completely finished its metamorphosis. At that moment, the unique resonance came to an end. In its place came an impression of "immortality." His soul had entirely turned into a dazzling gold, seeming to illuminate all directions. Moreover, there was a palpable sense of immortality. An intent naturally emanated from the golden soul, and Lu Changsheng grasped it as smoothly as water flowing into a channel: Immortal true intent! This was immortal true intent! It was so simple, feeling entirely natural. He had long deduced that once the Golden-Nature Soul transformed, immortal true intent would very likely be born. As it turned out, his deduction had been entirely correct. Immortal true intent had indeed been born. Or, put another way, the so-called immortal true intent was essentially a state of intent naturally derived from the soul's metamorphosis. At its core, the soul had transformed into an immortal soul. Yes, the Golden-Nature Soul had now transformed into an immortal soul! This immortal soul was in fact the bedrock of Third Realm Sovereigns. It was also the fundamental reason Third Realm Sovereigns could plunge into the River of Spacetime and withstand its long-term erosion. In fact, an immortal soul was similar to immortal substance, belonging to the same form of power. That was why the immortal true intent derived from an immortal soul could accommodate immortal substance—because fundamentally, both were powers of the very same tier. At this moment, Lu Changsheng attained sudden enlightenment regarding immortal true intent, immortal substance, and Third Realm Sovereigns. Once an immortal soul came into being, half a foot had already stepped into the Third Realm. All that remained was for the immortal soul to lead one's physical body, consciousness, and the like into immortality as well. This was also difficult—exceptionally difficult, in fact. If the body was not strong enough to bear an immortal soul, it would become a curse rather than a blessing. When that happened, the physical body would crumble, leaving only the immortal soul; deprived of its source of power, it would soon sink into the River of Spacetime. Those cosmic mighty figures who gave birth to immortal true intent only to fail in their breakthrough into the Third Realm had failed because their bodies and consciousness could not bear the immortal soul. Ultimately, they perished, their cultivation returning to nothingness. Even if their immortal soul survived, it would swiftly sink into the River of Spacetime, which was equivalent to death. No wonder those half-step Sovereigns were so pessimistic. Many half-step Sovereigns had failed in their attempt to break through to the Third Realm. Once they failed, their souls would sink into the River of Spacetime. "So the Third Realm requires using the waters of the River of Spacetime to wash over one's body and consciousness. Only when cleansed by the waters of the River of Spacetime can the body, consciousness, and even power undergo a complete transformation. "For instance, the power of decomposition possessed by Third Realm Sovereigns only transformed into decomposition after being washed by the River of Spacetime's waters. "Or an immortal physical body—only after being washed by the river water can it transform into an immortal body. "Yet, if the soul has not first transformed into an immortal soul, it cannot endure the washing of the River of Spacetime's waters, and failure is guaranteed." At this moment, Lu Changsheng grasped the method of breaking through to a Third Realm Sovereign without needing a teacher. Although possessing an immortal soul meant half a foot was already in the Third Realm, whether the other foot could step across fully depended on whether the body, consciousness, and overall power were strong enough, and whether one's foundation was solid enough. Otherwise, a powerful immortal soul would only become a crushing burden, eventually breaking the cosmic mighty figure completely. This was completely different from what Lu Changsheng had previously envisioned. Before, he had thought that giving birth to immortal true intent was an unmitigated, colossal boost to a cosmic mighty figure. That was only half true. Spawning immortal true intent was indeed a massive enhancement, but it was simultaneously an immense burden. If one gave birth to immortal true intent and dragged out breaking through to the Third Realm for too long, it was tantamount to seeking death. No wonder Supreme Qiushan, having manifested immortal true intent, had dragged his feet trying to take the number one spot on the Hundred Supremes Ranking. Holding back from charging into the Third Realm after giving birth to immortal true intent was an unimaginably heavy burden to bear. "Then what about me? "My physical body is the True Realm. How long can my consciousness and the True Realm bear the immortal soul?" Lu Changsheng fell into deep thought. He called up his attribute panel to inspect his status. Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: Top-Tier Comprehension World Master: Second Realm True Realm Plane: 51,800-fold (growable) Immortal Soul: 0 (Soul is immortal; possesses the qualification to step into the River of Spacetime) Seeing his True Realm Plane, Lu Changsheng was taken aback. "51,800-fold? A full increase of over 40,000-fold in True Realm volume?" He had been jolted awake earlier, so he had not looked closely yet. Now, realizing what must have happened, he immediately swept his consciousness across the Purple Crystal Universe. Rumble! Sure enough, the Purple Crystal Universe had begun to collapse. Virtually all the dead planes in the entire universe had been devoured clean by him. Even without the soul metamorphosis, he would have had to halt his cultivation soon anyway. With the universe on the verge of total collapse and no dead planes remaining, there was no way to continue. "Two thousand seven hundred years... Less than three hundred years remain before my status as a true disciple of the Eternal Academy expires. "With less than three hundred years left, there is little point in continuing to cultivate here. Besides, even though I have manifested immortal true intent, I still want to apply for the Boat of Spacetime to give it a try. After all, it seems the immortal soul can be strengthened too. A stronger immortal soul is certainly a heavy burden on the body and consciousness, but it can also withstand more of the River of Spacetime's water, which will be of immense help in transforming the body, consciousness, and power. "So, it is time to return to the Eternal Academy..." Lu Changsheng murmured softly. Then he rose, departed the Purple Crystal Universe, and headed toward the Eternal Academy. Crash, splash... As he journeyed alongside the vast River of Spacetime, Lu Changsheng observed it while traveling. No one could truly describe how magnificent the River of Spacetime was. It was the final destination of all life. Even Sovereigns were not eternal and undying. Though they possessed immortal souls, as endless time went by, a Sovereign's immortal soul would eventually sink into the River of Spacetime. They could merely resist the erosion of the river's waters for an immensely long time—so long that countless universes might be born and perish before a Sovereign died. Yet it was not true immortality; in the end, they would still perish. To the River of Spacetime, it was both the destination of all life and the fountainhead of all power. Yet at the same time, it nurtured all life. For example, those endless universes—they were essentially conceived and nurtured by the River of Spacetime. And life was born within those universes. Thus, in a sense, the River of Spacetime was the cause of all things and the effect of all things, the beginning as well as the end. Only the magnificent Eternals seemed capable of transcending the River of Spacetime, roaming freely across past, present, and future. Such a realm was unfathomable, beyond words. Lu Changsheng was no longer ignorant. Thanks to the vast troves of precious records in the Eternal Academy, he had learned many descriptions regarding the Fourth Realm—the Eternals. Yet no matter how it was described, it all pointed to one reality: no one had ever seen an Eternal. There were only baseless rumors, conjectures, or sheer imagination. Even the source of descriptions regarding Fourth Realm Eternals could no longer be traced. No one knew who had originally spread information about the Eternals. It was difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Had an Eternal intentionally left it behind? Or was there some other reason? In any case, across countless universes, innumerable Third Realm Sovereigns tirelessly pursued that ultimate pinnacle of cultivation. Regrettably, for as long as records had existed, there was not a single piece of definitive information about an Eternal. "The Eternals..." Lu Changsheng murmured softly. Just what kind of exalted realm was that? He, at least, could hardly imagine it. Midway through his thoughts, Lu Changsheng looked up. In the vast River of Spacetime stood a gargantuan figure. It was unimaginably colossal—the first time Lu Changsheng had ever seen such a massive entity in the River of Spacetime. "Hm?" Suddenly, Lu Changsheng saw the towering figure actively approach the bank of the River of Spacetime. Then, stretching out an elongated arm, it reached directly toward a universe! Rumble! That was an entire universe! Such an immense universe was actually seized by that giant hand and hauled toward the River of Spacetime! Buzz! Several streaks of light violently burst out from that universe, instantly coalescing into towering bodies. Every single one was a Sovereign! Seeing the scene before them, their expressions changed drastically. "It's a Devourer! A Devourer has wandered to the bank of the River of Spacetime! And with a size like this, it rivals a top Sovereign!" "Our Radiance Universe has been seized by the Devourer—we've become its prey!" The Sovereigns immediately recognized the behemoth. Without hesitation, they struck. Waves of the power of decomposition struck the colossal beast, yet it was like scratching an itch; it had no effect whatsoever. The Devourer simply swatted its giant hand out. The Sovereigns scattered in a panic to evade. Fortunately, the Devourer could not step onto the shore, and its attack range was limited. As long as they stayed far from the bank of the River of Spacetime, they were safe. However, with the Radiance Universe seized, disaster loomed. "Use immortal substance!" With that, the Sovereigns mobilized immortal substance, hurling attacks at the Devourer. Boom! Attacking with immortal substance was indeed effective; the Devourer's arm was blown apart, clearly inflicting damage upon it. Unfortunately, such damage was well within what the Devourer could endure. Before their eyes, the Radiance Universe was being dragged step-by-step into the River of Spacetime. Once it sank, all hope would be lost. "Quick! Notify the Universe Alliance immediately! Have a top Sovereign descend at once, or our Radiance Universe is finished!" "Can they make it in time?" The Sovereigns were at their wits' end. In their universe, they were revered Third Realm Sovereigns, pinnacle beings of absolute authority. Even in the River of Spacetime, they stood at the peak. Yet against this Devourer before them, they were utterly outmatched. These so-called Devourers were Sovereigns who had sunk into the River of Spacetime. To slow the river's erosion and scouring of their souls, Devourers often seized universes or life-forms along the banks to consume them. Once they devoured something, their own "sense of existence" would be bolstered. Although it could not completely halt the rush of the River of Spacetime's waters, it could delay the process. Yet for the universes and lives that were devoured, it was utter annihilation. Hence, no one across the universes liked Devourers. Devourers also varied in strength. This colossal Devourer before them had clearly been a top Sovereign in the past. That was why even so many Sovereigns joining forces could do nothing against it. Lu Changsheng also moved far away from the bank of the River of Spacetime. The Radiance Universe appeared to be a member of the Universe Alliance as well. They requested the descent of a top Sovereign regardless of the cost. It would surely cost them dearly, but to save their home universe, they spared nothing. Time ticked by. One day, two days, three days... A full month passed before a majestic aura manifested. A top Sovereign! A top Sovereign belonging to the Universe Alliance had arrived. Regrettably, the Radiance Universe had already been dragged completely into the River of Spacetime by the Devourer. It was currently being devoured bit by bit. The Sovereigns' faces were as pale as ash. Even the top Sovereign who arrived could only shake his head upon seeing this: "The Radiance Universe has already been dragged into the River of Spacetime; this seat is powerless to help now. However, with such a massive Devourer lurking in our region, we must monitor it closely. "A Devourer of this scale will not stop after consuming just one universe. If it approaches the shore again, only top Sovereigns will be able to stop it." Although the Radiance Universe was gone, this warning was extremely critical. Lu Changsheng witnessed the entire scene with his own eyes. The Devourer had already receded into the distance, seeming to sense the threat of the top Sovereign. Yet no one knew when it might approach the shore again, or where it would strike next. After all, the River of Spacetime surged endlessly. A subtle heaviness weighed upon Lu Changsheng's heart. He glanced at those Sovereigns. So what if one became a Third Realm Sovereign? If one was not a top Sovereign, one still could not protect one's home universe, forced to watch helplessly as it was devoured. Lu Changsheng did not know whether the Great Universe would ever encounter such a disaster. If it crossed paths with such a formidable Devourer, how could the Great Universe defend itself? "It seems the Great Universe joining the Universe Alliance was indeed the right choice. Even without the threat of alternate universes, there remains the menace of elusive Devourers. The River of Spacetime is simply too dangerous..." An understanding dawned in Lu Changsheng's mind. Where could truly be considered completely safe? An individual faced all manner of threats, and universes likewise faced perils of their own. Compared to alternate universes, what a universe truly feared most was a Devourer. Lu Changsheng lingered no longer and swiftly returned to the Eternal Academy. He had made up his mind: advance to the Third Realm as soon as possible! First, however, he had to apply to use the Boat of Spacetime. This was the greatest perk of the Eternal Academy. As a true disciple of the Eternal Academy, how could Lu Changsheng forgo such a benefit? Thus, he went straight to the True Disciple Hall and found a deacon of the hall. At present, many true disciples were in the hall applying for various materials and resources. Lu Changsheng had not applied for any of them yet, but to him now, those supplies held little value. He was now the First Supreme on the Hundred Supremes Ranking and the foremost true disciple of the Eternal Academy. The moment he appeared, it caused an immediate sensation. Innumerable eyes in the True Disciple Hall landed upon Lu Changsheng. Nearly every true disciple who passed by bowed respectfully to him, showing their reverence for Lu Changsheng. This was ample proof of just how exalted his status as the "First Supreme" truly was. "Is that Supreme Changsheng?" "Indeed it is Supreme Changsheng—the current First Supreme on the Hundred Supremes Ranking and our Eternal Academy's number one true disciple." "What did he come to the True Disciple Hall for?" Many halted in their tracks, eager to see what Lu Changsheng was going to apply for. Lu Changsheng walked up before several deacon elders and said directly, "Deacon elders, here is my identity token. I am Lu Changsheng, a true disciple of the Eternal Academy. I hereby apply to use the Boat of Spacetime!" Hearing this, the expressions of the deacon elders instantly shifted in shock. "There are two methods to apply for the Boat of Spacetime. The first is for disciples who have not yet birthed immortal true intent, and the second is for disciples who have already birthed immortal true intent. The two methods differ significantly. May I ask, Supreme Changsheng, which method are you applying for?" "The second method. I have already birthed immortal true intent," Lu Changsheng answered in a calm tone. Yet the moment his words fell, the hall, which had still been buzzing with chatter, fell deathly silent. Shock and astonishment spread across the faces of countless true disciples.