My gorgeous wife Chapter 1978 - 1946: The Heavenly Dao Reappears

With a mere flick of his finger, the cosmic order shifted.

The very fabric of reality seemed to warp and bend around Li Chen’s gesture, as if the surrounding space-time itself bent to his will.

This solitary point represented the endless expanse of the heavens and the boundless reach of the future.

To Guangming, at least, this single point appeared to encapsulate all existence within its grasp.

It presented a reality even more profound and vaster than his own Reincarnation World.

The fundamental reason for this was that space-time serves as the ultimate vessel for all things.

Regardless of location or form, everything requires the framework of space-time to simply exist; without it, nothing could endure.

The conception of a 'world' might differ for each individual – reincarnation can be a world, the Five Elements can constitute a world, and even abstract notions like light and darkness, life and death, can be considered worlds.

Yet, within the context of any world, space-time remains an absolute necessity.

It's plausible that the principles governing the creation of worlds are among the most potent forces, yet space-time operates subtly, in realms beyond our direct perception.

Though perhaps unseen, its presence has always been constant.

When this unseen force finally manifests before mortal eyes, it possesses a terrifying might exceeding any known law.

It is this very law that, at this precise moment, manifested as Li Chen's One Finger Divine Power.

Behold, the Wheel of Space-Time!

Guangming found himself utterly adrift, completely lost within this immeasurable domain of space-time.

As the overwhelming aura of cosmic law receded, Guangming collapsed onto the ground, his face ashen and sweat beading on his brow. He gazed at Li Chen with a look of profound bitterness.

"Brother Li, your Space-Time Divine Ability is truly..."

Guangming struggled to find adequate words, searching his mind for a fitting descriptor.

Was 'invincible' the right term?

Such a word felt insufficient, too limited to capture the sheer magnitude of the Power of Space-Time.

For while all things may face eventual decay and oblivion, space-time itself is eternal. Rather than labeling it invincible, it would be more accurate to deem it infinite.

"Brother Guang, our exchange was merely a friendly spar; your Reincarnation Divine Ability is exceptionally potent as well. Do not trouble yourself over this," Li Chen replied with a relaxed smile.

A wry smile touched Guangming's lips, but he merely shook his head, remaining silent. Li Chen was an individual whom he could wholeheartedly respect and acknowledge.

He had previously believed that by achieving a deeper understanding of his Reincarnation Divine Ability, he would stand nearly unrivaled amongst his peers. To have encountered such a formidable opponent just as pride began to swell within him was unexpected.

"Indeed, it is a formidable divine ability."

At that very instant, a new voice emerged from a nearby location.

Both Li Chen and Guangming simultaneously shifted their attention.

Once more, their breathing hitched in unison.

For before them stood a young man with flowing, dark hair, who was gracefully approaching.

The youth carried an aura that set him apart, exuding an otherworldly presence. In this regard, he bore no resemblance to the other gifted youths gathered in the courtyard; standing amongst them, no one could mistake him for anyone else.

However, the critical detail was that both Li Chen and Guangming recognized this young man!

Guangming recalled seeing him within his own Sect, during his early days as a novice disciple just embarking on his cultivation journey.

And Li Chen…

"Greetings, my lord!" Even the usually spirited Guangming, typically prone to jest, refrained from any playful behavior in the presence of Mingmeng. Upon recognizing the youth, he offered a respectful bow.

Li Chen, too, followed suit, inclining his head towards the young man, though a complex mixture of emotions flickered in his eyes.

"Guangming, it has only been a few short years, yet you have already grasped the true essence of reincarnation," the long-haired youth addressed Guangming with a gentle smile. "It appears the venerable elders of Ten Paths Mountain have finally recognized your inherent talent."

"It is entirely thanks to your guidance, my lord," Guangming responded earnestly, his gaze holding an almost indescribable depth of reverence.

The long-haired youth gave a slight nod before directing his focus towards Li Chen.

After a brief moment, a subtle expression of contemplation crossed the youth's features.

Subsequently, he nodded once more.

"Guangming, please take your leave for a while. I wish to have a word with this young cultivator," the long-haired youth stated with a pleasant smile.

The young man emanated no discernible power, yet every word and action he performed seemed to resonate with an intrinsic truth of the universe, creating an undeniable impression: that his actions were inherently correct, and his words, perfectly suited.

Regardless of the situation, everything about him simply *felt* right!

Guangming did not dare to disobey and, after offering another respectful bow to the long-haired youth, he turned and departed.

Only after Guangming had withdrawn did the long-haired youth turn his attention back to Li Chen, a smile gracing his lips. "Young one, should I inquire about 'long time no see,' or offer a 'nice to meet you' for this first encounter?"

Hearing the young man's words, Li Chen's eyes widened in astonishment.

Although he had harbored suspicions about the young man's identity upon first sight, Li Chen was acutely aware that the setting they occupied was akin to a dreamscape – how could such an ephemeral space, and an equally illusory individual, possess independent consciousness?

After a moment of thought, Li Chen fell into silence once more.

It was true; while others might lack self-awareness, the being before him was an exception to the rule.

The Heavenly Dao!

Yes, this youth with the long, flowing hair was none other than the Heavenly Dao that Li Chen had once encountered in the uncharted expanse of the starry sky!

"Lord of the Heavenly Dao, this should be our second encounter," Li Chen replied, a wry smile gracing his lips.

"Second time?" The Heavenly Dao nodded, his expression laced with a sigh. "It seems my efforts have still proven futile."

"Futile?" Li Chen echoed, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.

"Indeed," the Heavenly Dao affirmed. "To be the Ruler of the Seven Realms is more than just a mere title."

With a heavy sigh, the Heavenly Dao slowly recounted his tale. "A long time ago, I gathered the essence of the Heavenly Dao from the other six realms and performed a grand divination. In the end, I foresaw a cataclysm befalling the Seven Realms."

Li Chen remained quiet. The cataclysm had indeed occurred, tearing the Seven Realms asunder and reducing them to the present Four Realms.

Even the Supreme Asura Realm, once the pinnacle of the Seven Realms, had fractured into the Heavenly Realm, now comprised of 108 Star Continents.

"When I first saw you, I already had a sense of the answer, but I found myself unwilling to accept it," the Heavenly Dao confessed, fixing his gaze upon Li Chen. "Tell me, what has become of the Seven Realms?"

Li Chen considered the question before offering a concise summary of the current state of the Starry Universe.

Upon hearing Li Chen’s account, the Heavenly Dao let out another mournful sigh.

"So, the Starry Universe has been diminished to such a small fragment? And what of the Palm Realm, how many cultivators of that level still exist?"

"I cannot say for certain," Li Chen admitted, shaking his head. "From what I understand, no Palm Realm powerhouses have been seen in the Four Realms for a considerable time. Should any remain, they are likely in deep seclusion."

"It appears you are not far from the brink of another war. Otherwise, the cultivators of the Palm Realm would not be in hiding," the Heavenly Dao mused, his head shaking slowly.

"Another great tribulation looms."