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The holiday passed by peacefully. After leaving those two cryptic sentences, Gu Yuena had vanished without a trace. Both Gu Yue and Na'er behaved as usual, showing no signs of abnormality, as if the incident that day had never happened.
Meanwhile, Bai Xu spent most of his time focusing on cultivating his soul power. He had already reached level 46, though there was still some distance to go before becoming a Soul King. Concentrating inward, Bai Xu observed that his progress in refining the six viscera had slowed recently. His energy was limited, and there was little he could do about it.
Nevertheless, he had already made plans for the future. Shortly after the next semester began, Tang Wulin and the others would likely embark on an exchange trip to the Star Luo Continent.
Whether Bai Xu went or not didn't matter much. What truly concerned him was the Dragon God's Core—a massive energy source that could be seen as an unparalleled treasure. Moreover, Gu Yue had promised him the opportunity to use it once.
If he could harness the Dragon God's Core to accelerate the refinement of his six viscera, he might achieve full mastery in less than a year, advancing to the Meridian-Opening Realm.
At this thought, Bai Xu fell into contemplation. "The realm beyond Meridian-Opening is the Forbidden Domain, also known as the Divine Prohibition. This evolutionary path remains incomplete—only five levels have been explored so far."
As the saying goes: "Three feet above the head, the gods reside."
The brain is not only the dwelling place of the soul but also the crucial organ through which humans perceive the laws of the universe.
The Forbidden Domain involves cultivating the brain. Yet, the human brain is the most complex structure in existence. How to channel energy, how to forge a path forward—every step is fraught with peril.
The slightest misstep could lead to madness, leaving one to wander through life in a daze. In the worst cases, death would come swiftly, with a gruesome end.
But the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
The first two levels of the Forbidden Domain are referred to as the Divine Stage. At this phase, humans awaken innate divine abilities based on their life experiences. Once the Meridian-Opening Realm reaches full mastery, one gains the power to move mountains and fill seas—naturally, the Forbidden Domain surpasses even that.
Moreover, after mastering the Meridian-Opening Realm, all the meridians in the body are unblocked, forming a unified whole. The cultivation of the brain would then reflect upon the physical body, further enhancing its strength.
The third and fourth levels of the Forbidden Domain, already explored by predecessors, are called the Immortal Stage. According to the manual, those who reach this stage can roam freely through the cosmos, annihilating everything with a flick of their fingers.
The fifth level remains unnamed. The moment someone stepped onto it, they perished almost instantly, leaving behind only fragmented insights from their brief moment at that height.
Bai Xu flipped through the manual, noticing many blank pages at the end—perhaps left for future generations to complete the evolutionary path.
"This makes sense. Someone chose me, hoping I would build upon the foundation laid by predecessors. I'm not the first owner of this manual. This path was paved by the bones of countless seniors, only reaching the fifth level of the Forbidden Domain after immense sacrifice. Rather than a manual, it's more like a diary—filled with insights and techniques, left behind for those who come after."
Bai Xu turned to the last page, where a message was written.
One predecessor, perhaps lost in despair, unable to see the road ahead, had written: "I can't go any further… Go… Find your next master…"
There was also a solemn warning for future generations:
"The owners of this manual were all ordinary people among the vast multitudes. In life, we were nobodies, yet after obtaining it, we gained the power to shake heaven and earth. Whether used for evil or great good, we undoubtedly stand upon the shoulders of sages, gazing down upon the world. But when you reach the end, there is only chaos ahead. No path to follow, no traces to seek. Do not be lost in despair. Unlike the geniuses who create their own laws, this book is the accumulated wisdom of generations of ordinary people. Countless have died on this road. If you truly cannot break through, do not blame yourself. There will always be those who come after!"
After reading this, Bai Xu felt a surge of emotions. He smiled wryly. "So that's it. This explains all the bizarre events that have happened to me."
Complete this evolutionary path!
"No wonder this manual includes methods for physical cultivation. Humans are born with the five elements, yet all begin as ordinary mortals. Even after mastering the Meridian-Opening Realm, the path of physical refinement does not end—first transforming into the Five-Element Body, then the Yin-Yang Body, and finally the Chaos Body, ascending to the pinnacle."
He walked to the window, taking a deep breath of the cool air, and smiled in relief. "The road ahead will be extraordinary!"
Just then, the dormitory door opened.
Gu Yue walked in, carrying a meal. "Come eat. I made it myself. Give it a try."
Bai Xu turned, his brows relaxed, an unusually cheerful smile on his face. "Alright!"
Gu Yue blinked in surprise. "Did something happen? You seem in high spirits."
"Mmm. I read something interesting. It lifted my mood." He took a bite of the food—surprisingly good for a first attempt. "This is your first time cooking? It's delicious!"
"As long as you like it," she replied softly.
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Time flew by, and soon the holidays were over. School was starting again!
The dormitories for the work-study students gradually grew lively as well. Yue Zhengyu and the others returned one after another. Tang Wulin's room was often bustling, with people dropping by to discuss progress, future battle armor, and mechas. Unconsciously, they had become the closest of friends.
Gu Yue and Na'er would join in these discussions too, purely as friends, with no ulterior motives.
But Bai Xu was different. He had few friends.
Aside from Gu Yue and Na'er, only Xie Xie could be considered familiar. Most others were mere acquaintances.
Coupled with his intimidating strength, most students kept a respectful distance. No one dared challenge him in sparring matches.
Thus, Bai Xu often spent his time in quiet cultivation.
He was diligent—no less than anyone else.
Occasionally, Xie Xie would seek him out, asking for advice on how to pursue girls.
"What do you think of Yuanen? She's pretty, right?" Xie Xie asked.
Bai Xu nodded. "How many female soul masters are unattractive? You want to chase her?"
"Yeah. I wanted to ask for some tips. Yuanen acts just like Gu Yue did at first—cold and aloof. But now, anyone can see Gu Yue likes you. So… teach me your ways." Xie Xie looked at him expectantly.
Bai Xu: "…"
"The situations are different. Matters of the heart aren't something I can help with. Just try to be more considerate. Don't let it turn into a one-sided crush. I think strength matters most. Train hard. Your twin martial souls don't necessarily lose to hers."
That was the best advice Bai Xu could offer.
"You're right. I'll get going then."
"Mm."
As the door closed, Bai Xu sat cross-legged once more, sinking into meditation.
Xie Xie was improving rapidly, as if someone was guiding him. Tang Wulin was even more outstanding—his second soul ring had turned gold, and the Golden Dragon King's bloodline was gradually awakening. Xu Xiaoyan's martial soul had mutated, and her confidence had soared, leaving her past insecurities behind.
Everyone was advancing at an astonishing pace. In such an environment, it was impossible not to give 200% effort.
No one would remain stagnant forever.