Chapter 1283: Intense Debate

Looking at the image, all the ancient beings fell silent for a moment.

This Saint indeed appeared unique. They exuded a unique charm of leisure and tranquility, seemingly detached from worldly concerns. If their talent and wisdom were truly profound, it was no wonder Zhiji had fallen for them...

Zhiji's indulgence and self-abandonment were beyond their expectations. While they seemed enraged, they weren't truly angry. This was the other's choice, a willing descent into decadence; they merely found it tragic and regrettable.

However, some defended Zhiji: "Zhiji once worked tirelessly for our Dao Palace and did us a great service. She knew her chances of success were extremely low..."

The cold, stern female voice smiled again, her tone imbued with unimaginable ancient majesty: "We are all beings on the same grand vessel, meant to be of one mind. We owe her many favors. If this were before, we would have united to secure her rightful place as a Chaos Deity." She continued, "But the times are changing drastically. Even we must emerge to face our tribulations. In fact, apart from the Master, all nine of us may become enemies, each striving to protect our own universe, or even seize another's. How can we possibly look out for her?"

A single universe, a single Great Dao Blueprint, can only attest to one Great Dao position. There were nine universes, and only nine of them. Only their Master needed to emerge—for instance, the eternally immortal, destined Primordial True Saint!

The Longevity Realm, as a nexus, held the Great Dao Blueprints of all nine universes, making it exceptionally powerful and unique. As the Tenth Universe, one could attain Dao here, claiming the tenth Chaos Deity position. And once Dao was attained, the combat power would be unimaginably heaven-defying. The Longevity Realm was the Master's exclusive universe; outsiders could not forcibly enter it, and no one could threaten it. This was a destined Eleventh-Tier True Saint, one who would surpass all ancients and take an unprecedented step! At that time, the universe would truly enter the Eleventh-Tier era.

It was important to note that throughout the long ages, they had never emerged, always remaining within the Longevity Dao Palace. Most of them, like Zhiji, were the final victors of their respective eras, around six million years old. They had, in essence, frozen time after that final battle, 'smuggling' themselves into the distant future. That final blood-drenched battle felt as though it had just happened moments ago.

And because of this... They still retained the surging, youthful ambition. They still possessed a passionate and valiant Dao Heart. They were still in the prime of their lives, ready to forge a new era!

Over six million years? What did that even mean? Unimaginably young!

However, Zhiji had already entered her twilight years. She had emerged too often, engaging in countless schemes with successive generations of Zerg empresses and even various prodigies who sought to resist the Longevity Realm. Her Dao Heart had been clouded by the mundane and intricate affairs of countless eras, just like that despondent question she had once asked Xu Zhi: Was the descent of a genius into mediocrity merely accidental, or was it inevitable that geniuses, as their astounding talents were exhausted in the future, would ultimately become corrupt mediocrities?

At this moment, the impending "Myriad Heavens" era was truly terrifying. It would be even more dreadful, surpassing the prosperous and competitive era of their Cosmic Bridge. Originally, the universe had 40 Great Dao positions, all of which would now be condensed and emerge in this era, leading to a massive eruption of future Saints from more than half a cosmic epoch. This was indeed astonishing; it was even possible for countless monstrous geniuses to appear, surpassing their own talents!

Nevertheless, they remained unafraid. The battle over ten billion years ago, which felt like "just moments ago," had forged an invincible will within them, making them even more determined and forward-looking. Having "smuggled" themselves into this era, they still possessed the dominant will to suppress their generation and unilaterally control the entire universe. To sweep through this era! Only then could they fulfill their ultimate aspiration: to achieve Eleventh-Tier, transcending the universe's constraints.

"Zhiji is already ruined," one being softly remarked, calming the dispute somewhat. Although they had fought together, swept through an era, and become the nine Primordial Heavenly Venerables bathed in the blood of victory, they were not a monolithic entity.

Another being pondered, "She also knows we cannot help her, and may even become her enemies. If the prodigies appearing in this era are too terrifying and seize several of the nine positions, we will have no choice but to act against our own kind... We might have to act against her."

The cold and beautiful female voice said, "So, she is waiting to die."

"Not necessarily," one being, full of confidence, chuckled. "She plans to enter the mortal world, to delve into the mundane... Marrying is also a way for her to break down and then stand up stronger. She is very clever, so when she saw someone she liked, she didn't hesitate... Moreover, a Dao Companion, a lover, is inherently both the greatest vulnerability of our Dao Heart and a source of motivation." The cold, stern female voice sneered, "With a bond, her state of mind might indeed be reborn, regaining youth and vitality. Seeing her in such a maidenly, lovesick state, it's clear what she intends to do... Does she only now wish to live a brilliant life as a mortal? Once she embarked on this lonely path we walk, she could never go back!" She continued, "Zhiji has traveled through so many eras for us, suppressed so many beings, and her hands are already stained with blood. She could be called the foremost Saint of Slaughter, ancient or modern; even combined, the Master and we haven't killed as many as she has... Yet now she wants to forget it all, return to her youth, live an ordinary life, and enjoy love? Is it truly that easy?" The female voice was very calm: "She reported to us that this young Saint, who has seen a corner of the future, is pure and clean, and is content to avoid worldly pursuits... If he knew what kind of murderous demon she truly was, he probably wouldn't even be able to accept her kindness and goodwill."

An ancient being nearby grew completely enraged and shouted, "Wen Meng, that's enough! She is, after all, a companion from the battlefield. Why prevent her from having a good end? This is Zhiji's choice, yet you wish to ruin her current life."

The female voice merely hummed, saying nothing further.

Another being also chuckled, "A Dao companion can indeed change one's heart, but it also brings trouble. There are benefits, of course, but also drawbacks; it's a vulnerability. While we protect our loved ones, they can also become a means for enemies to threaten us, and if they die, our Dao Heart would utterly collapse..." He added, "However, Zhiji clearly understands that the times have changed. Her lover will not become her weakness. Saints are virtually immortal, so her enemies cannot use a Dao companion to threaten her anymore. Instead, they will be her aid, a sanctuary for her soul."

All the Saints fell silent.

Zhiji was indeed very clever. She knew that in the Myriad Heavens era, a Dao companion was no longer a weakness, no longer a vulnerability that could be used against her, because no one could kill a Saint anymore. Thus, she could enjoy a "home" without having to bear the responsibilities of a "home." Within this era, she could surge forward with vigor! Behind her, she could have a sanctuary, someone who encouraged her, a virtuous partner she didn't need to protect...

"This calculation isn't bad, but it's merely a small cleverness," one being said, shaking their head. "Nevertheless, we too should enter the world to face our tribulations."

Ultimately, the eight ancient beings decided to enter the mortal world. This was a crucial decision for the era. Having "smuggled" themselves from ancient times to the present day on this grand vessel of passage, it meant it was time for them to disembark. They were to appear in this era. These venerable and sacred ancient giants sought their Master's permission and each intended to take one-ninth of the bloodline reserves.

"Go then... Leave one-ninth for Zhiji. Do not harbor any petty thoughts... This is her rightful share. Apart from the powerful foes we vanquished in our era, nearly all the bloodlines from later generations were collected by her," a voice resonated from the void after a long silence.

"Understood."

The Saints around them subtly changed their expressions, but ultimately did not defy. Balance and fairness; the Master would not act against them. This was also why they chose to follow the Master. Now, the Master was ensuring balance for Zhiji. Although they were displeased and harbored thoughts of "killing the donkey after it had done its grinding," it was still everything she deserved. At worst, they could simply reclaim the bloodlines later.

One by one, the beings rapidly entered the mortal world to face their tribulations.

"The era has finally begun.... Everything brilliant, everything of the past, must now bloom its finest here. I await you at the Eleventh-Tier," a voice echoed from the void. "Whoever masters this era shall surely claim a Chaos Deity position, and may even stand shoulder to shoulder with me."