195: The Lord of Heaven does not return home

Striking beyond the domain.

As his voice reached its conclusion, a murderous aura permeated and swept in all directions. The black and white divine tree flickered, the black area becoming increasingly prevalent, while the white area rapidly diminished, and the annual rings changed.

Qin Jin listened to his words, his thoughts stirring.

In front of him, Su Changqing raised his head, looking upwards.

"This divine cauldron played a huge role in mending the sky, and ultimately... it was precisely because of that battle that it completely shattered."

"However, I don't understand the reason for its current structure as a restriction."

Su Changqing stated frankly: "This might be another arrangement left by the Heavenly Vault Emperor. According to the results of our discussions at the time, the purpose of this divine cauldron after mending the sky was originally a beacon."

"A beacon?"

Qin Jin's gaze narrowed slightly.

"Exactly, a beacon."

Su Changqing nodded: "For living beings to break through to a higher realm, the time required is immeasurable. How could the advancement of heaven and earth conclude in a single day?"

"When heaven and earth truly advance further, the derivation and evolution of its rules will take a long time. During this period, a domain's heaven and earth are also at their most vulnerable. Any external change could cause the advancement of heaven and earth to deviate, creating unforeseen complications."

"Therefore, the Heavenly Vault Emperor, when convening the various powerhouses of our human race for discussion, proposed a bold measure."

"To use offense as defense, to deter all directions."

"If we are to fight, then let's fight completely."

"This heaven and earth, this homeland deeply connected to our race, was truly hidden. After this strike beyond the domain, the Heavenly Monarchs would not return home."

"Powerhouses of the Heavenly Monarch realm are themselves immensely grand existences. Residing within heaven and earth, trying to hide heaven and earth is simply preposterous."

"Our human race's cultivation path relies on heaven and earth, but when one truly achieves the status of a Heavenly Monarch, becoming a monarch of one's own heaven and earth, it is also time to take heaven and earth as a starting point, ascend another level, and advance further."

"Therefore, this plan was implemented."

"Various powerhouses collaborated, making numerous arrangements. Only when heaven and earth were completely advanced would it re-emerge from its hidden state into the greater world, reappearing in the world, and this divine cauldron would be the guiding beacon."

Qin Jin listened intently.

Seeing the other party's words gradually slow, Qin Jin spoke: "Senior."

"So, according to you, when heaven and earth are completely advanced, will those former top existences of the human race return?"

"Will those figures who left brilliant chapters in ancient history truly return to the world?"

He asked the question.

In the past, after seeing Ji Lianxing, he had once believed that, led by the Tiancang Immortal Dynasty, the ancient human powerhouses had perished in that act of mending the sky, using their broken bodies to forge a more magnificent heaven and earth.

But today, after seeing Su Changqing, all his conjectures were shattered.

He seemed to have completely underestimated the terrifying nature of true peak existences in the cultivation path of evolution.

Mending the sky is not difficult—what a shocking statement this was.

"Possibly."

Su Changqing did not give a definitive answer.

He looked at Qin Jin: "Compared to the imprint of the Tiancang Imperial Daughter you once saw, I know a bit more, but only because my imprint is from a later time."

"When heaven and earth were truly hidden by supreme means, my connection with my main body was also severed."

His voice was gentle: "In my last stored memories, the act of mending the sky was successfully completed, heaven and earth entered the advancement stage, and our first battle with the enemy from beyond the domain, we also won."

"But, that was countless years ago."

"Years pass by, and no one can be sure what those unreturned comrades experienced beyond the domain in the long past."

"They might have broken through another realm, ascended to supremacy, unstoppable by anyone, or they might have suffered internal injuries in battle with powerful enemies, eventually dying of old age."

"However, that's not important."

Su Changqing smiled: "Our human race rose because of heaven and earth, and ultimately helped heaven and earth advance. Heaven did not fail humans, and humans did not fail heaven."

Listening to his words.

Qin Jin seemed to see, when heaven and earth were hidden, one by one, the top powerhouses of the human race leaped out of heaven and earth, looked back once, and then collectively slew the enemy from beyond the domain.

He was silent for a moment, then spoke: "Senior, at that time, there were other alien races within heaven and earth."

"Naturally, they also joined the expedition."

Su Changqing said: "Among the myriad races of heaven and earth, which one of those truly capable of reaching the pinnacle has not received the grace of heaven and earth?"

"To be born in this domain is grace."

"If there is a contribution, there must be repayment."

"Since our race has made a decision, other races must naturally comply."

His tone was steady, yet it contained dominance.

Speaking of this, he looked at Qin Jin: "What you want to ask about is the [Divine Kingdom] you mentioned, isn't it?"

Qin Jin nodded.

Before asking, he had already revealed everything he knew. Naturally, he wouldn't miss the opportunity to meet a senior who knew about ancient times and was willing to disclose secrets.

"From your description, I actually believe that this Divine Kingdom might not just be a simple nation."

Su Changqing showed a thoughtful expression, slowly saying: "Within heaven and earth, unless there is a major change, the pattern will not easily change."

"The emergence of such a change is highly likely a chain reaction brought about by the advancement of heaven and earth; the changes in the rules of heaven and earth fostered this situation."

Different perspectives lead to different ideas.

Su Changqing's words undoubtedly gave Qin Jin a brand new perspective.

He paused, then continued: "You inferred the external situation from this divine cauldron's restriction, believing that our human race is in decline."

"Indeed, such a possibility exists, but there are also many variables."

"With the true peak existences of all races having left, I don't believe our human race would be inferior to other races."

"If alien races truly hold the advantage in the outside world, this is also a very normal thing."

"Heaven and earth have continued for a long time. Before our human race, there were also many races that once flourished to the extreme, becoming the protagonists of heaven and earth. A temporary rise and fall truly doesn't count for much."

"Some ethnic groups may be weak, but with the emergence of just one prodigy, they suddenly rise and soar."

"Just like our human race, it was the countless ancestors who, unafraid of hardship, sought knowledge in heaven and earth, that created the prosperity of ancient times."

"If our human race is in decline, it is also an opportunity."

He hinted at something, looking at Qin Jin: "Young friend Qin."

"Do you have any other questions?"

Hearing the question, Qin Jin pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"If you have questions, you can come and ask me again."

Su Changqing smiled kindly: "This imprint of mine exists within the sect and cannot leave. If you are interested, you can occasionally come and meet with me."

"If you encounter any promising talents, you can also have them try Green Wood Temple."

"This junior will remember."

Qin Jin responded, then thought of something and spoke: "Senior, are there other places of inheritance within these ancient lands in the Great Wilderness?"

"Naturally."

"As far as I know, many orthodoxies have left their inheritances in the ancient lands."

"This is a contingency plan, and also a preparation."

"I understand."

As Qin Jin's words fell, Su Changqing waved his sleeve, and behind him... the black and white divine tree transformed, scattering into countless light points with a roar, like a brilliant galaxy of stars, appearing at the peak.

The light points gathered at various places on the peak. On the stone slabs of the ground, the light points etched themselves into a chessboard. Figures condensed from light points, rapidly solidifying, and at both ends of the light points, Axe-Wielding Ancestor and White-Eyebrow Ancestor reappeared, standing at either end of the chessboard, looking at it in contemplation.

In front of Qin Jin, the young man was gone, replaced by the youthful Su Changqing, who smiled slightly and said: "Patron Qin, farewell."

"I need to prepare to welcome the next visitor to this place."

The peak of Green Wood Temple had changed back to how it was when Qin Jin first entered.

All of this was both real and illusory, because it was a scene that truly happened in history, recreated in the present through extraordinary means.

Qin Jin looked at the Su Changqing before him, who was no longer detached but instead friendly and approachable. After a moment of contemplation, he asked: "Senior, how should I address you?"

His question was simple.

Su Changqing, however, heard the deeper meaning within it, and his youthful voice rang out: "Su Changqing, that is my true name, accompanying me throughout life."

"Before the expedition beyond the domain."

"The world called me..."

"Heavenly Monarch Ku Rong."

The moment these four characters were uttered, heaven and earth seemed to fall silent. In Qin Jin's vision, everything around him dimmed, leaving only what was on the peak. All of this seemed to form a majestic figure, residing above the heavens, looking at him kindly... Qin Jin's figure left the ancient land and returned to the Tribe.

"Indeed, a Heavenly Monarch."

"Named Ku Rong."

His thoughts flowed, gathering on his Dao foundation. The current lightning-struck wood had changed dramatically, no longer appearing lightning-struck, with lush green foliage above, though lightning patterns were still visible.

Now, with a shift of thought, his Dao foundation actually showed signs of decay, looking like it did when it first formed. With another thought, the Dao foundation returned to its original state.

"This 'Years Star Green Law Heavenly Tome' seems to be very compatible with me."

"Heaven and earth advancing, supreme beings returning."

A figure emerged in Qin Jin's mind.

The Tiancang Imperial Daughter, Ji Lianxing.

All his connections with the Tiancang Immortal Dynasty began through her. This Senior Ji was his guide on the Heavenly Azure Method, truly allowing him to transcend the mundane and giving him the possibility of further advancement. Their cultivation speeds resonated, making it even more terrifying.

Countless years had passed.

Was she still alive? Would she return one day in the future? Or was that cenotaph truly her tomb?

His figure moved further away... Time flowed.

When truly immersed in something, time passes quickly.

After completing another lesson with [Teacher Candle Kite], Qin Jin received news that this semester's courses had completely ended.

His first academic year in Martial Abyss, more than half of it was spent in the academy, and the remaining time, by a strange coincidence, was spent in his hometown.

When the new semester began, Qin Jin would return to the academy. As Candle Kite said, the academy's arrangements for him had undergone more detailed changes. Martial arts were never static, and neither was Martial Abyss. When a truly talented student showed progress far exceeding others, they were willing to actively make changes for him.

Leaving home, Qin Jin headed straight to the research institute, his face full of anticipation.

As soon as he arrived, a voice called out from ahead.

"Qin Jin."

"You're finally here, come quickly."

The one calling out was an unfamiliar face, one of the mecha designers who had joined the team later during this period.

However, after spending time together, Qin Jin had become familiar with all of them. They also clearly understood their mission and had high hopes for the future and for Qin Jin.

Approaching them, Qin Jin walked alongside and asked: "How are all the inspections? Can we proceed with the actual machine test?"

"Of course, otherwise, why would I be in such a hurry?"

"As long as it passes the actual machine test, everything will be accomplished. We just need to do the follow-up finishing work."

"Qin Jin."

At this point, the other person looked at Qin Jin: "Can you do it?"

"The manufacturing of this mecha is completely benchmarked against Martial Saint mechas. In my career, I've never seen a Grandmaster pilot a Martial Saint mecha."

"This level of mecha is not just a simple amplification; it's a fusion. If you can't pilot it, our completion time will be delayed significantly."

"Don't worry."

Qin Jin gave him two words.

The two quickly walked towards the depths of the research institute. Along the way, everyone they met was busy. After a quick greeting, they continued forward, finally reaching the deepest part of the institute.

This was an extremely spacious large workshop. Currently, within the workshop, personnel in work uniforms were recording various data.

Lü Xuan was among them, data flickering on his glasses, his face serious.

After quickly approaching, Qin Jin looked at him: "How is it?"

"Just waiting for you."

"As long as your resonance with it doesn't have any problems, it's a success."

Hearing this, Qin Jin turned his head and looked towards the very center of the workshop.

There, was a cylindrical structure over a hundred meters tall, looking like a sealed cover, sealed on all sides. Seeing Qin Jin's gaze, Lü Xuan beside him waved his hand. At the top of the cylinder, the joint separated in a spiral, the ground's mechanical structure opened, and the sealed cover began to rapidly descend and retract, revealing everything enclosed within.

Inside.

It was indeed the prototype of a hundred-meter-tall mecha.

The mecha was like a giant. Brilliant runic patterns flickered above it. Some defensive modules had not yet been installed, making it look slightly thin. The seamless fit of extraordinary materials caused an extremely terrifying pressure to permeate in all directions the moment the sealed cover opened, stirring up air currents.

"The extraordinary factor you provided is extremely astonishing."

"During this time, you also participated. We put a lot of effort into adapting to it."

Lü Xuan's voice of emotion rang out.

Qin Jin nodded.

Having participated, he naturally knew where the problem lay.

"Go and try it. The mecha's basic state has been tested. Now we need to test the piloting state. Only if everything is normal can we proceed to the next step of refinement."

Qin Jin nodded.

In the center, the mecha's pressure permeated. The surrounding staff all stopped their work, watching this step.

Qin Jin stepped forward, walking towards the mecha.

Bigger is stronger. The hundred-meter-tall new mecha, although not yet fully refined and its true appearance not yet revealed, Qin Jin was already full of anticipation. As he stepped forward, in his perception, his heart stirred slightly.

He seemed to hear the call from the mecha.

The next instant, he took a step, his figure disappearing, and when he reappeared, he was already inside the cockpit.

The cockpit was not yet sealed; he could even see everything outside. In front of Qin Jin, the control module had undergone a significant change compared to the azure lightning dark halberd. It was no longer a spherical shape, but a square, palm-sized plaque suspended in mid-air, with a dragon shape constructed from light above it.

No longer requiring a physical connection, Qin Jin mentally touched the dragon plaque. It flickered slightly and then suddenly disappeared.

It had entered Qin Jin's spiritual world!

The more advanced the mecha, the more intimate the spiritual connection with the Martial Artist, which could avoid more obstacles and methods.

The moment the [Dragon Plaque] entered his spiritual world, Qin Jin clearly sensed his body extending, truly transforming into a giant. At the same time... a surging pressure, like a tide, also swept over him.

Without sufficient personal strength, one couldn't even pilot this mecha.

"Very good."

Qin Jin muttered to himself: "Let me see where your limits are."

While muttering.

Qin Jin didn't hesitate. His inherent power surged out, spreading to all parts of the mecha.

At the same time.

Spirit Ruins cave heaven surged, its power unreserved.

Within the entire workshop, from beside the mecha, a roaring sound of rising power echoed in all directions. Almost instantly, momentum surged. In the center of the workshop, a light screen appeared, forming a barrier, with layers of ripples on its surface, preventing power from leaking out.

That was due to excessive power fluctuations, triggering the research institute's internal self-defense measures.

And outside the light screen.

Lü Xuan stared intently at this scene. On his glasses, various values began to skyrocket at this moment!