Hongmeng Stellar Art

Inside the cultivation room at Thunder Mountain Residence, spiritual energy was so dense that it had almost condensed into mist. Qin Yu and Black Feather sat cross-legged, each immersed in cultivation. Their auras flowed steadily as they consolidated their Golden Core Early Stage realms.

Qin Yu's eyes were half-closed, his mind sinking into his dantian as he guided the Nebula vortex to turn slowly. With every cycle, vast amounts of stellar power and spiritual energy from heaven and earth flowed into his body, tempering his physique and refining his Nebula True Qi. The wonders of Stellar Transformations became increasingly apparent as he cultivated. The Nebula vortex in his dantian grew more solid, and his purple True Qi grew purer, showing faint signs of advancing to the Nebula Mid Stage.

Nearby, Black Feather folded his wings, while the power of thunder and fire intertwined with wind-aspected spiritual energy around him. His spiritual sense was immersed in contemplating his own power. Since awakening his spiritual sense, he had gained ever-greater mastery over his innate divine abilities, and the fusion of his thunder-and-fire power with wind-aspected spiritual energy had become more natural. Now and then, a faint gleam of lightning and fire spilled from between his feathers, only to be quietly drawn back into his body. His aura steadily grew stronger.

The only sounds in the cultivation room were the faint stir of flowing spiritual energy and the operation of their cultivation arts. The room was tranquil and peaceful. On the other side, Yun Ce stood motionless, his gaze profound, his mind already immersed in System Space. All his attention was fixed on the supreme cultivation art he had just obtained: the Hongmeng Stellar Art.

Inside System Space, everything was hazy and chaotic, with countless starlight gleams intertwining and swirling. The faint traces of Hongmeng Dao rhythm flowed through them. An unadorned ancient tome floated in the void: the Hongmeng Stellar Art. The five characters on its cover radiated an immense aura that transcended all things in heaven and earth. It carried both the majestic rhythm of the stars in motion and the vast, primordial Dao rhythm of Hongmeng's dawn. It seemed to have been born at the beginning of the universe, bearing the profound principles of the Starry Path and Hongmeng's evolution.

Yun Ce's divine sense lightly touched the tome, and countless profound words and incantations instantly flooded his mind. It opened with four imposing lines, every word precious and piercing straight to the source of the Starry Path: "Stars fall, Hongmeng opens the path; Qi gathers in the Violet Palace, nurturing the true pearl. The stars of the heavens move at my will; with one proof, I step onto the immortal path of eternity."

Next came the art's visible general outline. Every word was profound, yet it plainly laid out the essentials of cultivation and its core principles and safety restrictions, while also concealing limits tied to the practitioner's realm: "This art reaches the heavens; even a mortal body may cultivate it. Take the power of the stars as your foundation and comprehend the Dao of the universe's evolution. When the world within your body is complete, Hongmeng will arise of its own accord, and you may ultimately attain the Great Dao of the Controller. Remember: Hongmeng Spiritual Energy symbolizes the authority of creation. It is not a resource for cultivation and must not be touched directly, or you will perish and your Dao will be destroyed! The first seven realms lay the foundation of the Dao. The mysteries of the realms beyond them are not yet yours to glimpse. Only by keeping your feet firmly on the ground can you reach the end."

When his divine sense probed further, Yun Ce sensed that the art contained two core mechanisms. They were not written out directly, but were woven into its source and bound to his cultivation—

The first was a protection mechanism. It could repel any outside attempt to spy on, steal, or alter the art. Whether someone probed with their divine soul, invaded with a heart demon, or tried to forcibly seize the art as a high-level cultivator, the art's source would automatically repel the intrusion. At best, the intruder's divine soul would be injured; at worst, their cultivation would suffer direct backlash. Only the practitioner could perceive and study the art's contents. Even if the practitioner died, the art would vanish along with their soul, never leaking to others.

The second was a stage-based unlocking mechanism. The art's sixteen realms were not all unlocked at once; specific conditions had to be met to gradually open them. Even if someone forced their divine sense into an unrevealed realm, they would see only a fog of chaotic stars and would not glimpse a thing.

The rules for unlocking each stage appeared clearly in Yun Ce's divine sense:

First unlock point: Upon reaching the Golden Core Stage, unlock the cultivation methods for the Houtian, Xiantian, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Void-Piercing, and Emptiness realms.

Second unlock point: Upon breaking through to the Tribulation Transcendence Stage, unlock the cultivation methods for the Tribulation Transcendence, Great Perfection, Heavenly Immortal, Golden Immortal, and Mystic Immortal realms.

Third unlock point: Upon ascending to the Divine Realm, unlock the cultivation methods for all subsequent realms.

As Yun Ce immersed himself in the profound words and mechanisms, the more he read, the more astonished he became; the more he understood, the more shaken he felt. The mysteries of the Hongmeng Stellar Art far surpassed any cultivation art he had encountered before. It was even many times more profound than Stellar Transformations, which Lei Wei had spent a thousand years creating. It was nothing short of heaven-defying! At its core, it imitated the principles of Hongmeng's evolution, taking stellar power as its foundation to reconstruct the universe's evolution within the body, gradually improving the quality of one's energy. Ultimately, it would bring the world within the body to completion, give rise to Hongmeng from within, and advance step by step toward the Great Dao of the Controller. It perfectly matched the cultivation laws of the universe's living beings.

The art's explanation of the essentials of cultivation for the first seven realms was especially incisive and distinctive, following the logic of the Starry Path and Hongmeng's evolution:

"The essence of cultivation begins with sensing the stars. The stars are the spiritual roots of heaven and earth, the foundation stones of the universe's evolution. Draw in Qi through the stars, temper the body with the stars, and follow the order of the celestial stars to lay the foundation of the universe within your body. This art teaches you to begin with the power of the stars and gradually build the path of Hongmeng's evolution within yourself. On the day the universe within you reaches Great Perfection, Hongmeng will arise of its own accord, and you will become Hongmeng."

As his divine sense delved deeper, Yun Ce gradually grasped the full scope of the first six unlocked realms of the Hongmeng Stellar Art. The later realms remained beyond his reach until he met their unlocking conditions; he could only glimpse their vague names, not their specific methods. The art had sixteen realms in total, each corresponding to a distinct level of power. From mortal cultivation to the peak of the Controller of Hongmeng, every step held secrets of stellar creation and Hongmeng's evolution. It fit the world of Stellar Transformations perfectly, yet far surpassed the cultivation system of the world as it existed now.

The details of the first four realms were clear and suited his current early-stage Void-Piercing Realm cultivation. They also far surpassed other arts of the same level, centering on stellar power throughout and adhering to the principle of "evolution":

First Realm: Sensing the Stars After Birth (Houtian Realm)

At night, gaze upon the sea of stars to cleanse mortal dust; a spark of light enters the Violet Palace.

Draw in stellar power to temper the body, open the dantian, and gather True Qi. With a solid foundation, one could perform basic stellar techniques and live for five hundred years.

Second Realm: Absorbing the Stars (Xiantian Realm)

Qi embraces the heavens, flowing through every aperture; one's natal star lights the way home.

True Qi turns to liquid and condenses into Stellar True Essence, enabling the practitioner to fly by controlling objects. They could begin to commune with their natal star and receive the enhancement of stellar power, making them far stronger than an ordinary Xiantian cultivator.

Third Realm: The Golden Core Nurtures a World (Golden Core Realm)

A single Golden Core swallowed into the belly; within a mustard seed, the boundless is contained.

Condense a stellar Golden Core, within which lay the nascent form of Mustard Seed Space—the beginning of the Inner Universe. One's battle power would match that of a Golden Core cultivator. They could briefly conceal themselves within Mustard Seed Space and refine a life-bound magic treasure.

Fourth Realm: The Nascent Soul Enacts the Dao (Nascent Soul Realm)

The innocent Nascent Soul sits within an inch; the spirit roams ten thousand miles in a thought.

The Nascent Soul merges with Mustard Seed Space, expanding it to a radius of ten li—the initial evolution of the Inner Universe. This corresponded to the Nascent Soul Stage. The practitioner would gain an initial grasp of spatial stasis, and their divine sense would cover a thousand li.

Since Yun Ce had already reached the early stage of the Void-Piercing Realm, he had met the prerequisite for the first unlock point—having passed the Golden Core Stage. At a thought, the contents of the Houtian, Xiantian, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Void-Piercing, and Emptiness realms unlocked instantly, appearing clearly in his mind. They all upheld the core principle of taking stellar power as the foundation and evolving the Inner Universe:

Fifth Realm: Void-Piercing Creation (Void-Piercing Realm)

See through the true nature of the void; in a field of a few inches, plant a lotus.

See through the essence of spatial fluctuations and use Stellar True Essence to drive the power of space. Within one's Mustard Seed Space—the nascent form of the Inner Universe—one could shape simple inanimate objects and advance the evolution of the Inner Universe. One's power would match that of a Void-Piercing cultivator. They could make short-distance spatial leaps and tear through the space of the Mortal Realm with a lift of the hand.

Sixth Realm: Emptiness Domain Technique (Emptiness Realm)

Refine the void into a realm and open a secret land; starlight illuminates a corner of the heavens.

Refine one's Mustard Seed Space into a "Starry Divine Domain," further evolving the Inner Universe. The domain would be founded on stellar laws, with Stellar True Essence filling every direction. It was equivalent to the Emptiness Realm, and the divine domain could cover an entire mortal planet.

As for the seventh realm and beyond, they remained locked because Yun Ce had not reached the second unlock point by breaking through to the Tribulation Transcendence Stage. He could only see realm names such as "Tribulation Transcendence Merges with the Dao," "Heavenly Immortal World-Mastery," and "Gods Open Heaven," without glimpsing their specific mysteries. Yun Ce now knew that the subsequent realms continued to use stellar power to drive the evolution of the Inner Universe until it became complete and gave rise to Hongmeng from within, ultimately attaining the Great Dao of the Controller. This was strikingly similar to the paths taken by Hongmeng Controllers such as Qin Yu and Linley. Even so, just the six unlocked realms were enough to set Yun Ce's heart racing. He had never imagined that such a heaven-defying cultivation art could exist, with a system so rigorous and so perfectly attuned to the laws of the universe. Even its current fifth realm, Void-Piercing Creation, surpassed the Void-Piercing cultivators of this world by far. With a mere lift of the hand, one could tear through the space of the Mortal Realm—and even create simple inanimate objects within the nascent form of the Inner Universe in one's body!

What reassured him even more was the art's protection mechanism. With that safeguard, no matter what dangers he faced in the future, no one else could covet or seize this supreme cultivation art, and he could cultivate in peace. The stage-based unlocking mechanism also forced him to keep his feet firmly on the ground and not rush ahead. He would steadily build the foundation of the Inner Universe with stellar power, gradually advance its evolution, and pave the way for Hongmeng to arise within him and for him to prove the Dao of the Controller.

Just as Yun Ce was immersed in the wonders of the Hongmeng Stellar Art, its two mechanisms, and its principles of evolution, a cold system notification rang in his mind once more: "Ding! The host has finished studying the core contents of the Hongmeng Stellar Art and understood the principle of 'stellar foundations, Hongmeng evolution.' The first unlock point has been met. The cultivation methods for the Houtian, Xiantian, Golden Core, Nascent Soul, Void-Piercing, and Emptiness realms are unlocked. Beginning cultivation art conversion for the host, adapting it to the current early-stage Void-Piercing Realm and reconstructing the energy system within the body with stellar power..."

As the system notification faded, an intensely concentrated flow of stellar power surged from System Space and followed Yun Ce's divine sense into his body. Nourished by this pure stellar power and the cultivation art conversion, the True Essence he had cultivated began to quietly transform, rapidly becoming the purer Stellar True Essence with greater potential for evolution. Inside his dantian, its original space also began to evolve step by step according to the principles of Hongmeng's evolution, becoming the nascent form of Mustard Seed Space—the beginning of the Inner Universe. Power far mightier than before quietly took shape within him, and his comprehension of space deepened.

"Hahaha... Excellent! What an art—the Hongmeng Stellar Art! What a principle—'stellar foundations, Hongmeng evolution'! And what protection!" Yun Ce could no longer suppress his delight. His mind returned to his body, which trembled involuntarily. His eyes shone with excitement and astonishment, and he could not hide the smile at the corners of his mouth.

He finally understood what made this art so heaven-defying. It guided him along the proper path, one aligned with the laws of the universe and the growth of a Controller of Hongmeng: take stellar power as the foundation, gradually evolve a universe within the body, and ultimately give rise to Hongmeng from within. This was the true Great Dao! He had already become one of the Hidden Dragon Continent's top experts after breaking through to the early stage of the Void-Piercing Realm. Now that he had the Hongmeng Stellar Art, he was on the verge of completing the cultivation art conversion, and he had unlocked the cultivation methods for the next three realms. His Stellar True Essence was growing purer, and the nascent Inner Universe was steadily evolving. His strength already far surpassed that of Void-Piercing cultivators of the same level. He could even crush ordinary late-stage Void-Piercing cultivators. This opportunity was nothing short of heaven-defying! More precious still, the art's built-in protection meant he need not worry about it leaking and could cultivate in peace.

Yun Ce's excitement and trembling soon caught Qin Yu and Black Feather's attention. They stopped cultivating at the same time, opened their eyes, and looked at him in confusion.

Seeing Yun Ce's excitement, Qin Yu was full of curiosity but did not presume to ask. Black Feather sent him a message through spiritual sense, sounding puzzled. "Master, what's wrong? Did something good happen?"

Only then did Yun Ce notice them looking at him and realize he had lost his composure. He quickly reined in his joy, gave an awkward smile, and suppressed the surging Stellar True Essence within him before speaking to Qin Yu. "Xiao Yu, Xiao Hei, I've just comprehended a new cultivation art. I need to enter seclusion immediately to digest it, stabilize my realm, and familiarize myself with its methods. For the time being, cultivate on your own and consolidate your strength. Don't slack off."

He did not mention the art's unlocking or protection mechanisms, nor the core principle of "stellar foundations, Hongmeng evolution." First, the matter was far too heaven-defying to reveal. Second, Qin Yu and Black Feather were still at a low cultivation level. Knowing too much might unsettle them, so it was better to let them steadily consolidate their foundations first.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yun Ce raised a hand and swept it through the air. A pale golden light spilled from his fingertips, instantly laying an isolation barrier around him. The barrier had neither form nor substance, yet it completely sealed off the inside from the outside. Qin Yu and Black Feather could neither see what was inside nor sense Yun Ce's aura. All they could see was a faint golden light surrounding his figure.

Once the barrier was in place, Yun Ce did not hesitate. He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and settled his mind completely. He began studying the unlocked realms of the Hongmeng Stellar Art, digesting the changes brought by the cultivation art conversion, and stabilizing his early-stage Void-Piercing Realm. At the same time, he tried to comprehend the mysteries of the fifth realm, Void-Piercing Creation, and shape simple inanimate objects within the nascent Mustard Seed Space in his dantian—the Inner Universe. He practiced using his refined Stellar True Essence and advanced the Inner Universe's initial evolution.

Beyond the barrier, Qin Yu gazed at the pale golden ward, his eyes full of awe. He was sincerely happy for Yun Ce. "Master keeps growing stronger. He just broke through to the early stage of the Void-Piercing Realm, and now he's comprehended a new cultivation art. He's incredible!"

Black Feather sent another message through spiritual sense, full of admiration. "That's right, that's right! Master is amazing! We have to cultivate hard too. We can't hold him back! By the time Master comes out of seclusion, our strength should have improved a great deal too. We should try to reach the Golden Core Mid Stage as soon as possible!"

Qin Yu nodded, determination flashing in his eyes. "Exactly. We can't slack off. While Master is in seclusion, we have to seize the time to cultivate, consolidate our realms, and strive to reach the Golden Core Mid Stage as soon as possible. We can't disappoint Master. Then we'll be able to help him in the future."

With that, Qin Yu sat cross-legged again, closed his eyes, and returned to cultivating Stellar Transformations. The Nebula vortex in his dantian began spinning rapidly once more, absorbing spiritual energy from heaven and earth as well as stellar power. Black Feather also calmed his mind and continued comprehending his own thunder, fire, and wind-aspected divine abilities. The cultivation room grew tranquil once more.

Inside the barrier in the cultivation room, dense starlight swirled around Yun Ce as his divine sense immersed itself in the mysteries of the Hongmeng Stellar Art. Stellar True Essence flowed slowly through his body, while the nascent Mustard Seed Space in his dantian—the Inner Universe—was slowly nurtured and expanded by the power of the stars. Faint points of starlight drifted through the space, the first signs of the Inner Universe's evolution. He could clearly feel his strength rising at a visible pace and his comprehension of space deepening. With every gesture, he could stir subtle ripples in the space around him, and he could even faintly draw upon the stellar power between heaven and earth to strengthen himself and advance the evolution of the Inner Universe.

Within Thunder Mountain Residence, Yun Ce was cultivating in seclusion, while Qin Yu and Black Feather, one man and one beast, devoted themselves to cultivation, consolidating their Golden Core realms and striving to improve.

Yun Ce was working hard. Guided by the Hongmeng Stellar Art and its stage-based unlocking system, he followed the proper path of "stellar foundations, Hongmeng evolution." He studied the Hongmeng Stellar Secret Canon, honed his stellar foundation, advanced the evolution of the Inner Universe, and took one step at a time toward the Great Dao of the Controller of Hongmeng.