"The difference between a Martial God and a Great Martial God is just one factor: the ability to shatter the void," Lin Fei reflected. "If one can shatter the void, it signifies reaching the level of a Great Martial God. Otherwise, one is not."
Lin Fei diligently gathered information and insights about the cultivation path beyond Martial Gods. He even compared it with the path of immortality. For instance, Deity Transformation cultivators on the path of immortality need to comprehend the mysteries of the void to advance to the stage of Void Transformation, where they can integrate into and traverse the void at will. A Void Transformation cultivator, capable of creating countless incarnations, can be as formidable as millions of Deity Transformation cultivators. Quantity becomes meaningless at such a level.
However, unlike immortals who must comprehend the elusive mysteries of the void, Martial Gods focus on continuously increasing their power. When their strength reaches a level capable of shattering the void, they attain the status of Great Martial Gods, comparable to Void Transformation.
Lin Fei preferred the martial path for its simplicity and directness – where strength reigns supreme. He believed in the principle of "one force breaking all methods," where no matter what secrets the void holds, they can be overcome with sheer force. But how to increase the power of a Martial God?
The answer lies in laws.
Martial Gods don't need to comprehend laws; they need to strengthen them. And how is this done? The answer is plundering. This doesn't mean plundering laws from individuals, as there are limited Martial Gods or Deity Transformation beings in the entire Ancient Continent. Instead, it refers to plundering from nature itself – seizing the essence of heaven and earth, which embodies laws.
Lin Fei looked up, always aware of the immense Sea of Origin in the void, containing both Origin and Laws. Origin and Laws are distinct – Lin Fei has comprehended a strand of law, while the residual power in his body is from the Origin.
At his current level, Lin Fei cannot yet touch the power of Origin, so he must cultivate laws by capturing them from the Sea of Origin. Each capture brings a "heavenly tribulation" or "thunder tribulation," a test of one's strength and resolve in the face of cosmic powers.
"For when the Thunder Lord brings destruction, those who withstand it gain the law. Those who cannot, turn to ash. There is no chance for luck. Only by surviving nine thunder tribulations can one possibly reach the realm of shattering the void.
This is the path all Martial Gods must tread to shatter the void. They must endure the thunder tribulation. In contrast, Deity Transformation cultivators need not. They merely need to comprehend and merge with the void, seeking enlightenment in their path. This is why the number of Martial Gods is dwindling.
Nine thunder tribulations, each more formidable than the last. Only the exceptional can withstand them. Most Martial Gods fail and turn to ash. Of course, there's another choice: to cease cultivation and not face the tribulation.
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In doing so, one can live for a hundred thousand years. Such Martial Gods have forsaken the possibility of further advancement in martial arts, content with mediocrity, nearing the end of their martial journey."
"So, I am but a novice among Martial Gods," Lin Fei murmured softly, "not even worthy of a single thunder tribulation. The path from Martial God to shattering the void is truly perilous, for it involves choice. After surviving a tribulation, if one finds it too arduous and becomes complacent, one can choose not to face further tribulations, living a peaceful hundred thousand years. This, in itself, is a major test in martial cultivation. Having an option to retreat is more terrifying than having none!"
Lin Fei had thought it through clearly. The real challenge in martial cultivation begins at Martial God, for this stage involves choice. Unlike before, when there was no turning back in cultivation, now one can choose to retreat, not face the tribulation, and live peacefully for a hundred thousand years.
This very choice has eroded the will of many Martial Gods, deterring numerous talented cultivators from facing the tribulation. If passing through the thunder tribulation was mandatory to shatter the void, everyone would desperately seek ways to endure it, resulting in more cultivators achieving that level.
But now, those who reach the realm of shattering the void are few. It is akin to a 'soft saber' – deadly without shedding blood. To withstand the thunder tribulation, one must find various ways, for it is the power of destruction, annihilating the physical body.
"My physical body is now entirely based on the laws of the world," Lin Fei pondered. "What if I turn each particle into a world, crafting a microcosm like a world within a grain of sand? If a single grain of sand can contain a world, why can't each particle of my body become a world? Once achieved, wouldn't crossing the thunder tribulation be effortless?"
Lin Fei quickly found his direction and, in his mind, a bold idea emerged: to forge his physical particles into a world, or rather, a microcosm! This concept was astonishing.
How many particles does a person have? Four hundred and eighty million? Lin Fei didn't know, but he was aware of the countless particles in the body. If he could turn each particle into a micro-world, the final achievement would be unimaginable. Not just shattering the void, but even becoming the progenitor of martial arts was not out of reach!
"Could this be considered my own unique path?" Lin Fei pondered, inspired. A thought struck him: Martial Gods could actually pass down their own doctrines, the true doctrines that directly point to the laws of the cosmos! Lin Fei's law was the world's law. By crafting his physical particles into worlds, it aligned perfectly with his law, even complementing it. Thus, this could also be considered Lin Fei's path.
Of course, this was just a preliminary concept. Creating a microcosm was difficult. Lin Fei had no clear idea how to start, let alone base it on his physical particles to create numerous micro-worlds. This was an even greater challenge. However, Lin Fei had plenty of time. He could ponder it slowly. Perfecting any doctrine takes a long time.
As time passed, a month went by.
On a sunny day, Feng Ling emerged from seclusion. Lin Fei immediately stopped his practice and stepped out of the secret chamber, his expression solemn as he fixed his gaze on Feng Ling and asked gravely, "Feng Ling, are you confident?"
This step was crucial. Even Lin Fei, who had gone through it, felt there was a bit of luck involved. Hence, whether Feng Ling could successfully attain enlightenment was uncertain to him. Lin Fei was even somewhat worried.
Feng Ling, however, was carefree and smiled slightly, "Who dares to say they are certain of enlightenment? If one does not attain the Dao, who knows if it's truly their path? But regardless of whether I attain it or not, I firmly believe this is the path I must take!"
In the next moment, the nine bloodlines within Feng Ling fused together as one.
Feng Ling began the process of enlightenment!