Sweeping across the heavens, starting with the first emperor of the ancient times.

Just as Jiang Hao's imperial aura naturally spread out.

In the depths of the universe, from the formless and intangible yet omnipresent myriad paths, a clear and incomparably joyful fluctuation suddenly emanated.

A hazy, pale golden light, seemingly woven from countless Dao runes, appeared out of thin air in front of Jiang Hao.

It has no fixed form; sometimes it resembles a dragon, sometimes a phoenix, and most of the time it looks like a warm ray of light.

At this moment, it exuded a sense of closeness, dependence, and even a touch of grievance.

It was that heart imprint from that day!

Generally speaking, the Heavenly Heart Mark is merely an aggregate of the Great Dao's rules and a symbol of authority; it is cold and ruthless, and whoever merges with it temporarily belongs to that person.

Once the enlightened one perishes or voluntarily detaches, it returns to the world, awaiting the next enlightened one.

They would never develop any special feelings for any particular emperor.

But Jiang Hao is an exception.

After attaining enlightenment, Jiang Hao did not become complacent. Instead, he used unparalleled methods to forcibly restore the chaotic myriad paths of heaven and earth that had been disordered for 180,000 years, thus promoting the revival of the universe and ushering in a great era.

This is equivalent to performing a major operation and providing a great boost to the entire universe, benefiting the origin of the universe and making the Great Dao more stable and full of potential.

As the Heavenly Heart Imprint most closely connected to the Great Dao of the Universe, it naturally received unprecedented nourishment.

In its simple and pure understanding, Jiang Hao is not only its partner, but also its "benefactor" who makes it better and stronger.

When Jiang Hao transformed and lived a second life last time, he took the initiative to detach it. It was like a child who was suddenly abandoned by the person it depended on most, feeling fear and anxiety, and instinctively causing the Great Dao to cry out in sorrow.

Now that it can finally clearly feel Jiang Hao's even more powerful aura again, how could it not be excited?

A pale golden ball of light swirled merrily around Jiang Hao, conveying an unmistakably clear message: Come back, come back quickly, merge with me again.

Jiang Hao was slightly taken aback when he looked at the "Spirit of the Great Dao" that was full of affection in front of him, and then he chuckled.

He stretched out his finger and gently touched the ball of light.

The ball of light immediately snuggled up to him, rubbing against his fingers, its affection growing even stronger.

"You..." Jiang Hao shook his head, his tone gentle yet firm, "I have already embarked on my own path and cannot turn back to merge with you. You have your responsibilities and should wait for the next strong person who can carry you and witness a new legend."

The light from the Heavenly Heart Mark dimmed slightly, conveying a sense of disappointment, confusion, and sadness.

It didn't understand why Jiang Hao didn't want it anymore.

They were doing just fine together.

Jiang Hao could sense its sadness and patiently comforted it, "Don't worry, I haven't left. I'm still here in this world, watching over it. Fulfilling your duties well is the best way to repay me and this world. If there is a calamity that threatens the world in the future, I will take action."

The light cluster of the Heavenly Heart Mark trembled slightly, as if it understood and stopped insisting, but it still lingered around Jiang Hao with reluctance, slowly fading away and finally disappearing back into the myriad paths.

After calming down the "sycophantic" Tianxin Imprint, Jiang Hao turned his gaze to those specific coordinates in the universe, the forbidden zones of life.

It's time to visit these old neighbors; after all, it's been a long time since we last saw each other, and we should catch up. Besides, the Nine Cauldrons Project still needs a lot of top-tier materials.

When Jiang Hao's undisguised and majestic imperial might descended upon the Big Dipper Starfield and directly enveloped several forbidden zones, the entire universe was once again drawn to his presence.

"The Chaos Emperor has gone to the forbidden zone!"

"What is he planning? Has he been dormant for so many years, only to emerge and pacify the forbidden zone?"

"It's possible. Given the Chaos Emperor's personality and power, he might very well be capable of doing something so earth-shattering!"

"Look! Those restricted areas... they seem to be trembling!"

Throughout the starry sky, countless divine thoughts intertwined, discussions abounded, and the atmosphere was filled with tension and anticipation.

Many people held their breath, awaiting the possible epic battle.

Inside the restricted area, the atmosphere was extremely tense.

Deep within each forbidden zone, the hearts of the ancient supreme beings were in their throats.

Their worst fears seemed to be coming true—was this jinx really going to settle scores with them?

Chaotic energy surged above Lake of Reincarnation, and an aged and cautious divine thought emanated, its attitude extremely humble:

"We wonder what brings Your Majesty here? If you have any orders, we will...do our utmost to comply."

The other restricted areas remained silent and tense, awaiting Jiang Hao's response.

Jiang Hao stood in the void, his robes fluttering. He smiled upon hearing this, his voice calm yet clear, reaching deep into every forbidden zone:

"Gentlemen, there is no need to be nervous. I have not come here to provoke a fight. I, Jiang Hao, have always been a reasonable person."

Upon hearing this, the Supremes of the Forbidden Zones not only did not relax, but became even more vigilant. Reason with them?

Last time you tried to reason with us, you took away so many of our treasures!

"However," Jiang Hao changed the subject, his tone still calm, "I recently intend to forge several powerful artifacts to regulate the universe and stabilize the heavens. This is a move that will benefit all living beings and bring blessings to future generations, and it concerns the stability and development of the entire universe."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the silent forbidden zone below: "This world belongs to everyone. Such a matter, which benefits future generations, surely you, as seniors, have also been nourished by this world and bear its karma. You must also be willing to contribute your share and fulfill your responsibilities, right?"

Upon hearing this, countless ancient faces deep within the forbidden zone instantly contorted in pain.

To contribute? To fulfill one's responsibility?

fart!

We'd love for the world to be in chaos!

Chaos makes it easier for us to absorb the essence of life!

You're using a cauldron to stabilize the heavens and earth, clearly cutting off our escape route. And we're expected to provide materials to help you? That's utterly unreasonable!

They were already cursing him to the core, wishing they could immediately and fight this shameless scoundrel to the death.

But thinking about the opponent's unfathomable strength, the intimidating return of Lingbao Tianzun, and the insidious "faking death to fish" he had done before... all the impulses were forcibly suppressed.

After a moment of silence, the aged voice rang out again, carrying a resigned and frustrated tone:

"Your Majesty... what you say is very true. It is indeed our duty to stabilize the world. May I ask what Your Majesty needs? We will do our best to prepare it."

Similar responses came from other restricted areas, and although each one sounded more distressed than the last, they ultimately gave in.

Jiang Hao showed a satisfied expression and nodded in praise: "Not bad, you all are indeed very insightful and have a high level of awareness. Since that's the case, I won't stand on ceremony. Refining heavy weapons requires a massive amount of immortal gold and divine materials."

Various immortal metals, top-grade divine materials, and some rare and precious natural treasures containing special Daoist charms—you all have inherited countless lineages and must possess considerable wealth. Please bring out a little from each of these sources. Not too much, just enough for me to refine three to five more cauldrons.”

Refining three to five cauldrons? That's what you call not needing too many?

The supreme rulers of the restricted area felt their hearts bleed upon hearing this.

How precious are those divine materials and immortal gold? Many of them were obtained by those who fought in the starry sky and explored ancient sites, risking their lives in the process.

But circumstances dictate that we have no choice but to give it to them.