These sacred spirits were born with unparalleled potential. All they needed was time to grow, and they would eventually reach a level that no one could even dream of matching.
Each sacred spirit has its own unique method of growth, and the method for this bear-like spirit that Qin Tian possessed was, in his estimation, simple: eating. This is why he didn't hesitate to provide it with so many ancient divine stones. Though these stones weren't particularly valuable to him, they were significant in their potential for the spirit's growth.
In the end, these ancient divine stones would serve their purpose. Slowly nourished, this spirit might one day become something truly formidable.
The competition within the Primeval Immortal Domain was incredibly fierce. Even though Qin Tian was born to stand at the pinnacle, that didn't mean he had no rivals, nor that he was free from enemies.
The Primeval Immortal Domain, as the upper realm of countless star systems, had existed for countless epochs, spanning untold ages. It had produced innumerable terrifying beings, some of whom were walking forbidden existences whose power defied even the passage of time. These beings were so powerful that some of them lay dormant, waiting for the right moment, while others had created their own forbidden domains, impervious to the ravages of time.
Qin Tian had long considered the idea of cultivating forbidden existences of his own. It would be a spectacular achievement. For a being to become such a forbidden existence, it required unimaginable power and potential. Yi Yi, this sacred spirit, had a faint chance of reaching such a realm — although it was still slim.
As for Ling Jiao, the pureblood flood dragon, it was far from possible. Unless it evolved into a true dragon and then somehow turned back to its ancestral form, it would have no hope of reaching such heights.
Within the Qin Clan, forbidden existences were a known phenomenon, and Qin Tian understood how incredibly rare and difficult it was to create such beings.
The ancient royal families, the immortal sects, and the ancient clans of the Primeval Immortal Domain each possessed forbidden existences, albeit to varying extents. Such existences were powerful enough to shape the course of history, yet they were only a handful in number.
Qin Tian picked up the wine cup next to him and took a slow sip.
"Ji Kong must have broken through by now," Qin Tian murmured lightly. When he returned, he sensed a strong aura — it was the aura of the Emperor's Path, signaling that someone had stepped into the Human Emperor realm.
Considering that he had given Ji Kong the Nine Heavens Spirit Jade Vine, it was clear to Qin Tian that Ji Kong had indeed reached the Human Emperor realm.
"Let's go check on him in a bit," Qin Tian said with a calm smile.
"Alright," responded his companion.
The Da Xia Empire Palace
"My Lord, I've heard that Ji Kong of Da Zhou has become a Human Emperor. Do you think this will affect our plans?" A middle-aged man dressed in golden robes embroidered with nine dragons bowed respectfully as he addressed two figures standing nearby, their hands clasped behind their backs and their eyes closed in deep contemplation.
These two figures hailed from the Upper Realm, where their background was rooted in the Grand Dao Heavenly Palace, one of the major powers in a certain region of the upper realm. According to their ancestors, the Grand Dao Heavenly Palace even had beings who surpassed the Human Emperor realm.
"Above the Human Emperor realm?" The middle-aged man's heart trembled with awe. To even imagine such a being — how terrifying could they be? He himself was still not even close to reaching the Human Emperor realm. The Da Xia Emperor, standing beside him, understood this all too well. Even with the help of the Grand Dao Heavenly Palace, annihilating Da Zhou would not be a simple task anymore.
The Human Emperor realm was a world apart from realms below it. A being at this level could destroy entire armies, so anyone who reached it would never be an easy opponent.
"A Human Emperor from the Lower Realm?" The man in white, standing behind the middle-aged man, scoffed dismissively. "The difference between the Upper Realm and the Lower Realm is like heaven and earth. The Primeval Immortal Domain is rich in spiritual energy, and the laws of the Great Dao are complete. A Human Emperor born in such an environment will always be far more powerful than one from the lower realms."
"That mere lower realm Human Emperor poses no threat," the white-clad middle-aged man said arrogantly. "Even if we were of the same rank, I could crush ten of their Human Emperors without breaking a sweat."
He glanced over at the Da Xia Emperor with a mocking look in his eyes. It was a classic example of how people from the Lower Realm often couldn't comprehend the vast gap between realms.
"By the way," the middle-aged man in white continued with a slight pause, "didn't you mention someone from the Qingyun Realm coming down from the Upper Realm? What about that person?"
The white-robed man's voice was calm, but there was an undercurrent of interest in his words. Qin Tian — the name he had heard — was now his focus. Qin Tian wasn't merely a mere figure from the Lower Realm; he was someone who had connections with the Upper Realm, and such individuals were rarely insignificant.
"As I've heard, that person's name is Qin Tian," the Da Xia Emperor replied, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. "He has been quite close to the Little Princess of Da Zhou. Some rumors suggest that he might have a significant impact on our efforts to destroy the Da Zhou Empire. And from what I saw, he has a powerful flood dragon with him, whose aura felt remarkably like that of a Human Emperor."
The man in white's expression didn't change, but a hint of amusement appeared in his eyes. "Rest assured, if this Qin Tian is truly from the Upper Realm, we will deal with him. You need not worry."
He turned to the old man standing beside him, who had been silent until now. "After all, if someone from the Upper Realm interferes with our plans, we'll simply eliminate them. No one will care if we do."
The old man in gray gave a cold smile and looked at the Da Xia Emperor. "We'll handle this, don't worry. The Qingyun Realm has its limits, and so does Qin Tian."
The white-robed man's eyes gleamed as he turned back to face the Da Xia Emperor. "Now, let us go and see this Qin Tian. He's of some interest to us, but we mustn't be too hasty. The Grand Dao Heavenly Palace may not have the strength to deal with him directly."
The Da Zhou Imperial Palace
Inside a grand palace, Qin Tian sat leisurely in a chair, sipping from a wine cup. Behind him, Chu Xinyue was gently massaging his shoulders, her touch soft and soothing. Ji Lingxian was playfully teasing Yi Yi, the sacred spirit, while Qin Tian occasionally teased Ji Lingxian in return, causing her face to flush with embarrassment. She was the embodiment of the Fortune Goddess, yet her playful side was just as endearing.
"I've broken through to the Human Emperor realm thanks to your help, Qin Tian," Ji Kong, the newly crowned Human Emperor, said with profound gratitude, bowing deeply. The emotion in his eyes was clear. He never thought he would ever reach this level in his lifetime. His lifelong dream had always been to step into the Human Emperor realm. Initially, he had been content with achieving Half-step Human Emperor, but now, he had surpassed that limit.
Ji Kong was fully aware that his breakthrough was made possible because of Qin Tian's intervention. It wasn't just the powerful royal-grade medicine he had received from Qin Tian; it was also the vital assistance that had allowed him to ascend.
As a result, Ji Kong's respect for Qin Tian went beyond simple admiration — it was reverence. This wasn't just for Qin Tian's identity, but for the life-changing gift he had bestowed upon him.