7000 Years In

~~7000 Years In~~

Lei Jin held true to his word. He made rounds to every distinct part of the Army. Each time he made his rounds there was substantial and obvious improvement. The ranks had swelled with new blood and Lei Jin made new training facilities for everyone to keep up with the demand. So it didn't take long for anyone to reach the 6th rank open heaven realm. And then go further beyond it. 

The Army's standing members had made leaps and bounds in their own understanding of the Dao. What had been rare in the past was now seen as a milestone towards the peak. 7th ranks would regularly achieve the 7th level of their main Dao and no less than the 6th level of their weapon Dao before they broke through to the 8th rank open heaven. Which led to them being more confident in their strength. Which was fair since by all accounts, they now possessed more fighting potential as a new 8th rank, than previous peak 8th ranks. 

As for the Ancient Divine Spirits… The growth they experienced was simply astonishing. What had been common before was a long period of growth. It was fair to say that a newborn Ancient Divine Spirit of any clan would have had about 1000 years before they could even speak on their own. However, now there was a home tailored to each of their clan's needs. It was common for it to take 100 years for the newly born of the clans to achieve the same feat. Which would commonly be associated with the bare minimum the pinnacle strength of a great emperor. And could be as strong as a 1st rank open heaven. 

As for the 9th rank Open Heavens of the human race… Their progress was clear and noticeable. Most of the first several that broke through had reached the pinnacle of that rank. Which a few from the second group were also keeping up. Still nobody had reached the 10th rank. Though Yang Kai was definitely the closest one by far. 

"It seems even with my help it was too much to expect them to break through to a new previously unknown limit." Lei Jin thought, feeling like he wronged Yang kai by giving such an arbitrary time limit. "I should check on the Ancient Divine Spirits progress to the next level beyond the Divine realm." He thought. 

"Brother Lei Jin, Give us another few hundred years. There seems to be other things that popped up during this time. And I have a solid idea of the path to follow." Yang Kai whispered, trying to cheer Lei Jin up. "This new realm is going to be some kind of fundamental change." Yang Kai thought. 

"Good, don't feel pressured to produce results. If you can't pull it off, that is fine too. I have ways to make up for the lack of strength should it come to that. But remember, once that 10,000 year time limit is up… Well, I hope you'll kill the enemy with or without the 10th rank open heaven realm." Lei Jin whispered in reply, before leaving again. 

~~Ancient Divine Spirits World~~

"Husband, I have finally awakened my slumbering source. And we were right. It is the source of the first light." Ruo Xi said, jumping onto Lei Jin. And then giving him a passionate kiss. "It really is the first source. I haven't been able to fully recover its strength but I am going around to learn all of the clan's various methods. Each time I learn something new, a part of my source seems to be repaired." She added. 

"I felt there was a positive change and I am glad that you have grown stronger. But make sure you don't over do it. I'd rather you be alive and well than to fall in the pursuit of power. I can't be around to directly intervene for now." Lei Jin said, giving a few kisses back. "I am currently working on finishing my third World Array. Once it has been completed… I have the feeling the others will go quicker still." He added.

"Those poor Disciples. They must be working hard. It's a good thing you blessed them with immortality while inside your Inner Domain. Or they would have worked themselves for nothing." Ruo Xi jabbed. "By the way how many generations of Disciples are there now?" She asked. 

"The 3rd Generation Disciples have started their search for disciples and have also started having children. It seems like the tradition of each generation marrying has been passed down as well. It's quite nice to see all the little ones growing up. Makes me yearn for this war to be over so I can see our own children grow just the same." Lei Jin said. 

"Don't worry Son-in-law. After sensing the power in Ruo Xi's Source, us at the Divine level have been given some more insight. I again don't know what to call it. But I can say this for certain. The Lady First Lady was an entity of the level beyond it. Similar to your Limitless Heaven Realm." Yue Zhuo said, appearing with the seven Incarnations on her back. 

"I see, then I'll leave it to you. Don't push yourselves too hard. Death should be for the enemy, not us." Lei Jin said, with a calm smile. 

"Husband, you should go and finish the third World Array first. Judging by the benefits the last two gave you. It will likely play an integral role in how fast you can get the next one." Ruo Xi said, trying to get Lei Jin to leave. 

"Fine, I'll leave you to it. I won't be of any help to your cultivation anyways. But, I will come back to check in on you. And who knows, maybe next time… Well, maybe." Lei Jin said, then left. Continuing his routine of cultivating and checking the Army's situation. 

The army was growing stronger steadily. Every passing year there were more and more people thinking the same thing; "What exactly is it we are going to fight?" and for the women, "I wonder if I can gain such an honor to be one of the sisters?".