Chapter 1371: Unrivaled in the World

Even Chu Feng, a domain researcher himself, felt dizzy looking at the massive stack of books. Who could possibly finish reading such a pile, over ten feet high, in a short time?

It was a common saying, even in the Lesser Netherworld, that the difficulty of mastering domains was tenfold that of cultivation. This belief was also widely accepted in the Yang Realm. No matter how brilliant or talented an individual was, they would still need to dedicate ten times the time spent on cultivation to achieve comparable success in the arduous field of domains. It was widely acknowledged that studying domains required not only extraordinary talent but also a vast amount of time for meticulous contemplation and profound understanding. Consequently, everyone present was stunned. To meticulously read through such a massive stack of books and truly comprehend the abstruse, ghost-like patterns would likely take more than a lifetime.

Chu Feng, who considered himself highly proficient in this field, still felt overwhelmed. Yet, a sense of excitement and anticipation also surged within him. He was eager to embrace the challenge, as his extraordinary talent in domains had already been profoundly showcased in the Lesser Netherworld. He had once been tested by the energy tower on the moon, which, despite its damaged state, had marveled at his astonishing talent. Indeed, his mastery of domains surpassed even his talent for cultivation. Furthermore, the energy tower on the moon had praised his domain talent as "unprecedented since ancient times," noting that he had mastered its immense library of knowledge in record time, far surpassing all previous attempts.

From the perspective of his achievements, Chu Feng had certainly lived up to his extraordinary talent. His current accomplishments were sufficient to make him stand out among his peers and even impress many old monsters. In fact, for someone his age, his accomplishments were truly unparalleled. This was, in the truest sense, an overwhelming and crushing advantage that Chu Feng held over his contemporaries in this particular field. Yet, to this day, no one truly knew the full extent of his abilities; even he himself was unaware of how much faster his progress in domain studies was compared to others.

"This is an impossible task!" someone immediately shrieked.

Some individuals had already begun flipping through the books. What was truly dizzying was that within this enormous stack, some were single volumes, while others were bundled, revealing dozens of neatly organized books when opened. A stack ten feet high, ten feet long, and ten feet wide—the sheer volume of books left the group of brilliant elites utterly dumbfounded and speechless. It seemed like a deliberate torment. If it wasn't intentionally designed to be arduous, who could possibly finish studying it successfully?

Chu Feng also started to browse. He frowned slightly, realizing there were truly no shortcuts here. The people of the Grand Supreme terrain had not gone easy on them; the very first volume he picked up detailed the "Fire Transformation Art," a highly profound rune technique within domains. Nevertheless, as he read meticulously, he felt as refreshed and invigorated as if he had drunk cool, sweet spring water on a scorching summer day. The explanations of domains within were truly exquisite.

"I am doing this for your own benefit," a voice from the battle chariot proclaimed, "The Grand Supreme is ruthless, and its corresponding terrain is equally so. Regardless of your status, once you enter these mountains and rivers, you will be treated equally, without exception. Heaven and Earth are unkind; they treat all beings as straw dogs. To ensure your survival, you must comprehend the terrain here."

From the battle chariot at the edge of the forest, a voice issued a solemn warning to everyone. Even if you boast an illustrious background, should you perish here, there will be nothing more to say. The clan inhabiting this forbidden land will not be held responsible for your death, as there are areas even they dare not easily tread. To avoid any misunderstanding and to convey the gravity of the situation, they had laid out the harsh truth upfront. The choice now rested with each individual.

"Especially the Eight Trigrams Furnace," the voice continued, "its internal runes are constantly shifting. For years, even our clan, despite our long residence here, has not dared to enter lightly, as too many of our kin have perished within. How much more so for you outsiders? Do not consider yourselves chosen ones; in truth, there are countless prodigies across all heavens. You and I are merely drops in the ocean, no one significantly stronger than another. Do not presume to possess a unique destiny."

The individual on the battle chariot spoke with absolute indifference, mincing no words as he warned everyone. As he spoke, the battle chariot finally emerged from the swirling mist, which gradually dissipated, revealing the vehicle in the open. A ball of light glowed within the battle chariot, but what truly captivated everyone was the vehicle itself and the creature pulling it. No, wait—perhaps it would be more accurate to say, the creature pushing the chariot. It was, unexpectedly, a single-wheeled handcart! This was utterly bizarre, completely contrary to everyone's expectations.

The ancient Grand Supreme terrain had, throughout countless ages, claimed the lives of innumerable prodigies, including members of fallen immortal king clans, great evil spirits, and even formidable beings from beyond this realm. Yet, who could have imagined that the clan dwelling here would be so unassuming, with their representative appearing on such a small, single-wheeled handcart? Earlier, a dense fog had enveloped the area, exuding a primordial aura that obscured everyone's vision, leading them to certainly not anticipate such a rudimentary vehicle. Moreover, the creature pushing the cart was remarkably tall and imposing, clad in black armor that conveyed a sense of oppression. It was a Bull Demon. However, the long hair on its head was entirely green, fluttering in the wind, which made it appear exceedingly peculiar. Its pair of thick, massive horns also gleamed with a vibrant green hue.

"A Minotaur," someone whispered.

Instantly, the Bull Demon lashed out with a punch. Space distorted, its arm expanded immensely, and its fist descended like a mountain, slamming into the whispering individual, who was sent flying and then exploded mid-air.

"No matter your identity," the Bull Demon rumbled, "do not act arrogantly here. If you seek to humiliate us, then perish!"

The Bull Demon, with its verdant green hair, spoke in a deep, resonant voice, its eyes glinting ferociously. In an instant, all murmurs ceased, and silence descended upon the crowd. For this Grand Supreme terrain was truly unique and exceptional, incomparable to any other. Legend held that it originated from beyond this realm, a blaze that had descended from the Thirty-Three Heavens, alien to the Yang Realm. The flames here had given birth to unique creatures, and there were secret tales that spoke of this clan as an extraterrestrial race from beyond the Thirty-Three Heavens. Consequently, very few dared to offend them. Especially since the deceased was merely a servant, not one of the clan's own prodigies intending to enter this place to forge their "true self," they chose to endure. This incident also revealed that while the beings residing within the Grand Supreme terrain were indeed low-key, they would absolutely not tolerate disrespect and possessed formidable confidence.

At this point, everyone's attention shifted to the orb of light on the single-wheeled cart, eager to discern the true nature of the master clan. To their astonishment, it was merely a ball of fire, without a fixed shape, a cluster of crimson flames flickering, occasionally emitting a purple-gold luminescence.

"Consider carefully," the ball of fire on the single-wheeled cart spoke, "Too many of our own have perished here. You outsiders are even more susceptible to walking a path of no return." The light on the single-wheeled cart spoke, confirming it was indeed a living being. The master of this place actually manifested in this form! According to legends, their appearances varied across different eras, suggesting they were fire spirits capable of freely transforming into any species. Simultaneously, a chill ran down everyone's spines, filling them with dread. This was a being of fire, yet even they could be burned to death within the Eight Trigrams Furnace. This was truly terrifying, almost inconceivable. The fact that even unfathomable fire spirits could be utterly consumed, body and soul, by the furnace seemed absurd at first glance, but upon reflection, it sent shivers down one's spine, emphasizing the dreadful power of the Grand Supreme terrain.

"These books contain not only heavenly scriptures on domains but also records of past perils in this place, along with various accounts of what happened after fire-path runes gained sentience. Study them diligently." As it spoke, the single-wheeled handcart gradually receded, vanishing into the chaotic mist.

Beyond the domain texts, there were also various records pertaining to the Grand Supreme terrain. The clan could certainly be said to have been exceedingly benevolent and righteous, providing them with immense assistance.

"Our clan does not research domains," a faint voice echoed from deep within the forbidden area, "Our bodies are simply born with fire-path runes that pierce the heavens. Over the years, we have collected many domain texts, yet we are not proficient in this path. If you can gain any comprehension, it will greatly aid your survival. Of course, should anyone prove truly exceptional, our clan would not object to collaborating with you and granting you even greater fortune within the Grand Supreme terrain."

Everyone realized that the clan residing here still depended on their inherent nature as fire spirits, not on having mastered the grand dao of domains. Indeed, it was clear to all that achieving significant progress in the field of domains was incredibly challenging, even more arduous than embarking on the supreme path of evolution. In that instant, a multitude of thoughts rushed through everyone's minds. They realized that the clan's act of providing such a vast collection of domain texts also stemmed from selfish motives. They sought to identify exceptionally talented individuals in the field of domains, hoping to leverage the abilities of external domain experts to decipher and unlock certain unique areas within the Grand Supreme terrain. Such areas might conceal prehistoric imperial treasures. Perhaps, over the vast expanse of time, nurtured by extraordinary domains, new supreme elixirs, or even universe-grade herbs astounding to both ancient and modern times, had emerged in recent antiquity. This was highly probable, as universe-grade herbs typically only emerged in supreme forbidden lands. There had long been rumors of such plants existing within the Grand Supreme terrain, their pollen possessing heaven-defying properties. However, the time required for such herbs to fully mature was exceedingly long, often spanning more than half an epoch. Could it be that such universe-grade herbs were now on the verge of blooming?

Even Chu Feng's heart quickened. Were universe-grade flower buds and rare fruits truly about to ripen? These were undoubtedly heaven-defying treasures, so rare that only one or two might appear across multiple eras in the Yang Realm. For a moment, everyone trembled with anticipation, their eyes burning with fervent excitement, utterly astonished. To obtain a single flower or a rare exotic fruit from this place would be akin to an instant ascension, allowing one to soar to the highest heavens in the shortest time, with their power skyrocketing, transforming them into an evolutionist whose renown would echo through the ages.

The entire group converged, diligently beginning to study the pile of books. Evidently, none who had made it here were ordinary cultivators; they all possessed extraordinary talent. Some individuals were indeed deeply versed in domains, and now they focused intently, hoping to unravel the mysteries. In the view of some, since historical records showed that individuals, even those who weren't domain researchers, had successfully tempered themselves and undergone dramatic transformations within this immortal furnace, they too held hope. Naturally, others were quite confident, believing they possessed sufficient hidden strengths.

Chu Feng was utterly engrossed in his reading, almost in a state of self-forgetfulness. These domain texts held a profound allure for him, drawing him into a deep fascination. He turned the pages rapidly, one after another, which greatly surprised a young man nearby. The youth leaned in and whispered, "Brother, can you actually understand them?"

"Roughly," Chu Feng replied.

"That quickly?" the man asked, growing even more astonished. He then humbly sought advice, clearly wanting to befriend Chu Feng. "May I ask your name, brother?"

"Zhou Zhengde," Chu Feng replied, without looking up from his book.

"What?" The young man beside him looked surprised.

Chu Feng's heart tightened. What was wrong? Had he given himself away? The youth mumbled softly, "Recently, people with 'De' in their names have been causing quite a stir. Many are practically allergic to such names; I felt a slight chill when I heard 'De'."

Chu Feng was speechless. *That* was the issue?

"It *really* works," the youth emphasized, his face serious as he looked at Chu Feng. "Keep your voice down, or there will be too many aggrieved parties, all cursing you behind your back."

Chu Feng, feigning solemnity, declared, "I am neither Ji Dade nor Cao De. My name, Zhou Zhengde, means 'upright and virtuous,' and I live up to it. I am exceedingly upright, possess high moral character, and am the most honest person you'll ever meet!"

The youth was speechless. Did anyone praise themselves like that? He even grumbled inwardly that when Ji Dade and Cao De first appeared, they too had prided themselves on their virtue and integrity. While their actions might not have incurred universal outrage, they certainly caused widespread chaos and ended up on the blacklists of several powerful, top-tier clans.

Chu Feng ignored him. He had long since convinced himself that he was Zhou Zhengde, and come what may, he had severed all ties with those two other "De"-named individuals. He set down the book he was holding and picked up an ancient, unadorned jade block. He clutched it as if it were a priceless treasure, for it was intricately carved with numerous incredibly valuable domain symbols.

The Sky-Mending Secret Manual! Chu Feng's heart stirred with excitement. He had previously encountered fragments of this domain text elsewhere. Known as "Mending the Heavens," it detailed how to use post-natal domain arrangements to nurture individuals, enabling them to undergo complete metamorphosis. It could also nurture artifacts, allowing secret treasures to transform, gain sentience, and reach unparalleled heights. Before, he had only studied a small, incomplete fragment. Now, to hold the complete secret tome was of immeasurable value to any domain researcher. This was a treasure of unparalleled rarity!

"Anyone with 'De' in their name is no good; everywhere you turn, you run into one of them. What bad luck!" Someone, quite tactless, spoke with open resentment from nearby after hearing Chu Feng's name.

Chu Feng completely ignored the comment, utterly absorbed and fascinated, deeply immersed in comprehending the unparalleled intricacies of the Sky-Mending Secret Manual. However, the person did not press the issue further, to avoid inciting a dispute that might provoke the beings within the Grand Supreme forbidden land to anger and eliminate any instigators.

A dispute erupted not far away, as two individuals clashed over a golden secret manual, with blood drawn on the spot. Both sides were convinced that the golden domain text was extraordinary, its circulating symbols bearing traces of the Grand Dao. Even Chu Feng's eyes narrowed upon seeing it. He sensed that the secret manual was indeed exceptional, surprised he hadn't noticed it immediately. It had primarily been obscured by other unique books, the golden secret manual remaining inconspicuous until now.

"Those who engage in conflict and bloodshed shall bear their own casualties," a cold voice echoed from within the Grand Supreme terrain. "It has no bearing on our clan." The clan evidently had no intention of interfering. Instantly, the atmosphere grew significantly more tense, and many eyes gleamed with cold intent.

Chu Feng had already unleashed his powerful divine sense, sifting through the stack of books. Besides safeguarding the jade block in his hand, he also noticed a silver-bound book. A profoundly mysterious sensation welled up within him; this silver book was clearly no ordinary text. He put away the jade block and quickly flipped through the silver book. Moments later, he was deeply shaken; he had found a peculiar page tucked inside. This was a heavenly scripture! The genesis of all his ultimate domain techniques stemmed from that single silver heavenly scripture page left by the Saint Master on the moon. Though just one page, it was incredibly profound, akin to a supreme celestial canon. Unfortunately, despite its numerous characters, it was ultimately just a single page, and its contents were incomplete, merely a fragment of a larger work. Now, he had astonishingly discovered another page, which he could read without any difficulty—it was a continuation! This was truly an unexpected boon!

Just then, someone next to Chu Feng spoke up, "Do you even understand what you're reading? You're just pretending to be serious, flipping through that secret text so quickly. Who are you trying to impress? Don't waste resources. If you don't get it, just step aside!"

Chu Feng turned, instantly boiling with rage. It was that same group: four men and two women riding crimson-gold earthworms. One of the men had approached and spoken with such disdain. The primary reason for their arrogance was that one member of their group possessed exceptionally high domain mastery and had already fixed his gaze on the silver book in Chu Feng's hand.

"Get lost!" Chu Feng retorted directly.

Many turned their heads, realizing another conflict was brewing. Not far off, Jiang Luoshen also cast her gaze over. Living up to her former reputation as the "National Goddess," she exuded unparalleled grace as she studied domain secret texts with a few companions, engaging in mutual discussion and debate.

"Oh, what a fiery temper," a young woman chimed in. It was the same one who had previously ridiculed Chu Feng from atop the crimson-gold earthworm. "The one who almost drowned in earth dragon dung earlier. I can still smell your stench from a distance. How dare you stand here?"