Sovereign Changsheng, A Shocking Return to the Eternal Academy!

"Changsheng, you..." Lin Qingluan's voice trembled slightly. Even as a Transcendent, she was not immune to fluctuations in emotion, nor was she above feeling nervous. And right now, Lin Qingluan was very nervous. After all, Lu Changsheng had been in closed-door cultivation to break through to the Third Realm! In theory, the Third Realm was the pinnacle of cultivation across the River of Spacetime. As for the Fourth Realm, Eternity? That was merely a conjecture. No one had ever witnessed Eternity, let alone left behind any definitive records. Whether an eternal existence truly existed remained an unsolved mystery to this day. "Changsheng, it doesn't matter even if you failed. Isn't your True Realm Plane unique? Even with a failure, at most you've lost some volume. You'll have other chances..." Even Sovereign Feilong spoke up in comfort. "Failed?" An odd look crossed Lu Changsheng's face. Could his master really not tell what state he was in right now? Did he truly think he had failed? Yet, on second thought, that was entirely possible. He had awakened immortal true intent long ago. Merely exuding immortal true intent proved nothing. How else was one to prove they had ascended to become a Third Realm Sovereign? Unless they made a move, or deliberately released the imposing aura of a Third Realm Sovereign, it was genuinely difficult to determine whether someone was a Sovereign based purely on immortal true intent. Lu Changsheng smiled faintly. Without bothering to explain in words, he unleashed his aura directly. *Boom!* In that instant, the terrifying aura of his True Realm Plane erupted. His present True Realm Plane had been scoured by the boundless waters of the River of Spacetime across endless stretches of time. Even though a mere twenty percent of its original volume remained, it was endlessly enduring and perpetually renewing, carrying a sense of consummate perfection. With only twenty percent of its volume left, the True Realm Plane had grown incomparably stable—vastly superior to the realm at its full hundred-percent scale before. As a result, Lu Changsheng's aura surged violently. It was no longer the presence of the Second Realm, but the true aura of a Third Realm Sovereign! "This aura... A Sovereign? A Third Realm Sovereign?" "Changsheng, you succeeded in breaking through?" Both Lin Qingluan and Sovereign Feilong stared with wide eyes. "There are a few differences, but I should have succeeded..." Lu Changsheng answered with quiet confidence. Indeed, he differed slightly from ordinary Third Realm Sovereigns. After all, he was the first Third Realm World Master. The power he wielded was not purely the power of decomposition, but the power of creation and destruction. Regardless, having attained the level of the Third Realm was beyond any doubt. "Hahaha! It's done! Mount Feilong has gained a second Sovereign!" "Who would have thought that out of all the Sovereigns in the Great Universe, this old man would be the first to teach a Sovereign disciple?" "From this day forth, Mount Feilong boasts two Sovereigns under one roof, truly peerless across the Great Universe!" Sovereign Feilong was overjoyed. This was an achievement worth celebrating in grand style. Master and disciple both attaining Sovereign status—in the entire Great Universe, only Sovereign Feilong and Lu Changsheng shared such an honor. It was destined to be spoken of as a legendary tale. "Changsheng, I've looked into the circumstances of ascending to a Third Realm Sovereign recently," Lin Qingluan couldn't help asking. "Usually, breaking through to the Third Realm causes a tremendous commotion. Why was there hardly any disturbance when you advanced?" Sovereign Feilong also looked at Lu Changsheng with curiosity. He truly hadn't sensed any grand commotion from him either. Ascending to the Third Realm so swiftly and soundlessly was completely beyond his expectations. Lu Changsheng remained silent for a moment before speaking. "I am a World Master, and the first Third Realm World Master in the Great Universe. My ascension to the Third Realm is naturally somewhat different from that of other cultivators. Even the power born from my transformation isn't purely the power of decomposition. Master, this disciple boldly requests a sparring match with you." His words took Sovereign Feilong aback, but the Sovereign quickly nodded. He also wanted to see for himself what kind of state Lu Changsheng, this 'World Master,' had reached after ascending to the Third Realm. "Good. Then let us spar," Sovereign Feilong agreed. "Yes, we can summon Fang Chuan, Zhao Yi, and the others. They are cosmic mighty figures; observing a battle between Third Realm Sovereigns might trigger a spark of inspiration and help them awaken immortal true intent." Lu Changsheng nodded. Although immortal true intent stemmed from an immortal soul, an epiphany was indeed possible under certain circumstances. A cultivator experiencing sudden enlightenment would see a tremendous elevation in soul strength. Lu Changsheng suspected that a so-called epiphany was essentially resonating with a specific frequency and absorbing soul power from other dimensions or timelines, thus drastically enhancing the soul. Either way, observing a clash between Sovereigns would certainly bring them great benefit. Thus, Sovereign Feilong summoned several core cosmic mighty figures of Mount Feilong. As for cultivators from alternate universes, none were notified. After all, Lu Changsheng's breakthrough remained a top secret of Mount Feilong! *** Lu Changsheng and Sovereign Feilong stood facing each other on the martial stage. By then, Fang Chuan, Zhao Yi, and the others had arrived. Seeing Lu Changsheng and their master confronting each other from opposite ends of the stage, they were filled with confusion. "What are Master and Junior Brother Lu doing?" "Indeed. Is Master giving Junior Brother Lu pointers? Why take to the stage?" "Why did Master call us here?" Murmurs of bewilderment spread through the crowd. "Silence!" Sovereign Feilong spoke up. "You have been summoned here to observe a Sovereign battle. Watch closely." "A Sovereign battle?" "Wait, does Master mean Junior Brother Lu has already ascended to become a Third Realm Sovereign?" "A Third Realm Sovereign..." Fang Chuan, Zhao Yi, and the rest stared at each other in utter disbelief, frozen in place. They knew Lu Changsheng well. They were shocked, yet somehow it also felt familiar. Following Lu Changsheng had subjected them to shock after shock. When they thought about it, Lu Changsheng had long been the Number One Supreme, reigning over an entire era along the River of Spacetime. Wasn't stepping into the Third Realm merely a matter of course? He was bound to reach the Third Realm sooner or later; whether it happened earlier or later was hardly surprising. "Congratulations, Junior Brother Lu." "No, we must address him as Sovereign now." "Congratulations, Your Majesty Sovereign..." Fang Chuan, Zhao Yi, and the others bowed respectfully. "Enough, just watch the battle," Sovereign Feilong said, waving off the formalities. He was burning with excitement, eager to discover what made Lu Changsheng, this 'World Master,' unique after reaching the Third Realm. "Changsheng, since you've attained the Third Realm, your master won't be holding back. Aside from utilizing immortal substance, I shall go all out!" Sovereign Feilong announced loudly. For a Sovereign, even without deploying immortal substance, their sheer might was terrifying. Of course, once a Sovereign used immortal substance, it meant putting their life on the line. As this was merely a spar, neither intended to fight to the death. "Then please forgive this disciple's offense, Master." Lu Changsheng drew a deep breath. Facing his master, an established Third Realm Sovereign, he dared not show the slightest carelessness. The power of creation and destruction erupted in an instant. Sovereign Feilong immediately sensed it and unleashed his own power of decomposition in response. *Boom!* The two forces clashed violently. Lu Changsheng's power of creation and destruction intertwined with Sovereign Feilong's power of decomposition, canceling each other out until both vanished into nothingness. In terms of sheer destructive capability, there was no noticeable difference between them. However, Sovereign Feilong clearly felt the distinction. "What kind of power is this? Again!" Sovereign Feilong unleashed an even greater surge of decomposition power. Lu Changsheng responded in kind, releasing more of his power of creation and destruction. The forces collided relentlessly, flowing without end. Sure enough, whether it was the power of decomposition or the power of creation and destruction, they existed on the exact same power tier, and their destructive potential was comparable. However, Lu Changsheng possessed the aspect of 'creation.' That aspect, however, did not reveal itself in direct offense. "Alright, the testing is done. Bring forth your True Realm, and I shall use my physical body!" By now, Sovereign Feilong was completely convinced that Lu Changsheng had truly become a Sovereign. Otherwise, his power tier could not possibly match the power of decomposition—only the power of the Third Realm could stand on equal footing. Sovereign Feilong's greatest strength lay in his physical body, having attained the Third Realm through bodily cultivation. Lu Changsheng was different; he had broken through using his inner worlds. This was a fundamental distinction. *Rumble!* Without hesitation, Lu Changsheng unleashed his True Realm Plane. Retaining only twenty percent of its original volume made it seem small by comparison, but that was strictly relative. Moreover, despite its reduced volume, the True Realm Plane was far more solid, circulating with inexhaustible vitality in an almost consummate state. Without any fancy tricks, the True Realm Plane slammed brutally toward Sovereign Feilong's colossal body. *Bang!* A head-on collision between a physical body and the True Realm Plane. A direct clash at the Third Realm tier—an impact capable of shaking an entire universe. Sovereign Feilong felt his entire body shudder. His supposedly indestructible frame felt as though it was about to fall apart. Never before had he experienced such a profound sense of helplessness. It was pure, undeniable powerlessness. He had never felt such overwhelming pressure. It wasn't as if he had never fought other Third Realm Sovereigns before, yet now, he felt thoroughly suppressed on every front. He could clearly feel his physical body tearing into Lu Changsheng's True Realm Plane. But what was the use? He could shatter world after world, reducing the volume of Lu Changsheng's True Realm Plane, yet almost instantaneously, a force of 'creation' within the True Realm surged in an endless cycle, rapidly restoring the damaged worlds. How could anyone fight against that? It was entirely impossible. Lu Changsheng's True Realm seemed as though its volume could never be depleted, perpetually locked in a constant, unchanging state. Lu Changsheng's eyes lit up as well. One never truly knew until putting it to the test. The 'creation' aspect within his power of creation and destruction had an astonishing impact on his True Realm Plane. In a clash against a peer of the Third Realm, it restored damage almost instantaneously, without suffering the slightest net loss. Even though Sovereign Feilong had accumulated power over an unimaginably vast span of time, Lu Changsheng completely suppressed him so long as his master refrained from utilizing immortal substance. This was simply miraculous. "Hold!" "Your master admits defeat." At that moment, Sovereign Feilong voluntarily conceded. Below the stage, the disciples erupted into an uproar. "Master lost?" "Junior Brother Lu truly lives up to having ranked first on the Hundred Supremes Ranking! To be this strong immediately upon entering the Third Realm?" "Master hasn't used immortal substance yet. For the Third Realm, immortal substance is the true decisive factor. When Sovereigns fight, they strike one another with immortal substance," Fang Chuan and the others discussed. Immortal substance was the primary method of combat for Third Realm Sovereigns. After all, once someone reached the Third Realm, their overall volumes were comparable, and their decomposition powers were identical. How else could a victor be decided? Only through immortal substance. That was precisely why Sovereigns went to great lengths to gather it. The more ancient a Sovereign was, the more terrifying their strength, simply because they had accumulated immense amounts of immortal substance. "Master, would you please demonstrate a strike with immortal substance so this disciple can experience what it feels like to be struck by it?" Lu Changsheng asked slowly. He wanted to experience the desperate, life-or-death methods of Sovereigns firsthand. This was of vital importance. "Immortal substance?" "Very well, Changsheng, it's good for you to experience it early. After all, most battles between Sovereigns involve immortal substance. I will use only a tiny sliver this time. Watch closely." With that, Sovereign Feilong made his move. He hurled forward a fragment of immortal substance. It was tiny, merely the size of a palm, yet it whistled through the air and plunged into Lu Changsheng's True Realm in the blink of an eye. Then, a terrifying scene unfolded. Lu Changsheng's True Realm instantly caved in, collapsing to reveal a massive void. Like a hot knife through butter, the immortal substance tore straight through world after world within the True Realm, entirely unstoppable. Only after exhausting every ounce of his power did Lu Changsheng finally manage to trap the fragment and bring it to a halt. He attempted to channel the force of 'creation' within him to repair the damage to his True Realm Plane. However, he ran into a wall. The volume destroyed by the immortal substance was gone forever. It had been thoroughly annihilated, leaving behind not even a trace of energy. As a result, the exceptionally stable atmosphere of Lu Changsheng's True Realm was disrupted, trembling with instability. Lu Changsheng's eyes widened in profound shock. *So this is the true purpose of immortal substance? It inflicts such devastating harm upon a Sovereign?* He truly experienced the overwhelming terror of immortal substance. No wonder so many Sovereigns scoured the realms to collect it. Sovereign Feilong chuckled. "Changsheng, now you understand just how horrifying the destructive power of immortal substance is, don't you? Once a Sovereign hurls immortal substance, neither a Great Dao system nor a physical body system has any viable means of resisting it. "Furthermore, once a Dao or physical body is struck by immortal substance, it is completely annihilated, erased forever. If too much of one's physical body or Great Dao is destroyed, one could very well perish. "Therefore, unless pushed to desperate straits, Sovereigns generally avoid using immortal substance. But once it comes into play, it is a fight to the death—a battle that ends only when one side falls!" Lu Changsheng understood. By this measure, he possessed very little immortal substance. Compared to those established Sovereigns, he fell far short. "Isn't it said that Sovereigns cannot be killed, and that only peak Sovereigns can slay another Sovereign?" Lu Changsheng asked. "Although immortal substance is mighty, completely destroying a Sovereign's body is exceedingly difficult. If a Sovereign cannot win, they can simply flee; who could relentlessly pursue and slaughter a Sovereign? As for trapping one, that is even more impossible, unless one possesses a treasure crafted from immortal substance capable of binding a Sovereign—and such treasures are virtually nonexistent. "Expending large quantities of immortal substance usually only heavily injures a Sovereign; killing one is extraordinarily difficult. But peak Sovereigns are different. Through endless accumulation, they have refined immortal substance directly into their physical bodies or Great Daos, fusing into one with it. "Consequently, every single strike from a peak Sovereign is equivalent to an attack of immortal substance. Faced with a relentless barrage of immortal substance strikes, who could endure it? "That is the reason peak Sovereigns can kill ordinary Sovereigns. Yet in their fundamental nature, peak Sovereigns and ordinary Sovereigns are identical..." Lu Changsheng grasped the truth. In terms of cultivation realm, peak Sovereigns were identical to ordinary Sovereigns—both belonged to the Third Realm. However, peak Sovereigns could augment their attacks by fusing with immortal substance, making every blow carry its devastating effect. Such power naturally allowed them to crush ordinary Sovereigns. Yet another thought quietly took root in Lu Changsheng's mind. He was a Third Realm World Master whose foundation lay in the True Realm Plane within him. Thus, he could pursue strength from an entirely different angle. For instance, his True Realm was currently expanding on its own. If its volume expanded to a certain threshold—or if the True Realm Plane evolved into a universe—could he not withstand strikes of immortal substance through sheer scale alone? When quality fell short, quantity could compensate. Why should he rely on immortal substance? After all, it remained an external aid. Besides, fusing with immortal substance was bound to be no easy task. "Changsheng, there is no need to rush, nor should you feel discouraged," Sovereign Feilong said encouragingly. "Which of those peak Sovereigns isn't an ancient entity? You were once the Number One Supreme, suppressing an entire era. Your potential is beyond question. In the future, once you have gathered enough immortal substance and fused it into your body step by step, you too will become a peak Sovereign." He knew Lu Changsheng was proud and likely harbored ambitions of becoming a peak Sovereign in a single leap. But how could it be so simple? Every peak Sovereign was ancient beyond measure; it required the slow accumulation of time. "This disciple understands, Master," Lu Changsheng replied. "However, my True Realm is somewhat unique and still requires vast quantities of water from the River of Spacetime. Since my own immortal substance is currently insufficient, I would like to request Master's assistance." He revealed his secondary purpose: he needed water from the River of Spacetime! "Water from the River of Spacetime? That's simple enough. I will use immortal substance to retrieve a large quantity for you from the river," Sovereign Feilong agreed readily. "No, Master, you might have misunderstood. What I need isn't a mere handful, but an immense amount—something that requires a treasure akin to the Eternal Academy's Spacetime Boat." Sovereign Feilong frowned. A treasure like the Spacetime Boat? How much river water would that hold? After all, the Spacetime Boat contained an entire spatial realm. "Do you truly require that much water from the River of Spacetime?" "More, not less." Sovereign Feilong fell silent. After pondering for a while, he ultimately shook his head. "Since you need that much river water, you would need a spatial treasure crafted from immortal substance. Yet such supreme treasures are exceedingly scarce—not just in our Great Universe, but across the countless universes of the vast River of Spacetime. "After all, immortal substance is nearly indestructible, let alone malleable enough to craft. Most treasures are forged crudely by clashing different pieces of immortal substance against each other. As for spatial treasures made of immortal substance, I have never even heard of one. Only when you mentioned the Spacetime Boat did I learn such a miraculous treasure existed. It seems I cannot help you, nor can any Sovereign in our entire Great Universe..." Lu Changsheng felt no disappointment at his master's words. This had been well within his expectations. The Great Universe was merely an ordinary universe; how could it harbor a treasure rivaling the Spacetime Boat? If such things were common, the Spacetime Boat would not be so precious. "It matters not. At worst, I shall make a trip to the Eternal Academy to see if I can borrow the Spacetime Boat," Lu Changsheng said with a smile. "Changsheng, should we notify the other Sovereigns of the Great Universe about your breakthrough to the Third Realm?" Sovereign Feilong asked. "It isn't a secret; there is nothing to hide," Lu Changsheng nodded. He had no objections. "Good! Normally, whenever a Sovereign is born in the Great Universe, a grand celebration is held. Allow your master to organize this celebration for you." "Then I shall trouble Master with the arrangements." Sovereign Feilong was thoroughly pleased. Even after attaining the Third Realm, Lu Changsheng remained his disciple and treated him with utmost respect. Hosting this Sovereign Celebration would allow him to make a truly grand impression, basking in his disciple's glory. Lu Changsheng, however, had little interest in such matters. While he agreed to the celebration, he needed to make a trip to the Eternal Academy first. Cultivation took precedence above all else! "Master, let us hold the celebration after I return from the Eternal Academy." "Very well. Go to the Eternal Academy first. Matters of cultivation are naturally far more important," Sovereign Feilong agreed. A celebration could take place at any time. Lu Changsheng set off for the Eternal Academy at once. Meanwhile, word began spreading outward from Mount Feilong. Lu Changsheng, the Number One Supreme of the Hundred Supremes Ranking, had ascended to become a Third Realm Sovereign! The news sent genuine shockwaves through the universe! Countless beings were stunned, yet it also felt entirely natural. After all, many who claimed the top spot on the Hundred Supremes Ranking eventually became Sovereigns. Lu Changsheng was no exception. Still, he was the first Sovereign born in the Great Universe in tens of thousands of years, and given his immense renown, the tremor his ascension caused was monumental. Mount Feilong began preparing for the Sovereign Celebration. Word had it that Lu Changsheng had departed to cultivate in an alternate universe, and the festivities would commence upon his return. As for his Sovereign title, there was virtually no dispute. He had previously been known as Supreme Changsheng; now that he had become a Sovereign, Sovereign Changsheng was the natural choice. With the title established, the Great Universe officially gained another Sovereign! Yet while the Great Universe buzzed with excitement over 'Sovereign Changsheng,' the man himself was no longer there. He had already arrived at the Eternal Academy. The scene of his previous departure remained fresh in his memory. Even Lu Changsheng had not anticipated returning to the academy so soon. He moved to step directly inside. *Buzz!* The next instant, a powerful force blocked his path. His True Realm automatically surged with counteracting power. *Boom!* A piercing alarm blared instantly. Moments later, figure after figure flew out in rapid succession. "Insolence! Who dares force their way into the Eternal Academy?" "Which fellow Daoist has arrived?" Every incoming presence radiated the aura of a Sovereign. Below them, outer disciples looked up in shock and bewilderment. Who would dare trespass upon the Eternal Academy? "That aura that just erupted—was it a Sovereign?" "Just which Sovereign dares barge into the Eternal Academy?" "In all my years as an outer disciple, I've never seen a Sovereign try to force their way in!" "Wait... doesn't that person look familiar?" "Isn't that the Number One Supreme on the Hundred Supremes Ranking, Supreme Changsheng? He was once the academy's top true disciple! But Supreme Changsheng was merely a cosmic mighty figure, whereas this is the aura of a Sovereign... Could he have ascended to become a Third Realm Sovereign?" More than a few recognized Lu Changsheng. He was no nameless figure, but the reigning Number One Supreme of the ranking—and for two consecutive terms! A new Hundred Supremes Ranking had recently been released while Lu Changsheng was in closed-door cultivation, and Sovereign Shenyan had no way of knowing he would break through. Topping the Hundred Supremes Ranking twice brought radiant, undeniable fame; it was impossible not to recognize him. Precisely because so many recognized him, seeing that Lu Changsheng had actually become a Sovereign left everyone thoroughly stunned. *Whoosh!* At last, a familiar presence entered Lu Changsheng's perception. Sovereign Yongye's true body had arrived!