Mythic Cultivation: My Tongtian can’t be this Cute

Tongtian gazed at the alien world with trepidation. It was almost thirty percent the size of the Three Realms and over thrice as large as the world she had created. Size wasn't a perfect representation of a world's strength. Had the Saints of the Three Realms not taken swift action after the collapse of Buzhou Mountain, the Three Realms would have also shrunk in size.

For now, it would be better to perform reconnaissance.

She plucked a strand of her hair. After gently blowing on it, the silver strand fluttered in the chaos before becoming engulfed in a bright silver light. When the light died down, a copy of Tongtian appeared. Unlike Tongtian, her copy only had the strength of a peak Quasi-Saint.

"Go." Tongtian's incarnation nodded. The incarnation appeared in the chaos, no longer concealed by spacetime. As the incarnation flew toward the alien world, Tongtian silently followed.

She could sense the aura of the alien world change, as if sensing her incarnation. Her incarnation couldn't sense it. Only a cultivator in the Primordial Origin Realm could. Still, Tongtian silently watched as her incarnation entered the alien world.

The first scene her incarnation relayed to Tongtian was a vast world filled predominately with plains. There were little to no other kinds of environments like forests, marshes, mountains, etc. There wasn't even a large sea, just a rim of water around the plain-filled land.

Before the incarnation could even start her investigation, the sky rippled and transformed into a giant face. Without even giving her a chance to do anything, two bolts of lightning shot out of his eyes toward the incarnation.

Tongtian's incarnation quickly manipulated space, causing the bolts to swerve off course. The giant face paused for a moment as if in surprise. That surprise was short-lived as a neck appeared, then shoulders, and finally, a single arm manifested.

The sky giant punched at the incarnation, and she discovered that the very heaven and earth seemed to have turned against her, suppressing her qi, movements, and senses. Even space was locked.

Left with no other choice, the incarnation expended her limited qi to solidify the space in front of her into a barrier. Her eyes widened when she sensed the profoundness and power within that punch. Upon making contact with her barrier, the fist shattered her spatial barrier and rendered her defenseless.

However, it seemed that the sky giant had no intent on killing her as it stopped short of destroying her. Instead, it opened its fingers and grabbed her.

Knowing that she was trapped, the incarnation willingly dissipated into qi, which evaporated and left only a strand of silver in its wake. The sky giant paused; moments later, its figure disappeared, allowing the sky to return to normal. The silver strand also disappeared.

Outside, Tongtian frowned. The last technique unleashed by the giant harbored numerous laws. Not partial understanding, but complete mastery on the same level as her understanding of the Law of Space or Law of Time.

If Tongtian had to quantify the sky giant's strength, then it would be at least at the Advanced Primordial Origin Realm.

She didn't immediately leave and stayed to observe the alien world. As Tongtian expected, its trajectory led it toward the Three Realms. Why was it making its way toward the Three Realms? Did one of its lifeforms somehow discover the Three Realms and lead it here?

Although her Corpse was a Saint of Heaven, he was not omniscient. Only Hongjun possessed omniscience in the Three Realms. Tongtian wouldn't put it above Hongjun to allow this foreign world to clash with the Three Realms to weaken it.

Tongtian didn't want to risk herself by entering. She had just entered the Primordial Origin Realm and was only at the First Heavenly Layer. She didn't have the confidence to fight a stronger being, especially if they had a home-field advantage.

She turned around and retreated. When resisting the sky giant with her incarnation, she had purposely lowered its combat abilities to prevent leaking any valuable information. Once she neared the Three Realms, she saw two figures waiting outside the chaotic boundary.

"Third Sister, why did your Corpse tell us to meet you out here?" Yuanshi asked. "Did something happen? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Tongtian said, waving away Yuanshi's concerns. "That's not important right now. I discovered an alien world, and it's making its way toward the Three Realms."

Yuanshi and Laozi's expressions turned grave. "Give us more details."

Tongtian obliged. Once she finished, Laozi sighed. "I didn't expect there to be another world except for the Three Realms. I thought Father God had slain all the chaos fiendgods. Did one of them escape to create that world? And now, it's coming back for revenge?"

Laozi's words struck a chord in Tongtian. "I never thought of that possibility. I had thought it was a world created by another being, separate from Father God and the other chaos fiendgods. Chaos is so vast, it seems unlikely that there aren't other lifeforms. Our inheritances tell us that Father God destroyed the chaos and used it to create heaven and earth, but isn't there still chaos beyond the Three Realms?"

"The origin is no longer important. It's what we should do in response," Yuanshi said.

Tongtian and Laozi nodded in unison. Tongtian spoke first. "I don't know if the alien world will war with us upon discovering how large the Three Realms is. However, this is also a chance for us. During my brief reconnaissance, I could sense that the laws that made up the alien world differed from the Three Realms. If we could subjugate it, then it could aid us in our ways."

"However, don't forget that the existence you encountered is likely at the Advanced Primordial Origin Realm," Laozi said. "And we have to consider the consequences that it might bring to the Three Realms. If too much destruction is caused to the Three Realms, it would not be worth it."

"You don't have to worry about this, Eldest Brother," Yuanshi said. "I'll be able to break through to the Seventh Heavenly Layer soon. By then, I don't believe we won't be able to defeat them. With the size difference between our worlds, they would only have at most three Saints of Heaven or similar existences. As long as all seven of us join forces, they won't be able to contend against us."

"Haha, you're so reliable, Second Brother," Tongtian said. She, too, shared Yuanshi's confidence. 

Yuanshi stroked his beard and slightly puffed out his chest in delight. "Just leave it to me, Third Sister. I'll make the bastard who destroyed your incarnation pay."

'But I willingly dissipated it,' Tongtian thought but didn't say anything upon seeing Yuanshi's excitement. She settled for her lips twitching.

Seeing that both Yuanshi and Tongtian wanted to war, Laozi closed his eyes and said no more.

"Wait," Tongtian said right before the three of them entered the chaotic boundary. "I completed the Ninth Revolution of the Nine Revolution Arcane Art. I'm going to transmit it to you two now."

After receiving the transmission, Laozi's eyes lit up in delight. Yuanshi, on the other hand...

"As expected of my Tongtian. No one is as amazing as you," Yuanshi praised.

Tongtian’s face heated up. "What is wrong with you? Did a screw go loose in your head after not meeting for a short time? Anyways, I had help."

She flipped her hand and revealed the bottle and the single drop of World Essence Dew. "This is what aided me the most. However, you need five drops to reach the stage before the breakthrough, and there's only one drop left."

"In that case, Third Sister should keep it," Yuanshi said. "It'd be better for us to develop our methods than relying on the World Essence Dew."

Laozi's eyes flashed toward Yuanshi. He opened his mouth but ultimately closed it.

Tongtian nodded and stored the bottle. The three of them entered Three Realms. Then, they summoned all the Saints to Eminence Heaven Palace in Supreme Purity Heaven. With a Saint's speed, it took only a short time for them to arrive.

After hearing Tongtian's narration of the situation, excitement flashed in their eyes. Naturally, Tongtian left some information for herself, such as her suspicion of Hongjun and the Ninth Revolution of the Nine Revolution Arcane Art.

While the discussion became heated, Jieyin spoke up and poured a bucket of cold water on everyone's head. "Should we not ask Master for his decision? As the spokesperson of the Way of Heaven, he should have the final say."

Tongtian sighed. The one person she didn't want involved was Hongjun. Who knew what he might do? Still, it was an inescapable reality. Who told Hongjun to merge with the Way of Heaven and become the silent overlord of the Three Realms?

"Since that's the case, let us venture to the chaotic boundary and seek an audience with Master," Laozi said. He stood up and flew toward the chaotic boundary, followed by Yuanshi, Tongtian, Nuwa, Jieyin, Zhunti, and Redcloud Ancestor.

However, even after a hundred years of wandering, they couldn't find a hint nor trace of Violet Heaven Palace.

"What does Master mean by this?" Zhunti asked first. "Does Master disapprove, or does he not want to interfere?"

"Since he isn't willing to see us, then we can only make the choice ourselves," Yuanshi said. He scanned the two from the West, Nuwa and Redcloud Ancestor. "I say we engage in war."

Tongtian and Laozi didn't say anything, but the other Saints had long gotten used to the Three Purities acting as one. Since Yuanshi expressed a decision, it was all three's decision.

"With Senior Brother and Sister at the lead, victory is all but assured," Zhunti said. Once the Three Purities had come to a consensus, the other Saint's opinions didn't matter as much anymore. 

The Three Purities didn't represent just three Saint-level figures but a possible six! That was two more than Jieyin, Zhunti, Nuwa, and Redcloud Ancestor combined. Not to mention that Yuanshi was the strongest among all the Saints.

Tongtian refrained from snorting. What did Zhunti's words mean? Did he want the Three Purities to bear the brunt of the pressure?

"There are still two problems," Nuwa said. "One, we don't have a method to move the Three Realms like the alien world. Two, how should we flush out the possible spy, if there is one?"

"Leave the matter of moving the Three Realms to me," Yuanshi said. His words caused even Tongtian and Laozi to look at him. "As for the spy, there shouldn't be one. If the spy truly reported back and led the alien world here, the alien world should only be able to sense his position. Why else would a world smaller than the Three Realms come toward us?"

"They could have survived more tribulations and possess more strength," Redcloud Ancestor said.

"You overthink," Yuanshi retorted. "A world's size represents foundation, not just strength. Without a strong foundation, the strength of the world's inhabitants will not rise much."

"Senior Brother Yuanshi is extremely knowledgeable about this matter," Jieyin said, speaking Tongtian's thoughts.

"It's nothing, just the insight I gained from the Law of Chaos," Yuanshi said without a care. "Since we have already decided, let us not delay."

"Since I control the Law of Space, I'll stand guard outside the Three Realms in case anything happens," Tongtian said. Her Present Incarnation emerged from her body and flew toward the Heavenly Realm, while her true body flew outside of the chaotic boundary.

As the other Saints busied themselves and prepared for the upcoming war, Tongtian stood watch outside. In truth, she just came to the chaotic energy to increase her cultivation away from Hongjun's prying eyes. Since her Saint Corpse had already reached the Third Heavenly Layer, Tongtian's cultivation began to rise rapidly. With the addition of the thick foundation she built for herself to merge the Law of Time and the Law of Space, she had the confidence to reach the peak of the Third Heavenly Layer, if not the early Fourth Heavenly Layer.

While Tongtian focused on cultivation, Shangtian, her Present Incarnation, summoned the West Great Emperor of Curve Array.

Upon entering Eminence Heaven Palace, Yaochi noticed that the Jade Emperor had changed the color of her robes. Although puzzled, she didn't question it and kneeled. "Your Eminence."

Shangtian nodded. "Emperor Curved Array, prepare the celestial army. War will erupt soon."

Yaochi furrowed her brows. "If I may ask, with whom?"

Shangtian said nothing and continued to stare at Yaochi. Just as Yaochi thought she had overstepped her bounds, Shangtian answered. "Soon, the Three Realms will engage with another world. For the prosperity of our world, we will devour them. Thus, we will initiate a war of worlds."

Yaochi's eyes widened. Shangtian's words contained too much information. So much so that Yaochi didn't know how to react. 

"Recruit more soldiers if you have to," Shangtian said. "If need be, I will give a sermon at one of your Flat Peach Conferences."

Yaochi's heart tightened. For the Jade Emperor to personally take action and recruit soldiers, the gravity of the situation was beyond her imagination. "Don't worry, Your Excellence. I will raise an army strong enough to conquer the Three Realms several times over if need be."

Shangtian nodded. "Go."

---

Zhen Yuanzi wrung his hands behind his back. Currently, he was waiting for an audience with Tongtian. Thanks to his friendship with Redcloud Ancestor, he was privy to many secrets of the Three Realms, such as the fact that Tongtian had turned her Corpse into a Saint of Heaven.

Although he didn't know why she waited so long to enter the Primordial Origin Realm, her existence represented two Saint-level figures. And that was not factoring in her status as one of the Three Purities. Unless the Three Purities parted ways, their decisions would determine the course of the Three Realms. Offending one was offending all.

Coupled with the recent mobilization of the Heavenly Court's army, Zhen Yuanzi decided to request an audience.

"Great Immortal Zhen Yuanzi, Her Eminence has granted an audience," a golden-robed, golden-haired empyrean said. 

"Many thanks," Zhen Yuanzi said. Although the empyrean was only in the Great Unity Realm, he dared not underestimate him. He was Taiyang, one of the Seven Luminaries personally created by Tongtian.

"Please follow me," Taiyang said, leading Zhen Yuanzi to Supreme Purity Palace. Once they arrived outside Eminence Heaven Palace, Taiyang turned to Zhen Yuanzi. "I don't have permission to enter, so I'll wait here. Please enter, Her Eminence is waiting."

Zhen Yuanzi nodded. After taking a moment to compose himself, he entered through the self-opening gates of the palace. Although he had entered the throne hall of Eminence Heaven Palace before, the atmosphere was completely different.

It was grander, more solemn as if any single misstep would result in death. Demon Heavenly Emperor Di Jun strived for this, but only Jade Emperor Tongtian actualized the grandeur of the ruler of the Three Realms.

Bereft of any conceit, Zhen Yuanzi kneeled. "Zhen Yuanzi greets Your Eminence."

"What need is there for so much courtesy between us? Did we not attend Hongjun's sermon as fellow guests? Please rise, fellow Daoist." Hearing the clear and bell-like voice, Zhen Yuanzi stood back up and raised his head.

She still had the same appearance except for the violet robes, but he felt as if something was different. Compared to facing Lingbao, her Saint Corpse, her true body brought far greater pressure.

"How can that be? Your Eminence is a Saint of Heaven and the ruler of all things. I cannot forget decorum," Zhen Yuanzi said.

"Fine, fine," the Jade Emperor said. "So, what brings you here? I don't think you've come to reminisce about the past."

"I seek Your Eminence's assent to the creation of the Earth Celestial League to guide and maintain the lands of the Earthly Realm," Zhen Yuanzi said. When the Jade Emperor didn't reply, Zhen Yuanzi's heart tightened.

If she rejected his request, Zhen Yuanzi still planned to create the Earth Celestial League. However, he would offend Tongtian if he did so. "Everything belongs under Your Eminence's governance, I simply wish to seek to split Your Eminence's burden."

Chime-like laughter entered Zhen Yuanzi's words. "You and I both know that our relationship isn't that close. Furthermore, we are both people seeking the Great Dao. Speak, what price are you willing to give for me to allow you to monopolize the Karmic Luck of the land?"

Zhen Yuanzi gritted his teeth. "As long as Your Eminence assents to the creation of the Earth Celestial League, I can offer my Ginseng Fruit Tree."

"Oh, are you really willing to part with one of the top ten connate spiritual roots? If I recall correctly, you should have been the soul nurtured by the Ginseng Fruit before separating and incarnating into your current identity. Offering it is akin to offering your other half and mother at once. How can I bear to force you to part with the Ginseng Fruit Tree?" the Jade Emperor asked. "I don't mind if you replace it with the Realmverse Atlas. It was born alongside you as your lifebound spiritual artifact, but parting with it should hurt less than parting with the Ginseng Fruit Tree."

"Impossible," Zhen Yuanzi immediately said. "The Realmverse Atlas is the only spiritual artifact I have that can anchor the Karmic Luck of the Earth Celestial League."

The Jade Emperor didn't speak. After staring at Zhen Yuanzi for minutes as if it perceived his thoughts, she opened her mouth. "Is that all? If you really need another artifact to anchor the Karmic Luck, you should be able to procure another spiritual artifact from Daoist Redcloud."

"I will not lie, the Realmverse Atlas is crucial for my way. No matter what, I cannot relinquish it," Zhen Yuanzi said.

"I suspected as much, but it seems that you don't know what that chance is," the Jade Emperor said.

Zhen Yuanzi felt like something was tickling his heart. He wanted to scratch it, but he couldn't reach it. He cupped his fist and said, "Please enlighten me."

"Let me inspect the Realmverse Atlas first."

Zhen Yuanzi hesitated. However, after some inner turmoil, the Realmverse Atlas floated from his hands to the Jade Emperor's grasp. To a Saint like the Jade Emperor, the difference between stealing an artifact or tricking him into handing over the artifact before stealing it was nil. If she really set her heart on it, Zhen Yuanzi would have had no method to resist, even with his friendship with Redcloud Ancestor.

The seconds dragged on, feeling more like hours than minutes. Through his mastery over the Realmverse Atlas, Zhen Yuanzi sensed the Jade Emperor probing it, some he could feel and others he only suspected. After a while, he sensed that she was searching for something. He just didn't know what.

When the probes finally stopped, the Jade Emperor stared at Zhen Yuanzi. "I can grant your request, but I need two strands of qi from your Realmverse Atlas."

"Qi?" Zhen Yuanzi asked. Was she talking about the earth qi that he used? No, if it were as simple as that, then the Jade Emperor wouldn't have requested it. "Your Eminence, can I inquire what qi you seek?"

"If you are worried about me damaging the Realmverse Atlas's origin, no need," the Jade Emperor said, dodging Zhen Yuanzi's question. "If you agree, I can enlighten you on a method to progress further on your path. If you disagree, I'll return the artifact to you, but I won't assent to the creation of the Earth Celestial League. The choice is yours."

Zhen Yuanzi reached a dilemma. His instincts told him not to accept the Jade Emperor's offer. However, if she could really enlighten his path, he felt that it would be worth it.

Although Redcloud Ancestor said his chance lay with the Realmverse Atlas, he couldn't explain the exact reason. Even after handing the Realmverse Atlas to him, Redcloud Ancestor couldn’t discover anything.

In the end, Zhen Yuanzi concluded that it was because of his compatibility with the Realmverse Atlas. Zhen Yuanzi majored in the Law of Earth, something that the Realmverse Atlas contained. In addition, its abilities to control the earth veins and anchor Karmic Luck made it the perfect tool to create the Earth Celestial League.

Zhen Yuanzi swallowed and opened his mouth. "I..."