Before the colossal gate, daunting even to gods and demons, a lone human figure sat cross-legged, eyes closed in profound meditation. His pursuit was enlightenment, a transcendent leap beyond mortality's bounds.
The air surrounding him shimmered with ancient, primordial essence – tiny particles of magical power born from the world's creation. These particles, known as the Primordial Truth, held the secrets of the universe.
The man's weathered appearance belied his extraordinary aura. Middle-aged, with a muscular build, his tattered outfit and unkempt demeanor evoked a beggar's image. Dirt and grime clung to him, exuding a pungent odor.
Yet, when his eyes opened, a spark of creation ignited within their depths. A new chapter in the cosmos seemed to unfold, as if the fabric of reality itself was being rewritten.
Those eyes, aglow with an inner fire, defied the beggar's facade. A profound intelligence, a deep understanding of the universe's mysteries, shone brighter than the stars.
Time seemed to pause as the man's gaze pierced the veil of reality. The gate, once impassable, now seemed vulnerable to his newly awakened insight.
With eyes that could reshape destiny, the beggar-turned-seeker rose, his presence commanding attention.
"Ten years have passed since I began grasping Mirage," Wudi Egun declared, his voice deep and profound. "Now that I've mastered it to Minor Achievement, I'm ready to utilize its power."
Mastering Mirage to Minor Achievement had taken a decade, even with Wudi Egun's extraordinary spatial talents. This testament to Mirage's complexity left him in awe.
Initially, Wudi Egun attempted to breach the city through brute force and cunning, observing the colossal gate and seeking vulnerabilities. However, every effort ended in failure.
Fate intervened five years ago when hundreds of gigantic, human-like Giants approached the gate. Astonishingly, it swung open without resistance.
Intrigued, Wudi Egun dedicated himself to studying the gate's behavior. He spent years analyzing every detail, searching for an entry point.
A theory formed: if he could mimic the Giants, perhaps he could gain entry. For three years, Wudi Egun attempted to deceive the gate, but his efforts were met with dismal failure.
Then, epiphany struck. He would harness Mirage's power to create a flawless illusion.
Mirage transcended ordinary illusion arts. This magical power could replicate anything in existence, crafting perfect replicas that defied detection.
With Mirage, Wudi Egun prepared to deceive the gate, confident that his decade-long mastery would finally grant him access to the mysterious city.
Today, Wudi Egun's decades of dedication would be put to the test. With a deep breath, he calmed his nerves and relaxed his tense muscles. Spatial energy began to course through his body, weaving into threads of laws that held the secrets of countless spaces and infinite complexities.
Mirage, the formidable Space Power, unleashed its awe-inspiring ability to deceive even the heavens. Wudi Egun's body began to expand, transcending its human limitations.
From 7'2" tall, he grew to ten meters, then continued to swell: hundred, two hundred, three hundred, four hundred, and finally, five hundred meters. His colossal form stabilized at six hundred meters tall.
Transformed, Wudi Egun now embodied the Giant he had observed years ago. A single horn protruded from his forehead, piercing the sky. His eyes turned an unfathomable darkness, as if darkness itself had coalesced within them.
Sharp fangs, reminiscent of a vampire's, gleamed in the light. Muscular arms capable of crushing mountains and rivers flexed with terrifying power. His face, a masterpiece of horror, rivaled the most fearsome ghosts and devils.
Resembling a monstrous creature from the underworld, Wudi Egun's new form struck awe and terror. The colossal gate, guardian of the hidden realm, lay before him. Its secrets and mysteries waited to be unraveled.
With Mirage's power coursing through his veins, Wudi Egun took his first step towards the gate, ready to test the limits of his deception. The outcome hung in the balance, as the veil of uncertainty shrouded the realm beyond.
Standing before the gate, Wudi Egun waited patiently, his transformed Giant form radiating an aura of anticipation. This moment was the culmination of decades of dedication, yet the gate remained obstinately shut.
Disappointment crept in as his efforts yielded nothing. Undeterred, Wudi Egun sought to understand where he erred. He invoked ancient incantations, hoping to unlock the gate's secrets.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into years. Time lost all meaning as Wudi Egun persisted, driven by an unyielding determination.
Years accumulated like fallen leaves, and Wudi Egun's bone age revealed the passage of time. He had transcended mortal lifespans, earning the title of ancestor in the mortal realm.
Despite his prolonged solitude, Wudi Egun's focus remained unwavering. His obsession with breaching the gate blinded him to his own humanity.
As a human, he had forsaken worldly connections and social bonds, existing in isolation. His relentless pursuit had distilled his identity to a singular purpose: unlocking the secrets beyond the gate.
The world outside moved forward, eras rising and falling, while Wudi Egun remained suspended, frozen in his quest.
After 500 years of unwavering dedication, Wudi Egun finally conceded defeat, his deep sigh echoing through the desolate landscape. This wasn't his first setback; he had faced numerous defeats before.
His knowledge from the novel granted him an advantage, but not omnipotence or omniscience. In the future, a new realm of power would emerge, rendering his advantage moot. Cultivators would approach omniscience and omnipotence, transcending current limitations.
Left with no choice, Wudi Egun surrendered, resolving to return to Rain Hill. He vowed to identify his mistakes and uncover the secrets behind the mysterious gate.
That gate, he remained convinced, concealed a hidden city – a City of Giants. Uncertainty lingered, but Wudi Egun's determination never wavered.
"If Innate Giants truly reside beyond this gate," he thought, "I must forge an alliance with them." This resolve burned within him, fueling his future return.
For now, Wudi Egun retreated, his mind already racing with strategies for his next attempt.
.....
After departing Rain Hill, Wudi Egun set his sights on Hundred-flower Mountain, located hundreds of miles east. Despite the daunting distance, he chose to traverse the land on foot, embracing the leisurely pace.
With each deliberate step, Wudi Egun harmonized his movement with the rhythm of his heartbeat. His unhurried gait belied an unexpected efficiency, as if his very essence synchronized with the natural world.
Time lost meaning as he strolled, immersed in the serene beauty of the landscape. The gentle rustle of leaves, the soft chirping of birds, and the warmth of sunlight on his skin all blended into a symphony of sensory delight.
Years would pass, yet Wudi Egun's determination remained unwavering. His journey to Hundred-flower Mountain had become a pilgrimage, a testament to his patience and resolve.
Eight months into his journey to Hundred-flower Mountain, Wudi Egun traversed the heart of Ox Forest at his signature leisurely pace. However, today's tranquility was disrupted by the arrival of a group riding ferocious beasts.
"Stop right there!" a muscular young man, clad in primitive beast-skin attire, commanded Wudi Egun.
Wudi Egun turned, his smile unwavering. "Yes."
The young man's eyes narrowed. "Who are you, and why are you here?" His aura pulsed with danger, seeking to intimidate.
Wudi Egun recognized the young man as a newly promoted Mortal Realm cultivator – a Junior Disciple. In the Mortal Realm, cultivators progressed through ranks:
- Junior Disciple (newly promoted)
- Senior Disciple (experienced)
- Cultivator (realm mastery)
- Great Cultivator (peak of the realm)
Beyond the Mortal Realm lay the Quasi-Spirituality Realm, where cultivators became Dao Seekers. Wudi Egun, a genuine Dao Seeker, had transcended the Mortal Realm.
The title "Dao Seeker" held sacred significance, representing their status, profession, and unwavering dedication to the cultivation arts.
Wudi Egun's gaze met the young man's, his expression calm and knowing, the depth of his cultivation experience a stark contrast to the Junior Disciple's fledgling prowess.
"I'm just a humble traveler, journeying from one land to another," Wudi Egun replied, his tone relaxed.
"Silence! Reveal your true identity!" the young man bellowed, his subordinates encircling Wudi Egun.
Wudi Egun's smile remained unwavering, his composure unshaken. "I am who you want me to be, if you say so."
He offered no justification or clarification, allowing the situation to unfold naturally.
"Don't try to deceive us!" the young man snarled, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "If you play tricks on me, I'll behead you without hesitation."
Wudi Egun's tranquil demeanor stood in stark contrast to the young man's aggression, his eyes sparkling with subtle amusement.
"Is that so?" Wudi Egun chuckled, unfazed by the young man's threat.
Offended, the young man unsheathed his sword and struck. The blade glinted in the sunlight, radiating a chilling intent.
The sword sliced through Wudi Egun's body with ease, tearing him in two. His tranquil eyes widened in despair and terror as he shrieked in pain and fear. "No!"
The two halves of his body crashed to the ground, lifeless.
The young man snorted, wiping the blood from his sword. "Trespasser, you dare play tricks on me. This is what you get for being oversmart."
Just as he felt satisfied, a cheerful voice echoed from behind.
"Yes, yes, you're right! Someone who dares trespass should be killed, no right to live!"
The young man and his subordinates turned, stunned. Their faces paled as they stumbled backward in shock and confusion.
Behind them stood Wudi Egun, whole and unscathed, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.
Wudi Egun said in a playful, teasing tone, his eyes sparkling with mischief, "That poor soul dared offend you? He deserved that fate."
He gazed at his own lifeless body, his expression detached, as if observing a stranger's corpse.
The young man and his subordinates exchanged bewildered glances, confusion etched on their faces.
"Wh-who are you?" the young man stuttered, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
Wudi Egun's grin broadened. "Oh, I'm just a concerned bystander, ensuring justice is served."
His nonchalant demeanor and words only deepened the puzzle, leaving the group entangled in perplexity.
The young man, fueled by rage, embedded his sword with qi and prepared to send Wudi Egun to the afterlife... again. With a mighty roar, he unleashed a slash that could bisect a mountain (or so he thought).
"Ah!! Murder!! Murder!! Help me!! Help me!!" Wudi Egun shrieked, flailing his arms like a drama queen. The sword sliced through him, and – you guessed it – he was halved once more.
The young man and his crew exchanged high-fives, thinking they'd finally defeated the pesky Wudi Egun.
But their celebration was short-lived.
"Murder!! Murder!! Someone killed that man! Help! Help!" The same voice echoed from a nearby tree.
They turned, jaws dropped, to find Wudi Egun perched on a branch, shouting and pointing at... his own lifeless body.
"What. The. Heavens?!" the young man's face contorted.
Wudi Egun's "help" cries grew louder, his eyes wide with fake terror. "Save me! Save me from this monstrous murderer!"
The group's confusion morphed into utter bewilderment.
"Is this guy... trolling us?" a subordinate whispered.
The young man's face turned beet-red. "We're being pranked by a possibly-immortal, drama-queen cultivator!"
Wudi Egun, without anyone realizing, had already arrived behind the young man, giving a creepy sensation in the spine of that young man.
"Who ..who are you?" This time, the young man had no ferociousness in him, only fear and alertness for Wudi Egun, this enigmatic man.
Wudi Egun didn't answer him and just reminded him "don't act reckless next time or else not everyone would be as merciful as me." Saying so, he disappeared from there, leaving those group stunned.
......
Hundred-flower Mountain towered above, its peak hidden within the Cloud Ring, a majestic sight renowned throughout the neighboring areas. This natural wonder earned the peak its revered name: Cloud Ring Peak.
According to the novel, Hundred-flower Mountain used to be an ordinary mountain, renowned for its vibrant diversity of flora, boasting hundred species of flowers. However, its fate changed dramatically during the Godking Era, when gods and godkings ruled supreme.
A Tree Forefather, rivaling genuine godkings in power, emerged on Hundred-flower Mountain. This phenomenon transformed the mountain into a formidable stronghold. As the Demon Spirit born from the plant, the Tree Forefather gathered and nurtured other Demon Spirits native to the mountain.
Thus, the supreme Hundred-flower Clan was established, with the Tree Forefather as its ruler. This clan would later play a pivotal role in aiding Jian Tiansheng, the novel's protagonist, in defeating Wudi Egun.
Wudi Egun walked to the Hundred-flower Mountain, his intention to meet one of the terrifying characters that would eventually be the reason for his defeat in the future of the original story of the novel.
He was about to meet Divine Couples, a pair of husband and wife who in the future would be one of the top Overlords ruling heaven and earth. Normally, Overlords only team up with each other when they have similar interests; otherwise, they are always lone wolves hunting alone.
But this Divine Couple, pair of Overlords were always together for they were not bounded with each other by interest but love. According to the novel, they were neither on protagonist side nor on Wudi Egun's, they were always enjoying freedom.
Wudi Egun eventually arrived at a small village with few residents, looking around he found that there were few villagers walking around. "Excuse me, can you tell me where Sun Tu and Long Yingyuan live?" He asked with a smile.
"They live there," An old lady pointed at a simple house that resembles a cave, crafted from hay and bamboo.
"Thank you" Wudi Egun smiled and thanked them.
Although he was smiling calmly, but his intention was by no means good. He was here to kill them for they held something they shouldn't – a Heavenly Creation. Heavenly Creation, since the beginning of time, each and every Heavenly Creation are unfathomable and not something even the mightiest Overlords could truly understand.
Heavenly Creations, mysteries since time's inception, transcended even the mightiest Overlords' understanding. Known as True Origin by powers beyond the Overlords, these creations held unfathomable significance.
The Divine Couple, renowned for their unparalleled teamwork, had mastered the Yin Yang Platform – a coveted Heavenly Creation capable of manipulating the fundamental forces of the universe. Its power was so immense that even Heaven itself had retreated in its presence.
According to the novel, Wudi Egun's relentless pursuit of the Divine Couple was driven by his desire to claim this very Heavenly Creation.
With calculated calmness, Wudi Egun approached the dwelling, his intentions shrouded in an aura of foreboding.