In the beginning, there was only the Heavenly Dao—an all-encompassing, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent force. It was the source of all things, the very foundation of existence, beyond space, time, and any mortal comprehension. The Heavenly Dao itself was a single, perfect entity, containing within it all knowledge, all power, and all potential.
From the Heavenly Dao emanated two forces—the Two Absolute Dao—the fundamental powers that would govern the cosmos. These Absolute Dao were not opposites or contradictions, but complementary forces that emerged naturally from the pure, unified Dao.
The Absolute Dao of Yin: This is the Dao of all things passive, receptive, and destructive. It governs the principles of decay, dissolution, and transformation. This Dao embodies the feminine, the dark, and the mysterious, such as the forces of death, emptiness, and void. It represents the subtle, inward energies that permeate all creation.
The Absolute Dao of Yang: This is the Dao of all things active, creative, and constructive. It governs the principles of growth, life, and manifestation. It embodies the masculine, the light, and the expansive—such as the forces of birth, light, and vitality. It represents the outward, expansive energies that give rise to form and substance.
The Supreme God represents the Absolute Dao of Yang, and the Supreme Devil represents the Absolute Dao of Yin. This is why they were together known as the Two Absolute Rulers.
From the Two Absolute Dao, Three Supreme Dao were born!
The Dao of Creation (Yang-based): This Dao embodies the active, expansive nature of existence. It is the source of all things that grow, build, and give life. It is linked to the Yang principle, being concerned with the manifestation of forms, structures, and beings. Cultivators who follow this Dao pursue mastery over creation—be it physical, spiritual, or even the generation of new realities. They are builders, creators, and protectors.
The Dao of Destruction (Yin-based): This Dao embodies the passive, contractive forces of existence. It is the source of all things that decay, break apart, and return to the void. It is aligned with the Yin principle, where the force of dissolution ensures that the cycle of creation and destruction continues. Cultivators who follow this Dao embrace the power of entropy and transformation. They understand that in destruction lies rebirth.
The Dao of Harmony (Balance of Yin and Yang): This Dao represents the union and balance of both Yin and Yang. It is the Dao of equilibrium, understanding, and unity. Cultivators following this Dao seek to harmonize the forces of creation and destruction within themselves and the world. They understand that neither force is superior and aim for balance in all things. The Dao of Harmony is often associated with wisdom, spiritual insight, and cultivation of the heart.
Timeless Demon God represented the Dao of Harmony. He was the only Supreme who reached that position through sheer hard work and perseverance.
Unlike the Supreme God and Supreme Devil, who were born as Supremes, Timeless Demon God cultivated step by step and defied his fate to become strong enough to stand toe-to-toe with the Two Absolute Rulers.
The Dao of Harmony is the strongest among the Three Supreme Dao, as it follows the Way of the Heavenly Dao. It seeks balance. It can be considered on par with the Two Absolute Dao.
The Two Absolute Rulers had control over the other two Supreme Dao, respectively. In fact, they also held partial control over the Dao of Harmony.
These Three Supreme Dao further break into Nine Avenues. The Nine Avenues break into 3000 laws.
To become a Rank 7 Warrior, one must not only break their Heavenly Core and absorb all the Spiritual Essence into every cell, but also master the laws of the world.
There are 3000 laws. However, these are merely primitive laws. In truth, one can create their own laws and pave their unique path using these 3000 as a foundation. There is no such thing as stronger laws—only stronger Warriors. Every law has its own advantages and disadvantages. Take the Law of Fire, for example: it can burn anything. But it can also be extinguished by the Law of Water. This doesn't mean Fire is weaker—just that it carries an inherent disadvantage in certain situations.
To become a Rank 7 Warrior, one should perform certain rituals. For instance, if you wish to master the Law of Fire, you should try to achieve something that the Law of Fire can do—without using the Law of Fire itself. The grander the achievement, the better ability you will get after reaching Rank 7. However, even without performing this ritual, one can still reach Rank 7. Most Warriors choose not to perform these rituals because the effort isn't worth the result.
What can the Law of Fire do?
It can burn anything—time, space fabric, karma, even the traces of history. Would you erase all traces of history just to achieve Rank 7?
It's too much of a hassle. And the reward is merely an ability, one on par with but still inferior to a Spiritual Imprint.
That so-called reward can later be obtained by mastering the law anyway.
For example, if the ritual grants you the ability to burn history, its power will depend on your Spiritual Essence—albeit in a very efficient form. You can obtain the same ability later through mastery, though it may be less efficient, it can be improved with your control over the laws.
Because of this, no one actually bothers performing rituals. The effort is not worth the reward. However, for Li Gang, this ritual is essential. He does not possess a Spiritual Imprint. Thus, having an ability on par with one significantly improves his chances in battle.
Li Gang said meaningfully, "Keep an enemy closer. You have some nasty ideas. Do you think I'll allow that?"
Meng Xian was also smart. He replied lightly, "You will."
Li Gang laughed.
He went straight to the point. "Help me ascend to Rank 7 Warrior. You should know what I must do to achieve that!"
Meng Xian glanced at him and murmured inwardly, 'Indeed, everything is being brought forward. In my past life, he became Rank 7 around 150 years later. But my regression has forced the Universe to quickly rectify all errors and reach its ideal state. Given the situation, he will become Rank 7 in just 2 years. But there are two hindrances…'
He said slowly, "As long as Long Tianchan and Long Tianfeng are around, it's simply impossible for you to get the ideal result. If you use that, then you might be able to beat them."
Li Gang replied thoughtfully, "It is not possible to use Quasi Rank 9 battle strength. I have no control over it yet."
Meng Xian glanced at him but didn't expose the white lie. He understood that, for some reason, Li Gang didn't want to admit it—or even think about it.
Li Gang considered it and said calmly, "It is not impossible to stop them."
Meng Xian nodded. "Ji Changchen is the key. If we create a situation where those two are against each other, it would help."
Meng Xian said slowly, "We can use Ye Fan for that. Can you handle him with your 'means'?"
Li Gang smiled at Meng Xian meaningfully. "You know quite a lot. I'm lucky you have your own plans and didn't blindly ruin my 'good' deeds."
He said calmly, "Ye Fan is not easy to deceive. He seems reckless on the surface, but he is meticulous. It won't be easy to use him to plot against the Long brothers."
Meng Xian agreed. He had spent a lot of time with Ye Fan and knew his abilities.
Li Gang asked calmly, "Who is Ji Changchen's target in this inheritance? Is it you?"
Li Gang was already aware of the general situation. And not just him—everyone knew it was thanks to Ji Changchen that the Soul Emperor's Inheritance was discovered. It was no secret.
Meng Xian nodded.
He continued, "From what I see, Jin Huang is loyal to him. She will definitely create a situation to help him. But with your help, it'll be impossible for him to get to me."
This was another reason why Meng Xian readily agreed to join Li Gang's camp.
Even though he had enmity with Li Gang, he wasn't narrow-minded enough to ignore the bigger picture. One who has ambition must overcome shame, jealousy, and revenge. These emotions cloud judgment and hinder progress.
He knew that, by now, Jin Huang and Ji Changchen had already joined forces.
Meng Xian murmured inwardly, 'Jin Huang is too dangerous—even immortals feared her. I can afford to be Ji Changchen's enemy, but definitely not hers. Only by standing at Li Gang's side can I protect myself. Only he can handle her.'
Li Gang instantly saw through his thoughts, but he didn't care. They were both using each other. Besides, Meng Xian was currently stronger than Li Gang.
Li Gang thought for a moment and asked lightly, "Are you sure she is going to help him?"
Meng Xian considered it and answered, "From how I see it, she has likely already made her move."
Li Gang asked lightly, "Explain the power distribution of the Eastern Continent."
Meng Xian glanced at him and immediately realized. "Could it be…?"
He quickly understood and said slowly, "Misty Jade Forest!"
Li Gang narrowed his eyes. "Is there a Rank 8 Warrior there? Or a Rank 8 beast?"
Meng Xian nodded. "Yes. The area isn't heavily populated. It's dominated by beasts, including a mid-stage Rank 8 beast. Jin Huang appeared in our sect about 9 years ago."
This is the result when two Warriors with different thinking styles plan together—their efficiency increases exponentially.
Jin Huang had appeared in Misty Jade Forest back then and spent an entire month constructing a formation. She had correctly anticipated that Ji Changchen was planning to target Meng Xian. In order to support him, she created a situation where, after a specific interval, the formation would activate and plunge Misty Jade Forest into chaos. It would trigger a Beast Tide and alarm the Rank 8 Beast residing within the forest.
This situation would directly force at least two Rank 8 Warriors of the Heavenly Dragon Sect to respond. It would also buy Ji Changchen enough time to launch his attack on Meng Xian without interference. However, she knew that Ji Changchen still lacked the strength to kill Meng Xian in his own turf. At best, he would gain an opportunity to negotiate.
Li Gang said faintly, "Looks like you guessed right."
Meng Xian nodded. "She probably created a method to cause a beast tide at the right time. That would distract most Rank 8 and Rank 7 Warriors of the Heavenly Dragon Sect, allowing Ji Changchen to act. I doubt he can accomplish much, but he could back me into a corner and trade for all my information."
Li Gang glanced at Meng Xian and smiled deeply. "You're smart—but you still underestimate Jin Huang too much."