We appeared in the endless void of space.
Before us floated a world so massive that even the largest stars I'd seen looked like grains of dust in comparison—billions of times larger, surrounded by countless small satellite worlds shimmering like celestial pearls.
Its surface radiated an ethereal glow, exuding a divine, majestic presence that made the surrounding space feel sacred, as if even the void itself bowed in reverence.
Behind it, the cosmos unfurled—a breathtaking sea of starlight. Stars twinkled like scattered diamonds across the dark ocean of space, their light stretching into infinity.
Only one word formed in my mind.
Beautiful.
As we drifted closer to the celestial world, my thoughts crystallized with clarity.
This… is the Imperial Planet—the heart of humanity, seated at the center of the Central Galaxy.
The Central Galaxy… a supermassive realm beyond mortal comprehension. One of the most sacred territories governed by the Heaven Dao Domain. A Dao Domain wasn't just a collection of galaxies—it was an entire layered realm, vast enough to rival a universe on its own. It transcended the observable cosmos of Earth by countless magnitudes.
And beyond the Dao Domains lay the true multiverse—the Dark Universe. A vast, living construct made of endless space-times, nested dimensions, and layered realities. Dao Domains, secret realms, pocket worlds, dreamscapes—it was ever-expanding, like a breathing, infinite entity birthing new cosmic frontiers with every tick of time.
But even in this boundless expanse, there existed a place none dared approach—the Dao Burial Ground.
That name alone sent a chill down my spine.
A forbidden region at the edge of existence—where even the most powerful beings, the apex cultivators, and ancient titans of power… refused to tread.
Beyond that lay the Cosmic Starry Sky, the true stage of civilization, where myriad races, powers, and empires clashed and thrived.
And at the pinnacle of this cosmic realm… stood the Imperial Planet.
As we entered its radiant atmosphere and soared high above its surface, a colossal floating structure came into view—a massive, luminous platform suspended in the heavens.
The Awakening Place.
We were descending toward it, and I found myself drawn to the planet's surface below. My eyes widened in silent awe.
The culture… it was unlike anything I'd ever imagined. A seamless fusion of three vastly different eras—Victorian elegance, sci-fi futurism, and ancient Chinese cultivation.
To the east, cities bloomed with Victorian charm: cobblestone streets, gaslamps flickering under the twilight sky, steam-powered carriages winding past men in tailored suits and women in flowing gowns.
To the west, it looked like I'd stepped into a dream of the far future. Skyscrapers pierced the clouds, gravity-defying buildings hovered in place, and high-speed aerial vehicles zipped through luminous sky lanes. The people wore sleek, modern suits—biotech woven into their very clothing.
Yet toward the north and south… lay the domains of the cultivators.
Floating islands drifted among mountains bathed in spiritual light. Ancient sects stood like sentinels of tradition, surrounded by spirit trees, mystic beasts, and rainbow-arched waterfalls that defied logic. Cultivators in flowing robes flew across the sky atop their swords, their laughter echoing like wind-chimes across the clouds.
It wasn't just a city.
It was a world where past, future, and myth had become one.
A living painting more vivid than any fantasy I'd read.
As we approached the platform, I heard a soft voice at my side.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Elizabeth asked, her tone gentle—softer than I was used to hearing from her.
I turned, still caught in the vision. "Yeah... It's like every story I've ever loved came to life."
We touched down on the Awakening Place moments later.
It was massive. Already crowded with people from all walks of life. Some in advanced combat suits, others in Victorian fashion. Many more in traditional robes embroidered with glowing spiritual runes.
The blend of styles should have felt strange—but somehow, it felt natural.
As Elizabeth and I landed, the crowd stilled.
A hushed silence spread like ripples across water.
Then every head turned toward us.
And without hesitation, they dropped to one knee, voices echoing in perfect unison:
"We greet His Highness and the Supreme One!"
Their reverence didn't shake me. I'd grown used to it. This was my family. My reality.
Elizabeth stepped forward, her voice carrying calm authority. "You may rise."
She took my hand and led me forward—to the Sacred Altar at the platform's center.
Once there, she gently released my hand, motioning for me to sit.
I obeyed, settling into a cross-legged position on the glowing altar. She stepped back, her violet eyes meeting those of the elders who stood in a perfect circle around us.
And then the ritual began.
Mysterious sigils rose into the air, tracing themselves in light. Soft chants drifted through the sky, like the breath of the universe itself.
Suddenly—without warning—a colossal golden eye opened above the heavens.
It gazed down upon us, vast and unblinking.
I couldn't breathe for a moment.
The pressure that followed was unlike anything I had ever known.
The crowd fell to their knees once more, this time out of sheer instinct. Many trembled. Some collapsed, unconscious. The spiritual weight was suffocating. Absolute. Unquestionable.
Only Elizabeth remained standing, calm as ever.
And I… I was untouched.
Her presence shielded me completely.
My gaze locked with the eye in the sky.
And from the depth of my soul, a single name echoed.
Heavenly Dao.
Not the supreme Heaven's Will that governed the totality of the Dark Universe. Not the omnipotent presence that held fate and law in perfect balance.
But a fragment.
A reflection.
A subordinate echo of that great force—responsible for this Dao Domain alone, maintaining its order, its laws… its destiny.
And now, it was watching me.