If not for having now stepped into the Nascent Soul stage, the Blood Demon Flood Dragon truly doubted it might have gone mad. In this boundless dark space, devoid of any color, it had flown for three years in monotony.
The only solace it found was that throughout the journey, Zhang Fan continuously provided it with cultivation resources. Over these three years, its physical strength had grown to the point where it could rival a mid-stage Nascent Soul realm expert.
However, possessing immense power without a place to vent it left it feeling somewhat stifled. Fortunately, Zhang Fan had told it that the journey was only a little over three years, so the Blood Demon Flood Dragon patiently endured.
As time passed, the Blood Demon Flood Dragon noticed something amiss. It had been flying for over four years, yet still had not reached the Zi Xiao Star Domain. It inquired of Zhang Fan, and the result once again left it dejected.
"The journey of over three years I mentioned was estimated based on my speed. Your speed is too slow; I estimate it should take about five years."
Upon hearing this, the Blood Demon Flood Dragon could only sigh in resignation. With a year remaining, it had to persevere. After all, it had already endured four years, so one more year was not much.
...
As a high-level star domain, the Zi Xiao Star Domain's expanse was indeed vast, incomparable to border regions like the Wu Shan Star Domain. The shortest diameter of the entire star domain exceeded tens of billions of light-years, with countless stars and various perilous secret realms scattered throughout.
Gazing from the distant starry sky, one could see a brilliant galaxy flowing past the Zi Xiao Star Domain. Zhang Fan knew that this must be a branch flowing from the Central Star River mentioned by the Great Luo Artifact Spirit. The great battle between the Zi Xiao Star Domain and the Jiu Ya Star Domain hundreds of thousands of years ago had originated from this very river.
To contend for control of this branch of the Central Star River, both sides had deployed vast numbers of cultivators, engaging in a colossal war. Innumerable Nascent Soul cultivators perished, and tens of thousands of Soul Transformation True Immortals also fell. Both sides suffered immensely.
Before refining Zi Yue True Immortal, Zhang Fan had also performed a soul search on him. From his memories, Zhang Fan learned that approximately a hundred thousand years ago, the high-ranking officials of both sides intervened, finally ceasing this large-scale warfare.
The two sides agreed that within the Central Star River branch, which had an average width of about three light-years, the eastern river region bordering the Zi Xiao Star Domain, one light-year wide, would be under the jurisdiction of the Zi Xiao Star Domain. The western river region, one light-year wide and bordering the Jiu Ya Star Domain, would be under the jurisdiction of the Jiu Ya Star Domain. The area in between would be a common river, and cultivators above the Soul Transformation stage were forbidden to enter the common river area.
This agreement effectively curbed large-scale warfare, but the struggle for the common river region consequently began. In pursuit of resources, cultivators of the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation stages from both sides frequently formed teams and clashed in the common river.
Zhang Fan's objective was clear. Upon arriving at the Zi Xiao Star Domain, he directly flew towards the Central Star River branch.
Over these more than five years, the strength of Zhang Fan, Nan Zun, the Blood Demon Flood Dragon, Lin Hao Tian, Wu Chen Sword Immortal, and Tian Hua True Monarch had all grown to varying degrees. Liu Mu, however, remained stuck at 9.8 million Dao of sword rules, having yet to break through to the Half-step Soul Transformation stage.
Nevertheless, through this period of refinement, his state of mind had undergone significant changes. Despite the excruciatingly slow progress in cultivating sword rules, he no longer felt anxious. Seeing that Lin Hao Tian and others, whose cultivation levels were once far below his, had entered the Half-step Soul Transformation stage, he appeared remarkably calm.
Their objectives were different, so there was no need for comparison.
The Central Star River was broadly divided into two sections. The upstream portion was the battlefield for Soul Transformation cultivators, where rarer treasures emerged and the struggles were more intense.
The downstream portion, however, was the battlefield for Nascent Soul cultivators. Being weaker, they could only scavenge for leftovers from the upstream.
Along the edges of the Central Star River, numerous war bases had been established by the Zi Xiao Star Domain. After Zhang Fan explained the information he had gathered, they all gained a general understanding.
"The stronger one's cultivation, the closer their assigned war base is to the upstream of the river. Take that war base for instance. Although it's a gathering place for Nascent Soul cultivators, its location is already near the war bases of Soul Transformation cultivators," Zhang Fan said as he and his companions flew slowly through the void, observing the entire war base.
"In the days to come, you will have to rely on yourselves," Zhang Fan told Lin Hao Tian, Wu Chen Sword Immortal, and Tian Hua True Monarch. "Every cultivator who breaks through to the Soul Transformation realm has experienced countless battles. Merely cultivating in seclusion is not enough. Only in the crucible of life and death can one break through their limits and comprehend the Dao that cannot be comprehended otherwise."
"You too," Zhang Fan turned his gaze to Liu Mu and said, "For the sword rules to reach perfection, it is very difficult to comprehend them solely through self-enlightenment or my explanations."
"You need to fight, to tread the line between life and death, to observe other cultivators, and to learn their Dao. If seeking within yourself proves unsuccessful, then you must seek from others. As long as you broaden your horizons and continuously compensate for your deficiencies, I believe that with your talent, you will one day surely comprehend perfect sword rules."
"This starry battlefield is very suitable for you. There are countless Nascent Soul cultivators here, and the Daos they cultivate are all-encompassing. There are even some Daos you have never heard of, enough to broaden your vision."
"The path I can accompany you on ends here. The road ahead requires you to forge it yourselves."
After speaking, Zhang Fan, riding the Blood Demon Flood Dragon and accompanied by Nan Zun, flew towards the upstream of the Star River.
Lin Hao Tian, Wu Chen Sword Immortal, and Tian Hua True Monarch all bowed solemnly in the direction Zhang Fan had departed.
Watching his master's receding figure, Lin Hao Tian felt a complex mix of emotions. Since he had entered the cultivation world, he had always been by his master's side. Even a man of iron like him couldn't help but feel a trace of dependence.
However, he quickly composed himself, for he understood his master's words. To become a supreme expert standing tall in the myriad star domains, one could only rely on oneself.
Perhaps relying on resources or guidance from powerful beings could lead to becoming a Soul Transformation cultivator, but what about the path beyond?
Liu Mu's clear eyes were filled with determination. The moment he witnessed the perfection of sword rules, that seed was planted in his heart. Therefore, he felt a sense of anticipation for this starry battlefield.
"Let's go. Let us see what level the cultivators of this high-level star domain are at," Liu Mu said, his fighting spirit soaring, and he was the first to fly towards the war base.
The Blood Demon Flood Dragon cultivated the path of bloodline evolution, unlike Lin Hao Tian and the others. Therefore, during its five years of travel, with Zhang Fan's support, its strength had grown continuously.
By now, its physical strength had reached the peak of the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm, and its combat power was no longer inferior to Nan Zun.
...