On the shores of the Sea of Truth, the tens of thousands of cultivators gathered there all wore expressions of astonishment, their gazes fixed on Zhang Ruochen.
Before this, most of them had been skeptical of Zhang Ruochen, believing that without condensing a Truth Form, he had no hope of crossing the ninth sea domain.
Now, witnessing this outcome, those who had spoken out earlier felt their cheeks burn, as if they had been slapped hard.
Thousand Star Heavenly Maiden smiled and extended a hand, saying, “Looks like I’ve won. A bet’s a bet, hand over the Flying Immortal Flute.”
Qie Huairou’s eyes were filled with disbelief, staring at Zhang Ruochen as if he were a monster. “Zhang Ruochen actually crossed the ninth sea domain. How did he do it? Why did the suppression of the Truth Form suddenly vanish?”
Due to the bet, Qie Huairou had kept her attention on Zhang Ruochen, yet even so, she couldn’t figure out how he had defeated the gatekeeper.
“It’s the Spatial True Domain,” Thousand Star Heavenly Maiden said.
Though the Spatial True Domain was invisible, it couldn’t escape her Origin Divine Eyes.
Qie Huairou was startled at first, then fell into thought. “To counter the gatekeeper’s Truth Form in the Sea of Truth, an ordinary Spatial True Domain wouldn’t suffice. It would need to be at least a Two Polarities Spatial True Domain.”
Like Truth Forms, Spatial True Domains were divided into tiers, with four levels: One Origin, Two Polarities, Three Talents, and Four Extremes, with Four Extremes being the weakest and One Origin the strongest.
Qie Huairou knew well that condensing a Spatial True Domain was no less difficult than condensing a Truth Form, perhaps even harder.
After all, there were far more cultivators of the Path of Truth than the Path of Space, and the secret methods for condensing Truth Forms had been refined over generations, reducing the difficulty significantly.
Though Zhang Ruochen was strong, how long had he been cultivating? And he had never trained in the Space Temple. Before this, Qie Huairou hadn’t considered that he might have condensed a Spatial True Domain.
But on second thought, as the heir of time and space, how could Saint Monk Xumi not have left behind the secret method for condensing a Spatial True Domain?
“Zhang Ruochen broke the established rules. I’m convinced of my loss. Take it.”
Though reluctant, Qie Huairou took out the Flying Immortal Flute.
On the surface, the Flying Immortal Flute looked no different from an ordinary jade flute, only revealing its divine nature when played.
Thousand Star Heavenly Maiden didn’t stand on ceremony, taking the flute directly. She had coveted this item for more than a day or two, and now her wish was fulfilled.
Meanwhile, Archangel Michael’s expression darkened. Zhang Ruochen’s crossing of the ninth sea domain completely overshadowed his achievement.
He had relied on a Truth Form, battling the gatekeeper for thousands of rounds to barely win and enter the tenth sea domain, where he only advanced three li.
Now, Zhang Ruochen, without a Truth Form, had defeated the gatekeeper with relative ease. The gap was significant.
Worse still, he and Zhang Ruochen had crossed the ninth sea domain on the same day, so comparisons were inevitable. All his achievements had become a foil to Zhang Ruochen’s.
“It must be a high-tier Spatial True Domain, or Zhang Ruochen couldn’t have crushed the gatekeeper,” Michael thought to himself.
Those who had flattered Michael earlier now fell silent, unable to say a word.
Their earlier remarks now sounded like mockery of the Archangel.
By now, many cultivators had guessed that Zhang Ruochen’s defeat of the ninth sea domain’s gatekeeper was likely tied to a Spatial True Domain, something most had initially overlooked.
After all, in everyone’s understanding, all powers were inevitably suppressed in the Sea of Truth, including other ancient paths.
At the checkpoint of the ninth sea domain, Zhang Ruochen didn’t rush into the tenth sea domain, instead observing Feng Yan, Xiang Chunan, and Qing Sixue.
Upon seeing the Truth Forms behind Xiang Chunan and Qing Sixue, Zhang Ruochen grew thoughtful. “Chunan’s master is indeed extraordinary, likely a major figure in the Temple of Truth. No wonder they could inscribe patterns containing the Path of Truth outside the Truth Heavenly Domain.”
Zhang Ruochen had long speculated about Xiang Chunan’s origins, and this confirmed his suspicions.
The high-tier Truth Forms condensed by the trio also surprised him. If he could condense such a Truth Form, defeating the earlier gatekeeper would have been effortless.
Zhang Ruochen opened his heavenly eye, closely studying their Truth Forms. Such high-tier Truth Forms might reveal more secrets.
He had no reason to miss such an opportunity.
Soon after, the Boats of Truth carrying Xiang Chunan and Feng Yan capsized, and both fell into the sea, failing to cross the ninth sea domain.
The reason was their cultivation and strength were still lacking, not yet at their peak.
Once they improved their cultivation, their chances of crossing the ninth sea domain would be high.
Qing Sixue, however, grew fiercer as the battle went on, evenly matched with the gatekeeper and gradually gaining the upper hand.
She unleashed a supremely domineering fist mark, combined with her Truth Form, vast and boundless, enveloping the gatekeeper.
“Crack.”
The thick earth beneath the gatekeeper’s feet shattered instantly.
Then, the gatekeeper’s body was crushed and exploded, ending the battle.
“In one day, three people crossed the ninth sea domain. This has never happened since the Celestial Court was established.”
“A Great Saint who crossed the ninth sea domain was unknown before this. The Temple of Truth’s foundation is truly unfathomable.”
“I feel neither Zhang Ruochen nor this mysterious female Great Saint used their full strength. Can they still challenge the tenth sea domain?”
…
The shore was now in an uproar, with cultivators from all realms discussing excitedly, filled with awe and anticipation.
Zhang Ruochen and Qing Sixue exchanged a glance, nodding slightly, then simultaneously steered their Boats of Truth through the light curtain.
The two entered the tenth sea domain together, a first in the history of the Truth Heavenly Domain.
The tenth sea domain differed from the previous nine, its waters golden, with resistance multiplied. Even Zhang Ruochen’s Boat of Truth shook violently, unable to remain completely steady.
Because of this, most who entered the tenth sea domain could only advance a few li, with very few exceeding ten li.
In the past millennium, among Saint Kings, only Nie Xiangzi had surpassed ten li.
“The suppression of the Path of Truth is even stronger here. Even my perfected Sword Path can’t unleash much power without the aid of a Truth Form,” Zhang Ruochen thought.
He keenly felt the comprehensive suppression in this sea domain, affecting both body and spirit.
Without cultivating body and spirit to the peak of the Saint King realm, controlling the Boat of Truth here would be difficult.
In other words, if Zhang Ruochen hadn’t meditated before the Emperor’s Divine Ruler, even with a Truth Form, he wouldn’t have progressed far in the tenth sea domain.
Zhang Ruochen’s gaze swept the surrounding sea, murmuring, “This sea domain is entirely composed of Truth Rules, containing endless mysteries. Comprehending the Path of Truth here should be no less effective than in the Temple of Truth.”
However, staying long in the tenth sea domain was undoubtedly challenging.
Zhang Ruochen did his utmost to control the Boat of Truth, advancing slowly while comprehending the Truth Rules in the sea.
In fact, crossing three sea domains consecutively, though yielding no Mysteries of Truth, had significantly increased his Truth Rules, a form of alternative compensation.
At this rate, reaching perfection in the Path of Truth was not impossible.
With his talent in the Path of Truth and thirty-nine ten-thousandths of the Mysteries of Truth, Zhang Ruochen’s efficiency in comprehending the Path of Truth was extremely high, with Truth Rules constantly appearing in his Heavenly River.
Unknowingly, Zhang Ruochen had crossed twelve li, surpassing Nie Xiangzi’s record.
“Junior Brother Dongfang, what do you think?” Nie Xiangzi asked calmly.
As he had predicted, Zhang Ruochen’s crossing of the Sea of Truth surpassed them all.
A cold glint flashed in Dongfang Qingyu’s eyes, though he smiled faintly. “Senior Brother Nie’s insight is indeed sharp. I didn’t expect Zhang Ruochen to condense a high-tier Spatial True Domain.”
“There may be more surprises to come,” Nie Xiangzi said.
Dongfang Qingyu waved his jade fan lightly. “Does Senior Brother Nie believe Zhang Ruochen can cross the tenth sea domain?”
Though Zhang Ruochen’s crossing of the ninth sea domain was unexpected, Dongfang Qingyu didn’t believe he could cross the tenth.
Even if Zhang Ruochen had condensed the top-tier One Origin Spatial True Domain, it wouldn’t work against the gatekeeper of the tenth sea domain.
Historically, the thirteen Great Saints who crossed the tenth sea domain all had at least “Star Sea Boundless” Truth Forms, some even “Cosmos Infinite,” and had remarkable achievements in other holy paths, often mastering ancient paths or comparable powers.
Without a Truth Form, crossing the ninth sea domain was Zhang Ruochen’s limit. He was destined to stop at the tenth, unable to ascend the Mountain of Truth.
The reward from the Temple of Truth, coveted even by gods, wasn’t so easily obtained.
“Big Brother is incredible. Looks like the tenth sea domain can’t stop him either,” Feng Yan said with a smile.
Though he failed to cross, reaching the ninth sea domain’s checkpoint left him satisfied. Next, he needed to train harder, advancing the *Nuwa Dao Secret* to a higher level. Perhaps next time, he’d succeed.
Xiang Chunan laughed heartily. “If he weren’t incredible, how could he be my big brother?”
“Third Brother, what’s the deal with you and Junior Sister Sixue? How did you both condense Truth Forms? And why is Junior Sister Sixue so much stronger than you?” Feng Yan asked curiously.
Though he had met Qing Sixue earlier than Zhang Ruochen, it was only at the ninth sea domain that he learned her true strength.
Xiang Chunan scratched his head vigorously. “We don’t have any special background. The method for condensing Truth Forms was taught by my master’s wife.”
“Before, Junior Sister’s strength was similar to mine, but she disappeared for a while, taken somewhere by Master’s Wife. When she returned, she was ridiculously strong, and I was no match.”
Clearly, Xiang Chunan was as clueless about these matters as anyone.
“What’s your master’s wife’s name? What does she look like?” Feng Xi suddenly asked.
Xiang Chunan thought for a moment. “I don’t know her name. As for her appearance, she looks exactly like my junior sister, of course. She was once the Celestial Court’s number one beauty.”
Feng Xi was stunned, unable to connect Qing Sixue with the Celestial Court’s number one beauty.
Given her status, she was familiar with many gods of the Temple of Truth, but she couldn’t recall any female deity resembling Qing Sixue.
Of course, the Temple of Truth had many gods, some ancient ones absent for years, so not recognizing one was normal.
Still, Feng Xi was deeply curious about Xiang Chunan’s master and master’s wife. What kind of figures could quietly raise such exceptional disciples?
A full day passed, and Qing Sixue reached twenty-one li in the tenth sea domain before her Boat of Truth capsized, marking her failure.
The next moment, she returned to the shore, calm and unfazed by her failure.
Xiang Chunan rushed to meet her, laughing, “Junior Sister, you’re amazing, crossing the ninth sea domain and reaching the tenth in one go.”
“Indeed, Junior Sister Sixue, I’m thoroughly impressed,” Feng Yan said, giving a thumbs-up.
Qing Sixue smiled warmly. “As long as Senior Brother and Second Brother improve their strength, you can cross the ninth sea domain too. I believe that day isn’t far off.”
“Actually, I admire Brother Ruochen more. Crossing the ninth sea domain without a Truth Form, and now nearing the tenth sea domain’s checkpoint. He might create a miracle.”
As she spoke, Qing Sixue’s gaze turned to the golden sea.
Zhang Ruochen’s figure wasn’t particularly tall, but in the eyes of all the cultivators, he seemed towering.
Though many didn’t think highly of his chances, they paradoxically hoped he could break the shackles.
After all, another Saint King as dazzling as Zhang Ruochen might not appear in the Celestial Court for countless years.
