Chapter 383: Celebrating Official, Terra Holy Medal! Qin Feng Canonized as Saint

Chapter 383: Celebrating the Official, the Terra Sacred Medal! Qin Feng’s Path to Sainthood! The Endless Sea’s Shift!

The century-long victory feast finally drew to its inevitable close.

The feverish tide that had surged across the Holy Academy and the entire human territory, sparked by the return of one man, had gradually settled with the passage of time, transforming from outward jubilation into a more introspective and profound collective will.

Yet everyone knew that the end of the celebration did not signify the end of the matter.

On the contrary, a ceremony more solemn, more sacred, and worthy of being inscribed in the highest chapters of human civilization’s official history, was currently brewing.

The Holy Academy, Hall of Heroes.

This was the most sacred and solemn place within the entire sanctuary of the human race.

It was not a building in the traditional sense, but a spiritual sanctuary independent of the supreme dimensions, constructed from the heroic wills and immortal merits of the sages throughout human history.

The hall was boundless; above the dome flowed the long river of time, where countless brilliant points of light drifted—each one representing a hero who had bled their last drop for humanity.

The floor was made of pure white jade, condensed from the power of faith, polished to a mirror finish that reflected the starry river above, as if stepping here meant walking upon the vast expanse of history.

Usually, this place was empty and silent, visited only by new members of the Holy Academy, who were required to pay homage to the ancestors and remember their history upon entry.

But today, this sanctuary, silent for millions of years, welcomed its grandest and most crowded day in history.

Inside the hall, heads were packed together, yet one could hear a pin drop.

An extreme solemnity permeated every inch of space.

Nearly a thousand figures stood quietly at the front of the hall.

They were almost all of the existing Emperor-level powerhouses of the human race.

The Sky-Propping Sword Emperor, the Five Elements Emperor—those heroes who had just returned from the bloody battles of the Eternal Mountain—along with ancient foundations like the Lord of Extremity, and those giants who guarded the frontier fortresses and rarely left their posts, were all here.

Nearly a thousand Emperors gathered in one place; this force was enough to make the cosmic sea tremble.

Yet at this moment, they had restrained all their aura and pressure, standing like silent statues, waiting quietly.

Behind them stood hundreds of thousands of equally upright figures.

These were all the King-level powerhouses of the human race!

They formed a forest of steel, every face etched with solemnity and reverence.

Emperors as generals, Kings as soldiers.

This was the peak of humanity’s violent machinery, gathered here not for war, but for... witness!

To witness a living legend receive the supreme glory he deserved.

At the very front of the hall stood a platform of ninety-nine steps, washed by the waters of the river of time.

Atop the platform, the Lord of Extremity stood with his hands behind his back, waiting alone for the protagonist of the day.

"Clang—!"

A distant, sacred bell toll resonated once more through the Holy Academy.

But this time, it was not the "Bell of Saintly Arrival," but the "Bell of Merit," exclusive to the Hall of Heroes.

Nine tolls signified that the recipient possessed the unparalleled merit of protecting the race and reshaping the heavens!

As the echoes of the ninth toll slowly faded, the hall’s gates, forged of light and faith, opened silently.

A figure in dark robes, bathed in the brilliant golden light projected from outside—as if condensed from the very destiny of the human race—walked in, step by step.

Qin Feng.

He had traded his casual attire for a specially crafted, dark-black ceremonial robe representing humanity’s highest honor. The robe bore no superfluous ornamentation, save for a sword embroidered in golden divine thread across the chest, piercing through the stars—a symbol of the human civilization’s spirit of exploration and refusal to yield.

His expression remained calm.

His eyes remained profound.

But as he stepped into the Hall of Heroes and felt the indomitable will of the ancestors permeating the air, his unruffled heart could not help but stir with a hint of... solemnity.

He began to climb the ninety-nine steps toward the platform.

His pace was neither fast nor slow; every step he took felt as if he were treading upon the nodes of history.

Within the hall, the gazes of nearly a thousand Emperors and hundreds of thousands of Kings were focused upon him.

In their eyes, there was no jealousy or resentment.

Only a natural, pure, and soul-deep... recognition and admiration.

For everyone knew that without this man before them, what would be standing here instead would be seven hundred cold spirit tablets.

And the entire human race would have fallen into a dark, ten-million-year trough due to such a devastating loss.

It was he who, by his own strength, had reversed the tides of fate.

It was he who, with supreme divine power, had carved out a... bright and clear future for humanity!

This merit was enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the sages of history!

One step, two steps...

Qin Feng walked with steady resolve.

He walked past the gaze of hundreds of thousands of Kings.

He walked past the reverence of nearly a thousand Emperors.

Finally, he arrived at the foot of the platform, before the Lord of Extremity.

The two locked eyes.

"Qin Feng."

The Lord of Extremity spoke slowly, his voice devoid of its usual casualness, carrying instead a sacred solemnity that represented the will of the entire human civilization.

"Do you know why you were summoned today?"

"I know."

Qin Feng nodded slightly, responding calmly.

"Good."

The Lord of Extremity said no more. He turned to face the vast, dark sea of humanity’s highest combat power below the platform.

His voice, imbued with supreme majesty, traveled through the laws of the Hall of Heroes to every corner of the Holy Academy, and even across the network of the entire human territory.

"Humanity was born in obscurity and rose through resistance."

"Every inch of the starry sky beneath our feet is soaked in the blood of our ancestors."

"Every ray of glory in our civilization burns with the soul-light of our heroes."

"History must be remembered. Merits must be sung."

"Today, I, in the name of the rotating Speaker of the Human Holy Academy, hereby announce to the entire race... a feat of merit!"

His voice was resonant, striking like iron against stone.

"Beneath the Eternal Mountain, the myriad races laid an ambush, setting the [Ten Thousand Heavens God-Sealing Array], intending to trap and slaughter our seven hundred and twenty-eight Emperors, including the Sky-Propping Sword Emperor and the Five Elements Emperor, to sever the future path of our race."

"This is a slaughterhouse the likes of which history has never known, a crisis threatening the very extinction of our race!"

"Yet, in this hour of peril, a hero has returned!"

The Lord of Extremes turned his gaze sharply toward Qin Feng, his voice suddenly rising to a thunderous pitch!

"The Supreme Sovereign of Extremes, Qin Feng!"

"When the tower of our civilization teetered on the brink of collapse, he arrived alone!"

"Amidst the encirclement of ten thousand armies, he marched forth with sword in hand!"

"With his own strength, he shattered the ancient killing formation! He slaughtered two thousand three hundred and seventeen alien sovereigns! He rescued over seven hundred of our kin from the abyss, propping up the crumbling edifice of humanity!"

"This battle has broadcast the divine might of our race, striking terror into the hearts of the treacherous myriad clans! It has laid the foundation for our people, in this golden age, to stand unshakable for ten thousand generations!"

"Such a feat deserves... to be sung for all eternity!"

"Such a hero deserves... to be revered by the entire race!"

As his words fell, the Lord of Extremes spun around to face Qin Feng.

In his hands, from somewhere unseen, appeared an ancient wooden box carved from the heartwood of the World Tree.

He slowly opened the lid.

Hum—!!!

A radiance beyond description—a brilliant golden light imbued with the wills of "divinity," "protection," "courage," and "indomitability"—surged from the box, piercing the heavens!

The light was so pure, so searing, that within the Hall of Heroes, the spirits of the ancestors were stirred, erupting into a resonant, rhythmic hum!

Every eye was drawn to that golden glow.

There, resting in the box, lay a medal of archaic design, its surface a dark, flame-like gold.

The body of the medal was a shield, symbolizing "protection."

Engraved upon the shield was a blue planet—Terra, the mother world of humanity.

Piercing through the darkness and chaos across the planet was a sharp sword, symbolizing "pioneering" and "indomitability."

This was the highest honor of the human race—the [Sacred Terra Medal]!

Since the dawn of history, fewer than ten have ever received this decoration!

The last recipient was the only living Supreme Saint, the guardian of our race’s destiny!

"Qin Feng!"

The Lord of Extremes lifted the medal with trembling, reverent hands.

His expression had become solemn beyond measure.

"This medal is named [Sacred Terra]."

"Its core is forged from the Primordial Divine Gold—[Courageous Gold]—which was born at the inception of the universe, embodying the very concepts of 'courage' and 'protection.' It was tempered over eons by the sages of our race!"

"It is more than mere glory."

The voice of the Lord of Extremes carried a depth that only the greatest sovereigns could fathom.

"It is, in truth... a legacy of power!"

"The [Courageous Gold] possesses the supreme ability to ignite potential, banish all evil, and fortify the Daoist heart. If you can fully refine it and harmonize it with your own path, it will allow your strength to transcend its current limits!"

"Today, I, representing the human race, bestow this glory and this power upon you!"

"May you continue to uphold the will of this medal."

"For humanity, protect!"

"For humanity, pioneer!"

"For humanity... fight until the final chapter!!!"

With these words, the Lord of Extremes walked step by step toward Qin Feng, the medal held high.

He reached out and personally pinned the [Sacred Terra Medal], bearing the highest honor and infinite expectations of humanity, onto Qin Feng’s chest.

The moment the medal touched his uniform,

a searing warmth, as if igniting his very soul, flooded into Qin Feng’s body.

In that instant, Qin Feng felt his [Extreme Body], already tempered to the pinnacle, emit a longing hum! His tranquil, unshakable heart, washed by this pure will of "courage," became even more crystalline and free of dust.

He could clearly sense that within the medal lay a vast, primordial power capable of driving any sovereign to madness!

Given enough time to refine this [Courageous Gold], his strength would undoubtedly undergo another explosive leap!

"...My thanks."

Feeling the heavy weight upon his chest and the searing power within, a flicker of emotion finally stirred in Qin Feng’s eternally calm eyes.

He looked up at the Lord of Extremes, then at the thousand sovereigns and hundreds of thousands of kings gathered below the dais.

He gave a slow, deliberate nod.

Then, he raised his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and pressed it against his chest, lightly touching the [Sacred Terra Medal].

It was a promise.

A silent promise, heavier than any oath.

Seeing this, the Lord of Extremes smiled with profound relief.

He stepped back, turned, and faced the assembly once more.

He raised his right hand high.

Then, with a sudden motion, he clenched his fist and struck it against his chest!

It was an ancient gesture, the highest military salute of the human race.

A salute representing absolute trust, absolute reverence, and absolute obedience!

Swish—!!!

Below the dais, the Heaven-Piercing Sword Sovereign, the Five Elements Sovereign... nearly a thousand sovereigns, without a moment’s hesitation, raised their right hands in unison and struck their chests!

Their movements were perfectly synchronized, brimming with power!

Swish—!!! Swish—!!! Swish—!!!

Behind them, the iron forest of hundreds of thousands of kings performed the same act at the same moment!

Hundreds of thousands of arms rose.

Hundreds of thousands of fists struck their chests.

The synchronized motion coalesced into a silent torrent of steel, powerful enough to freeze time and space!

The entire Hall of Heroes fell into absolute silence.

There was only the gaze of absolute respect and conviction.

Only the standard, solemn, and majestic military salutes.

They offered this, in the most traditional and purest of ways, to the man standing on the dais with the [Sacred Terra Medal] upon his chest—to the new navigator of their human race.

Accept, the most profound... homage!

High upon the dais, Qin Feng stood solemn and grave.

Facing those hundreds of thousands of fervent and reverent gazes, his chest slowly straightened.

He knew that from this moment on,

what he carried upon his shoulders was no longer merely his own "Path of Extremity."

It was... the future of a civilization.

...

The grandeur of the investiture ceremony was branded deep into the soul of every witness.

The image of nearly a thousand Emperors and hundreds of thousands of Kings bowing in unison became an eternal totem in the hearts of the new generation of humanity, inspiring countless prodigies to forge ahead along the path carved out by that dark-robed figure.

Yet, as the center of it all, once the ceremony concluded, Qin Feng chose once again... to enter seclusion.

He did not immerse himself in the joy of victory or the adoration of his kin.

For he knew better than anyone that the Battle of Eternal Life Mountain, while seemingly the pinnacle of his glory, was in truth merely a starting point for his ascent to the summit of this universe.

The title of "Invincible Below the Saint" was indeed a supreme honor.

But the very words "Below the Saint" were, in themselves, a shackle.

To not enter the Saint Realm is to remain an ant. This saying, for him now, carried a particularly profound weight.

His current strength was sufficient to easily obliterate any Emperor, yet against a true Saint, he still lacked absolute certainty. A Saint is an existence of a different order of life; they command the Holy Path, their words become law, and they have begun to transcend the constraints of universal laws. This is not a gap that can be bridged by the mere accumulation of power.

Moreover, beyond the Saint Realm lay the even more ancient and terrifying "Venerables," and even, as legend holds, the four "Evil Gods" who wield the ultimate authority of the universe.

His path remained long.

Within the "Origin Chamber," the highest-level cultivation secret realm specially opened for Qin Feng by the Saint Academy.

The flow of time here had been adjusted to a terrifying ratio of ten thousand to one compared to the outside world.

Qin Feng sat cross-legged in a void of pure "nothingness." There was no energy, no laws, not even the concepts of time and space; it was a place of absolute "zeroing." Only here could an existence of his level practice with full force without causing a collapse of dimensions due to the leakage of power.

On his chest, the [Sacred Terra Medal], symbolizing the highest honor of humanity, floated silently.

At this moment, it was no longer a rustic dark gold, but radiated a pure, golden light—fierce, brilliant, and filled with an endless will of "courage" and "protection," like a newborn sun.

The body of the medal, forged from the primordial divine metal [Courageous God-Gold], was being refined by the dual forces of Qin Feng's Imperial Origin and the [Primordial Furnace], breaking down bit by bit into the most fundamental "conceptual" particles, then slowly merging into his [Extreme Body], which shimmered with silver-white and emerald divine light.

This was an agonizingly long and painful process.

[Courageous God-Gold] was a divine object born at the dawn of the universe, alongside the very concept of "courage." It was, in itself, the embodiment of a "Path." To refine it was to forcibly integrate a "Path" that was not his own into his body and soul.

For any other Emperor, even one at the peak, facing such a divine object, one could only cautiously draw upon the leaking power to temper oneself, never daring to covet its complete "devouring."

For once one's own "Path" failed to suppress the pure, almost barbaric will of "courage" within the God-Gold, the result would be the collapse of the Dao heart, being assimilated by the metal, and becoming nothing more than a war puppet that knew only battle and feared no death.

But Qin Feng was different.

His Path was [Extremity].

It was a Path that encompassed all and stood above all.

His [Primordial Singularity] possessed the supreme characteristic of smelting all laws and returning them to their origin.

"Hum—!"

As the final wisp of the golden "courage" conceptual particles was thoroughly absorbed by Qin Feng's [Extreme Body],

his already near-perfect immortal battle form underwent a stunning transformation.

Upon the body, where silver-white and emerald had once intertwined, there now lay a faint yet seemingly indestructible dark golden halo.

This halo was not an energy shield, nor was it a manifestation of laws.

It was the embodiment of... "will."

An absolute will of courage: "No matter the desperation, never yield, never retreat!"

This will granted his [Extreme Body], beyond its existing attributes of "recovery," "resilience," and "creation," a brand new and most tyrannical attribute—Law-Breaking!

Courage is the sword that severs all delusion and fear.

Once this will was integrated into the [Extreme Body], every one of Qin Feng's attacks would naturally carry a "conceptual" law-breaking effect.

No matter how sturdy the enemy's defense or how exquisite the construction of their laws, before his attack, they would waver, if only for a moment, under the impact of the "courageous" will.

And at his level of combat, the slightest waver is enough to decide life and death!

"Hoo..."

Qin Feng slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air tinged with a faint golden glow.

He opened his eyes.

Outside, thirty thousand years had quietly slipped away.

Within the secret realm, three hundred million years had passed.

He looked down at his hands. The dark golden halo had retracted entirely, giving his skin a texture as warm and lustrous as jade.

He could clearly feel that he had grown stronger.

An improvement in every aspect, a fundamental elevation.

His Imperial Origin, having absorbed the vast energy of the [Courageous God-Gold], had become more robust and refined; its total volume had nearly doubled compared to thirty thousand years ago!

His [Extreme Divine Light], infused with the will of "courage," had become even more invincible. Now, when unleashed, it would not merely "erase" where it passed, but with absolute confidence and courage, "negate" the very existence of the enemy!

His comprehensive strength had undoubtedly ascended to a new level.

If he had been [Invincible Below the Saint] thirty thousand years ago,

then he remained [Invincible Below the Saint] today.

It was just that the "gold content" of this invincibility had grown significantly. He was confident that if he were to face those two thousand three hundred Emperors before Eternal Life Mountain again, he would no longer need a hundred years to "clean up."

Perhaps, only ten years, or even less.

However...

"The distance to 'Sanctification' remains... vast."

A glimmer of realization flashed in Qin Feng's eyes, accompanied by a touch of... gravity.

While these thirty thousand years of seclusion had made him stronger, they had also allowed him to more clearly touch that invisible "ceiling" that stretched between "Emperor" and "Saint."

It was not a barrier that could be broken by the simple accumulation of power.

It was a transition of the very level of life.

It was a process that required one to completely "strip" the Path one cultivated from the myriad laws of the universe and condense it into a complete, independent "Holy Path" that did not rely on the main universe for its existence.

This process was profound and mysterious.

It required great perseverance, great wisdom, and above all... great destiny.

His power had now accumulated to an extreme. To move further, he had to complete this crucial step.

Otherwise, he would be forever trapped in the realm of "Below the Saint."

Perhaps, it is time to seek counsel from the Lord of Limits.

Qin Feng reached a decision within his heart.

The Lord of Limits, one of the most ancient sovereigns of the human race, had already placed half a foot into the Saint Realm; his understanding of "sanctification" was far beyond Qin Feng’s own.

With this thought, he hesitated no longer, stepping forward and vanishing instantly from the Primordial Chamber.

...

The Temple of Limits.

As Qin Feng’s figure appeared outside the temple gates, he paused, taken aback.

He sensed that within the temple, the Lord of Limits was not alone; dozens of other sovereign auras, vast as the abyss, were gathered there.

Among them were familiar presences, such as the Heaven-Reaching Sword Sovereign and the Five Elements Sovereign.

"It seems they are in council."

Qin Feng did not rashly intrude, choosing instead to stand quietly outside the gates and wait.

Yet, no sooner had he settled than the gentle voice of the Lord of Limits resonated directly within his mind.

"There is no need to wait outside; come in. You are now a member of our human leadership, and there are matters you ought to understand."

"Understood."

Qin Feng replied, then stepped into the hall.

Inside, indeed, every top-tier sovereign remaining at the Saint Academy was present. They sat around a massive circular stone table, their expressions heavy with gravity.

Seeing Qin Feng enter, every sovereign instinctively ceased their discussion, turning their gazes toward him.

In their eyes lingered a trace of imperceptible awe.

Even after thirty thousand years, the image of that dark-robed figure beneath the Eternal Mountain—shattering formations with a finger and slaughtering sovereigns with a palm—remained deeply etched into their souls, impossible to erase.

"Sit."

The Lord of Limits gestured to an empty seat beside him, signaling for Qin Feng to take his place.

This position, aligned with the most ancient sovereigns like the Heaven-Reaching Sword Sovereign and the Five Elements Sovereign, symbolized that Qin Feng now held a supreme status within the human race, equal to their own.

Qin Feng did not decline and sat down calmly.

"We are discussing the current situation in the Cosmic Sea," the Lord of Limits began, explaining once Qin Feng was settled. "You have been in seclusion for thirty thousand years; the outside world has undergone earth-shattering changes."

He paused, his expression turning solemn.

"Since your battle at the Eternal Mountain, which struck fear into the hearts of all races, our people enjoyed a rare, ten-thousand-year period of peaceful development. But this peace was fleeting."

"For a grander, more chaotic stage has opened."

"—The Endless Sea."

"The Endless Sea?"

Qin Feng’s brows arched slightly.

The name was not unfamiliar to him.

It was a legendary realm located in the deepest reaches of the Cosmic Sea, a place of eternal chaos formed from the primordial essence at the dawn of the universe.

"Indeed."

The Heaven-Reaching Sword Sovereign took up the thread, his aura having recovered much since thirty thousand years ago, his eyes once again sharp.

"In the last ten thousand years, the Endless Sea has experienced an unprecedented 'spurt.' Countless cosmic wonders, divine materials, and legacies that once existed only in myths have sprung up like mushrooms after rain."

"Rumors suggest this is a sign that the Golden Age has entered its middle phase. The universe is finally releasing its deepest foundations."

"Naturally, this has ignited a frantic scramble among all races."

The Five Elements Sovereign added with a sigh, "The Endless Sea has now become a bloody meat grinder. Every day, countless powerhouses fall, and many weaker races have already been completely exterminated for being caught in this war for resources."

"Our human race, naturally, cannot remain aloof."

The Lord of Limits said in a deep voice, "To secure the strategic resources that will influence our future, and to seek the opportunity for transcendence, the three Saints of the Academy have personally ventured into the deepest parts of the Endless Sea."

"Three Saints?" Qin Feng’s heart stirred.

He knew the human race possessed far more than three Saints on the surface.

It seemed most of them had chosen to remain and guard the race against the unexpected.

"Yes."

The Lord of Limits nodded. "Their goal is to seek the chance to become 'Venerables.' A struggle at that level is beyond our intervention."

"At the same time, to establish a stable foothold in the Endless Sea and protect our geniuses and powerhouses searching for treasures there, the Academy has dispatched seven Saint avatars, along with over a hundred sovereigns, to garrison our 'outpost'—the City of Hope."

Qin Feng listened in silence.

From these fragments, he could sketch a picture both magnificent and blood-soaked.

The situation in the Endless Sea was far more complex and cruel than he had imagined.

"But this is not the focus of our discussion today."

The Lord of Limits shifted his tone, his expression growing even graver. "It is a matter intimately related to you—the geniuses walking the 'Path of God'."

He looked at Qin Feng and spoke slowly: "According to intelligence sent back by the three Saints from the deepest reaches of the Endless Sea, those four... existences, have joined forces to set up a trial in the core region."

"The Seventy-Two Divine Passes."

"The Seventy-Two Divine Passes?"

"Yes."

A flicker of wariness crossed the eyes of the Lord of Limits. "It is said to be a proving ground they use to select the 'spokespersons' of this era. Each pass is filled with unimaginable danger and opportunity."

"Most importantly..."

The Heaven-Reaching Sword Sovereign’s tone turned icy. "According to intelligence, many 'Primordial' items that should have been born in this epoch—items that could help you geniuses on the Path of God ascend to the Saint Realm faster—such as complete 'Primordial Secret Arts,' more 'Primordial Divine Gold,' and that legendary 'Primordial Fire'..."

"...have all been forcibly seized by them with supreme power and cast into those Seventy-Two Divine Passes as rewards for clearing them."

At these words, Qin Feng’s pupils contracted sharply!

The Primordial Fire!

It was the final and most crucial core element he needed to perfect the [Limit Path], bring the [Limit Body] to true fruition, and perhaps glimpse the mysteries of the Saint Realm!

He had assumed he would need to spend a long time searching for clues.

He had never expected...

It was right there, within the Seventy-Two Divine Passes!

"So..."

Qin Feng spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an unquestionable resolve. "The Academy’s intention is to send the human geniuses of the Path of God to clear these passes?"

"Indeed."

The Lord of Limits nodded. "It is an open trap. We all know these are the 'hooks' cast by those four, yet we have no choice but to bite."

"Because, if you wish to become gods in the shortest possible time, the Seventy-Two Divine Passes are the only way."

"Currently, apart from you, the other known geniuses of the Path of God among our people have already set out for the Endless Sea."

Qin Feng listened in silence, offering no word.

Within his heart, a decision had already taken root.

"Beyond this matter, there is another that grows increasingly thorny."

The Five Elements Emperor rubbed his temples, his expression etched with weariness. "It is... the cultists of the Evil Gods."

"As the chaos in the Endless Sea intensifies, the faith in those four entities spreads like a plague throughout the cosmic expanse. Many civilizations defeated in the struggle for resources, or races inherently inclined toward chaos and slaughter, have begun to cast themselves willingly into their embrace."

"These devotees are like a malignancy upon the universe, inciting blood sacrifices and sowing discord everywhere. Their numbers swell, and their actions grow ever more... unbridled."

"We must strike them down with severity."

The Sky-Piercing Sword Emperor spoke with a frigid edge. "Otherwise, once they gain momentum, they will surely shake the very foundations of our orthodox civilization."

The conference stretched on for several days.

Qin Feng remained a silent observer, offering no further opinion.

He simply sat, listening as these figures—the highest manifestations of the human race’s will—debated resource allocation, frontline deployment, the cultivation of prodigies, and the eradication of cults; a series of momentous issues that would dictate the trajectory of their entire civilization.

Within his mind, a clear and three-dimensional understanding of the macro-landscape of this Golden Age finally began to coalesce.

Chaos.

Contention.

Slaughter.

These were the leitmotifs of the current universe.

And all this chaos pointed toward a single destination—the Endless Sea.

All this contention aimed at a single goal—that ethereal yet tangible promise of... Sainthood, and perhaps, the opportunity for Eternity.

"It seems..."

As the meeting concluded and the Emperors departed the temple, each burdened with their own mandates, a thought slowly surfaced in Qin Feng’s mind.

"My next destination is clear."

...

The heavy temple doors groaned shut, sealing away the clamor of the outside world.

Inside the Temple of Extremity, the absolute silence—that eternal hallmark of the "Extreme" concept—returned.

The lingering, discordant traces of the various Imperial Laws left behind by the dozens of human sovereigns were swiftly purified and assimilated into the stillness, eventually fading into nothingness.

Beside the circular stone table, only two figures remained.

The Lord of Extremity and Qin Feng.

One old, one young, representing the twin peaks of the past and the future.

The Lord of Extremity did not speak; he merely lifted the cup of tea, brewed from the primordial essence of the Sacred Academy, and took a gentle sip, as if ruminating on the complex information from the session.

Qin Feng was in no hurry to break the silence.

He sat motionless, his deep eyes seemingly piercing the temple walls to gaze upon the ultimate stage of the universe—the Endless Sea, where endless strife and bloodshed were currently unfolding.

He saw the eruption of resources and the annihilation of entire clans.

He saw the "Seventy-Two Divine Passes" hanging over the Endless Sea like the shackles of fate.

And he saw the faith of the Evil Gods, spreading like a virus through the shadows of the cosmos.

The true, grotesque face of this chaotic, cruel, yet opportunity-laden Golden Age had finally unveiled itself before him.

After a long while.

"Do you see it clearly now?"

The Lord of Extremity set down his cup, his voice breaking the stillness.

His tone had returned to its usual gentleness, like an elder testing a younger member of his own kin.

"I see it clearly," Qin Feng nodded, withdrawing his gaze.

"And your thoughts?"

"It is chaotic," Qin Feng replied with stark brevity.

"Indeed, it is chaotic."

The Lord of Extremity smiled, a flicker of world-weariness in his eyes. "This is the essence of the Golden Age. It is at once the best of times and... the worst of times."

"The universe is undergoing a 'metabolism.' It is releasing the essence accumulated over countless eons without reservation, as if hosting a grand banquet. Every living soul is entitled to a seat."

"But the 'provisions' at this banquet are finite."

"To be sated, or even to feast well, one must... snatch."

"Weak tribes will be devoured by the strong, along with their 'plates.' And the strong, in their struggle for the finest 'ingredients,' will fight until they are destroyed, leaving rivers of blood in their wake."

"Only those who survive this banquet and feast the most fully will earn the right to vie for the final, singular prize of 'Eternity.'"

With a simple, brutal metaphor, the Lord of Extremity laid bare the truth of the current cosmic order.

Qin Feng listened in silence, offering no word.

Because he understood all of this. Perhaps even better than any Emperor present.

Because he had once, with his own eyes, witnessed the final outcome of such a "banquet."

"So, have you decided?"

The Lord of Extremity looked at him and asked.

"I have."

Qin Feng’s reply was devoid of hesitation. "The Endless Sea, the Seventy-Two Divine Passes—I must go."

"Hmm."

The Lord of Extremity seemed unsurprised, nodding slowly. "I knew you would make this choice. There, you will find what is necessary to perfect your own path."

"However..."

His tone shifted, becoming grave. "Do you know what the true key to becoming a Saint is?"

Finally, the core question was posed.

Qin Feng’s gaze sharpened.

This was the ultimate purpose for which he had stayed behind.

"I have some vague inklings."

Qin Feng mused for a moment, organizing his thoughts before speaking slowly. "I can feel that my power, my origin, and my comprehension of the laws have all reached a... bottleneck."

"It is like a cup filled to the brim with water; to add more is impossible."

"Unless..."

"Unless you make the cup itself larger, more durable. Or even... grant the cup an 'infinite' capacity."

The Lord of Extremity finished the sentence for him.

"Precisely so."

Qin Feng nodded. "And this 'cup' is our 'Dao.' What is called 'Sanctification,' in my view, must be the ultimate sublimation and metamorphosis of one's own Dao. It is to let it leap, once and for all, from the level of 'technique' to the level of 'law.'"

"To let it cease being a mere 'application' of the myriad laws of the universe, and instead become an independent rule—one that can stand shoulder to shoulder with the primal laws of the cosmos, and in certain realms, even transcend them."

"This process, I call it... forging the 'Sacred Dao.'"

Qin Feng laid out, without reservation, the insights into the Saint Realm he had garnered during his thirty thousand years of seclusion.

Upon hearing his words, the Limitless Lord’s eyes—those twin orbs of ultimate light—revealed, for the first time, a flicker of undisguised admiration and astonishment.

"Good... a truly magnificent 'forging of the Sacred Dao'!"

He clapped his hands in praise, his voice heavy with emotion. "Qin Feng, oh Qin Feng, do you realize that what you have just spoken is the core secret that countless peak Emperors have spent tens of millions, even hundreds of millions of years, failing to fully grasp?"

"You have not only grasped it, but you have articulated it more clearly and closer to the essence than any of them!"

"It seems I underestimated you before."

The Limitless Lord shook his head, smiling bitterly. "I had assumed you had merely reached an invincible state beneath Sainthood in terms of 'power.' I did not expect that, in your understanding of the 'Dao,' you had already touched the threshold of the Saint Realm."

"In that case, there is little left for me to teach you."

"You are too kind, Senior."

Qin Feng’s expression remained calm. "Though I have gained some insight, it is, in the end, like viewing flowers through a mist—mere armchair strategy. As for how to sublimate this 'cup,' how to truly take that final step, I remain... utterly clueless."

He looked at the Limitless Lord and asked the ultimate question that had haunted him for thirty thousand years, the question every peak Emperor dreamed of answering.

"Dare I ask, Senior, what is... 'Universal Recognition'?"

"To forge the Sacred Dao and obtain this so-called 'Universal Recognition,' to what depth must one understand one's own laws to truly... become a Saint?"

This question brought the Limitless Lord to a halt.

He did not answer immediately, falling instead into a long silence.

Within the temple, tranquility returned.

Only his eyes of light flickered incessantly, as if performing some unfathomably complex deduction and recollection.

After a long while.

"This question... is vast."

The Limitless Lord spoke slowly, his voice turning exceptionally grave.

"So vast that even a true Saint might not be able to provide a standard answer."

"Because the 'Dao' of every living being is unique. The paths leading to the Saint Realm are equally diverse; there is not a single one that can be perfectly replicated."

"However..." He looked at Qin Feng’s focused gaze, his tone shifting. "After the exploration and synthesis of countless epochs, we have, at last, found some common, patterned truths."

He extended a finger.

"First, you must be clear on one thing. 'Universal Recognition' does not mean the universe possesses a consciousness, acting like an examiner to judge whether your 'Dao' is qualified."

"No, that is not it at all."

"The universe is utterly impartial. Its operation follows the most primal, the most cold-blooded rules."

"So-called 'recognition' is more akin to the acquisition of a... 'qualification'."

"A qualification?"

Qin Feng’s brows furrowed slightly.

"Indeed, a qualification."

The Limitless Lord emphasized his tone. "You can view the entire universe as an incredibly precise, unimaginably vast 'system.' And the myriad Daos we cultivate are merely 'programs' that have existed within this system since the beginning."

"What we call cultivation is simply learning and mastering the operational methods of these programs."

"And 'Sanctification' is the act of creating a brand-new, uniquely yours 'sub-program' within the framework of this system!"

"This 'sub-program' is your 'Sacred Dao.' It must be unique! It must be compatible with the main system, yet possess the capacity for independent computation!"

"And 'Universal Recognition' is the main system determining whether your 'sub-program' possesses the qualification for 'independent operation'!"

This analogy was novel, yet incredibly apt.

A light of understanding flashed in Qin Feng’s eyes. He grasped the core of it instantly.

"Then, what is the 'standard' for this judgment?" he pressed.

"There are two standards."

The Limitless Lord held up two fingers.

"First, it is called 'Depth'."

"The Dao you cultivate must reach an unprecedented depth in the field of laws you involve. What is 'unprecedented'? Simply put, it is to transcend 'control' and reach the level of 'insight into the origin'."

"Take, for example, the Sword Emperor Qingtian. He can now control the law of the 'Sword' to the extreme. With a single thought, he can turn all things in heaven and earth into swords. Yet, he is still not a Saint."

"Because he is merely 'using' the sword, without truly perceiving why the concept of 'sword' exists. What is its origin?"

"Only when you can, in turn, define the laws you cultivate, rather than being defined by them, have you met the standard of 'depth'."

Qin Feng listened, lost in thought.

Defining laws.

This coincided perfectly with his previous feeling of "creation."

"Second, it is called 'Breadth'."

The Limitless Lord continued: "An independent 'Sacred Dao' cannot be built upon a single law alone. It must be a 'self-consistent' and 'complete' system."

"This requires you to use your core Dao as the 'trunk,' and to accommodate and integrate other auxiliary laws as 'branches and leaves'."

"For instance, an Emperor of the Fire Law who wishes to become a Saint—beyond understanding the 'depth' of the Fire Law to the extreme, he must also explore, or even master, laws related to fire, such as 'light,' 'heat,' 'destruction,' 'creation,' and so on."

"Only when he can perfectly integrate these laws into his own 'Sacred Dao of Fire,' forming a self-circulating, endlessly regenerating 'Law Tree,' has he met the standard of 'breadth'."

"Otherwise, a single law is like a bare tree trunk, incapable of bearing the 'Fruit of the Sacred Dao'."

"Depth determines the core strength of your Sacred Dao. Breadth determines its... stability and growth potential."

Qin Feng listened, silently verifying this against his own [Limitless Dao].

His [Limitless Dao] was rooted in the [Limitless Body], utilized the [Limitless Divine Light] for offense, and the [Myriad Phenomena] for analysis. It was, in itself, a highly perfected, three-in-one system of offense, defense, and utility.

In terms of "breadth," he was confident he far surpassed his peers.

"Furthermore, one must not cultivate multiple paths."

"Your path must be singular to become a god; otherwise, your future will forever remain at the peak of the Universal Emperor..."

Boom!

These final words, like a thunderclap at the dawn of the universe, struck Qin Feng’s heart with devastating force!

One must not cultivate multiple paths!

The struggle of the Great Dao!

He finally understood!

I understand now why this golden age is so profoundly cruel.

I understand now why the prodigies of the divine path are locked in a struggle of life and death, an endless, irreconcilable feud.

I understand now why those four entities established the Seventy-Two Divine Passes, luring every prodigy of the path toward them.

It was never a trial.

It was a fenced-in, blood-soaked, and ruthlessly efficient track.

"Do you understand now?"

The Master of Limits watched the shifting expressions in Qin Feng’s eyes and spoke slowly.

"The divine path was never something to be attained through isolation and solitary toil."

"It is, above all else, a path carved in slaughter."

"You must fight not only yourself and the heavens, but also every prodigy of your era who walks the same or a similar path."

"You must contend! You must plunder!"

"Seize resources, seize destiny, seize opportunity—and ultimately, seize that singular, solitary qualification."

With these words, the secrets were laid bare.

The heavy, mysterious gate leading to the Saint Realm finally revealed its true, brutal nature before Qin Feng.

"I... understand."

After a long silence, Qin Feng slowly uttered these four words.

His gaze returned to a state of calm.

Yet, deep within that stillness, a sharpness—more piercing, more resolute, and colder than ever before—was slowly coalescing.

The Master of Limits watched him and nodded with satisfaction.

He knew that his words had not shaken Qin Feng’s resolve; rather, they had rendered his already unbreakable Heart of Limits even more pure, and infinitely more lethal.

"Then, Senior."

Qin Feng raised his head to look at the Master of Limits and asked his final question.

"With my current path, regarding the three standards of depth, breadth, and uniqueness, what exactly am I still lacking?"

The Master of Limits smiled at the inquiry.

"Your Path of Limits, named for the ultimate, already encompasses all things and transcends all laws. In terms of breadth, you were born complete."

"As for uniqueness..."

He shook his head. "Throughout history, you are the only one walking this road. You have no rivals on your path. But this also means you have no predecessors to guide you. Every step you take is the forging of history."

"Therefore, the only thing you lack is..."

"...Depth."

The Master of Limits spoke each syllable with deliberate weight.

"Your path is powerful and comprehensive. But it is not yet... pure."

"Your Limit Body integrates the laws of life and the will of courage; it appears perfect, yet it remains within the realm of addition."

"But the true Saint Path is a process of subtraction."

"It is the shedding of all impurities, pushing a single core concept of your path to the absolute, singular, and ultimate zenith."

"And to complete this final step of subtraction and refinement..."

The gaze of the Master of Limits grew distant.

"You require a vast quantity of primordial matter to synthesize their power and transcend your limits."