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Translator: Fate
Translation Checker: Silavin
[Everything I see looks vast and distant, like the boundless heaven. There is no doubt that I’m alone. No one stands with me anymore…] Gu Changge couldn’t help but inwardly sigh as he stood at the pinnicle of the Divine Empire, overlooking the world. His handsome face, as ethereal as a deity, remained unchanged. Like a tranquil and ancient deep ocean abyss, his eyes concealed the emotions he felt, letting no one decipher his thoughts.
In that brief moment when his gaze fell upon familiar faces and peers he had crossed paths with before, those individuals couldn’t help but lower their heads in fear and dread. Their perception of Gu Changge had long changed. They no longer saw him as a peer leading them, nor the invincible young prodigy of the past. The current Gu Changge was the true Master behind Dark Heaven, and he was the one who manipulated the whole Upper Realm and ruthlessly slew the strongest of experts.
Countless Forces and numerous Star Territories had been annihilated because of him. The young prodigies of this land trembled at the thought, unable to fathom the horrifying truth they didn’t expect to uncover. It sent chills down their spines and froze them down to their very souls. Those young prodigies who once considered Gu Changge their target to catch up to had now widened their eyes in disbelief before fear appeared in their gaze. They started to tremble uncontrollably.
Yet, at this moment, the most conflicted and fearful ones were those from the Immortal and Formidable Forces, especially those of the older generation.
No one knew the exact number of universes Dark Heaven had exterminated their hand towards in just these few decades. Looking back before Gu Changge’s marriage, he had been hailed as the most brilliant young prodigy of the Upper Realm. He was dazzling, and his talent was so terrifying that his peers couldn’t raise their heads or catch their breath in his presence. Who would have ever thought or dared to imagine that he would be the mastermind behind it all?
From the very beginning, Gu Changge had been looking at everything like a game of chess. Everyone, even the members of the Immortal Gu Family where he came from, was but a pawn in his hands. They remained oblivious to it all, and they never even considered such a possibility. And yet, Gu Changge managed to deceive them. Like a shadow in the dark, no traces or ripples were left behind. He silently orchestrated and planned everything behind the scenes without anyone noticing.
Many young prodigies once saw him as a role model. They believed he was a righteous, refined and amiable man who treated others with humility. He had always been known for his good reputation, which was why no one ever thought he was the very man who had coldly taken lives.
The so-called Successor of Demonic Arts, a role he had seemingly taken on, was nothing more than a grand play directed and acted by Gu Changge himself. He had spun a colossal lie, deceiving the entire Upper Realm and toying with them.
How many young peers had perished because of this? Just the brief thought of this sent shivers down everyone’s spines and caused an icy chill throughout their bodies which trembled uncontrollably. They couldn’t begin to imagine what terrifying methods and schemes were at play.
“He hid himself too well. Before Sky Emperor Mountain and Endless Fire Kingdom were destroyed, they even accused Gu Changge of being the Successor of Demonic Arts. But who would have thought they had hit the nail on the head?”
“At that time, everyone believed that Sky Emperor Mountain and Endless Fire Kingdom were making baseless accusations and deliberately tarnishing Gu Changge’s name.”
“People condemned them and defended Gu Changge…”
“Haha, isn’t it ironic now? What a grand farce, a joke on the world.”
Many Elders in the hall, who found the past scenes ironic. wore bitter smiles on their faces. It felt especially laughable when they thought about how Gu Changge had once seemingly sought justice by wanting to exterminate the Successor of Demonic Arts, attracting widespread support and adoration from all corners of the world.
“I’m afraid that Gu Changge is also behind the sudden outbreak of the Eternal Overcast. It’s terrifying to think about it. It’s really too frightening…”
“The Tree of Epoch was actually in the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains right from the start. It was just that Gu Changge took possession of it first and kept it hidden from the world. He later used it as bait…”
Many things made sense when they thought about all of this. The people could only bitterly laugh as they trembled at how terrifying these methods were. If it hadn’t actually happened, no one would have dared to think of it this way.
Gu Changge took in everyone’s expressions while his expression remained unchanged. The reason he revealed his true identity today was partly that he needed to announce Dark Heaven’s appearance to the world. It was also to inform the Upper Realm of a fact: the current Upper Realm was no longer as chaotic and leaderless as before.
After the Divine Empire was established, it would rule over the Upper Realm, making him the true master of it. Those who submitted would live, while those who resisted would die. The palaces of the Divine Empire were enormous, and the cultivators and beings who came from the myriad realms and various Forces were numerous, as they were made up of both citizens of the Divine Empire and cultivators from the outside world. But now, everything remained surprisingly calm. No one spoke anymore as they watched Gu Changge above, waiting for him to speak. They understood that Gu Changge must have another purpose for establishing the Divine Empire.
“I intend to establish the Immortal Selection List. Anyone who enters my Divine Empire can be listed and become Immortal. They will receive the worship and offerings of the Divine Empire, and they will never die nor perish.”
Gu Changge spoke slowly, his gaze profound like there were countless universes evolving within it, and all sorts of terrifying scenes carrying unparalleled majesty from heaven flashed by. He didn’t explain what the Immortal Selection List was, but everyone present could immediately understand.
They were extremely shocked and astonished. The Immortal Selection List, as the name implied, was naturally a list that conferred immortality. Did entering this list mean that one could become Immortal? Becoming an Immortal? Transcend the Nirvana Realm? After all, judging from the current situation, Gu Changge was the only True Immortal in the Upper Realm. Even the Tree of Epoch was under his control, and no one had personally witnessed the existence of the Epoch Dao Fruit.
Did this mean that he had a way to make others become Immortals?
Those cultivators who had long since reached the level of hidden experts had naturally not seen the Epoch Dao Fruit. They were extremely eager upon hearing this news. Despite that, they also knew that being included in the Immortal Selection List most likely meant that they would no longer be as free as before. They would be bound by rules and might even have to submit to Gu Changge and Dark Heaven. It was even possible that their lives would be controlled by the Immortal Selection List.
They had to carefully consider this matter, as it was definitely not as simple as it seemed and might carry immense risks. The many hidden experts’ eyes were aglow as they suppressed their excitement.
“The temptation of the Immortal Selection List is great, but the risks are equally significant. There is no doubt about it: Gu Changge is not a good person. He cannot possibly be doing charity without a reason.”
“Based on his actions so far, there must be major hidden pitfalls in this matter that require careful consideration.”
The various hidden experts could see the vigilance and caution in each other’s expressions when they exchanged glances. This place was unimaginably vast. Even Immortals dared not claim to perceive everything, let alone understand everything that happens in all realms or know all the secrets and the terrifying existences hidden in this world.
Gu Changge was no exception. His desire to establish the Immortal Selection List was largely motivated by his intention to truly take control of the whole world rather than just making the Immortal and Formidable Forces fear him. There were still many things he needed to do at this stage, and the establishment of the Divine Empire was just the beginning.
Therefore, Gu Changge was not surprised by the looks on these people’s faces. After all, he hadn’t even started refining the Immortal Selection List yet, so it was too early to truly make them Immortal. He only mentioned this matter to stir up the whole Upper Realm.
Gu Changge had other plans.
His gaze scanned the audience again, his voice calm and unchanged as he said, “To all beings of this world, regardless of your background, you can enter the Immortal Selection List. I intend to re-establish the World Principles here. Those who are in the Sacred Emperor Realm and above can be listed and comprehend Immortal Principles…”
“What?”
“Those in the Sacred Emperor Realm and above? Does that mean we all have a chance?”
As soon as he said this, the entire hall erupted in an uproar. Apart from the younger generation, almost everyone’s expressions changed into one of shock, astonishment, and even incredulity. From his words, it was clear that the Immortal Selection List mentioned by Gu Changge was not created specifically for the hidden experts.
Before this, they believed that they had no connection to this list since the number of hidden experts was incredibly rare, especially after the events of the Resplendence Universe, which greatly reduced their numbers.
There were many more below the level of the hidden experts though. Still, it would take them countless years of cultivation to reach the level of the hidden experts. Because of this, they thought the Immortal Selection List had nothing to do with them, and they had very little interest in it.
To their surprise, Gu Changge now said that those in and above the Sacred Emperor Realm could be listed. Did that mean they could become Immortals through a shortcut? Skip many years of arduous cultivation? No one could remain calm when they heard this astonishing temptation.
Anyone could see that this place had become restless at Gu Changge’s words. Those who were present became excited, and the expressions of the various hidden experts changed drastically to one of unease when they sensed competition. They were cautious at first, but once these words were spoken, it meant that the rest of the people could also enter the Immortal Selection List. This affected them greatly. It meant that the purpose of this list was to force them to make a choice. After all, if they did not enter the list, there were bound to be others, who were currently much weaker than them, who would. How could they be content and stand by without doing anything as they witnessed the others break the limits of the current World Principles and become Immortals with the easiest way possible?
“How cruel… Gu Changge is forcing everyone to participate by doing this. If no hidden experts are willing to enter the list, then there will be other Quasi-Nirvana Realm or Nirvana Realm experts who will enter.” When they realised this, the various hidden experts in this place shuddered as they felt an icy chill in their hearts.
“One’s natural inclinations or predispositions are not fixed or absolute, but can be influenced and modified by external factors. The Great Dao is formless, and all Principles evolve from it. If what is innate can be demonstrated, what is later acquired can naturally evolve…” To confirm his words, Gu Changge directly sat cross-legged at the peak of the Divine Empire like a supreme Primal God and began to expound on cultivation methods and the essence of the Great Dao.
This was a Dao Scripture, an incredibly profound and mysterious text that belongs to the understanding of the Immortals. Numerous anomalies soon emerged within the heavens and earth.
The stars filled with life outside trembled under the influence, as if they were about to fall. Bright starlight then sprinkled down, illuminating every corner.
Within the Divine Empire, a towering Immortal Tree surrounded by dense radiance, as if nurturing a new world, grew. It looked like this new world was on the verge of materialising and growing.
Wisps of Chaos Qi surged as Grand Runes disappeared. Then, threads of black substance floated in the air like desolate and lifeless worlds.
Light spewed forth and manifested into countless transformations: worlds, ages, creations, space, immortality… Various Great Dao emerged at this moment. The River of Time even faintly surged, leaving everyone in awe. The inhabitants of the Divine Empire felt honoured and excited, and they were enraptured and intoxicated as they listened to Gu Changge preach.
Scriptures filled the sky, transforming into vast showers of light, shrouding billions of Star Territories. Many cultivators gained insights and fell into a state of enlightenment in an instant.
The supreme figures from Forbidden Areas and the leaders of Forces within the crowd all wore complex expressions when they sensed the profoundness of the Immortal Scripture.
From these few words, what they sensed was the mysterious truths of heaven and earth. It was so profound that they didn’t understand it. It was as if it involved a shortcut on the path to a new life.
For an entire half-month, Gu Changge remained seated, delivering sermons for the Divine Empire while collecting the terrifying Power of Faith. The entire Divine Empire exuded an aura of immortality, befitting its title. The sermons Gu Changge delivered resounded through the void, and the Dao Sounds reverberated through heaven and earth, even reaching beyond the Divine Empire, echoing throughout the various universes. Countless cultivators fell into enlightenment as they praised the name of the Divine Lord.
One Dao Lotus after another emerged within them. The flowers shone brilliantly, emanating vibrant radiance, resembling majestic Buddhas and sacred celestials. In the sky, sparkling petals descended in large numbers, and divine springs gushed forth from the earth and flowed ceaselessly with the surging of the Great Dao.
Every cultivator who came here gained some insights and greatly benefited. They advanced rapidly in their cultivation. Some even achieved breakthroughs on the spot, with their Primordial Spirits bursting forth with auspicious radiance. Some mastered secret techniques and Divine Dao ability, while others who had astonishing Talents felt their bloodlines advance further. Their whole body shone brightly, illuminating all directions and revealing their terrifying potential.
…
The entire space within the hall was so packed with people that there was no room for anyone else. Those who arrived late could do nothing but feel immensely regretful. Some ancient beings who were already True Doaists had the Great Dao surrounding them as they were immersed in the enlightenment. They have clearly reaped great benefits from this experience.
Various celestial plants and holy buds grew around Gu Changge, and Divine Beasts gathered, while the vast ethereal Celestial Mist turned this place into a sacred land.
Of course, Gu Changge’s actions were not without purpose. Within the essence of the teachings of the Great Dao, there was the inclusion of divine scripts for salvation. In a subtle and silent manner, it influenced the consciousness of cultivators, directly transforming them into the most devout of believers.
“The Immortal Path lies within the Divine Empire. All the inhabitants of our Empire can come at all times to listen to the teachings…”
Gu Changge didn’t speak much, but he casually showed everyone the Immortal Path, allowing many, irregardless of their cultivation level, to understand the benefits of becoming citizens of the Divine Empire. Of course, he wouldn’t be the one delivering the sermons at that time; it would be another existence.
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