The sky gleamed brightly overhead.
Long Aotian found himself without any sudden realization regarding the Asura Ethos Diagram. This lack of comprehension left him feeling somewhat disappointed. The manual explicitly mentioned that those naturally gifted might instantly have an epiphany, while others lacking the necessary qualifications might never experience one in their lifetime.
Nevertheless, this setback didn't deter him. If anything, it fueled Long Aotian's determination to master the Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique even more.
"Only those endowed with natural talent and unyielding will can fathom the intricacies of the Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique. While I may lack inherent talent, my confidence resides in the strength of my willpower. Success is not a question; it is an inevitability."
Under the scorching sun, he persevered in his pursuit of comprehension. As time flowed like a river, the night descended, unveiling the pale moon and a myriad of stars in the expansive sky. Regrettably, the elusive technique remained beyond his grasp.
Clutching the Ancient Asura Body Tempering Technique, he grappled with the perplexity of why his understanding continued to elude him. Despite his relentless contemplation, the manual's secrets remained veiled, prompting him to question the accuracy of his interpretation.
"The authenticity of this technique is undeniable. Where, then, lies the challenge? There must be a misstep in my understanding. I need to reassess my approach," he mused, determined to unravel the enigma that obscured the essence of the technique.
After careful contemplation, Long Aotian's mind delved into profound musings. An hour later, a sudden gleam of white light illuminated his eyes.
"The Celestial Attunement Asura Blueprint! The essence lies in'melding seamlessly with heaven and earth.' This core principle is the key to unlocking the technique. It signifies attaining a state of profound harmony with the natural world and the elemental forces that surround us.
It entails the integration of one's energy, intentions, and actions with the vast natural forces, fostering a profound connection that allows for harmonious coexistence and alignment with the cosmic order. If I reach such a state and hold the Celestial Attunement Asura Blueprint in my thoughts, perhaps my conundrum will unravel."
A wave of excitement surged through him as answers flowed incessantly into his consciousness.
"Long Aotian, you naive fool! Your path was astray. With your innate Taoist physique, you can effortlessly attain oneness with heaven and earth. Hah! You nearly overlooked the gateway to enlightenment," Long Aotian chided himself, acknowledging the almost-missed opportunity for profound understanding.
Seated in deep meditation atop Skyview Mountain, Long Aotian embarked on a journey to attain profound oneness with heaven and earth. The serene tranquility of the mountain enveloped him as he crossed his legs, his silhouette framed against the vast expanse of the star-studded sky.
Entering a meditative trance, a subtle radiance emanated from Long Aotian's form, and the cool mountain breeze gently swept past him. The natural elements responded to his focused contemplation—the leaves rustled, and distant bird calls harmonized with the rhythmic cadence of his breath, creating an ethereal equilibrium.
In this state, Long Aotian became a silhouette, seamlessly merging with the landscape. The boundaries between his individual presence and the expansive heavens blurred, symbolizing a profound unity with the cosmic forces. Skyview Mountain transformed into a tableau of serene balance.
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Within Long Aotian's consciousness, a universe in macrocosm unfolded. Countless clusters of universes materialized in his mind, a cosmic spectacle manifesting in the canvas of his thoughts.
Simultaneously, high above, the stars burst into dynamic motion, shimmering with vibrant energy across the night sky. Their radiant brilliance painted the expanse with an otherworldly glow, as if the celestial realm itself responded to Long Aotian's attunement with the cosmic forces.
Wu Xian, Shanmu Domain, Divine Oracle Pavilion
Within the opulent confines of the Shanmu Domain, the Divine Oracle Pavilion stood in all its ancient grandeur. Etched on an ancient diagram within the hall, the stars blazed with unprecedented brilliance.
An elderly figure, seated before the celestial chart, trembled in the wake of the celestial disturbance. His voice quivered with disbelief. "How! How! This cannot be happening! The tenth star is shining brighter than the Absolute Chaos Physique itself. Could it be that another Immortal Physique, stronger than the Absolute Chaos Physique, has descended upon us? How can such an anomaly exist?"
As tremors shook the very foundation of his being, the revered ancestor of the Divine Oracle Pavilion found himself gripped by an overwhelming horror. Despite his esteemed status, this unprecedented occurrence eclipsed even his prestigious stature.
Across the east, south, and west, three separate figures mirrored the same shock.
In this realm of immortal cultivation, divining the heavens through star observation was a revered practice. Foretelling calamities, predicting fortuitous occurrences, and discerning the fate of sects, clans, and races held immense significance.
When making pivotal decisions, leaders of several top factions sought counsel from cultivators of the Divine Oracle Pavilion to interpret the celestial signs, determining whether to advance or retreat based on prophecies.
Although not every prediction bore fruit, the influence held sway in many matters.
The Divine Oracle Pavilion is a venerable divination sect within the Shanmu Domain. Specializing in the intricate art of interpreting celestial signs, deciphering prophecies, and harnessing the wisdom hidden within the cosmic order, it stands as a faction devoted to unraveling the mysteries of the heavens.
The Divine Oracle Pavilion holds a pivotal role in guiding the destiny of factions and individuals alike. Its members, skilled in the celestial arts, serve as oracles, astrologers, and seers, offering invaluable insights into the future and wielding their knowledge to navigate the complexities of fate.
The Divine Oracle Pavilion is one of the Ten Great Sects and Three Ancient Clans. Even with such prestigious standing, faced with the sudden appearance of the tenth star, outshining even the revered Absolute Chaos Physique, a chilling uncertainty seized the hearts of these four revered ancestors.
Ancestor Lin, one of the four figures, expressed incredulity, stating, "This is unprecedented! The appearance of a tenth star shining brighter than the revered Absolute Chaos Physique... Could this signal the resurgence of the fabled Ancient Asura Physique chronicled in the Divine Oracle Pavilion's records?"
Ancestor Mei, another figure, countered with disbelief, "It seems implausible. The Ancient Asura Physique was forbidden from manifesting in our realm due to its defiance of celestial laws and its ability to shake the very essence of existence. Its power purportedly surpassed even the most formidable Immortal Physiques known to us."
Ancestor Wu weighed in, contemplating the implications: "However, witnessing its potential return in our time... Might this herald an age plunged into turmoil, where the balance of supremacy spirals beyond any semblance of control?"
Ancestor Chen, whose wisdom guided generations, acknowledged the limitations of their understanding, remarking, "Despite interpreting celestial signs for ages, this anomaly eclipses our knowledge. The consequences of this unforeseen occurrence remain incomprehensible."
Ancestor Wei, recognizing the gravity of the situation, concluded, "Confirmation through divination is imperative, whether it pertains to the Ancient Asura Physique or not. If indeed true, the ramifications will be profoundly severe."
Seated amidst an assemblage of celestial charts and ancient manuscripts, Ancestor Wei immersed himself in the intricate art of divination, focusing his profound expertise on unraveling the enigmatic mysteries surrounding the Ancient Asura Physique.
As he dove deeper into deciphering the celestial configurations, an electric tension crackled in the air. The chamber fell into a profound stillness, disrupted only by the gentle rustling of aged parchment and the rhythmic cadence of an ancient timepiece.
Suddenly, within the recesses of Ancestor Wei's consciousness, a nebulous figure took form—an apparition veiled in a faint, sorrowful aura. Its spectral presence exuded a gravity that enveloped the atmosphere, casting a solemn shadow over his thoughts. The hazy figure's words echoed with a chilling resonance, sending a shiver down Ancestor Wei's spine.
"In my unyielding journey through countless ages, I embraced the ruthless path of the Dao of slaughter, painting a desolate landscape with the cries of the fallen. With every step, the burden of lives extinguished by my blade weighed heavily on my conscience, their echoes haunting the recesses of my soul. The blood-stained path I carved became a river of sorrow.
I became a source of terror, a name whispered in dread, as my boundless brutality invoked primal fear across realms. Yet, amid this crimson odyssey, I severed my roots—parents, family, lover, child, and cherished Master—all sacrificed on the altar of my insatiable pursuit. In moments of silence, I now question the purpose, pondering, 'What drives me, and at what devastating cost? Will this relentless cycle ever find its end?'