Chapter 408: The Star Jun Who Proved the Dao and the Self-Proclaimed Star Jun

The Seven Kill Secret Realm is a hidden realm chosen by the ancient Seven Kill True Person to select his legacy disciples.

It is said to have been crafted from a fragment of the Middle World, making it boundless in its rules.

In theory, eighth-rank experts can also enter.

But since it was created by the Seven Kill True Person to select his legacy disciples, entry still has restrictions.

One of the greatest restrictions is age!

Under twenty, one only needs to reach the third-rank cultivation base to enter.

Under twenty-five, one must reach the fourth-rank cultivation base.

Under thirty, one needs only the fifth-rank cultivation base to enter.

Under thirty-five, the sixth-rank is sufficient; if one reaches the seventh-rank cultivation base and is under forty, one may enter.

Eighth-rank can also enter, but the age limit is under forty-five.

Below seventh-rank, if one's spiritual soul reaches the fourth-rank, or below eighth-rank and one has condensed a spiritual essence, the age limit is extended by five years.

As for age, the Star Gate of the Seven Kill Secret Realm will automatically detect it.

Those who fail to meet the requirements cannot enter.

Within the Star River Marshal's Secret Realm, all eighth-rank experts were viewing the data sent by the Star Spirit to their Star Picking cores regarding the Seven Kill Secret Realm.

The data also explained the origin of the Seven Kill Secret Realm.

Because the Ultimate Dao Emperor once obtained a legacy within the Seven Kill Secret Realm, later breaking through the tenth-rank and certifying as a Star Jun, leaving this world.

But even the Ultimate Dao Emperor himself did not obtain the full legacy of the Seven Kill True Person.

Thus, when the Seven Kill Secret Realm opened again, the Ultimate Dao Emperor sensed it, prompting this upgrade of the Star Spirit.

From now on, the Star Spirit will possess the authority to intervene actively.

Aside from this, the most important thing is the Divine Dao Truth.

Because the Ultimate Dao Emperor has old ties with the Seven Kill Secret Realm, he joined forces with two other Emperors to directly send down Divine Dao Truth into the Seven Kill Secret Realm.

Divine Dao Truth can increase the probability of an eighth-rank peak expert breaking through to the ninth-rank.

Each strand of Divine Dao Truth, if its power matches, can raise the probability by ten percent.

How much one gains depends entirely on the performance and strength of each faction's disciples.

The Divine Dao Truth had already descended the moment the Seven Kill Secret Realm opened.

The Seven Kill Secret Realm is divided into seven layers.

Reaching the fifth layer grants access to the preliminary legacy of the Seven Kill True Person.

In addition, the Starlight Message also highlighted two special points requiring attention.

First, the total number of entrants into the Seven Kill Secret Realm is limited.

Each opening of the Star Gate is a multiple of seven.

The number of people allowed through each Star Gate is also a multiple of seven, with a minimum of seven and a maximum of four hundred ninety.

Simultaneously, the existence time of each Star Gate will not exceed seven days.

Second, those who can enter the Seven Kill Secret Realm are not limited to the current human race.

Any faction capable of spatial intersection with the Seven Kill Secret Realm within this world may have a Star Gate.

Currently, there are four continents within this world capable of spatial intersection with the Seven Kill Secret Realm.

They are the current world, the Star River Battlefield, the ancestral ancestral realm of the Eight Wilderness Tribes, and one other, which the Ultimate Dao Emperor merely sensed to be connected to the Star God lineage!

The Star Spirit sent a vast amount of starlight messages to the many eighth-rank experts and granted them a full half-hour to read and absorb the information.

"Gentlemen, I suspect some of you have already discovered the Star Gate of the Seven Kill Secret Realm. Time is limited—hurry."

"Additionally, there is an Imperial Decree. Please listen."

At these words, all eighth-rank experts within the Star River Marshal's mansion immediately grew solemn.

Even the Star Spirit abandoned its mischievous, confrontational demeanor.

"The Emperor says: Due to a ninth-rank breakthrough occurring outside his legacy lineage, the Great Struggle Era has arrived prematurely; the integration of the Eight Wilderness Tribes' ancestral realm is a forewarning—future bloodshed is inevitable."

"I urge you to unite as one, work together, and swiftly seize control of this world."

"Otherwise, your Dao lineage will be severed, and your race will be extinguished," said the Star Spirit.

This decree carried such lethal intent and grim solemnity that every eighth-rank expert present grew profoundly grave.

"May I ask, Star Spirit, when you say 'Dao lineage severed, race extinguished,' do you mean the entire current human race, or all human tribes?" asked the Great Chu Emperor, cautiously, under the instruction of the Star Jun of Cangming.

"Foolish!"

The Star Spirit glared at the Great Chu Emperor. "When you invade the barbarian star realms and conquer them completely, what do you do?"

"Control, enslave, or exterminate," replied the Great Chu battlefield commander without hesitation.

"Is the answer not clear?"

The Star Spirit's white robe fluttered as she spread her small hands. "When you hunt ferocious beasts in the mountains, can they coexist peacefully with you?

If the Dao lineage is severed, the entire current human race will be extinguished.

No one will be spared!"

"May I ask, Star Spirit, how can we swiftly seize control of this world?" asked the Great Hong Emperor, under the instruction of the Star Jun of Tianyang.

"Only by reaching the tenth-rank and certifying as a Star Jun can you fully control this world!"

After speaking, the Star Spirit glared disdainfully at the three Star Jun. "What are you staring at? I'm talking to you!"

"When the Emperor first took control of this world, he called himself the Ultimate Dao Star Jun."

You, his legacy disciples, learned nothing else—yet you rushed to inherit his Star Jun title."

None of you have reached ninth-rank, yet you've all taken the title of Star Jun for yourselves.

Four of you, even!

If the Emperor were to appear before you now, would you not be ashamed?" the Star Spirit scolded.

The Star Jun of Tianyang, Cangming, and Zhen'e all blushed.

The Star Spirit scolded them without the slightest mercy.

Fortunately, this was a closed meeting; otherwise, their faces would have been utterly lost.

"Gentlemen, today's meeting is concluded. Hasten your search. If you discover the Seven Kill Secret Realm's Star Gate, quickly mobilize your disciples and accelerate preparations.

If the true legacy of the Seven Kill Secret Realm falls into the hands of the Eight Wilderness Tribes or the Star God lineage,

Within no time, the current human race will be enslaved, controlled, or exterminated for generations to come!

With that, without waiting for the numerous present high-rank experts to speak, the Star Spirit, her white robe fluttering, waved her hand—and all the eighth-rank experts of the current world vanished from the Star River Marshal's Secret Realm.

Without waiting for the current world's high-rank experts to speak further, the Star Spirit, her white robe fluttering, waved her hand—and all the eighth-rank experts of the current world vanished from the Star River Marshal's Secret Realm.

Simultaneously with the meeting's end, all high-rank experts of the current world sprang into action.

For everyone, there were two urgent tasks.

First, locate the entrance to the Seven Kill Secret Realm.

After all, its existence time is only seven days.

Second, mobilize and assemble eligible explorers.

Age restrictions are a major issue.

Theoretically, if one could send in an eighth-rank, it would be a sweeping advantage.

But the age restriction stands firm.

There is not a single eighth-rank under forty-five anywhere in the world.

Since records began, only the Ultimate Dao Emperor himself achieved eighth-rank before forty-five.

Yet the Chen Guo Imperial Tutor, Cheng Yuexiao, is the closest to meeting this standard.

Even he falls slightly short.

In other words, under current knowledge, no eighth-rank can enter the Seven Kill Secret Realm.

But seventh-rank is still possible.

Those who broke through to seventh-rank before forty, though rare, do exist.

Chen Guo currently has four alive: Imperial Tutor Cheng Yuexiao broke through at just over thirty; Chen Guo's battlefield commander Mao Yue broke through at thirty-seven; Chen Guo's Star Patrol Supervisor Pei Ze broke through at thirty-nine.

Another is Song Shoujie, one of Chen Guo's Three Princes and Seven Marquises—the Marquis of Luoshui—who broke through to seventh-rank at thirty-three, was enfeoffed as Marquis for battlefield merit at thirty-six, and is now thirty-nine, serving as commander of the Lei Bao Army. Within the Danxia Palace, Imperial Tutor Cheng Yuexiao scoured Chen Guo's current world and the Star River Battlefield and found one seventh-rank.

But compared to the Tianyang Star Hall and Cangming Star Hall, Chen Guo still lags behind.

The Tianyang and Cangming Star Halls should each be able to find two seventh-rank under forty.

There's no help for it—this is sheer depth of heritage.

Chen Guo's heritage is still rapidly rising.

At this rate, within ten years, it will catch up to and surpass the two Star Halls.

But right now, the available manpower is limited.

Under thirty-five, sixth-rank—Cheng Yuexiao instantly found four, then found two more.

Dong Zhao and Liu Qingzhu were both selected.

Dong Zhao's age already exceeds thirty-five.

But his spiritual soul cultivation has reached the fourth-rank, so his age limit is extended by five years.

As for fifth-rank, the selection criteria are slightly more relaxed.

The Imperial Tutor's first thought was naturally Xu Jin.

Immediately after, Imperial Tutor Cheng Yuexiao sent Xu Jin another starlight message, forwarding the exact content of the Star Spirit's transmission to him.

Cheng Yuexiao strongly suspects that the mysterious Star Gate discovered by Cao Chun, head of the Jinshan Dao Academy, is the entrance to the Seven Kill Secret Realm.

So Xu Jin must be sent in first to secure a spot.

Of course, one Xu Jin isn't enough.

More people nearby must be summoned in.

The Star Spirit's starlight message also said: the legacy of the Seven Kill True Person is like searching for a needle in the ocean—but it goes to those destined to find it.

Who is destined? That's hard to say!

Back then, thousands competed with the Ultimate Dao Emperor for the Seven Kill True Person's legacy.

Yet in the end, the Ultimate Dao Emperor, with only fourth-rank cultivation, claimed one fragment of the legacy and launched his legendary path.

Thus, high cultivation grants an advantage, but doesn't guarantee securing the legacy.

This point must also be considered by the State Advisor, Cheng Yuexiao.

Similar situations are unfolding within the Heavenly Sun Star Hall, Azure Star Hall, Pacifying Calamity Star Hall, Wood Spirit Palace, and Sumeru Palace.

The discovery of the mysterious star gate isn't unique to Chen Guo.

In just these past two days, similar discoveries have emerged within Chen Guo, Chu Guo, Hong Guo, the Barbarian territories, and even the Star River Battlefield.

Yet the mysterious star gates are too enigmatic—currently still under exploration.

Once the Star Spirit spoke, all understood!

Begin arranging eligible candidates!

Even the major Star Juniors and leaders of all factions are now exhausting their wits to boost their candidates' strength, providing all manner of means—even rapid, short-term power enhancements.

Why? Just one reason: the Divine Dao's True Meaning.

The Divine Dao's True Meaning within the Seven Kill Secret Realm is a treasure capable of helping present-day eighth-rank experts break through to ninth rank.

This is the most certain path to ninth-rank breakthrough discovered by these eighth-rank peak experts over the years.

How could they not go mad!

Instantly, all factions displayed their unique skills, made their own arrangements, and pulled out every last treasure they'd been hoarding.

Within the Jinshan Dao Academy.

After receiving State Advisor Cheng Yuexiao's order to investigate the mysterious star gate, Xu Jin learned the full details from Academy Head Cao Chun.

He was somewhat surprised.

Because only certain people can enter the mysterious star gate.

Others, especially those with strong cultivation, cannot enter at all.

That's why Academy Head Cao Chun had appealed to the State Dao Academy for help.

Xu Jin planned to depart first to investigate—the State Advisor's order was clear: investigate first, do not enter recklessly.

Yet before departing, Xu Jin summoned the current Acting Head, Ceng Shuo, alone.

Earlier was official business; now, it was time for personal ties.

Ceng Shuo had once shown Xu Jin considerable care.

He had granted Xu Jin many favors.

Xu Jin understood clearly: Ceng Shuo's care and favors came with ulterior motives!

But having received someone's kindness and help—that's what matters.

No matter what Ceng Shuo's original intent—whether profit-driven or investment-based—he helped, he cared!

Demanding "do good without expecting return" is too lofty.

It's almost shameless!

Now that Xu Jin has both status and ability, it's time to let Ceng Shuo's investment pay off.

It's also a way to settle this karmic debt.

"Acting Head Ceng, during my cultivation days, I deeply benefited from your care and many favors.

Without your support, my cultivation path would surely have been far more turbulent," Xu Jin smiled.

"Nonsense, nonsense!

You possess rare talent and unwavering resolve.

What I did was merely my duty—nothing more than adding a flourish. I wouldn't call it care," Ceng Shuo's plump face beamed with sincerity, tinged with anticipation.

He sensed the harvest season had arrived.

"There's no such thing as 'should' or 'shouldn't.'

I, Xu Jin, will never forget your kindness. But I've spent years in the Star River Battlefield, and my visits to Jinshan County will grow fewer and fewer.

If I wish to repay you, it'll depend on future opportunities.

Do you have any difficulties now?

If so, whatever I can resolve, I will find a way!"

Ceng Shuo's eyes flickered—he understood: Xu Jin was inviting him to speak.

But he knew: this request couldn't be too large.

Slow, steady gains were the essence of human relationships.

Yet it couldn't be too small—too small, and it would seem he was trying to manipulate the other.

Ceng Shuo understood human dealings perfectly; after a few breaths, he had his answer.

Promotion?

No—he was quite content in Jinshan County.

Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix!

Without strength, rising to a high position only invites death.

Coincidentally, he had just witnessed Tian Zhang inexplicably breaking through.

After thinking it over, Ceng Shuo said, "Acting Deputy Head Xu, I have no grand wishes—I'm perfectly happy in Jinshan County. The current role suits me well, but sometimes I feel powerless, lacking sufficient strength."

Hearing this, Xu Jin nodded and smiled, "You wish to enhance your strength? Simple."

Ceng Shuo's soul cultivation was merely third-rank eighth-layer, his star force at fourth-rank sixth-layer.

At his current position, this was indeed barely adequate.

Moments later, Xu Jin placed two Three-Veined Dragon Turtle Soul-Forging Elixirs, one Ten-Thousand Spirit Blood Elixir, and two fifth-rank-and-below cultivated talismans on the table, then departed.

It was repayment for Ceng Shuo's past care.

The karmic debt was settled.

In half a quarter-hour, Xu Jin imposed soul seals on Cao Chun, Tian Zhang, and Ceng Shuo, preventing them from leaking information about Xu Jin or the Three-Veined Dragon Turtle Soul-Forging Elixirs.

"Acting Deputy Head Xu, rest assured—once the State Dao Academy's verdict on Feng Shu is issued, I'll send you a starlight message immediately," said Academy Head Cao Chun as he saw Xu Jin off.

"Thank you!

Gentlemen, farewell!"

In the next instant, Xu Jin stepped upon starlight and surged swiftly toward the mysterious star gate deep within Daqingshan, as pointed out by Cao Chun.

Just as Xu Jin departed, another Star Summoning Order's starlight message appeared.

One glance, and Xu Jin's expression changed.

Could the mysterious star gate be the entrance to the Seven Kill Secret Realm?

Instantly, he accelerated again!

Within the Jinshan Dao Academy, Cao Chun, Tian Zhang, and Ceng Shuo stared at the speed with which Xu Jin vanished—again, stunned.

All three simultaneously thought the same thing: Jinshan Dao Academy may truly have produced a legend!

(End of Chapter)