I Truly Am The Villian Chapter 2256 - 2255: The Dao of Empress Hongtian, the Origin Point of the World
Previously on I Truly Am The Villian...
"Different?" Xu Zimei's surprise was evident.
He chose not to probe further, recognizing that some truths transcend simple explanation and require personal experience.
The enigmatic Empress Hongtian was a prime example.
Xu Zimei offered a slight nod.
"May I meet fellow Daoist Hongtian now?" he inquired.
"Prepare yourself. She has followed a path far beyond our comprehension, so brace yourself mentally," True Martial Great Emperor advised, his expression grave.
"I have just grasped the Ten Million Great Dao, and insights are still arriving. I require two days to integrate before meeting her," Xu Zimei stated after a moment's thought.
The meeting was inevitable, so a few days' delay was inconsequential.
Moreover, the profound understanding gained from the Ten Million Great Dao needed careful consolidation.
Achieving the Ten Million Great Dao and advancing towards the Hundred Million Daos, as True Martial Great Emperor had noted, revealed the inherent incompleteness of the Dao.
He needed to swiftly perceive this deficiency.
Then, he would utilize his Divine Continent to rectify this issue.
"Indeed, comprehending the True Meaning of the Great Dao is a monumental undertaking that cannot be rushed," True Martial Great Emperor agreed with a nod.
…
After parting ways with True Martial Great Emperor.
Xu Zimei discovered a secluded cave dwelling within the canyon.
There, he commenced his deep contemplation of the Ten Million Great Dao's intricate principles.
Reaching the ten million mark in Dao represented a fundamental, qualitative shift.
It wasn't merely an augmentation of controllable power.
His perception of the world deepened dramatically.
It felt akin to becoming one with the fabric of existence; the formation of the world, the genesis of all things, no longer demanded laborious investigation.
A mere glance was enough to fully grasp its construction and underlying structure.
He felt transformed, almost like a seer.
Possessing an all-encompassing understanding of everything within the world.
This newfound clarity provided Xu Zimei with a precise grasp of the Nine Domains World's complexities, illuminating the path to developing his Divine Continent more effectively.
Over the subsequent days, Xu Zimei dedicated himself to mastering this enhanced power.
Finally, after a period of days had passed.
He felt he had achieved complete mastery over all aspects of the Ten Million Great Dao.
Subsequently, he sought out True Martial Great Emperor, expressing his readiness to meet Empress Hongtian.
"Besides you and me, no one else has had the opportunity to witness Hongtian's presence," True Martial Great Emperor remarked with a gentle smile.
"Not even fellow Daoist Three Blades and fellow Daoist Divine Travel?" Xu Zimei expressed mild surprise.
"As individuals who challenge the heavens, I shared this knowledge with you. That is why,"
True Martial Great Emperor elucidated.
"Revealing too much to Three Blades and the others could prove detrimental to their Daoist Heart," True Martial Great Emperor further explained.
"While I did not explicitly inform them, they possess their own awareness of certain matters, hence their lack of inquiry."
As they conversed, a Spatial Gate materialized before True Martial Great Emperor.
This portal offered passage to a different realm.
"You are aware of the concept of spatial layers," True Martial Great Emperor stated.
"The spaces separating different worlds are not entirely distinct; they possess interconnected layers."
True Martial Great Emperor elaborated on this.
"Due to the subtle nature of these inter-dimensional fluctuations, most individuals overlook them."
"However, Empress Hongtian, utilizing her ability to Enter the Microscopic Space Power, has sculpted a distinct layered world. While its dimensions are modest, since embarking on her chosen path, she has remained secluded within it."
Following True Martial Great Emperor, Xu Zimei stepped through the Spatial Gate.
Upon entry, the anticipated sensation of tumbling or disorientation was absent.
The inner space offered a peculiar sense of tranquility.
Within lay a series of ascending stairs, arranged in tiers.
These stairs were innumerable, seamlessly linked one after another.
"To proceed within this domain, one must ascend these stairs. A misstep could result in being cast into spatial turbulence, leading to eternal banishment,"
True Martial Great Emperor cautioned.
"This serves as a deterrent against accidental intrusion."
Xu Zimei raised no objections.
Though visible to the naked eye, the stairs' true function was dictated by the presence residing within this space. If that entity willed it, passage would be granted; otherwise, entry would be impossible, irrespective of one's efforts.
"Do you perceive anything unusual about this place?" True Martial Great Emperor inquired with a smile.
As the pair set foot upon the stairs, they began to move autonomously, requiring no physical propulsion from either individual.
"Different?" Xu Zimei probed the surroundings with subtle perception.
Then, with a tone of astonishment, he exclaimed, "The origin of the world?"
"Sense it. The world is spherical. Every object possesses a central point.
Have you considered a compass? It utilizes a central point from which lines radiate outwards, forming a circle.
"That central point represents the world's origin."
"I am aware that this so-called spatial layer is the very origin of the Nine Domains World," Xu Zimei exclaimed in surprise.
Despite knowing this fact.
He had never truly given it much thought.
"What connection does this realm hold with the world's origin?" Xu Zimei inquired.
While they conversed, the two figures had already descended from the stairs.
Arriving at the central core of this origin point.
Xu Zimei finally laid eyes upon Empress Hongtian.
A stark contrast to the depiction he had seen within the True Martial Holy Sect.
The woman before him possessed long, snow-white hair, seeming as though she transcended the mortal realm.
Her perfection was unparalleled.
Her skin resembled fresh snow, exquisite and flawless, her countenance radiating an aura of sanctity.
Her eyes fluttered subtly, and her brilliant gaze held a glimmer of pale silver.
A divine robe was draped elegantly over her shoulders.
Without unleashing any overwhelming aura, she exuded a profound sense of harmony with the heavens and earth, as if returning to the primal source of all existence.
Anyone who beheld her felt an immediate, innate connection.
This affinity extended to humans, other sentient races, and even the flora of the world, suggesting a fundamental bond.
The Great Dao, which others strive to comprehend, naturally converged around her.
With a mere gesture, she commanded the wind at will, conjured rain as she desired.
It was as if she were the world's own Creator Deity.
Light and shadow existed in perfect equilibrium.
All the laws and principles governing the universe manifested effortlessly in her presence, requiring no conscious effort.
The Ten Million Great Dao did not require arduous study.
She could attain understanding with utmost ease.
At this particular moment, her form hovered weightlessly within the void.
Directly linked to the firmament, seamlessly merging with the fabric of the world.
Upon noticing Xu Zimei and the True Martial Great Emperor, she merely graced the void with her delicate feet, stepping deliberately towards them.
Her voice was remarkably gentle.
Like drifting clouds, it brought a sense of pure delight to the listener's heart.
"Eternal Ancient Daoist Friend, I have long heard tales of your deeds and have ardently wished for an encounter."
Empress Hongtian spoke, initiating the greeting.
Xu Zimei responded with a smile, "My own renown precedes me, and I have long known of you. This marks our first true meeting, I believe."
"Previously, concerning the matter of your heir, I presumed you might harbor some reservations."
Empress Hongtian responded with a slight shake of her head.
She articulated, "Inheritance represents merely a hope I bestowed upon the True Martial Holy Sect; how subsequent generations choose to utilize it is of no concern to me."
For beings of great power, their focus often transcends the relics or legacies they leave behind during specific epochs.
Had it not been for the True Martial Holy Sect, Empress Hongtian might not have left any inheritance at all.
"And this is...?"
Xu Zimei gestured vaguely, his expression one of mild bewilderment as he inquired.