I Fabricated the Techniques, but my disciple really mastered them? Chapter 1168: Spinoff: Taihao and the Apocalypse Evil Thought
The void was an indescribable expanse, devoid of years, the ticking of time, or any sentient life—a state of total nothingness beyond the reach of words.
Within that profound, formless, and silent void—something incorporeal that surpassed the very concept of "nothing"—a presence emerged. It reigned over the emptiness until a radiant beam of golden light pierced the darkness, stretching across the void like a path without end.
Once the golden glow faded and returned to its formless state, it appeared as though dust had been introduced to the vacuum. It was no longer a pure void; it had acquired substance.
This dust coalesced, eventually giving rise to a small patch of earth. It remained uncertain if the concept of time had begun, but upon this fragment of land, driven by a significance that transcended the void, a tiny sapling broke through the surface. As it matured, the sapling transformed into a massive, lush tree.
Solitary and grand, the massive tree grew in the heart of the void. After uncounted eons, a single fruit suddenly manifested upon its branches, ripening until it finally fell.
Thump!
For the first time in existence, a sound echoed through the void.
The shell of the fruit split apart to reveal a core shaped like a human, enveloped in a shimmering mist. Upon landing, it grew steadily until it opened its eyes—marking the birth of the first living creature.
The human-like being grew in stature. Though he possessed no understanding of years, he would frequently sit beneath the tree in contemplation, observing his surroundings and peering into the void that lay beyond the branches.
Through this insight, the creature gained a deep understanding. His internal power surged, accompanied by the development of increasingly mystical abilities. Occasionally, he would venture away from the tree's shade to walk within the void itself.
After an unfathomable duration, a feeling of loneliness took root. Looking up at the tree, which had once seemed so majestic, he now found it ordinary. He had become more powerful, eventually surpassing the strength of the tree itself.
In a moment of self-reflection, the creature whispered, "Boundless and supreme, with 'heaven' above all else, I require a name. Let me be called 'Hao.'"
Hao stared into the emptiness and then back at his tree, pondering ineffable mysteries as if he could see the moment of his own birth and the transition of the void into something more.
"I, Hao, should perhaps bring something into being. With this tree as my foundation, why not create a Domain and all living beings?"
Inspired by the tree, Hao snapped off a branch and strode into the void, striking out with all his might.
Boom!
The void shook with the sound. A smile touched Hao's lips as he swung the branch again, hacking into the nothingness. Suddenly, light flickered within the dark, thunder roared, and the void was torn open.
"Hahaha, yes! This is indeed thunder. A fitting name. I, Hao, shall never be solitary again."
From that day forward, Hao struck the void daily. The territory affected by his strikes expanded continuously, filled with the never-ending roar of thunder, becoming a domain saturated with lightning.
"No, this is insufficient!"
Hao sank into deep reflection. What was the point of a world consisting only of thunder?
He sat beneath the tree, aligning his spirit with the profound and indescribable Dao. Finally finding his inspiration, he resumed his work.
After countless years of labor, the void surrounding the tree vanished. In its place was a sea of thunder, flashing and rumbling with a spectrum of colors. Hao watched the scene with great expectation.
By now, Hao's Cultivation had reached a level where he could easily tear the void apart to forge realms of lightning.
"Using the tree as my base, I shall carve out a Realm, manifest the world, and bring forth All Living Beings!"
Filled with excitement, Hao set out to carve a Realm using the tree as his anchor, intending to create a world where myriad beings could flourish.
Ultimately, after Hao labored tirelessly for ages beyond measure, a vast world was brought into existence. The thunder of creation bellowed as the void was split, and the Aura of Spiritual Grace began to emerge. From the fractured void, the solid Imperishable Qi was also released.
As the thunder subsided, the Imperishable Qi sank to form the solid ground, while the Aura of Spiritual Grace rose to create the heavens. Thus, the Domain was born. Hao ran through it with joy, while the original rift in the void glowed with a blend of vibrant colors.
After an indefinite passage of time, the diffuse glow at the center seemed to overflow, and a single beam of purple light shone across the world.
"Let this signify the passage of time in a cycle that always returns to its source—one light for an era, one light for the years," Hao murmured with excitement.
The land was established, but All Living Beings had yet to appear. Hao sat in silent meditation with his eyes closed, seeking the profound mystery that would allow him to birth life.
Countless years passed. When Hao finally opened his eyes, he noticed the Domain had drifted from its original position, appearing unstable and ready to dissolve. He grew anxious until he looked upon the mighty tree, which remained firmly rooted and even more colossal than before. An idea struck him immediately.
Hao used the tree to support the Domain, utilizing its roots as the foundation of the land and its canopy as the sky. A truly immense Domain stabilized, and the tree's radiating energy infused the world with vitality. Soon, delicate green sprouts began to cover the earth.