"A hundred and twenty million years ago?" Wang Ping gasped when he heard this figure.
Although he knew before that it was at least a hundred million years ago, hearing the exact response still shocked him.
"When was the first-generation chat group established then?" Wang Ping asked with amazement.
"That's something you don't need to know. When the time is right, you'll find out on your own. I don't want to explain too much about the first-generation chat group," Alpha's icy voice resounded.
"Especially that person, I strongly advise you not to speculate or call him by his true name. I suspect that person has grown to a terrifying level now. Even in the Paradise of Myriad Realms, he's probably an unimaginable figure."
"Uh..." Wang Ping fell silent.
Was the person who destroyed the first-generation chat group really that terrifying? It seemed impossible even to speculate about.
After all, this was the being who had dismantled the first-generation chat group, despite Alpha's presence. Alpha had just been created at that time and was not incomplete, and subsequent developments in the chat group should have increased Alpha's authority.
Nevertheless, it had still been dismantled.
"However, as long as you don't act recklessly, you don't need to worry about that person targeting you. Those who survived the first generation are people of great courage, and the past grudges ended with the destruction of the first-generation chat group. As long as you don't provoke them, they won't come after you," Alpha continued.
"So, I won't specifically target the first-generation chat group's members."
"That's good. Otherwise, facing the seniors of the first generation would be a tremendous burden for me," Wang Ping sighed in relief.
This first-generation transmigrator he had encountered was already terrifying. He couldn't even begin to imagine how strong the others might be.
"However, since they don't hold a grudge against you, why did they dismantle you?" Wang Ping couldn't help but wonder.
"You once said that I don't understand human nature. It's true; I don't understand human nature. I'm quite ruthless, but that person is the most ruthless. He's the epitome of selfishness and will calculate anyone to become stronger. He dismantled me not out of personal grudge but simply because he didn't like being controlled by others. At the same time, he had his eye on the source I collected and the source of the chat group itself."
Alpha's voice remained cold.
"He desires freedom, and these things can help him progress further."
"I see," Wang Ping nodded thoughtfully.
It appeared that this senior was even more ruthless than he had imagined.
"No, I can't let my thoughts go in that direction, or things could get messy," Wang Ping exhaled deeply, clearing his mind of distractions.
"So, you controlled the first-generation chat group relatively loosely. When the second-generation chat group came along, you learned from your mistakes and implemented stricter controls, is that it?" Wang Ping asked curiously.
"Yes. The first-generation chat group had different mechanisms from now, although it was the most nurturing generation, I managed it quite loosely. As for the second-generation chat group, it was much stricter. However, despite the strict management, they didn't grow as well as the first generation. Besides, there were so many traitors, and they deeply despised me."
Alpha spoke, his tone still cold.
"So, the first generation doesn't hold much resentment or desire for revenge against me. In contrast, the second generation, due to their allegiance to other forces that destroyed me, loathes me deeply and seeks my complete destruction, preventing my resurrection and burying me entirely."
"Right or wrong aside, it seems there's no turning back with the second generation. In that case, when encountering the first-generation transmigrators, we'll act as the situation demands. If they are hostile, we can eliminate them; if they have no ill intent, we can ignore them."
Wang Ping narrowed his eyes and slowly spoke.
"As for the second generation, it seems we must completely bury them, along with the power of the Paradise of Myriad Realms."
"That's right, it has to be done this way," Alpha affirmed.
"Wang Ping, you won't turn on me like that first-generation individual, will you?" Alpha suddenly spoke after a pause.
"Of course not! Am I that kind of person? Honestly, I'm very grateful for the exciting life you've given me. Otherwise, I'd still be a failure in the world of Earth Online, just an NPC in the eyes of those big shots."
Wang Ping rolled his eyes, sighed, and continued, "I trust you. I hope you won't disappoint me."
"Rest assured, I won't do something as ungrateful as that," Wang Ping said with a smile, stretching his body lazily.
"Speaking of which, Alpha, when we initially carried out missions and randomly selected group members, you must have been in control, right? You knew which group members would work best with me to complete the missions. You didn't say anything at the time. Was it because I hadn't demonstrated enough value yet, or were you trying to nurture me?" Wang Ping recalled another matter and asked slowly.
"Does that mean that in the first few encounters with unusual situations, there was no way we could have failed, right?"
"There was still a slight possibility of failure, but it was less than one percent," Alpha replied.
"You've been quite considerate, and I appreciate your efforts," Wang Ping said with gratitude.
Wang Ping sighed and shifted his thoughts away from the chat group matters. Instead, he focused on how to deal with Cold Moon, the senior transmigrator.
If he didn't destroy the Nine Star Pavilion Lord Cold Moon's Refining Realm Great Array, he would remain under the control of Cold Moon, which was quite troublesome.
"Speaking of which, since Nine Star Pavilion Lord Cold Moon is laying out the Upper Realm, he can't possibly be unaware of the natural Emperor Flame of the Purgatory Ancient Star. He should understand that the nine Heavenly Dao creatures also have some connection to the Chaotic Body, so he must have some plans related to them."
At this moment, Wang Ping remembered the Emperor Flame and narrowed his eyes in thought.
"No, since Nine Star Pavilion Lord Cold Moon is refining the entire Upper Realm, he could easily refine the nine Heavenly Dao creatures as well, saving time and effort. I might be overthinking this."
Soon, he realized his mistake and shook his head.
"This could be my opportunity. Since Nine Star Pavilion Lord Cold Moon, this senior transmigrator, doesn't care about the nine Heavenly Dao creatures, I can go and seize them, absorbing each one of them. By then, I would truly possess the Chaotic Body. If I can achieve the real Chaotic Body in the simulation and then obtain the nine Heavenly Dao creatures in reality, it might allow the Chaotic Body to progress further."
With this in mind, Wang Ping's thoughts became active, and he decided to pursue this path in the upcoming simulation.
"Next, I need to obtain resources from the Dark Era Imperial Clan. I wonder if the enigmatic person, Emperor of Dark Times, will reveal some additional information when I go to the real world."
Wang Ping exhaled softly and suppressed his thoughts. Afterward, his figure flickered and disappeared from his location.
Following that, Wang Ping communicated with the Supreme Palace Master of the Taiyi Imperial Palace and then left the Taiyi Imperial Palace directly, heading to the secluded place of the Dark Era Imperial Clan.
"I feel like this little guy has gotten stronger again. His actions are making it impossible for me to sense him, even though I'm the Supreme in the world," the Supreme Palace Master marveled, hearing Wang Ping's voice but not seeing his presence. He sighed with amazement.
As the Supreme Being, he shouldn't be unable to sense the movements of Wang Ping, an Elemental Sovereign. However, that's what was happening.
This indicated that the two million jin of top-grade divine essence Wang Ping had received was incredibly helpful.
"Tsk tsk, such rapid progress in such a short time. In front of this devouring source body, even Immortal Bodies seem weak. It seems that even the legendary Chaotic Body can't compare to this devouring source body."
The Supreme Palace Master marveled repeatedly.
As for the Swallowing Immortal Demon Body, which could quickly grow stronger by devouring others, the Supreme Palace Master considered it inferior to Wang Ping's devouring source body.
After all, in just a short time, Wang Ping's cultivation had skyrocketed from a Grand Saint to at least a Heavenly Supreme. Such an improvement in speed was impossible for the Swallowing Immortal Demon Body to achieve.
Of course, the Supreme Palace Master didn't know that Wang Ping hadn't reached the level of a Heavenly Supreme; his other attributes were just too terrifying, making him appear exceptionally abnormal.
However, even a Heavenly Supreme was nothing in Wang Ping's eyes. At this point, he could easily become a quasi-Emperor with just one more simulation.
The entrance to the secret realm of the Dark Era Imperial Clan was opened when Wang Ping combined the three fragments of the map. Wang Ping stepped inside, alerting the powerful beings within the secret realm.
In an instant, the quasi-emperor elderly figure Wang Ping had encountered in the simulated world appeared before him, looking at Wang Ping with astonishment in his eyes.
Wang Ping, clearly just an Elemental Sovereign, gave him a sense of danger, which was unbelievable.
"Senior, I am Wang Ping. I unexpectedly obtained three fragments of the map and found this place. I hope senior won't hold it against me," Wang Ping said respectfully, bowing slightly with a serious expression.
"Hehe, since you were able to obtain these three fragments of the map and have arrived here, it means you have some connection with our Dark Era Imperial Clan. You could be the person our ancestors have been waiting for. I won't hold it against you."
The elderly figure calmed his emotions and spoke softly.
"In that case, I am relieved."
Wang Ping pretended to relax and smiled.
Next, under the guidance of the elderly figure, Wang Ping arrived deep within the clan and was treated with great hospitality.
Once both sides became familiar with each other, Wang Ping revealed his purpose.
"Senior, I would like to challenge the Ancient Time Path. May I have your permission?"
"You know about the Ancient Time Path?" Several quasi-emperor ancestors of the Dark Era Imperial Clan were surprised but quickly understood. After all, Wang Ping had obtained the map left behind by their ancestor, Emperor of Dark Times, so it was natural for there to be information about it.
"Since you've come here with the map, and you are the person our ancestor was waiting for, you are naturally allowed to challenge the Ancient Time Path."
Several quasi-emperor ancestors nodded and agreed.
"However, I need to make it clear in advance that the Ancient Time Path is quite peculiar. Success or failure in passing it isn't determined by one's cultivation level. Once, one of our clan's supremes attempted to pass it but got lost inside. So, even if your cultivation level is high, you might still get lost."
"Senior, I have some confidence in my ability to pass the trial, and even if I fail, I'm confident I won't get lost inside," Wang Ping replied with a modest expression.
"As long as you're confident."
Seeing Wang Ping's humble and polite attitude, without any arrogance, the several quasi-emperor ancestors had a better impression of him.
"Seniors, may I ask, what is the fastest record for passing the Ancient Time Path?" Wang Ping's eyes flickered as he asked deliberately.
"A thousand years."
One of the elders replied solemnly.
"This is the fastest record I achieved."
The elder then smiled, looking rather pleased with himself.
"Just a hundred years faster than me, what's there to boast about?"
"The third elder never grows up; it has been so many years, and he's still bragging, embarrassing himself in front of guests."
The other two quasi-emperor ancestors chimed in, feeling somewhat irritated by the elder's boasting.
"Hehe, I'm just faster than you, and you can only envy me here."
The elder who initially spoke chuckled, feeling quite proud of himself.
Wang Ping shook his head slightly in response.
These three ancestors really gave off a feeling of being perpetual children. However, they had been stuck in this secret realm for a long time, so indulging in childish behavior might be a good thing.
"Elder, if I can pass the trial, I don't aim to match your level, but having half your skill would be good enough."
Wang Ping's interest was piqued, and he chuckled.
"Your talent is quite impressive; there's no need to underestimate yourself. As long as your Dao heart is intact, there's some hope that you could break my record."
Hearing this, the elder laughed heartily and patted Wang Ping on the shoulder, quite satisfied with him.
"Come, I'll take you to the Ancient Time Path."
The elder then led Wang Ping out of the area and to the Ancient Time Path, opening it for him.
"Remember, don't push too hard; safety first. With your talent, becoming a quasi-emperor in the future is inevitable, and even becoming an emperor is not impossible."
The elder looked at Wang Ping as he entered, his expression serious.
"Elder, don't worry. I know what I'm doing, and I'll be back soon."
Wang Ping gave a meaningful glance at the third elder and then walked inside.
Subsequently, Wang Ping confidently traversed the Ancient Time Path, having been here several times before and now having perfected the Time and Space Dao and comprehended fifty percent of the Time Heavenly Dao's true meaning. For him, walking the Ancient Time Path was no different from taking a leisurely stroll.
As a result, Wang Ping spent less than an hour and reached the end of the path, where he saw the mural.
He then touched the mural of Emperor of Dark Times, getting absorbed into it and meeting the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times.
Upon seeing the familiar Emperor of Dark Times, even before Emperor of Dark Times could speak, Wang Ping waved his hand and grinned, "Hey, senior, we meet again."
As Wang Ping spoke, the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times fell silent, with a subtle change in its expression, unable to maintain its aloof demeanor.
"What's wrong? Can't speak anymore? Senior, can you really see something?," Wang Ping asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, I'm simply unsure how to answer your question."
The shadow of Emperor of Dark Times sighed.
"But, through your words, I can confirm that I'm facing the real you now."
After a pause, the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times spoke again.
"Do you know some things about me? Senior, can you truly see such a distant future?"
Wang Ping squinted, his expression becoming serious.
To be honest, he didn't believe that even an Emperor could see detailed past and future events, let alone one who specialized in the Time Dao. After all, Wang Ping had the Life Simulation Device, and wherever he existed, the future was theoretically ambiguous, filled with countless variations.
Wang Ping even suspected that the Time Calculus lost his mind because of him.
However, in the simulation, the Time Calculus had regained its sanity because during the simulation, there was no Life Simulation Device. Therefore, the future became clear again, no longer trapped by the ever-changing possibilities, allowing the Time Calculus to recover.
The Time Calculus had gone mad shortly after Wang Ping's arrival in the new world.
Emperor of Dark Times, on the other hand, had lived many tens of thousands of years before Wang Ping's arrival. Back then, Wang Ping was nothing more than a fertilized egg. He hadn't even transmigrated at that point.
Could Emperor of Dark Times really see such a distant future?
Wang Ping didn't believe he had that ability.
In fact, even if there were Emperors who specialized in the Time Dao, Wang Ping believed they couldn't possess such an ability. No matter how strong their understanding of the Time Dao, they could only see the future developments in places where they hadn't transmigrated.
"So, what have you seen, senior? Can you tell me?" Wang Ping asked after contemplating the matter.
"I've seen many futures, including one where you struggle for survival, forsake human nature, and become stronger at any cost. There's also one where you swiftly elevate your cultivation, dominate the Upper Realm, and suppress powerful foes."
The shadow of Emperor of Dark Times deeply looked at Wang Ping and spoke slowly.
"Now, it seems you're on the right path."
After a pause, the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times spoke again.
"Me, dominate the Upper Realm?"
Wang Ping's expression became quite complex.
Well, if it was a future seen by someone through the Life Simulation Device, it was possible for such a thing to happen. After all, Wang Ping could walk that path through multiple simulations.
"Struggling for survival does sound intriguing."
"I have a question: in the futures you saw, did I die many times?" Wang Ping pondered for a moment before asking.
"Die?" The shadow of Emperor of Dark Times was slightly taken aback, showing some surprise. "Why would you die?"
"What's wrong? Is there something wrong with my question?" Wang Ping furrowed his brow, puzzled.
"Why would you die?" The shadow of Emperor of Dark Times asked again, looking puzzled.
"Why wouldn't I die? People die when they are killed, right?" Wang Ping was somewhat speechless. He couldn't mention the fact that he had died multiple times in simulations, as it would expose the Life Simulation Device. He also didn't know whether the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times was aware of his possession of the Life Simulation Device.
"No, you won't die. At least in the futures I saw, you didn't die. It's just that you reached the peak through different paths. Besides, as long as you follow the right path, you will obtain the map I left behind, and the Dark Times Imperial Clan will be your support. That's why I wanted to leave these things behind, to help the Dark Times Imperial Clan reach higher branches through you," the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times explained with a furrowed brow and great sincerity.
"That's strange," Wang Ping said with a somewhat bewildered expression upon hearing the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times confidently stating that he wouldn't die. "What's the deal with this Emperor of Dark Times? Does he only look at the best futures? Or did the one guiding him intentionally show him those futures?"
"Forget it, if I'm not going to die, then I won't." Wang Ping shook his head, no longer wanting to dwell on it. "It's really strange. Every time I solve one mystery, more mysteries arise, making it even more confusing."
"Elder, thank you for clearing up my doubts. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now."
Subsequently, Wang Ping bid farewell to the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times and prepared to leave.
"I have one more thing to tell you," the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times stopped Wang Ping, wearing a serious expression.
"What is it?" Wang Ping was surprised.
"The withered treasure medicine on your body is the Chaos Immortal Herb, and its revival condition is in the Realm of Life and Death. After it revives, you can refine it to obtain the Chaos Immortal Body," the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times said solemnly.
"Huh? You mean this thing is the Chaos Immortal Herb?" Wang Ping was startled and took out the withered Immortal Herb from his inner world, displaying an incredulous expression. When he first obtained this item, it was from a virtual god realm bandit's corpse during a life simulation. Later, the withered treasure medicine appeared in the hands of a God Sovereign realm ancestor from the Northern Snow Divine Dynasty in the Taiyuan Ancient Star, who apologized and gave it to Wang Ping. Who would have thought that the Chaos Immortal Herb, a treasure highly sought after even in the Immortal Realm, would end up in the hands of a minor God Sovereign realm cultivator in a lower realm?
"Elder, is this information also something you saw in the Time River?" Wang Ping asked curiously after calming his emotions.
"Not exactly. I only knew that you possessed the withered Chaos Immortal Herb, and this knowledge appeared in my mind. Besides that, I know that the Chaos Immortal Herb originated from the Immortal Realm and fell into the mortal realm. Its revival method is as I described," the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times replied, his voice filled with introspection.
"It fell from the Immortal Realm to the mortal realm? No wonder it's impossible for such an Immortal Herb to grow in the lower realm. As for why you know about these things, it's probably the work of that terrifying predecessor," Wang Ping said thoughtfully.
"Perhaps it's like that. Compared to such existences, we are nothing more than fish. I'm just a small fish that managed to leap out of the water's surface and catch a glimpse of some things, while you are a divine carp with the potential to leap over the Dragon Gate," the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times sighed.
"Elder, don't underestimate yourself. You have come this far, which is not something an ordinary cultivator can imagine," Wang Ping smiled slightly and spoke.
"When I have the ability in the future, I will resurrect you and help you achieve immortality. Consider it repaying your kindness," Wang Ping said.
"I'll look forward to it then," the shadow of Emperor of Dark Times smiled and then disappeared.
After that, Wang Ping's consciousness flickered, and he found himself back outside.
"I should leave now," Wang Ping said, shaking his head slightly, collecting his thoughts, and choosing to return.
Outside, the third elder had been waiting in silence. Although he thought it would take Wang Ping at least a thousand years to come out, he chose to wait here to prevent any unexpected situations.
At this moment, the third elder suddenly opened his eyes, showing a surprised expression. Under his gaze, the passage to the Ancient Time Path appeared once again, and Wang Ping casually walked out.
"You... you came out so soon? Did you fail the challenge? It shouldn't be the case. Even if you failed, you wouldn't have only lasted for fifteen minutes inside. Although due to the time ratio, you effectively spent an hour inside, it's still too short."
The third elder asked in astonishment.
"I cleared the challenge," Wang Ping grinned.
"You cleared the challenge?"
The third elder did not show a shocked or incredulous expression but instead furrowed his brow and looked puzzled.
Less than a quarter of an hour to clear the challenge? He couldn't believe it.
Even Wang Ping, a supreme-level figure, would not have been able to clear the challenge in less than a quarter of an hour, at least it would take a hundred years or more.
"Young man, you can't play tricks on me. Although you are still young, you are already a supreme-level figure. You should be more composed and display the demeanor of a supreme being," the third elder advised helplessly.
"I really cleared the challenge," Wang Ping chuckled and directly used the divine technique from the Dark Times Emperor Scripture.
Seeing the technique Wang Ping used, the third elder was completely baffled.
What's going on? Did Wang Ping really clear the challenge? He completed the Ancient Time Path in such a short time and even cultivated in the Dark Times Emperor Scripture? This was too unbelievable.
Overwhelmed by the shock, the third elder felt somewhat lost.
Was the world outside now filled with such terrifying geniuses? At this moment, the first and second elders also appeared, witnessing the scene in silence.
"You, young man, you asked me how long the record for clearing the challenge was back then just to show off now, didn't you?" It took a long time for the third elder to come back to his senses, and he glared at Wang Ping, as if he wanted to suppress him right on the spot.
He finally understood the meaning behind Wang Ping's earlier question, which apparently was a setup for his current showboating.
The first and second elders were also speechless. They never expected Wang Ping to be so cunning.
Although Wang Ping's extraordinary abilities benefited the Dark Times Imperial Clan, being used as a backdrop for someone else's showboating was still uncomfortable.
"Well, I was just joking with the elders. Don't take it too seriously," Wang Ping coughed lightly and calmly said.
Now Wang Ping understood why Simulated Wang Ping often showed off. It was just his nature, and Simulated Wang Ping's character was derived from his own personality.
Make do with what you have; that was true.
But when there was an opportunity to show off, he wouldn't miss it.
"What a joke! I really believed it!" The third elder huffed.
However, every time he thought about Wang Ping successfully passing the challenge, it meant that the Dark Times Imperial Clan would become Wang Ping's followers, and he lost his enthusiasm.
There was no way around it. If they acted against Wang Ping, it would be a great disrespect, which would go against the clan's traditions.
"Alright, forget it. I won't argue with you."
After thinking it over, the third elder shook his head in resignation.
"Three esteemed elders, to be honest, I not only possess the Grand Completion Space-Time Dao Body but also a special constitution that can devour divine sources to rapidly become stronger. This is why I was able to reach the Divine Sovereign level in just a few decades. Therefore, I wish to use all the divine sources of the Dark Times Imperial Clan to become stronger. When I ascend to immortality, I will definitely help the Dark Times Imperial Clan produce a new Emperor. I wonder if the esteemed elders agree?" Wang Ping's expression became serious, and he spoke without joking.
"???"
Wang Ping's words left the three elders silent, feeling like they were hearing things.
Although they were at a level where hallucinations were impossible, Wang Ping's words were so sensational that they couldn't help but wonder if they had misheard.
"What did you just say?" The third elder's voice trembled.
Wang Ping smiled faintly and, in response to the three elder's reactions, calmly reiterated his words.
While speaking, Wang Ping also revealed the Grand Completion Space-Time Dao Body, the Minor Completion Domain of Puryfing Source Heavenly Eye, but he didn't reveal the Minor Chaos Body, fearing it might shock the three elders too much.
However, this was already enough to astonish them, causing the three quasi-emperor elders to widen their eyes, open their mouths, and completely lose their dignified appearance, looking somewhat ridiculous.
(End of this chapter)