A Top Lord Taking a Disciple? A No-Expense-Spared Sprint

Five million?

Lin Yi's consciousness almost froze for a moment.

He guessed there would be many.

Judging from Ming Luo's hesitant and suspenseful demeanor, he must have received a considerable amount of clan honors.

He even mentally estimated a rather bold figure: perhaps half a million, or even a million?

That was an enormous sum of money, far beyond his imagination, enough for him to build up the Law of Death to a very high level, and even have a considerable surplus for other purposes.

But to his utter surprise, the number jumped directly to five million.

Five million clan honors!

Even with his two lifetimes of experience, Lin Yi was still deeply moved, his soul stirred by a wave of emotion that was hard to quell.

This is beyond what can be described as a "huge sum of money"; it's practically a majestic sacred mountain composed entirely of resources!

All his previous achievements—military exploits, rank Points, and even clan honors awarded by his clan—pale in comparison to this number.

The 100,000 clan merits bestowed upon Ming Luo had already greatly pleased this veteran deity.

And me? I'm fifty times stronger than them!

Ming Luo seemed quite pleased with Lin Yi's brief moment of distraction, a mischievous smile on her face as she waited for him to process the information.

"This is incredible." Lin Yi took a deep breath, looked at Ming Luo, and said with a hint of disbelief, "Brother Ming Luo, it's not that I'm being pretentious about this clan honor, but how come so many have been awarded?"

He knew the community valued him, but the extent to which they valued him exceeded his expectations.

Upon hearing this, Ming Luo's smile deepened, clearly having anticipated Lin Yi's reaction.

He chuckled and lowered his voice, saying, "I actually know a little about that. As far as I know, the clan subsidies for this Secret Realm One are clearly tiered."

As she spoke, Ming Luo held up her fingers, listing them off as if they were precious treasures. "Ordinary gods generally receive between 50,000 and 200,000 clan merits, so I got 100,000, which is pretty good. Powerful gods, on the other hand, receive between 200,000 and 500,000. High-level gods receive between 500,000 and 2 million."

He paused for a moment, then slowly uttered the last sentence. "As for the higher-level gods, it's two to five million! Brother Lin Yi, the clan's share you're given is based on the highest standard for higher-level gods."

The highest standard for superior deities!

Lin Yi's heart skipped a beat.

High-ranking deities are often only one step away from becoming supreme beings. The clan directly categorizes them into this tier, and even includes the highest amount of five million. The implications of this are self-evident.

"The highest standard for high-ranking deities," Lin Yi repeated softly, his tone complex. "I see."

Ming Luo waved his hand, his face showing even more envy, but not jealousy. Instead, it was filled with a sense of pride and excitement. "Clan honors aren't the most important thing! Brother Lin Yi, do you know what those five million clan honors represent?"

"Oh?" Lin Yi composed himself and looked at Ming Luo. "What other tricks are there in this?"

"Of course!" Ming Luo's tone became solemn. "This represents—recognition! Honor! My friend, the twenty members of the Secret Realm One Affairs Review Committee are all powerful figures among our Human Race's sovereigns, the very elite group below the rulers. Each of them is a great figure who has experienced countless Epoch of battles, whose mere stomp can shake the entire Human Race's territory!"

"A proposal like yours, which received the highest possible subsidy through exceptional means, won't be easy to get passed by the committee."

"But it was ultimately approved. What does that mean? It means you've gained the approval of at least the majority of the committee members among these twenty top-tier Venerables! More than ten top-tier Venerables! They all agree that you deserve this much!"

Ming Luo said, getting a little excited himself, "Speaking of which, Brother Lin Yi, you were only trapped in the Myriad Secret Realm for five thousand years right after winning the championship. Otherwise, based on your performance in the Pan-Spirit Alliance Genius Battle, I dare say that you would most likely have been sought after as a disciple by one, or even several, top Venerables as soon as you returned to Origin Star."

"A top-tier venerable master accepts a disciple?"

Lin Yi raised an eyebrow slightly.

Becoming a disciple of Xuchen was the starting point of his cultivation journey, and his sect was his solid support. So even though his master Xuchen went into seclusion after accepting him as a disciple, his third senior sister taught him wholeheartedly.

Therefore, even though it's not uncommon for powerful beings to rise up in the universe and seek apprenticeship multiple times, he hadn't thought about it in that way.

"That's right." Seeing Lin Yi deep in thought, Ming Luo assumed he was unfamiliar with this matter and continued, "It's normal for a powerful person to have to take on several masters before rising to prominence. Of course, it doesn't necessarily have to be a formal apprenticeship. Take your eldest brother, Prison Suppressor, for example. After he became a god, he received more guidance from Lord Abyss Prison. As for your third sister, Thousand Illusions, it goes without saying that Xuan Yan is her father, so he would definitely teach her everything he knows."

Upon hearing this, Lin Yi chuckled inwardly: Judging from the father-daughter relationship between Senior Sister Thousand Illusions and Xuan Yan, it's hard to say whether she will listen to Xuan Yan's teachings.

But Ming Luo's point is correct. In the process of growing up, this kind of informal but extremely important inheritance and guidance is everywhere, just like he himself had received cultivation insights from the Xuan Yan.

After citing two examples from Lin Yi's surroundings, Ming Luo continued, "After you escaped from the Myriad Secret Realm, it was during a great war, so the Venerable Lords naturally didn't have the mind or time to consider taking on disciples or passing on their skills. Now that the war has ceased and the situation has temporarily eased, those Venerable Lords must have already noticed you."

"Then what?" Lin Yi, somewhat puzzled.

Now that they've noticed, given the status and character of the esteemed lords, if they wish, they could simply send a message or summon them directly.

"Wait!" Ming Luo chuckled. "They're all waiting!"

"Wait?"

"Of course, we'll wait for your master's breakthrough in the Origin Law."

Ming Luo explained, "Think about it, if an ordinary Venerable Lord were to extend an olive branch to you now, inviting you to follow him in cultivation, what if His Majesty Xuchen successfully breaks through to the Origin Law soon after? The Illusion Origin Law is ever-changing, and in terms of its suitability for teaching disciples, it far surpasses other Origin Law. Wouldn't the Venerable Lord who invited you be embarrassed then?"

"Those truly top-tier Venerables, with their lofty status and strong sense of self-respect, would prefer to wait for the results and let you choose for yourself. This would appear magnanimous and avoid giving others cause for criticism. In any case, while challenging the Origin Law is extremely dangerous, it doesn't take too long, so what's wrong with waiting?"

Lin Yi nodded slowly, realizing there was such a consideration involved.

Among the universe's top powerhouses, besides strength, face, rules, and unspoken understanding are equally important.

Then his mind raced, and he caught a word in Ming Luo's words. "Not very long? Brother Ming Luo, this isn't very long, how long is it usually?"

Ming Luo stroked his chin, pondering, "Well, according to previous records, it would take about one Epoch at the fastest, and at most two or three Epoch at the slowest."

Two or three Epoch.

Lin Yi paused for a moment.

For Eternal Divinity with infinite lifespans, especially beings at the level of Sovereigns, two or three Epoch are indeed just a short period of time that can be described as "wait and see." A single deep seclusion, an exploration of a secret realm, or a deduction of a secret technique could take up more than that amount of time.

But for him, from the time of his rebirth until now, he has not even lived for 0.1 Epoch.

The phrase "soon" has a rather long timeframe.

"Indeed, not too long." Then he sincerely said, "Brother Ming Luo, your insight is truly admirable."

These were Lin Yi's honest thoughts. Although Ming Luo's strength was average, his knowledge was indeed extensive. Compared to him, Lin Yi was like a nouveau riche, lacking in both background and vision.

"Hmph!" Ming Luo laughed, "What's this? As long as you live long enough, you'll naturally know everything. Alright, Brother Lin Yi, I won't take up any more of your time. If I suddenly received such a large amount of clan merit, I'd be anxiously thinking about how to convert it into strength."

With that, Ming Luo stood up and said, "I'll take my leave now. Oh, by the way, according to the latest notice issued by the clan, all those who have obtained the qualification to enter the Secret Realm One must arrive at the designated assembly point outside the Secret Realm after thirty standard years. You don't need to go back to the Purple Gold Star Union. There is a unified departure arrangement here on Origin Star, which should be after twenty-eight standard years. I have already registered and reported it for you. Just remember to pay attention to the specific notices later."

"Thank you for your trouble, Brother Ming Luo." Lin Yi also stood up and sincerely thanked him.

"Don't mention it! I'm leaving!" Ming Luo waved casually, and her virtual figure quickly faded and disappeared into the reception room.

The cultivation room at the Origin Star Manor.

Lin Yi opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing within them.

"Xuanji."

A phantom figure in palace attire instantly appeared, bowing slightly. "Master."

A slight smile curved Lin Yi's lips.

Previously, he would have had to carefully calculate and weigh which resources needed to be discarded due to diminishing effects, which treasures were more cost-effective, and which cultivation ground was more worthwhile. But now?

With these five million clan merits as a foundation, he no longer needed to worry about these things.

His only concern was how to maximize his Death Law before entering the Secret Realm One!

He had originally considered whether to visit the cultivation sites mentioned by his senior brothers and sisters, since the efficiency of the Myriad Manifestations Platform wasn't particularly high, but it was stable.

However, the departure time for the Secret Realm One has now been set for 28 standard years later, which is not a very long time.

However, traveling to those secret cultivation sites inevitably involves considerable time and travel time.

Therefore, Lin Yi decisively said, "Xuanji, reserve the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform for me." Lin Yi was resolute.

The Myriad Return-to-Source Platform was where he previously cultivated the Space Law.

Its core function is to temporarily create and simulate the most suitable environment for the current understanding of the law according to the user's needs. Although the specific amplification effect on a single law is not as good as the extreme environment of "Rebirth Corridor", its value lies in its stability and controllability, and it can be used directly on the Origin Star without having to travel.

Previously, one might have considered whether the amplification effect of the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform on the Law of Death was strong enough, but now?

Does Lin Yi really need that little bit of effect?

What he lacks is time! He lacks efficiency!

He planned to use a treasure based on the Law of Death, which was compatible with the environmental characteristics of the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform, to make up for the gap in environmental growth and use resources to achieve efficiency.

"Xuanji, select all treasures from the resource library and clan merit treasury that are suitable for gaining insights into the Law of Death during the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform. These treasures must not conflict with existing treasures and must complement and enhance their effects. Price is not a limit!"

"In addition, import the data of my existing treasures and calculate their theoretical effect decay curves under the death environment of the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform. Then, according to the principle of replacing them when the effect decays to 50%, give me a list of the quantities that need to be replenished. Note that ' Turbid Spring Core Essence ' and ' Extinction Crystal Core ' were gifts from my sect, and there may not be exactly the same ones in the clan's merit treasury. Find the treasures with the most similar effects."

"Yes, Master!"

Upon hearing Xuanji, Xuanji's illusory palace attire seemed to brighten slightly. Lin Yi's instruction meant that she could consider the top-tier treasures in the treasury that she could only admire from afar.

In less than a minute, several light screens unfolded simultaneously, displaying a dense array of treasure information, each exuding a chilling aura of death.

Underworld Source Eye (One Drop): Collected from a gigantic secret realm on the verge of destruction, formed from a wisp of the essence of death. It can trigger a fundamental resonance between the soul and the laws of death, increasing the speed of comprehension by up to 8-10 times. The duration depends on the absorption speed, usually 3-5 standard years. Exchange requires: 220,000 Clan Merit Points/drop. (Limited quantity, 3 drops in stock)

The Myriad Ages Burial Stele (One-time projection comprehension opportunity): Projects the laws of the "Myriad Ages Burial Stele Ancient Domain of Myriad Burials," into the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform. The comprehension participant can directly observe the evolutionary process of the laws of death naturally inscribed on the monument. The comprehension boost is approximately 6-8 times, and the duration is fixed at 1 standard year. Exchange requires: 180,000 Clan Merit Points/time. (Advance reservation required to activate the projection)

The Blooming of the Extinction Demon Flower (One-time Experience): A "Extinction Demon Flower" sealed within a crystal core undergoes a complete cycle of laws, from its gestation to its ultimate bloom, culminating in the instantaneous annihilation of the entire star field's life force. The experiencer will personally feel the ultimate death that strips away all life. The amplification is uncertain; it may be extremely high or cause intense discomfort. Exchange requires: 150,000 Clan Merit Points.

Death Whisper (A Wisp): A lawful whisper passed down from an ancient whisperer of the Nether Race, it directly affects the soul, elucidating the essence of death. It must be listened to in an absolutely silent, deathly environment and slowly analyzed. It can steadily enhance understanding of various true meanings of death, increasing by approximately 4-5 times and lasting for 10 standard years. Exchange requires 120,000 Clan Merit Points.

[List of Existing Treasures to be Supplemented]:

Nether Soul Crystal: The current effect is estimated to decrease to 65% of that of a new crystal. It is recommended to exchange for 1 more.

Eternal Sleep Breath: Effect reduced to 55%. It is recommended to exchange for 1 more.

Turbid Spring Core Essence (alternative): Its effects are similar to the treasure "Nine Nether Cold Marrow," produced from the depths of the Nine Nether Cold Spring, containing pure deathly chill and the power to cleanse the soul, with effects approximately 90% of the Marrow. Exchange requires: 55,000 Clan Merit Points.

Extinction Crystal Core (alternative): Its effects are similar to the treasure "Return-to-Void Crystal Fragment", a product originating from a small universe's Return to Nothingness Moment.

Looking at the dazzling array of top-tier death law treasures listed by Xuanji, each with a price more frightening than the last, Lin Yi's heart remained calm and undisturbed.

The confidence derived from five million clan merits allowed him to examine these priceless treasures in the eyes of ordinary people from an almost overlooking perspective.

"Xuanji, one drop of the Underworld Source Eye, one opportunity to comprehend the projection of the Myriad Ages Burial Stele, one experience of the blooming of the Extinction Demon Flower, one whisper of the dead, one piece of the Nine Nether Cold Marrow Jade Heart, one Return-to-Void Crystal Fragment. In addition, you can exchange for three different styles of God-level insights into the Laws of Death."

"Yes, Master!" Xuanji's voice seemed to rise slightly because of this huge order.

Ten days later.

Outside Lin Yi's private manor on Origin Star.

A specially made metal box, personally escorted by a high-level deity, with an unadorned exterior but engraved with numerous spatial stability and law-sealing runes inside, was handed over to Lin Yi.

"Lord Lin Yi, all the treasures you have redeemed are here. Please verify them."

The escorting deity clearly knew the treasures in the box were extremely valuable, as even their voices sounded exceptionally solemn.

Lin Yi calmly accepted the metal box. He swept his Soul Power over it, and the layers of seals inside the box automatically dissipated, revealing the treasures that had been carefully sealed inside.

Most striking is a fist-sized transparent crystal sphere containing a single drop of murky liquid. Just staring at it through the sphere feels like being dragged into the ultimate abyss of nothingness.

Beside it was a jet-black jade slip branded with intricate inscriptions, and a strange, illusory flower, seemingly existing in Eternal Instant between blooming and annihilation, sealed within a crystal of laws.

In addition, there are other treasures, each of which is extremely valuable.

Lin Yi checked everything carefully and, finding nothing amiss, signed to confirm receipt.

With the resources in hand, everything is ready.

Without a moment's delay, Lin Yi went directly to the Hall of Myriad Laws Return to Source and stepped into that familiar silver void cultivation room once again— the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform.

"Setting environmental parameters: Understanding the environment through the ultimate law of death."

Lin Yi sat cross-legged in the center of the void and gave instructions in a deep voice.

"Environment generation complete during parameter settings."

Buzz.

The entire silver void instantly dimmed, and a thick, gray-black mist appeared out of nowhere. Within the mist, countless stars were dying and life was withering away. A sense of sorrow and absolute silence, that all things will eventually come to an end and all glory will eventually return to dust, filled every inch of space.

This place is no longer a neutral training ground, but has been temporarily transformed into a manifestation of the laws of death.

Lin Yi took a deep breath, and first took out the jade slip that projected the Myriad Ages Burial Stele, then crushed it without hesitation.

In an instant, a gigantic phantom stone monument, composed of countless tombstones from different worlds, slowly coalesced in the void.

The monument is naturally engraved with countless mysterious patterns. These patterns are not static, but slowly flowing, depicting the complete cycle of the law of death, from its silent emergence to its final arrival, to the return of all things to nothingness, and even a faint trace of "rebirth".

"Let's begin."

Lin Yi's thoughts sank into the deepest part of his soul, into that vast Purple Mist Space.

"Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, ignite!"

Boom!

At the same time, he activated the power of the Underworld Source Eye, slightly opening the stopper of the bottle containing the whispers of the dead, and placed the Turbid Spring Core Essence in front of him, while beginning to absorb the pure aura of death emanating from it.

Driven by the frenzied burning of Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, his understanding of the laws of death increased at an astonishing rate.

Deep within the soul, the dark mark representing the law of death began to become increasingly complex and profound at a visible speed.

Inside the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform, time quietly slips away amidst deep contemplation.

One year, two years, three years.

When the year-long comprehension period of the Myriad Ages Burial Stele projection came to an end, Lin Yi's understanding of the Law of Death had soared to 61%.

Without pausing, he immediately activated the second round of treasure combinations.

The blooming of the Extinction Demon Flower was triggered.

In that instant, Lin Yi's consciousness seemed to be forcibly detached and thrown into the interior of a strange demonic flower growing in the void of the universe.

He personally experienced how this demonic flower went from being conceived to absorbing the life force of all living beings in the entire star field and the light and heat of the stars, and finally blooming to its fullest extent, pushing itself and everything around it toward complete annihilation in that instant.

It is an ultimate annihilation that strips everything away, destroys everything, and returns all things to nothingness.

Violent, domineering, and ruthless.

If it weren't for the protection of his Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, this single experience would have been enough to damage his soul.

But high risk brings high reward.

In this immersive experience of annihilation, Lin Yi's understanding of annihilation reached a new level, which subtly echoed the sentiment of witnessing the end in slaughter that he had learned from his senior brother's experience in suppressing the Prison Suppressor, but was even more extreme.

After the experience, it took Lin Yi several months to fully digest the violent annihilation intent and integrate it into his own death law system.

The comprehension level jumped again, reaching 74%.

He then entered a period of steady and sustained deep cultivation.

During this stage, the pace of progress slows down relatively, but every step is taken with unwavering determination.

He constantly compared the multiple divine insights he had obtained, identifying gaps and filling in gaps, broadening his perspective, and avoiding going astray.

At the same time, he began to consciously compare and connect the laws of death with the already perfected Life Law, and to experience the profound meaning of "the cycle of life and death". Although he was still far from truly integrating them, the seeds had been sown.

Cultivation transcends the passage of time.

Inside the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform, a gray-black death mist slowly swirled, and Lin Yi's figure appeared and disappeared within it. His aura grew increasingly profound and obscure, and his body sometimes swirled with the desolate gray light of the withering of all things, and sometimes transformed into a black hole of nothingness that devoured everything.

Finally, in the fourteenth year of entering the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform).

Lin Yi had been sitting cross-legged for fourteen years, trembled slightly.

Deep within his soul, the imprint of the law of death, already incredibly complex and precise, suddenly erupted with an incomparably profound and dark light.

In the light, Wanling fell silent, stars returned to nothingness, and even a faint, almost imperceptible shadow of the cycle of rebirth lingered.

All the strange phenomena eventually converged inward, completely merging into the mark.

The mark became incredibly ancient and understated, yet it exuded a supreme meaning of controlling the end of all things.

The Law of Death, 100% Perfect!

Lin Yi slowly opened his eyes.

An indescribable aura of death naturally emanated from him. Although he deliberately concealed it, it still caused the simulated death environment of the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform to tremble slightly, as if expressing awe towards this newly appointed controller of the laws of death.

It's done.

Lin Yi muttered to himself, his tone carrying a hint of relief.

Although the Fourth Law became more difficult than he had anticipated in the later stages, he eventually succeeded.

After thirteen years of arduous cultivation, consuming numerous top-tier treasures, he finally perfected the Law of Death.

"However, simply mastering it completely is not enough."

Lin Yi's profound gaze swept across the gray, lifeless void, and he spoke, "Myriad Return-to-Source Platform, adjust the environment."

A calm, neutral voice echoed in the void, "Command received. User Lin Yi, please set up a new environment."

Lin Yi stated directly, "It simulates the cycle of life and death, from the flourishing of all things, full of vitality, to the restraint of vitality and the entry into silence, then to the withering of all things and the return to death, and finally, from the death, a glimmer of rebirth is conceived, and life sprouts anew. This cycle repeats itself, and the period is controllable. At the same time, the active foundation of the laws of spacetime is preserved to ensure the stability of the spacetime framework."

"Parameters are being received and parsed. Environment reconstruction has begun."

The intelligent control system of the Vientiane Platform remained stable, but the vibrations in the silver void were more intense than before.

The dark gray fog of death began to churn violently, but this time, the changes were no longer one-dimensional.

A glimmer of emerald light, like a spark ignited in the darkness, lit up at the other end of the void.

The light rapidly expanded and spread, transforming into boundless, vibrant life. Grass and trees grew wildly, and spiritual springs gushed forth, as if one were instantly immersed in an ocean of life.

Following this, the vitality reaches its peak, then begins to recede and settle, like the transition from midsummer to late autumn, with decay hidden beneath the prosperity.

Then, the emerald green faded, and grayness spread.

The once vibrant scene decayed, withered, and turned to ashes at a visible speed, ultimately returning to the chilling stillness of the world returning to its desolate state.

However, just when the deathly silence reached its peak, as if even time and space were about to be frozen and annihilated, a tiny, almost imperceptible green sprout tremblingly peeked out from that absolute "nothingness".

Though faint, it contained the meaning of "new life," breaking the eternal silence and starting a new cycle.

"Environment shaping complete." The intelligent control system of Vientiane Terrace announced.

Lin Yi nodded slightly.

At this moment, many treasures were still in the final stages of their effects, so he sat down cross-legged and focused all his energy on comprehending them!

Under the extreme mental stimulation brought about by the burning Spiritual Enlightenment Qi, his soul was like the most sophisticated supercomputer, processing a massive number of law variables.

He constantly adjusted the frequency of the fluctuations of the four laws and the "phase" of intervention, attempting to find the most harmonious resonance point for the cyclical power of life and death on the initial framework of spacetime fusion.

Time flew by as the in-depth analysis unfolded.

Myriad Return-to-Source Platform, where the cycle of life and death continues endlessly. Lin Yi's figure is as Rock at the center, yet his aura undergoes a wondrous transformation.

Before we knew it, more than half a year had passed.

On this day, within the Myriad Return-to-Source Platform, the scene of life and death cycling suddenly contracted inward, as if all rivers were flowing into the sea, all disappearing into Lin Yi's body. Finally, the environment stabilized in a relatively balanced state, where life and death coexisted harmoniously.

A more inclusive and evolutionary force flows within him.

Time, space, life, and death, accomplished!

Lin Yi slowly stood up, a satisfied smile curving his lips.

This seclusion not only achieved the predetermined goal of perfecting the Law of Death, but also, in one fell swoop, completed the fusion of the four laws, resulting in a qualitative leap in strength.

"It's time to go back."

There are still fourteen standard years left. If we make good use of them, our strength can improve considerably. We need to plan carefully.