In a vast and enigmatic realm, empty of all life, a tremendous explosion tore through the void, shaking heaven and earth alike, reverberating across the endless emptiness of this supreme domain.
BOOM!!!
"Do you truly believe that the nine of you alone can overthrow me? You severely underestimate your opponent!"
Panting, wounded — "Ha… haa…"
"A young man with blue hair, accompanied by eight others, emerged from the void."
The blue-haired youth spoke with overwhelming arrogance:
"Wu Ming! You dare claim that within the Supreme Deity Realm you are number one beneath the heavens?! Hahaha! Your hubris has brought you to your end today! Even if you top the list of the Ten Supreme Deities, that does not mean you can face all nine of us at once! Kill him!!!"
As his words echoed, the other Supreme Deities acted in unison, deploying an intricate divine confinement formation. Though it could not fully restrain Wu Ming, it was enough to slow his movements and tip the scales in their favor.
Wu Ming: "Tch! You damned beasts!"
Suddenly, one of the Supreme Deities spoke:
????: "Wu Ming, surrender and hand over the secret technique to transcend the Supreme Deities, and perhaps we will spare your life."
Wu Ming: "??? Hahaha!!! Supreme Deity Wei Wu Shuang! Do you think I'm a fool? That I would simply give you the method to surpass the Supreme Deities and then walk free?! You insolent bastard!!!"
Supreme Deity Wei Wu Shuang: "Hmph!!! Even near death, your arrogance remains! Very well, then die! Everyone, strike him down! Once he is defeated, we will divide and copy the Supreme Transcendence Technique among ourselves!"
The other Supreme Deities answered in agreement without hesitation.
They unleashed their ultimate attacks and techniques simultaneously, an onslaught powerful enough to shake this boundless, infinite domain. The assaults traversed immeasurable distances, piercing the fabric of time and space in layered, relentless waves, all converging on Wu Ming.
Wu Ming: "Heh… Hahaha!!! If that is how badly you want it, I have no choice but to retaliate!!!"
(Even if it endangers my life, my will, and my very soul, I will not die alone—I will drag you with me!)
Wu Ming: "Yaaah!!! Supreme Ultimate Technique! Beyond all deities! Harnessing every origin, every element—Earth, Water, Fire, Time, Air, Void, Light, Darkness, Life, and Death all return to their source!!!"
The blue-haired youth: "No! Impossible!! How can this be?! How could he inherit the technique to transcend the Supreme Deities?! Everyone, stop him or we are all doomed!!!!"
Wu Ming: "Too late! Hahaha! I hope you enjoy my technique, Di Tian!!!"
Suddenly, golden radiance of origin erupted from Wu Ming, engulfing all kingdoms and all existence. Everything returned to its source; all things could be born and could end; every entity had a beginning and an end. All creation flowed back to its origin.
The blinding light and resonant hum spread across all corners of the realm [Rendered as onomatopoeia for now; can be adjusted for auditory effect later.]
Within a small family in the Tian Men Kingdom,
The sound of someone jolting awake from a nightmare filled the room
???: "Haa… haa… what… what is happening?! Where… where am I?!"
This place… it feels unfamiliar.
How is this possible?
The Return to Origin technique was never complete it was merely an inherited, imperfect art. Its backlash should have been catastrophic, erasing all existence, annihilating everything without exception.
Then why… why have I returned to life?
And yet, this place truly feels strange.
The ambient energy here is unbelievably thin so weak it is almost laughable.
He struggled to prop himself up, forcing his body to rise from the bed.
But after only a few seconds of standing, his legs gave way, and he collapsed back down.
Pant… pant… pant…
What kind of absurd body is this?
So weak… unbearably weak. Even the body of a ten-year-old child would be stronger than this.
It seems I must examine myself immediately.
He circulated his remaining energy through his body and into his sea of consciousness, meticulously inspecting both flesh and soul. What he discovered made his expression darken.
Hm…
This body has been poisoned.
And not an ordinary poison.
If this were a normal human, such poison would have killed them in mere seconds.
Then how did this boy survive?
Something is not right.
Not only that the soul shows no damage whatsoever.
All my memories… all my techniques… everything I once cultivated remains intact.
This… is no different from starting over again.
A faint chuckle escaped his lips, gradually escalating into a low, manic laugh.
Hahahahahaha!!!
I've been given another chance.
This time… whether you nine Supreme Deities are alive or dead, I will surpass you all and step into a realm no one has ever reached!
Hahahahaha!!!
Suddenly, his body convulsed violently.
Cough! Cough! Cough!
Damn it… my condition is far worse than expected.
I must immediately circulate my energy to stabilize this broken body.
At this rate, even a few stray dogs could kill me.
I will not waste this opportunity.
Wait for me…
Supreme Deity Realm
I will return… and grind you all into nothingness!
...
Elsewhere, A Silent Grand Hall
Within a vast, silent hall, six mysterious figures gathered, discussing matters of grave importance.
Each of the six possessed a distinct presence.
The first was a gloomy man neither muscular nor imposing yet dressed in elegant robes befitting a noble young master from an illustrious clan.
The second was a well-built man wearing a beast-horned mask, his face concealed, a sword resting casually upon his shoulder.
The third was a handsome young man holding a delicate folding fan, a radiant golden seal emblazoned upon his forehead.
The fourth appeared utterly unremarkable cloaked entirely in black, his form concealed, his face impossible to discern.
The fifth was a youthful woman wearing a hood that partially obscured her face. Her figure was perfectly proportioned, exuding an irresistible, dangerous charm.
The sixth was an elderly man with long, flowing whiskers clearly the most authoritative presence among them.
The sixth figure spoke toward the third.
"Baili Yuanhe, do you truly believe this is the right moment to strike the Wu Clan?"
Baili Yuanhe replied calmly,
"This is the best opportunity we have had in decades and likely the only one. The Wu Clan is already in chaos, its strength declining rapidly."
He glanced toward the first figure and continued,
"I've also confirmed that Young Master Xue Guang secretly ordered elite assassins to eliminate the Wu Clan's main heir Wu Ming. Although the assassination failed, that heir is now no different from a living corpse."
"The Wu Clan is collapsing on all fronts. Corruption runs rampant within. At this point, they no longer possess the power to oppose us."
Xue Guang chuckled softly.
"Heh… Heh… Young Master Baili speaks the truth. Your merchant hall truly gathers intelligence impressively. Even I find myself surprised."
Baili Yuanhe smiled modestly.
"You flatter us, Young Master Xue Guang. We are merely a small merchant hall gathering fragments of information. How could we compare to a branch member of a great clan such as yourself?"
Suddenly, the fifth figure spoke.
"Enough of this meaningless chatter."
"If the Wu Clan is truly heading toward destruction, then we should discuss the division of spoils. Who takes what what do you all say?"
Her voice was gentle, yet commanding sweet, seductive, and utterly authoritative.
The fourth figure responded,
"Miss Yao Huang, there's no need to rush. All Wu Clan resources will be divided equally among us. We must honor the agreement entrusted by that person."
Yao Huang scoffed.
"Hmph, Tang Xuan. Always hiding yourself. What afraid your face is so ugly it'll scare people away?"
Tang Xuan snorted.
"Miss Yao Huang, don't be too arrogant. Even with the Stellar Sect backing you, that doesn't make you invincible."
Suddenly, the third figure spoke.
"Enough."
A terrifying aura exploded outward.
The pressure was suffocating sharp, absolute like a blade that could sever them all without effort.
He spoke coldly,
"This matter is simple. All resources will be divided equally. Once it is done, we part ways."
"The difficulty does not lie in the task but in your greed and your ignorance of your own standing."
The sixth figure finally spoke again.
"Calm yourselves, Swordmaster Gu Yi Fan. I agree with your proposal. It is reasonable and uncomplicated."
"Isn't that right, everyone?"
Silence followed.
Only Xue Guang spoke calmly.
"If Elder Xue Ning Qian agrees to the division, then I have no objections."
The others nodded in agreement.
Elder Xue Ning Qian concluded,
"Good. We will begin infiltration and internal sabotage in three days. The teleportation formation will be completed by then."
"Once the mission is finished, we disperse immediately."
"The formation will be prepared at Illusion Valley."
"Understood!"
With that, the six figures departed each harboring their own designs.
...
While the Wu Clan was sinking deeper into chaos and internal strife, Wu Ming (吴明, Wú Míng) sat cross-legged in silence, his breathing uneven and heavy.
He slowly guided the remaining strands of primal energy throughout his body, carefully circulating them along his shattered and newly reformed meridians, attempting again and again to force out the lethal poison that had long taken root within him.
Huff… huff…
His chest rose and fell violently as sweat soaked through his clothes.
At last
Hahahahaha!
At last, this body has completely expelled the poisonous remnants!
The moment the final trace vanished, Wu Ming felt an indescribable clarity surge through him, as though a thick fog had been lifted from both body and soul. His breathing steadied, his thoughts sharpened, and even the pain that had plagued him for days faded into the background.
So this is how it feels… to truly be alive again.
Now, he could clearly sense the Heavenly Laws governing this world.
From that perception alone, he quickly deduced that the cultivation system of this realm was divided into ten major realms:
1. 炼体境 [Liàn Tǐ Jìng | Body Refinement Realm]
A realm focused on tempering flesh, blood, muscles, and bones.
Those at this stage cannot yet directly sense Qi, and are comparable only to ordinary soldiers or martial warriors.
2. 感气境 [Gǎn Qì Jìng | Qi Perception Realm]
The realm where one begins to sense the Qi of Heaven and Earth, yet remains incapable of controlling or utilizing it.
Most mortals stagnate here for their entire lives, unable to break past this invisible boundary.
3. 聚气境 [Jù Qì Jìng | Qi Gathering Realm]
At this stage, cultivators can actively draw spiritual energy into their bodies.
Basic techniques become usable, and one truly steps beyond the limits of ordinary mortals, officially entering the ranks of martial cultivators.
4. 凝气境 [Níng Qì Jìng | Qi Condensation Realm]
Here, Qi is refined and stabilized, forming structured circulation points and stable cores.
This realm is considered the foundational threshold for disciples of sects and members of powerful clans.
5. 花元境 [Huā Yuán Jìng | Origin Bloom Realm]
A transformative realm where one's energy begins to manifest unique attributes.
This stage marks the true divide between common cultivators and genuine powerhouses of the martial world.
6. 真元境 [Zhēn Yuán Jìng | True Origin Realm]
High-quality energy circulation allows the use of advanced and complex techniques.
Cultivators at this level can serve as senior elders within certain sects.
7. 法相境 [Fǎ Xiàng Jìng | Dharma Manifestation Realm]
At this realm, cultivators begin forming their own Laws.
They can resonate with, or even borrow, power directly from the world itself.
8. 领域境 [Lǐng Yù Jìng | Domain Realm]
Those who reach this stage possess a personal domain, a territory forged from their own Laws, Dao, and essence.
Within it, reality bends to their will—order, space, and natural rules are all subject to their authority.
9. 人王境 [Rén Wáng Jìng | Human King Realm]
The pinnacle of the Human Realm.
Any being who reaches this stage stands at the summit of an era, capable of contending at least partially with the Laws of Heaven themselves.
10. 半天境 [Bàn Tiān Jìng | Half-Step to Heaven Realm]
A realm that exists beyond mortal limits, yet not fully ascended.
Those who reach this stage remain in the human world, but are already observed by the heavens as if chosen children of fate.
Within each major realm, there existed nine minor stages:
1. 入门 (Rù Mén) – Entry Stage
2. 稳固 (Wěn Gù) – Stabilization
3. 小成 (Xiǎo Chéng) – Minor Completion
4. 精进 (Jīng Jìn) – Refinement
5. 中成 (Zhōng Chéng) – Mid Completion
6. 大成 (Dà Chéng) – Major Completion
7. 圆润 (Yuán Rùn) – Harmonization
8. 巅峰 (Diān Fēng) – Peak
9. 极境 (Jí Jìng) – Extreme Limit
Hmm…
Why does the tenth realm stop at only a half-step to Heaven?
There is no complete Heavenly Realm recorded within the laws of this world.
That can only mean one thing
There exists a higher plane, far beyond the Human Realm, completely inaccessible under its current Heavenly Laws.
But for now… that can wait.
First, I should assess the situation here.
Supreme Divine Sense Technique!
Open Perception!
Wu Ming's consciousness surged outward.
Although the strength of his Divine Sense was far weaker than at his peak barely even a fragment of its former might it was still sufficient to activate supreme-level techniques.
Its range had diminished significantly, yet it remained useful for the time being.
Hmm…
"Someone nearby seems to be in trouble."
I should take a look.
...
Wu Yue (无月)!
"Now that your younger brother lies in a coma, with no future ahead of him, why not become my woman instead? I guarantee you protection and status."
"Hah! Xue Ying (薛英)! You dare speak such filth to me?! Die by my sword!"
Wu Yue drew her blade in a flash, slashing straight toward him.
"Hahaha! How naive you are, Wu Yue.
"Elder Wu Lei (吴雷) stop her and seize her."
"At once, Young Master Xue Ying!"
Clang!
Wu Lei unleashed the Giant Elephant Palm Technique, suppressing the clash in an instant.
BOOM!
"Ugh!"
Wu Yue was struck head-on, her body sent flying as blood spilled from her lips.
"Old bastard Wu Lei! You've defected to the enemy?!"
"Young Miss," Wu Lei replied coldly
"Even if you were to inherit the position of Clan Head in place of Young Master Wu Ming, it would only hasten the Wu Clan's downfall. Would it not be wiser to join another clan?"
"Scum!"
Xue Ying stepped forward, casually lifting Wu Yue's chin, brushing his fingers across her pale, trembling face.
She had never felt fear like this before.
Her pride still burned within her, yet her body shook uncontrollably, drained of all strength.
"Hahaha… look at you now. A helpless little bird in my grasp. From today onward, you belong to me."
Suddenly
A powerful force struck Xue Ying's head with terrifying speed.
Even Wu Lei who stood at 聚气境 [Ju Qi Jing], 小成 [Xiao Cheng] failed to react in time.
"Who dares attack Young Master Xue Ying?!"
Panic seized Wu Lei as he hurriedly scanned the surroundings.
"What?! Impossible! You how are you standing here?!"
Everyone's gaze turned as one.
Wu Ming stood tall, hands clasped behind his back, eyes cold and commanding like a sovereign judging the world.
"How dare you harm my sister."
His voice was calm, yet filled with killing intent.
"You must be tired of living.
The crowd erupted in disbelief.
"Isn't he supposed to be crippled? In a coma?! How is this possible?!"
Wu Lei was the most shaken of all
for he alone knew the truth.
He was the one who had secretly poisoned Wu Ming, disguising himself as a benevolent healer, feeding him a toxin designed to slowly destroy both body and meridians.
How—no… Young Master Wu, how could you possibly recover? Could it be that the medicine I gave you actually reconstructed your meridians?!
"Silence."
Wu Ming waved his hand once.
Wu Lei collapsed instantly his body reduced to shattered remains.
The crowd froze in terror.
That single strike silently condensed the Laws of Heaven and Earth drawn directly from Wu Ming's internal domain.
Though the backlash severely injured him internally, he showed not the slightest hint of pain.
"…It seems my clan has raised quite a few unruly dogs."
Xue Ying stood frozen in shock, completely unprepared for how rapidly everything had unfolded.
"Y-You... you dare to injure me?! And you even dared to kill my servants?!"
His voice trembled with rage. "Who the hell are you?! Why do I not recognize your face at all? Do you even know who I am? I am someone who could kill you with just a flick of my fingers! I can summon experts to erase you from existence at any moment!"
Then-
"Huh...? Th-That... that's you, isn't it? Xiao Ming...??"
Wu Yue's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Y-You... you've already awakened from your coma? Am I... am I dreaming? Is this really you, my Xiao Ming...?"
Her voice shook violently, overflowing with emotions too complex to be expressed by words alone.
Wu Yue was not related to the Wu Clan by blood, yet she was the only elder sister figure in the family who had always treated Wu Ming kindly. When he was young, she had patiently taught and guided him, caring for him as if he were her own little brother. She had been taken in and raised by a branch of relatives connected to his father, but to Wu Ming, she had always been family.
Her beautiful, gentle face-smooth like polished jade-was now streaked with flowing tears. Those tears were proof of the emotions she had suppressed for so long, finally released in this moment.
"I... I'm so happy," she sobbed softly.
"I'm really happy that you're still alive... still healthy... my Xiao Ming..."
Wu Ming quickly stepped forward, helping his sister up from the ground. He gently supported her and comforted her in a calm, soothing voice.
"Please don't worry anymore, Elder Sister," he said softly.
"From now on... I will handle everything myself."
"B-But-"
"There's no need to say anything more," Wu Ming interrupted gently.
"You've already carried far too much burden on your shoulders. It's time for me to help lighten it. Please trust me... trust your little Xiao Ming."
His voice was warm, steady, and smooth, flowing straight into her heart. Without realizing it, Wu Yue felt her worries ease, and she nodded unconsciously, placing her trust in him completely.
Suddenly-
Whoosh!
A fierce surge of pressure swept through the area as two figures arrived at lightning speed. They were the personal guardian masters of Xue Ying.
The moment they appeared, both men dropped to their knees simultaneously, bowing deeply as they spoke in panic.
"Young Master, please forgive our recklessness and negligence! We nearly allowed you to suffer grave injury-this is the disgrace of useless protectors! Please punish us!"
"Hahahaha!"
Xue Ying laughed loudly.
"Elder Xue Li, Elder Xue Yan, there's no need to blame yourselves," he said arrogantly.
"Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is having the chance to correct them. I am not such a narrow-minded person-surely you understand what I mean."
"Thank you for Young Master Xue Ying's boundless mercy!"
The two elders shouted with gratitude.
"We swear to follow you until death and serve you with absolute loyalty! Please give your command, Young Master!"
"Hahahaha!"
"Good!" Xue Ying said coldly.
"Then go-deal with those two from the Wu Clan. But leave that woman alive. I want her spared."
In the eyes of the surrounding crowd, Wu Ming and Wu Yue now looked no different from doomed figures. Being targeted by two powerful masters at once-no one believed they had even the slightest chance of survival.
"Foolish brat who doesn't know the immensity of heaven and earth," one elder sneered.
"You dared to lay hands on our Young Master? Anywhere in this world, that crime equals death. Killing you quickly will already be an act of mercy from the two of us!"
"YAAAAAA-!"
The two elders lunged forward at full speed, unleashing their killing intent without the slightest restraint. They showed no mercy at all, even though their opponent was merely a youth whose cultivation had not even reached the Qi Condensation Realm.
"Die without regret!"
"This is the signature technique of the Xue Clan!"
"Fusion Elephant Crushing Plam-!"
"YAAAAAA-!"
(Tch... pathetic weaklings.) Wu Ming's eyes turned cold.
(I've only just recovered after reincarnation, and now some random trash dares to provoke me this far? If I don't show who the true superior is, I'll be endlessly harassed like this.)
"Since you're both courting death," he said calmly, "then I'll grant your wish."
Within Wu Ming's Sea of Consciousness-
"YAAAA—!"
Divine Technique-
God-Slaying Soul Annihilation!"
Erase these worthless spirits from existence!!!
In the next instant, the crowd froze in utter confusion.
Why had the attacks of Xue Ying's two guardians suddenly stopped mid-air?
Their palms were only inches away from Wu Ming's face-yet it was as if time itself had been frozen.
"H-Hey!" Xue Ying shouted in disbelief.
"Xue Li! Xue Yan! What the hell are you doing?! Finish him already! Damn it-useless trash!"
But before anyone could react-
Wu Ming calmly raised a single finger and pointed at the two elders.
Thud.
Both of them collapsed to the ground like lifeless shells, as if their souls had been completely erased.
"W-What?!"
Xue Ying's eyes widened in absolute shock.
"What kind of bullshit is this?! H-How is this even possible?!"
The surrounding crowd erupted into heated whispers, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.
One man muttered,
"Could it be... that Young Master Wu Ming has returned with a cultivation far stronger than before?"
Another immediately refuted him.
"That's impossible! He was poisoned into a coma-by a toxin that would kill even high-level martial experts instantly! This can't be as simple as it looks!"
Amidst the chaos and panic of the crowd-
In the darkness, a certain figure watched silently, analyzing everything with sharp eyes.
"Interesting..."
Even I couldn't perceive his movement clearly. This child... he carries an extraordinary secret.
(Heh heh... I'm starting to get interested now.)