Perfect World: Dream of the Immortal Era

Although he could not travel back through time to that distant era, Wang Heng found himself captivated by the evolution of the system, which unveiled before his eyes bit by bit, as if he were actually present. This experience was mesmerizing, and he found it hard to pull himself away.

At the same time, he learned about the past of the Hunyuan Immortal King, a figure of immense antiquity. Born during the Era of Fallen Emperors, he was considered one of the ultimate ancient relics of the Immortal Domain. The transformation of the Immortal Domain system, from his perspective, began during this era.

The Era of Fallen Emperors—how ancient, how mysterious it was!

Legend speaks of a time, ages ago, when a true Emperor among immortals fell—the heavens wept, torrential blood rains poured, marking the onset of the Era of Fallen Emperors. The entire cosmos was thrown into chaos, becoming disordered and turbulent, as realms waged wars.

Rough, primitive, blood-soaked, eerie, terrifying... these became the defining traits of that epoch.

Many worlds were struck to the point of collapse, even the methods of cultivation were lost, swallowed by the river of time.

The vast Immortal Domain once faced the threat of disintegration; fortunately, immensely powerful beings emerged, stabilized the chaos, and gradually quelled the catastrophe.

However, a startling upheaval came, shattering the peace once more, leading to a period when Immortal Kings almost went extinct.

During that time, the Immortal Domain was hit by an unparalleled calamity—Immortal King wars, severe casualties, the invasion of the final laws—all sweeping across this so-called homeland of the immortals.

It was after this great calamity that the Hunyuan Immortal King descended upon the world.

Gifted beyond compare, he exhibited extraordinary talent from a young age, climbing steadily upward—blood enhancement, cosmos mastery, spirit seizing, divine runes, body formations...

Through this system of cultivation that spread across the boundless wilderness of the Immortal Domain, the Hunyuan Immortal King ascended to supremacy, achieving true immortality.

He might not have been the most dazzling being of that era—some broke the taboo of becoming a supreme being before five hundred years of age, shining for an age, and others reached true immortality in the shortest time, stepping into the realm of longevity.

Yet, Hunyuan surpassed them all, one step at a time, eventually proving his path to Immortal King.

And what of the most dazzling beings? They either perished prematurely or, as time passed, faded into obscurity.

This was not an anomaly but the norm. Many speculated that it was related to the strange forces rampant at the time—the more brilliant someone was, the more they attracted attention, leading to their erasure.

The era of Hunyuan's rise in the Immortal Domain system was not the original system. It is said that in even earlier times, this system was much more primitive and rough-hewn, its founders being illustrious ancestors of the Butcher, though he was merely one of them, alongside other old kings.

Together, they forged the crude foundation of the Immortal Domain system and nearly broke into the kingly realm through it. Though they ultimately did not succeed, they styled themselves as "Emperors." Later, these "Heavenly Emperors" could not enjoy the blessings of the "Emperorship," as they touched upon some taboo, resulting in their demise and erasure from existence.

Their deaths equated to a minor Era of Fallen Emperors, and the era in which Hunyuan lived was the years following the gradual pacification of the chaos stemming from this minor fall.

In those bygone eras, the creatures that rose to prominence eventually became the old relics of the Immortal Domain. Some became leaders, while others remained at the apex as Supreme Immortal Kings or just ordinary ones.

Of course, with the passage of endless years, many Immortal Kings of that time have fallen. The ordinary Immortal Kings have almost vanished, having died due to various reasons, especially with external threats and wars frequently occuring in the Immortal Domain. Gradually, the term 'old relic' became reserved exclusively for Supreme Immortal Kings and leaders.

After comprehending that extremely ancient history, Wang Heng began to concentrate on the evolution of the Immortal Domain system.

...

"In the Extreme Ancient Era, the immortal prodigy Kun Qi transcended the limits in the "Nourishing Blood Realm," fusing blood with the symbols of the Dao to form divine radiance. He surpassed the ancients and introduced a new realm in the Immortal Domain system. From then on, the Nourishing Blood Realm was renamed the Radiant Blood Realm."

"In the Aught Era, the immortal prodigy Gu Zhou opened the heavens and seized the wonders of creation in the "Heaven and Earth Realm," surpassing predecessors. Henceforth, the Heaven and Earth Realm was renamed the Creation Realm."

...

"In the Primeval Era, the immortal prodigy Tai Shi used a wisp of primal energy to lay down an endless killing array in the 'Body Array Realm,' transforming it into the Array Formation Realm."

...

Through one era after another, the Immortal Domain system underwent numerous transformations, ceaselessly forging new paths and venturing into new domains.

Each realm had a prodigy who surpassed their predecessors, made changes, and elevated themselves to the utmost, leaving their mark in history.

As it stands now, the system of the Immortal Domain has evolved into the realms of Radiant Blood, Creation, Spirit Taking, Dao Patterns, Array Formation, Human Reverence, Primal Flame, True Self, Heavenly Being, Dao Integration, Self-Severance, Path Flight, and Supreme.

Broadly speaking, they belong to the same framework as the contemporary laws of the Chaotic Ancient Era known to Wang Heng.

In essence, they originated from the rudimentary form of the Immortal Domain system. Through the passage of countless years, they took final shape.

Of course, there are some differences. According to the historical evolution, by the end of the Immortal Ancient Era, the system of the Immortal Domain transformed into the contemporary laws known to Wang Heng.

Then, as the Primitive Ancient Realm was invaded by foreign territories and met its end, the Immortal Domain deployed its forces. Those Immortal Kings of the Immortal Domain who didn't perish by the hands of the foreign lands couldn't return, hence establishing a forbidden zone in the "Nine Heavens." A new era was birthed, with the Primitive Ancient Realm becoming the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths.

At that time, the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths were unsuitable for the "Dao Seed Method." Without a system of cultivation, creatures could not achieve enlightenment, and chaos ensued. The forbidden zone's lords could not bear this and imparted the Immortal Domain's methods, which later became known as the contemporary laws. For the beings of the Chaotic Ancient Era, the origin of this system was a mystery, later ascribed to the creation of some Supremes.

Yet, how could the creation of a single system be the work of mere Supremes? Shi Hao was merely an exception.

Creating a system involves unimaginable heavenly tribulations, like the celestial execution guillotine, which ordinary Supremes couldn't withstand.

Even though the Immortal Domain system is a rough framework, it was co-founded by a group of the mightiest Immortal Kings.

If a few supremes can establish a system, the world's paths of cultivation could truly become a hundred flowers blooming and myriad schools contending.

“Origin Flame, True Self, Heaven and Man...”

Wang Heng murmured to himself.

The method of the Immortal Domain is never divinity; it emphasizes the self, the human.

Later, in the Chaotic Ancient Era, human ignorance and lack of knowledge bred the birth of the divine path.

However, in the Immortal Domain, there is no concept of a divine path. It has always been the human path, followed by the immortal path, akin to the Supreme Realm being termed the Human Dao Supreme, not the Divine Dao Supreme.

After a moment of realization, Wang Heng gains considerable insight, and simultaneously, his heart surges with tumultuous waves.

The current Immortal Domain system is still half an era away from evolving into the modern system he is familiar with, meaning that the modern methods in his mind could all be directions for the present Immortal Domain system to evolve.

“So many realms differ from the modern methods, especially the second realm of Creation, which integrates the creation of heaven and earth into the body.

It appears there's no indication of opening up cave heavens yet, using this path to seize the creation of the universe. If I were in this realm...” Wang Heng muses silently, pondering extensively.

It was not until Hunhong's voice reached his ears that he snapped out of his deep thoughts.

“So, how do you find the evolution of the Immortal Domain system?”

Hunhong, hearing this, felt a resonance with his heart. As Hunyuan's direct descendant, he has lived longer than some Immortal Kings and titans. Many of the extraordinary beings who shone during this evolution, he witnessed their rise, just like Tai Shi of the Primeval Era, who achieved kingship many eras ago and holds the title of top Immortal King alongside his father.

In essence, Hunhong has personally witnessed a series of evolution and changes in this system.

The difference between firsthand experience and Wang Heng's insight from perusing ancient texts is fundamentally distinct, making Hunhong's feelings even more profound.

“The Immortal Domain system is vast and magnificent, with boundless possibilities for the future. I hope you can also contribute, adding fuel to the fire and creating more brilliance.” Hunhong looked kindly at Wang Heng as he expressed this.

Startled by this honor, Wang Heng hastily offered a few humble words.

Subsequently, Hunhong took out a scripture exuding a rich aura of Immortal Dao and handed it to Wang Heng.

Even before taking it, waves of immortal sounds resonated, reaching Wang Heng’s ears, like the tolling of golden bells, providing sudden enlightenment, causing his entire body to tremble slightly and enveloping him with the aura of the Great Dao.

“This is...”

Wang Heng was astounded. With his knowledge as an Immortal Prince, he could recognize the extraordinary nature of the Immortal Scripture that Hunhong handed him, which radiated an aura of supreme and majestic strength.

“This is the Hunyuan Grand Dao Scripture.”

Hunhong spoke directly.

“What? The Hunyuan Grand Dao Scripture created by the Hunyuan Immortal King?” Black King exclaimed, jumping to his feet, his canine face filled with astonishment.

This scripture was the most powerful text of their clan, renowned throughout the Immortal Domain for endless ages. In certain aspects, it was considered the strongest scripture, exclusively passed down to the direct descendants of the Hunyuan Immortal King and never shared with outsiders. If anyone attempted to steal it, they would face the wrath of the Hunyuan Immortal King and perish.

But now, the offspring of the Hunyuan Immortal King was offering this Immortal Scripture to Wang Heng, an outsider. Such a situation left Black King too shocked to speak.

“Hunhong, what do you mean by this?”

Wang Heng felt his scalp tingle, hesitant to reach out and accept it.

In the Immortal Domain, an Immortal King Scripture was a taboo. Unless its creator had passed away, it would never be shared with others, and even if placed before them, no one would dare to learn from it, due to the significant consequences involved.

Hunhong was not surprised by their reactions. He smiled and replied, “Rest assured, my father instructed me to give this to you. Without his blessing, how could I dare to pass on the Hunyuan Grand Dao Scripture to others?

Take it. Our clan's Immortal King scripture may not be the number one in the Immortal Domain, but it is among the top-tier scriptures. With it, your cultivation will become much more efficient, saving you time and avoiding detours.”

Hearing this, Wang Heng's inner turmoil gradually subsided. After a few hesitant breaths, he stepped forward solemnly and received the Immortal King Scripture with both hands.

The Hunyuan Grand Dao Scripture, created by a supreme Immortal King, was a masterpiece that captured the essence of creation and connected with the ultimate Immortal Dao.

In the foundational stage, the stronger the scripture used in cultivation, the more powerful one's abilities in all aspects would become.

Wang Heng's father had also created an Immortal King Scripture, with the Supreme Sword Technique of Pacification being the essence of it, which had been fully passed down to Wang Heng. However, it was unsuitable for cultivation under the laws of the Immortal Domain as the paths differed.

Now, with the Hunyuan Grand Dao Scripture, Wang Heng no longer needed to worry about his cultivation path.

Nonetheless, Wang Heng did not feel at ease accepting it and asked Hunhong why his father had given him this Immortal King Scripture.

Hunhong replied, “My father sees great potential in you. He believes that you will achieve great things in the future, possibly breaking through all limits and proving yourself as an Immortal King.”

"Invest in you now, and someday you'll become a loyal ally. Why not?"

The Immortal Domain may seem calm now, without any major conflicts, but it's not a monolith. Father needs allies to solidify his position and influence in the Immortal Domain."

"I see," Wang Heng understood.

Yet the Black King remained astounded and spoke up, "Boy, even the Hunyuan Immortal King has recognized your talent. It seems I underestimated you."

To the ancient Immortal Kings, any creature that hasn't proved itself a king, whether in the Xi Blood Realm or as a quasi-Immortal King, regardless of talent or mediocrity, is insignificant in their eyes—a mere ant.

Throughout the years, have there been few prodigious beings among the descendants of the Immortal Kings? Countless, some have become true immortals, others have perished. But the Immortal Kings have never intervened, their inner calm unaffected by the demise of their descendants, their hearts nearly as indifferent as the grand Dao itself.

Yet now, an exceptional Immortal King has taken notice of your potential, willing to bet on you, even though you're a prince fated to be shackled by the Dao of your forebears. Truly extraordinary."

The Black King's shock was beyond words, more profound than when Wang Heng's talents were praised by the Hunyuan Immortal King.

Hunhong nodded in agreement with the Black King's words.

"Indeed, your potential is greater than you imagine."

Wang Heng was speechless.

However, he had guessed some reasons. His already blazing spiritual power had become even more transcendent and extraordinary due to the fusion of the supreme soul seed essence, enough to compel Immortal Kings to take him seriously and wager a portion of an Immortal King's Dao scripture on him."

"Of course, to cultivate this scripture, you must swear an oath of taboo, never to impart it to others," Hunhong said.

Wang Heng was jolted inside and immediately swore a karmic oath before Hunhong, vowing never to leak the contents of the Hunyuan Grand Dao Scripture, to cultivate it alone.

As the oath concluded, a flash of scarlet light vanished, transforming into an ethereal chain that merged into Wang Heng's blood and disappeared.

Seeing this, Hunhong looked pleased.

Afterward, he shared with Wang Heng some insights into the cultivation system of the Immortal Domain.

The understanding of a quasi-Immortal King naturally benefited Wang Heng greatly, who was like a novice.

After a long exchange, Hunhong bid farewell and left the great hall.

With just one man and one dog remaining in the hall, a long silence loomed over them.

"Kid, not only are you incredibly talented, but your fortune seems to defy the heavens as well," the Black King sighed. "If you could meet more Immortal Kings from the Immortal Domains, perhaps you could acquire a few more of their cherished scriptures."

"I doubt that's possible," Wang Heng replied, shaking his head.