All those at the End of the Path return together.
The situation in the Vast Expanse was rapidly undergoing unimaginable changes.
Vast and ancient Super Multiverses manifested one after another. These universes emerged from the unseen fabric of spacetime, bearing dense phenomena and fates. They had never appeared in previous epochs, and even Epochal Reckoning could not affect their foundational existence in the slightest.
These Super Multiverses were like sediment hiding in the deepest mud of a pond; as the entire pond was stirred, they began to surface.
In terms of cosmic scale, even Supreme True Worlds belonged to the category of Super Multiverses, encompassing many planar universes within them and capable of giving birth to Ancestral Dao Realm figures who had weathered seven or eight Heavenly Decline Tribulations.
But these Super Multiverses that were now suddenly emerging and reviving were a further evolution of Supreme True Worlds, even grander in scale. The energy and destiny they could contain were more astonishing, each more or less presided over by an existence at the End of the Path.
The Tathagata Buddha Kingdom, the Three Pure Ones Dao Realm, the Wuji Immortal Realm, the Yuan Dao Super Multiverse, the Shamanic Dao Super Multiverse, the Barbarian Dao Super Multiverse… These universes were clearly created and evolved by End of the Path-level figures, using their own paths.
Unlike the Vast Expanse where a hundred flowers bloomed and many civilizations intersected, within these super universes, a single path reigned supreme. The path pioneered by the End of the Path existence there could be said to have flourished to the absolute extreme.
Just as these Super Multiverses manifested, envoys from the Lifeless Hall and Immortal-Forgetting Mountain also appeared in the Vast Expanse.
Ancestral Dao Realm beings saw a certain deep, dark region within the Vast Expanse suddenly illuminated by boundless light. A hazy island dojo appeared there, with what seemed like endless mountains looming behind it.
Before this, many had never even heard the names of places like the Lifeless Hall or Immortal-Forgetting Mountain. It was as if no trace of them had ever existed. Yet now, no one dared to underestimate them.
Upon learning that envoys from the Lifeless Hall and Immortal-Forgetting Mountain had appeared, every major Super Multiverse dispatched beings of considerable importance to receive them, be it disciples of the respective End of the Path existences or their direct descendants.
To the various civilization True Worlds within the Vast Expanse, this was an exceedingly inconceivable sight, because the envoys from the Lifeless Hall and Immortal-Forgetting Mountain were also existences at the End of the Path.
Without a doubt, these were two supreme, unimaginable factions, with figures comparable to those presiding in the Land of the Nine Heavens or the Ancient Treasure Civilization guarding them. No wonder the masters of the various Super Multiverses adopted such an attitude.
No one knew what the envoys of the Lifeless Hall and Immortal-Forgetting Mountain discussed with the masters of the other Super Multiverses after their appearance. After a fleeting glimpse, the envoys from these two factions vanished.
In less than half a month, such shocking changes had occurred in the Vast Expanse.
This only made everyone more worried.
It seemed that in the unseen world, some power, some voice, had emerged, causing these figures rarely seen across a thousand epochs to reveal themselves.
"This is not a good omen. Yet the greater the momentum and scale, the more it shows that the existence of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance has already angered the Heavenly Will..."
"Perhaps this will be an opportunity for us. After the Epoch Cataclysm and Reckoning settles and Heaven's wrath is appeased, those who render meritorious service during this tribulation may receive commendation from the Heavenly Dao."
"Maybe this is a chance for us to come into contact with an Authority. Throughout history, it is only when heaven and earth undergo change, when a certain shift occurs, that the Authorities of the Heavenly Dao manifest."
"There are only nine positions for the Authorities of the Heavenly Dao. Based on numerous records and hidden histories, only the Karma Authority has yet to appear."
Deep within a certain spacetime in the Vast Expanse, flames raged to the heavens. This place looked like an eternal fire domain that had existed since ancient times, or perhaps the very birthplace of the first spark of flame since the creation of the world.
All spacetime was filled with flames. Fires of various hues gushed forth—gleaming gold, brilliant yellow, vivid scarlet—capable of incinerating everything. Even the Great Dao would retreat here.
In some areas, there were flames resembling primordial chaos or nothingness, enough to make even an Ancestral Dao Realm being tremble in fear.
However, at this moment, two figures appeared here silently. One black, one white. They were like two masses of matter, without physical substance, yet they had manifested bodies, transforming into two figures clad in black and white robes. Formless, faceless, and without gender.
The two conversed as they walked. Wherever they passed, flames retreated, ripples spread through spacetime, and beneath their feet, a certain black-and-white divine light seemed to manifest, directly piercing through into the deeper regions.
"Who comes?"
Suddenly, an ancient, violent voice echoed throughout this boundless fire domain. All the flames pulsed in response, as if coming to life, transforming into countless fiery serpents coiling in the air.
A vast, boundless figure appeared here, seemingly level with this entire spacetime. It had a human face, two green serpents coiled around its ears, and its feet rested upon two red serpents. Its body exuded an exceedingly violent and ancient aura, one that did not belong to the Post-Innate Era.
It was clearly an Innate Being. Its power surpassed many Ancestral Dao Realm existences, yet it still had not reached the domain of the End of the Path.
"Buting Huyu?"
"We are here to see the existence behind your master."
The two black-and-white figures spoke, their voices rumbling like the sound of the Great Dao. The black-and-white aura surging around them was incomparably formidable, grand and supreme, causing even the Great Dao to retreat before it.
Buting Huyu's expression froze. He too seemed to recognize these two figures. Speaking in a muffled voice, he said, "The two of you must be... the Black and White Envoys under the command of the most mysterious Yin-Yang Master?"
The Black and White Envoys both possessed strength at the End of the Path level.
And the Yin-Yang Master behind them was said to be the supreme existence who had once created the Endless Yang True World and the Calamitous Yin True World. It was because of this existence that the Endless Yang True World and the Calamitous Yin True World had once become True Worlds ranked among the very forefront in the Vast Expanse.
The Yin-Yang Master controlled the Yin-Yang Authority. Their existence was even older and more ancient than many Innate Beings. Although Buting Huyu was also an Innate Being, before the Yin-Yang Master, he could only be considered a junior.
"Two envoys, forgive us for not welcoming you from afar. We hope for your understanding."
At this moment, within this eternal fire domain, in the dim void, drifting specks of crimson light sprinkled down like a strange substance.
In the depths of this spacetime, magnificent halls stood, resembling charred red-black earth. At the highest point, there was a prayer mat, upon which a blurry human silhouette appeared. It was very tall, its gaze scorching and dazzling like a fire that could burn the heavens.
It spoke, its voice grand, echoing outward.
"Zhu Rong? Lord Strength Master indeed possesses supreme might. You had long since fallen, yet now you live again and possess such power. Perhaps I should address you as Fire Master now."
The White Envoy among the Black and White Envoys spoke, recognizing the current state of the Fire God Zhu Rong at a glance.
The Fire God was likewise an Innate Being. However, due to the Primordial Tribulation of the past, he had perished, his Dao extinguished, even his last wisp of true spirit dispersed. Countless fire spirits wept bitterly for him and buried his Dao-enlightenment prayer mat within boundless spacetime.
After a long, winding passage of countless ages, the long-dead Fire God had unexpectedly revived, and had even stepped into the domain of the End of the Path.
This could only mean that the Strength Master behind him possessed heaven-reaching methods. Truly worthy of being the Strength Master who grasped the Authority of Power, recognized as the foremost among the nine great Authorities.
The Fire God Zhu Rong sat upright upon the prayer mat, surrounded by numerous floating fire spirits. His brows and eyes seemed to be composed of flames, his Dharma-beard fiery red, a truly divine and extraordinary sight.
"Have you come on behalf of the Yin-Yang Master behind you to see Lord Strength Master?" he asked.
The Yin-Yang Master, like the Strength Master, was an existence who grasped an Authority. Their might was unfathomable, their vastness indescribable. They had witnessed untold numbers of Cataclysmic Tribulations and disasters, eternally imperishable, coexisting with the Heavenly Dao for all time. They were True Path-level existences in the truest sense and almost never emerged into the world.
In past history, whenever some change occurred in heaven and earth, or a major event took place, the Yin-Yang Master would only dispatch the Black and White Envoys under their command to act on their behalf.
To this day, no one knew where the true body of the Yin-Yang Master was; it remained an utter mystery.
"The epoch of heaven and earth is approaching its end. The present world has already changed. No one can see the future clearly. Even Lord Yin-Yang Master is perplexed. Therefore, we wish to invite Lord Strength Master to emerge and discuss this matter together," said the Black Envoy among the Black and White Envoys.
The Fire God Zhu Rong said calmly, "You have come too late. An existence has already visited Lord Strength Master and discussed this matter. If you wish for Lord Strength Master to take a side, I fear that is not possible."
"I know that the sudden emergence of the various Super Multiverse masters is driven from behind by the Yin-Yang Master. Perhaps there is also the plotting of the Lifeless Hall Master and the Master of Immortal-Forgetting Mountain..."
The Black and White Envoys were both taken aback.
The two exchanged glances, both frowning. In the present world, besides the Yin-Yang Master, who else could find the Strength Master to discuss grand plans? It would have to be at least an existence of the same level.
Could it be the other few True Path-level figures who grasped Authorities?
The nine Authorities: Strength, Fate, Creation, Reincarnation, Slaughter, Yin-Yang, Life, Spacetime, Karma.
Among them, only the Karma Authority had never appeared.
The Slaughter Authority was held by the Lifeless Hall Master.
The Si Zhu of the Palace of Fate Defiance controlled the Fate Authority.
The World Lord of Creation Mountain, and the Lord of Reincarnation deep within the Reincarnation Sea of the Ancient Treasure Civilization, respectively controlled the Creation Authority and the Reincarnation Authority.
Besides these, the most likely to seek out the Strength Master should have been the Life Master and the Emptiness Master, who controlled the Life Authority and the Spacetime Authority.
But these two existences were also very mysterious; they almost never appeared in the world, much less interfered in the Vast Expanse.
Yet now, even these two had entered the fray.
The Black and White Envoys both said solemnly, "We hope our fellow Daoist can convey a message. We have come under Lord Yin-Yang Master's orders. We bear an important item for delivery. If Lord Strength Master sees it, they will understand. This matter is of the utmost importance and cannot be delayed."
The Fire God Zhu Rong looked at the two, flames flickering deep within his eyes, reflecting a brilliant, blazing fire, appearing incredibly profound.
The Black and White Envoys had made their names far earlier than he had. Although they were all existences at the End of the Path, their Dao attainment was clearly superior to his. Moreover, if the two joined forces, he could not stop them.
"Lord Strength Master is currently refining something and likely has no time to receive you two."
He also spoke in a deep voice.
The Black and White Envoys exchanged a look. Among them, the White Envoy suddenly extended an object in their hands, taking several steps forward. A dense, shimmering light surrounded it, as if radiating an aura of creation that was eternally unchanging and transcendent, causing Fire God Zhu Rong's expression to change drastically, becoming extremely solemn and wary.
"Whose molted remains are these?" he asked.
The Black and White Envoys replied, "Our fellow Daoist is highly valued by Lord Strength Master. You must know that there was once an unimaginable, mysterious existence who secretly crossed over from the Land of Truth..."
Their words were brief, and they did not elaborate further, as if they too were very wary of mentioning this matter.
Looking at that shimmering object, the Fire God Zhu Rong's face was grave. He nodded, "I understand now. Fellow Daoists, please wait a moment. I will go report to Lord Strength Master immediately."
With that, his figure transformed into a burst of flame and completely dissipated from the prayer mat.
The Black and White Envoys made no move, merely waiting where they were.
The object they held in their hands had been bestowed by the Yin-Yang Master. It contained the molted remains and partial bones of that mysterious existence. The power within it had still not completely dissipated even now. It still carried an aura that made even them feel wary—immeasurably profound, as if bearing the limitless weight of the azure heavens.
An ordinary Ancestral Dao Realm being would be crushed to explosion by its mere presence, body and soul obliterated.
That battle to initially contest these partial remains had nearly turned the Vast Expanse upside down. But that was already history now.
After so many epochs, whatever could be taken had been taken.
The depths of this spacetime were filled with the mist of primordial chaos, forming a vast, boundless chaotic sea. Dense strands of Chaotic Mother Qi pervaded everywhere, accompanied by incomparably terrifying pressure. Under such a force field, all existence, tangible or intangible, seemed like it would be ground to ashes.
However, at the center of this chaotic sea, it was entirely flat, a scene of wonder. There was the fragrance of soil, like a pastoral field specifically carved out, complete with a fence, vegetable patches, and a fish pond.
Beside the thatched hut, there was a crooked-necked tree. A brawny man, stripped to the waist with bronze-colored skin and wearing a straw hat, was chopping wood next to the hut. He wielded a somewhat old and worn axe, his movements casual and simple. With each swing and chop, the firewood before him split cleanly in two. It looked utterly ordinary, no different from any common woodcutter.
The chopped wood stacked to the side was also just ordinary wood from ordinary trees.
But upon arriving here, the Fire God Zhu Rong dared not look around too much, nor did he dare step onto that vegetable garden. He said respectfully, "My Lord, the Black and White Envoys under the Yin-Yang Master have an item they wish to deliver to you personally. It is related to that mysterious existence who once secretly crossed over into the Vast Expanse."
The brawny man, who was precisely the Strength Master grasping the Authority of Power, was still bent over, tending to his firewood, seemingly not very concerned.
"Let them enter."
He said plainly, and with another swing of his axe—*clang*—the piece of firewood before him split in two once more.
Even though the Fire God Zhu Rong had already entered the domain of the End of the Path, his heart and soul still trembled. He felt that this simple axe light could even cleave his own Dao in half.
This was a power he could no longer describe or comprehend. Under this power, any existence would be directly split apart, the Great Dao itself being no exception.
"Yes, my Lord." He withdrew respectfully.
"Strange..."
"The scene of splitting matter within this mysterious substance grows more minute with each split, more bizarre. But what exactly is it?"
After the Fire God Zhu Rong had withdrawn, the Strength Master continued chopping wood, but soon his brows furrowed, as if he was pondering something. He picked up the piece of wood he had just split, feeling the texture within, as if trying to perceive something.
Suddenly, a brilliant, dazzling light flashed in his eyes, like the first axe light at the beginning of chaos, or the boundless power that parted heaven and earth.
"Right, this is Creation, it is Immortality..."
He murmured, as if realizing something. Then he became puzzled again, as if lost in confusion. "But how does one grasp it?"
This was something that even he found perplexing and bewildering. Yet he constantly pursued it, but felt as if it did not exist at all—like a hallucination in a flash of inspiration, seeming both real and illusory, both existent and non-existent.
"Cannot figure it out, truly cannot figure it out."
"Has the substance brought by the Life Master and the Emptiness Master already scattered over the Heaven-Slaying Alliance?"
The Strength Master tossed aside his axe, sat down on the spot, and fell into thought.
Soon, led by the Fire God Zhu Rong, the Black and White Envoys arrived outside this pastoral field. The two were very fearful and respectful towards the Strength Master.
"The Yin-Yang Master once sparred with me. In terms of pure strength, he is not my match. But when it comes to schemes, trickery, and wisdom, I am no match for him. What trick is he trying to play this time?"
The Strength Master looked at the two, his gaze seeming to see right through them in an instant.
"Lord Strength Master, please quell your anger. We have come here this time representing Lord Yin-Yang Master to deliver a gift to you. Furthermore, Lord Yin-Yang Master knows that you would certainly be interested in the great plan of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance to slay Heaven. Thus, we wish to invite you to emerge and lend your aid," the Black and White Envoys said respectfully, presenting the object they held.
"The molted remains and bones of that one?"
The Strength Master made a grabbing motion with his large hand, and the shimmering object fell into his grasp. He recognized its origin at a single glance.
The Black and White Envoys, however, seemed very wary of 'that one' and were unwilling to mention them directly.
"Slay Heaven? If slaying Heaven were truly that easy, I would have done it long ago," the Strength Master said calmly.
The Black and White Envoys dared not speak much of these two words either. The Strength Master had no inhibitions, but they were not the same.
"I have seen the Yin-Yang Master's sincerity. But I have already agreed to the Life Master and the Emptiness Master. Even if he does not invite me to emerge, I will still make a move. I am merely curious: Why do all of you believe that merely by complying with the Heavenly Will, you can remain safe and sound, or even advance further? The current Heavenly Will... is it truly the Heavenly Will?" The Strength Master's gaze suddenly became unfathomably deep.
Cold sweat instantly beaded on the foreheads of the Black and White Envoys. They lowered their heads and did not respond.
"Zhu Rong, take that descendant of yours and make a trip to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. Her karmic opportunity and destiny have arrived." The Strength Master glanced at the Fire God Zhu Rong, who was waiting not far away, and instructed.