685 Establishing an Inner Universe

In high-dimensional space.

In the vast expanse of Myriad Star Island, Xu Jingming, dressed in a black robe, sat leisurely on a rocky outcropping. In the distance, natural high-dimensional lifeforms tended to a medicinal field.

Now that I understand the method to establish a universe, what’s next is to carry out trials, he thought. He concentrated, allowing his thoughts to manifest into an illusory realm. With a burst of energy, a universe was gradually born within the vast expanse of the illusory realm.

The entirety of it was an illusion that had no impact on the physical world.

A miniature universe formed within the illusion quickly. Although it was called a miniature universe, it was much larger than his homeworld, the Oohook Star Alliance, spanning over a billion light-years in diameter.

The illusory universe is very stable. Satisfied with his handiwork, Xu Jingming smiled and got up. I can open it up in my body next.

Other high-dimensional lifeforms from different schools might have hesitated, knowing the risk of failure and the possibility of explosive energy destroying them.

But Xu Jingming, a member of the Heart Realm lineage, had many clones at his disposal. If one failed, he could always try again.

Buzz.

With that in mind, Xu Jingming didn’t bother telling the dean or anyone else. He returned to his chamber and began the process of breaking through alone.

…

In the chamber, Xu Jingming remained calm and collected in his black robes. He focused his mind and summoned a massive amount of Heart Realm Force to gather at his abdomen.

Boom! Boom!

He then proceeded to establish spacetime in his body.

The body of high-dimensional lifeforms occupied a vast spatial layer to begin with. Establishing an inner universe only required a small number of spatial layers, but to do it at the scale of a true universe was a different story. Even the half-step third-realm Monhado would struggle to maintain such an inner universe.

Xu Jingming guided the formation of his inner universe, coaxing energy into taking form.

Time passed.

Establishing an inner universe was not child’s play. It was far more complex than constructing an illusory realm, and it required an immense amount of energy to achieve perfection. He drew infinite Heart Realm Force from the Heart Realm into his body, allowing the universe to slowly grow and expand.

The process was like giving birth to a child. Starting from a mere fertilized egg, to a fetus, and finally to a baby.

The chaotic spacetime gradually stabilized and formed the prototype of a universe. It was a slow and steady process, fueled by constant absorption of energy and expansion.

Huh?

A sudden surge of energy had caught the attention of the high-dimensional lifeforms on Myriad Star Island. They looked towards Xu Jingming’s chamber in awe.

“What a terrifying energy fluctuation.”

“It’s Island Lord Wu Ming’s residence. Is he trying to establish an inner universe?”

“How long has it been since Island Lord Wu Ming became a high-dimensional lifeform? He’s already attempting the Eternal realm?”

“Island Lord Redmond is still stuck at the Firstborn realm, right?”

“The Heart Realm lineage is naturally extraordinary.”

These natural high-dimensional lifeforms gathered in groups and discussed excitedly. The energy required for such an endeavor was immense, and it was a feat rarely seen in their long lives.

The natural high-dimensional lifeforms on Myriad Star Island were excited and hopeful at the prospect of another Eternal Realm powerhouse. The atmosphere was akin to that of Earthlings during festive holidays.

“Looks like he’s establishing his inner universe?” The dean, Tower Master, Island Lord, and Redmond gathered outside Xu Jingming’s residence. The excitement among the natural beings was palpable, and the dean and the others couldn’t help but feel a sense of infinite anticipation.

In the vast high-dimensional space, every additional Eternal realm was a joyous occasion for the entire human race.

“Having caused such a huge stir, he should be establishing his inner universe,” Eternal Tower Master praised.

“He’s been asking me for advice on cosmic spacetime.” Spacetime Island Lord was also in a good mood as she smiled and said, “Based on the questions he’s been asking, he has a deep understanding of it. I think it’s almost time for him to establish his inner universe.”

“Junior Brother is truly gifted!” Redmond exclaimed in surprise.

He had become a high-dimensional lifeform first, but he couldn’t see any hope of reaching the Eternal realm for the time being. He still had many questions about the creation of an inner universe.

“The Heart Realm Force originates from the powers of the third realm and is filled with wonders beyond our wildest dreams,” the dean explained. “Jingming possesses a unique gift—the ability to imitate the formation of the universe time and time again using the Heart Realm Force. His improvement, therefore, is naturally fast. I have heard whispers that almost all the territory ruins in the Heart Realm are at the Eternal realm. Given some time, all of them can quickly reach the Eternal realm.”

“No matter what kind of third-realm power it is, it has all kinds of wonders that can speed up the journey to the Eternal realm,” Spacetime Island Lord commented. “Redmond, don’t you worry. With your undeniable talent, there’s every chance of reaching the Eternal realm if you spend more time honing your skills.”

Redmond nodded, feeling reassured. The Eternal realm was not easy to reach, especially from the Firstborn realm.

The natural high-dimensional lifeforms evolved at a snail’s pace. They were clueless about their own anatomy, which made their chances of reaching the Eternal Realm slim—less than 1%, to be exact.

Low-dimensional species, on the other hand, had an advantage. They created their own high-dimensional bodies, and while it was a daunting task to fabricate a miniature universe, every few succeeded.

But those with third-realm high-dimensional powers? They were in a league of their own. Their strength was unparalleled, and their natural talent made the journey to the Eternal realm an easy one.

“I’m hoping Jingming can pull this off.” The dean gazed expectantly at Xu Jingming’s dwelling.

“Our species is on the verge of relocating to a new domain.” Eternal Tower Master fretted, his weathered face creased with concern. “We’re going to encounter countless challenges. If another Heart Realm Eternal appears, the humans will become even more of a force to be reckoned with.”

Killing a Heart Realm powerhouse was an arduous task, but taking out an Eternal was a whole different story.

The Heart Realm Eternals had relatively short lifespans because they spent their time traveling and exploring various ruins and dominions.

For them, crossing over was a piece of cake.

Their wanderings could lead them to third-realm beings. Valley Goldstone, for instance, had been tutored by two such entities.

There were plenty of fortunate happenstances in their travels, but there were also close calls and perilous situations. The Granddreamer that Xu Jingming met had encountered one such danger, which resulted in his demise after half an Abyssal Era.

“The Heart Realm Eternals are far more dangerous than any of us,” the dean remarked with a grin.

“Once Xu Jingming breaks through, we humans will have a much higher chance of migrating to our new home,” Spacetime Island Lord said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

…

For three days, Xu Jingming had meticulously constructed his inner universe, perfecting every detail until it was finally complete. He felt the satisfaction of a job well done wash over him.

It’s done. Xu Jingming was delighted.

The newly formed system of his inner universe was self-sufficient and didn’t require his constant attention. As a result, his body began to grow, fueled by the energy source of his inner universe.

Xu Jingming watched in awe as his body expanded, absorbing the power of the Heart Realm and becoming more majestic with each passing moment.

“Bigger, bigger.”

Xu Jingming’s body began to grow and expand, the transformation lasting for over half an hour.

My body has become much larger, and the Heart Realm Force I control is much more majestic than before, he thought with a smile.

It was a common trait among high-dimensional lifeforms, regardless of their school of thought. The higher their level, the more they grew in size.

A Firstborn realm high-dimensional lifeform could be dozens of light years tall when projected into the universe.

A high-dimensional Eternal lifeform could expand to hundreds of millions of light-years or more. Monhado, the especially large half-step third realm, was smaller than a universe but had even devoured one.

A third-realm existence? One hand was larger than a universe!

After my body became larger, the volume and energy density it can carry increased greatly. So it also means that people below me are no match for me. Xu Jingming sighed. He had cultivated the Cleansing Lotus Fire to the Nine-leaf realm, but it took him much effort to deal with Asinus’s consciousness carrier.

If he had encountered a true Eternal who just lay there, he wouldn’t be able to injure the other party even with his Cleansing Lotus Fire.

The difference in the order of life was vast.

As for me, I’ve also reached the Eternal realm. Xu Jingming sensed the changes in his body.

The inner universe he had cultivated was now absorbing the Heart Realm’s power to supplement his consumption. The structure of the inner universe was destined to exist eternally. It was a self-sufficient environment without any danger of decline. A high-dimensional Eternal lifeform could live as long as the inner universe existed.

******

Xu Jingming had spent 7,000 years experimenting with over 12,000 planets. Finally, the planets had been ranked.

On a Rank 2 planet in a dominion suitable for human survival.

Buzz! Buzz!

Light projections appeared in a high-dimensional void and gradually took the form of two phantoms.

One phantom was that of a huge flaming celestial body, which exuded a terrifying pressure that exceeded Xu Jingming’s Eternal body.

The other projection was of Gumo, dressed in a starlight robe.

“Gumo, my dear friend, it’s been a damn eternity since we last talked,” boomed the celestial projection, ablaze with enthusiasm. “And it seems my premonition was spot on. Those four half-step third-realm powerhouses in your Fengyi 97 dominion are going to split apart.”

“Indeed.” Gumo nodded. “I’m looking to migrate to a dominion that’s a good fit for my species, the Void Celestials. Unfortunately, the other three half-step third-realm powerhouses aren’t too keen on the idea.”

“Well, my friend, each of those Fengyi 97 dominion powerhouses has their own agenda. Some want to join forces and become an unstoppable force, while others want to stay safe and send the others to do the dirty work. But you, Gumo, have your own priorities—your species,” said the flaming celestial projection. “You know what you want, so don’t waste your breath on them.”

“I’m certain, then.” Gumo smiled. “I’ll be migrating to your dominion. Looks like we’ll be neighbors from now on.”

“Haha, it’s about damn time!” The celestial projection cackled with delight.

Gumo nodded.

And this is one of Wu Ming’s Rank 2 dominions in his experiments, isn’t it? Gumo made sure to skip the Rank 1 dominions as a sign of respect to him.