Previously stuck at the bottleneck of the Myriad Things Realm, Lin Yun had pushed nearly every aspect of his abilities to their limits, making significant improvements in strength exceedingly difficult.
Now, things were entirely different!
“Thanks to Old Black’s Infinite Divine Stone. I owe him a great debt,” Lin Yun murmured.
Though Old Black had given him the Infinite Divine Stone with the intent of investing in Lin Yun’s potential to return to the ancestral land, it had undeniably helped him. Without it, completing the final comprehension needed to break through to the Dominion Realm would have taken much longer.
Of course, his prior cultivation in the House of Rules had also played a significant role. Without those insights, the Infinite Divine Stone alone would not have sufficed.
In short, Lin Yun’s rapid ascent to the Dominion Realm was unprecedented within the Heavenly God Palace.
“If Master, Vice Palace Master Yao, and Palace Master Mo knew I reached the Dominion Realm so quickly, they’d be both shocked and delighted,” Lin Yun said, a smile spreading across his face.
He could imagine their expressions upon hearing the news.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Yun calmed his excitement.
“Next, I need to quickly reach the Second and Third Stages of the Dominion Realm,” he resolved, his mind settling.
Advancing in the Dominion Realm required far more Qiankun Crystal Stones than in the Myriad Things Realm.
Lin Yun’s next goal was to gather enough Qiankun Crystal Stones to fuel his realm advancement.
To help Little Blue Dragon break through earlier, Lin Yun had given him all his Qiankun and Haoyue Crystal Stones, leaving him with none.
“Right, first convert the East Sea Dragon King’s body!”
Determined, Lin Yun produced the Qiankun Supreme Cauldron and the East Sea Dragon King’s body.
Though its essence blood had been extracted, the body of a nine-clawed dragon was still a treasure trove.
As the Qiankun Supreme Cauldron activated, it emitted a radiant light. Lin Yun tossed the East Sea Dragon King’s body into it, and the massive form was instantly enveloped in light and absorbed.
“I wonder how many Qiankun Crystal Stones it will yield,” Lin Yun said, anticipation in his voice.
As the Qiankun Supreme Cauldron operated, Qiankun Crystal Stones began pouring out steadily.
Ten, a hundred, a thousand…
As the crystals accumulated, time passed.
Three days later.
“It’s produced 280,000 crystals already, and it’s still going,” Lin Yun said, astonished.
At that moment, the Qiankun Supreme Cauldron quieted down.
The conversion was complete.
“That’s it?” Lin Yun smacked his lips, still wanting more.
But the 280,000 crystals were already a substantial haul, more than enough for him to reach the Second Stage of the Dominion Realm.
“Next, I’ll start pushing for the Second Stage.”
Resolved, Lin Yun began absorbing the freshly produced Qiankun Crystal Stones.
Each crystal dissolved into a surge of boundless energy, cycling through his body before merging into his vast Dan Sea.
Having reached the Dominion Realm, his cultivation and absorption efficiency were far superior to the Myriad Things Realm, though the number of Qiankun Crystal Stones needed for a breakthrough had also skyrocketed.
Lin Yun estimated that breaking through to the Second Stage of the Dominion Realm would require around 200,000 crystals.
A little over a month later.
Inside the One Thought Clear Heart Tower.
“Phew, time to stop.”
Lin Yun opened his eyes, exhaling a long breath of white mist.
He calculated that he had spent nearly five months in the tower, equivalent to almost a month outside. The time to regroup with the human race was approaching.
During this period, he had absorbed over 40,000 Qiankun Crystal Stones.
Reaching the Second Stage before returning to the human race was impossible due to time constraints.
But Lin Yun wasn’t concerned. Advancing to the Second Stage was a certainty, with sufficient resources; it was merely a matter of time.
“This retreat has already yielded great results. As for reaching the Second Stage, I’ll continue after returning to the human race,” Lin Yun said, smiling as he stood and collected the surrounding Qiankun Crystal Stones.
Breaking through the major bottleneck to the Dominion Realm alone was enough to satisfy him.
…
After concluding his retreat, Lin Yun left his cave dwelling and went to find Little Blue Dragon.
Before his retreat, Little Blue Dragon had planned to inspect the other three Dragon Palaces to establish his authority.
Lin Yun reckoned he had likely returned.
In the Dragon Palace’s main hall, Little Blue Dragon was discussing expedition and garrison matters with the elders of the former West Sea Dragon Palace.
“Alright, it’s settled. Elders, you may leave,” Little Blue Dragon said, waving his hand.
“Yes!”
The elders responded and exited the hall.
“How’s it going, stinky brat? What did you gain from this retreat?” Little Blue Dragon asked, descending from his throne with a smile.
“Heh, the gains were huge! I’ve successfully broken through the major bottleneck and reached the Dominion Realm,” Lin Yun said, grinning.
“What? You’ve reached the Dominion Realm? Are you serious? You’re not pulling my leg, are you?” Little Blue Dragon said, rushing to Lin Yun’s side, disbelief in his eyes.
“Would I joke about something like this?” Lin Yun said, chuckling.
“Quick, show me your aura!” Little Blue Dragon grabbed Lin Yun’s arm.
“You really think I’m messing with you?” Lin Yun said, shaking his head with a wry smile, as he released his realm aura.
Boom!
A powerful aura swept through the hall, filling the space.
“This… it’s really the Dominion Realm! Damn, you actually made it!” Little Blue Dragon burst into excited laughter upon sensing the aura.
“Little Blue Dragon, do you have to be this excited?” Lin Yun rolled his eyes.
“The Dominion Realm is a major bottleneck. Many human immortals get stuck there, unable to take that step. Am I right? You’ve crossed this hurdle and reached the Dominion Realm. How could I not be thrilled?” Little Blue Dragon exclaimed, letting out a curse in his excitement.
Still buzzing, he continued, “And how long were you stuck at that bottleneck? To break through so quickly and join the ranks of the Dominion Realm, you’re incredible!”
