Chapter 660

Chapter 660: Three Opposing Universes

Gong Haili had good reason to be concerned.

If Yun Ye were to choose a world or enter a random one, the danger would undoubtedly be much smaller. However, the school offered significant benefits for Yun Ye to enter a designated world.

Whether out of goodwill or ill intentions, it could easily turn into an opportunity for those with ulterior motives.

“If I’m not mistaken, this is likely a condition given before the two problematic directors were removed. It’s clearly not well-intentioned; I’m afraid it’s too risky to go.” Chi Xue fell rarely shared his thoughts.

“Don’t worry; the Hongmeng Purple Energy Realm is under closed management. The number of people allowed to enter is fixed, and high-level figures from the Heavenly Curtain personally guard the cosmic entrance. Moreover, we from the Wanling Group have our own trump cards; we will see how it unfolds,” he reassured.

“Indeed, we from the Wanling Group do not fear some evil spirits,” Long Linglong nodded.

While Wanling’s overall strength was far from that of the Divine Court, according to the president, they would mobilize most of their power to protect quietly. Such a significant effort for one person meant even a few Honored Beings from the Divine Court would meet their downfall.

“Good luck, President. The outer heavens are too deep; even with the protection of the Heavenly Curtain, it might not withstand sudden situations.”

A silent young man suddenly spoke, then jumped from the window’s edge and left the student council.

A hint of surprise flashed in everyone’s eyes.

Shui Chonghuang…

Though the Divine Monarch remained unmarried and had no descendants, he had several relatives and peers. Today, after twenty thousand years, the Shui family left traces across the Nine Continents, and Shui Chonghuang was a descendant of the Tengzhou Shui lineage.

In terms of background, Shui Chonghuang likely surpassed all the cultivators present.

However, being a direct descendant of the Divine Empress meant the Shui family operated very low-key, primarily in the Heavenly Dry Universe and even within the Heavenly Curtain, their reputation not as prominent as Chi Xue or Zixue.

With Shui Chonghuang’s warning, the upcoming trip to the Hongmeng Purple Energy Realm seemed fraught with danger.

“Liu Sheng, I still feel it’s best to avoid going. Though the Wanling Group is powerful, how much strength can they really allocate for you personally? Reality is not like the return of the Dragon King, where a single command sends the entire group to protect you. Even my parents wouldn’t come rushing just because of a situation, let alone a company or group…”

Gong Haili felt a chill run down her spine.

As students, they held no power of their own and were getting involved in such high-level conflicts; it seemed impossible for them to survive.

Forget the return of the Dragon King; the enemy wouldn’t even give them a chance to level up; they could be crushed before starting.

When major powers exchanged blows, they felt no loss, but for the one being attacked, it was pure disaster.

Perhaps Qing Liu Sheng was exceptionally talented and valued by the Wanling Group, but did the opposing side not share such value?

If it were her making the decision for this gamble, she would refuse one thousand percent.

The risks and rewards were completely disproportionate!

The idea of being assassinated a hundred times was mere joking; they could have smoothly grown into the True Realm, competing for the Ten Seats and aiming to Open Heaven and Earth, instead of facing what could possibly be peak True Realm foes or even Honored Beings right from the start!

“1 + 1 is greater than 2; with the Heavenly Curtain and Wanling protecting at the same time, those with ulterior motives might find it too difficult and retreat. Wanling is still a top force in Tengzhou, so there’s a slight chance…” Yun Ye smiled and remarked, “I’m curious about this so-called Divine Court; what makes them dare to challenge the Divine Empress’s Heavenly Court?”

Everyone exchanged glances, knowing they could not hold back.

Qing Liu Sheng was clearly not just aiming for the Purple Energy Spring; he appeared more like a decision-maker focused on eliminating rival forces, indicating a different level of thinking.

With Qing Liu Sheng’s strength and capabilities, he had to be an heir of a major power. Perhaps they had overthought; this trouble was something he could handle.

Yet the mention of the Divine Court made them frown. To challenge the Heavenly Court? How arrogant!

“The review is over. I’m leaving now. I probably won’t see you until the end of the year. But don’t worry; I’ve already finished a year’s worth of courses. Bye…”

Yun Ye smiled and waved as he left, leaving a group of petrified people behind.

They were in tears. Seriously, he left them feeling uneasy and even claimed to have completed a whole year’s courses ahead of time?

As soon as he stepped out of the Teaching Building, he spotted Zixue Xin fiddling with something in the flowerbed, and he couldn’t help but approach her.

“Chief Zixue, are you taking the Spirit Plant techniques course? You seem really interested in these.”

“Yes, both my parents are researchers in the field of Spirit Plants, so I’ve been interested in them since I was little. When it comes to Spirit Plants, the most dazzling yet ordinary one is probably this: it brought the Celestial Empire to its peak but also caused the swift decline of the Red Heaven realm.”

Zixue Xin candidly shared her background. Her parents were Mystic Realm cultivators and researchers of Spirit Plants, and their accumulated wealth helped her through the toughest initial times. Eventually, after exploring the Multiverse and relying on various opportunities, she gradually opened up her situation. The journey began with Spirit Plants, which is why she’s always so interested and has been studying them.

“Primitive Spiritual Herb, the pinnacle of technology from ten thousand years ago, was created for one reason: to transform the large amount of spirit energy materials accumulated from the spirit veins. Back then, the spirit energy density surged explosively, leading to a golden age of cultivation where everyone, like dragons, practiced.”

“But as its name suggests, the Primitive Spiritual Herb can only convert spirit energy materials, not directly obtain spirit energy like from caves or Secret Realms. Spirit energy materials, in the past, were known as ‘earth vein energy,’ which comes from the bodies of cultivators and monsters, as well as power accumulated through natural evolution. A portion also comes from the Void, but not all Power of the Void transforms into spirit energy; some turns into materials and other forms, including spirit energy materials.”

“The accumulation of countless years in the Red Heaven realm made it possible for the Primitive Spiritual Herb to create a prosperous era, yet unrestrained Opening Heaven and Earth quickly ended that prosperity.”

“The spirit energy required for Opening Heaven and Earth is immense. The energy consumption from one Parallel Universe can allow thousands of cultivators to reach the fullness of the True Realm. Under continuous openings, even if the earth vein energy of the Red Heaven has been accumulated for countless years, it wouldn’t be enough. In just one or two thousand years, it would be depleted.”

“The Primitive Spiritual Herb is a witness to history and represents the pinnacle of Spirit Plant studies. It is the most fundamental producer, and the first lesson in the Spirit Plant techniques class will always be about it.”

Zixue Xin squatted in front of the spiritual herb, speaking to herself.

“Chief Zixue, what exactly do you want to say?” Yun Ye asked.

“Nothing, just lamenting the creativity of humanity. The Red Heaven realm has entered the end of the law era, but the Celestial Empire has entered a multiverse era. The way of heaven takes from the excess to fill the deficit; the way of humanity is the opposite, taking from the deficits to serve the excesses. It is precisely because of the human way that the human race can rise during an era of monsters, just as today, the Divine Monarch and Divine Empress Open Heaven and Earth, ruling the Multiverse.”

“Our cultivation seeks this thread of possibility; the deeper the cultivation level, the stronger the premonition that the human way is always by our side, inseparable.”

Zixue Xin showed a faint smile from the side.

“…”

Yun Ye watched her profile with intrigue. Was she suggesting that the Divine Court would go to any lengths to deal with him?

The human way can simply be described as a small number of people plundering the majority to maintain their own status.

The Divine Court operates similarly; they must eliminate competitors and take sole dominance to maintain their high position, siphoning all resources.

“Chief, the review has concluded. Is the application to the Heavenly Dry Universe set for today?”

Yun Ye glanced outside. The artifact projection had vanished, along with everything else, including those with issues. The entire school was now buzzing, with much discussion about the matter.

This result was due to the lack of Spirit Law soundproofing; during their conversation, they had isolated themselves from external interference. Revealing this information to the student council isn’t a problem, but if too many people leaked it, it would become hard to investigate any issues that arise.

“The application has been approved; we can set out tomorrow. Why? Are you feeling a bit impatient?”

Zixue Xin got up and teased him.

“Yes, I am a bit impatient. The Purple Energy Spring should significantly boost my physical condition, so naturally, I can’t wait.”

Yun Ye replied.

“Then look forward to it. As far as I know, the Purple Energy Spring hasn’t been used for thirty million years, so it should have accumulated quite a bit of power.”

“Thirty million years? Has it not been used since taking over the Hongmeng realm?”

“Not exactly; it’s just that time flows differently in the Hongmeng Purple Energy Realm compared to the Red Heaven. A year in the Red Heaven equals a million years in Hongmeng. So, thirty million years roughly translates to only thirty years in the Red Heaven realm. Interestingly, one era in Hongmeng lasts for a hundred million years, meaning a seat of Honored Position can actually emerge in about a hundred years.”

“It’s a bit unfortunate that since the Red Heaven realm took control, the originally immortal sages in the Hongmeng Purple Energy Realm are now left with only about a year of Red Heaven lifespan. For us, that will pass in the blink of an eye.”

“One year of Red Heaven lifespan is equivalent to one million years in the Hongmeng Realm?”

Yun Ye’s pupils contracted.

“Indeed, theoretically. That’s why many cultivators, even if they give up on cultivation, choose to stay in the outer heavens. The rules of the Red Heaven realm are far too terrifying.”

Zixue Xin nodded.

In the past, escape from the Red Heaven realm was impossible, but now there was a chance, and some were naturally unwilling to get involved.

The stronger the Celestial Empire grew, the more choices every level had; this could be a good thing.

However…

Yun Ye thought of another matter.

The Hongmeng Purple Energy Realm, due to its Honored Position authority, only remained at the level of the “Marginal Universes” and was less affected by the Red Heaven realm. If it could live for a million years under those conditions, what if it were a currently opposing strong universe of the Celestial Empire?

He quickly parted ways with Zixue Xin and returned to his dormitory to use the Celestial Dome privileges.

The network wouldn’t reveal any information about the outer heavens, and the school could only access limited information. At present, he didn’t know if the Celestial Empire had any formidable opponents.

To find out, he had to rely on the Celestial Dome.

“Overview of the New Heaven Celestial Empire’s Multiverse.”

“Origin Point Universe: 1.”

“Parallel Universes: 541.”

“Approximate Universes: 8223.”

“Marginal Universes: 100,000+.”

“Opposing Universes: Incapable of measurement.”

“Many Marginal Universes are entirely under control but haven’t been incorporated into the Celestial Empire due to various reasons.”

“Currently, there are three opposing universes with the ability to resist that have yet to be brought under control: Dimension Technology Universe, Primordial Opening Heaven Universe, and Rule Breakdown Universe.”

“The three major… opposing universes?”

Yun Ye was somewhat shocked. Should he marvel at the vastness of the world? The Celestial Empire had unexpectedly many adversaries!

A whole three major universes!

This was rather strange.

The Celestial Empire held the technology to Open Heaven and Earth and possessed the power to traverse the myriad realms. How had they encountered opponents so soon after just a million years? Had they really explored so far?

But as Yun Ye delved deeper into the queries, he then understood.

It turned out that these three opposing universes could not contend with the Celestial Empire due to various unique characteristics that delayed the Empire’s conquering progress.

Invasion of a universe and converting it to one’s own faction requires extensive preparation, fulfilling various complex conditions, such as destroying civilization, achieving universal unification, and stealing the world’s luck.

The three opposing universes were capable of preserving their resistance due to their unique traits, which obstructed the fulfillment of those conditions, thus maintaining their ability to resist.

In reality, the three universes merely prolonged their own existence; they couldn’t launch a counterattack against the Red Heaven realm and thus drew little attention.

Yun Ye further checked the profiles related to the three major opposing universes and indeed found cultivators opting to delve into those universes in hopes of extending their lives.

However, there was no Master of Heaven’s Cavern among them. Generally, if an ordinary cultivator betrayed, the Celestial Empire would not change its strategy. But if it were the Master of Heaven’s Cavern that betrayed, the entire Celestial Empire would move to eliminate them with all its power; no Master would be so foolish.

If one truly wanted to extend their life, it was not impossible in a Marginal Universe similar to the Hongmeng realm.

“No Master of Heaven’s Cavern is a relief…”

Yun Ye silently let out a breath.

He had overthought things; Shui Wuge wasn’t dead yet. How could they allow the highest technology to flow out? No matter the means, maintaining the central control of the New Heaven Celestial Empire was the utmost priority. Without strength, any talk of fairness or order was meaningless.

In such a situation, even if multiverse exploration was progressing vigorously, the actual direction still rested in Shui Wuge’s hands. Ultimately, all universes would merge into the Heavenly Dry Universe without exception.

The Masters of Heaven’s Cavern, under pressure from Shui Wuge, could not openly betray; at most, they would engage in some profit exchange.

…

March 20.

Yun Ye set out, accompanied by Long Linglong, to the Multiverse Tower, where Zixue Xin was walking toward them.

“Good morning, Chief.”

Both greeted each other.

“Oh, Linglong actually came too. Could she be Liu Sheng’s girlfriend?”

Zixue Xin teased, flipping her purple hair and confidently showing off her perfect figure, dazzling those around her, causing their gazes to involuntarily drift away, then quickly shift back. Yes, she was someone who shouldn’t be trifled with.

“Chief is joking. I only came as a friend, worried about Liu Sheng.”

Long Linglong replied calmly.

“I see.”

Zixue Xin smiled and shifted her gaze to Yun Ye. “It seems Liu Sheng is well-prepared now; he has a different aura.”

“Chief as well. It looks like you’re not just accompanying me but have your own battlefield to attend to,” Yun Ye smiled back.

Zixue Xin changed into a form-fitting outfit suitable for combat. Though thin, it had a hint of armor-like texture, covering her arms and neck entirely, fitting her skin perfectly. It seemed like a type of biological armor that could grow freely and cover her entirely at any moment.

Yun Ye, on the other hand, remained in his usual blue robe, giving the impression that he would likely face challenges and learn lessons in the multiverse.

At least, that’s what the graduates around him thought.

Only Zixue Xin recognized that his aura was different and that he was ready.

“No choice; being the Chief means gaining more rights, which means more responsibility. Otherwise, the Divine Empress wouldn’t spare us.”

Zixue Xin laughed as she patted Yun Ye’s hand. “Alright, let’s set off and say goodbye to your friends!”

“See you at the end of the year; good luck earning your qualifications,” Yun Ye said to Long Linglong.

Long Linglong nodded and watched the two leave.

Their specific journey was to first transit through the Heavenly Dry Universe, then jump through multiple worlds before reaching the Hongmeng Purple Energy Realm.

Afterward, it would be Yun Ye’s time for free exploration, where he could randomly transmit or enter uncharted Marginal Universes and Opposing Universes.

Stepping out of the Red Heaven realm was the first step in the growth of today’s cultivators!

Yun Ye felt very excited.

It was so different from the style of Red Heaven.

Hearing the name "Hongmeng Purple Energy Realm," it felt like a genuine mythical world, and excitement surged within!

But as Yun Ye took a few steps, still far from the Multiverse Tower, an invisible wall of air stopped him.

“The crowd is busy; please wait a moment.”

“Preparing to transmit number of people: 52,231…”

A floating window popped up and explained.

Yun Ye paused in surprise.

Long Linglong also noticed the floating window and was equally astonished. “Can there really be a busy transmission? And fifty thousand people?!”

She looked around; even counting the flowers and plants, there was no way to gather fifty thousand people. Was this an army of ghostly soldiers passing through?

“It seems we can’t go for a while since there are too many people. Oh, you might not know this, but the area around the Multiverse Tower has overlapping spaces. It appears that there aren’t many people, but it’s actually overcrowded. You need to reach the Mystic Realm to see the different spaces.”

Zixue Xin said with a bitter smile; she had forgotten that with her Chief’s authority, she didn’t need to wait. But Qing Liu Sheng was just a first-year President, no different from an ordinary student, and to transmit, he would need to join the preparation sequence first.

“There’s no rush. After all, we might just leave our waiting people confused. Our one minute here equals a million minutes in the Hongmeng Purple Energy Realm,” Yun Ye said.

“What you say… makes sense! Haha, thinking about it that way, aren’t they quite pitiful?” Zixue Xin couldn’t help but laugh.

Long Linglong remained expressionless, not finding this amusing at all.

While they waited, it indicated the presence of enemies. No matter how long they could annoy others, if they couldn’t win in the end, it would all be meaningless. Perhaps the victor would find something to laugh about when they looked back on their memories.

“Chief, you haven’t left yet?”

A young man’s voice suddenly rang out, causing all three to turn.

A handsome man dressed in a black trench coat with a silver lightning mark on his face walked over, accompanied by a young man in a white martial arts outfit.

“Tianhui, Shiguang, what a coincidence! Are you both about to set off too?”

Zixue Xin asked.

“I’m so bored I could itch all over. If not for the review just starting, I definitely wouldn’t stay in school all this time,” He Shiguang said as he walked over and patted Yun Ye on the shoulder. “You fought really well last time; you showed me that there are indeed people beyond people, realms beyond realms! Even though it’s only been a little over a month since we last met, I have actually gotten a lot stronger. Next time we fight, your turtle shell will surely be smashed; you better not stand still!”

“I’ll work hard,” Yun Ye smiled.

“This is Yuhua Tianhui. I remember someone in your class is Tianhui’s daughter. If you get along with me, who knows, maybe Tianhui will let his good daughter marry you… at least it’s worth discussing!” He Shiguang started but was interrupted by a glare from his friend.

“He Shiguang, my daughter should like who she truly likes. She doesn’t fit in big scenes, especially ones that lead to self-destruction; that’s the least suitable!” Yuhua Tianhui expressed his dislike for Yun Ye, only keeping a respectful distance.

Spiritual Realm practitioners intruding into the affairs of the Divine Court, risking themselves, didn’t seem like the actions of a rational person. He hoped his family wouldn’t be dragged into it.

“He speaks rather bluntly; don’t take it to heart,” He Shiguang added.

“Tianhui being straightforward is actually quite good; at least there are fewer troubles. If it were the Third Seat and Eighth Seat, that would be a disaster. They act like perfect saints daily, but when it matters, they stab you in the back, clean and efficient, a true remarkable figure turning to assassinate newcomers in the spiritual realm,” Zixue Xin shook her head instead.

“It’s fine; those who don’t seek to maximize their benefits will just have no connection, so why harbor resentment?” Yun Ye smiled and shook his head, not concerned.

Long Linglong, who had been called out, was observing quietly.

If she weren’t a Spiritual Law practitioner, she would have jumped out to retort.

Why should those seeking to maximize their interests be discriminated against?

She felt anger simmering within!

“Chief, are you also going over there?”

Yuhua Tianhui looked deeply at Yun Ye, then turned to ask Zixue Xin a question.

“Looks like you will too?”

Zixue Xin nodded directly.

“I asked everyone in the student council before coming; they’re all going. There’s definitely a big issue this time. I wonder who is causing the commotion!”

Yuhua Tianhui said.

“Whatever comes, we’ll handle it; if we can’t, there’s still the Celestial Empire. It’s just a matter of one or two universes. If it weren’t for…”

He Shiguang remained unconcerned.

“Alright, let’s talk in the universe battlefield. I need to take Qing Liu Sheng, the President, to the Hongmeng realm; I won’t chat any longer.”

Zixue Xin interrupted.

“Fine.”

The two nodded at Yun Ye and Long Linglong, then walked into the Multiverse Tower, disappearing in a flash of light.

“Let’s go too; I already applied for special permission. Now your preparation count should be back to zero.”

“…That’s true.”

Watching the two disappear into the Multiverse Tower, Long Linglong also turned to leave.