148: Chapter 148 The Alliance Thrives, the Path to Immortality is Promising

Before "Zhenxu Pass", the trumpets of victory resounded across the starry sky.

When Lin Wan led the vast Alliance fleet back to "Zhenxu Pass", carrying the mighty prestige of "Purification of the Black Abyss" and "leveling the strongholds of the end", the entire "Zhenxu Pass", and indeed the entire territory of the Alliance, erupted in excitement.

"The Alliance Leader's Divine Might! The Chaos Reincarnation True Immortal is invincible!"

"The Black Abyss has been pacified! the end has been destroyed! Our homes have returned to peace!"

"Long live the Alliance! Long live the Alliance Leader!"

Countless Cultivators and Mortals spontaneously poured onto the streets, climbed the city walls, and rushed to the star docks, waving flags, beating drums and gongs, singing, and dancing to celebrate this hard-won victory.

The joy of surviving the calamity, the longing for the future, and the reverence and fanaticism for that Alliance Leader who was like a god leading them to victory—Lin Wan—intertwined, turning into a roar that soared to the sky and drowned out the entire "Zhenxu Pass".

This battle was of immense significance.

The "Black Abyss" had entrenched itself in this Star Domain for countless millennia, like a festering sore, devouring and destroying countless Realms; it was the greatest nightmare and fear in the hearts of all living beings in this Star Domain.

Now, this nightmare had been completely eradicated and purified by their Alliance Leader, through his own power alone!

This meant that the haze of the "the end" that had shrouded this Star Domain for countless years had been completely dispelled!

At the very least, the greatest and most terrifying threat had been eliminated!

From now on, their homes and their loved ones would no longer constantly face the threat of erosion by "the end" or the destruction of their families!

This was not just a military victory, but a great victory of spirit and belief!

It proclaimed the strength of the "All-Heavens Anti-Calamity Alliance" to the entire Star Domain, and even to the more distant All-Heavens, declaring hope for resisting "the end", and even more so, declaring the... invincibility of that "Chaos Reincarnation True Immortal"—Lin Wan!

After this battle, the prestige and influence of the "All-Heavens Anti-Calamity Alliance" reached an unprecedented Peak.

Realms and forces that had previously been watching and hesitating no longer delayed, sending emissaries with heavy gifts to "Zhenxu Pass", requesting to join the Alliance and seek protection.

Even some forces that had originally been attached to "the end" or colluded with it were terrified to the point of their souls flying away and spirits scattering upon learning the news that the "Black Abyss" had been pacified, the "Holy Lord's" Clone had been beheaded, and Lin Wan had achieved the status of "Chaos Reincarnation True Immortal"; they either took the initiative to distance themselves from "the end" and surrender to the Alliance, or simply migrated their entire clans, fleeing to more remote Star Domains for fear of being liquidated by the Alliance.

In just a few short months, the number of formal member Realms of the "All-Heavens Anti-Calamity Alliance" surged from over thirty to nearly one hundred!

Subsidiary and allied forces were countless.

The territory actually controlled by the Alliance covered nearly two-thirds of this Star Domain, becoming the undisputed and sole hegemonic force!

And the prestige of Lin Wan, the "Chaos Reincarnation True Immortal", along with the expansion of the Alliance and the legend of the "Purification of the Black Abyss", spread like it had grown wings, reaching several surrounding Star Domains and even beginning to flow towards more vast and ancient Star Domains.

Countless Cultivators and Mortals began spontaneously building temples, sculpting statues, burning incense, and praying for protection to the "Chaos Reincarnation True Immortal".

Wisps of pure Power Of Faith, like trickling streams, crossed the endless starry sky, converging on "Zhenxu Pass" and onto Lin Wan, where they were naturally absorbed and refined by the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom" within his body, becoming another important "resource" for the evolution of the "Divine Kingdom".

Deep within the "Chaos Immortal Palace", inside a quiet room.

Lin Wan sat cross-legged, his body shrouded in faint Chaos Immortal light, while the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom" within him slowly operated and evolved, absorbing and refining the continuously converging, pure Power Of Faith, as well as the vast Origin power of "the end" that had been swallowed and transformed during the "Purification of the Black Abyss".

As these forces continuously integrated, the scope of the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom" expanded slowly and steadily, and the "world" scenes evolving within it became increasingly real and vivid.

The rotation of the sun, moon, and stars became more regular, the veins of mountains and rivers became clearer, the Laws of wind, rain, thunder, and lightning became more perfect, and even in some mountains, lakes, and forests with particularly rich Spiritual Qi, the embryonic forms of some Innate existences—similar to "spirits", "mountain ghosts", "water charms", and "wood spirits"—that possessed simple intelligence and could autonomously absorb Spiritual Qi and breathe in the essence of the sun and moon, had begun to gestate.

Although it was still a long way from giving birth to true intelligent races, this was undoubtedly a huge step forward, meaning that the evolution of the "Divine Kingdom" had entered a new stage.

And Lin Wan's cultivation level, under the feedback from the "Divine Kingdom" and his own continuous realization of the "Chaos Reincarnation Dao", rose with the tide, steadily advancing towards the Middle Stage of "True Immortal".

He felt that as long as he accumulated for a while longer, or experienced one or two more high-intensity battles and realizations, breaking through to the Middle Stage of "True Immortal" would be a matter of course.

"However, the improvement in cultivation is secondary."

Lin Wan slowly opened his eyes, with Chaos light flowing in his pupils as if they could reflect the all-heavens and evolve Reincarnation, "What is more important is the understanding of the 'Chaos Reincarnation Dao', as well as the control and evolution of the 'Divine Kingdom'."

"Now that the 'Divine Kingdom' has initially evolved the embryonic forms of Innate existences, if I can continue to perfect the Laws, expand the scope, and accelerate the evolution, perhaps in the future, it could truly become a real, independent 'Major Thousand Worlds' that can accommodate hundreds of millions of living beings and operate its own Reincarnation."

"At that time, my 'Dao' will be completely perfect, and the 'Chaos Reincarnation True Immortal' might also be able to take a step further and touch that legendary... higher Realm."

"Moreover," Lin Wan's thoughts stirred slightly as he felt the pure Power Of Faith converging continuously, "The Power Of Faith is an unexpected surprise."

"Although this power is impure and requires careful refining, the positive intentions contained within it—such as 'hope', 'protection', and 'gratitude'—seem to have a significant promoting effect on the evolution of the 'Divine Kingdom', especially the gestation of the 'spirituality' of the living beings within it."

"Perhaps I can guide it a bit, establish a more standardized belief system, which can not only consolidate the Alliance's rule and stabilize the hearts of the people but also provide more stable and pure 'resources' for the evolution of my 'Divine Kingdom'."

After thinking for a moment, Lin Wan already had a plan in mind.

As he was now the Alliance Leader and had achieved the status of "Chaos Reincarnation True Immortal", protecting a Star Domain and being revered and worshipped by hundreds of millions of people, establishing a belief system was a matter of course.

As long as it was guided so that it did not deviate from the positive directions of "protection", "resistance", and "hope", it would be harmless.

"However, these are matters for later. The most urgent priority is to arrange the subsequent affairs of the Alliance, and then... try to communicate with the Immortal Realm and find the path to Ascension."

Lin Wan stood up and walked out of the quiet room.

In the main hall of the "Chaos Immortal Palace", the core high-level leaders of the Alliance, such as Emperor Yan, Ye Qingxian, Daoist Leixiao, King Zhenyue, Long Huang, Dan Dingzi, Yao Xi, and Elder Tianji, had been waiting for a long time.

"Greetings, Alliance Leader!"

Seeing Lin Wan come out of seclusion, everyone hurriedly bowed and saluted with respectful expressions.

"No need for formalities."

Lin Wan walked to the main seat and sat down, his gaze sweeping over everyone, a glimmer of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

After the battle of the "Black Abyss", and the resource allocation and feedback of faith over these past few months, everyone's cultivation levels had improved significantly.

Especially Ye Qingxian and Emperor Yan, whose auras had become increasingly condensed; they had already touched the threshold of "True Immortal" and were only a chance away from triggering the Heavenly Tribulation to attempt a Breakthrough.

The others had also gained something and were not far from the Peak of "Quasi-Immortal".

"Alliance Leader, during the time you were in seclusion, everything in the Alliance has been well, the territory is stable, and the hearts of the people are submissive."

"The dozens of newly joined Realms have also been initially integrated; according to the Alliance regulations, branch Alliances have been established, and garrisons and supervisory envoys have been dispatched."

"The Formation base of the 'Chaos Reincarnation Formation' has also been laid in the purified 'Black Abyss' area and is being steadily constructed; it is expected to be completely formed within three years, at which time this Star Domain will be as solid as a golden soup."

Emperor Yan, as the chief of the "Elder Council", stepped forward first and respectfully reported the recent situation of the Alliance.

"In addition, regarding the matter of the... Immortal Realm that you mentioned, Alliance Leader,"

Elder Tianji, holding a compass, added with a solemn expression, "During these days, this old man, together with several old friends proficient in the ways of heavenly secrets, astrology, and space, has been deducing day and night; combining the records in ancient books and the fragmented information about 'Ascension' collected by the Alliance, we have made some progress."

"Oh? Please speak, Senior Tianji."

Lin Wan's spirit was lifted.

His main purpose in coming out of seclusion and gathering everyone was to discuss the trip to the Immortal Realm.

"Replying to the Alliance Leader,"

Elder Tianji stroked his beard and said slowly, "According to ancient records and our deductions, there are usually three paths for Cultivators in the Lower Realm who wish to ascend to the Immortal Realm."

"The first is 'Heavenly Tribulation Induction, Immortal Light Guidance'."

"This is the most orthodox and common path for Ascension."

"After a Cultivator passes the 'True Immortal Tribulation', if they can completely stabilize their Realm, have their own dao rhyme perfected, and resonate with heaven and earth, they can trigger the 'Immortal Realm Guidance Light' from the void."

"This Immortal Light can help the Cultivator locate the coordinates of the Immortal Realm, break through the boundary wall, and ascend."

"This method is the most stable and safest, but it requires the Cultivator's own dao rhyme to be perfect and to resonate with the Immortal Realm; it cannot be forced by manpower."

"Moreover, the time and place for the appearance of the Guidance Light are uncertain and difficult to control."

"The second is 'Searching for Ancient Paths, Cross-Boundary Ascension'."

"It is rumored that in certain ancient and special areas of the All-Heavens, there exist 'Ancient Ascension Paths' or 'Heaven-Reaching Gates' left over from the ancient times that connect the Lower Realm and the Immortal Realm."

"If one can find them and satisfy certain specific conditions, one can use these ancient paths or portals to directly ascend to the Immortal Realm."

"This method is faster than the first, but also more dangerous."

"Those ancient paths and portals are mostly located in desperate places and dangerous environments, and having endured the passage of time, many are damaged or have changed; the crises hidden within them may even exceed the 'True Immortal Tribulation'."

"The third is 'Breaking the Boundary with Strength, Forced Ascension'."

"This is the most domineering and dangerous path."

"The Cultivator needs to use their own peerless strength to forcibly sense and lock onto the coordinates of the Immortal Realm, and then use supreme power to tear open the solid boundary wall between the Lower Realm and the Immortal Realm, creating a temporary passage to forcibly ascend."

"This method has extremely high requirements for strength and can only be performed by top experts among True Immortals; the process is extremely dangerous and it is very easy to be injured by the violent interface forces and spatial turbulence, and one might even get lost in the endless Void Realm, never to be reincarnated."

"Even if successful, it is very easy to attract the attention of certain powerful existences or hostile forces in the Immortal Realm, and the outcome is unpredictable."

After Elder Tianji finished speaking, the main hall fell into silence for a while.

The three paths each had their pros and cons.

The first was the most secure, but required waiting for an Opportunity, and the time was uncertain.

The second might be faster, but required searching for illusory ancient paths, and was fraught with crises.

The third was the most direct, but also the most dangerous, and had extremely high requirements for strength and luck.

"Alliance Leader,"

Ye Qingxian's beautiful eyes flashed with a hint of worry as she said softly, "The Immortal Realm is vast, with experts as numerous as clouds, and it is fraught with crises."

"Although the Alliance Leader has already achieved the status of True Immortal and has peerless strength, going alone is ultimately... too risky."

"Why not wait a little longer, until the Alliance's strength is stronger, and Qingxian, Elder Emperor Yan, and others have all broken through to True Immortal, and then go together? That way, we can look out for each other."

"That's right, Alliance Leader,"

Dan Dingzi also advised, "Although the Immortal Realm is good, there is no need to rush."

"With the Alliance Leader's ability, you can also cultivate and improve within the Alliance."

"Why not wait until we have all broken through to True Immortal, and then plot the matter of Ascension together?"

"Leader, please reconsider!" everyone spoke up, urging him. It was not that they were unwilling for Lin Wan to go to a higher-level world to pursue the Dao, but they were genuinely worried about Lin Wan's safety. Lin Wan was the pillar of the Alliance and the backbone for everyone; once he met with misfortune in the Immortal Realm, the Alliance would inevitably fall apart, and this Star Domain would once again fall into turmoil.

Lin Wan looked at the worried expressions of the crowd, feeling a slight warmth in his heart. He shook his head and said, "I appreciate your good intentions. However, the trip to the Immortal Realm is imperative, and... it is better to be early than late."

He paused, his gaze looking toward the distance, as if penetrating the palace, penetrating the starry sky, and looking toward that more vast and mysterious world.

"First, the 'the end' tribulation is far from over. Although the 'Black Abyss' has been pacified, the source of 'the end' connected behind it will certainly not let matters rest. I have a premonition that a greater storm is brewing. With the Alliance's current strength, holding this Star Domain might be possible, but if the true, more ancient will of 'the end' descends, it would be difficult to resist. The Immortal Realm may have clues and methods to counter, or even resolve, the 'the end' tribulation; I must go and seek them."

"Second, my Dao is 'Chaos Reincarnation', encompassing all things and evolving the All-Heavens. The layout of this Star Domain is already fixed, resources are limited, and the Laws are incomplete; it is already difficult to support my Dao in advancing further. Only by going to a higher-level world, seeing a broader world, comprehending more complete Laws, and clashing with stronger opponents can I hone my Dao Heart, improve my cultivation, perfect my 'Divine Kingdom', and pursue that supreme Dao."

"Third," Lin Wan looked at the crowd, his voice gentle yet firm, "The Alliance is not an Alliance of me alone. You are also not things in a pond. My trip to the Immortal Realm is both to pursue my own Dao and to seek a way out and an Opportunity for the Alliance, for all of you. If I can gain a foothold in the Immortal Realm and establish a Foundation, I can then guide the outstanding juniors of the Alliance to Ascension, sharing the resources and Legacy of the Immortal Realm. In this way, the Alliance can remain prosperous, and your own paths can also have higher pursuits."

Upon hearing this, everyone remained silent. They knew that everything Lin Wan said was reasonable. The future of the Alliance, and their own future, could not be limited to just this Star Domain. The Immortal Realm was the ultimate stage that all Cultivators dreamed of. The Leader's move, while seemingly risky, was actually far-sighted; he was fighting for a broader future for the Alliance and for them.

"The Leader is far-sighted; we... cannot compare," Emperor Yan sighed heavily and bowed, saying, "However, by what path does the Leader intend to Ascend? Those three paths are none of them easy."

"The first, receiving Immortal Light, is something that can be met but not sought; who knows how long one would have to wait. The second, the ancient path of Ascension, is illusory and difficult to find. The third, breaking the Realm with force, is extremely dangerous..." Yao Xi's pretty face was full of worry.

"I choose the third," Lin Wan smiled calmly, a trace of confidence and disdain flashing in his eyes, "Breaking the Realm with force, forced Ascension."

"What?!" Hearing this, everyone was greatly shocked. Breaking the Realm with force and forced Ascension was the most dangerous of the three paths! Throughout history, among those who chose this path, less than one in ten survived! Even if successful, most were severely injured, or even had their Foundation damaged, making it difficult to achieve anything in the perilous Immortal Realm.

"Leader, please reconsider!" "This path is too dangerous, it must not be taken!" "We implore the Leader to prioritize your own safety and think this over!" Everyone tried to dissuade him, their expressions anxious.

"Everyone, there is no need to worry," Lin Wan raised his hand, stopping their dissuasion, his eyes flashing with a strange light, "Since I dare to choose this path, I have my own certainty."

He paused and said slowly, "For ordinary True Immortals, breaking the Realm with force is naturally extremely dangerous. But do not forget, what I have condensed is not an ordinary True Immortal Dao Fruit, but... the 'Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom'!"

"My Divine Kingdom has initially evolved a world, containing four supreme dao rhymes: 'Chaos', 'existence', 'Reincarnation', and 'the end', which can encompass, evolve, stabilize, and end all Laws. Although the power of the interface and the spatial turbulence are strong, I can protect my body with the power of the 'Divine Kingdom', so it is not impossible to resist. I can even use that interface power and spatial turbulence to temper my 'Divine Kingdom', making it more stable and perfect."

"Moreover," a profound look flashed in Lin Wan's eyes, "I suspect that the essence of so-called 'Ascension' might not be a simple 'breaking of the boundary wall', but a kind of 'Dao' transition, a sublimation of 'life level', and a 'status' elevation from a 'low-level Law world' to a 'high-level Law world'. My 'Chaos Reincarnation Dao' encompasses all things, and perhaps at the moment of breaking the Realm, I can comprehend the higher-level Law mysteries contained within that interface power and spatial turbulence, and even... adapt to the Law environment of the Immortal Realm in advance."

"This... tempering the Divine Kingdom with interface power and spatial turbulence? Comprehending higher-level Laws?" Upon hearing this, everyone looked at each other, all feeling that Lin Wan's idea was too shocking, and too... crazy. But thinking of the various incredible means Lin Wan had previously displayed, and the terrifying Divine Might that purified the "Black Abyss" and suppressed the "the end Demon General", it seemed... it was not impossible.

"Leader... are you really certain?" Ye Qingxian's beautiful eyes stared fixedly at Lin Wan, her voice trembling slightly.

"Eighty percent certainty." Lin Wan smiled slightly, giving the group a relatively affirmative answer. In reality, with his current strength, combined with the profoundness of the "Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom", he had at least ninety percent certainty of successfully forcing a Breakthrough for Ascension. The remaining ten percent risk came mostly from unknown changes, powerful existences, or hostile forces that might be encountered after Ascension.

"Eighty percent..." Everyone gasped. To have eighty percent certainty in forcing a Breakthrough for Ascension could already be called Heaven-Defying! One must know that throughout history, those who chose this path would dare to bet their lives on it if they had even a ten or twenty percent chance.

"Since that is the case," Emperor Yan took a deep breath, suppressing the shock and worry in his heart, and said in a deep voice, "Since the Leader has decided, we shall naturally comply. However, as the Leader's Ascension is imminent, the Leader must still give instructions regarding the Alliance's affairs and how the Alliance should act after the Leader leaves."

"This is exactly why I summoned you all here." Lin Wan nodded, his expression becoming serious, "After I Ascend, all affairs of the Alliance will be fully managed by the 'Council of Elders'. With Emperor Yan as the head, and Ye Qingxian, Daoist Leixiao, King Zhenyue, Long Huang, Dan Dingzi, Yao Xi, and Elder Tianji as assistants, you will make decisions together. If there are major disagreements, you can vote, with the minority obeying the majority. If you encounter major events that threaten the survival of the Alliance, you can activate the 'Samsara Seal' I left behind; I will naturally sense it, and I might be able to descend with a Divine Thought projection to assist."

As he spoke, Lin Wan raised his hand, and several streams of Chaos Immortal Light flew out, entering the bodies of the eight people, including Emperor Yan and Ye Qingxian, turning into mysterious grey marks that seemed to contain the phantom of a small "Divine Kingdom".

"This is the 'Samsara Seal', containing a trace of my Divine Thought and Divine Power. Activating it at a critical moment can block a blow from a True Immortal, and it can also serve as a token to contact me. At the same time, this seal can also help you comprehend the 'Chaos Reincarnation' dao rhyme, which may be beneficial for your Breakthrough to True Immortal."

"Many thanks to the Leader for the generous gift!" Feeling the vast power and profound dao rhyme contained within the mark inside their bodies, everyone was both surprised and delighted, and they hurriedly bowed in thanks.

"In addition, Alliance resources should be prioritized for you, as well as for juniors in the Alliance who have potential and have made contributions, to help you break through as soon as possible and improve your strength. The 'Chaos Reincarnation Formation' needs to be built as soon as possible to stabilize the defense of this Star Domain. At the same time, continue to collect all information regarding 'the end', regarding the 'samsara mirror', and regarding the 'Immortal Realm', especially clues about the source of 'the end'; do not slack off."

"After I Ascend, I will gain a foothold in the Immortal Realm as soon as possible and establish a Foundation. When the time is ripe, I will try to establish a stable, two-way passage to guide the outstanding juniors of the Alliance to Ascend. You must also cultivate diligently and strive to break through to True Immortal as soon as possible; I will be in the Immortal Realm... waiting for you."

Lin Wan gave instructions one by one, covering every detail, making detailed arrangements for the future development direction, internal management, external defense, talent cultivation, resource allocation, information collection, and so on of the Alliance. He was doing this to build the Alliance into a stable force that could operate on its own and continue to develop and grow even after he left, serving as a solid backing for him in the Immortal Realm in the future, and as a barrier to protect the billions of lives in this Star Domain.

Everyone listened, their hearts surging with emotion, yet feeling a sense of reluctance. They knew that the Leader was paving the way for the future of the Alliance, and also paving the way for them.

"Finally," Lin Wan's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Ye Qingxian and Emperor Yan, his voice softening a little, "After I leave, I entrust the Alliance, and... my family, to you all."

"Husband..." Ye Qingxian's beautiful eyes were slightly red, and she held back her reluctance, nodding firmly, "Husband, rest assured, I will definitely guard the Alliance well, guard our family well, and wait for Husband to open up a new world in the Immortal Realm!"

"Leader, rest assured! We swear to protect the Alliance, the Madam, the Young Master, and the Young Miss with our lives, waiting for the Leader to return and guide us to the Immortal Realm together!" Emperor Yan, Daoist Leixiao, and the others also had slightly red eyes, and they responded in unison, their voices clanging with determination.

"Good." Lin Wan nodded, a trace of melancholy at the parting rising in his heart, but more than that, there was anticipation and determination for the road ahead.

"Three days from now, I will try to communicate with and sense the coordinates of the Immortal Realm outside 'Zhenxu Pass', in the depths of the starry sky, and break the Realm with force to force an Ascension."

"At that time, you may watch from a distance, but you must not get close, lest you be injured by the interface power and spatial turbulence."

"Going to the Immortal Realm this time, the road ahead is uncertain; there may be risks, and there may be opportunities. But regardless, I, Lin Wan, will definitely carve out a piece of sky in that Immortal Realm, and for the Alliance, for all of you, seek a path to the Immortal heavens!"

"Everyone, take care. When I have gained a foothold in the Immortal Realm, I will then... drink and chat with you all, and discuss the Dao together!"

As his voice fell, Lin Wan said no more, his figure slowly fading and disappearing from the spot.

"Respectfully sending off the Leader! We wish the Leader a smooth Ascension and a promising Dao!"

Everyone bowed deeply in the direction where Lin Wan had disappeared, unwilling to rise for a long time.

Three days later, outside 'Zhenxu Pass', in the depths of the starry sky billions of miles away.

Lin Wan, dressed in a Chaos Immortal robe, stood in the air, his black hair fluttering, his eyes profound, looking into the endless Void Realm.

Far behind him, the core of the Alliance, including Emperor Yan, Ye Qingxian, Daoist Leixiao, King Zhenyue, Long Huang, Dan Dingzi, Yao Xi, and Elder Tianji, as well as family members such as Shen Qingxue, Su Youwei, Qin Keqing, Luo Yuheng, Lin Qingyao, and Lin Qingxue, along with countless high-level Alliance members and elite soldiers, were all under the protection of the 'Zhenxu Pass' Formation, watching from afar, their expressions tense and full of anticipation.

Today was the day their Leader, the 'Chaos Reincarnation True Immortal' Lin Wan, would break the Realm with force and force an Ascension!

Whether it would be success or failure, life or death, it all depended on this one action today!

"Immortal Realm..."

Lin Wan slowly closed his eyes, the 'Chaos Reincarnation Divine Kingdom' within him slowly operating, his Divine Sense spreading out like a tide toward the endless Void Realm, attempting to sense the coordinates of that higher-level world in the nether regions.

"I am coming."