Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
The commotion caused by the successful breakthrough of the Red Kun Star Lord immediately drew the attention of many powerful beings on the main star.
The various Peak Lords noticed it right away and all rushed toward the location of the Red Kun Star Lord.
There are a total of thirteen Peak Lords in the Red Kun Lineage. The Grand Peak Lord and the Thirteenth Peak Lord are stationed in other star domains.
The remaining eleven Peak Lords were still on the main star.
At this moment, as the powerful aura of the Red Kun Star Lord spread, ten of the Peak Lords quickly approached.
"Teacher."
"Teacher, have you broken through?"
"Congratulations, Teacher, for advancing to the Ninth Rank!"
One by one, the Peak Lords congratulated the Red Kun Star Lord, who was standing with his hands behind his back, eyes closed.
As disciples of the Red Kun Star Lord, the stronger their teacher became, the more they, as his disciples, would naturally benefit.
In human civilization, the bond between master and disciple is even closer than that of blood relatives. After all, to become a master and disciple, their levels of life are usually not far apart.
They can experience the long years together.
But blood relatives? How many blood relatives of those at the Tenth Rank or Eleventh Rank are still alive?
Even the Strongest Ones' blood relatives have mostly perished. Although the Strongest Ones can defy the natural order and resurrect beings from the past, if someone dies due to the limit of their lifespan, even if they are forcibly resurrected, they will quickly die again.
To achieve eternity, one must become a Twelfth Rank lifeform, stepping out of the river of time.
"You've arrived," the Red Kun Star Lord glanced at the many Peak Lords and nodded slightly.
At this moment, his mind was in turmoil. Just now, his consciousness connected to the virtual world and received much information that had occurred over the past hundred years.
The most dazzling among them was naturally the Milky Way Star Lord.
Within the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm, he went on a killing spree, forcing Ninth Rank experts of several peak hostile races of human civilization to the point where nearly ten thousand Ninth Rank beings voluntarily died within the secret realm.
Afterward, a few years ago, he advanced to the Tenth Rank, standing with one foot at the pinnacle, just below the 11th Rank evolvers and the Strongest Ones.
"My disciple..." The Red Kun Star Lord remained silent.
At first, he merely suggested that Lin Yuan explore the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm to see if he could figure out any connection between the Mysterious Emperor evolution path and the secret realm itself.
Who would have expected Lin Yuan to cause such a huge commotion?
When the Red Kun Star Lord entered the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm, he was cautious. After all, being an invincible Eighth Rank, he was at the bottom layer of the secret realm.
But Lin Yuan's performance in the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm was so domineering and powerful that even those special Ninth Rank beings had to flee with their heads down; if they were too slow, they would die.
As for Lin Yuan advancing to the Tenth Rank? Although the Red Kun Star Lord had mixed feelings, there was a hint of relief.
When Lin Yuan reached the Ninth Rank, the Red Kun Star Lord was still an invincible Eighth Rank, with the hope of breaking through to the Ninth Rank and becoming an evolver at the same level as his junior disciple.
This was also the reason why the Red Kun Star Lord went into seclusion for over a hundred years.
If not for Lin Yuan's stimulus, the Red Kun Star Lord might have taken thousands of years to prepare.
He would have waited until he naturally reached the limit before considering advancing to the Ninth Rank.
After all, he had a long lifespan. As a star sea kun with peak bloodline, the Red Kun Star Lord's lifespan far exceeded that of evolvers of the same level.
But now?
Lin Yuan had reached the Tenth Rank.
The Red Kun Star Lord actually felt a sense of relief because the Tenth Rank was not something he could reach by simply closing his eyes and going into seclusion.
Even though the star sea kun had significant advantages in cultivating at the Ninth Rank, easily opening multiple layers of space due to their affinity with spatial origin, completing all the stages of the Ninth Rank and opening millions of layers of space?
He didn't even want to think about it without at least 100,000 years.
And that's assuming everything goes smoothly.
If there are any bottlenecks, the time would be greatly extended.
The Red Kun Star Lord's thoughts fluctuated, and for a moment, he felt a sense of resignation.
When the gap wasn't too wide, there was still the desire to catch up.
But when the gap was like a chasm, the Red Kun Star Lord completely lost this desire.
"Teacher, Junior Brother... Junior Brother has reached the Tenth Rank," the Tenth Peak Lord immediately spoke, sharing the good news with the Red Kun Star Lord.
"Hmm."
"I already know."
The Red Kun Star Lord glanced at the Tenth Peak Lord, "You should all learn more from Thirteen in the future."
As soon as these words were spoken.
The ten Peak Lords looked at each other in confusion.
Learn from Junior Brother?
How could they possibly learn from Junior Brother?
In the depths of the cosmic void.
Within a certain secret realm.
Tuoba Ancient God was sitting cross-legged, his terrifying aura affecting the surrounding time and space.
"The Milky Way Star Lord, that young one, has reached the Tenth Rank?" Tuoba Ancient God had just finished a short seclusion and received this news from human civilization.
"Tuoba," a powerful consciousness descended, condensing into a massive phantom, it was none other than the Ancient God Sigu.
"I told you to return the Milky Way Star Lord's friend back then. Now look, not only did you gain nothing, but you also offended the Milky Way Star Lord."
Ancient God Sigu looked at Tuoba Ancient God and shook his head slightly.
"So what if I offended him?"
Tuoba Ancient God didn't care at all.
Given the Milky Way Star Lord's displayed talent and potential, advancing to the Tenth Rank was only to be expected.
Tuoba Ancient God wasn't worried about this matter. Even if the Milky Way Star Lord advances to the Eleventh Rank in the future, so what?
As an Ancient God at the pinnacle of the Eleventh Rank, Tuoba Ancient God wasn't concerned unless the Milky Way Star Lord became a Strongest One. Otherwise, he couldn't do anything to him.
But becoming a Strongest One, is it that easy?
"You may not care about the Milky Way Star Lord, but what about the Eleventh Rank evolver in human civilization who comprehended the rules of time? Do you think he won't care?"
"This human evolver has a high chance of becoming a Strongest One, and when that happens, human civilization will have its tenth Strongest One, which will have profound implications for the power dynamics among the major forces in the universe."
"You still won't care?"
Ancient God Sigu said.
A few years ago, when the phenomenon of chaotic void origin infusion occurred, it was revealed by the Strongest Ones of the alien races that the source came from human civilization.
Afterward, human civilization publicly announced that a certain hidden Tenth Rank evolver had broken through to the Eleventh Rank.
This matched the predictions of the alien Strongest Ones.
"Comprehending the rules of time at the Tenth Rank..." Tuoba Ancient God fell silent.
He might not care about the Milky Way Star Lord, for even the most unrivaled talent has no direct impact on reaching the ultimate level.
But comprehending the rules of time at the Tenth Rank? This would significantly aid in the ultimate breakthrough, providing an additional opportunity to withstand the infusion of chaotic void origin.
The internal world would benefit greatly, making the ultimate leap towards the transformation of the internal universe much easier.
"It doesn't affect me either." Tuoba Ancient God glanced at Ancient God Sigu, "Even if human civilization gains another Strongest One, it will only influence the power dynamics among the major forces. At worst, I'll side with the Insect Race."
Human civilization gaining another Strongest One would only slightly enhance their foundational strength, far from giving them free rein.
"You plan to attempt the ultimate breakthrough within millions of years, and you think siding with the Insect Race won't have any impact during that time?" Ancient God Sigu chuckled.
Tuoba Ancient God didn't respond.
At this moment, he also felt a twinge of regret. Who could have predicted that the Milky Way Star Lord would be so unyielding?
And human civilization's foundation is terrifyingly strong. How long has it been since they produced nine Strongest Ones, and now they have hopes for a tenth?
Had he known, he would have decisively handed over the Milky Way Star Lord's friend; it would indeed have been the best choice.
At least it wouldn't have completely offended the Milky Way Star Lord and human civilization.
Milky Way Star Domain.
Lin Yuan opened his eyes.
"Teacher has advanced to the Ninth Rank?" Lin Yuan received the news, a smile appearing on his face.
Although advancing to the Ninth Rank might not mean much to Lin Yuan now, it was a long-cherished wish for the Red Kun Star Lord.
"Time to congratulate Teacher."
Lin Yuan's consciousness connected to the virtual world.
Personal space.
Lin Yuan and the Red Kun Star Lord sat facing each other.
"Congratulations, Teacher, on advancing to the Ninth Rank," Lin Yuan said with a smile.
"Are you mocking me?" The Red Kun Star Lord rolled his eyes. He hadn't even mentioned Lin Yuan's breakthrough to the Tenth Rank.
Compared to the birth of a Tenth Rank evolver, what does an Eighth Rank breakthrough to the Ninth Rank count for?
The master and disciple chatted for a while.
The Red Kun Star Lord could feel that even though his disciple had completely surpassed him, there was no trace of the demeanor of a Tenth Rank evolver. It felt as if he was still the same young disciple from before.
This warmed the Red Kun Star Lord's heart.
"By the way, about the connection between the Mysterious Emperor evolution path and the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm..." The Red Kun Star Lord cautiously asked.
He was quite curious about the relationship between the two.
"This time exploring the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm didn't reveal any connection to the Mysterious Emperor evolution path," Lin Yuan didn't tell the whole truth.
Mainly because the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm was too important. Lin Yuan might make it public when he becomes a Strongest One, fearless of anything.
But for now?
It was better to keep it secret.
"No connection, huh?" The Red Kun Star Lord felt a bit disappointed, "Well, it makes sense. If I could obtain the evolution path, what would the secret realm matter?"
The Red Kun Star Lord quickly figured it out.
It hadn't been too difficult for him to obtain the Mysterious Emperor evolution path.
If the Mysterious Emperor evolution path had a crucial connection to the secret realm, how could an invincible Eighth Rank like him have brought it out?
What the Red Kun Star Lord didn't know was that the spirit of the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm had practically given away the evolution path, hoping to spread it outside.
However, most powerful beings who obtained this evolution path tried repeatedly and found they couldn't cultivate it, so they gradually gave up and stopped paying attention.
Occasionally, some who could meet the requirements for the Mysterious Emperor evolution path would often fall in the process, unable to reach the threshold needed for the secret realm's call.
"Teacher, I plan to make the Mysterious Emperor evolution path public and find a few evolvers in human civilization who can cultivate this path."
Lin Yuan thought for a while and said.
This was also something he had promised the spirit of the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm.
As for whether other evolvers cultivating the Mysterious Emperor evolution path would threaten Lin Yuan's control over the secret realm?
That was no longer possible. Lin Yuan had already refined the secret realm's core, becoming the undisputed master of the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm. Even if someone cultivated the Mysterious Emperor evolution path to the Tenth, Eleventh Rank, it wouldn't affect the secret realm in the slightest.
"No problem."
The Red Kun Star Lord nodded.
"Thank you, Teacher."
Lin Yuan immediately said.
Milky Way Star Domain.
Lin Yuan successfully uploaded the first to the seventh stage of the Mysterious Emperor evolution path.
As for the stages from the Eighth to the Twelfth Rank? If one couldn't even master the first to the seventh stages, there was no need to attempt the later stages.
"The three goddesses don't hold the Mysterious Emperor evolution path in high regard," Lin Yuan received the judgment from the Wisdom Goddess regarding the Mysterious Emperor evolution path.
The most important criterion for human civilization in evaluating an evolution path is its accessibility.
In other words, the number of people who can cultivate this path.
Even if it's a path to becoming the Strongest One, if the threshold is extremely high and no one can enter, its value won't be that significant.
While the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm isn't inaccessible, cultivating this evolution path is no easy task.
Battlefield A098.
Battlefields designated with an 'A' are large-scale alien battlefields.
Human civilization has established over two million alien battlefields, the vast majority of which are small-scale.
There are 860,000 medium-scale alien battlefields.
As for large-scale alien battlefields? So far, there are only 135.
Each large-scale battlefield is a slaughterhouse for the peak races of the universe, where the strongest beings gather.
The Strongest Ones keep their eyes on them at all times.
In the central area of Battlefield A098.
Lin Yuan's Yang Primordial Spirit was cautiously flying.
Whether it's a small-scale, medium-scale, or large-scale alien battlefield, the space is extremely unstable, and teleportation techniques can cause significant 'errors.'
These errors might not be dangerous in the vast cosmic void, but on the battlefield?
If you accidentally teleport into the enemy's lair, wouldn't that be seeking death?
So normally, no strong being dares to use teleportation on the battlefield.
Lin Yuan was no exception.
Even though Lin Yuan could minimize errors using the "Nine Steps of Time and Space," the consumption was too great, and the commotion caused by using this secret technique was also substantial.
It would trigger layers of spatial ripples.
After all, this secret technique is meant as a last-resort 'escape' method.
If you're already in such a dire situation, why care about the commotion?
"This large-scale alien battlefield... is just too vast," Lin Yuan shook his head slightly.
It only took him half a year to travel from the Milky Way Star Domain to this battlefield.
For the next few years, he had been 'slowly' flying across the battlefield, heading toward the permanent spatial rift.
Based on Lin Yuan's understanding of Battlefield A098, this large-scale alien battlefield has a diameter of over 500 light-years, which is massive even in the vast cosmic void.
It is said that the 135 large-scale battlefields established by human civilization were created by the Strongest Ones themselves, capable of withstanding the battles between Eleventh Rank beings.
"However... Even upon entering the battlefield, I could smell the aura of boundary-breaking power," a smile appeared on Lin Yuan's face.
Previously, in small-scale and medium-scale battlefields, only near the permanent spatial rift would the accumulation of boundary-breaking power accelerate.
But in large-scale alien battlefields? Even on the edge of the battlefield, Lin Yuan noticed a slight increase in the accumulation speed of boundary-breaking power.
Even a slight increase is an increase, and compared to small-scale and medium-scale battlefields, this is a qualitative change.
"I wonder, once I get close to that permanent spatial rift, how much will the accumulation speed of boundary-breaking power increase?"
Lin Yuan was a bit excited.
Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm.
Lin Yuan's Yin Primordial Spirit floated in mid-air.
Since breaking through to the Tenth Rank, Lin Yuan occasionally entered the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm to familiarize himself with his greatly enhanced power.
The Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm could block even the prying eyes of the Strongest Ones, allowing Lin Yuan to unleash his power without any reservations.
Boom, boom, boom.
Terrifying energy waves swept across one-tenth of the secret realm. Compared to ordinary Tenth Rank beings, Lin Yuan's power was immeasurably stronger.
After enduring a chaotic void infusion from a rift over 12 light-years wide for 333 seconds, Lin Yuan's entire being underwent a massive transformation from inside out.
Compared to when he was at the Ninth Rank, Lin Yuan was now much stronger.
It was like a tiny ant turning into a divine dragon.
Crash, crash.
Layer upon layer of space was torn apart. The power Lin Yuan unleashed with a simple gesture was enough to annihilate Tenth Rank beings at the C or B level.
Only Tenth Rank beings who had comprehended pillar-level fusion rules at the A level could withstand the aftershocks of Lin Yuan's power.
But even then, it was like a small boat floating in a vast ocean, always on the verge of sinking.
"Master, your current power, even without the support of any rules, has already surpassed the Tenth Rank limit," said the spirit of the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm, a six-armed figure appearing in the distance, gazing in awe at the center of the vast power emanating from Lin Yuan.
The main cultivation method for Tenth Rank beings is to continuously fuse various rules.
And fusion rules are the most crucial means of attack for Tenth Rank beings.
But now?
Without borrowing any rules, Lin Yuan's power had already surpassed the limits of the Tenth Rank; it was simply unbelievable.
"Just surpassing the Tenth Rank limit?" Lin Yuan withdrew his aura, feeling a bit disappointed.
Compared to when he first reached the Tenth Rank, Lin Yuan's strength had increased significantly. He had initially thought he might barely reach the threshold of the Eleventh Rank.
"Master..." The six-armed figure was at a loss for words.
The Tenth Rank and Eleventh Rank are completely different realms.
Just surpassing the Tenth Rank limit doesn't mean one has reached the Eleventh Rank.
If the Tenth Rank limit is a hundred, then the Eleventh Rank is a thousand, a million.
Surpassing the Tenth Rank limit by reaching a hundred and ten or a hundred and twenty still leaves a vast distance from the Eleventh Rank.
During the peak period of the Mysterious Emperor Lineage, there were indeed some exceptionally powerful Tenth Rank beings who, with the help of secret techniques and weapons, could briefly confront Eleventh Rank beings.
But now, Lin Yuan wanted to rely solely on his pure strength to reach the threshold of the Eleventh Rank.
This left the six-armed figure unsure of what to say.
If one could rely solely on their pure strength to match the Eleventh Rank, would they still be a Tenth Rank being?
After multiple attempts within the Mysterious Emperor Secret Realm.
Lin Yuan had roughly gauged his current strength.
He was basically invincible at the Tenth Rank. Normal Tenth Rank A-level beings wouldn't last long against him.
If Lin Yuan were to go all out, paying a huge price, he might be able to temporarily elevate his strength to the threshold of the Eleventh Rank.
For example, by using the divine power 'Enhancement.'
Enhancing his physical body, soul, mind, will, and internal world by tenfold, the boost to his strength would likely be a hundredfold, a thousandfold, allowing him to break into the Eleventh Rank realm.
"Fusion rules..."
After reflecting for a while, Lin Yuan resumed his cultivation and enlightenment.
"Life rules... Death rules." Lin Yuan raised his hands, his left hand filled with warm vitality, while his right hand was enveloped in cold death.
"Life and death, an endless cycle?"
A flood of inspiration surged through Lin Yuan's mind, and the forces of life and death between his hands began to slowly merge together.
...
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