Chapter 311: Essence of All Flowers
Above the layered sea of clouds in the [Heaven of Non-Existence].
The Innate True Person sat suspended in midair, all the emotions he had displayed during his earlier exchange with Lü Yang now completely restrained, replaced by icy indifference.
Before him floated three luminous screens.
One screen depicted a blood-soaked city where the 'Innate True Person' was laughing maniacally while tearing a [Heavenly Maiden] in half.
This was True Lord Qingcheng Feixue.
Another screen showed the 'Innate True Person' maintaining a Dao heart focused solely on himself, viewing all beauty as mere skeletons, effortlessly emerging from the grand formation.
This was [Ang Xiao].
The sight didn't surprise the Innate True Person much. Instead, he nodded slightly: "As expected of True Lords. The first tribulation is far too simple for them."
"However, they likely won't continue further."
Golden Core True Lords could already see through the facade of [Heaven of Non-Existence], recognizing its uselessness to their level, and thus wouldn't waste more time on it.
The third person was different...
At this thought, the Innate True Person turned his gaze to the third luminous screen.
"...Now this is true capability!"
For a moment, the corner of the Innate True Person's eye twitched. Compared to the methods the first two used to break through, Lü Yang's displayed ability was what truly earned his admiration.
As someone who had personally experienced it, the Innate True Person clearly remembered what he had faced back then. To ambush him, the Mending Heaven Peak of the Saint Sect had mobilized nearly all its forces.
Every time he recalled it afterward, he couldn't help but imagine that if he had gritted his teeth harder, persevered a little longer, perhaps victory would have been his.
Never did he expect that what he failed to achieve, Lü Yang had now accomplished.
After this moment of reflection, the Innate True Person closed his eyes with some regret: "But this person seems to have seen through the trick too. He probably won't take the final step."
"What a pity."
Overseas, at the Immortal Alliance headquarters.
Lü Yang's avatar opened its eyes, clear as a polished mirror.
Lü Yang no longer dwelled on recent events, instead focusing on the new incantation that had suddenly appeared in his mind.
[Mystic Method of Grand Void Ritual]!
"This is a technique to connect with [Heaven of Non-Existence]. By channeling magic power and silently reciting it three times, one can re-enter [Heaven of Non-Existence] to attempt breaking through the tribulation again."
"However, each exploration of [Heaven of Non-Existence], whether successful or not, will drain part of one's merit and fortune, requiring time to recuperate before recovery."
At this realization, Lü Yang's expression turned grave.
Immediately after, he spread his palm, from which two divine radiances immediately rose.
[Lord of War]!
[Stubborn Gold Duke]!
The two innate divine abilities circled around Lü Yang. Yet as he willed it, a third divine radiance suddenly manifested upon him!
This was a pinkish glow. The moment it appeared, a strange, intoxicating fragrance wafted through the air, capable of making one lose themselves in ecstasy. Under its illumination, even [Lord of War] and [Stubborn Gold Duke] trembled slightly, showing signs of potentially slipping from control.
This was unmistakably another divine ability!
'It truly bestowed this... Is this the reward for successfully overcoming the tribulation? Moreover, depending on performance during the tribulation breakthrough, the divine ability granted seems to vary subtly.'
The divine ability he obtained was called [Essence of All Flowers].
'According to feedback from [Heaven of Non-Existence], this is the highest grade, clearly because my will was resolute—an act beyond ordinary capability.'
The next grade of divine ability was called [Unwavering Heart].
The lowest grade was called [Skeleton Visualization].
'Three divine abilities corresponding to three methods of breaking formations. The highest grade is undoubtedly my approach, followed by maintaining steadfastness of heart, with indiscriminate slaughter being the lowest...'
The more Lü Yang contemplated, the more profound his realization:
'The system is rigorous and orderly, truly bearing the semblance of a Fruit Position. If everyone in the world entered [Heaven of Non-Existence] to challenge tribulations, this Dao Fruit Position would likely achieve completion!'
'However...'
The next moment, he narrowed his eyes: '...What role does the Innate True Person truly play in this? Did he genuinely use his life to Achieve the Fruit Position through emptiness?'
Leaving behind [Heaven of Non-Existence] for future generations? He didn't believe it!
As a True Person of the Saint Sect, Lü Yang never hesitated to assess people from the worst possible angle. Thus, he absolutely refused to believe the Innate True Person had any good intentions!
'Ultimately, everyone who enters [Heaven of Non-Existence] does so under the identity of the 'Innate True Person' to overcome tribulations.'
In that case, when someone successfully breaks through all five tribulations to ascend as a True Lord, would it be the 'Innate True Person' or the person borrowing his name and identity?
Simply thinking about it sent chills down one's spine.
'Leaving aside whether I'm capable of overcoming the tribulations, even if I were, I must stop at the fourth. The fifth must never be attempted—the risks far outweigh potential gains...'
Of course, this wasn't something to agonize over now.
Regaining his composure, Lü Yang stopped overthinking. The benefits of [Heaven of Non-Existence] were undeniable—for now, following its path in cultivation would bring tremendous progress.
Because [Heaven of Non-Existence] had another advantage.
'This [Essence of All Flowers]... it actually doesn't occupy one of my divine ability slots!'
Normally, a Foundation Establishment True Person could only possess one Life Essence divine ability and four innate divine abilities in their lifetime, with each slot being critically important.
Yet the divine ability bestowed by [Heaven of Non-Existence] was different. It was essentially an illusory entity—when needed, it could materialize to be used, and when not, it would naturally dissipate into nothingness. Were it not for its genuine power, Lü Yang might have suspected it to be fake!
'This method somewhat resembles the marvel of [Law Holding].'
However, there was one difference.
'Under [Law Holding], I can simulate the next divine ability in advance to break through realms... but [Essence of All Flowers] doesn't seem to have this effect.'
Normally, an additional innate divine ability would mean qualitative transformation for a Foundation Establishment True Person.
Yet the divine ability granted by [Heaven of Non-Existence] was merely that—a divine ability. While it could enhance combat power, it couldn't genuinely elevate one's realm or status.
'Is this a limitation of [Heaven of Non-Existence]'s incompleteness?'
'Or is it intentional by the Innate True Person?'
Lü Yang pondered, leaning toward the second answer. After all, a Foundation Establishment cultivator with five divine abilities but no corresponding status would be easier to deal with.
At this thought, Lü Yang's true body in Jiangnan stirred.
A brand new [Myriad Spirits Banner] then appeared in his palm.
This was brought over by the [Book of a Hundred Lifetimes], its karma completely cleansed, making it unsuitable for summoning Dao Calamities.
"But its fundamental nature shouldn't have changed."
"What exactly is [Heaven of Non-Existence]? Before being activated by the Primordial Dao Calamity, it must have existed within the [Myriad Spirits Banner] all along—I just hadn't noticed it..."
His train of thought grew fervent.
"If it truly resides within the [Myriad Spirits Banner], given time, could it be harnessed for my own use?"
The Innate True Person used it to Achieve[Heaven of Non-Existence] through emptiness.
What about himself?
If his cultivation realm reached sufficient heights, perhaps he too could use it to Achieve a Fruit Position through emptiness!