“Don’t underestimate yourself,” said Hall Lord White Avian. “Eighth Tribulation Eminences also cultivate from the Seventh Tribulation realm. If seniors can succeed, why can’t we? Cultivation requires great determination. If one doesn’t even have determination, there’s no hope of them reaching the Eighth Tribulation realm.”
“Hall Lord is right,” said Meng Chuan immediately, but he muttered inwardly. I’m just being humble. I can’t just claim that I will reach the Eighth Tribulation realm, right?
Furthermore, according to what he knew, it was indeed extremely difficult to reach the Essence Soul Eighth Tribulation realm. The first obstacle was grasping the laws of space and time to reach the half-step Eighth Tribulation realm. There were no half-step Eighth Tribulation Eminences in many eras.
It was actually very rare for two half-step Eighth Tribulation Eminences to exist in this era. It wasn’t easy to clear the first obstacle.
The second trial was one’s willpower! If one’s willpower was strong enough, their Essence Soul World could withstand the laws of spacetime’s evolution. This was extremely difficult. According to the intelligence, it was much harder than cultivating a Physical Body Eighth Tribulation realm body.
The third trial was to transcend the tribulation. There was no intelligence on the eighth Essence Soul Tribulation.
When Meng Chuan said that it would probably be very difficult for him to see the eighth Essence Soul Tribulation before his death, he was, on the one hand, being humble. On the other hand, he wanted to see the eighth Heavenly Tribulation. This meant that he had passed the first two stages—his Essence Soul World could withstand the evolution of the spacetime laws.
After passing the first two trials, apart from not transcending the final tribulation, one’s true strength was already at the Essence Soul Eighth Tribulation realm!
Why do I feel like Hall Lord values my cultivation more than me?
“Eastcalm,” said Lord of Shadowfiend. “You are still young; you have only cultivated for 7,000 years. You can completely become a half-step Eighth Tribulation Eminence in 20,000 to 30,000 years like Hall Lord. After that, you can attempt to reach the Eighth Tribulation realm.”
Meng Chuan smiled. Hall Lord’s cultivation speed is very terrifying. Strictly speaking, can I reach the half-step Eighth Tribulation realm before 30,000 years?
“Let’s talk business,” said Hall Lord White Avian as he looked at Blazing Sun.
Blazing Sun nodded slightly and said, “Now that Eastcalm has reached the Essence Soul Seventh Tribulation realm, he can take up more resources.”
Take up resources? Meng Chuan’s heart stirred. He knew that almost all the precious resources in the River of Spacetime had been monopolized by Seventh Tribulation Eminences! The reason why Sixth Tribulation Eminences submitted to Seventh Tribulation Eminences was that they hoped to gain some of the leftover benefits from Seventh Tribulation Eminences.
I have to take up some resources! These could become Archean Eon Realm’s heritage in the future.
Whoosh.
Blazing Sun waved his hand, and a Spacetime Dominion Map appeared in front of him. Many areas in the Spacetime Dominion Map shimmered.
“All the resources that are relatively easy to obtain in the River of Spacetime have now been taken.” Deputy Hall Lord Blazing Sun pointed at a branch of the River of Spacetime. “For example, the most famous Star Sand River.
“Star Sand is the best material for refining Tribulation Charms. Occupying Star Sand River and trading Star Sand is an easy business. Now, more than 80% of Star Sand River is occupied by Palace Lord Snow Rainbow and Court Lord Yellow Shirt. The two of them fight perennially.”
“Do the other Seventh Tribulation Eminences not vie for it?” asked Meng Chuan.
“In terms of background and backing, Peach Mountain’s owner is the strongest in the entire River of Spacetime,” said Blazing Sun. “After that, it’s Palace Lord Snow Rainbow and Court Lord Yellow Shirt. Peach Mountain’s owner occupies Peach Mountain, so no one dares to spy on him. Palace Lord Snow Rainbow and Court Lord Yellow Shirt mainly occupy Star Sand River… Since Star Sand River is too large, they only occupy 80% of it.”
“What background and backer does he have?” The information that Meng Chuan had previously obtained was vague.
“The intelligence I previously gave you was very detailed,” said Hall Lord White Avian, “but I didn’t elaborate on it; it’s regarding an Eighth Tribulation Eminence. I didn’t want to distract you before you transcended the tribulation.”
Eighth Tribulation realm? Meng Chuan’s heart stirred.
“Ever since the universe was born, dozens of Eighth Tribulation Eminences have been born in the River of Spacetime,” said Hall Lord White Avian. “Although some of them are already difficult to investigate, and even their intelligence is completely hidden, some Eighth Tribulation Eminences have proactively left behind their factions. For example, Eternal Tower, Nebula Palace, Black Fiend Hall, and so on. Many of the traces left behind by these Eighth Tribulation Eminences leave a profound impact on our River of Spacetime.”
Azure Dragon said, “The reason why Peach Mountain’s owner is said to have a strong backer is because he has cracked a difficult problem that Dragon Ancestor was troubled with. The Ancestor was rather delighted and permitted him three requests of his aid.”
“Even if our dragons’ Sixth Tribulation Eminences and half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminences die in battle, the Ancestor won’t care. Only Seventh Tribulation dragons can obtain some favoritism.” Azure Dragon sighed. “Instead, it’s an outsider that managed to get the Ancestor to take action three times.”
Meng Chuan understood.
Why was no one willing to offend Peach Mountain’s owner? If Peach Mountain’s owner invited Dragon Ancestor to appear in this era, who could stop him?
“The owner of Peach Mountain only occupies Peach Mountain, a treasure land in the universe. He calls himself Peach Mountain Owner. He cultivates in seclusion and doesn’t interfere in any matters. He has never asked my Ancestor for help.” Azure Dragon thought somewhat highly of him. “He could’ve obtained more, but he was satisfied after occupying Peach Mountain.”
“Peach Mountain Owner, Palace Lord Snow Rainbow, and Court Lord Yellow Shirt all have Eighth Tribulation Eminences backing them. The Eighth Tribulation Eminence behind Court Lord Yellow Shirt is from another universe,” said Hall Lord White Avian. “Perhaps very few Seventh Tribulation Eminences have seen an Eighth Tribulation Eminence before, but it’s very difficult for them to get an Eighth Tribulation Eminence to help. Most Seventh Tribulation Eminences… have never seen an Eighth Tribulation Eminence before.”
Meng Chuan nodded slightly.
Ancestral Master Archean Eon had only seen an Eighth Tribulation Eminence once in his life.
“There are many treasure lands in the River of Spacetime. Apart from Star Sand River and Peach Mountain having no disputes, most of the other places are in dispute.” Deputy Hall Lord Blazing Sun pointed at the spots where the Spacetime Dominion Map shimmered. “Seventh Tribulation Eminences and half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminences are involved. Some have at least two or three fighting for it, up to as many as ten parties.”
Meng Chuan looked at the map carefully.
Light flashed on the Spacetime Dominion Map. Upon closer inspection, he could sense a large amount of information.
In the past, he only knew about how often Seventh Tribulation Eminences fought for resources. Only today did he truly understand the details.
Meng Chuan could vaguely tell that White Avian Hall and Six Directions Heaven were the two largest factions. They infiltrated everywhere, and both sides collectively occupied more than half of the resources. The other Seventh Tribulation Eminences and half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminences each occupied many areas.
“Take a closer look,” said Blazing Sun. “Eastcalm, you are an Essence Soul Seventh Tribulation Eminence. You should occupy a treasure land that matches yo
ur strength. By the way, Realm Ancestor said that he would give you a treasure land once you reached the Essence Soul Seventh Tribulation realm.”
“Realm Ancestor’s gift?” Meng Chuan was astonished.
“Instead of calling it a gift, the occupation will still depend on you,” said Blazing Sun. “Realm Ancestor is old. Over the past few years, he has been trying to transfer the treasures he occupied to his good friends. However, Hall Master Nightmare from Black Fiend Hall isn’t convinced. He took action and forcefully snatched it, causing Realm Ancestor to fight him. Many Seventh Tribulation Eminences were involved in this. Realm Ancestor’s Essence Soul avatars occupy too many resources, so many people covet them.”
Chapter 712 - Universe's Nest
Meng Chuan came to a realization. Before he became an Essence Soul Seventh Tribulation Eminence, there were only three Essence Soul Seventh Tribulation Eminences in existence. Among them, Realm Ancestor was close to the end of his lifespan. Therefore, they stopped competing.
Only Hall Master Nightmare and Origin Realm Chieftain showed off their prowess.
Origin Realm Chieftain was extremely domineering as he attempted to snatch White Avian Hall and Six Directions Heaven’s resources.
Hall Master Nightmare was slightly weaker, but he had many Essence Soul avatars. Furthermore, he wasn’t afraid of death. He could attack and occupy resources at will, making him much stronger than a Physical Body Seventh Tribulation Eminence.
When Realm Ancestor grew old and passed away, he would eventually leave many resources vacant. Origin Realm Chieftain’s sphere of influence was too great. Each of his nine Essence Soul avatars had their own missions, so it was very difficult for him to arrange for Essence Soul avatars to occupy these vacant resources. Thus, Hall Master Nightmare had set his sights on them. He felt that he could occupy many of the resources once Realm Ancestor died.
If you are powerful, it’s fine if you occupy many resources in the River of Spacetime while alive. But if you are dead, what right do you have to determine who occupies these resources? Hall Master Nightmare’s thoughts were very normal.
Realm Ancestor’s thoughts were very simple. He didn’t want others to benefit from the work he put in. He didn’t like Black Fiend Hall, so he naturally didn’t want Black Fiend Hall to take advantage. If he simply handed it to his good friend, it would be very difficult for a good friend to snatch it with their abilities. However, he was confident that the good friend could protect it.
“Realm Ancestor is very happy that you have reached the Essence Soul Seventh Tribulation realm,” said Hall Lord White Avian with a smile. “I also told him that you still needed to transcend the tribulation. He told me to inform you that you should seek him out after transcending the tribulation.”
Meng Chuan nodded. “Alright.”
He was indebted to Realm Ancestor. It was only right to pay Realm Ancestor a visit.
“There are many treasure lands in the River of Spacetime. Some are naturally formed, while some are formed by Eighth Tribulation Eminences.” Hall Lord White Avian asked with a smile, “Have you decided which ones you want?”
Meng Chuan looked at the many glowing treasure lands in the Spacetime Dominion Map in front of him. After some thought, he pointed at a spot in the middle. “Here.”
“Universe’s Nest?” Hall Lord White Avian, Lord of Shadowfiend, Deputy Hall Lord Blazing Sun, and Deputy Hall Lord Azure Dragon were somewhat surprised.
Deputy Hall Lord Blazing Sun said in puzzlement, “Eastcalm, with your Essence Soul Seventh Tribulation realm strength, you can choose a better place. There’s no need to occupy Universe’s Nest, right?”
“I plan on occupying the three largest layers of Universe’s Nest,” said Meng Chuan.
Hall Lord White Avian and company laughed. Deputy Hall Lord Azure Dragon said, “There are only nine levels in the Universe’s Nest. If you occupy the largest three layers, it’s equivalent to occupying more than half of its resources.”
“To occupy three layers, you need to arrange for three Essence Soul avatars to be there,” reminded Hall Lord White Avian.
Meng Chuan nodded. “Understood.”
Universe’s Nest was the place that attracted him the most. This was because this place produced the most Universe treasures. Some Universe treasures could only be nurtured once or twice in an era. It was impossible to buy them. Therefore, if he occupied the three largest layers of the Universe’s Nest, more than half of the Universe treasures would fall into his hands. He could also choose those that were suitable for his family and Archean Eon Realm.
“From the looks of it, I have to accompany you since you want to occupy the three largest layers,” said Lord of Shadowfiend.
“Thank you, Brother Shadowfiend.” Meng Chuan also knew how powerful the other party was. When Lord of Shadowfiend was at the half-step Seventh Tribulation realm, he was publicly recognized as the strongest half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminence. Now that he had reached the Seventh Tribulation realm, he was ranked among the top Seventh Tribulation Eminences.
…
Universe’s Nest contained nine layers of spacetime.
The nine spacetime layers were like a beehive. They fused together, but they were all different spacetimes. Therefore, one had to arrange an Essence Soul avatar to occupy each layer.
Whoosh.
A black-robed, white-haired man and a shadow existence traversed spacetime and arrived here.
“Universe’s Nest is also one of the top treasure lands in the River of Spacetime. It’s divided into nine layers. One Seventh Tribulation Eminence and eight half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminences occupy each layer,” said Lord of Shadowfiend indifferently.
“Physical Body Tribulation Eminences only have one outer realm true body. If they choose to let their outer realm true bodies guard this place, they have to give up on other places. Every layer has at least one half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminence… This shows how attractive Universe’s Nest is.”
Meng Chuan nodded slightly.
Any Universe treasure could cost tens of thousands of cubes or even hundreds of thousands of cubes. Occupying a layer of Universe’s Nest was very profitable over a long period of time. Furthermore, he didn’t need to spend any effort to mine it. He just needed to guard it.
“The three largest layers are occupied by a Seventh Tribulation Eminence—Qilin Ancestor—our White Avian Hall’s Apprentice, and Six Directions Heaven’s Celestial Thearch Chi,” said Lord of Shadowfiend.
Qilin Ancestor was an ancient Seventh Tribulation Eminence from the same generation as Black Fiend Hall Master. He had cultivated for a long time and had a rich heritage. His only outer realm true body didn’t participate in many matters. He had guarded the largest layer of Universe’s Nest for a long time.
Apprentice was a half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminence from White Avian Hall. He was known as the strongest artifact refiner in the River of Spacetime. He was ranked in the top five among the fifty-plus half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminences. His strength suppressed a Seventh Tribulation Eminence, so he was naturally extraordinary.
Celestial Thearch Chi was one of Six Directions Heaven’s six Celestial Thearchs. He had a rather powerful background.
The three of them occupied the three largest layers.
A figure tore through the sky from Universe’s Nest in front of them. His skin was gray like a puppet. His face was expressionless, and his three eyes were dark and unfathomable. He was the strongest Tribulation Eminence at artifact refining in the present era—Apprentice.
“Shadowfiend, Eastcalm,” said Apprentice calmly.
“Thank you, Brother Apprentice, for passing me a layer of Universe’s Nest,” said Meng Chuan gratefully. According to the intelligence given by White Avian Hall, Apprentice had wished to ‘hand it over.’ Otherwise, Meng Chuan wouldn’t have received it directly.
Apprentice was also very reclusive. He focused on refining artifacts and wasn’t in a hurry to cultivate his body. After
grasping an Origins law, he even gave himself the title of Apprentice.
The Eminences of this era had all sorts of origins for their names.
For example, Lord of Li Rainbow—who was in charge of Black Fiend Hall—was also known as Black Fiend Hall Master. Hall Lord Snowplume was in charge of Nightmare Hall and was also known as Hall Master Nightmare.
For example, Peach Mountain Owner occupied Peach Mountain after reaching the Seventh Tribulation realm and called himself Peach Mountain Owner.
Eminences had different ideas at different stages. Changing names was common.
For example, Myriad Star, White Avian, and Eastcalm were names that they decided upon when they were weak. They hadn’t changed their names after reaching the Seventh Tribulation realm.
“I’ve been cultivating here for more than 30,000 years. I’m thinking of changing locations, getting some activity after a prolonged sedentary lifestyle,” said Apprentice indifferently. As a Physical Body Tribulation Eminence, he only had one outer realm true body. He had to give the treasure land up if he wanted to leave. “However, Qilin Ancestor occupies the largest layer of Universe’s Nest. He won’t give in easily.”
“Let’s take a look first,” said Meng Chuan.
The three of them walked side by side.
Rumble!
Spacetime distorted as they approached the largest layer of spacetime in Universe’s Nest.
“What’s the matter?” A beast appeared. It had a single horn and looked somewhat ferocious. It was covered in scales, and its blood-colored eyes looked at the three people present. Qilin Ancestor couldn’t help but be alarmed. Although Apprentice was ranked in the top five half-step Seventh Tribulation Eminences, he had a rich heritage and was confident of suppressing Apprentice. But the other two…
One was City Lord Eastcalm—Meng Chuan—who had made Black Fiend Hall Master suffer. He was also an Essence Soul Seventh Tribulation Eminence. The other was Hall Lord White Avian’s sworn brother and a top Seventh Tribulation Eminence—Lord of Shadowfiend. Each of them was stronger than the other!
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