Chapter 4215: The Heavenly Void Palace of This Era
Strands of the Great Dao wove and flew through the void sometimes merging, sometimes scattering. When gathered, they resembled dragons or phoenixes, manifesting marvelous spirit beasts, many of which Lin Moyu had never seen before. When dispersed, they became as mist and dream, transforming into fantastic, illusory visions.
Upon careful observation, Lin Moyu discerned that though there were many Daos, their true origin lay with just four. These four Daos existed independently, yet each was a fusion of countless lesser Daos, in turn interweaving to produce the sights before him. While each of the four Daos had unique characteristics, they also shared familiar qualities, as if they were kin.
As Lin Moyu studied them, a series of possibilities raced through his mind, leading him to a conclusion so shocking that he himself could scarcely believe it.
"Four Daos each representing an era of the domain.
Therefore, this domain is called the Five Worlds Domain; prior to this age, it has already seen four worlds."
This answer was astonishing hardly anyone would believe it. Even Lin Moyu himself wavered, finding the concept incredible. After all, a domain is not just a world; while a world can erase an age under the will of the world and give birth to a new one, the underlying Dao foundation remains unchanged through cycles. Even if new beings are born with great differences compared to their predecessors, the core truth does not shift.
But if the domain itself also had the ability to erase an era and give birth to a new one, how could new Daos emerge? This ran counter to everything Lin Moyu understood of the nature of domains. His Dao heart was shaken, but the four Daos before him, and the name "Five Worlds Domain," hinted that this answer might well be correct.
His thoughts circled eventually returning to the Daos before his eyes. Lin Moyu muttered, "If this is true, how was it ever accomplished?"
Suddenly, the Daos began to roil. In the void, a projection appeared neither quite human nor dragon, shifting form ceaselessly, its true nature obscured. As the shadow appeared, an aged voice sounded: "How it was done is a good question. Unfortunately, those who knew the answer are no longer here."
Lin Moyu was taken aback, and recognizing the figure's status, greeted with three parts respect, "Junior Lin Moyu greets Senior."
The other laughed softly, a sound filled with subtle meaning Lin Moyu could not decipher. After the laughter faded, the voice continued: "You are only the second person of the Fifth World to enter this place. Come, I will show you something."
With that, the projection drifted through the Daos, and Lin Moyu followed. Along the way, the figure continued to shift shape, and Lin Moyu's curiosity was piqued. According to the enormous whale, this person should be the region's manager. At first, Lin Moyu thought a manager would be similar to a rule administrator and therefore extremely powerful, but standing in the manager's presence, he did not sense overwhelming strength.
However, as all the Daos circled around the manager, it seemed to confirm the authority of his role. Even if not personally strong, being able to command the Daos here was enough for formidable might Lin Moyu gave him due respect.
He softly asked, "How should I address Senior?"
The reply came from ahead: "I am nameless. You can call me 'Steward.'"
"Steward?" Lin Moyu found the title intriguing; from the name alone, the other seemed more like a caretaker.
Lin Moyu pursued his questioning: "What is this place?"
"Didn't that whale tell you?" the steward replied.
"He called this place the Heavenly Void, but what is the so called Heavenly Void, truly?" Lin Moyu pressed.
The steward chuckled, "If you wish to know what is the Heavenly Void, you must first understand what is 'Heaven' and what is 'Void.'"
What is Heaven? What is Void? These were questions Lin Moyu realized he'd never considered. Though his knowledge of the Dao was extensive, he'd never reflected on the singular concept of "Heaven."
Having never considered it, he pondered it now: "If I'm not mistaken, on the grandest scale, 'Heaven' refers to all of creation, the entire domain stretch it further, and it's all Chaos. For cultivators, Heaven is their Dao heart, their own vision of the Heavenly Dao, unique to each. As for 'Void,' all things have a real and illusory aspect Heaven included. The Heavenly Dao of our hearts is impartial, but it can also be partial..."
The steward's laughter interrupted him "You're making things too complicated! The Dao is utmost simplicity; think again."
Lin Moyu nodded, knowing the truth of the Dao's simplicity a concept he had studied. What seems profound at first becomes simple to the adept. He said, "The simplicity of the Dao is relative: what is simple to me may be extraordinary to others."
The steward smiled but did not elaborate further, leaving the true answer unsaid perhaps by choice, or because the time was not yet right.
They walked on, unnoticed, for a million li, always amidst dense forest, seeing little new scenery. Lin Moyu had the intuition that flying here would bring ill fortune trusting his instincts, he kept to the ground. As they walked, he noticed the Daos around them thickening toward their destination.
Finally, the steward halted, forming a great hand from the Dao to point ahead: "We're here. Have a look."
Lin Moyu advanced and saw he stood atop a slope descending into a basin. Ancient trees filled the hollow; from the basin rose the threads of the Dao, as if this were their source.
But here, unlike elsewhere, the primeval forest was filled with living beings not those evolved by the Dao, but true creatures. Yet they were trapped here, unable to escape, bound by an intangible force. Their forms varied greatly, many unfamiliar even to Lin Moyu. These beings were all strong the weakest a Lord of the Dao, some even of Eternal level.
His gaze swept to the center of the basin where a palace stood.
"...This is...the Heavenly Void Palace!"
Lin Moyu was startled: the palace was nearly identical to the Heavenly Void Palace he had seen before, even bearing the same breach in its structure, confirming that his vision had not been an illusion, but real.
At this, the steward smiled softly, "Strictly speaking, it is the Heavenly Void Palace of this era."
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