"There indeed are many familiar auras. It has been a very long time since I last encountered them." Cui Hong spoke softly, seeming to reminisce about some past events. "That will do, young man. Retract your energies now." After a moment, Cui Hong said to Ye Yunfei.
"Young man, by a twist of fate, you have obtained a significant number of auras left behind by ancient Deities from your world cluster. These auras might not seem particularly useful to your current self, but when you wish to break through and become a Deity in the future, the aura of these Deities will be of great use. You must be careful from now on. I estimate that if Perfected Demigods know you possess these ancient Deity auras, they will undoubtedly come to capture you. Because the aura of these Deities is of great use to such Perfected Demigods." Cui Hong continued.
"Thank you for the reminder, Senior. I understand," Ye Yunfei nodded.
Inwardly, Ye Yunfei understood that the ancient Deity auras within his body were undoubtedly sourced from that Yin Seed. Many demigod experts in the Chaotic Void Sea had already targeted him specifically because of that seed.
"Young man, your talent is quite exceptional. I estimate you will have the chance to reach that step in the future and break through to Deityhood," Cui Hong added.
"Senior, the current era is known as the Post-Deities Era. Deities do not manifest, the path to becoming a Deity is severed, and breaking through to Deityhood in this era is very difficult. Not long ago, I personally witnessed a Perfected Demigod expert fail his Lightning Tribulation. That expert had prepared for an extremely long time and had an exceptionally solid foundation, yet he ultimately failed," Ye Yunfei replied.
"When I first awakened, I already knew this was a Deity-less Era. However, after the Deity-less Era ends, the Era of Deities will return. One can break through to Deityhood at that time. Within the Chaotic Void Sea, the Deity-less Era and the Era of Deities appear in alternating cycles. Moreover, I can sense that the Era of Deities will arrive very soon. Therefore, you needn't worry in the slightest," Cui Hong stated.
"The Deity-less Era and the Era of Deities appear in alternating cycles? Senior, is what you say truly real?" Hearing Cui Hong's words, Ye Yunfei felt profoundly shocked, as he was hearing this for the first time.
"It is indeed true. To my knowledge, the Deity-less Era and the Era of Deities within the Chaotic Void Sea have already gone through Samsara several times. Although I never experienced a Deity-less Era myself, the legend of the alternating Samsara of these two eras was common knowledge in ancient times," Cui Hong nodded.
"During this period, I dispatched many Flame Race members to gather information from the outside. Many ancient forces, races, and even denizens of Forbidden Lands have emerged one after another. I performed some divinations and sensed the imminent arrival of the Era of Deities. Once the Era of Deities descends, many beings will certainly succeed in breaking through to become Deities. So, young man, cultivate diligently. I believe you have the potential to become a Deity," Cui Hong said to Ye Yunfei.
"Thank you for the encouragement, Senior. Senior, why do these two eras, the Deity-less Era and the Era of Deities, alternate in cycles within the Chaotic Void Sea?" This being his first exposure to these two eras, Ye Yunfei was filled with curiosity and couldn't help asking.
"Why this happens? Even Deities cannot clearly explain it. It seems some mysterious power operating behind the scenes dictates all this. In ancient times, some speculated that several Chaos Gods, whose power transcends this world, might control the operations of the Chaotic Void Sea. The alternating appearance of these two eras is likely the will of those several Chaos Gods," Cui Hong answered.
"Chaos Gods? Are Chaos Gods also Deities?" Ye Yunfei was confused.
"Chaos Gods are the Deities among Deities. Or one could say, Chaos Gods should be the most powerful Deities. There is also a saying that everything within the Chaotic Void Sea, including time and space, was created by the Chaos Gods," Cui Hong continued.
"Everything was created by Chaos Gods?" Ye Yunfei found this even more shocking.
"However, there is another theory. The alternating Samsara of the Deity-less Era and the Era of Deities in the Chaotic Void Sea might be manipulated by the Reincarnation Palace from behind the scenes," Cui Hong added.
"Reincarnation Palace? Senior, is there a Reincarnation Palace within the Chaotic Void Sea?" Ye Yunfei couldn't help but be astonished by Cui Hong's words. Because there was a Reincarnation Palace in the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, and Su Qingluo was its Palace Master.
"Of course, there is a Reincarnation Palace in the Chaotic Void Sea. Moreover, the Reincarnation Palace is one of the most ancient and mysterious forces within this Void Sea. Although no one has ever known its true strength, within the Chaotic Void Sea, absolutely no one dares to provoke the Reincarnation Palace lightly. This force has existed for an exceedingly long time," Cui Hong stated.
"Senior, there is a Reincarnation Palace within the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds, but its overall strength is quite weak. I wonder if the Reincarnation Palace there has any relation to the one in the Chaotic Void Sea?" Ye Yunfei immediately asked. Naturally, hearing news about the Reincarnation Palace, Ye Yunfei wanted to get to the bottom of it.
"From what I know, the Reincarnation Palace tends to have an outpost in most world clusters. According to legends, the Reincarnation Palace governs the Samsara order of the Chaotic Void Sea. A Reincarnation Passage exists in each world cluster. People from the Reincarnation Palace manage the areas behind each Reincarnation Passage, and all these passages interconnect with one another. It is through these Reincarnation Passages that the Reincarnation Palace governs the entire Samsara order of the Chaotic Void Sea," Cui Hong explained.
"Senior, are different Reincarnation Passages truly interconnected?" Ye Yunfei quickly asked.
Because Su Qingluo had vanished within a Reincarnation Passage. If, as Cui Hong said, different passages from different world clusters were interconnected, it would mean Su Qingluo could have potentially traveled from the Three Thousand Major and Minor Worlds' passage to the passages of other world clusters. This could explain her disappearance.
"Yes, according to legend, the different Reincarnation Passages from different world clusters all ultimately lead to the same place. That place is highly likely the true headquarters of the Reincarnation Palace," Cui Hong nodded.
"So that's how it is. Senior, do you know where the Reincarnation Palace's headquarters is?" Ye Yunfei felt somewhat excited.
Because Ye Yunfei suddenly wondered if Su Qingluo had already traveled to the true headquarters of the Reincarnation Palace via the Reincarnation Passage.
"I do not know where the true headquarters of the Reincarnation Palace is. This ancient force is too mysterious. Generally, it does not actively interact with others. In my time, when I traveled across the entire Chaotic Void Sea, I had dealings, to a greater or lesser extent, with various major forces and clans. Only this ancient, mysterious Reincarnation Palace force did I never have any contact with," Cui Hong shook his head.
"Then, if I wished to find people from the Reincarnation Palace, where should I go to look?" Hearing Cui Hong's words, Ye Yunfei was somewhat disappointed, then asked again.
"To find people from the Reincarnation Palace, the most direct method is naturally to go to a Reincarnation Passage. Young man, do you perhaps wish to find them? If it is merely out of curiosity, I advise you not to. I myself am not particularly keen on interacting with them, let alone you," Cui Hong glanced at Ye Yunfei and then said.
"Senior, my reason for seeking the people of the Reincarnation Palace is not curiosity, but another cause. Thank you for the guidance," Ye Yunfei replied.
"Senior, if within the Chaotic Void Sea the Era of Deities and Deity-less Era truly alternate in cycles, then during the Deity-less Era, where did all the Deities from the previous era go? How could they all vanish without a trace so suddenly?" Ye Yunfei did not press further about the Reincarnation Palace but asked another question of great interest.
"When the Era of Deities ends, Deities within the Chaotic Void Sea will inexplicably encounter various mishaps or suddenly disappear. No one can clearly explain the reason," Cui Hong answered.
"The era I was in actually belonged to the final period of the Era of Deities. I was traveling outside at the time and suddenly witnessed one Deity after another encounter different calamities, either perishing or vanishing. Out of curiosity, I began investigating the cause. However, just as I was investigating, a sworn enemy unexpectedly found me. After a fierce battle, I sustained severe injuries. In the end, I mustered all my strength to condense an energy form and sent it back to the Fire Realm. This energy form of mine went into hiding after returning to the Fire Realm. As for what happened to my true body later, whether it perished or not, there has been no news whatsoever all these years. In short, I perceived that when the Era of Deities is about to end, some mysterious power operating in the shadows cleanses the Deities," Cui Hong's tone carried a hint of fear.
Because he recalled witnessing Deity after Deity meet with misfortune, until it was eventually his turn. Watching one Deity after another be purged was too terrifying a thing.
"Alright, young man. These matters are beyond your concern for now. You are far from reaching that level. Not just you, even I haven't figured out what's really happening. For you at present, just focus on earnest cultivation," Cui Hong, unwilling to say more, sighed and said to Ye Yunfei.
"Very well. I shall heed your teachings, Senior," Seeing Cui Hong was unwilling to speak further, Ye Yunfei did not press on.
Nonetheless, the information he heard from Cui Hong today was sufficiently shocking. Especially the matter of the alternating Samsara of the Era of Deities and Deity-less Era, if spread, would certainly stir the entire Chaotic Void Sea.
"By the way, Senior, I have another request. I'd like to seek your guidance regarding the Fire Laws," After thinking for a moment, Ye Yunfei spoke again.
"I know you wish to cultivate the Grand Fire Dao Laws. Because I can see you've already cultivated four Grand Dao Laws. Very well, I will now manifest the Grand Fire Dao Laws for you. See if you can comprehend them," Cui Hong nodded.
Then, numerous intangible chains of law materialized out of thin air before Ye Yunfei. These were all manifestations of the Grand Fire Dao Laws.
Ye Yunfei immediately began comprehending them.
Having a Deity personally manifest the laws was a rare opportunity indeed.
For the ensuing period, Ye Yunfei remained utterly motionless, like a monk entering deep meditation, calmly contemplating the Grand Fire Dao Laws.
An indeterminable length of time later, Ye Yunfei abruptly opened his eyes.
"Thank you, Senior, for personally demonstrating the laws! I have now thoroughly comprehended the Grand Fire Dao Laws!" Ye Yunfei exclaimed excitedly.
This was the first time Ye Yunfei had comprehended a Grand Dao Law so quickly. The reasons were twofold: first, a Deity had personally demonstrated them; second, Ye Yunfei had already cultivated four other Grand Dao Laws, accumulating a certain level of experience regarding Dao Laws.
"Young man, your talent truly is high," Cui Hong nodded, speaking with an approving tone.
"Ancestor, outside, a youth claiming to be a descendant of the Golden Peng Clan wishes to pay his respects to you." At that moment, the Grand Elder's voice suddenly rang out from outside the palace.
"Golden Peng Clan? Has that race also reemerged into the world?" Cui Hong was taken aback for a moment.
"I did indeed have some dealings with the Golden Peng Clan back in the day. Very well, tell him to wait. I shall go out to meet him now," After a moment's contemplation, Cui Hong spoke.
"Come, young man. Let's go out together. The Golden Peng Clan was also a prestigious and powerful race in ancient times, renowned for their speed and strength. Actually, the Golden Peng Clan originally belonged to the Demon Race, but because their overall strength grew too formidable, they later separated from the Demon Race, becoming an independent powerful race. I had dealings with a Deity from the Golden Peng Clan in my time," Cui Hong said to Ye Yunfei and then walked out of the palace.
Ye Yunfei followed behind.
Soon after, Cui Hong, accompanied by the Grand Elder and Ye Yunfei, emerged from the Small World of the Flame Race ancestral land and returned to the outside Fire Realm.
"This junior, Jin Yuehai, pays his respects to Senior Cui Hong! My Fifth Uncle is Jin Wulang. My Fifth Uncle once mentioned to me his friendship with you, Senior Cui Hong, and instructed me that if I ever encountered you in the future, I must convey his respects on his behalf. Therefore, upon learning of your awakening, I dared not delay and came immediately to pay my respects," A tall, robustly-built young man was already waiting outside. Seeing Cui Hong, he hurried forward several steps and bowed respectfully.
"Rise. Indeed, I did have friendship with Jin Wulang. Since you are his descendant, there's no need for such formality," Cui Hong spoke, simultaneously sending a powerful surge of fire energy that lifted the youth who called himself Jin Yuehai.
Jin Yuehai felt an immense, boundless flood of fire energy surge forth, forcefully lifting him, preventing him from bowing even half an inch further, and he couldn't help but feel inwardly shocked.
"Let's go to the reception hall for a sit. I happen to want to learn about your Fifth Uncle's situation as well," Cui Hong said, then took the lead to a palace within the Fire Realm. They sat in accordance with host and guest etiquette.
Cui Hong inquired of this Jin Yuehai about Jin Wulang's situation. According to Jin Yuehai, Jin Wulang had also mysteriously disappeared in the past, but left behind an energy form lying dormant within the Golden Peng Clan headquarters. The Golden Peng Clan headquarters were located within an exceptionally well-hidden Small World, which had remained sealed all along. Only recently was it unsealed, and members of the Golden Peng Clan emerged from within, reappearing in the world.
"It seems the Golden Peng Clan is indeed renowned for speed and strength," Ye Yunfei, observing this Jin Yuehai discreetly from the side and sensing his incredibly vigorous qi and blood, couldn't help but think to himself.