Emperor Wu Shihuang's handwriting, do not go out of the Milky Way border

This was undoubtedly the opportunity he had been dreaming of. The Radiant Divine Lord knew perfectly well that with his own talent, he had no hope of reaching the Great Power realm. If it weren't for the resources provided by the Time Spirit over the years, he would probably still be stuck at the threshold of the seventh rank of the Universe level.

Watching the Radiant Divine Lord hurriedly depart with the core of the Great Dao, Shi Ling's eyes grew even more gloomy.

"No matter where you flee to, you will never escape my control. Next, I will replace Canglan as the dominant power, and this star field should be renamed the Time Spirit Universe Circle!"

Shi Ling's figure swayed, and ripples of time spread out, instantly arriving at the Dark Spirit Universe Civilization.

At this moment, the high-ranking officials of the Dark Spirit Civilization are gathered together to discuss their grand plan for domination.

"My Lord, the main threats to us at present are the four major forces: the Crimson Fire Universe Civilization, the Azure Universe Civilization, the Mechanical Universe Civilization, and the Radiant Universe Civilization."

"However, we still haven't figured out their background, and we don't know if they are hiding a Venerable-level being!"

Listening to his subordinate's report, Dark Spirit Lord fell into deep thought: "Logically speaking, there shouldn't be any Venerable-level figures, otherwise it would be impossible to hide it from the surveillance of the Canglan Universe."

"Foolish! You're like a frog in a well! How could you possibly fathom the power of a Venerable One?"

A disdainful shout suddenly echoed in the void, causing the expressions of the high-ranking members of the Dark Spirit Universe civilization to change drastically. The Dark Spirit God-King coldly roared, "Who dares to be so insolent here! Show yourself!"

"Oh? Dark Spirit, Canglan has only been gone a short while, and your courage has certainly grown?"

“Tick…tick…tick…”

The chilling words echoed in the air, accompanied by clear footsteps, and a figure slowly materialized from the ripples of time.

Each step seemed to pound on everyone's hearts, bringing a heavy sense of oppression. Except for the Dark Spirit Lord, all the high-ranking members curled up on the ground in pain, their eyes filled with fear, unable to look directly at the figure that looked down upon all living beings.

Sensing that familiar yet unfamiliar aura, the Dark Spirit Lord exclaimed in shock, "You didn't participate in that plan? No... with your ambition, how could you have been absent? You actually managed to escape? But you should be seriously injured by now..."

Shi Ling's lips curled into a playful smile: "Oh? Then why don't you try it yourself? If I hadn't shown you mercy back then, would you have achieved what you have today? Do you think that just because you were lucky enough to advance to the Great Power level, you can rebel against me?"

"boom!"

Before the words were even finished, an overwhelming pressure erupted, and the entire hall collapsed instantly. Endless power of time surged towards the Dark Spirit God like a tidal wave.

The Dark Spirit Lord hurriedly activated the Dark Dao, transforming into a black hole that devoured all things to resist. However, the power of time is one of the most mysterious forces in the world; how could he easily withstand it? Despite exerting all his strength, he was instantly shattered from his original form by the laws of time.

"Puff-"

The Dark Spirit Lord staggered backward and collapsed onto the ruins, roaring in disbelief, "Impossible! Why is your strength not diminished at all!"

Shi Ling slowly stepped forward, casting a shadow over him. The Dark Spirit Lord seemed to be transported back to those humiliating years, trembling all over, fear appearing in his eyes.

Seeing the other person's expression, Shi Ling nodded in satisfaction: "Very good, I appreciate the fear in your eyes. You should know very well who you should obey from now on, right?"

The irresistible command made the Dark Spirit Lord's voice tremble: "Your subordinate understands...Greetings, Your Excellency!"

"Behave yourself, and it might help you advance to the Venerable level in the future. But I don't keep useless people under my command, and I certainly won't tolerate self-righteous fools..."

After saying that, Shi Ling's figure suddenly vanished, turning into countless fragments of time.

The servants scrambled forward to help him up, but the Dark Spirit Lord, seeing his disheveled subordinates, grew even angrier and roared with bloodshot eyes, "Get out! All of you, get out!"

After everyone fled in panic, amidst the endless darkness, the Dark Spirit Lord's eyes blazed with a mad fire: "Shi Ling! You wait! One day I will repay this humiliation a hundredfold!"

The spirit that left the Dark Spirit Universe did not stop, and in the blink of an eye it descended upon the Crimson Fire Universe.

For him, his current strength was far from sufficient to deal with Ying Zheng. Moreover, those powerful figures and venerable ones who had not participated in the Transformation Boat Project had likely already allied with Ying Zheng.

In the worst-case scenario, he would have to integrate all the forces within the Canglan Universe to contend with Ying Zheng. Otherwise, he would never obtain that power or glimpse the opportunity to transcend to the other shore—something he absolutely could not accept.

Inside the Crimson Fire Palace, as soon as the fluctuations in time appeared, the Crimson Fire Ancestor immediately became alert and shouted sharply: "Who goes there!"

Shi Ling did not conceal his whereabouts this time—the Dark Spirit God was completely different from the Crimson Fire Ancestor, the latter being a true Venerable-level existence.

"Red Fire, how have you been?" Shi Ling greeted him casually.

A flicker of apprehension crossed the Crimson Flame Ancestor's eyes: "Shi Ling! You didn't even board the World Ship? No... With your ambition, that's impossible... It seems I underestimated you; you actually managed to escape. You've probably already touched the threshold of becoming an Emperor, haven't you?"

Shi Ling readily admitted, "Although we suffered a great calamity, it also allowed me to glimpse an opportunity for further advancement. Does the promise we made back then still stand?"

Sensing Shi Ling's assertive attitude, the Crimson Flame Ancestor frowned: "Back then, you helped me cover my tracks and evade Canglan's surveillance. Now you're going to use that agreement to demand something from me?"

“Canglan is gone, this star field needs a new master, and that person can only be me!” Shi Ling said resolutely.

The domineering declaration caused the Crimson Flame Ancestor to fall into deep thought. Shi Ling's current realm was indeed far superior to his own; he had probably already stepped one foot into the Emperor realm. Given time, if he truly achieved the Emperor's throne, unifying the Canglan Universe would certainly not be difficult. Surrendering now might be the wisest choice.

After careful consideration, Ancestor Crimson Fire solemnly nodded: "Alright, I agree!"

Upon hearing this, Shi Ling burst into loud laughter: "Chi Huo, you won't regret your decision today!"

As light and shadow shift, Shi Ling has already embarked on his journey to the next cosmic civilization.

Watching the figure disappear, the Crimson Fire Ancestor murmured, "Perhaps I shouldn't have made that choice back then... It's too late to say that now."

Endless emotions echoed in the void, carrying with them an inescapable sense of loneliness!
Just as Shi Ling was busy with his grand ambitions, deep within the primordial universe, near the origin of the world, Ying Zheng used his supreme power to create countless independent worlds as places for secluded cultivation. Each world was incredibly sturdy, enough to isolate the fluctuations emitted by powerful cultivators during their practice.

At this moment, Ying Zheng was in one of these worlds. Countless chains, formed from the power of heavenly punishment, clung to his body like a malignant tumor, causing indescribable pain. The power of heavenly punishment relentlessly eroded his flesh and blood, corrupting his primordial spirit, forcing Ying Zheng to constantly circulate his power to resist it, in order to gradually wear down this stubborn curse. This ordeal was also a form of tempering for Ying Zheng. Although the heavenly punishment suppressed his strength and ravaged his body and primordial spirit, the regenerated flesh and blood became increasingly pure, and his primordial spirit, after the tribulation, became more solid. More importantly, in the process of continuously driving the power of all paths to resist the heavenly punishment, Ying Zheng's understanding of the laws of the Great Dao was rapidly improving, and this almost dreamlike state of enlightenment intoxicated him.

Hundreds of thousands of years passed in the blink of an eye. Ying Zheng suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint in them. His power, which had been somewhat weak due to his sudden surge in cultivation, had been honed to its limit. He was now far superior to his former self, and if he were to fight Tai Zun again, he was confident that he could completely suppress him within ten moves.

Then, Ying Zheng's gaze swept across the surrounding world. Dozens of powerful figures and two Venerable Ones stood in their respective domains, each world imbued with the concepts of power they wielded, transforming into a unique territory.

At this moment, Ying Zheng clearly perceived the vastness of the Xuan Tian Dao, the mystery of the Soul Dao, the raging wind, the vitality of wood, the resilience of water... all the characteristics of the Dao were displayed before him like a scroll, as if everyone was performing their own path of Dao without reservation.

This is only natural—in order to drive away the ever-present power of divine punishment, they must fully unleash their own Great Dao, which is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity for Ying Zheng to comprehend the Dao.

However, passively comprehending is ultimately too slow, so Ying Zheng decided to take the initiative.

"Fellow Daoists, are you currently troubled by the power of Heavenly Punishment? I may be able to lend you a helping hand," Ying Zheng solemnly transmitted his voice.

In an instant, all space merged into one, and countless great paths collided fiercely, among which the Xuan Tian Great Path and the Soul Great Path were the most magnificent.

Xuan Tian Venerable and You Hun Venerable opened their eyes at the same time, and were surprised to see that Ying Zheng had completely broken free from the shackles of heavenly punishment.

The Venerable Xuantian's face was grim. He hadn't expected Ying Zheng to be able to clear away the heavenly punishment so quickly. Was it because his strength far exceeded expectations, or because he possessed a special method? If it was the latter, it was still acceptable; if it was the former… the situation would be troublesome.

The Ghostly Venerable asked curiously, "Fellow Daoist Hongmeng, do you possess a secret technique for quickly dispelling heavenly punishment?"

These words also revealed the question in Xuan Tian Zun Zhe's mind, and both of them looked intently at Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng shook his head and smiled bitterly: "There is no shortcut. It's just that my cultivation is slightly deeper."

The crowd could hardly hide their disappointment upon hearing this. At the current pace, it would take them at least billions of years to completely obliterate the Heavenly Punishment. In such a long period, the variables of cause and effect were unpredictable. By the time they emerged victorious, the Canglan Universe Circle would likely have already changed hands.

"Gentlemen, there is no need to be discouraged. Now that I have spoken, I have a plan to deal with it," Ying Zheng said with a loud laugh.

Amid the curious gazes of the crowd, he continued, "I have a secret method that can connect you fellow Daoists and transfer the power of heavenly punishment within you to my body."

The Ghostly Venerable was surprised: "With everyone's divine punishment amplified, its power will more than double! Are you really confident, Fellow Daoist? Moreover, what benefit will this bring you?"

Ying Zheng smiled modestly: "When I was fighting against the heavenly punishment, I discovered that this method could help me comprehend the great Dao of the heavens, so I made this mutually beneficial request."

Everyone was stunned. The excruciating pain brought by the divine punishment had almost shattered their will, yet Ying Zheng was able to gain enlightenment through it? This boy was simply unbelievable!
The Ghostly Venerable sighed, "Since it benefits you, fellow Daoist, and is a relief for us, I really can't find a reason to refuse."

The other powerful figures echoed his sentiments. Only Venerable Xuantian's eyes were filled with resentment, his heart roaring: "How can the gap be so vast? If he can do it, so can I!"

"No need for you to trouble yourself, fellow Daoist. I intend to break through this tribulation on my own!" Venerable Xuantian coldly refused, then opened up a new realm and went into seclusion.

As the crowd watched his departing figure, their eyes flashed with a complex mix of mockery and contempt.

Then, the powerful figures gathered around Ying Zheng and said urgently, "Please, fellow Daoist, cast your spell. This torment of heavenly punishment is truly unbearable!"

"I shall begin." Ying Zheng's hand gestures changed, and his power spread like a tide towards the powerful beings and the Ghostly Venerable.

Once the connection was established, Ying Zheng's life form began to transform according to the connected entity, splitting into more than ten independent entities that did not interfere with each other. Under the guidance of the crowd, the immense power of heavenly punishment surged into Ying Zheng's body.

"laugh--!"

In the instant the terrifying divine punishment converged, Ying Zheng's flesh and blood vanished, leaving only a golden and jade skeleton. Everyone who witnessed this was horrified.

"Such power could probably annihilate us instantly!"

"Indeed... only Venerable Hongmeng can withstand this calamity!"

At this moment, half of Ying Zheng's mind was resisting the vast heavenly punishment, while the other half was immersed in the mysteries of the Great Dao of the Heavens. The myriad powers of the Dao converged here, forming a unique domain, allowing all the great beings to feel the extraordinary Dao aura emanating from Ying Zheng's body.

Witnessing this scene, the Ghostly Venerable's eyes were filled with disbelief: "This is simply incredible... Perhaps this is the true miracle. Compared to him, we are all mediocre!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present became subtle. Each of them, having reached the realm of Great Power, was considered a miracle of heaven and earth. Otherwise, how could only a few hundred Great Powers have been born among the countless beings of the Canglan Universe?
The atmosphere in the room froze for a moment. Everyone watched in silence as Ying Zheng transformed between flesh and blood and skeletal form, exchanging bewildered glances.

Just as Ying Zheng was working hard to wear down the power of the Heavenly Punishment and comprehend the Great Dao authority held by the various powerful beings, the various forces within the Canglan Universe had been completely integrated by the Time Spirit.

Inside the Temple of Time, dozens of ninth-tier cosmic-level powerhouses stood solemnly. Besides the Time Spirit, the Crimson Flame Ancestor and the Mechanical God sat to the left and right respectively. All the powerful figures were focused, awaiting the Time Spirit's announcement of the action plan.

"The time has come. Once we conquer the Hongmeng Universe, we can unify the Canglan Star Region. Launch a full-scale attack and crush Hongmeng!" Shi Ling's eyes burned as he gazed into the void, his voice resounding throughout the universe.

The entire Temple of Time instantly vanished into the torrent of time, heading straight for the primordial universe. The Time Spirit scanned the group, analyzing the enemy situation in detail:

"The lower-level combat power of Hongmeng is not a concern. The only one we need to pay attention to is Ying Zheng. Although this fiend is a Venerable-level being, he possesses a strange trump card. However, I will deal with him personally. Your targets are Venerable Xuantian and Venerable Youhun, among others!"

Crimson Fire Ancestor stared at the Dao ripples flowing around Xuan Tian and You Hun in the projection, and said in a deep voice, "These two are both troublesome characters. Although they are not well-known, their strength should not be underestimated."

A torrent of data flashed in the eyes of the Mechanical God, and when it locked onto the figure of the Ghostly Venerable, it revealed greed: "An opponent who specializes in the Great Dao of the Soul is just what I want. Perhaps devouring his Dao Fruit can help me glimpse an opportunity for advancement."

After the Mechanical God selected its target, the Crimson Fire Ancestor sighed helplessly, "Since that's the case, I will leave the task of dealing with Venerable Xuantian to myself."

The newly promoted powerful being, the Radiant Divine Lord, quickly pointed to a powerful being with a slightly weaker aura: "My cultivation is shallow, and I can only barely restrain this person."

Seeing his fawning attitude, the Dark Spirit Lord scoffed disdainfully, "I will deal with the Azure Lord."

After the powerful figures successively claimed their opponents, Shi Ling nodded in satisfaction. Having hailed from the Canglan Universe, he had already thoroughly investigated the strengths and weaknesses of all parties. This arrangement wasn't aimed at a swift victory; he only needed to buy time for him to deal with Ying Zheng. The rest were no longer a concern. (End of Chapter)