"Brother Ye, the region of time and space where you're situated is called the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds. In reality, it is a world cluster. Outside, there are many such world clusters, some large, some small.
The Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds and other world clusters outside are all actually within the same great space-time. This great space-time is called the Chaotic Void Sea."
The white-robed man said to Ye Yunfei.
"Oh, so that means our Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds are also part of the Chaotic Void Sea, and there are many world clusters like ours outside," Ye Yunfei said.
"Precisely. That's the idea. The Chaotic Void Sea can be called boundless and infinite. It's said that even Deities do not know just how vast the Chaotic Void Sea truly is. Within the Chaotic Void Sea, there are many world clusters, and every world cluster contains numerous different worlds.
That is roughly the composition of the outer realms."
The white-robed man nodded.
So that's how it is.
After listening to the white-robed man, Ye Yunfei began to understand the general layout of the outer realms.
The outer realms were collectively called the Chaotic Void Sea, and the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds were also a part of it.
"Brother Ye, let me tell you about some of the more famous world clusters within the Chaotic Void Sea. The Chaotic Void Sea has countless, almost innumerable world clusters. But among them, the seven most powerful are known as the Seven Great Core World Clusters. These seven core world clusters have many masters at the Demigod level, while Heavenly Immortals and Golden Immortals are as many as the hairs on an ox.
Apart from these seven core world clusters, there are other relatively powerful world clusters that also possess a small number of Demigod experts.
As for world clusters like the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, there aren't even that many Golden Immortal experts, placing it among the weaker world clusters. It would typically be called a backward region of space-time.
So, in general, the way to measure whether a world cluster's overall strength is strong or weak depends on what level of experts exist within that world cluster."
The white-robed man continued explaining to Ye Yunfei.
"I see," Ye Yunfei nodded.
This situation was roughly what Ye Yunfei had imagined. A world cluster's overall strength would certainly be determined by the highest level of expert it possessed.
"So it seems our Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds are indeed very weak," Ye Yunfei said with a bitter smile.
In the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, there were only a handful of Golden Immortal experts, let alone Heavenly Immortals and Demigods. There was a considerable number of Earth Immortal-level beings, however.
"By the way, Brother Meng, which world cluster does the Dark Faction belong to? And what is their overall strength like?" Ye Yunfei suddenly asked.
Ye Yunfei understood that he and the Dark Faction had already formed an unresolvable grudge, so it was necessary to find out about their overall strength.
"Brother Ye, I heard you've made an enemy of that Dark Ancestor from the Dark Faction. However, that Dark Ancestor is just a Golden Immortal. I believe he isn't considered any major figure within the Dark Faction. Being his enemy doesn't necessarily mean you've made an enemy of the entire Dark Faction.
Let me tell you about the Dark Faction's overall strength. The Dark Faction's headquarters is in the Dark World Cluster. Although the Dark World Cluster is not one of the Seven Great Core World Clusters, it is said its true strength is not inferior to those seven.
The Dark Faction has Demigod experts overseeing and suppressing things, and more than one!
So, within the Chaotic Void Sea, no one is generally willing to provoke the Dark Faction."
The white-robed man said.
"So it seems the Dark Faction's overall strength is truly formidable," Ye Yunfei frowned upon hearing the man's words.
"Indeed. The Dark Faction is a recognized superpower within the Chaotic Void Sea. Brother Ye, if it's not necessary, I truly don't advise you to make an enemy of the Dark Faction."
The white-robed man nodded.
"My principle is this: if people don't provoke me, I won't provoke them. But if they do provoke me, I will not be afraid, and I will pay them back tenfold," Ye Yunfei thought for a moment before saying slowly.
"Indeed. Although the Dark Faction is strong, if they bully you, Brother Ye, I believe with your temperament, you definitely won't endure it silently."
The white-robed man watched Ye Yunfei's expression and nodded.
Though he had just met Ye Yunfei, he seemed to have already gained a good understanding of Ye Yunfei's character.
"By the way, Brother Meng, do you know about the Heavenly God Hall? How strong is this force?" Ye Yunfei, remembering the Heavenly God Hall, asked.
"Heavenly God Hall? Brother Ye, how do you know about the Heavenly God Hall? You haven't... offended them too, have you?" The white-robed man was somewhat surprised by Ye Yunfei's question.
"The Heavenly God Hall is a superpower within the Ziwei World Cluster, one of the Seven Great Core World Clusters. Its overall strength is extremely formidable.
It's said they have at least over ten Demigod experts."
The white-robed man added.
"I see. It seems I've unintentionally offended another major power," Ye Yunfei nodded, inwardly chuckling bitterly.
"What about the Liu Clan of the Tiangang Realm?" Ye Yunfei asked again.
"Brother Ye, why do you keep asking about these superpowers? The Liu Clan of the Tiangang Realm is a major power within another of the Seven Great Core World Clusters, the Qingyang World Cluster. Although the Liu Clan's strength is somewhat inferior to the Heavenly God Hall, they are also said to be a major clan with Demigod experts personally overseeing them. They are said to have numerous Heavenly Immortal-level experts. If possible, Brother Ye, you'd best not provoke this great clan."
The white-robed man replied.
"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Meng," Ye Yunfei nodded.
In truth, Ye Yunfei understood that his feud with the Liu Clan of the Tiangang Realm was already established. He had killed many of their clansmen. Once this was discovered, it would surely mean big trouble.
"Brother Ye, I know you will eventually leave here to travel the outside world. How about this: let me tell you about the circumstances of the seven core world clusters, and also some of the more powerful factions and experts within the Chaotic Void Sea.
That way, when you go outside in the future, you'll have a good idea."
The white-robed man said.
"Then I thank you, Brother Meng," Ye Yunfei said gratefully.
After spending more than half a day with this white-robed man, Ye Yunfei found that the man truly harbored no ill intentions. His interaction was indeed for the purpose of making friends. Thus, his favorable impression of the man had grown considerably, and his attitude had warmed.
"Brother Ye, no need for formalities. That we met at all shows we are fated. After drinking this feast, we can be considered good friends," the white-robed man said with a smile. Then he pointed a finger, sending a flow of Soul Power information directly into Ye Yunfei's Soul Sea.
"Brother Meng, how long do you plan to stay and tour the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds?" Ye Yunfei asked curiously.
"I've already been touring here for some time. I'm preparing to leave now. I heard the Void Secret Realm is about to open, so I plan to go there and join the excitement.
By the way, Brother Ye, your strength is quite remarkable among the younger generation. Why don't you come with me? We can brave the Void Secret Realm together."
The white-robed man then posed the question.
"I haven't decided whether to go yet," Ye Yunfei replied after some thought.
"Brother Meng, when exactly will the Void Secret Realm open?" Ye Yunfei asked.
"According to my calculations, the Void Secret Realm should open in about a year. But many people have already rushed to the region of space-time where the Void Secret Realm is located to prepare for the expedition.
I plan to go early as well."
The white-robed man replied.
"Alright, Brother Ye, I'm ready to bid farewell. We'll meet again another day," the white-robed man said, standing up.
"Brother Meng, won't you stay a bit longer? I could take you on a tour of our Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds," Ye Yunfei said.
Although they had met by chance with no prior connection, this man surnamed Meng had treated him to the precious Xiantai Wine. Ye Yunfei had benefited from his generosity.
That Xiantai Wine had significantly boosted the Immortal Force energy within Ye Yunfei's body. He had gained substantial benefits.
"No, thank you for the kind offer, Brother Ye. I'd still like to head to the region of the Void Secret Realm early, have a good tour there first, then enter the realm for exploration when it opens.
Brother Ye, if you go to the Void Secret Realm, we could meet there. Perhaps we could even cooperate and explore the Void Secret Realm together, seeking treasures and opportunities?"
The white-robed man said with a laugh. Then he waved his sleeve, putting away all the wine jars he had taken out earlier—all of which were now empty.
"Brother Ye, I'm off."
The white-robed man was quite free-spirited. He clasped his hands in salute to Ye Yunfei, then turned and left with large strides.
"Safe travels, Brother Meng!" Ye Yunfei called out from behind.
"That fellow is quite a man of true character, bold and free-spirited in his actions. He seems worthy of friendship," Hun Lao said, watching the white-robed man's departing figure.
"Indeed, Brother Meng is truly a man of true character," Ye Yunfei nodded in agreement.
"Brother Meng's Xiantai Wine was truly excellent. Now, I need to find a place to go into seclusion and cultivate, to prepare for the arrival of the next Lightning Tribulation."
Ye Yunfei felt the energy from the Xiantai Wine was still flowing powerfully within his body, constantly impacting the various meridian blockages. It was an opportunity for a breakthrough.
"You drank so much Xiantai Wine and have stored up so much energy. Won't this Lightning Tribulation be especially powerful? Can you suppress it?
If you can't suppress it, your cultivation of the Perfection of Nine Returns Immortal will be wasted," Hun Lao asked worriedly, sensing the surging Immortal Force energy within Ye Yunfei.
"I should be able to suppress it," Ye Yunfei said.
Then Ye Yunfei sent a sound transmission to Old Man Chu and Chan Master Tianwu, saying he was going into seclusion to cultivate. His figure then flickered, arriving at a remote part of the Chaotic Void. He swiftly laid down a batch of formations—isolation formations, illusion formations, defensive formations, and offensive formations. Clustered together, these formations formed a small space. Ye Yunfei entered it and began his cultivation.
Ye Yunfei was cultivating the Perfection of Nine Returns Immortal. He both feared the arrival of the Lightning Tribulation, yet needed to find a way to prompt its arrival.
He feared it because he worried he wouldn't be able to suppress it, ruining all previous efforts.
He needed to prompt it because only with the tribulation's arrival did he have the chance to suppress it and advance the cultivation of the Perfection of Nine Returns Immortal.
Rumble…
It was impossible to tell how much time had passed when suddenly, dark, oppressive storm clouds manifested in the heavens above the space where Ye Yunfei was cultivating. Rolling Lightning Tribulation energy also began to form. Thick thunder serpents writhed within the dark clouds, their aura terrifying.
"The tribulation is here!"
Perceiving the tribulation's arrival, Ye Yunfei focused his entire mind and began executing the tribulation-suppression secret art taught by the Mr. Liu.
Hun Lao was right—this tribulation was exceptionally powerful. The thunder serpents in the heavens above were each as thick as a mountain range, emanating world-annihilating lightning energy. It was horrifying, making the endless Chaotic Void around them tremble.
"Hold it back!"
Ye Yunfei didn't dare be the slightest bit careless. He suppressed with all his might, his entire body shaking.
At this moment, all energy and laws within Ye Yunfei's body were tightly sealed, with almost no aura leaking out.
But the Lightning Tribulation in the heavens continued to brew. The thick thunder serpents kept writhing violently, seemingly growing more and more agitated. Some even began descending, moving about as if searching for the master of this tribulation.
Ye Yunfei strove to suppress his own aura to its faintest state, like inert wood or stone, completely motionless and seemingly devoid of all life force.
Gradually, even Ye Yunfei's Soul Sea and his two Soul Bodies entered a state akin to hibernation, completely silent, with no Soul Power aura emanating.
Ye Yunfei was already executing the tribulation-suppression techniques and secret arts taught by Mr. Liu to their utmost limit.
"Should I help you?" Hun Lao sent a sound transmission to Ye Yunfei.
"Let's help too," the Golden-Horned Silkworm also transmitted.
"Absolutely not!
If the two of you release your auras, you might attract the tribulation and only cause trouble!
Also, don't send me any more sound transmissions! That could also draw the tribulation's attention!"
Ye Yunfei hurriedly replied once, then paid no more attention to Hun Lao and the Golden-Horned Silkworm.
Hearing this, Hun Lao and the Golden-Horned Silkworm were startled. They dared not send any more transmissions and fell silent, only able to watch anxiously from the side.
High in the sky, the boundless, dark, oppressive storm clouds were like an immense black blanket, sealing off this part of the Chaotic Void. Dazzlingly bright, thick thunder serpents continued to writhe madly.
Finally, after two days and two nights, the tribulation clouds high above slowly dispersed.
"I've avoided another tribulation," Ye Yunfei said, letting out a relieved sigh as he sensed the gradually dissipating tribulation above.
"Continue cultivating!" Ye Yunfei muttered to himself.
For the following time, Ye Yunfei continued staying within this small space formed by formations to cultivate.
Soon after, Ye Yunfei faced tribulation after tribulation, successfully avoiding each one.
Finally, Ye Yunfei successfully avoided nine Lightning Tribulations.
"I've now achieved Perfection of Nine Returns Immortal at the Earth Immortal level!" Ye Yunfei said softly, sensing the Immortal Force energy within himself.
"Next, I no longer need to suppress the Lightning Tribulation. I can officially break through to the Golden Immortal realm!" Ye Yunfei murmured.
Previously, Ye Yunfei had been suppressing the tribulations and hadn't broken through to Golden Immortal. Now, he finally didn't need to suppress them any longer!
Another month passed.
A terrifying Lightning Tribulation descended from the heavens.
Ye Yunfei stepped into the air and officially began to undergo the tribulation, striving for a breakthrough.
After experiencing a round of terrifying tribulation, Ye Yunfei successfully broke through.
"I am now a Golden Immortal," Ye Yunfei said confidently, clenching his fists.