The night sky stretched endlessly above him.
Cold air rushed past as Wang Luan stood balanced on his Celestial Sword, his robes fluttering slightly in the wind while the world below blurred into darkness. The forest he had left behind shrank into nothing more than a shadow, swallowed by distance as he moved forward at a steady, controlled pace.
Stars filled the sky.
For a moment, everything felt… normal.
Too normal.
"…Yeah," he muttered, glancing ahead. "That's suspicious."
He had just been dragged into some cosmic ocean, talked to three beings that treated reality like a side project, and then thrown back into the world as if nothing had happened.
That alone was enough reason not to trust the current silence.
He shifted his stance slightly, adjusting his balance on the sword.
"…At least this part is fun."
The sword dipped slightly, then steadied again.
A small grin appeared on his face.
"Worth it."
[The Host seems to be in a good mood. Shall I give you some good news?]
"Mm? What good news?"
[The Host has been provided with a Gift Package by the Primordial Gods as compensation.]
[Would you like to open the Package?]
"Yes, open it."
[Opening Gift Package...]
[Gift Package Opened!]
[Contents:
1. Origin Sovereign Technique
2. Random Cosmic Martial Spirit Pack x2
3. Spirit Ring Ageing Pack]
"Give me more info about them."
[Yes Host!]
[Origin Sovereign Technique: Allows the Host to tap into the essence of the Primordial Ocean of Origin. The technique has 4 Tiers. Each Tier will grant the Host increasing levels of power boost.
Tier 1: All attributes will be enhanced by 300%. Enhanced physique. The Mind will become 10 times faster.
Side Effects: Minor fatigue after exiting the state. Ignorable after going beyond Level 95.
Tier 2: All attributes will be enhanced by 800%. Spirit power will undergo qualitative enhancement.
Side Effects: Anything between severe fatigue and short-term unconsciousness—ignorable after level 98.
Tier 3: All attributes will be enhanced by 2000%. Cosmic State will be activated, which includes temporary Immortality and Invulnerability to any attack below First Class God Level.
Side Effects: Anything between will enter a coma stage after exiting the state—ignorable after level 100.
Tier 4: Cannot be activated before reaching the God King Realm. The Host will enter into an Omnipotent State.
Side Effects: None- but forced activation before the minimum threshold will cause death.
Warning: Premature use of higher tiers may cause anything between a mild concussion to long-term coma or even death.]
[Random Cosmic Martial Spirit Pack x2: Allows the Host to draw 2 random Cosmic-level martial spirits.]
[Spirit Ring Ageing Pack: All spirit rings will be enhanced by ten thousand years.]
"Wow! The spirit ring ageing pack looks good. System, use the Spirit Ring Ageing Pack."
[Using the Spirit Ring Ageing Pack...]
[Increasing Age of Spirit Rings...]
[All Spirit Rings Aged by ten thousand years!]
Suddenly, nine spirit rings appeared around Wang. They slowly began to change colour. The first 2 yellow rings darkened to purple, then to black. The next 2 purple rings also darkened to black. The 4 black rings around him darkened, turning into a deeper shade of black. His ninth red spirit ring also darkened slightly.
Wang felt a surge of spirit power coursing through his body. His spirit power, which was at level 91, suddenly erupted, advancing at a fast rate to level 92. His entire body shook at the moment of breakthrough, as his level finally leapt.
Wang's eyes gleamed with joy as he felt his own body.
"HAHAHAHA! Breaking through to Titled Douluo and advancing to level 92 in the same day. I bet no one has ever done that!"
[The System would recommend using the Random Cosmic Martial Spirit Pack.]
"Yes, System. Wait, it feels weird calling you 'System' every time. Can I give you another name?"
[The Host has the freedom to name the System...]
"Well then, I will call you... Mmm... Mmm... Helios!"
[New Name Received!]
[New Name: Helios]
"Helios, open both of the Random Cosmic Martial Spirit Pack!"
[Yes Host!]
[Opening Random Cosmic Martial Spirit Pack No.1...]
[Opening Random Cosmic Martial Spirit Pack No.2...]
[Congratulations Host for Obtaing Cosmic Martial Spirits:
1. Nirvana Lotus: Plant type Martial Spirit
2. Eternal Monarch Body: Body type Martial Spirit]
He blinked. Then blinked again. The wind howled past him as his sword continued slicing through the night sky, but for a brief moment, his mind went completely still.
"…Huh."
He stared at the system panels floating in front of him, eyes narrowing slightly as he reread the names.
"Nirvana Lotus… and Eternal Monarch Body."
He tilted his head a little.
"…That sounds expensive."
[The System confirms that both Martial Spirits are of the highest Cosmic classification.]
"Yeah, I figured," he replied casually. "Things with names like that don't usually come cheap."
The panels flickered slightly.
[Would the Host like to integrate the Martial Spirits?]
Wang Luan didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he crossed his arms while still standing on the sword, maintaining balance effortlessly despite the speed.
"…Integration means they become permanent, right?"
[Affirmative.]
"…No take-backs?"
[Negative.]
He sighed.
"…Of course."
A short pause.
Then he shrugged.
"Alright, let's do it. Integrate both."
[Command Received.]
[Integrating: Nirvana Lotus…]
[Integrating: Eternal Monarch Body…]
It didn't explode. It didn't erupt.
It didn't shake the heavens or split the sky.
It was quiet. Terrifyingly quiet.
The first change came from within. A faint warmth bloomed deep inside his chest, spreading outward slowly, like a gentle ripple across still water. It wasn't overwhelming, nor was it forceful.
It was… calming. Like the melody of the moonlight over the forest stream.
[Nirvana Lotus Integration: In Progress…]
Wang Luan's eyes softened slightly.
It was the same feeling he always felt, when he was near... her.The same feeling he would feel inside, when his palms carressed her cheeks.
It's been over a six months... I wonder how she's doing without me...
"…This one's the Lotus, I'm guessing."
The warmth settled, not disappearing, but stabilizing into something constant.
Like a presence. Like something watching over him.
[Nirvana Lotus Integration: Completed!]
Then—
The second change began.
His body stiffened mid-air. The sword beneath his feet wavered for the first time since he had taken flight.
"…Okay," he muttered, "this one feels less friendly."
A pressure began to build. Not outside. But inside.
His muscles tightened involuntarily, his bones creaking faintly as if something was reinforcing them from within. His blood seemed to slow for a split second, then it accelerated. Faster. Stronger. More controlled.
His breathing stopped. Not because he couldn't breathe, but because he didn't need to.
[Eternal Monarch Body Integration: In Progress…]
Wang Luan's pupils contracted slightly.
"…That's new."
His heartbeat changed.
Each pulse felt heavier, more deliberate, as if it carried weight far beyond mere blood circulation. Every fiber of his being began aligning itself, correcting imperfections he had never even noticed before.
Tiny inefficiencies, erased.
Unnecessary strain, removed.
Wang Luan slowly clenched his fist. The air around it seemed to tighten. Not visibly. But subtly.
Like something invisible had acknowledged the motion.
"…Huh."
[Eternal Monarch Body Integration: Complete!]
The sword continued streaking across the night sky like a comet. The wind returned. The sword stabilized. The night sky remained unchanged.
But Wang Luan, was not.
He exhaled slowly.
I have been gone for so long... How will I explain it to her? I will definitely have to sleep on the couch for a few days.
Then a light smile formed on his lips.
[The Host seems to be lost in thought. Shall I give you details of your new martial spirits?]
Wang Luan blinked, the faint smile still lingering as the wind brushed past his face.
"…Yeah," he said after a moment. "Might as well. I should at least know what I just shoved into my soul."
[Affirmative.]
[Displaying Information: Nirvana Lotus]
A translucent cyan panel unfolded before him, its surface shimmering softly against the backdrop of the night sky.
[Nirvana Lotus — Plant-Type Martial Spirit
A supreme regenerative martial spirit of Cosmic classification. Born from the concept of rebirth and continuity, it grants the Host exceptional recovery and life-preserving capabilities. The martial spirit also possesses the power of Devouring.
Primary Effects:
Rapid regeneration of physical and internal injuries. Stabilization of soul fluctuations and spiritual backlash. Enhanced resistance to fatal damage
Innate Domain: Nirvana Realm
Gradually restores vitality over time for allies while devouring the vitality of opponents. Enhances healing and auxilliary abilities by 3 times. Covers a range of 100 metres.
Passive Ability — Undying Body:
Extremely fast regenerative capabilities. Any injury, including hidden injuries will be effectively neutralised.
Growth Potential:
Additional abilities unlock with adding Soul Rings.]
Wang Luan read through it once.
Then again.
"…So basically," he muttered, scratching his cheek lightly, "as long as I don't instantly die, I'm probably not dying."
[The System confirms the Host's understanding is accurate.]
"…That's comforting."
He rolled his shoulders slightly, feeling that gentle warmth still settled deep within him. It wasn't intrusive. It didn't demand attention.
It just… existed. Quietly.
Like a safety net he didn't have to think about.
"Alright," he said. "Next one."
[Displaying Information: Eternal Monarch Body]
This time, the panel that appeared felt… heavier.
Not physically.
But in presence.
[ Eternal Monarch Body — Body-Type Martial Spirit
A supreme physique of Cosmic classification. Represents absolute authority over one's own body and existence, refining the Host into a flawless vessel capable of bearing higher-order power.
Primary Effects:
Massive enhancement of physical strength, durability, and control. Elimination of inefficiencies in movement and energy usage. Continuous optimization of bodily functions.
Innate Domain: Monarch's Authority
Exerts natural suppression on weaker entities. Induces hesitation, pressure, and instinctive fear in opponents, while also increasing the efficiency of allies.
Passive Ability — Perfected Vessel:
Improves compatibility with high-tier techniques. Reduces backlash from excessive power output.
Growth Potential:
Additional abilities unlock with adding Soul Rings. ]
Wang Luan stared at it in silence.
"…Okay," he said slowly. "That one sounds a lot less friendly."
[The System detects no hostility from the Martial Spirit.]
"Yeah, that's not what I meant."
He flexed his fingers again, watching how smoothly they responded. No stiffness. It felt like his body had been… recalibrated. Fine-tuned. As if someone had taken a flawed machine and quietly fixed every imperfection without asking.
"…So one keeps me alive," he murmured.
He clenched his fist slightly.
"…and the other makes sure I don't get wrecked in the first place."
[Correct.]
A short silence followed.
Then—
"…Helios."
[Yes, Host.]
"…If I stack this with the Origin Sovereign Technique…"
The panel flickered slightly, as if anticipating the question.
[Compatibility: Extremely High.]
[Warning: Increased strain at higher tiers remains applicable.]
Wang Luan nodded slowly.
"…Of course it does."
A small pause. Then a grin crept onto his face again.
"…Alright."
He leaned forward slightly on the sword. The wind shifted instantly.
"Let's test this properly."
His posture changed. Not dramatically. But subtly.
"Eternal Monarch Body…"
A faint pressure spread outward—not explosive, not violent. Faint glowing runes ad patterns began to cover his body from top to bottom. The air around him grew heavier. His eyes suddenly became sharper, as his aura shifted from a lazy cultivator's to a noble monarch's.
The rushing wind seemed to hesitate for a fraction of a second before continuing past him.
Far below, the forest stirred. Leaves rustled.
Small spirit beasts froze instinctively, their bodies tensing as an unexplainable pressure passed over them.
Wang Luan raised his hand slowly. Then clenched it. The motion was perfect. No wasted movement. No excess force.
"…That's smooth," he muttered.
He shifted again.
"Origin Sovereign Technique…"
A brief pause.
"…First State."
The world changed. Not outwardly. But inwardly. His mind accelerated instantly. Thoughts became clearer, sharper, faster.
The movement of the wind, the flow of air, even the subtle vibrations around him—everything became readable.
"…Okay."
His eyes gleamed faintly.
"…That's really nice."
The two states overlapped. Not clashing. But aligning.
His body remained stable. His control remained absolute.
Even the slight strain he expected barely registered.
"…So this is what synergy feels like."
He leaned forward.
And in the next instant—
He shot forward.
The sword beneath him responded like an extension of his own will, cutting through the sky at a speed far beyond before. A faint streak followed his path, like a ripple through the night itself.
Below, a group of thousand-year spirit beasts reacted instantly. They scattered. Not because they saw him. But because something in their instincts screamed:
Danger.
High above, Wang Luan slowed gradually.
The First State faded. The pressure receded.
The world returned to normal.
He exhaled lightly.
"…Minimal fatigue."
He nodded once.
"…Good."
The stars stretched endlessly before him. The night remained quiet.
But this time—
He didn't doubt it.
"…Alright," he said softly.
"Let's head back."
A faint smile returned to his face.
Not lazy.
Not careless.
But… certain.
And like a silent comet—
Wang Luan disappeared into the horizon.