Chapter 759

Li Yuan closed his eyes and pondered.

Though only partial, the Heavenly Seizing Art from the Netherworld was remarkably refined, containing numerous methods to seize other dimensional worlds.

"Heaven and earth are formed by the convergence of cosmic principles. From sun, moon, and stars above, to grass, dust, and soil below—all are manifestations of these principles. To seize a dimensional realm, one must begin here."

"The Heavenly Seizing Art is built upon this foundation, giving rise to myriad techniques, broadly divisible into three categories…"

"First, impose one's own will to overpower a dimensional world, forcibly subjugating its cosmic principles for one's own use—most tyrannical, and requiring the strictest conditions…"

"The Sin Realm can sustain the position of a Dao Lord. To dominate such a realm requires a being of Dao Lord rank or higher. The Five Decays Daoist clearly lacks such capability."

The doctrine of the Heavenly Seizing Art flowed through Li Yuan's mind as he continuously pondered and refined its meaning.

"The second path suits unclaimed dimensional worlds—by spending vast ages, one integrates them into one's own Law Heaven. But the Sin Realm is no unclaimed land; this path is also unworkable."

"Then, only the third path remains."

Li Yuan could guess the Five Decays Daoist's intentions—and this was precisely why he believed he might snatch success from the flames.

"That is, ignite a war spreading across the entire realm, forging a Heavenly Heart amid blood and fire; possessing it grants the foundation of a Dao Lord!"

"If the Five Decays Daoist can forge the Sin Realm's Heavenly Heart, using the Shadow Demon Body as an anchor, a heavenly tribulation—while not guaranteed—would at least have a chance!"

Li Yuan was deeply tempted.

A great realm can sustain the position of a Dao Lord. If he could seize it, he would ascend instantly; before reaching Dao Lord realm, he need only consider crossing the tribulation.

Yet he remained calm and analyzed.

"The Five Decays Daoist is not the only one eyeing the Sin Realm."

The Xuan Huang Great Realm has twelve, yet if one seeks to seize a realm, the Sin Realm is unquestionably the best choice—indeed, the only one.

Why? The vilest criminals within the Sin Realm already constantly resist the Three Saints Sect. With external interference, the balance would surely shatter.

"To snatch success from the flames, my Shadow Demon Body must survive until the Five Decays Daoist—or another great cultivator—forges the Heavenly Heart. Moreover, I must actively participate…"

Li Yuan had some understanding of the "Heavenly Heart."

Without participation, the Heavenly Heart will not recognize you; forcibly seizing it makes refinement extraordinarily difficult.

But by participating, even if you ultimately fail to gain its recognition, you at least earn the right to refine it afterward.

"To participate—and survive."

Li Yuan knew this was the greatest challenge.

How many great cultivators lurked in the Sin Realm? Even if the Shadow Demon Art were supremely refined, maneuvering among them would be unimaginably difficult.

"I'll give it a try. Even if I fail, I lose nothing."

Li Yuan had made his decision.

He divided his mind into three parts: his main body pondered the Origin Divine City and the True Form Diagram of the Xuan Huang World Tree, while simultaneously listening for intelligence.

His Sword Lotus Body diligently cultivated techniques, earning Xuan Huang Virtue Merit.

Most of his focus rested on the Shadow Demon Body.

…

Wu~

The instant a faint, elusive tremor erupted in his heart, the Shadow Demon Body retracted its aura, becoming a wisp of demonic shadow that vanished into the darkness.

"Is this the Sin Realm?"

Through the shadows, Li Yuan observed this world.

As far as his eyes could see, everything was desolate and ruined—mountains, rivers, plants, even the sky—all shrouded in a gray haze.

Hu~

A cold wind blew, carrying a scream of anguish and fury:

"Yun Hantian, you were once a disciple of my Hunyi Sect! Do you feel no bond of brotherhood? Must you slaughter us all?!"

"Boom!"

The roar exploded like thunder, its shockwave twisting into countless tornadoes that ravaged the land.

Mountains, wastelands, rusted blades, and corpses were flung into the air.

"At least sixth realm!"

Li Yuan's heart tightened; he sank deeper into concealment. Through the shadows, he gazed far away and saw a towering figure standing atop the heavens, tens of thousands of li distant.

He roared in grief and rage, his long blade slicing through the cloud sea, tearing apart layers of heavenly winds—his power overwhelming.

"Who is that?"

Li Yuan's gaze sharpened.

Beyond the torn layers of heavenly winds, he saw a color unlike the void—dark, heavy, like irregular rock walls or an iron prison forged from raw metal.

"Hunyi Sect?"

A cold sneer rang from above. A man in blue robes walked forward, swordlight weaving like tides and oceans, drowning the violent blade:

"I am a cultivator of the Tribulation and Destiny Sect, a third-rank law-net bearer. What brotherhood do I owe you, Yun Changlong?"

"Traitor—die!"

"Boom!"

Swordlight, blade light, roars, and explosions merged into chaos.

Li Yuan hid within the shadows, repeatedly struck by stray waves; he never moved an inch, yet dozens of shadow demons had already perished.

"Hunyi Sect… seems to be an ancient sect of the Xuan Huang Great World…"

Li Yuan understood.

The Three Saints forged the Law Net to govern the ten thousand realms of Xuan Huang—not only targeting sects left by the former Yuan Ming Heavenly Lord, but all sects and cultivators who refused to join the Law Net were deemed criminals.

Either executed, or imprisoned in the Sin Realm as expendable test subjects for the Three Saints Sect.

"Boom!"

As Li Yuan pondered, a violent roar erupted—a blade of extreme brutality finally tore through the endless swordlight.

"Huntian Blade!"

The blue-robed swordsman grunted, clearly injured, retreating at high speed.

"Die!"

The giant's hair flew wildly, his killing intent overwhelming—wherever his blade struck, whether swordlight or void, all dissolved into nothingness.