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Chapter 1,271.
🕑 Added 2024-06-29 13:55:41 +0000 UTCA/N: And that's it for June and the Intersector War arcs! I hope you enjoyed them, and thank you for the patience you've shown as I've figured a sustainable path forward. When we start back up in September, we'll jump right into DotF's next phase.
A final reminder: Billing is turned off for July and August. If you want to retain the benefits of your membership (mainly early chapter access + Discord roles) during this period, you need to keep it active.
I'll still be around in the discord channels, this is the link in case you didn't know about it. With over 6,000 members, I can confidently say its the best place to discuss all things DotF.
https://discordapp.com/invite/hjGtWPh
Have a great summer!
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An absolute cryogenic state of this grade was a death sentence for a Hegemon, and Zac was no exception. The only reason he was able to hold on was the two treasures he'd swallowed just prior. Their Law-imbued energies were fighting back, like candles keeping him just warm enough to stay alive. Even that was only possible thanks to his deep foundations and Sindris Heritage.
Zac wanted to assure those around him he was fine, but the cold had isolated him from his surroundings. Eyes frozen shut, he couldn't see, and his Soul Sense barely extended beyond his bodies with his soul locked down. They'd have to make do with the weak flicker of spirituality emanating from him and the fact that the motes of destiny around him hadn't disappeared.
Keeping track of his internal state was still possible, even if his thoughts moved so slowly it was difficult to hold onto a thread. Ichor and blood had become ice, and his withered muscles had hardened into glistening rubies. His soul, which had been in a constant state of movement since he began cultivating [Nine Reincarnations Manual], had fully stopped, looking like a still picture.
Their plan had come from a place of desperation and was partly based on assumptions and pure guesswork. Still, there was precedent. Back in the E-grade, Zac had used various means to get through the deadly hurdle of breaking open nodes. One of them was relying on Spiritual Ice to freeze the node, lessening the damage from the breakthrough.
Zac's current situation was based on the same concept, except infinitely more complex and dangerous. Their main goal was to press the pause button on his breakthrough, stopping the inflow of energy and ensuring his quantum space would survive the teleportation into the trial. He'd thaw out after things had stabilized and finish the job afterward.
Catheya's scale was the only thing in their possession that could accomplish such a feat, except it was too powerful. Zac needed a safety net to survive being frozen for so long. The problem had made Zac think of the microscopic suns still burning in the depths of his cells. During the tribulation, they had showcased a hint of the amazing resilience that allowed the Stellar Wanderers to even travel the great beyond. Not even the Four Desolates could faze them.
The suns were much too weak to resist a Supremacy's Dao, even after they'd marginally grown from feeding on Ultom's light. The treasure he'd gotten from Esmeralda was the closest thing since its origins were clearly related to the Stellar Wanderers and the Lost Plane. They'd either strengthen the suns or provide a similar effect on their own. Observing the results, it was the latter.
With one treasure covering his bodies, he also needed something for his soul. His companions had pursued every avenue, even browbeating the Ship Spirit into hacking into a few of the Centurion Base's restricted terminals. Finally, they found a lead on a Soul Nurturing treasure and where it was stored—the carafe that Catheya and Ogras had managed to bring back at the eleventh hour.
Any of the three treasures would have killed Zac outright if used on their own. Together, they formed a system of mutual restraint, just like [Void Emperor Apoteosis] brought mutual promotion between heart, soul, and body. Starting up the method before freezing also allowed him to slowly siphon some of the medicinal energy.
Zac hadn't just consumed the treasures to survive being cryogenically frozen. He was tapped out, mentally and physically. Surviving the cold wouldn't matter if he woke up a week later in an even worse state. If things remained this way, he wouldn't have to worry about that. So long as he maintained his Void State, he would slowly absorb the energies.
Keeping the right pace was the key. Take too much, and he wouldn't have enough to resist the cold. Too little, and he risked thawing out prematurely. If things worked out, Zac would not only have recovered most of his energy upon awakening, but he would have strengthened his body and soul.
Furthermore, his whole crew had come together to lessen the dangers. The Core Formation Platforms were surrounded by multiple arrays that contained and kept the cold stable. Vilari was monitoring his soul's state, and Kruta was ready to use his flames to temporarily weaken the chill if Zac's state worsened. Zac forgot all else, sinking into the depths of the Void.
The next time he opened his eyes, he'd already be inside the trial.
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"You're going to burn a hole through his chest if you keep that up."
Catheya ignored the comment, once more inspecting Zac's state. There was still no change. It should be a good thing, yet Catheya found it impossible to relax. It had been an hour. Shouldn't she have been able to see some form of improvement by now? Had they miscalculated? Were the treasures keeping him alive but too weak to also nourish him? If so, they needed—
"It's minute, but his soul is growing stronger," Vilari assured before Catheya's mind could run amok.
"See? He's fine," Ogras said. "Better focus on what you can control."
"You're right," Catheya sighed. Her part of the plan was over the moment she released her master's blessing. Catheya had no way of controlling the glacial domain now that it was out there. Instead, she turned her attention to the shimmering lights around her.
"Have you discovered anything?" Catheya asked.
"What Janos said should be true. The one I touched the other day is still with me. The others have been swapped out," Ogras said. "Do they want us to build a squad? Or is it winner takes all?"
"Isn't this what the trial is about?" Kruta said. "Seizing fate. So if you seize a strong one, your opportunities will be better?"
"I'd prefer to seize whatever spark that puts me next to the boss," Ogras grinned. "The opportunities would come on their own that way."
"Seizing fate," Catheya slowly said, glancing at the dense swirls around the two men encased in ice. "I'm going in."
Catheya extended her will, touching a particular light that had tried to harmonize with her for a while. It was like she'd fallen into a whirlpool of foreign impressions, and Catheya had to hold on for dear life not to be dragged under. And yet, it was impossible to get anything tangible that could help with the trial. The memories were too blurry, only giving off a vague sensation.
She felt a closeness to the unnamed stranger the mote represented, but there was ultimately an unbridgeable gap. There was something about its destiny that didn't align with Catheya's path, so she began pushing back. She shuddered and opened her eyes soon after. It felt like weeks had gone by, but a quick check confirmed three hours had passed.
Ogras had a vacant look in his eyes, indicating he was in the middle of seeking his fortune. Catheya turned to Joanna instead, who showed no interest in the lights surrounding her. The spearmaiden only had eyes for her Lord, her eyes giving off a sparkle that filled Catheya with as much pressure as Iz Tayn's celestial beauty. "Anything new?"
"They had to add some flames an hour ago. He's stable since," Joanna said. "The last crew is about to return."
"Is everything prepared on that end?"
"The ship is ready to be packed up at any time, and we've found a safe spot to park," Joanna confirmed. "We're setting out the moment they're aboard."
"Not a moment too soon. I can feel the heat through the walls," Catheya grinned. "It's finally happening, isn't it?"
Joanna slowly nodded. "Fate's culmination."
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'It's time.'
The Flameguard exhaled and stood up. Her movement broke the silence that held the chamber in its grip.
"Are you going ahead?"
She glanced at the Tobrial prince, who was barely visible inside the gentle swirl of building blocks. The ancient thread was still in his hands. Its aura was weakened, but it was clear he'd only managed to pierce its surface. The real prize was still deeply embedded in the fabric. Only time could tell whether he'd become another link in the chain or if his preparations would benefit someone else.
"It's time," the Flameguard confirmed as a flame ignited on her finger.
Her hand danced through the air, following the inherited rites. The Flameguard felt a weak rejection, but the conviction in her heart burned it away. It didn't take long for the complex sigil to be filled in. It collapsed onto itself, becoming a radiant mote resembling those surrounding the sealbearers. Except, its luster was slightly different, as was its color.
The flame flickered, casting a shadow in the form of a veiled nun. They bowed toward each other in a greeting that crossed time, and the mote expanded into a gate.
"Safe travels," the prince smiled from his dais. "I hope we'll get to work together again."
"If fate wills it."
Leyara found herself standing on a trail of burning footprints. The path prepared by her predecessors—the other her. The path stretched into the darkness like a chain made from responsibility. It would take her where she needed to go, avoiding most of the pitfalls the candidates would have to face. The flames urged her to go ahead, to perform her duty.
For years, she'd followed its will without question and without injecting personal beliefs. Today, she would not. The reluctance and anger she'd held onto so long burst forth from a hidden corner, shrouding the burning radiance that held her captive. Leyara felt like she'd woken up from a dream, and a rush of emotions came bursting forth. Anger, fear, and determination.
Leyara turned around, facing a river of lights that flowed through the darkness. A few of the weaker wisps were lost to the cosmos, the destinies reclaimed by the wheel of Samsara. Only a shadow remained of what once had been a mighty stream so vast it could have been mistaken for an ocean. Leyara felt a pang of sorrow at the scene, even if she knew the sentiment was inherited.
"So few of your followers remain, Emperor Evrodok," Leyara mumbled as she scoured the river.
Leyara felt her thoughts grow hazy. Willpower alone was not enough to suppress the Flame of Destiny. She desperately fought back against the inevitable, buying as much time as she could. So long as she could see him.
And there he was.
"Always up to something," Leyara smiled, using her last strength to nudge one of the lights.
Grunting in pain, the Flameguard formed a calming mudra. Confusion was washed away and replaced with purpose. She began walking down the path of flames, each step perfectly aligned with an identical footprint. The river soon faded into the darkness, and its matters were already forgotten. Her heart was blank like a mirror. Reflected on its surface was the destiny that had to be.
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Blessed Fate clasped his hands and the ocean stilled. It was done. Order was restored, and the trajectories followed the will of the Cosmos. The weave had grown too complicated to interfere any further, with ancient threads obscuring the path to the future. What would be, would be.
"Will you step in?"
'...'
The silence was expected. The Absolute Seal hadn't left their Lord's side for the previous pillars, and they wouldn't now that he'd stirred in his slumber. The unknown variables resisting their efforts weren't enough to draw the Seal's attention. Looking at the pages of history would say it was the right decision. A river was a living thing, and it was natural for it to occasionally shift in unexpected ways.
Over time, balance would be restored. Not even Laondio Evrodok could overcome the course of nature, and the Sangha would face the winds no matter which way it blew. As they always had.
And yet, Blessed Fate felt a shadow on his heart. He couldn't shake the feeling of a larger plot eluding his gaze, masquerading as randomness within the flux of fate. He shook his head, drawing comfort from the endless waters. Imperfection was natural and expected in an imperfect world. Where he lacked, the Dharma would intercede.
A great Buddha was born with a thought. Blessed Fate's deified form sank into the waters and their Lord's embrace. It took the last of his apprehensions to be washed away by the eternal dream. Blessed Fate's empty vessel remained on the surface, his form not reflected on the waters. The monk set out when he couldn't feel his true spirit any longer, each step spanning an equal distance to the boundlessness of his heart.
Blessed Fate crossed the four seas, his immovable Dharma resisting Samsara's call. The ocean's end drew closer, and reality inverted when he reached its edge. Water became land, and the boundless nothingness beyond became a mighty river without beginning or end. The past was like the trunk of a mighty oak. The future was its crown, with rivulets branching out in every direction.
He stopped at its shore, unmoved by the beckoning call of the possible futures. Their truths were illusions when the trajectories remained uncertain. Drawing conclusions from what could be gleaned within was bound to lead one astray. Blessed Fate was here for the present, though the thick stream of history held its allure.
If his blemish had remained, Blessed Fate might have been tempted to pry into the hidden streams. The frothing waters were just passing clouds to him now. He turned away, cupping his hands toward a nearby spot.
"Amitabha, benefactor. It's a rare blessing to see you, old friend."
Time twisted, revealing an old man almost completely covered in a worn and faded robe. What had once been the deep azure of the bottomless depths had become the pastel blue of a summer sky. The only feature discernible within the deep hood was the long beard that looked a lot like the river he usually guarded.
Two hands knotted by age yet blessed with impeccably smooth skin peeked out from the wide sleeves. Blessed Fate smiled and shook his head upon seeing the wooden rod in the old man's grip. How many among the current generations knew that no less than five Primordials had been impaled upon that humble fishing pole after they'd failed to escape its unbreakable line?
Of course, balance was always restored. Old Man River could only leave his post for short durations. It was the price for abusing causality to hunt in the river of time's headwaters.
"This poor monk can only admit his inferiority. I would not dare to fish in these muddy waters."
"I don't know about that," the old man grunted as he threw out the line. It sank into the river of destiny without causing so much as a ripple. "You're still alive, huh?"
Blessed Fate's gaze curiously followed the String of Time as it sank into the depths. Pinching his fingers confirmed nothing. It was impossible to uncover who the string sought without offending.
"I see no future in you," the fisherman commented. "Still trapped in that nightmare of yours?"
"It is the path we chose," Blessed Fate smiled. "May this one inquire what brought benefactor to these waters? I see no fate between you and the Fifth Pillar, nor any desire for Ultom in your Heart."
"Just bored," the old man shrugged. "Figured I'd catch the show."
"Benefactor is always welcome to try his luck in our waters. Perhaps the remedy you've been seeking is waiting for you there," Blessed Fate said as a prayer mat appeared by the fisherman's side.
"Not interested in getting scammed by you people. I'll watch the show and go home," the old man said. "Something interesting is bound to happen with so many lunatics coming this way."
Blessed Fate smiled as he followed the threads of Karma. The old fisherman was absolutely right. The shores were about to become quite crowded. And with some of the oldest existences making an appearance, there was no lack of bad blood.
"Before that, perhaps a trade?" Blessed Fate said, nodding at the glistening string.
"I think she'd take offense," the old man said and pointed to the sky.
Blessed Fate sighed at the enormous crack opening in the sky. "It's this poor monk's great honor to finally meet you, Mistress Tayn. I'm happy to see your merit shining brightly. It should not be long until you can bless us with your presence once more."
"Happy, are you, monk?" the sky rumbled as golden flames descended like an apocalyptic rain. Blessed Fate clasped his hands and drew the suffering toward himself. The Empyrean Throne snorted with annoyance and withdrew her flames before they added to her debt. "Shifty old thing, you better not get any ideas. That goes for the rest of you, too. I've been good for too long, and I'm itching for a fight."
"The benefactors gathering today all know the price of interference," Blessed Fate said.
"If we were reasonable people, we wouldn't be here," Kolsara Tayn scoffed.
The sky mended, leaving only her presence as a warning to those who arrived later. One by one, ancient existences stepped onto the shores, appearing from every corner of the cosmos. Some towered toward the sky, their frames straining against the Terminus. Others hid in the folds of reality, their presence only exposed by the river's pull. All waited in silence, hoping to find answers from the shift.
The river grew increasingly agitated until it split in two to give room for the continent rising from the depths. The waters frothed, creating a thick mist that obscured the world and the branching futures. The war for the Kalpa's direction would begin inside, and the outcome would redraw the paths beyond. Blessed Fate smiled and began chanting.
The board was set, and the future had become the present. The game had started anew.
Comments
Diana Kaz
They’re onboard the Pernumia Ino. They couldn’t travel through the Graveyard because Zack was afraid teleportation will destabilise his core (hence the frozen in ice thing to keep him stable during the teleportation to the trial). That’s also why the crew that chose to leave left with the war gods on a smaller vessel they later traded for safe passage to earth from the allied forces. The Ypheliom is harboured inside the ancient vessel. They’re counting on the system teleporting them to the trial and then back to earth or a safe zone.
Jeff McCulley
Okay, so…. “The ship is ready to be packed up at any time, and we've found a safe spot to park.” Is “the ship” the Pernumia Ino, or the Yohelion? Because they just said that they can’t get the Pernumia Ino out through the Imperial Graveyard, that it would be a death sentence. So…how is it getting back to Earth?
Lucas Gulick
This series being down for so long has really forced me to grow, I can't just look for my daily fix
Maniac000
Gah no I’m all caught up after a year long hiatus! I really hope Zac or his ppl can stick a thumb in the eye of the Sangha. Maybe once the limited exchange updates there will be an option to help Zecia out.
John
I wonder by what mechanism the Heartlands steals Dao and providence from edge sectors..
Jeff McCulley
I’m kinda hoping that Esmerelda has a way to get through. Because it seems like using one of her few remaining reincarnations right now would be A Bad Thing.
Lex Luther S
Yes, the 2 bodies are beside one another. As for esmeralda, she's certainly still in the space given that's her only ticket into Ultom. As for being frozen, it depends if the frost could affect that pocket dimension her shrine is set-up in. Zac is only staying alive thanks to his unyielding constitution and the body and soul tempering his new Manuel is doing with the incredible body tempering and soul tempering treasures he aquired. Esmeralda has nothing like that, even with beasts having a greater vitality and recovery rate.
Lucas Gulick
Reflexively hitting F5 at random point in the day, the withdrawal is real lol
Jeff McCulley
I found myself wondering what had happened to Esmerelda, since she seemed to be skipped over since she fell unconscious. I found myself hoping that she’d managed to wake up and get out, so that she didn’t get her toady tail frozen off when Zac did. I froze on that though (pun intended). After all, Zac isn’t SUPPOSED to wake up against n until after the Yrial starts. This is what b her little pocket was created for, her only way in. Poor Esmerelda. She didn’t bargain for this! At least she isn’t stuck with a human Zacsickle in there with her… His two bodies appear to be side by side, right? Um, and…what happens to the Pernumia Ino when all of the sealbearers teleport out, and it’s just the Ship Spirit left? Or…is this actually the spot where the event starts, the Fifth Pillar rises?
Jeff McCulley
“Always up to something," Leyara smiled, using her last strength to nudge one of the lights. That’s gonna be key. Looks like she pushed a relevant sparkly Destiny soul to Zac.
Jeff McCulley
Reading through Book 13… “If the next mission was as easy as the first, it might even be possible to upgrade the shipyard a second time within a decade. A Late D-grade Iliex Shipyard wasn’t just an insanely lucrative moneymaker, it was a strategic resource that could impact the whole war.” So…how about those Iliex shipyard quests? Especially since Earth is late D grade now? Oh…and does a planet need to do a “peak D grade”!stage, too? Or just go right to C?
Austin Gillespie
Just caught up the last 200 or so chapters here. So sad there’s a break, but I’m pumped to FINALLY see Ultom. I feel like this has been building for at least 500 chapters now and I’m ready to finally see it. I’m also very interested to see the aftermath, this trial has been looming in the future for so long providing a landmark on the horizon that we haven’t been able to see much past it. Heading towards monarchy, exploring the void more, most likely transporting an entire empire to a maybe more dao filled sector?
Mike Naka
Here are some of my more memorable listens in no particular order. I listen to audio books more than reading. Path of the Berserker Randidly Ghosthound Heretical Fishing (like Beware of Chicken) Reborn: Apocalypse BuyMort: Shopocalypse Saga I'm Not the Hero: An Isekai LitRPG Oh, Great! I Was Reincarnated as a Farmer The New World: A LitRPG Adventure Master Hunter K Armor: A Progression Fantasy Epic Two Necromancers, a Bureaucrat, and an Elf: Unconventional Heroes Series Level Up or Die!: Underworld Series Super Powereds: Year 1: Super Powereds Series The Dresden Files (from Book 3 on your mind will be blown- like how does he come up with this stuff. Gets better like DoTF) Sᴋᴇʟᴇᴛᴏɴ Sᴏʟᴅɪᴇʀ Cᴏᴜʟᴅɴ'T Pʀᴏᴛᴇᴄᴛ Tʜᴇ Dᴜɴɢᴇᴏɴ: 9 hour ActionToon Youtube video Got any questions about a book, I'll reply on this thread Lex started.
jb qspam
Have a good break!
Malcolm Gray
This cliffhanger just make me want the next chapter more
Jakob Scafer
I thought he only had two treasures and one gift from the stellar wanderer -The body refining treasure from the deal with our favorite toad thief that appears to have a Stellar origin -The "Stellar Energy" treasure procured by Orgas & Catheya -The "Stellar Motes" that appeared in Zac's cells after seeing the Stellar Wanderer My hunch is that the Stellar Motes when they become powerful enough will make up for Zac's weakness in that he can't cultivate in some way... Perhaps they'll generate Stellar or Cosmic Energy. Or perhaps be a counterpoint to the 7th Heaven Prince's Qi Energy. I agree that Zac is unlikely to use the Fate Motes in the intended way... And likely be absorbed after he finishes his core.
M💬
Magic emperor is nice both manhua and WebNovel same as ultimate of all ages
Danny
If u start from book 1 again u can read or listen 21 chaps every day and be rdy for chap 1272 in 60 days x○
Lex Luther S
So, we're all going to be going through some severe withdrawal for the next 2 months. But a way to help that withdrawal is finding something new to read and I've got a few personal favorite novels that may catch some attention. The second coming of gluttony. The regressed demon lord is kind. Reborn as a demonic tree. Overpowered Sword. Not a novel but a manhwa and one I find myself eagerly awaiting the weekly chapter drops. 103chs so far Damn reincarnation. The legendary mechanic. A rather great read, the only real gripe is the Chinese propaganda thrown in here and there but it quickly falls away for the plots continuation. Seventh bridge to the heavens. Wraithblade saga. Legend of the arch Magus. And last but not least, Young Noble Be Monster Slaying. A new cultivation novels I've been reading and one that's rather entertaining. With 2 chapters translated a day, the story progresses fast enough. Though what the MC focuses on moves around, the author hasn't forgotten any threads as of yet. If anyone else has some recommendations, leave a comment as I'm always looking for something to fill my time in, either at work or at home.
Guilherme Oliveira
What do you mean by washing away Leyara’s personality? Can you explain that connection with the Flameguard? I don’t recall mention of this before…. totally over my head 🥲
Tyler S.
Good time to get in some wild theory crafting on how plot will go lol
DrSubterfuge
They're spending a lot of the faction merit, yeah. Personal merit remains an open question. Considering the System apparently has wide discretion about what to put on there, there's probably going to be something on the exchange Zac needs that's very expensive and furthers the System's own interests.
MrrC
really good catch
liquid_helix
Hrm…..
DrSubterfuge
I guess I was under the assumption that Thrones/Seals were formed rather than claimed, but it seems there is more evidence for the latter. Regardless, pretty sure peaks are considered broken only when no one has reached Supremacy using that peak. So for instance, no one has said the Peak of the Grand Tapestry (artisanal peak) or Peak of Karma are broken, but the System doesn't have either symbol of Authority. The former is unclaimed and the later is claimed by the Sangha.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
Bryce H.
Ah then not the council, but rather the Thrones and Seals that aim to break through the Terminus to obtain Eternity. And yeah, river of fate/time/destiny it's all the same. Those motes represent the potential futures. But yeah those Supremacies couldn't be where they are without having reached the peak of their Dao, the highest metaphysical point they can reach with the Terminus pressing down on them. Old Man River obviously uses time/continuum. Blessed Fate used the Dao of Samsara. Grandma Tayn is probably Stars or something.
MasterOfBeings
afaik, every peak has a Throne/Seal, what makes a peak broken is that the system does not have Authority over the Throne/Seal. Giving them to the System is what makes an Apostate an Apostate.
Ira Smith
Thanks and enjoy your time off
Hartmann
Shouldn't it be the Supreme Seal by the side of Buddha. The Absolute Seal was the one attacking the Oceans and only barely holding on to her title.
DrSubterfuge
The river seems both metaphorical and real. Something like a shared dream that nonetheless reflects reality.
DrSubterfuge
Always good practice to look up a word if it's unfamiliar to you. For some of them it's just vibes, or an easter egg that gives context. But I'm surprised you're asking about Samsara given how important it is and how long it has been around. First it was just the Sangha version of Zac's path but now that we know the origins of the cyclic nature of the Eras its arguably a built-in feature of the Eternal's creation. @MasterOfBeings The Sangha Seal is for the peak of Karma. There isn't a seal or throne for Chaos as the peak is still broken.
MasterOfBeings
Importantly the Dao of Samsara is a mixed meaning Dao containing Life, Death and Order. This is why Zac appeared on their radar. I'm fairly sure the Seal Blessed Fate is with is the Seal of Chaos and they don't want someone to change life and death.
Chris
Spot on.
George
samsara is the cycle of life and death, including reincarnation, so it's very relevant to zac; I think it did get explained, but it would have been like 500 chapters ago
TKOva
Probably edited and refined. Same basis but just made better because the magic of a good editor.
TKOva
Absolutely. The Sanga are the fucking worst. Cause they seem like the good guys. But are actually the biggest villains and I love it. Usually Monks and Buddhists in stories are the heroes or the allies. But the Sanga are the straight up bad guys. Same thing with the void priests who seemed like allies.
Douglas Davis
I wish these chapters came with footnotes. I have no idea what Samsara, dharma or any of these other Buddhist phrases mean. I wish there was some in story way that they were defined. Like one character explaining to another character what they mean. Because Zac is using them left and right now, and I'm wondering how and when he learned so many Buddhist tidbits.
Fozzy
I hope we get to see how the war ends and the merits of the Atwood Empire
Michael
It’s been awhile since the PV, but wasn’t the scarf the System used to intimidate Sendor a “deep Azure like the sky”? Seems like that may have been Old man Rivers once upon a time.
Michael
The rest of the candidates aren’t backwater barbarians from the frontier. They are scions of peak factions, so they likely know a lot more about the trial than Zac.
Ron Whitlatch
I wonder if old man time has imposed his image of time? Because he is a fisherman
Rabauke
So what benefits could Zac get after his breakthrough with the aspects of nurturing the soul, body and heart? - we got the body refining treasure from the stellar wanderers if I'm right - we got the soul nurturing treasure - we got the star motes addet to his cells I think there will be no separate breakthrough of one part but probably a breakthrough of all of them. Would make his 9 reincarnation technic obsolete as his void vaja sublimation too. So it would fuse this aspect to one benefit. It was mentioned that this exact consequence is the reason one would separate this methods but can't think of a small leap. He got superjuced with essence of the same beings who were so powerful that there was no space for them. His body is gonna get sturdy as fuck same for his heart and soul. There is also the fate runes around him. Would count that he gobble them all up because he don't need anotherones fate. He creates his own and the rest ist fuel for the void. So a refinement of the bloodline maybe? Some aspects that grant him more control or benefits his void mountain. The new stellar motes in his cells are also an aspect that could lead to a refinement of his race (human side). After the tribulation throne it felt like he would get remodeled to the peak of humankind. There is so much to think about. It's amazing. We can guarantee that after the war there will be a few titles that will boost him significantly. Also a new nobility Titel if he gets zecia. I know everyone thinks that it's a remote and dying sector but we know that the heartlands stealing energy, Dao and Providence from these sectors. If he gets the kantanu sector as a reward it could be possible to boost zecia. There is also the merit of the war that could make it possible. After he gets his hands on a Throne who knows what that means. I totally lost track of what I wrote
Neneera
I think it's the river of time and everyone on the shore are cultivators who left the river and exist outside of time.
Jason Hatter
It sounds like his Imperial Council is already spending his merit, with them considering upgrades to Earth and the Atwood Empire.
Luke Scheffe
So is the river of fate supposed to be a literal river, or do they force it to manifest itself as a literal river?
Luke Scheffe
What Leyara did was likely nudge one of the destiny life memory motes in his direction. Presumably one with excellent compatibility.
Booz Dowg
I'm going to read and focus on one sentence a day for cultivation purposes. Thank u kind sir and enjoy your summer break!
MrrC
Thank you. Had totally forgotten who Leyara was
M💬
So now that Ultom is really about to start do we know if the other candidates know they can’t claim ultom but just carry the flame bearer torch
DrSubterfuge
Chapter 1,045 is the only other time the name shows up. Late March of last year during Kruta's forced recruitment by Thousandflame. It had to be inferred though that it referred to Grandma Tayn.
Lex Luther S
I don't think they're the terminus council. So far we only have one confirmation of who was in the terminus council and that is Wal'Zo and its speculated that the void emperor was also part of it given how the system was so antagonistic about sendor spewing any info about zacs ancestry, showing us the first mention of the council. Now there might be a member or two of the council but there's no way all supremacies and ancient existences there are part of it. As for where they're at, they are literally on the shores of the river of fate. It's been mentioned multiple times about the river the past few chapters with zac even mentioning it's frothing and spilling over.
Alexander Dupree
I really thought for a sec they were going to help him. I now understand why everyone treats them like a plague worse than the Undead
Bryce H.
Okay so.. I think these people are the Terminus Council. These peak existences have stepped outside of existence to this arrive at this meeting place (the Terminus) in order to observe the ascension of the 5th pillar. They all have their own paths that brought them here, but still, none are able to break through the Terminus to the beyond. "Blessed Fate crossed the four seas, his immovable Dharma resisting Samsara's call." Blessed Fate seems to get here by some form of astral projection, or by entering a pseudo-Nirvanic (sopadhishesa-nirvana?) state. He left his physical body, somewhat "dying" by violating or surpassing one or all of the four Laws (seas) in order to exit reality. Old Man River says, "I see no future in you," the fisherman commented. "Still trapped in that nightmare of yours?" The 'nightmare' River is referring to is likely the cycle of Samsara. He probably means that at some point, Blessed Fate's "future" ends (which is likely the point at which Samsara reclaims him). Blessed Fate tells him, "Benefactor is always welcome to try his luck in our waters. Perhaps the remedy you've been seeking is waiting for you there," to which he immediately declines. Again, the waters are probably referring to the Samsara, and River wants no part in that scam, concluding it's a false Eternity and his path for immortality is different. _____ "Leyara found herself standing on a trail of burning footprints. The path prepared by her predecessors—the other her. The path stretched into the darkness like a chain made from responsibility. It would take her where she needed to go, avoiding most of the pitfalls the candidates would have to face. The flames urged her to go ahead, to perform her duty." Leyara seems to be caught up in somebody's scheming. The Flameguard must be creating a path in the dark, guiding the era towards the "One Destiny," according to whichever power is behind the path she walks. "Leyara turned around, facing a river of lights that flowed through the darkness. A few of the weaker wisps were lost to the cosmos, the destinies reclaimed by the wheel of Samsara." These seem to be other destinies that have fallen short of reaching their goal, which are probably also the motes surrounding Zac, trying to resonate with him to lock in that potential future. "'Always up to something,' Leyara smiled, using her last strength to nudge one of the lights." She finally makes her move, nudging Zac's (or someone related to him) destiny just a bit, to change the outcome. _____ "Zac glanced at the motes of destiny floating around him.... Each evolved light held a lifetime's worth of experience. Literally." "It wasn't the clarity of Ultom. It was like the motes were a complete soul, holding memories and emotions. Janos was the first to discover the phenomenon. A day later, it was impossible not to notice. It had become a constant struggle to stave off the faux souls' attempt to resonate with him, especially the memories that resonated with his path." Joanna has no interest in the motes. Her destiny is her Emperor's destiny. All else is meaningless. Ogras was busying himself with rifling through the different motes, trying to find whichever future keeps him next to his walking infinite money glitch. Catheya, on the other hand, seems to have a bad omen with her experience. "She felt a closeness to the unnamed stranger the mote represented, but there was ultimately an unbridgeable gap. There was something about its destiny that didn't align with Catheya's path, so she began pushing back." Remember when Iz mentions that she's "not sure she's fated," when referring to Catheya? Idk, I just feel like we keep seeing death flags for Catheya popping up all the time. _____ This last part is just a crazy ass theory, but what if Iz is Thea and Catheya's final form? Iz has the skill [Trinity Apocalypse] which splits her into three avatars: the Abyssal Butterfly (from Catheya), the Vermillion Bird (Iz), and the Golden Crow (Thea). Thea has been told that she's not a pure human and her ancestor wasn't from Earth. She has been called "little chick" and "little bird" on separate occasions and she has blonde hair so, Golden Crow? No need to argue over who is the "best girl" if three became one lol!
Lex Luther S
Yeah I think this is the first time her full name has been mentioned. Though it could be I've just forgotten as it may have been mentioned in the rare Iz chapters or maybe when the thousand flame gallery first appeared.
Malakal
May we not form Heart Demons as we wait for the First Defier to come forth from his seclusion.
Tyler S.
Every one else in Zecia: his contribution is to damn high *meme*
Tyler S.
Love the fact we have a first name for grandma Kolsara Tayn
SmokeJam
Wish we would've seen the merit board, but you can't have them all. Enjoy your 2 month vacation! Hope you treat yourself to sth nice
CringeWorthyStudios
I believe the answer is “fucking ridiculous.”
Lex Luther S
Hmmm. So it seems leyara is still holding on. And that's wonderful. She only wants to lay eyes on zac one more time before that damned flame of destiny washes away her personality but something tells me the son of chaos will tear that little flame apart, saving her from that forced Fate. As for the motes, it seems they really do hold some benefit. Now, zac is continuously growing stronger. By the time the trials opening event is over, he'll have reached new heights with his soul and body. Doubt that his body will be ready for a breakthrough, but with all that his current reincarnation of his soul has gone through, It's definitely slated for an upgrade. Especially since it's coming up woefully short for zacs needs as of late. My question is, how long will he have to take to finish his core? He said a week, but I think zac is seriously underestimating the treasures and gains he's about to get from his new Void Emperor Apotheosis. Especially because they're drenched in law. I'm locking in a day or two max as he's got some treasures to loot and a debt to pay to esmeralda. As for the supremacies literally gathering at the shores of the river of fate. I can only say that's insane. And here's old man rivers, huh?? The old man is literally a fisherman thats caught primordials🤣🤣. Hopefully, he won't notice zacs subverted debt to the river of time observing him. I also wonder how much they can all really see?? Can they see the trial takers, or is it just them watching the destinies of those in the trial and their interactions?? Damnit, man, so many questions and once again, so few answers. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the opening chapter on September 2nd, 2024 will be a banger with TFD having two months to cook it and what ultom actually is up.
Danny
dam 2 months sound sooo long ... atleast we didn t stop at the biggest event ever ... But a good worker deservs rest i think i start by book 1 again ^^
Michael Fannon
Wait a minute here. A bunch of old supreme existence watching the trail? Are we going to get a god commentary primal hunter style!? Please, oh please, tell me we are getting god commentary.
Andrew
Thank you!
Frederik
is ur therapist any good if so please share his contact because I will very much need a good one
Bryce H.
Chapter 1,176.
Hartmann
Kolsara has to do good deeds to whittle away her massive fell karma from burning a universe out of existence. It is like Lova's situation.
Darnell Maxwell
It was right after Zac launched the Centurion Beacon and the timer went down for the trial. Can't remember the exact chapter though.
Craig
Oh man, it’s going to be two months before we found out his final contribution to the war, huh?
Blake N.
What chapter was the leyara and flame guard thing mentioned in? I don’t remember that very well
John Smith
Forgive the profanity but the Sangha really are cunts.
Yuh292
That’s Iz’s grandma who has been hiding from the system for incinerating a universe. So she has been acting good by not acting out, making the system find her.
Jake
What a finish !
Andrew Phillips
Great chapter for a break. You have "I've been good for too long, and I'm itching for a fight." Did you mean gone for too long?
Enthoney
Zac froze himself to regen. Cat experienced a soul’s life, is apprehensive about Joanna. Leyara is still alive and sent something Zac’s way. BF went to the river of time, many Supremacies are also there to watch Ultom.
Yuh292
- Zac frozen until he wakes up in Ultom, then with a good amount of energy he will finish his core inside the trial. - Catheya is worried about Zac but she and Ogras still dive into the Pre-Ultom illusions mentioned last chapter. (Edit: Joanna built different and doesn’t care about them). Catheya wakes up right before the trial starts while Zac is still doing ok while frozen. - Leyara is still in there somewhere, not completely taken over by the Flameguard persona. She does something to help Zac? - Blessed Fate and the other super old existences hang out and watch the river of destiny from the outside and see what Ultom does to it.
Scion
Wut
M💬
I will be seeing my therapist for the next two months…. Living without chapters is giving me some crazy withdrawals… but have a wonderful summer
William Keith
Can’t wait for September! Thanks for the awesome story!
MistuhBogan
And now, we wait. On a side note, did the fight between Zac and Kator change in the book compared to the chapters?
morgan
Damn what a good way to set up the break!
Buck
Enjoy your break. Going to suck having no new chapters for two months but needs must. Can’t have the author suffering burnout. The next arc should be a doozy!!
Myrtland
First!
RadiantSpren
Damn, i was hoping to see Zacs powerup. Still, great chapter, has me excited for September. Now, to distract myself for 2 months....
Bryce H.
Thanks so much for your work, TFD! See you in September!!
MrrC
Can someone help me understand what just happened....explain it to me like I'm 5. I thought I was following this well....but this chapter has me seriously lost
MrrC
Huh?
Krispy sock
September can come fast enough! Thanks for the greatest arc yet and can’t wait for what’s to come! Enjoy your summer!!
