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Chapter 1,311.
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The circumstances were identical to when Zac was forced to use the Yphelion’s newly installed Death-attuned escape engine. Zac's first instinct was that one of the Fifth Pillar’s myriad gates had taken them out of the ashes and into the fire by sending them to Kālasūtra—the Threaded Hell. Certain details indicated the situation was more complicated than that.
The procession advancing one of the world’s thick threads was made from different creatures than Zac remembered, with only two of the pallbearers present for both his visits. That by itself didn’t necessarily hold a deeper meaning. The owner of the Threaded Hell might like to change things up. Then again, Zac had a feeling the procession wasn’t made of actual undead.
The thousands of unusual creatures lacked the spirituality of a sentient being, and their auras were perfectly synced. They seemed more like puppets than cultivators and beasts. Zac even suspected the whole parade was one huge treasure with the coffin as its core.
Whether these were puppets or unusual undead only seen in the Lower Planes, the current lineup was definitely stronger than the previous. Their auras were blinding, seemingly able to overturn the Heavens. This discrepancy was most notable with the coffin itself, and its differences weren’t limited to strength.
The coffin Zac saw last time was covered in scars left by Autarchs or even stronger combatants. Dozens of rusty weapons had also impaled it. Come to think of it, the two familiar pallbearers were also covered in scars during his last visit. Today, the black, unadorned coffin was in perfect condition, giving off such an unstoppable vigor that even the Fifth Pillar couldn’t encroach on its domain.
The Kālasūtra might very well be a reflection of its master since it shared the Realmlord’s strength. However, the burgeoning spirituality belied a weakness hiding beneath the surface, one that ancient cultivators would have a hard time spotting. The Dao of Death keeping the realm together was frayed. Zac would surely have noticed the issue during his last visit, so it could only mean one thing.
They hadn’t entered present-day Kālasūtra. They were visiting during a time earlier in the Peak of Chaos’s reformation, before the Realmlord fought whatever cataclysmic battle that left him riddled with scars. The realization did nothing to make Zac feel better. It only introduced the horrifying possibility that his fib meant to throw off Pervata Wendimar had become a reality—that they’d traveled back in time.
Zac desperately hoped they were inside a memory conjured by the trial—not that facing a simulated Realmlord was any better than dealing with the real thing. The whole world had been frozen by the coffin’s will, including Zac and Ogras. Even his bloodline was sealed forcing him to silently wait while the procession aligned and the coffin opened with an ancient groan.
Removing the lid felt like lifting an ancient seal. The Threaded Hell trembled, and its countless threads poured into the coffin, like they were returning to their origin. Even the threads that had appeared on him and Ogras joined the reunion. The millions of threads twisted into a bundle that gradually took the shape of a man rising from his grave.
Tears poured down Zac’s cheeks from being forced to witness the awakening of something infinitely above his current comprehension. The mighty [Eclipse Twin] that had pushed him to his limits was nothing but a worthless weed before the powers of Death gathered just twenty meters away from his position.
As Zac stared at the bundle, the bundle stared back. Countless eyes opened in the seams between threads, all of them pointing directly at him. Zac’s secrets were laid bare in a far more traumatizing manner than when he entered the Perennial Vastness. The eyes were propagating, growing from Zac’s flesh. They replaced his scorched eyes before rolling inward, and similar scenes took place throughout his body.
The eldritch exposure wasn’t limited to his physical body. Eerily calm eyes grew on his Soul Cores, turning them into biblically accurate angels. Eyes opened inside his Heart to inspect a trembling Warbringer Idol. They even entered the depths of his cells to witness the paused battle between his bloodline and the escaping Void Energy.
The only place spared was the Void. No eyes appeared inside [Purity of the Void], and none of the eyes entered the gateways beneath the golden hurricanes in his cells. The eyes also ignored the miniature suns inherited from the Stellar Wanderers. Whether it was a precaution or because the Realmlord couldn’t see them was impossible to say.
The nightmare didn’t last long. When Zac came to, he was no longer facing an eldritch god. Instead, it was a stalwart warrior decked in full body armor, not unlike Zac’s old skill [Undying Bulwark]. The armor was a beautiful aquamarine, like it was crafted from pure Miasma or Spiritual Jade. Its proportions were no different than a human’s, though Zac couldn’t see any hint of the man inside.
The warrior wasn’t looking at Zac. He was gazing at the sky, seemingly considering whether he should stab the Heavens with the glistening lance in his hand. Zac didn’t want to disturb, but he also couldn’t stand around doing nothing. He'd noticed that the seal on him had weakened and thought it might be a hint.
“Lord, we apologize for disturbing your rest. We entered your realm by accident,” Zac said, briefly glancing at his companion.
Ogras was still there, floating next to him with a blank look on his face. He either remained trapped by the swarm of eyes or was rendered unconscious by the Realmlord. Being alive could only be taken as a good sign. Real or not, they were facing a genuine Supremacy. If the knight wanted them dead, they’d be dead without a shadow of a doubt.
“Accident… Or providence?” the knight murmured, never taking his eyes off the sky. “Life in Death, Death in Life. You have built a bridge of Void to walk the edge.”
Zac wasn’t surprised the ruler of the Threaded Hell had seen through his path. Sendor had easily done the same, as had one of his B-grade followers. The man before Zac was likely at the same level as Sendor, at least inside this Lower Plane. If that wasn’t clue enough, Zac was covered in cracks leaking Void Energy. Even his Void Vortex had been immobilized and floated behind him.
Seeing the Void being subdued by the Realmlord was a brutal reminder that his unique advantages and having an unprecedented path were useless before raw power. The Heavens and Earth had to give way to Supremacy inside their Territory, so what did a Hegemon’s personal Void amount to?
“That’s correct, though it’s still early. There’s a high risk this road is a dead end,” Zac said. He didn’t believe that, but he also didn’t want to keep attention to his unique approach. “I fear I have nothing that would interest Lord, so I can only offer my sincerest apologies for our transgression. Unless Lord has any parting words, we’ll immediately get out of your way.”
The knight ignored Zac, his voice growing distant. “I see… this is what you promised.”
Zac’s heart seized when the knight pointed an armored finger at him. His horror mounted when a streak of transcendent Death entered his body. To his relief, it was nothing like the [Eclipse Twin]’s overbearing spirituality. It was perfectly controlled, holding boundless power without letting so much as a morsel leak.
Instead of wreaking havoc on his Life-attuned Constitution, the infusion brought about a wave of recovery. Zac gaped at the sight; his understanding of Death directly overturned. Healing a Draugr with a streak of supreme Death would have made sense, but Zac had arrived with his human half. Then again, was it really accurate to call what was happening healing?
As strange as it seemed, the Realmlord’s gift of Death was killing his wounds. And with his injuries dying, only well-being could remain. Having a Life-attuned constitution didn’t play into the equation. The Realmlord had absolute control of what to target and what would happen when he did. Doing so, he’d also given Zac a first-hand look at how Daos behaved at their peak.
Zac had recently begun widening his conception of Life and Death from their narrow focus, and this was one possible destination. The Realmlord’s Dao of Death was focused on the transition to Death. With this Dao, anything could be killed. The Realmlord killed Zac’s wounds to make him whole. He killed movement, and the world was forced to a halt. He’d killed Ogras's state of being awake, making him fall asleep. Later, the Realmlord could kill the demon’s dreams to wake him up.
Despite being the Dao of Death at its peak, it was completely different from the Abyssal Lake’s conception. The undead knight’s Dao gave Zac a sense of freedom compared to the suffocating yet welcoming finality he’d seen in the lake’s pitch-black depths. Zac could picture himself swinging [Black Death], imparting true Death to all hindrances blocking his goals.
Zac quickly reined in the fantasy before his path was subverted. There was nothing wrong with taking inspiration from a master at the peak, but it needed to be a controlled process. Zac refocused on the wisps of Death in his body. It only needed a second to fix all his wounds, and it seemed to be waiting for something.
The knight’s intention soon became clear. Zac’s bloodline came alive, triggering a sweeping wave of pain. The [Eclipse Twin]’s energy was once more trying to find a way out of his body. Zac didn’t try to keep the mayhem under check. He opened the gates in the depths of his cells as far as he could to give the C-grade Void Energy an outlet.
None of it got the chance to wreak havoc on Zac’s system. The Void Energy died the moment it escaped. Truthfully, Zac wasn’t sure if the concept of killing worked on the Void, but the effect was the same. The wisps of Death left to guard the exits were two grades higher than the [Eclipse Twin], and there was only one outcome when the two sides collided. The Void disappeared, causing so little damage that Zac couldn’t spot the difference.
Soon enough, the unbearable pressure was gone, and Zac quickly sealed his bloodline before the rest escaped. After all, a deadly poison could become a cure when used in the right quantity. Zac estimated a fifth of the absorbed Void Energy was left inside. That much should be manageable when spread out across the huge space hidden within his bloodline, allowing him to slowly refine and make it his own.
Throughout the process, the Realmlord appeared disinterested. Zac still bowed in gratitude. “Thank you for your lifesaving grace, Lord. Do you have any instructions for me?”
Lifesaving might be stretching it, but dealing with his internal problems would have come at a cost. Zac had fully expected having to sacrifice most of his body to expel the trapped energies in one go. Surviving with just a head wasn’t a big deal—he had multiple ways to regrow his body. However, his foundations would definitely have taken a hit, and he would have been forced to stay low for a month or two to recuperate.
Zac also understood the help came with strings attached. Kator had refused to share any real information about the Eight Hells. One of the few things he mentioned was that the Realmlords were extremely xenophobic, denying even the Undead Empire entry to their domain. There was no way such a strict ruler would hurry over and heal a stranger out of the kindness in his heart.
“Peakmender, Karma binds us. You entered my realm carrying echoes of my future. A distant dream’s gift shall be reciprocated in truth,” the Realmlord said, finally turning toward Zac. “This memory shall die and reincarnate with my true self.”
Zac didn't know whether he should be relieved or worried by the revelation. The waves in his heart only grew as the remnant pieces of supreme Death spread through his body and joined into the outline of an eye. It flickered a moment before disappearing, but Zac could feel something had changed. The Threaded Hell no longer seemed as threatening.
“My benediction will grant you entry to the Nine Gardens and eight of the Hells. As for the ninth… I cannot say,” the knight said as he turned toward the coffin.
“Wait,” Zac urgently said, realizing he was about to become part of a temporal paradox. His future self had entered a memory of the past, and the exchange would somehow be transmitted to the Lord of the Threaded Hell before Zac first entered the place in the Imperial Graveyard. He couldn’t see this ending any other way than him being ripped apart by the temporal backlash.
“I’m only a Hegemon, and I’m already marked by the River of Time! If I’m involved in changing the past—”
“Causality remains intact,” the knight said. “Make no mistake, Peakmender. Our Fates were entwined before you met my future self. I believe I sought you out because of that connection.”
“What?” Zac whispered.
“We’ll look forward to your return, but do not be in a hurry to seek us out. Your future is distant, and the Eighteen are entering troubled times. The one you met before is… incomplete, and I fear my siblings are the same. My intervention might not be enough.”
The forced halt on the world was weakening, and the Fifth Pillar’s aura returned. Zac knew he was about to be ejected like with the previous realms.
“Wait, what do you mean? When did we meet?”
“Don’t become like us,” the knight said as his body collapsed into countless threads. “That man’s ambitions are too grand, and we are moths to its flame.”
Kālasūtra shattered, and they were back in the world of a thousand windows. Ogras, who’d slept through the whole thing, woke up with a start. He didn’t even seem to realize he’d been put to sleep. He was about to jump into another window, only stopping upon noticing the drastic change in Zac’s appearance. He’d essentially gone from a burnt-out husk at death’s door to the picture of health.
“What the hell, what happened to you?!” Ogras blurted.
Despite the lingering dangers, Zac couldn’t help laughing at the choice of words. “Hell, huh? You don’t remember?”
“Remember what? I’ve been focused on finding a way out.”
“That’s… We’ll talk later,” Zac said. “I was about to ask. Is there a method to your madness, or are you picking them at random?”
“Don’t you feel it?” Ogras said with surprise.
“Feel what?”
“I don’t know how to explain it. Fate? The place where I’m supposed to be,” Ogras said, having trouble putting the feeling into words.
“I can’t feel anything,” Zac truthfully said. “But I don’t have any better idea, and the Pillar’s aura is getting weaker. I’ll rely on you, then.“
“Leave it to me.” Ogras slapped his chest before turning into a stream of shadows.
They resumed their escape. This time, Zac was filled with questions instead of rampaging energies. The prospect of running into another old monster also made Zac’s heart leap out of his throat every time Ogras dragged him into an unfamiliar world. Thankfully, their brief incursions didn’t cause any new waves, and Ogras was soon proven right.
The Fifth Pillar’s overwhelming presence grew more indistinct with every jump until they found a window picturing a sea of familiar azure. It was the churning mists filling the Dipper Mountain’s crater. They dove inside with the desperation of the shipwrecked spotting land. There was no sense of rejection, and the hall of windows didn’t try to pull them back. They’d returned to where they should be.
Comments
David Ballantyne
However, the burgeoning spirituality belied a weakness hiding beneath the surface, one that ancient cultivators would have a hard time spotting. - should it be wouldn't have? Why would ancient cultivators miss it?
Jonathan Lees
It was soooo good. Next arc looks promising as well. DoTF and primal are my two favorite series right now.
Jeff McCulley
Also noticed: “advancing one of” >advancing along one
Ryan Pepp
Maybe but feel it’d be on his drauger side if so. Human side needs a break
Lex Luther S
Doubt it. This has turned into a major opportunity and zac needs some peace and quite to not only refine all that pure void but also for ogras to copy the repositories info onto information crystals so they don't get lost.
Jeff McCulley
Well, the sealbearers for the Hollow Court are called “Skybreakers”. And from what they said earlier, the titles are related to the Court’s defining treasure. Though “Skybreaker” sounds more like Daedalus (Daedalian Court) to me.
Jeff McCulley
Nah. They said The First Defier vanished. In reality, he’s sitting somewhere in Europe writing books. Jake, as the Deviant Asura, is more likely to become The First DEFILER.
Jeff McCulley
Also another example where it wasn’t “free”. They were maintaining balance after he did a bunch of nasty stuff they pointed him towards. If someone watches your house for you while you’re on vacation, you give them a gift, right?
Jeff McCulley
Just imagine if only two parts survive, and his companion had to stuff one inside the other to get away. Then Ogras could really say that Zac had his head up ass.
Jeff McCulley
Sooooo….Any bets they get ambushed in the mist, before they find Ventus? Or maybe after?
Jeff McCulley
lol. Looking at the chapter headings for Primal Hunter, I’ll be resubbing next payday. Thanks for the reminder!
Michael
I was thinking that the Primo’s defining treasure in the court could be the 9th hell. Somehow the Primo was forced to give up his hell to the LE in exchange for completing the Dao of Death, and now he’s restricted to the heart of the empire.
NiceTryMate
My prediction is that Zac at some point travels back in time to take on the role of the first defier. It would fit nicely with the fact that the Jade General said that their Karma was already sown from before they met this time. The Jade General saying “So this is what you promised” could reference Zac instead of Leandeo or Karz. The theory that the jade general has mistaken Zac for Karz(their first meeting) is out the window. A possible argument that I am wrong about TFD would be if the meeting happened before the activation of the system. However, it is quite hard to place this meeting chronologically. The windows they jumped through pointed to all kinds of timelines, from both before and after the activation of the system. We do definitely now know there is more time shenanigans involving Zac in the future. What I really want to know is why the Jade General was in such a sorry state, with several weapons sticking out of the coffin, the first time we saw Kalasutra.
Lizy Flore
Of course I’ve thought about the possibility of the encounter stemming from the Limitless Emperor’s and the Void Emperor’s schemes. The thing is, it really seems too obvious. I get that they are the protags of the Era one way or the other, but I struggle to believe that they would have an influence on every goddam realms out there. If they do, it would mean Zac would have been their creation in a sense. Idk, it seems a bit far-stretched for me. But again, maybe I’m wrong.
TKO
What you just sayd blew my mind. I either have missed it, or haven´t connented the dots. I assumed that Karz was a victim of Laondios ambition and was consumed by the Systems awakening. But they were both at the very peak. And obviously ambitius as hell. So Karz becoming the Heavens as a plan? If so and succsessfull is Karz still there, throwing lightning at people?
Michael
Zacs in the past. “Do not hurry to seek us out” is a joke since he knows the next time he sees Zac will be in eons
Silent Consent
Idk he told him not to come back anytime soon so he is probably stuck using the Life attuned travel option for a while.
Silent Consent
Bonkers! I love it.
Gaige Bradley
Love this series. Man this guy can write!
Jeff McCulley
The other completely random thought I’d toss in is connecting “Threaded Hell” with “Threadwinders of the Daedalian Court”. A very long shot, but who knows, maybe the Jade General had something to do with that Court, or its defining treasure? It could also explain why he described his future self was “incomplete”. Yes, I am aware that given the Sangha’s interest, it’s probably a fate treasure.
Jeff McCulley
Had another, posting above.
Jeff McCulley
Welll, close enough. And somehow, shockingly enough, Zac wound up with the tiny, baby, nascent version of one of their abilities.
NiceTryMate
Yeah, the Yphellion is not the best. But the benediction Zac got will make using the lower realm relatively risk free (the black cords will still slice). I think the danger of the domain lord is the biggest barrier to use lower realms for transport. Iz’s family prolly has deals with relevant domain lords.
Seamus Harley
What if the object that is the primo wants is the 9th hell itself, maybe emperor limitless put it in a bottle or something, lol
liquid_helix
Nice work
Matthew Hay
Wasn't that only a single aspect of the Primo, as in he could have aspects from each Hell?
Ty Cooper
Tftc
Kirin
Hmm, 9th hell, equals eternal heritage of death, don’t think much else could survive multiple eras and still stump supremacies, especially since the primo was messing with chaos a while back to help out what’s her face and zac… plus sounds like there are cultivators inside the heart of the empire from the fact it’s resisted the primo and princes for so long… don’t see anything other than the strongest hell preserving death and supremes for so long… especially with the fact of the eternal crusade being what keeps the heart “functional” to a certain level…the abyssal lake is probably the 8th seeing as it had living beings as well… and four over powered bloodlines at that. Dont know what the others are don’t think they were mentioned if someone can clarify that’d be great…Also as we know only pinnacle societies form eternal heritages and where else would you find pinnacle death of an era if not the 9th hell.
zukerburg
I like the second theory but hasn't the abyssal lake been all but confirmed to be a cataclysmic heritage
Rushin Lad
LMAO appreciate the info😂
Timothy Dana
Maybe Arcaz will find a memory domain that connects to the history of the Abyssal Lake
Unlisted Pokémon Hudson
Thanks for validating my hypothesis I’ve recently been reading the Primal Hunter a lot but been still been keeping up with the series. I’ll keep your advice in mind.
Lex Luther S
I'm with Jeff. The connection between zac and the Jade general definitely stems from His bloodline. The void emperor, karz, was a Peak power only rivaled by Laondio himself, so I wouldn't be surprised if he had friends far and wide and unique connections even to such strange and ancient beings and places such as the Threaded hells and it's ruler, the jade general. As for ambition, becoming fodder for Laondio or Karz flame of ambition is the two likely scenarios. Laondios' mad ambition for the system could easily consume beings like the Jade general and the other hells while Karz wanted to become the heavens themselves with the aid of his bloodline and I wouldn't be surprised if his burning ambition could consume even these beings. Just another sticky note on the wall for 1.k chapters later when zacs finally an Autarch and can visit the hells for answers.
Lex Luther S
While a funny image, I imagine zac would have probably entered an almost catatonic state to recover his body.
Lex Luther S
Yeah it definitely got more complicated compared to when zac was just a murder hobo swinging his axe in the woods. I personally feel it's a great change. The complexity of the story and zacs path is just showing how insanely different the D grade is compared to the E grade. I doubt the story will get more complex though as we've kinda hit the ceiling though connections and plot points can definitely be lost by readers when they're mentioned one chapter but not brought up again for 200 more. The only advice I can give is to read the chapter multiple times and word for word.
Seijax
Not really the only episode i was referencing. This time there was some exchange involved, others he gets free priceless relics just because they need him to keep stirring the Dao pot. The point was that the honest Dao Hermits call him cool titles and deal respectfully even if he's still a metaphysical ant to them.
Lex Luther S
Hmmmm. Not a bad theory that the Primo is actually the 9th hells realm lord and the item he gave up ended up sealing the 9th hell. I doubt the abyssal lake is the 9th hell though I wouldn't be surprised if it was linked to some of the hells though I'm inclined to believe the Abyssal Lake is its own Lower plane. As for the Seal in the depths, isn't it that massive obelisk Eoz saw? He mentioned it could only be released at the Zenith and that it only had one shot at shattering the terminus. It would make more sense that such an item would need all 3 upper bloodlines to access.
Lex Luther S
We don't know where those injuries come from, but I doubt it's from the memory of meeting zac. That memory shouldn't appear until after zac leaves the memory domain and returns to his current timeline. No, he likely wouldn't have been able to avoid those battles even if he wanted to as it was likely supremacies that had invaded and attacked him and his realm. As for the Yphelion, why would it be the best ship in the multiverse? Certainly, a Peak D grade dual attuned cosmic vessel is rare, especially one that can enter two different lower planes, but it's not so unique a feature that it's the best around. The personal vessel Iz was using could also escape through a fire attuned lower plane. But ultimately, they're only D grade vessels. They're completely outclassed by even low tier C grade vessels. Even more so for the ones with unique features. With how big the multiverse is, I doubt the Yphelion is the only vessel that can travel through the Threaded hells. Now the yphelion is the best vessel for zacs personal use, especially if the system gives hin quests to upgrade it, but it still has a long way to go to reach the best in the multiverse.
Michael
So the injuries the Jade Emperor had in the future are a result of this memory of him meeting Zac? Seems like he purposely chose to have that battle after seeing his fate here knowing he survives. Also I guess the Yephelion is one of the best ships in the multiverse now.
Jeff McCulley
Totally W.A.G’s… People under the current System refer to “Eight Hells” because since the great darkness, or whatever it’s called, the Fall, only eight have been rediscovered. The Jade General knows there are nine total. Which suggest that either: A. The Abyssal Lake is the Ninth, or holds the gateway to it. A secret the Draugr are holding very, very close to the vest. (And that’s what they need Zac’s bloodline to open) OR… B. The Primo is actually one of the Eighteen, and the Realmlord of the missing ninth (not necessarily “Ninth”) Hell. And the item Zac and (everyone else) is trying to recover from the Hollow Court is either the long lost key, or the gateway to that missing Hell. Yeah, just W.A.G.’s. Pick whichever one you think makes more sense.
Jeff McCulley
“The armor was a beautiful aquamarine, like it was crafted from pure Miasma or Spiritual Jade.” And here we see exactly why this being is called the Jade General.
Owen Stevens
correct me if i'm wrong but i thought the stellar wanderers let go of their immortality to go along with the plans of that eternal lady. I forgot her title/name. But she actually had the power to ascend at the cost of the universe and chose not to. They let themselves die but the memory/echos of their power still exists in the corrupt dimension.
Jeff McCulley
Nah. They were trying to find a way past the Heavens, or the Terminus. Whatever the proper term was. They used that ability to search everywhere and everywhen in their age.
Jeff McCulley
Au contraire. I’m pretty sure the meeting had EVERYTHING to do with Laondio and his schemes.
Jeff McCulley
Nope. Maybe one of his brothers, though—*if* the Primo is the reslmspirit of the “missing” ninth hell. Edit: “Realmlord”, whatever.
Jeff McCulley
Not really a gift. He was balancing karma to Zac bringing him a vision of the future. And it wouldn’t have been hard for him to see how tough the eventual battle alongside Laondio was going to be. And that A. He was going to survive it, B. In what state, and C. MAYBE have an idea how to better prepare. So, basically an even deal.
Jeff McCulley
Well, to steal a note from the Kan’Tanu, Zac would be a Chapter Head all on his own!
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Unlisted Pokémon Hudson
Tbh I feel like DOTF has went from an easy to read book to one where I have to think so much. I might just be lazy but idk if I like this change. Still a great series though.
Jeff McCulley
Suggested Edits Didn’t come up with much this time. “to stay low” >”lay low” is the aphorism. “sealed forcing” >sealed, forcing
NiceTryMate
I really like the inclusion of Buddhist mythology in this book series. It really fits the cultivation universe. The dao has clear similarities with the Buddhist doctrines to reach enlightenment. Their mythology is also kind of exciting, in a way you mostly see in old religions, such as the Greek/Roman, the Norse or the Egyptian. I see that a lot of people are confused about the hells and heavens. There are ways to do 9- fold division of both the hells and higher realms of Buddhist mythology: The hells: 1. Saṃjīva (Reviving Hell) The first hot hell, where beings are killed repeatedly and resurrected to endure the torment again. Symbolizes the cyclical nature of suffering caused by violence and hatred. 2. Kālasūtra (Black Thread Hell). Beings are sliced along black lines marked on their bodies. Represents the consequences of deceit and division 3. Saṅghāta (Crushing Hell). Beings are crushed between massive iron walls. Reflects the karmic outcome of oppressive actions. 4. Raurava (Screaming Hell). Beings run across fiery ground while screaming in pain. Symbolizes the suffering caused by causing fear or terror in others. 5. Mahāraurava (Great Screaming Hell). Flesh-eating animals torment beings. Represents consequences for extreme greed and harm to life. 6. Tapana (Burning Hell). Beings are impaled with fiery spears. Reflects the karmic result of inflicting physical pain on others. 7. Pratāpana (Great Burning Hell). A more intense version of Tapana, with greater torment. Symbolizes the amplification of suffering from repeated harmful actions. 8. Avīci (Uninterrupted Hell). The deepest and most severe hot hell, where suffering is constant and relentless. Represents the culmination of severe karma, such as killing a Buddha or causing schisms in the Sangha. 9. Surrounding or Border Hells. Smaller, auxiliary hells that exist around the main eight hells, containing additional forms of suffering. These include places like: Needle-leaf forests, where beings are pierced by sharp leaves. Lakes of filth, where beings drown in boiling excrement. And Razor-paths, where beings are forced to walk on blades. This nine-fold categorization would not contradict traditional Buddhist teachings but rather offer an alternate lens for understanding the structure of suffering in Naraka(hells). Higher realms/Heavens 1. Cātummahārājika (Heaven of the Four Great Kings). The lowest of the deva realms, located at the base of Mount Meru. Inhabited by guardian deities, spirits, and celestial beings responsible for protecting the world. 2. Tāvatiṃsa (Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods). Located on the summit of Mount Meru and ruled by Śakra (Indra). Known for its pleasure gardens and divine celebrations. Real hedonistic stuff. 3. Yāma (Heaven Free from Strife). Beings here experience bliss without worldly conflicts. Located above Mount Meru, this heaven represents higher sensual delights. 4. Tusita (Heaven of Contentment). The realm where beings enjoy great satisfaction and happiness. Known as the dwelling place of future Buddhas before their final rebirth. 5. Nimmānaratī (Heaven of Delight in Creation). Beings here enjoy pleasures they create with their own minds. Reflects mastery over sensual desires. 6. Paranimmita-vaśavartin (Heaven of Others' Creations). Beings enjoy the creations of others and often have control over them. 7. First Jhana Heaven (Brahmā World).This marks the beginning of the Rūpa-loka (Form Realm), where beings transcend sensual desires. The inhabitants are beings who have attained the first stage of meditative absorption. 8. Fourth Jhana Heaven (Great Brahma). Represents the highest heavens of the Rūpa-loka, where beings reside in deep meditative bliss. These beings have refined forms and exist in pure states of consciousness. 9. Arūpa-loka (Formless Realm). The culmination of the heavenly realms, beyond material form. Includes the highest meditative attainments, such as the Realm of Infinite Space and the Realm of Neither Perception nor Non-Perception. A nine-fold division might simplify the more detailed classifications of 26 heavens into a easier understood structure. No clue how close to Buddhist mythology our boy TFD will keep the story, but Buddhism sure is something special.
Ron Whitlatch
That was their issue i believe. What they were trying to find a "solution" to
TKO
"Surviving with just a head wasn’t a big deal—he had multiple ways to regrow his body." Heh, a chapter of Ogras and the head of Zac just goofin around.... Holding verun with his teeth and growling at people.
Seijax
Gotta love how all the OP hermits that actually care about the greater picture of the Dao, all have great esteem of Zac's path. "Peakmender" here, "you're-actually-helping-us" there. "You woke us up, but let me give you a gift before you go back to your path" energy. Really shows how long the peaks have waited for someone to walk a viable Chaos path
Seijax
Creepy eyes and supreme Death. Primo, is that you?
NiceTryMate
It’s worth mentioning that the eight (major) hot hells are part of Buddhist mythology, where Kamasutra is the second hot hell. There are actually eight hot and eight cold hells. There are also many “special” hells. If you lop them into a box and say they are one, you could get 9 hells. With the right interpretation, you could also say that there 9 heavens(higher realms) in their mythology. As for their connection to Leandeo and Karz, I think it is the same connection as all other pseudo immortals have with them. Since there is a finite amount of “space” at the peak, they all had to give concessions to the LE to be left alone.
Andrew
Thank you!
liquid_helix
Nice work
liquid_helix
Hopefully it’s an Xbox pro controller
Lizy Flore
Ugh, time shenanigans. I have a love-hate relationship with those. This chapter was really interesting and ties really well to the one when the Ylphion stumbled onto the Death Dimension (yes I’m going to call it that, sue me). I don’t think the meeting had anything to do with Laondio and his schemes, more like future Zac meddled with past (even paster) Death Realmlords to offer present Zac this… meeting. And sth to do with the Draugr too, the Primo for sure. I got the theory that that « flame » the Deathlord (yes I’m also going to call him that, fight me) mentioned might have been the primo, and he and his siblings the moths. But maybe I’m going too far. Its past 10pm where I am, I’m tired and I have to reread to have a better grasp on the factions and the powers at play here. Anyway, thanks for the chap! I love the scope the story has took, and I’m always on for complicated plots and intriguing mysteries.
Jason Hatter
18 Peaks is my guess. We know there are currently 17 Peaks of Dao, so I'm guessing the Realmlord is referring to either a peak broken sometime between this historical meeting and the later meet, or a future peak.
Jack Trowell
Biblically accurate angels are nothing, the true horror are biblically accurate sheeps: https://i.imgur.com/kRMRY0F.jpeg
Jeff McCulley
Are you sure about that?
Jeff McCulley
The Nine Hells, and the corresponding Nine Heavens/Gardens? Their rulers? Is the Abyss the ninth? In other words, where the new life/death drives on the Yphelion will take him. Just spitballing without checking anything.
Jeff McCulley
If I recall, the legacy of those Stellar Wanderers—those tornadoes in Zac’s cells—includes being able to exist outside of time, in all times at once. Recalling that vaguely, without going back to look.
Jeff McCulley
Pardon me while I lmao.., “I can’t feel anything,” Zac truthfully said. Way, way back when, a couple of the “old monsters” were chatting, and said that what the Fifth Pillar (or maybe the LIP? Or Ultom?) was going to get was a “controller”. Zac didn’t feel any pull of fate because he was already where he was supposed to be. Where he’s fated to be. The controller. The person running all these screens. The “guy in the chair”. Please pardon me again while I sit here and lmao…. More later!
Shivam
9 gardens and 8 hells. Also a mention of a possible ninth hell that has some trouble brewing. So in total , there are 18 life/death lower planes. There is also 9 Seals , 8 Thrones and one destiny for a total of 18.
Omiso
The Gardens are the Life equivalent realms to the Hells who are Death Attuned, I think it was Kator who mentioned it when they activated the engine during their trip through the Imperial Graveyard. The coffin and his siblings are the Realm Lords of the Gardens and Hells. All those Realms are Lower Dimensions, places of Incomplete Dao, who are buffed by one or few Daos instead of all 17 Peaks but are still important because of their ability to produce high quality treasure of their Daos making them a common destination for Autarch and Supremacies. And like you said Zac just got a Visa for most of them.
Thomas Todd
I think he's talking about the other realm lords, his next statement was the one Zac met before was off which I think is referring to the one he saw last time h was in the hells
Omiso
I can't remember the chapter but Zac once mentioned that Supremacies can dictate the way their chosen Dao behaves in the multiverse, he was thinking about the Eventide Azura rather than any particular supremacy but when the Primo gave Zac some authority (it was in the contract Zac signed) and the Draugr Supremacies also gave Zac some authority (during the abyssal pond), both mentioned briefly by Iz when Zac met her before the Imperial Graveyard. I was under the impression they were gambling on the chance if Zac made it to Supremacy one day, mend the Grand peak of Chaos and his vision of Death spread through the heavens it wouldn't be antagonistic with their vision and their descendants. Now this coffin appears to be doing the same but way back in the past and I have to wonder is Zac part of a multi age game? He's having trouble keeping up with things happening at this moment. Imagine having to dig some ruins of a long forgotten civilization to figure out the move someone made your way long before you were even born (which lets be fair that exactly what he's planning to do once he start chasing the location of those Technocrat bases Sendor and Leadra gave him). The Peak of Chaos has always been described as a paradoxical mess, I guess climbing it must feel the same way.
Ron Whitlatch
The terminus council no?
Lex Luther S
Thanks for healing our boi, I just knew itd turn into an opportunity Interesting. I remember when Kator was making his decision to either join zacs crew or seize zacs fate and he mentioned the "Jade general" so that must be this man. But the question remains whom he, his siblings and even what the hells and gardens are? It's clear they hold some great connection to Laondio and Karz. I'm more curious about zac and the Threaded hells having a Fated connection even before zac met him. Makes me wonder if that connection is through his void emperor bloodline, which feels likely. Even more insane is that zac was given free access to all but the 9th hell when his strength reaches a proper level. And the Jade generals comment to not be in a hurry feels very apt for zac. He's been pushing 150% since the integration and not much real proper rest, especially during the meat grinder the war has been. A proper decade or two to relax and cultivate sounds pretty good for all the hell our bois been through. Besides he said zacs future is distant so what's a few decades to the 10s of thousands to millions of years he'll need to reach the heights to explore the Threaded hells? Even more interesting was seeing how a supreme beings dao works. Death so overbearing it can kill what the user wishes whether it be wounds to space to time itself. Badass
Tommy
“The eighteen are entering troubled times” Anyone got a lead on what the 18 are? TFTC! Excited to see the gains from all these shenanigans
Rushin Lad
How long have you been wait to use the line of "biblically accurate angels"?😅🤣 As always; magnificent chapter, thank you! The stories depths continues to increase and I love it for the spider web of events
FriendorFo
Zac is the T-800, but 2.0, confirmed?
Special Mixture
Thanks for the chapter!
Dominic Fox
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Owen Stevens
Nice !!
Kuurth
Thanks for the chapter!
