Chapter 1264: The Great Discovery of Zhiji

Urban Reality

The Immortal Realm.

Zhi Ji's expression was grave, her mind racing. She carefully pondered the described future structure. From now on, the ascended Saints beyond the Chaos Heavens would directly enter the "Immortal Realm," a vast and boundless world filled with birdsong and fragrant flowers. However, every plant, flower, and beast here was, in fact, a universe, totaling 129,600, also known as the Myriad Heavens and Worlds.

"Our civilization once spent countless eons collectively deducing what the next cosmic era would be like. But we never found an answer. At first, we thought it was due to our own decay and rigid thinking. We even secretly ventured into various new eras, observing the fresh perspectives of countless geniuses and heroes over hundreds of millions of years, yet they, too, could not foresee the future. This was because the universe was too perfect. After the opening of parallel universes, and following our attunement to the Dao in the Era of Longevity, the cosmic rules were virtually complete. There was no need for further integration or major variables." They had spent many years in deduction, ultimately unable to find any future possibilities, so they stopped trying.

"However, Your Highness once had a thought: though the universe seemed complete, the Sea of Chaos still had deficiencies. The area beyond the Chaos Heavens was barren and desolate. Perhaps there was a way to integrate and improve it, thereby completing it!" After all, the Sea of Chaos was also part of the grand universe, much like how the oceans are part of a planet, in addition to its continental plates. Yet, no matter how much they pondered at the time, they found no answers. They vaguely sensed that the variable opportunity for the next cosmic era lay within the Sea of Chaos, but they couldn't conceive the specifics. Now, such an anomaly had appeared before them.

Gradually, Zhi Ji felt as if her past doubts had been completely resolved. A powerful realization surged within her: "So that's it! So that's it!" She murmured, "It wasn't that we couldn't see what the next era would be... rather, we were limited by our time. At that point, the next era was destined not to appear, just like the eleventh tier was destined for the future! We were born at the wrong time! Only when a certain catalyst aligns will that era begin! And this chaotic meteor shower before us is that catalyst! Only in this current era can one find a way to achieve Dao in the Sea of Chaos! To reshape the structure beyond the Chaos Heavens!" Her pupils dilated, and the more she thought, the more excited she became. "Those mysterious ancient races, whether the Zerg, the Weizhou, or other hidden civilizations, must have obtained a few fallen meteors from such showers to foresee the future and understand that the opportunity for Dao attainment lay at this moment... However, they could not achieve longevity. They could only, after turning to dust, transform their knowledge of this distant future opportunity into relics, to be passed on to some fortunate descendant."

At this moment, she felt she had gradually understood, and couldn't help but look at Di Zun with newfound respect. He was still lecturing, debating, and discussing the future cosmic structure with the assembled Saints. Only they knew the history of ancient times. This person, despite not knowing ancient history, could infer aspects of the future from its nascent signs. He was truly a great talent!

At this point, Di Zun continued addressing the Saints: "Gentlemen, although we know little about the ancient history of Buddhist and Daoist civilizations, I believe the great era of the future lies in opening up a realm beyond the Chaos Heavens... an Immortal Realm, what do you think?""That aligns perfectly with our thoughts," they replied with smiles.

Meanwhile, the Great Octopus was hidden on the deck in the shadows, still live-streaming. The audience in the live stream room had completely erupted."The Immortal Realm of... Buddhist and Daoist civilizations?""Good heavens!" Everyone gasped in unison. As expected of the behind-the-scenes entity who has dominated through the ages, he's truly formidable! In a blink of an eye, the Immortal Realm was conceptualized. The next era of cosmic development was to be called the Immortal Realm! What a tremendous sense of accomplishment! Regardless of whether they could dominate the situation and become overlords in the future, they had already seized the initiative now. First, secure naming rights!

"I'm convinced, completely convinced! This smooth, natural set of operations just swept me off my feet!""Wait, Di Zun is still telling these Saints that Buddhist and Daoist civilizations are mysterious and reveal little information, and that they still need observation and research.... Ha! Who are we kidding? As long as Lord Di Zun wants to talk about history, we'll have 'Akina Speed' make up another segment for him right now! (laughs)""Scare the wits out of these country bumpkins!""Brothers, do you see? Those Saints' descendants are now completely convinced. They've gone from being that woman's sycophants to Di Zun's sycophants!"

Everyone was filled with emotion. As expected of the man who once made the miracle scholar, Lord Youshan, retreat into isolation! Utter domination! It was now complete, all-encompassing domination! The players felt as if they were on their knees; he was too powerful. This was the power of knowledge. By analyzing the cosmic structure, his intellect alone was enough to convince all dissenting voices, because in the world of Saints, knowledge almost equated to power. Displaying one's vast knowledge and profound foundation was akin to flexing one's muscles.

At this point, after this simple debate concluded, these Saints were indeed thoroughly humble and eager to learn. They could still distinguish priorities. With the grand trends of the era changing and vast waves crashing in, no one wanted to be a Saint crushed by the tide. It was both a disaster and an opportunity.

"Do you have any questions? We can discuss them together, though I may not know everything. My information is just a bit more than yours, having merely studied this seaweed universe," Di Zun said with a humble smile, looking at the humanoid universe. "Later, when we study the humanoid body, we will gain even more information."The Saints stiffened. Zhi Ji was also somewhat dumbfounded.

One of the Saints' descendants quickly asked, "If it's a crisis, why do you say that ninety-nine percent of the Saints present might not survive, that almost all will perish, fall, and become decaying Saints of the old era?"Ninety-nine percent dying was far too many. It meant almost everyone present would perish.

Di Zun looked at him, then at the surrounding Saints, and said, "The seaweed and trilobite universes are merely in their most primitive embryonic stages. While they are indeed the dominant powers of this era, what about the next era of cosmic life?""The next era of cosmic life?" Hearing this, Zhi Ji smiled and said, "According to biological evolution, the next biological era in the Sea of Chaos will be dominated by cephalopods, and even vertebrate fish universes! Seaweed and trilobites will certainly be eliminated! This is the theory of biological evolution!"The other Saints also nodded. Vertebrate fish were indeed the true overlords of the ocean.

"So, while trilobites and seaweed are dominant now, in a while, they will be at the bottom of the food chain." Di Zun clasped his hands behind his back and looked into the distance. "As the lowest tier of food—creepers, sea grass—they will be consumed by higher organisms.... Do you truly believe that by obtaining this universe, you have achieved eternity?"The minds of the other Saints were greatly shaken. "Your meaning is...""While the trilobite universe you currently possess is indeed powerful, what will its future be? It will inevitably become a cosmic life at the bottom of the food chain, devoured by other powerful cosmic life forms. If your universe is eaten, what will become of you?"All the Saints shuddered violently, a flash of fear in their eyes. If their universe collapsed, the Saints of that universe would naturally be destroyed and perish. This was an overwhelming trend. As Saints, if they lost the main universe they initially obtained, they would have to start over. But how easy would it be to occupy another universe? The competition would likely be terrifyingly fierce! Even if they succeeded in entering a new universe and became core Saints in a significant position, starting over would be too late. They would likely be eliminated by the era!

"Are you suggesting we actually will?""Impossible!""We are exceptionally talented, born divine!"Their expressions were uneasy, but they were not foolish. They knew that Saints who couldn't keep up with the times would only be eliminated into the dust of history.

"I see! No wonder you said from the beginning that this is a cosmic revolution!" Zhi Ji laughed. "So, what's your view? How do these Saints transcend?""I don't have much data right now, but I can only make conjectures based on the current situation," Di Zun said with a smile. "Given the current circumstances, if we compare these universes to living organisms according to the laws of biological evolution... there are likely two ways to solve this.""Which two?" Zhi Ji seemed to have thought of them as well, but still looked at Di Zun."The first is to continuously evolve one's own cosmic organisms and perfect the Great Dao blueprint. Even if the current level is low, there's still the possibility of overcoming the strong with the weak. Even low-level insects might not be defeated by higher universes in the future food chain!""The second is to enter the food chain oneself!"Enter the food chain oneself? Zhi Ji's eyes flickered. "Enter the food chain myself?"Di Zun smiled. "Precisely. If the universe has a food chain, we simply follow it, constantly climbing upwards towards higher cosmic life forms. For example, if we control a seaweed universe, we challenge a superior cosmic life form, then attain Dao within it... replacing it, climbing layer by layer, until we eventually reach the top of the food chain.""I see."

This debate greatly benefited Zhi Ji. She felt as if she were in the Longevity Dao Palace, debating with other Saints. The other party was not merely a person of limited knowledge, but profoundly learned. In reality, Xu Zhi's knowledge already surpassed that of countless Saints. Not to mention Xu Zhi, even Di Qi, Caroline, and others were incomparable to ordinary Saints. Each of them, in terms of knowledge and strategic vision, could rival ancient Saints. After all, other Saints initially cultivated mature systems, cultivating for the sake of cultivation, often not understanding the underlying principles, the root of the universe, or its intricacies. They merely progressed step by step. But what about Xu Zhi? His method, from the very beginning, was directly aimed at analyzing the essence of the universe. He had deduced each realm from scratch, understood the principles thoroughly, experienced every realm, and gradually comprehended the universe's endless rules. His sandbox transcendent cultivation system was the most perfect path for transcendent cultivation.

"Now, do you understand what I mean?" Di Zun suddenly asked."Huh?" Zhi Ji was momentarily stunned.Di Zun said, "I intend to take the first path: to focus on cultivating a low-level universe and use it until the end of time. You are my chosen one. This is a tremendous opportunity for you. If you don't want to be eliminated by the food chain and consumed as a low-level organism, then marry me... This is the best chance. We will take the lead one step at a time, staying ahead in every step!"

Zhi Ji was utterly dumbfounded on the spot. It had come full circle; had he been setting this up from the very beginning? This insignificant figure of the era, this laughable mortal... No, while he did possess some talent, and she indeed had a soft spot for talent, was he still harboring intentions towards her?

"Don't worry," Di Zun said imperiously, looking at the distant seaweed universe. "I will let you, alone, consume this vast seaweed universe, allowing you to grow rapidly."Zhi Ji slowly tilted her head back, gazing at the immense seaweed universe. She couldn't help but look at the Saints beside her. These sycophants were surprisingly no longer speaking for him or trying to snatch it away; instead, they were looking at her with expressions of envy and blessing.

Zhi Ji: "???"What was with those sincere gazes?

"Don't worry, you must be concerned I'll go back on my word," Di Zun said, patting her shoulder. "I know that as a humanoid universe, you've only just developed sentience and are wary of the outside world, and of any ill intentions from me. I will let you take a few bites of this universe first, letting you eat your fill, to show you my sincerity."Zhi Ji was suddenly a little touched. This mortal was clearly sincere, trusting her so completely. An ordinary person would never allow another to eat their universe first. It showed how truly good this humble mortal was to her. She herself didn't want to reveal her identity... but she truly couldn't eat it all.