Imprisoned for a Trillion Years, I Was Worshipped by All Gods!

The newly expanded Ascension City has undergone at least two major expansions this year, both large-scale projects.

Additionally, minor renovations and housing adjustments happen almost daily.

This rapid development is due to the 5-Element God King acquiring ascension pathways from other God Realms' Mortal Realms.

Consequently, everyone ascending through these pathways automatically becomes part of the 5-Element God Realm.

As a result, the population of Ascension City has been growing exponentially, requiring expansion every few months.

The land within Ascension City has become exceedingly valuable, far surpassing the worth of other cities.

Many newly ascended mages are forced to live outside the city or relocate to other areas, as they simply cannot afford to reside within Ascension City.

Only the powerful or those from worlds with substantial resources can afford a place here.

For weaker worlds with less capable ascendants, the situation is grim.

Many are crammed together into communal accommodations, resembling giant shared dormitories.

The conditions are pitiful.

"Sigh, still no outstanding talents. If this continues, we won't be able to afford the rent. I fear our world will have to leave Ascension City and seek refuge elsewhere," one guide lamented.

Such is the helpless plight of lower-tier worlds.

Weakness begets disadvantage, leaving them with no other options.

For these worlds, even retaining positions like guides is a privilege.

At this moment, a guide turned to a nearby friend and said,

"Crane, I was just thinking—your Void Realm… Oh, no, it's Crossbridge World now. Hardly anyone ascends from there anymore. Why are you still working as a guide here?"

The speaker was one of Crane's old friends, also a guide from another world. The two had known each other for a long time.

Logically speaking, someone like Crane had no reason to be a guide.

In the past, it was well known that Crossbridge Town had powerful backers.

When Ascension City was first established, Crossbridge World had secured the best locations and the largest territory.

At the time, someone dared to object to this arrangement, but the next day, that individual mysteriously disappeared.

Even the world backing them didn't dare to speak up.

From that incident, everyone understood that Crossbridge World was closely tied to the 5-Element Temple.

No other explanation could account for such overwhelming power.

Crossbridge Town was the largest area in Ascension City.

It contained numerous empty houses that were meticulously cleaned daily, despite being uninhabited.

Even former residents of Crossbridge Town were barred from entering these empty spaces.

Crane's friend had heard of these peculiarities, as well as the rumor that Crane personally maintained those empty houses.

Some even said Crane had close ties to someone influential.

By all logic, someone like Crane didn't need to serve as a guide.

If he wanted, he could likely become the head of Crossbridge Town without issue.

Yet Crane still chose to remain a guide, claiming it was simply a way to pass the time.

At this point, Crane's strength had far surpassed everyone around him. Only his old friends could still speak casually with him.

"I'm here because I need to personally guide the ascendants from Crossbridge World to their accommodations," Crane explained.

His ten-year promise to Daniel was still in effect, and he was bound to honor it.

"Your Crossbridge World is incredibly powerful. To claim such a vast area in the city center, and even acquire more space during expansions, is truly enviable," his friend remarked.

However, envy could not change the reality. It was a policy dictated from above.

Not everyone accepted this arrangement, though. Some worlds openly voiced their dissatisfaction, even threatening to teach Crossbridge World a lesson or drive its people out of Ascension City.

Crane merely smiled at these remarks.

If anyone dared to act on such threats, their entire world might disappear from Ascension City by the next day.

"By the way, Crane, your Crossbridge World hasn't had anyone ascend for a long time. The last time… wasn't it those two? Are they the reason you made that promise?"

"Yes," Crane nodded, unbothered by the question. His connection to Daniel was no secret. Anyone in Crossbridge Town could easily find out about it.

Black Water Town… No, it was now Black Water City.

The city stood as the first major checkpoint outside the holy city. The streets teemed with people, bustling with activity.

A massive temple dominated the center of the city. Every person entering the city inevitably noticed it at first glance.

Inside the temple stood five statues, their features indistinct but commanding respect. Streams of people came to pay their respects and offer incense.

At this moment, a man and a woman arrived at the temple, followed by dozens of powerful figures.

Their presence was so imposing that bystanders instinctively stepped aside.

Rose glanced at the five statues in the temple and smiled.

"Who would've thought these statues would still be here…"

"Indeed," Reed replied.

This visit marked a return to where it all began—the origin of everything related to Crossbridge Academy.

It was here that they first used magic, defeated spell beasts, fought their first battles, and faced true danger. For the students of Crossbridge Academy, this was where their journey began.

"Your aura… it's about there," Rose said, sensing the peak Earth God Rank energy emanating from Reed.

"Likewise. But… are you suppressing yours?"

Reed was at the peak of Earth God Rank, but he could tell that Rose's aura far surpassed his own.

"Yes. Planting those trees took longer than expected," Rose said calmly.

Reed's eyes widened in shock, fully aware of how difficult it was to suppress rank advancement, especially when reaching the threshold of the God Realm.

His own position at the peak of Earth God Rank represented the limit of the world he came from. He understood the struggle.

But Rose… her aura seemed to have already exceeded Earth God Rank, likely reaching Heavenly God Rank.

With a wry smile, Reed said,

"As expected of you. I concede."

"Enough talking. Now that everything's ready, let's ascend to the God Realm. I thought Nora would be here for this," Rose remarked.

"My apologies," Reed said, unleashing his Earth God Rank aura.

With that, he opened the door to his God Realm pathway.

"I'll go first," Reed said, stepping into the sky.

Rose watched him for a moment before extending her hand.

A door appeared—not in the heavens, but surrounding her.

She pushed it open effortlessly and stepped through into the God Realm.

Reed, seeing this from above, sighed. Such talent was truly extraordinary.

Rose vanished first, followed by Reed. Then, the dozens of figures accompanying them ascended one after another.

Soon, the Death Legion from the east and other factions from the west unleashed their Earth God Rank auras, signaling their ascension.

That day, countless doors to the God Realm opened over Crossbridge World.

Ordinary citizens hid indoors, fearing the sky might collapse upon them. Mages, however, watched in awe, filled with envy.

They knew these doors were reserved for those ascending to the God Realm.