Over three days, Zhang Ruochen fully healed his injuries. Through repeated trials, his physical body and saint soul had grown stronger, and his mental strength had become more refined, elevating all aspects to a new peak.
Zhang Ruochen could clearly feel the changes in his body, as if he possessed inexhaustible strength, capable of shattering an ancient divine mountain with a single punch.
“Yan Wushen, I look forward to our peak battle,” Zhang Ruochen declared, his body radiating powerful fighting spirit.
A clash between two Saint Kings at Great Perfection was a rare event, even across history.
After all, such peerless prodigies were the absolute protagonists of their era, rarely born in the same age.
Suppressing his emotions, Zhang Ruochen stood and, with a flash, began ascending toward the mountain’s peak, now more concerned with the Truth Temple’s reward.
Having met two extremely stringent conditions, he was qualified to claim the reward that even gods envied.
It didn’t take long for Zhang Ruochen to reach the summit.
At the same time, the calmly flowing Heavenly River suddenly stirred, its flow quickening, with massive waves surging.
“Splash.”
Weak Water surged, forming a giant water column that condensed into an armoured, towering figure, exuding vast, abyss-like divine might.
The giant cast its gaze toward the Truth Heavenly Domain, murmuring, “Is this due to the young one who once stirred the Heavenly River? Climbing the Truth Mountain, how intriguing.”
With that, the Weak Water giant stepped out of the Heavenly River, crossing vast domains toward the Truth Heavenly Domain.
At the shore of the Truth Sea, Empress Chi Yao and the Blackheart Demon Lord’s eyes glinted with surprise.
“Impressive, Zhang Ruochen, climbing to the peak of the Truth Mountain,” the Blackheart Demon Lord said coldly.
Though the Truth Mountain was shrouded in golden mist, it wasn’t difficult for gods to sense Zhang Ruochen’s position.
The Blackheart Demon Lord was clearly displeased with this outcome.
“Could that boy actually claim the Truth Temple’s reward?” the Blackheart Demon Lord frowned.
Given the enmity between the Black Demon Realm and Zhang Ruochen, he absolutely did not want to see Zhang Ruochen gain such benefits.
Empress Chi Yao remained calm, gazing faintly at the Truth Mountain, her thoughts unreadable.
“Swish.”
Beams of divine light streaked through the sky, transforming into majestic divine figures.
“Greetings, Master.”
Fairy of a Hundred Flowers approached a figure enveloped in a rain of blossoms, bowing respectfully.
The one Fairy of a Hundred Flowers called Master was naturally the Mandala Flower God of Thousand Pistil Realm, an immensely powerful ancient god.
Fairy of a Hundred Flowers was surprised to see her master, as someone of her stature rarely concerned herself with such matters.
Surrounded by countless flowers, the Mandala Flower God’s true form was hidden. Her arrival filled the air with a strange, enchanting floral fragrance.
“The Truth Temple’s oracle has been issued for over an eon, and now someone has finally met the conditions to become the Heavenly Realm’s top figure below Great Saint. Zhang Ruochen is truly remarkable,” the Mandala Flower God praised generously.
Though Zhang Ruochen was still weak, his boundless potential was evident. If he continued to grow, he could become a titan shaking the myriad realms.
At that moment, a cold divine moon rose, illuminating the entire Truth Heavenly Domain, visible to all.
“The Moon God has arrived.”
The gathered gods turned their attention.
No one was surprised by the Moon God’s arrival; it would have been strange if she hadn’t come for such a significant event.
Under everyone’s gaze, an unparalleled figure approached from the distant horizon, each step crossing billions of miles.
In an instant, the Moon God reached the Truth Sea, her peerless divine countenance breathtaking, captivating even gods.
“Zhang Ruochen crossed ten sea domains and climbed the Truth Mountain. Henceforth, Guanghan Realm will gain one daily slot to cultivate in the Truth Heavenly Domain. Congratulations, Moon God.”
“Congratulations, Moon God.”
The gods stepped forward, offering their felicitations.
“Zhang Ruochen belongs to Kunlun Realm but was forced to leave and join Guanghan Realm. What a pity, or Kunlun Realm would now have numerous slots to cultivate in the Truth Heavenly Domain,” the Blackheart Demon Lord said, shaking his head.
His words were clearly directed at Empress Chi Yao.
Yet, she showed no reaction, as if she hadn’t heard, her expression serene.
“Boom.”
The void trembled violently as a towering blood-red divine hall appeared in the Truth Heavenly Domain.
Simultaneously, the Weak Water giant from the Heavenly River materialised.
“The guardian of the Heavenly River and Jia Tianxia have come. The Truth Heavenly Domain hasn’t been this lively in ages.”
Many gods’ eyes flickered with intrigue.
The Heavenly River’s guardian held a special status and immense power, commanding significant influence in the Heavenly Palace, feared by most.
Jia Tianxia, the master of the Blood War Divine Hall, was a formidable ancient god from the same era as the Moon God, equally dreaded.
“Moon God, you truly care for Zhang Ruochen, protecting him at every turn, now even coming in person to the Truth Heavenly Domain,” a vast, ancient voice echoed from the blood-red divine hall.
The Moon God replied coolly, “My affairs are none of your concern.”
Her gaze swept the surroundings, and she declared loudly, “From now on, Zhang Ruochen will be the fourth titan of Guanghan Realm under me, equal to Ancestor Wu, Emperor Jiemie, and Nine Spirits Great Saint. Anyone who dares touch him is my enemy.”
Her words shocked many gods. It was clear the Moon God was staking her position, determined to protect Zhang Ruochen at all costs.
Appointing a Saint King as the fourth titan of Guanghan Realm was unthinkable, yet the Moon God had decided so.
Those hostile to Zhang Ruochen, like the Blackheart Demon Lord, frowned. Her bold stance made targeting Zhang Ruochen far more difficult.
“Even if the Moon God is strong, she’s only one person. If Zhang Ruochen doesn’t claim the Truth Temple’s reward, fine. But if he does, even she may not protect him,” the Blackheart Demon Lord thought.
A reward that made gods jealous would surely tempt many, despite the Moon God’s dominance.
So many gods had gathered at the Truth Sea to see if Zhang Ruochen would succeed.
Undoubtedly, few genuinely hoped for his success.
At the mountain’s peak, Zhang Ruochen was unaware of the outside events.
The summit was a flat, Bagua-shaped plaza, with a crude black stone house at its edge, covered in natural Dao patterns.
Upon arriving, the tall figure came into view.
Only now did Zhang Ruochen see her clearly, his expression turning strange and stunned.
The Truth Temple’s god, in form, appearance, and aura, was strikingly similar to Qing Sixue, as if carved from the same mould.
No one would believe they weren’t related.
“Surprised? Qing Sixue is my daughter,” the tall figure said with a smile.
Zhang Ruochen snapped back, bowing respectfully. “Greetings, Senior. May I know your name?”
“I am the Master of the Truth Temple,” the figure replied.
Zhang Ruochen’s heart jolted. He hadn’t expected this god to have such a staggering status.
As the Truth Temple’s Master, she was undoubtedly immensely powerful, commanding awe across the myriad realms.
Zhang Ruochen now understood why Xiang Chunan and Qing Sixue could cultivate the Truth Path with such proficiency without visiting the Truth Heavenly Domain.
He grew curious about Xiang Chunan’s master, Qing Sixue’s father.
To marry the Truth Temple’s Master, he must be extraordinary.
“The Truth Temple’s oracle was issued by me. After eons, you’ve finally arrived. Though not a divinely appointed disciple of the Truth Temple, since you’ve passed the test, the reward is yours.”
“Originally, every Saint King or Great Saint who climbed the Truth Mountain could become a Truth Emissary, but that’s no longer possible.”
The Truth Master spoke calmly.
Puzzled, Zhang Ruochen asked, “Why not?”
Though unclear on what a Truth Emissary was, it was evidently significant, given even the Moon God’s attention.
“Do you know why crossing the Truth Sea grants Truth Mysteries?” the Truth Master countered.
Zhang Ruochen shook his head. “I don’t.”
He had pondered this. Mysteries were elusive, scattered across the heavens, accessible only to powerful gods in small amounts.
Yet, Truth Mysteries were an exception. Exceptional cultivators, even mere Saints, could obtain them by crossing the Truth Sea, defying convention.
“The Truth Mountain beneath us gathers all unclaimed Truth Mysteries, granting them to Truth Path cultivators through the Truth Sea’s trials.”
“The Fate Temple, counterpart to the Truth Temple, has similar methods. Exceptional Fate Path cultivators can obtain Fate Mysteries, becoming Fate Emissaries upon reaching one percent.”
The Truth Master explained.
Zhang Ruochen wasn’t too surprised. The Fate and Truth Temples had always been counterparts, their methods countering each other. If Truth Mysteries existed, so must Fate Mysteries.
Condensing a Truth Form of the same level with Truth Mysteries made a significant difference.
Zhang Ruochen suspected the Truth Temple’s ten divinely appointed disciples likely possessed substantial Truth Mysteries, having crossed at least eight sea domains.
“Banruo and Blood Chen Heavenly Lord likely have Fate Mysteries,” Zhang Ruochen thought.
Banruo was the Fate Temple’s candidate goddess, and Blood Chen Heavenly Lord slightly surpassed Nie Xiangzi. If they didn’t have Fate Mysteries, who would?
Pausing, the Truth Master continued, “Over eons, the Truth Mountain’s unclaimed Truth Mysteries have all been granted. The one-ten-thousandth you gained crossing the tenth domain was the last.”
Zhang Ruochen understood. No wonder he gained no Mysteries crossing the seventh, eighth, or ninth domains—they were gone.
This was bad news. Missing expected rewards and unable to become a Truth Emissary, he was at a loss for words.
“Senior, what exactly is a Truth Emissary?” Zhang Ruochen asked earnestly.
The Truth Master replied, “You wouldn’t understand much now. Simply put, Truth Emissaries wield the Truth Path freely, possessing great power. Great Saints can rival gods.”
“Moreover, Truth Emissaries gain the Truth Temple’s protection, significant influence within it, and a chance to become its Master.”
“Since the Heavenly Realm’s founding, fourteen Great Saints climbed the Truth Mountain to become Truth Emissaries, candidates for the next Master.”
Zhang Ruochen’s eyes flashed. “Shouldn’t there be thirteen?”
He was sure the Truth Master said fourteen, contradicting known information. Was there a hidden story?
“The thirteen you know are from the Heavenly Realm, but one was from the Infernal Realm,” the Truth Master said.
Zhang Ruochen asked, “How could an Infernal Realm cultivator become a Truth Emissary?”
He knew the Infernal Realm had advanced disguise techniques to infiltrate the Heavenly Realm, but Truth Emissaries were significant. The Truth Temple surely vetted rigorously. How could an Infernal Realm cultivator pass?
In his view, an Infernal Realm cultivator seeking Truth Mysteries was suicidal.
Yet, one had succeeded, becoming a Truth Emissary and taking one percent of Truth Mysteries.
“Even I didn’t expect Huang Tian’s audacity and skill, deceiving everyone in the Truth Temple, including me. He was too exceptional, becoming a Truth Emissary, achieving godhood in centuries, far stronger than ordinary gods.”
“His Infernal Realm Stone Clan identity was only exposed when he infiltrated Kunlun Realm and severed the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree.”
The Truth Master sighed, her eyes complex.
Many Truth Temple titans, including her, saw Huang Tian as a potential next Master, unaware he was an Infernal Realm infiltrator.
This was a massive stain on the Truth Temple, thus erased.
At the mention of “Huang Tian,” a fierce killing intent flashed in Zhang Ruochen’s eyes. This figure was the chief culprit behind Kunlun Realm’s decline.
Had Huang Tian not severed the Heaven-Connecting Divine Tree, Kunlun Realm wouldn’t have entered a godless era for 100,000 years.
Zhang Ruochen hadn’t expected the Truth Temple to have enabled Huang Tian, granting him the power to sever the tree soon after achieving godhood.
Per the Truth Master, a Great Saint Truth Emissary could rival gods. How powerful would a god-level Truth Emissary be?
If given the chance, Zhang Ruochen vowed to slay Huang Tian, making him pay for his actions and reclaiming that one percent of Truth Mysteries.
Adjusting his mood, Zhang Ruochen looked at the Truth Master. “Senior, since I can’t become a Truth Emissary, what reward can I receive?”
With Truth Mysteries exhausted, he had no choice but to seek alternative compensation.
“I issued the oracle specifically for those below Great Saint who pass, preparing a unique reward. Whether you obtain it depends on your ability. Are you ready?” the Truth Master said, her expression serious.
Zhang Ruochen nodded. “I’m ready.”
Anticipation surged within him, curious about this exceptional reward.
The Truth Master waved, releasing powerful divine energy into the Truth Mountain.
Countless intricate patterns emerged on the plaza, each containing universal truths.
These patterns intertwined, forming a vast, profound Bagua diagram projected onto the sky.
Fortunately, this space was isolated from the outside, or the commotion would have alerted all cultivators in the Truth Heavenly Domain.
“Buzz.”
A brilliant divine light shot from the Bagua diagram.
An invisible, strange fluctuation spread, causing the Truth Mountain to tremble slightly.
“What’s happening?”
Zhang Ruochen’s expression shifted, sensing his Truth Mysteries trying to escape.
Having struggled to gain one-ten-thousandth of Truth Mysteries, losing them now would be heartbreaking.
He quickly integrated them into his Truth Form, stabilising them.
His gaze turned to the divine light, likely the reward that made gods jealous.
Slowly, the light dimmed, revealing a strange object.
It was a translucent rhombus crystal, fist-sized, with 129,600 facets, each etched with exquisite, natural patterns, harmonising with the Dao.
“Senior, what is this?” Zhang Ruochen asked curiously.
Well-versed as he was, he had no knowledge of this object, never even heard of it.
The Truth Master gazed at the crystal solemnly. “This is the Heart of Truth. It can attract and contain Truth Mysteries. If you refine it, you can sense Truth Mysteries in others and even seize them.”
“More importantly, with the Heart of Truth, you can master Truth Mysteries limitlessly, even all of them. Others, including the thirteen Truth Emissaries, are capped at one-tenth, their limit.”
“Additionally, the Heart of Truth doubles the efficiency of comprehending Truth Rules. Others cultivating near you can also comprehend Truth Rules, with effects comparable to training in the Truth Temple.”
“In short, the Heart of Truth has many uses, which you’ll understand once refined.”
Zhang Ruochen grasped its significance. Truth Mysteries were coveted, but their holders were unknown.
Sensing them clearly was a massive advantage.
Its cultivation benefits were staggering, akin to a mobile Truth Temple.
It could not only aid him but also strengthen those around him, even an entire realm.
Such a treasure would indeed incite gods’ envy.
If exposed, it would provoke gods to seize it.
“Senior, how do I refine the Heart of Truth?” Zhang Ruochen asked.
The Truth Master replied, “Bind it with Sacred Path Rules and contain it with your Truth Form.”
“I see,” Zhang Ruochen nodded.
He understood why the Truth Master required him to condense a Truth Form and reach the Great Perfection of the Saint King Realm—both were prerequisites for refining the Heart of Truth.
The Truth Master said gravely, “I must warn you: refining the Heart of Truth carries great risk. A slight misstep could cause you to explode, even with your Truth Form and Great Perfection cultivation. The success rate is less than thirty percent. The choice to refine it is yours.”
Zhang Ruochen’s heart sank. He hadn’t expected refining the Heart of Truth to be so perilous.
After brief contemplation, he exhaled and stepped forward.
With the opportunity before him, no matter the difficulty, he had to try.
Stopping ten zhang from the Heart of Truth, he fixed his gaze on it.
Moments later, he circulated his technique, releasing his 100 million Truth Rules as a river, wrapping toward the Heart of Truth.
“Bang.”
Before getting close, the Heart of Truth unleashed a strange force, shattering his rule river.
“Don’t rush. You must gradually align with the Heart of Truth, eliminating resistance. Brute force won’t work, even for ordinary gods,” the Truth Master advised.
Zhang Ruochen adjusted his mindset, recondensing the rule river, circling the Heart of Truth slowly.
Simultaneously, he unleashed his mental strength, probing the Heart of Truth to uncover its mysteries.
However, its secrets were too profound. Even with his mental strength, he struggled to comprehend them.
Each pattern was like a Sacred Path scripture, capable of generating infinite truths, requiring even Great Saints to study slowly.
Though at the pinnacle of the Saint King Realm, Zhang Ruochen’s Sacred Path cultivation still had far to go.
Reluctantly, he relaxed fully, focusing his mind on comprehending the Heart of Truth.
His rapid cultivation left hidden flaws, and this was a chance to solidify his foundation and master his Sacred Path Rules.
…
