All Is Silent

"According to ancient records, the first step in spacetime fusion is to make the two law imprints resonate, and then attempt to construct a spacetime foundation."

Lin Yi recalled the few words mentioned in the Space Law given to him by his senior brother Prison Suppressor, as well as the information he had gathered from other channels.

There are no shortcuts in this process; practitioners must use their own souls as a furnace and the two perfect laws as materials to carefully attempt this step.

Failure is the norm, and sometimes even a conflict of laws can cause damage to the soul.

But if successful, the rewards will be astonishing.

"I have the foundation for perfecting both laws, and more importantly..."

Lin Yi looked at the vast Purple Mist Space deep within his soul, a space that, though somewhat depleted, still held immense spiritual energy. "I still have enough Spiritual Enlightenment Qi."

Therefore, Lin Yi did not leave the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform.

Although the Space Law and environment here no longer directly amplify his abilities, their high stability and ability to effectively isolate him from external interference make it an ideal place to attempt fusion.

Lin Yi closed his eyes again, immersing his mind in the deepest part of his soul.

There, the silver-gray imprints of the laws of time and the silver-white Space Law floated silently, each radiating flawless fluctuations of their own laws. They were very close, yet seemed to be separated by an invisible barrier, clearly distinct from each other.

"Let's begin."

Lin Yi took a deep breath and controlled the two marks to slowly approach each other.

Buzz...

Just as the distance between the two shortened to a certain critical point, a sudden change occurred.

The Time Imprint shone brightly with silver light, emanating a law-like intent that sought to solidify everything, while the Space Imprint surged with silvery-white light, conveying a strong tendency to expand and fold.

The moment the two completely different laws came into contact, a fierce conflict arose, like the collision of water and fire.

Lin Yi's soul jolted violently, a tearing pain shooting through him. The two marks trembled violently, as if trying to break free from his control and fly away.

"Stay calm!"

Lin Yi gritted his teeth and persevered, unleashing his full Soul Power to forcibly bind the two marks to their fixed positions.

At the same time, his thoughts stirred the Purple Mist Space.

"Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, ignite!"

The Spiritual Enlightenment Qi itself does not possess the characteristic of reconciling conflicting laws, but it can greatly enhance Lin Yi's Thought Speed and control precision, allowing him to more accurately grasp the balance point and reduce the backlash from conflicts.

With the aid of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, the pain in the soul lessened slightly.

Lin Yi seized this brief opening and began to try to understand the essence of the conflict between the two laws.

"Time seems to freeze, space seems to move... No, it's not a simple opposition." He discarded appearances and delved into perception, "The laws of time pursue the continuity and certainty of states, while the Space Law pursue the diversity and possibility of positions. The root of their conflict lies in the struggle for the right to define the form of existence..."

As the Spiritual Enlightenment Qi burned brightly, the enlightenment in my heart gradually emerged.

Lin Yi stopped forcibly suppressing the conflict and began to guide it.

Using his own will as a bridge, he attempted to leave room for the changes in the Space Law within the solidification of the laws of time, and to integrate the fluid nature of the laws of time into the stability of the Space Law.

This is an extremely delicate and mentally taxing process, like carving a design on the tip of a needle or searching for a needle in boiling oil.

The slightest misstep could trigger an even more severe backlash.

But Lin Yi's will was as firm as iron, and his soul, supported by the Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, maintained extraordinary clarity and resilience.

One day, two days, three days...

Time slowly slipped away amidst the painful tug-of-war.

The light from the two marks no longer clashed fiercely, but began to flash alternately at a strange frequency, as if they were testing each other and adapting.

A month later, the flashing frequencies gradually converged.

Two months later, the law fluctuations emanating from the two marks began to subtly synchronize.

Three months later, the silver-gray and silver-white light showed signs of merging for the first time. Although it was only a wisp, it marked a breakthrough from zero!

Lin Yi was greatly encouraged and became even more focused on it.

The process of fusion is like the melting of ice and snow; it is slow and difficult at first, but once a gap is opened, the subsequent speed gradually increases.

Five months later, about a third of the light from the two marks had merged, forming a faint, strange luster that was a mixture of silver-gray and silver-white.

Six months later, the fusion rate exceeded half.

When the cultivation period reached a full ten months...

Buzz!!

Deep within the soul, a grand and solemn resonance resounded.

At this moment, the silver-gray mark of the law of time and the silver-white mark of the Space Law completely lost their boundaries, perfectly merging into one, transforming into an even more complex and profound mark!

This new mark is a light, chaotic color, with what appears to be a flowing river of silver stars inside, surrounded by the phantom image of the River of Time.

This step is of great significance.

From now on, every attack, every defense, and every movement of his will naturally carry the dual attributes of time and space, multiplying his power and making him infinitely versatile.

"It's done... spacetime fusion."

Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes, a fleeting, chaotic light flashing within them, and the surrounding space and time seemed to ripple slightly with his breath.

He raised his hand, palm up.

A thought subtly stirred within me.

A faint light appeared above the palm.

Then, the faint light expanded, transforming into a sphere the size of a fist.

Inside the sphere, the flow of time is completely different from that outside, and the spatial structure is layered, like a miniature independent spacetime.

This is a "Spacetime Bubble" that he created by hand using his initial understanding of the laws of spacetime.

Although it is still very fragile, has a very small range, and a short duration, it represents a qualitative leap.

"Call..

Lin Yi exhaled a long breath, dissipating the Spacetime Bubble in his palm.

After four years, the Space Law have been perfected.

After nearly a year of hard work, time and space began to merge.

Having completed the spacetime fusion, Lin Yi did not rush to leave.

The five-year usage right to the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform was earned with real gold and silver in battle merits, and now there are still nearly two months left. It would be a real pity to waste it.

"Perfect timing, time to cultivate Space-Time Rend and Veil of Delusion."

With a thought, Lin Yi recalled the contents of two divine-level secret techniques.

He did not use his Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, but relied solely on his understanding of the laws of space and time to begin his systematic comprehension.

Time slips away while you're focused.

Although it was only two months and he didn't use Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, his comprehension of the laws had improved significantly compared to before. In addition, the environment here was uniquely advantageous, so he also gained some insights. Although the Space-Time Rend and the Veil of Delusion did not directly connect to form the second level, the distance between them was not far. Furthermore, the techniques of the first level were executed more smoothly, and the energy consumption was reduced considerably.

Just as Lin Yi was preparing to continue his in-depth practice, a gentle notification sounded from within the silver void, "Dear Lord Lin Yi, your usage time for the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform is about to expire. Remaining: half a standard hour. Please prepare to leave."

"Is it time?" Lin Yi exhaled and slowly stood up.

Five years of seclusion yielded tremendous results.

His Space Law surged from 81.7% to perfection, achieving a fusion of space and time; his two divine-level secret techniques advanced further... This was enough for him to digest and utilize for a long time to come.

He took one last look at the silvery cultivation space, then turned and headed towards the exit.

The light membrane opened silently.

After leaving the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform, Lin Yi boarded the commuter Flying Shuttle that Xuanji had reserved in advance.

The commuter Flying Shuttle flew smoothly along the designated route within the Origin Star, with an eternally dazzling artificial Sky Curtain and orderly clusters of buildings visible outside the window.

Lin Yi sat in the cabin, closing his eyes as he sorted out the gains of the past five years.

"Owner."

Xuanji's phantom image in palace attire quietly appeared beside him, her voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible joy.

"Hmm?" Lin Yi opened his eyes.

"There are three things I need to report to you." Xuanji bowed slightly. "First, three months ago, the Spirit Race officially notified us through official channels that the Supreme Sacred Tree Secret Realm will officially open seven standard years later. At that time, the Spirit Race will send a special envoy to guide all cultivators who have obtained the qualification for the secret realm to the Sacred Tree Star."

Lin Yi's eyes narrowed. "So it's finally settled?"

"Yes, Master," Xuanji replied. "Furthermore, the notification specifically noted that your comprehension time is not the ten days previously awarded, but sixty days."

"Sixty days?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow slightly.

"Yes, sixty days," Xuanji confirmed. "The notification explains that this is a special reward for your outstanding performance in the Myriad Secret Realm, as well as an adjustment based on your understanding of the laws. It also mentions that after you arrive at Sacred Tree Star, you will need to prepare detailed requirements for the creation of the artifact embryo. After the secret realms conclude, the Spirit Race's Sacred Forge will arrange a time to discuss the customization with you."

Lin Yi nodded.

Sixty days, a full fifty days longer than the original ten days.

This means he can obtain more Sacred Source Fruit in the Sacred Tree Secret Realm and improve his Source Energy Realm further.

"Although I rejected the Radiance Lord's offer, it seems the Spirit Race didn't skimp on the rewards they were promised," Lin Yi thought to himself. "Or perhaps, this is the Spirit Race's higher-ups showing goodwill towards me, their First Heavenly Prodigy prodigy. But that's probably not it. At the Spirit Race's level, what does even a Radiant Lord amount to? It's most likely just the Spirit Race's arrogance."

But either way, it's a good thing.

"And the second thing?" Lin Yi asked.

"Secondly, you have recently received messages from many people informing you that they have also obtained the qualification to enter the Sacred Tree Secret Realm."

Xuanji spoke, she waved her hand, and a semi-transparent light screen unfolded inside the cabin, displaying a dense array of names and messages.

Lin Yi's gaze swept over them, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes. "So many people?"

The list on the screen was long, and he was familiar with all the names. Edith, Green Leaf, Hui Yao, Liu Yun, Kenkes, Valerie... almost the entire Star Source Society was on the list.

"Did they all qualify?" Lin Yi asked.

"Yes, Master," Xuanji replied, "All the prodigies who left the secret realm with you have obtained the qualification to study the Sacred Tree Secret Realm, and most of them will have three days to study."

"Three days..." Lin Yi mused.

Although this period of time is short, it is already a rare opportunity.

After all, in the past, this was a reward that only the top few in the Pan-Spirit Alliance Genius Battle could obtain. It seems that the Spirit Race has really gone all out this time.

"Where is Edith?" Lin Yi asked.

"Edith's comprehension period is fifteen days." Xuanji retrieved Edith's message, "In her message, she mentioned that this is related to her comprehension of the Time Law exceeding 70%."

"The 70% time rule..." Lin Yi nodded.

Edith's comprehension of the Law of Time exceeded 30% when she left the secret realm. She would definitely have plenty of resources and treasures after she came out, so it's normal that her comprehension has now exceeded 70%.

"Master, based on the available information and other news circulating on the Virtual Network, there seems to be a general standard for entering the Sacred Tree Secret Realm this time," Xuanji continued. "The Star Core level requires at least the sixth level of the Domain, the Star Vortex level requires at least 10% comprehension of a law, and the Star Domain level requires complete mastery of a law."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi quickly assessed the situation in his mind.

The sixth Star Core level realm has a very high threshold.

Looking at the entire Pan-Spirit Alliance, those who can reach the sixth Star Core level realm are at least in the top ten of the Genius Battle. However, considering that the Genius Battle was suspended after the outbreak of war, it is reasonable for the Spirit Race to directly select people based on their Rule Comprehension.

To reach the Star Vortex level, one needs to comprehend 10% of the laws. This threshold is actually much more difficult. Usually, only the top three geniuses of each generation can barely reach this threshold at the Star Vortex level.

It's precisely because the circumstances of these Star Source Society members are so unique that a large number of people meet the requirements.

However, the Spirit Race was quite magnanimous and did not raise the bar just because there were more people, since that would be too unfair to the geniuses from other generations.

As for the Star Domain level, it requires a complete mastery of a single law.

"That's quite a high requirement," Lin Yi pondered. "Although Star Domain level lifespan is ten Epoch, fully mastering a single law is extremely difficult. But thinking about it, it seems normal. If one only mastered a portion of the laws, the requirement would be too low; many geniuses could achieve that over ten Epoch."

To fully master a law, one at the Star Domain level is already considered half a god.

"It seems that this Sacred Tree Secret Realm has gathered true elites from all levels." Lin Yi understood.

Xuanji asked at the opportune moment, "Master, do we need to reply to these messages?"

"Reply in bulk," Lin Yi instructed. "Tell them I've received the notification that we'll meet at Sacred Tree Star seven standard years from now. Also, remind them to be prepared; the competition in the secret realm will be fierce."

"Yes." Xuanji replied, the illusory image of her palace attire fading away as she began to carry out the instructions.

The Flying Shuttle had now entered the Star Source District airspace, and the outline of the manor in the distance was faintly visible against the backdrop of the energy barrier.

Looking out the window, Lin Yi began to plan the next seven years.

"Seven standard years... not long, but not short either." He calculated silently. "The spacetime fusion has just been completed and needs time to consolidate. The <Space-Time Rend> and <Veil of Delusion> still require extensive practice to master. Furthermore, the requirements for the artifact embryo need careful planning."

These all take time.

Fortunately, seven years is enough time.

Seven standard years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The core of the Spirit Race's territory, the Sacred Tree Star.

This is a huge, life-bearing planet, entirely emerald green, with its surface covered by incredibly dense forests. Towering ancient trees, some reaching thousands or even tens of thousands of meters in height, can be seen everywhere in these forests.

At the very center of the planet, a colossal Sacred Tree stands reaching into the clouds, its trunk flowing with pale golden patterns of laws, its canopy covering a small portion of the planet.

The Sacred Tree Secret Realm is located in the Core Zone of this Sacred Tree.

At this moment, at the foot of the Sacred Tree, in a magnificent hall, geniuses from various races of the Pan-Spirit Alliance had gathered.

The interior space of the main hall utilizes spatial folding technology, making its actual usable area more than a hundred times larger than its exterior appearance.

The dome is a flowing illusion of starry sky, and the ground is smooth as a mirror of white jade. All around stand giant pillars carved with the Sacred Tree totem of the Spirit Race. Soft light shines down and shines on the smooth ground, reflecting the figures of the geniuses of various races.

The largest group, the Star Vortex level, occupied the most open area in the center, numbering over a thousand.

They gathered in small groups, forming little cliques, talking in hushed tones, occasionally bursting into suppressed laughter or gasps of surprise.

They were clearly quite familiar with each other. Two warriors from different races bumped fists and pounded each other's shoulders, while several others surrounded a cold-looking female Spirit Race, listening to her whisper something.

Whenever the light and shadow at the entrance flicker and a new face steps in, it always attracts a brief glance. Then, those who recognize an acquaintance will wave enthusiastically and pull the other person into their circle, with greetings rising and falling.

Those few Star Vortex level standing alone on the edge or in a corner appeared particularly isolated and silent in this dense and spontaneous social atmosphere, only able to pretend to be focused on admiring the reliefs on the walls of the hall, or repeatedly checking their personal equipment.

The dozen or so Star Domain level beings were scattered on both sides of the main hall, near the windows or pillars, each occupying a crystal round table.

They were surrounded by subtle fluctuations of laws, causing a delicate distortion in the surrounding space and naturally forming an invisible "domain" that isolated them from the noise of the outside world.

Some closed their eyes to rest, while others sipped the drinks provided by the Spirit Race. Zi Guang gazed quietly at the branches and leaves of the Sacred Tree outside the window, without exchanging any words with each other, as if they were in different dimensions of time and space.

They are the Incarnation of the law, beings who have touched the threshold of divinity; their silence itself represents majesty and distance.

And the Star Core level...

There were only a few of them, as if they had been unintentionally left behind in the most inconspicuous corner of the main hall, sitting together around a crystal table.

Jianhe was one of the few Star Core level prodigies.

He comes from the Human Race and has just turned four thousand years old this year. He was born into an ordinary Star Domain level family. Because he showed extraordinary talent in the war, he was taken in as a disciple by an Eternal Divinity and was greatly cultivated. Now he has reached the sixth Star Core level realm and is quite famous within the Human Race.

However, he was extremely lucky to obtain the qualification to study in the Sacred Tree Secret Realm for three days, because he had just broken through to the sixth level of the realm ten years ago, which barely met the standard.

Besides Jianhe, who came from the Human Race, there were two young girls from the Spirit Race, a young man from the Crystal Spirit Race, and a cultivator from the Holy Radiance Race.

The atmosphere here was far less lively than on the Star Vortex level; instead, it carried a sense of restraint born of shared misery.

Jianhe sat at the table, the cup in his hand containing "Heart-Clearing Dew," a specialty of the Spirit Race, a drink that could calm the mind and nourish the soul.

But he had absolutely no appetite for it at the moment.

Because the varying degrees of law fluctuations emanating from his Star Vortex level beings were like invisible tides, washing over his senses wave after wave.

Not to mention those Star Domain level beings in the distance; even a mere wisp of their aura, if accidentally leaked, would send shivers down his spine, like an ant looking up at a mountain.

"Don't be too nervous." The Spirit Race girl beside him seemed to notice his tension, her voice as gentle as the wind. "Being able to come here proves that we are qualified."

She looked like a human of fifteen or sixteen years old, but her aura was solid, already at the seventh level of the cultivation realm.

Jianhe forced a smile, took a sip of his drink, and felt the cool liquid slide down his throat, but it couldn't completely suppress the heavy weight in his heart.

"I know..." Jianhe smiled wryly, "It's just that the pressure is a bit much."

His gaze swept across the main hall.

On the Star Vortex level, he saw several familiar faces, all of whom were Human Race prodigies he had met on the Virtual Network, some of whom were even his idols.

But here, those prodigies are just ordinary members of the Star Vortex level group, and are not particularly noticeable.

Needless to say, those at the Star Domain level are figures he needs to look up to.

The young man from the Crystal Spirit Race leaned closer and whispered, "Do you think any important figures will be going in this time? Like Venerable One leading the group or something?"

"No, that won't happen." The Spirit Race girl shook her head, clearly more knowledgeable. "You might not know, but the energy limit at the entrance to the Sacred Tree Secret Realm is only below the Star Domain level; those stronger cannot enter. However..." She paused, a glint of surprise in her eyes, "I heard that this time there will be someone comparable to a great figure, like that one in the Myriad Secret Realm..."

She hadn't finished speaking.

In a small Star Vortex level circle near the entrance, someone's gaze inadvertently swept towards the outside of the hall, then their movements suddenly froze, and a voice rang out.

"They've arrived."

The sound wasn't loud.

But almost instantly, a strange silence spread rapidly like ripples from the center of that sound.

The closest small circle of Star Vortex level beings was the first to react. Their conversation abruptly stopped, and they silently rose, looking towards the entrance of the main hall.

Their actions inspired those around them, and a chain reaction began to occur.

One circle, two circles, three circles... The once noisy and bustling Central District quickly fell silent, replaced by the rustling of clothes and the soft sounds of people getting up.

More and more people stood up, their gazes drawn as if by a magnet, fixed on the two massive doors at the entrance of the hall, engraved with Sacred Tree totems and now faintly illuminated by the outside light.

Jianhe and the other few Star Core level beings were completely bewildered, but seeing everyone stand up, they didn't dare to remain seated and hurriedly and clumsily stood up as well.

Here, they dared not recklessly unleash their Soul Power to probe indiscriminately, as that would be a very impolite and provocative act.

Jianhe could only stare wide-eyed, just like everyone else, at the area that had suddenly become the focus of attention.

He noticed that even those Star Domain level who had always remained aloof were now reacting.

They gradually opened their eyes from their closed or contemplative state, their brows furrowed slightly, looking at the crowd that had suddenly stood up with a hint of surprise, and then following everyone's gaze toward the entrance.

Although they remained calm, with their surrounding laws fluctuating steadily—perhaps out of caution regarding the sudden change in the situation, or perhaps simply because they didn't want to appear out of place—they also slowly stood up.

It took no more than three to five breaths.

Everyone silently rose to their feet, and the magnificent hall, which had been filled with hushed conversations and the soft clinking of cups, suddenly fell into an absolute silence so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Thousands of gazes—intense, curious, scrutinizing, awe-inspiring—were focused on one point.

The air seemed to freeze, and even the nebula-like illusions flowing across the dome seemed to slow down.

The soft light inside the hall blends with the vibrant green light filtering through the Sacred Tree outside, creating a hazy, dreamlike space at the entrance.

Then.

Within that field of light, a figure walked in unhurriedly.