Against the Gods - Volume 09 - Realm of the Gods

by Mars Gravity

  “The second realm is the Divine Soul Realm which lets your soul become divine. It is in this realm where a profound practitioner’s soul undergoes a transformation. Reaching the Divine Soul Realm will cause your soul to transcend the ordinary. You will possess even stronger willpower and mental power. Your comprehension toward profound arts and the laws of the world will also far surpass your former self.

  “The third realm is relatively special, it is called the Divine Tribulation Realm. In this realm, only profound energy would experience an increase in growth and no other change is accompanied by it. However, the word ‘tribulation’ here is the nightmare of countless profound practitioners.”

  “Divine Tribulation? What does that mean? Could it be that breaking into this realm is really dangerous?” asked Yun Che.

  “A mortal cultivating to become god will meet the wrath of heaven.” Mu Bingyun closed her eyes. “Once you reach the peak of the tenth level of the Divine Tribulation Realm and try to forcibly break through into the next great realm, you will immediately trigger punishment from the heavens—divine heavenly tribulation lightning!”

  Yun Che. “…!?”

  “Heavenly tribulation lightning is incomparably terrifying. If you can endure it without dying, then you can successfully break through. If you cannot resist it, becoming a cripple would be getting off lightly and losing your life would be the heaviest outcome. Moreover, different profound practitioners undergo different heavenly lightning tribulations. For a profound practitioner, the lower their innate talent, the weaker the heavenly tribulation lightning. They would only encounter one tribulation lightning. More than ninety percent of the profound practitioners who long to break through the Divine Tribulation Realm would usually have to endure one tribulation lightning. Though this is so, sixty percent of the profound practitioners still die beneath the tribulation lightning.”

  “By that standard, the higher one’s innate talent is, the stronger the tribulation lightning they have to suffer! Those talented in the profound way usually have to endure two stages of tribulation lightning. As for those that are even more gifted, it is possible that they would have to bear three stages of tribulation lightning! Above that are the rarely seen peerless geniuses seen once every hundred years in the Divine Region who can attract four stages of tribulation lightning.

  Upon speaking to this point, Mu Bingyun sighed. “This corresponds with the saying that the heavens are jealous of the gifted. The greater the aptitude, the more immeasurable one’s future in cultivating the divine way would be and the more they suffer from heaven’s punishment. After all, man is man and god is god. If a man forcefully tries to attain divinity, it in itself is an act that goes against the heavens.”

  “Four stages of tribulation lightning… does that mean enduring four strikes of tribulation lightning?” Yun Che asked in shock.

  “No,” Mu Bingyun shook her head, “It’s four stages. Furthermore, every stage of tribulation lightning is different.”

  “The first stage of tribulation lightning is made up of one strike of tribulation lightning; the second stage two strikes; the third stage however has four strikes and the fourth means enduring eight simultaneous strikes! In total, it would a full fifteen strikes of tribulation lightning. Furthermore the interval between the four stages of tribulation lightning is extremely short and there is no time to even breathe, let alone rest.”

  “It’s actually… like that?!” Yun Che’s heart felt greatly shocked.

  Mu Bingyun had previously mentioned that simply the first stage of tribulation lightning caused sixty percent of profound practitioners to lose their lives during breakthrough. It wasn’t difficult to imagine what the might of one strike of tribulation lightning was.

  Furthermore, four stages of tribulation lightning… Fifteen full strikes of tribulation lightning! And the last stage was enduring eight strikes at the same time.

  Enduring eight strikes simultaneously and enduring one strike eight times were two completely different concepts.

  “Then… is there anyone in the God Realm that has withstood four stages of tribulation lightning?” Yun Che asked.

  “Of course there is,” Mu Bingyun replied without hesitation, “In the vast God Realm with forty thousand star realms, among the quadrillion profound practitioners, there would be one stunning talent every once in a while. In the history of the God Realm, there have been plenty that successfully endured three stages or even four stages of tribulation lightning. In the end, all of them had great achievements. They became either the ruler of a region or the king of a realm.

  “My elder sister, who is now the Great Realm King of the Snow Song Realm, withstood four stages of tribulation lightning back then.”

  “…” Yun Che’s mouth widened uncontrollably. No wonder… no wonder a Realm King of a middle star realm would possess strength that was no weaker than that of an upper star realm.

  “And, in the history of the God Realm, there was even one person who encountered six stages of tribulation lightning.”

  “Six… six stages?” Yun Che screamed out in shock.

  With each stage of lightning, the number of strikes would double. At the fourth stage, one would encounter eight strikes, at the fifth stage, sixteen strikes and the sixth stage… thirty two full strikes.

  Just how talented must one be to conjure that kind of tribulation lightning!?

  “That person was born in one of the upper star realms. The day he received his divine heavenly tribulation lightning, it shocked the entire God Realm… However, he did not manage to surpass the tribulation and perished eventually. In spite of that, when the fifth stage of tribulation lightning completed, he was still alive albeit on the brink of death. Simply this fact was sufficient for him to be added into the history books of the God Realm. However, it’s a pity… thirty two simultaneous strikes of tribulation lightning, with the body and profound strength of the Divine Tribulation Realm, even if one was perfectly fine and not at the brink of death, there was no possibility or way of enduring it.”

  Yun Che, “…”

  Mu Bingyun grimly sighed, “All these years, numerous talents had lost their lives under the divine heavenly tribulation lightning. This was why the Divine Tribulation Realm has another name, the ‘Divine Perishing Realm’.”

  It was the realm where profound practitioners perished.

  “To break through the Divine Tribulation Realm, one would have to face the divine heavenly tribulation lightning. But, holding onto one’s life dearly is human instinct. Therefore, numerous profound practitioners choose to forever remain at the pinnacle of the Divine Tribulation Realm. Including numerous geniuses… After all, the more talented one is, the more likely he will perish under the divine heavenly tribulation lightning.”

  “That was also why after the Divine Tribulation Realm, the number of profound practitioners vastly reduces.

  “However, there are also exceptions, which are the king realms,” Mu Bingyun added. “The reason why king realms are powerful is because most of them possess strong and heaven defying unique ways of inheritance. As long as they were ‘compatible,’ they could instantly gain divine strength that normal profound practitioners cannot attain even if they spent their entire lives cultivating. At the same time, they could directly avoid the tribulation lightning as well. However, this exception only existed within the king realms. Furthermore, within the king realms, those that were able to attain such unique inheritances were extremely rare. Outside of the king realms, any profound practitioner would not be able to avoid the divine heavenly tribulation lightning when they break through the Divine Tribulation Realm.”

  Yun Che, “…” (Jasmine…)

  “Successfully withstanding the divine heavenly tribulation lightning, one would breakthrough the Divine Tribulation Realm and arrive at the fourth realm—the Divine Spirit Realm! At this realm, one’s spiritual senses vastly change. Upon entering the Divine Spirit Realm, the world becomes completely different. All the senses of a
uras, elements and laws undergo vast changes. Many profound arts that previously could not be understood and learned are easily be overcome at this realm.

  “After making your vital energy, soul, and spiritual sense divine, it is time to completely transcend from the human realm. After the Divine Spirit Realm is a realm that’s even considered one of the upper realms—the Divine King Realm! After becoming Divine King, one would be able to establish their own sect and become a grandmaster. In the vast lower star realms, one could even become the Realm King!

  “Above the Divine King Realm is the Divine Sovereign Realm. Becoming the Divine Sovereign means that one has become a sovereign of the masses within the God Realm. One could freely soar the starry skies and look down upon the world. Even within the middle star realms, one could be the king of a realm.

  “Above the Divine Sovereign realm is the Divine Master Realm! Divine Master, means a master of the divine way. One would be at the pinnacle of the God Realm. In the current Primal Chaos Dimension, it is the highest level and it is the realm closest to the True God that a human can get to. At the Divine Master Realm, there is nearly nothing impossible to do and each Divine Master is an existence that cannot be offended.”

  Looking at the dazed Yun Che, Mu Bingyun said with a complicated expression, “The Heaven Slaughter Star God that you wish to meet exists in such a superior realm. The Twelve Star Gods of the Star God Realm are all Divine Masters. Anyone of them is a figure that even the Great Realm Kings of the upper star realms do not dare offend.

  “Putting it this way, do you perhaps understand how difficult a matter it is for you to meet her.”

  Yun Che closed his eyes and muttered, “Divine Origin Realm, Divine Soul Realm, Divine Tribulation Realm, Divine Spirit Realm, Divine King Realm, Divine Sovereign Realm, Divine Master Realm… The Seven Divine Profound Realms.

  “Then above the Divine Master Realm? Are there any other realms above that?” Yun Che casually asked.

  Yun Che had only asked out of curiosity and wasn’t actually expecting an answer because Mu Bingyun had already clearly said before that the pinnacle of the Divine Realm was the Divine Master Realm and it was the highest that a human could attain.

  However, Mu Bingyun who was in front of him did not immediately shake her head. Instead, she hesitated for some time, stopping twice as she was about to speak before eventually shaking her head. “Even if there was, they are just made up legends. You do not have to know some needless false words.”

  “Master! Can I come in?”

  Outside the Snow Congealing Hall, Mu Xiaolan’s respectful shout was suddenly heard.

  Chapter 943: Departing for the God Realm

  “Come in.” Mu Bingyun’s gaze turned.

  The hall door was pushed open carefully. Mu Xiaolan was carrying a jade bowl that was releasing some hot steam. She glanced at Yun Che and then completely ignored his existence. “Master, this is snow lotus porridge, it’s a local specialty. It’s very delicious, you’ve got to give it a try.”

  Mu Bingyun slightly nodded her head, “Leave it there for now.”

  Putting down the jade bowl, Mu Xiaolan came to Mu Bingyun’s side with quick steps and looked at her with concern. “Master, how are you feeling today? You seem to be looking a lot better than yesterday.”

  Mu Bingyun smiled slightly and said, “Xiaolan, there happens to be something I need to tell you. I have decided that after taking Yun Che to the Snow Song Realm, I’m letting him join our Divine Ice Phoenix Sect.”

  “Ah?” This news made Mu Xiaolan gasp. She looked at Yun Che with widened eyes and objected by reflex. “But he’s a bad guy…” As soon as she opened her mouth, she instantly realized that her master still needed to rely on him to purify the toxin in her body and immediately changed her tone, “I… I mean, his cultivation level is alright but in Divine Ice Phoenix Sect, even joining Snowfall Palace would be a bit far-fetched. After all, even if someone’s at the same cultivation level, there is a large difference between a lower realm and the God Realm. His profound strength is at fifth level of the Sovereign Profound Realm but he probably wouldn’t be able to beat one of ours at third level of the Sovereign Profound Realm. He probably wouldn’t even make it through the first test.”

  Yun Che, “…”

  “Yun Che doesn’t need to go through the test. I will let him enter the Snowfall Palace directly. After a while, I will push for him to enter Freezing Snow Hall. If it wasn’t for the controversy that it may cause, unwanted attention it may attract and trouble it could create for Yun Che, I would like to bring him into our Thirty-sixth Ice Phoenix Palace.”

  Mu Bingyun’s voice was soft and dull but it made Mu Xiaolan’s mouth open wide, “W-why? He’s weak and he’s from the lower realm and he’s so… Master has already promised to take him to the God Realm. This is already a really really great repayment, there is absolutely no need for you to do this. Or else, people with ulterior motives might even use this to badmouth behind Master’s back.”

  “…I have my own reasons,” said Mu Bingyun. Yun Che’s profound strength had not yet stepped into the divine way and it is a bit far-fetched to even become a half disciple in Divine Ice Phoenix Sect. However, to be recognized by the Sky Poison Pearl as owner, to be able to forcefully cultivate the Ice Phoenix God Investiture Canon without the Ice Phoenix’s blood or anyone’s guidance, and to even own the Golden Crow’s bloodline on top of that…

  How could he be an ordinary person?

  But Mu Bingyun could not explain these reasons to Mu Xiaolan, because the fact that Yun Che owned the Sky Poison Pearl could not be revealed. If he went to the God Realm as he was right now, it would just be like another small duckweed in the vast ocean, noone would even bother to give him a second look. But once it was leaked out that he possessed the Sky Poison Pearl…

  The eyes of the entire God Realm would instantly lock dead onto him!!

  “Xiaolan, even though Yun Che’s character is a bit unbridled, he is not one with evil intentions. His cultivation level is far from close to yours but that is because of the limitations of this plane. Just based on his natural gifts, if he was born in the Snow Song Realm, there probably wouldn’t be too much difference between the two of you. From now on in the sect, you must remember his kindness in saving me and give him more care and help.”

  “Oh, if Master has already decided, then I… of course will listen to master,” Mu Xiaolan responded but her cheeks were slightly puffed. She was obviously very unconvinced and unwilling. She gave Yun Che a look and said in a domineering tone, “Did you hear that? After we return to Snow Song Realm, I will become your senior sister. You need to obey Senior Sister in the future. If you… if you do something bad and I catch you, even if Master protects you, I… I will punish you severely.”

  “Senior Sister?” Yun Che’s swept his eyes from up to down on her unhurriedly, “That’s insane. You’re just a little girl, you want me to call you Senior Sister?”

  “In Divine Ice Phoenix Sect, seniority is not based on age but rank. For example, all of the disciples in Snowfall Palace need to address the disciples of Freezing Snow Hall as senior brother or sister. It is the same for Freezing Snow Hall’s disciples towards Ice Phoenix Palace’s disciples. If it’s within the same rank, we will go according to the time one has joined the sect. So, whether it’s according to the level or the time you entered the sect, after you join our sect, you need to call Xiaolan senior sister,” Mu Bingyun explained.

  “DID—YOU—HEAR—THAT!?” Mu Xiaolan made a face towards Yun Che with extreme smugness.

  “Oh, alright.” Yun Che answered without strength… looks like, no matter in which plane or world, the strong always rule. The law of survival may be even crueler in the God Realm.

  “Xiaolan, remember what I’ve told you. You mustn’t tell anyone that Yun Che cured my poison and has succeeded in cultivating the Ice Phoenix God Investiture Canon, not even your family!” Mu Bingyun’s tone was especially cautious.

  “I know
Master, you’ve reminded me eight hundred times already. If someone asks, I’ll just say the Great Realm King found a way to cure you of the poison,” Mu Xiaolan nodded a bunch of times in promise.

  “By the way… what level in the Divine Origin Realm is your profound strength at now?” Yun Che suddenly asked.

  “Hmph hmph, right now I am at the fifth level of the Divine Origin Realm… but!!” Mu Xiaolan’s tone immediately became stronger, “Even though I am only at the Divine Origin Realm, in our Divine Ice Phoenix Sect, I am a disciple of the Ice Phoenix Palace! Usually one would need to reach at least Divine Soul Realm and would need to pass a test to enter. But a su—per great genius sixteen year old like me, who had already reached the Divine Origin Realm, didn’t need to pass the test and I directly entered the Ice Phoenix Palace. Even Master said I will be able to enter Ice Phoenix Divine Hall in the future. Maybe I can even be like Senior Brother Hanyi and become a candidate to become the Great Realm King’s direct disciple… Oh, but I definitely can’t win against Senior Brother Hanyi.”

  “Oh, oh, oh,” Yun Che casually responded and mumbled in a low voice, “Then you, this super great genius, must be careful. I heard that the more of a genius you are, the more easily you would be struck by lightning. When you reach the Divine Tribulation Realm, careful you don’t get struck dead by tribulation lightning.”

  “Y-y-y-you…” Mu Xiaolan almost jumped in anger. “Master, you… look at him!”

  Mu Bingyun smiled and shook her head. She was already used to the duo’s constant bickering. “Xiaolan is indeed an extraordinary and outstanding disciple in Divine Ice Phoenix Sect. Many disciples can join the Ice Phoenix Palace each year but extremely few disciples can enter the Ice Phoenix Palace at only the Divine Origin Realm. On average, only one will appear every few years. The last one was thirty years ago. If there aren’t any incidents, in a few dozen years she will qualify to enter Ice Phoenix Divine Hall.”