Sage of Humanity

As the days leisurely passed, time whisked by in a blur.

On this particular day, a mystical force suddenly spread from the void above the platform, and a light spot slowly emerged.

In an instant, everyone's attention was drawn to it. Even though Yang Qing hadn't uttered a word, Lu Ye understood that the Taichu Realm was likely about to open.

Indeed, as that light spot rapidly expanded and gradually turned into a portal, cultivators from the Divine Sea Realm of top domains leaped towards it, flying fearlessly, unconcerned about the potential implications of attracting everyone's attention on their subsequent competition or whether it would provoke group targeting by others.

That was absolute self-confidence in their own strength!

In the blink of an eye, hundreds of figures gathered around the light spot, appraising each other, since they all believed that those showing up at this time would be the strongest competitors in this contest.

More participants were still waiting. Naturally, some wished to stand out, while others preferred to lie low and bide their time. It's not to say that holding back at this time would make one inherently inferior.

The elders from various domains remained as composed as ever, having already given all necessary advice—anything said at this moment would be too late.

Only Yang Qing suddenly seemed to remember something and casually said, "Young man, my expectations for you are not high—just clinch a spot in the top ten. Is that doable?"

Lu Ye replied, "I will do my utmost, senior."

He was quite confident about securing a spot in the top hundred. Although he hadn't met many geniuses from other domains so far, only Yuk Yaorao and Loathesome Aphid, and they were both formidable, he was no less capable himself.

If it were merely a straightforward arena combat, he was confident about the top ten. However, the contest within the Taichu Realm wasn't as simple as arena combat. Especially with various rules in place, standing out excessively could easily make one a target. Thus, once inside, many unpredictable factors awaited.

Yang Qing said, "Don't think about hiding your light under a bushel or concealing your edge. The opportunities in the Taichu Realm are the greatest for those in the Divine Sea Realm under this stellar space. If you don't compete in such an opportunity, then what else is there to compete for in the future?"

Lu Ye truly had that idea—once inside, he would act discreetly and avoid doing anything too conspicuous. But hearing Yang Qing's words, he immediately realized the problem with that approach.

This was the greatest opportunity for the Divine Sea Realm. How fortunate he was to partake in it! If he didn't fight for such a good thing, then what else would he ever fight for!

Immediately, he pledged in a solemn voice, "I will strive to come back in the top three, senior!"

Yang Qing laughed heartily, "Ambitious, but don't be too ostentatious—it might incite outrage, and then it would all be for nothing."

As they conversed, the portal was already formed, and at the same time, two gigantic pillars appeared beside it, standing to the left and right, resembling the doorposts of the portal.

Hundreds of figures surrounding the portal rushed inside, vanishing instantly, and as they entered, a golden glow suddenly enveloped the pillar on the left.

Lu Ye focused his gaze and saw those golden glows quickly transformed into lines of text.

Yellow Dragon World, Gu Yulou.

Insect Emperor World, Zhige.

Five Colors Territory, Bao Shi.

Yaotian World, Nan Xiong.

Zixuan Demon Planet, Yiao Ruoli.

Ten Thousand Demons Continent, Mokeduo.

Northern Underworld Land of Specters, Youping.

...

Lu Ye realized with clarity that the left pillar had the ability to record these geniuses' origins and names. He couldn't help but worry, "Senior, my origin from the Nine Provinces..."

Yang Qing replied calmly, "Don't worry, the Reincarnation Tree is recording, and it won't note down your original origin. If you enter, it will only show that you're from the Nine Heavens. These details have already been reported in advance by us seniors."

Lu Ye understood and, curious, asked, "The left pillar records these... what does the right pillar do?"

Yang Qing explained, "A month from now, the names of the top hundred will appear on the right pillar and remain until the end. Whoever's name appears there will qualify to enjoy the fruits of victory."

So that's how it was.

Yang Qing added, "Remember these domains and people—they all hail from top domains and are your strongest competitors on this trip. Once you advance to the Constellation level and journey through stellar space, you may encounter some of them again."

Lu Ye nodded.

As they spoke, more figures flew from all directions towards the portal. Seeing the time was about right, Lu Ye said, "Senior, it's time for me to go."

Yang Qing nodded and couldn't resist reminding him again, "If you truly can't hold on, find a secluded, undisturbed place, look to the sky and shout 'I withdraw'—the Reincarnation Tree will release you. But saying this during a confrontation won't help."

Lu Ye felt warmth in his heart, touched by the elder dragon's care.

To be honest, Yang Qing's attitude towards the Nine Provinces made them anxious before, but now it seems he truly harbors no ill intentions. If he did, with the current meager strength of Nine Provinces, they couldn't possibly resist.

He even took me to participate in such a grand event; this is a great favor, and Lu Ye silently remembered it.

In this light, Yang Qing seemingly feels quite attached to Nine Provinces. Even after ten thousand years, he is willing to care for a successor from Nine Provinces.

He answered honestly, soared into the sky, and dashed into the portal. Instantly, a line of text appeared on the left column.

Nine Heavens World, Lu Yiye!

Many powerful figures closely watching the portal showed a look of surprise, not because they've heard of the Nine Heavens World domain. The stellar space is vast with many domains, and even such powerful figures wouldn't dare claim familiarity with all domains—it's normal for one to suddenly appear unheard of or unknown.

What caught their attention was the cultivation level Lu Ye displayed when he activated his spirit force!

Only Divine Sea Level 8!

Among all Divine Sea Realm participants in the Divine Sea contest, this was the only one at Level 8.

For a moment there was silence, and they couldn't figure out what's happening with this Nine Heavens World—have they really dwindled to this extent, letting a Level 8 participate in such a major event?

They didn't pay much mind; to figures of their level, this Level 8 went inside, likely wouldn't survive past two days. He was merely accompanying the Crown Prince.

It's also a normal phenomenon—to select the top 100 from two to three thousand people, most are just there as accompaniment.

Soon, all Divine Sea Realm contestants flooded into the Taichu Realm portal, which then slowly closed, leaving only two huge columns standing. The right is blank, while the left displays over two thousand lines of text...

A dignified Sun Blaze Realm figure spoke: "Those who needed to enter have entered, and the Divine Sea contest has begun. Shall we proceed as usual?"

His words immediately sparked agreement from all sides: "As usual, as usual!"

The Sun Blaze Realm figure bowed: "I kindly ask Tree Elder to open the treasure pond!"

The voice of the Reincarnation Tree spoke for the first time: "Esteemed fellow Daoists from different domains, I reiterate: Small bets bring pleasure, large bets harm—please wager responsibly!"

Almost every time, the Reincarnation Tree offers this reminder, but it seldom has any effect, as it has become a tradition.

Divine Sea Realm eligible to enter Taichu Realm go inside to fight fiercely for supremacy.

These senior figures, with nothing else to do here, can't just watch passively. It'll be months before they have any results, and at some point, a betting game arose.

A game needing the Hostess—the Reincarnation Tree.

The betting method is simple—to wager on which Divine Sea Realm contestant will eventually win. Correct bets naturally yield rewards, while incorrect ones end in total loss!

Everyone can bet anything—they could wager a single hair if they wished. Of course, at their cultivation level, their items can't be shabby; each is of extremely high quality and rare.

The treasures vary, and so does their value, but this poses no problem for the Reincarnation Tree. With its long life and vast knowledge, it can instantly recognize the value of any treasure.

Moreover, for fairness, it denotes the value of each treasure on the betting line according to starlight measure!

Experts from various domains have previously assessed that a 1-star treasure labeled by the Reincarnation Tree is at least worth ten thousand spirit jade.

The more starlight, the greater the value naturally.

Every gathering here attracts powerful figures from two to three thousand domains. Even if only a small portion participates, the total sum of treasures amassed is enormous, leading eventually to the winner taking all.

Furthermore, due to historical accumulation, the treasure pond managed by the Reincarnation Tree retains a vast amount of treasures left from previous years' bets.

Not every Divine Sea Realm participant from top-tier domains will laugh last. Their seniors can favor them, stake valuable treasures, but if they die, those treasures remain in the treasure pond; such instances are frequent.

Thus, in this betting game, more treasures enter the pond every time, while fewer exit, with growing accumulation.

As the Reincarnation Tree, forced to become the house, it remains the biggest winner.

Yet this means nothing to it; it is itself a stellar space supreme treasure, unique in the universe—what treasure could outweigh it?

Everyone understands the principle, but human nature prevails, even at the Moon Jade, Sun Blaze level, it is inevitable.

For these powerful figures, joining such a betting game is an intriguing matter; winning brings joy, while losing doesn't anger—they are merely participating to relieve boredom.

With the Reincarnation Tree's words, a diffuse glow slowly unfurls in the air, resembling a large pond. The pool water is vapor with dazzling colors, amidst which treasures flickering starlight abound.

This is the betting treasure pond, and the floating, sinking treasures within likely amount to tens of thousands!

Such a colossal wealth would evoke envy even from the finest domains, yet everyone knows these items aren't to be snatched—unless one's life is thrown away.