"Brother Ancient Tree, you flatter me. I'm just a fledgling half-step third-realm powerhouse who's recently broken through. My knowledge pales in comparison to yours," Xu Jingming said modestly.
"I only amassed this strength after living through nearly a hundred Abyssal Eras. Brother Wu Ming, you'll likely surpass me in a few hundred thousand years," Ancient Tree World Lord boomed with laughter.
Projections of the future consistently showed Wu Ming would become an indomitable half-step third realm in a million years!
Naturally, Ancient Tree World Lord sought to befriend him.
Xu Jingming couldn't help but feel awed. Ancient Tree World Lord had lived for nearly a hundred Abyssal Eras—few half-step third-realm powerhouses had outlasted him.
Ancient Tree World Lord was a transcendent tree that had achieved sentience through extraordinary experiences and had steadily grown. Preferring serenity, he rarely took action and despised conflict. As his strength increased, he found himself drawn into various disputes.
"Brother Wu Ming, now that you've broken through, you should join our half-step third-realm powerhouse circle," Ancient Tree World Lord suggested. "We support and trade favors with one another to achieve our goals! United, we can better explore perilous territories. If you're interested, I can introduce you to more friends."
Xu Jingming responded, "I would be honored."
"You have a clone in Feather Fire City, correct?" Ancient Tree World Lord's voice echoed from a distance. "Most half-step third-realm powerhouses gather there. I'll escort you to the next assembly."
"I appreciate your help, Brother Ancient Tree," Xu Jingming said gratefully.
"You could also reach out to Thearch Dragon Island Lord. As a personal disciple of a third realm, his intelligence network is far more extensive than mine," Ancient Tree World Lord added. "You can meet even more half-step third realms through him."
"Understood," Xu Jingming replied, though he felt a touch of confusion.
Thearch Dragon Island Lord had been quite amicable with him in the past. Upon their first meeting, he had gifted him half of a vast treasure trove.
However, since then, he hadn't contacted him again.
…
On Myriad Star Island, Xu Jingming shared news of his breakthrough with the dean and the others.
"You've ascended to the half-step third realm?" The dean's surprise was tinged with delight, and everyone present buzzed with excitement. The human race had advanced, little by little, from weakness to finally boasting a half-step third realm existence.
"I knew this day would come," Eternal Tower Master declared, overcome with emotion.
"Jingming, what does it feel like to reach the half-step third realm?" Spacetime Island Lord inquired, driven by curiosity. The dean and the others were equally eager to know.
"My body has become much more powerful," Xu Jingming explained. "With this enhanced strength, one can naturally pervade the entire spatial layer. One's perception grows significantly stronger, too. One can sense karma or even the timeline."
"Peer into the timeline?" The dean, Tower Master, Island Lord, and Redmond were simultaneously envious and astonished.
"No need to delve deeply into spacetime," Xu Jingming continued. "Take a tall person, for example. If they're tall enough, they can effortlessly peer into a courtyard over the wall. It's the same for half-step third-realm powerhouses. If one's body is strong enough, they can naturally glimpse the timeline."
The dean nodded, saying, "Breaking through from the peak of the Eternal realm to the half-step third realm is a physical transformation as well."
"How have your insights progressed over the years?" Xu Jingming asked.
"It's incredibly challenging," the dean admitted.
"Riddled with confusion," Tower Master chimed in.
"Taking my time to study it," Island Lord added.
Redmond grinned, replying, "I'm doing alright. I haven't hit any bottlenecks yet."
"If you, a newly-advanced Eternal, encountered a bottleneck, it would be laughable," the dean remarked, shaking his head. "Jingming, now that you've reached the half-step third realm, do you want to establish a fourth trading hub for the entire dominion?"
Ancient Tree World Lord, North River Boat Master, Thearch Dragon Island Lord—every half-step third-realm powerhouse had established a trading hub.
Once the trading hub was built, he could sell shop licenses and collect administrative fees. It would be akin to collecting taxes! While his short-term income might not skyrocket, after an Abyssal Era or more, it could surpass what he'd gain from risk-laden adventures.
"No need to rush," Xu Jingming demurred, shaking his head. He didn't want any distractions for now.
It wouldn't be too late to set up a trading hub once he became invincible in the half-step third realm and encountered a bottleneck.
******
Feather Fire City, inner city.
Four half-step third-realm powerhouses convened at Ancient Tree World Lord's abode.
"This marks the first gathering of the four half-step third-realm powerhouses from our South Pavilion 3609 Dominion," Ancient Tree World Lord announced, smiling.
"In the past, it was just the three of us. With Wu Ming's arrival, our ranks have grown stronger," North River Boat Master declared, grinning.
Thearch Dragon Island Lord shot him a sidelong glance.
If not for Xu Jingming and Ancient Tree World Lord, he wouldn't have given North River Boat Master the time of day. Such run-of-the-mill half-step third-realm powerhouses were a dime a dozen in countless dominions.
Of course, North River Boat Master had only been included because they hailed from the same dominion.
"At last, we have another half-step third-realm powerhouse of the Heart Realm lineage among us," Thearch Dragon Island Lord remarked, pouring wine for Xu Jingming personally. "Wu Ming, it seems like it was only 10,000 years ago that we last crossed paths in the Primordial Gold Mountains. I'm astonished by how quickly you've broken through!"
"Island Lord, you're too kind." Xu Jingming raised his glass in acknowledgment.
"Since we're from the same dominion, it's only natural that we support each other," Thearch Dragon Island Lord continued. "Brother Wu Ming, you've only just broken through. If you need our help, don't hesitate to ask."
"Yes, yes, yes. Over the years, we've forged many alliances. Perhaps we can be of service to you, Wu Ming," North River Boat Master chimed in.
Xu Jingming nodded. "I do have two matters."
"Please, speak freely," Thearch Dragon Island Lord encouraged warmly.
In truth, his master had warned him to maintain distance from Xu Jingming! The reason being that his master couldn't see through him and feared that Xu Jingming might cause trouble, thereby implicating Thearch Dragon Island Lord.
Thus, from that moment on, Thearch Dragon Island Lord intentionally kept Xu Jingming at arm's length.
But now, Xu Jingming had made his breakthrough! This was a monumental event for the entire dominion!
Ancient Tree World Lord had proactively invited the four of them, all from the same dominion, to gather. There was no reason to decline, and to do so would be a direct affront to Xu Jingming.
Caught between fearing potential consequences and not wanting to offend Xu Jingming, Thearch Dragon Island Lord resolved to keep his distance when they were apart, but to be exceptionally warm and friendly when they met.
"The first thing I want to do is take a look at the Abyss Red Lotus," Xu Jingming declared. "I don't need it; I just want to see it with my own eyes."
"Abyss Red Lotus? That's a rare treasure in the Abyss." Ancient Tree World Lord frowned. "It grows incredibly deep in the Abyss, where sin amasses! It attracts Abyss powerhouses, who battle for it. After all, an Abyss Red Lotus… is as valuable as a third-realm weapon."
Xu Jingming nodded in agreement.
"Once it ripens, the petals fully bloom. It must be plucked and used," Ancient Tree World Lord explained. "That's because it doesn't last long in storage once picked. Hence, it has to be utilized within a specific timeframe."
"If you want to find an Abyss Red Lotus, you can only track down those that are growing," Ancient Tree World Lord continued. "Typically, these Abyss Red Lotuses are already claimed by Abyss powerhouses."
"I just want to take a look," Xu Jingming insisted.
"Negotiating with powerhouses from the Abyss lineage isn't easy, especially those Abyss Overlords. They possess twisted and insane personalities due to long-term Abyss Sacrifices." Ancient Tree World Lord, with his gentle nature, wasn't fond of the Abyss lineage.
Thearch Dragon Island Lord chimed in, "The Abyss Red Lotus is a rare treasure naturally created by the Abyss. It's unowned to begin with. In the Abyss, those Abyss Overlords also compete with one another, and the strongest claims it. Wu Ming, just vie for it. If you snatch it using your abilities, it's naturally yours."
"Let's gather information on the Abyss Red Lotus first," Xu Jingming decided. This involved whether he could master another half-step third-realm technique—Red Lotus Fire. He naturally had to study the Abyss Red Lotus meticulously.
"Second, I want to buy a third-realm weapon—a psychic spear!" Xu Jingming announced.
Feather Fire City was home to numerous half-step third-realm powerhouses, including a few Abyss Sovereigns and invincible half-step third-realm warriors. As a result, many third-realm weapon transactions occurred here.
"Third-realm weapon? And a psychic spear? Does it have to be a spear?" Ancient Tree World Lord inquired.
"Yeah." Xu Jingming nodded. "It must be a spear."
Switching weapons to something like a sword or saber wouldn't be compatible with the silver parchment.
"Wu Ming, you should know that third-realm psychic weapons require exceptionally high-quality materials," Thearch Dragon Island Lord explained. "Dozens of Heart Spirit Beads are worth over 100 drops of Abyssal Mother Blood."
Xu Jingming nodded, understanding.
"Third-realm beings invest considerable effort into nurturing and refining a psychic spear. As far as I know, no third-realm psychic weapons cost less than 150 drops of Abyssal Mother Blood," Thearch Dragon Island Lord informed. "Since you require only spears, the seller will likely demand a high price."
"It's negotiable," Xu Jingming responded.
"Third-realm psychic weapons are extremely scarce." Ancient Tree World Lord frowned, shaking his head. "I've never heard of a spear."
"I have a junior brother who possesses a psychic spear," Thearch Dragon Island Lord revealed. "I must return to my Master's place to discuss this matter with him."
"Really?" Xu Jingming was surprised.
"Not in Feather Fire City," Thearch Dragon Island Lord asserted confidently. "To my knowledge, there are only around ten third-realm psychic weapons available here, and none are psychic spears. My master has a large number of half-step third-realm powerhouses under his command… I recall that my junior brother possesses a psychic spear. He discovered it while exploring a third-realm cave abode."
"I'll make the journey back. Traveling through the Abyss will take about 500 years," Thearch Dragon Island Lord explained. "When the time comes, we can negotiate a price. If you agree, I'll purchase it for you and bring it back."
"Thank you very much, Island Lord," Xu Jingming expressed his gratitude. With a 500-year journey through the Abyss, the distance was undoubtedly immense.
Feather Fire City served as a nexus for high-dimensional beings.
Thearch Dragon Island Lord's master resided at another such hub.
"It's nothing," Thearch Dragon Island Lord stated candidly. On the one hand, he was extremely cautious, believing that the two parties shouldn't meet frequently or consistently gather together. On the other hand, since even his master couldn't discern Xu Jingming's true nature, Thearch Dragon Island Lord felt the need to hedge his bets.
He wanted the other party indebted to him. Even if they didn't meet often in the future, Wu Ming would have to recognize him as a friend.
"If you're unable to afford it for now, I can lend you some temporarily," Thearch Dragon Island Lord offered.
"Me too," Ancient Tree World Lord chimed in. "I still have 100 to 200 drops of Abyssal Mother Blood."
North River Boat Master couldn't help but feel embarrassed when he heard their offers.
He was poor.
When he had visited Xu Jingming in the past, giving him the 8,000 Galaxies felt like tearing a piece of his own flesh! He had only accumulated about 100 drops of Abyssal Mother Blood, all of which were his most prized possessions.
"Thank you, both of you. I'll figure out a solution for the treasure myself," Xu Jingming assured them.
