Spacetime Boat Roams the River of Spacetime! Lu Changsheng Devours Souls Across Myriad Worlds!

"What... immortal true intent?" "Supreme Changsheng has birthed immortal true intent and set half a foot into the Third Realm?" "Quite a few true disciples in the Eternal Academy have birthed immortal true intent. Besides, Supreme Changsheng has been a true disciple for nearly ten thousand years. Isn't it only normal for him to birth immortal true intent? If anything, it's actually somewhat slow..." "No, we aren't surprised that Supreme Changsheng birthed immortal true intent. How could the number-one supreme on the Hundred Supremes Ranking fail to do so? What shocks us is that he only just birthed it! In other words, before the Hundred Supremes Ranking was even announced, Supreme Changsheng hadn't birthed immortal true intent at all. How on earth did he become the number-one supreme on the ranking like that?" "Put that way, it really is astonishing. Supreme Changsheng suppressed Supreme Qiushan, who birthed immortal true intent long ago. In fact, most of the supremes on the Hundred Supremes Ranking had already birthed it..." Inside the True Disciple Hall, after a brief hush, clamor erupted once more. Everyone was visibly shaken. He had already claimed the top spot on the Hundred Supremes Ranking, yet he had only just birthed immortal true intent? Then how had Lu Changsheng managed to suppress so many supremes without it before? It was simply inconceivable! Previously, everyone had naturally assumed Lu Changsheng had birthed immortal true intent as well. After all, having birthed immortal true intent made a world of difference in combat strength. A supreme who had birthed immortal true intent could mobilize immortal substance. That alone was enough to crush most supremes. Whether one could mobilize immortal substance was an entirely different league. Lu Changsheng had become the number-one supreme on the Hundred Supremes Ranking without even birthing immortal true intent; the sheer merit of his standing likely surpassed any previous number-one supreme in history. At that moment, the deacon elder responded, "Your application has been submitted. In theory, you need to wait in line." "Wait in line? What position am I currently in?" Lu Changsheng asked. Naturally, he was well aware of waiting in line. Even outer disciples lined up constantly to challenge true disciples. "In theory, a queue is required, but... right now, no one is ahead of you applying to use the Spacetime Boat." "Has Supreme Changsheng truly thought this through?" "Using the Spacetime Boat carries a degree of danger. Disciples who have already birthed immortal true intent have no need to take such a risk." Lu Changsheng nodded. "I have thought it through. Even though I have already birthed immortal true intent, I still wish to use the Spacetime Boat once." "In that case, we will report this to His Majesty the Sovereign. There shouldn't be any issue. Go back and await word." Hearing this, Lu Changsheng turned and left the True Disciple Hall, returning to his cave dwelling. He was not worried about how long the application would take. With no one queued ahead of him, it should be quite swift. Sure enough, the very next day, Lu Changsheng received a transmission from Sovereign Yongye. Lu Changsheng went to pay his respects. "Greetings, Your Majesty Yongye." Lu Changsheng bowed respectfully in salute. "Supreme Changsheng, take a seat first." "This seat received the report from the deacon elder. I heard you applied to use the Spacetime Boat? And you did so despite having already birthed immortal true intent?" Sovereign Yongye asked. Lu Changsheng nodded. "Indeed. This disciple applies to use the Spacetime Boat." "Release your immortal true intent for this seat to see." Lu Changsheng released his immortal true intent. Every individual's immortal true intent differed, yet they shared fundamental similarities. After all, immortal true intent was derived from an immortal soul. Each bore an aura of immortality. It was very easy to recognize. "It truly is immortal true intent..." Sovereign Yongye's expression turned somewhat complex. In truth, he had known all along that Lu Changsheng had not birthed immortal true intent back then. Becoming the number-one supreme on the Hundred Supremes Ranking without it had shaken him deeply at the time. However, so much time had passed that Sovereign Yongye had calmed down. Now, he was far more concerned about something else: Lu Changsheng's breakthrough into the Third Realm. "Supreme Changsheng, you should understand that once immortal true intent is born, you have essentially stepped half a foot into the Third Realm." "The purpose of the Spacetime Boat is to assist Second Realm cultivators in birthing immortal true intent." "Using the Spacetime Boat means entering the River of Spacetime, which is fraught with peril. Even if you have birthed immortal true intent, and even if a Sovereign enters the River of Spacetime, unforeseen troubles and dangers will arise." "Therefore, there is no need for you to take this risk." Sovereign Yongye explained patiently. However, Lu Changsheng understood all of this very well. "Your Majesty Yongye, this disciple wishes to temper and strengthen my immortal soul! That way, I will have greater assurance in stepping into the Third Realm in the future." Lu Changsheng's demeanor remained firm. "Very well. Since you have made up your mind, this seat will dissuade you no further." "This seat approves your application. But be forewarned: use the Spacetime Boat with extreme caution. It entails peril. If you are truly trapped in the River of Spacetime, no one can save you." Lu Changsheng nodded. He had long known that using the Spacetime Boat carried risks. Yet he was determined to go. Beyond strengthening his soul, Lu Changsheng had another goal—a crucial one. He wanted to roam the River of Spacetime in person. Even aboard the Spacetime Boat, he wished to experience the River of Spacetime firsthand. Lu Changsheng had a faint premonition that this was of great importance to him. After all, the River of Spacetime was the origin of all life and the final resting place of all existence. Countless universes were born from the River of Spacetime, and countless universes were destroyed by it. Without experiencing it himself, Lu Changsheng felt as though something was missing. Besides, with a supreme treasure like the Spacetime Boat available, if he did not seize the chance now, he might never have another opportunity to enter the River of Spacetime later. "Come. This seat shall take you to the Spacetime Boat." Sovereign Yongye rose and led Lu Changsheng toward a mysterious grand hall. Inside, Lu Changsheng saw a massive vessel. It was enormous—even vaster than the terrifying Devourer he had witnessed before. Such a colossal Spacetime Boat was forged entirely from immortal substance. Moreover, the Spacetime Boat appeared shrouded in mystery. It was far more than just immortal substance; it involved even deeper secrets. Otherwise, it would never have become a supreme treasure of the Eternal Academy. "Supreme Changsheng, you must pilot the Spacetime Boat yourself. After all, no Sovereign will venture into the River of Spacetime alongside a supreme." "The control method is quite simple. This seat will authorize you to pilot the Spacetime Boat, but there is a time limit: at most one hundred years. Once a century has elapsed, the Spacetime Boat will automatically depart the River of Spacetime and return to the Eternal Academy. Keep this in mind." Lu Changsheng nodded. A hundred years was more than enough! If he gained nothing after a century in the River of Spacetime, staying longer would be meaningless anyway. "Thank you, Your Majesty Yongye." Lu Changsheng was granted authorization to pilot the Spacetime Boat. Immediately, he sensed that he could command the vessel. The sensation was wondrous. "Very well. Board it." With a wave of Sovereign Yongye's hand, Lu Changsheng hesitated no longer and flew directly into the Spacetime Boat. Having received the authorization, he entered without any hindrance. With a single thought from Lu Changsheng, the Spacetime Boat began to vibrate. In the next instant, it vanished without a trace. A moment later, Lu Changsheng laid eyes on the River of Spacetime. The River of Spacetime was invisible under normal circumstances, yet it seemed accessible from anywhere. Lu Changsheng was now right on the bank of the River of Spacetime. The Spacetime Boat was truly profound. Its speed was mind-boggling, crossing universes in the blink of an eye to arrive at the riverbank. With a Spacetime Boat, traversing universes became effortless. Provided, of course, that one had a Spacetime Boat. It was a supreme treasure of the Eternal Academy, an object yearned for even by many Sovereigns. Acquiring a similar treasure was exceedingly difficult. Lu Changsheng did not rush into the River of Spacetime. He observed for a while first. Only when the River of Spacetime turned relatively calm did he pilot the Spacetime Boat, flying toward the river in an instant. Whoosh! Finally, the Spacetime Boat settled steadily into the River of Spacetime. Lu Changsheng discovered that flight was impossible within the River of Spacetime. The moment one entered, an immense force dragged everything downward. Against such terrifying power, not even the Spacetime Boat could maintain flight, falling directly into the waters. Lu Changsheng began to understand why even Sovereigns could become trapped in the River of Spacetime. It was because of this horrifying force that dragged all creation into its depths. Not even Sovereigns could break free. However, the Spacetime Boat was unique. Lu Changsheng could feel that as long as it reached the shore, the Spacetime Boat could slowly climb back onto the bank inch by inch. Only the Spacetime Boat possessed this capability. Lu Changsheng finally understood why the Spacetime Boat was hailed as a supreme treasure of the Eternal Academy. Its ability to return to shore from the River of Spacetime was likely the very reason it was so treasured. That alone was enough to drive countless Sovereigns mad with desire. With a splash, the Spacetime Boat rested firmly in the River of Spacetime, drifting atop its surface. This was the first time Lu Changsheng had observed the River of Spacetime at such close range. The river's water was not truly water, but layers of flowing, mist-like currents. It was said to be time itself. And what was time? Time, moments, years—they were similar, yet not entirely identical. Smack! A wave from the River of Spacetime slapped against the Spacetime Boat. Yet the vessel remained as solid as a boulder, perfectly stable, continuing to drift downstream along the River of Spacetime. Where the River of Spacetime ultimately flowed, no one knew. Lu Changsheng had heard that a top Sovereign had once refused to accept this mystery. To discover the origin of the River of Spacetime, he had journeyed endlessly along its course. No one knew how long had passed, but because the duration was too vast and he had lived for too many epochs, that top Sovereign's immortal soul eventually sank into the River of Spacetime. Yet until his immortal soul was submerged, he still had not seen the river's end. Thus, rumors spread across myriad universes that the River of Spacetime had no end—it was infinite and boundless. Lu Changsheng sighed softly with emotion. He did not intend to probe whether the River of Spacetime had an end. He quietly focused on sensing his immortal soul. Protected by the Spacetime Boat, he would face no danger. However, his purpose in applying for the Spacetime Boat was not merely sightseeing. His primary aim was to enhance his immortal soul. It was said that within the River of Spacetime, given the right opportunity, one could attune to the souls of oneself across other timelines or dimensions. Lu Changsheng immediately began his sensing. This time, the feeling was starkly different. Back when his soul had metamorphosed into an immortal soul, he had sensed numerous dimensions and committed them to memory. Originally, he had planned to spend vast amounts of time analyzing them bit by bit to locate his souls in other dimensions. That would have required a tremendous amount of time. Now, however, things were different. Within the River of Spacetime, Lu Changsheng found his perception exceptionally clear. The souls in other dimensions he had previously sensed were now vividly defined. If he used a specific frequency, he could quickly harmonize with it and merge with the souls of other dimensions. With that thought, Lu Changsheng hesitated no longer. Utilizing his top-tier comprehension, he began testing various frequencies to harmonize with the souls across other dimensions or timelines. Such a feat was only possible within the River of Spacetime. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Moreover, Lu Changsheng had only one hundred years. He needed to seize every moment. He began parsing the location of the first soul, unraveling its unique frequency. One year, two years, three years... It proceeded very smoothly. Perhaps because this perception was the clearest, it took Lu Changsheng a mere three years to harmonize with the frequency of the first soul. In the next instant, as the soul frequencies aligned, Lu Changsheng felt as though he traversed an infinite distance to "see" another version of himself. In another dimension, there was also a Lu Changsheng. Lu Tianzun, Master of Tianyuan, was hailed as the absolute strongest in the entire Tianyuan World. He had reached the zenith of the Tianyuan World. There seemed to be no path forward. Thus, Lu Tianzun had entered prolonged secluded cultivation. Suddenly, Lu Tianzun felt a stir in his heart. Swish! Lu Tianzun opened his eyes, a lingering dread washing over him. A voice resonated deep within his heart: "The first..." The voice echoed continuously in his mind. Lu Tianzun's expression changed drastically. "Who is it?" "Could it be an extraterrestrial demon?" "Or my inner demon?" Lu Tianzun looked around, yet found nothing. In the next instant, deep within his mind—or rather, deep within his soul—a figure faintly manifested. A figure identical to himself. "You are..." Lu Tianzun found himself immobilized. The other party radiated brilliant golden light, exuding a horrifying aura that made Lu Tianzun feel as if he could barely withstand the sheer presence. This was utterly staggering. He was the Master of Tianyuan, the renowned Lu Tianzun. Who would dare encroach upon his mind? Who could suppress him purely through presence? Yet the impossible had just come to pass. "Do not struggle. I am you, and you are me. We are one..." As the voice fell, Lu Tianzun felt his soul rapidly draining away. At the same time, an immense influx of memories surged into his mind. He understood the visitor's identity. He also understood why the other was doing this. "Heh, so I was merely a frog at the bottom of a well. What Lu Tianzun? Before such an existence, I am utterly insignificant." "You are right. You and I were originally one, and countless versions of us are one as well. Yet you are not me, and I am not you..." After speaking, Lu Tianzun seemed to accept it all with serenity. Days slipped by. As Lu Tianzun's soul was devoured by Lu Changsheng, the aura of life on his body faded completely. Eventually, someone discovered him. "Lu Tianzun has passed away..." Some wept bitterly, while others celebrated. Regardless, Lu Changsheng, Master of Tianyuan, was dead. An era of the Tianyuan World had come to an end... Swish! Aboard the Spacetime Boat, Lu Changsheng opened his eyes. "Lu Tianzun, Master of Tianyuan... Quite an illustrious title, yet that world's energy scale and tier were simply too low. Even becoming the Master of Tianyuan was negligible; he was nowhere near a Transcendent, let alone the Third Realm or the Eternal..." Having just devoured Lu Tianzun's soul, Lu Changsheng gradually understood the situation. Lu Tianzun had risen step by step in the Tianyuan World through a grueling journey. He had fought fiercely and domineeringly, ultimately standing at the pinnacle of the Tianyuan World. Unfortunately, the pond was too small. What did a mere Tianyuan World amount to? His ceiling was naturally set in stone, far inferior to Lu Changsheng's. This made Lu Changsheng realize that although many souls of his might exist across other dimensions and timelines, where a soul resided was of paramount importance. Lu Changsheng even counted himself fortunate to have been born into the Great Universe. Though it had been a tiny world within one of its planes, the upper limit of the Great Universe was immensely high. He had been able to progress step by step to this day, even touching the River of Spacetime. Ending up like Lu Tianzun was truly unfortunate. After absorbing Lu Tianzun's soul, Lu Changsheng immediately brought up his attribute panel to inspect his status. Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: Top-Tier Comprehension Realm Lord: Second Realm True Realm Plane: 51,800-fold (growable) Immortal Soul: 1% (Soul is immortal; qualified to set foot into the River of Spacetime) On the attribute panel, Lu Changsheng's immortal soul had only increased by a meager 1%. In other words, an entire Lu Tianzun amounted to just 1% of an immortal soul? That was rather pitiful. After all, that had been a complete soul! Of course, this also illustrated just how powerful Lu Changsheng's current immortal soul was. Lu Changsheng continued to parse the location of a soul in a second dimension. With the first Lu Tianzun down, there would be a second, a third, a fourth, and countless more. As time passed, the duration required for each parsing grew longer. After all, the easiest ones had already been parsed and absorbed, naturally leaving behind the more difficult targets. Lu Changsheng discovered that difficulty was not directly correlated to the strength of those souls. Rather, it seemed related to their distance from the River of Spacetime. The closer they were to Lu Changsheng's current position, the easier they were to parse. The farther away, the harder it became. This was advantageous for Lu Changsheng. He was aboard the Spacetime Boat, and the vessel was constantly drifting. At any moment, he might encounter dimensions that were closer, allowing him to harmonize his soul frequency and absorb various souls. Of course, a risk remained. If he encountered a soul more powerful than himself, he might even be counter-killed. Such a possibility was not entirely out of the question. However, the odds were slim. After all, Lu Changsheng already possessed an immortal soul, which was equivalent to the Third Realm on a spiritual level. To be stronger than him, one would have to be at the peak of the Third Realm or the Fourth Realm—the Eternal. There was no need to consider the Eternal; it was virtually impossible. If an Eternal truly existed who absorbed all other souls, would Lu Changsheng even exist today? It was out of the question. As for the peak of the Third Realm, that corresponded to a top Sovereign. That was indeed possible. Lu Changsheng had once witnessed a soul of himself leap voluntarily into the River of Spacetime. That had been a Third Realm existence. Back then, Lu Changsheng's understanding of the Third Realm had been superficial; he had only known it was the Third Realm without discerning which stage. Looking back now, that soul who had voluntarily jumped into the River of Spacetime was likely at the peak of the Third Realm—a top Sovereign! Yet such cases were exceedingly rare. Moreover, Lu Changsheng held the initiative. The moment he realized the other party was a top Sovereign, he could immediately retreat. He was the one parsing the other, not the other parsing him. Once he withdrew, the other party could do nothing unless they tracked the traces back, which would require slow parsing on their part as well. In short, while Lu Changsheng dared not claim his soul strength was the supreme across all timelines and dimensions, it certainly belonged to the top tier. He had no fear of encountering a stronger soul. Thus, time slipped by day after day. Ten years, thirty years, fifty years, eighty years, one hundred years... Finally, the century mark arrived. Swish! Lu Changsheng opened his eyes. He could already feel the Spacetime Boat slowly steering toward the bank of the River of Spacetime. The vessel was taking the initiative to depart the river and return to shore, heading back to the Eternal Academy. "What a pity. If only I had more time, I could have parsed souls across many more dimensions..." Lu Changsheng exhaled a long breath, feeling as though he had not fully had his fill. He brought up his attribute panel once more to check his condition. Host: Lu Changsheng Comprehension: Top-Tier Comprehension Realm Lord: Second Realm True Realm Plane: 51,800-fold (growable) Immortal Soul: 25% (Soul is immortal; qualified to set foot into the River of Spacetime) Compared to before, his soul had surged by 25%. This was an immortal soul! A 25% increase in an immortal soul was simply incredible. Now, Lu Changsheng's immortal soul was formidable even among Third Realm Sovereigns. The gains from this venture were immense. A 25% immortal soul was extraordinarily powerful. The most direct manifestation was his immortal true intent. Lu Changsheng's current immortal true intent was immensely potent—stronger than that of many ordinary Sovereigns! At this moment, only a single thought occupied Lu Changsheng's mind: The Third Realm! He was going to charge toward the Third Realm!