Chapter 0359: The Sea of Chaos

Within the first stage of the Sea Transformation Realm, forming an illusory Sea Transformation Pool marked the Seventh Layer of the Divine Sea Realm, allowing one to begin refining true qi. By condensing all the runes of one's cultivation technique into the pool, evolving it into a semi-substantial form, one reached the Eighth Layer, creating a complete Sea Transformation Pool that dramatically enhanced true qi refinement.

However, the Ninth Layer was the most critical step.

Because to truly transform the Sea Transformation Pool into a substantial form, one had to condense a source.

What is a source? It is the origin of one's cultivation technique and one's innate constitution.

Once completed, the Sea Transformation Pool would subtly alter both one's body and innate attributes.

For example, someone cultivating a fire-based technique and possessing a fire-element constitution would need to condense a fire-based source at the Eighth Layer. This could be achieved by traveling to a special location rich in elemental essence—such as a Land of Fire Fiends, absorbing fiendish fire qi, and merging it into the Sea Transformation Pool. The pool would then transform, evolve into a fire-elemental form, and produce true qi imbued with the aura and Dao resonance of fire.

In essence, once the Sea Transformation Pool underwent this transformation, the cultivator's future cultivation path was effectively set. It became the foundation of their Dao. Changing it later would be incredibly difficult.

During this process, one could also choose to integrate water, metal, or other elemental sources into the pool. This step was the true foundation-setting.

Integrating a source into the Sea Transformation Pool was not inherently difficult. Many top-tier natural treasures could instill such a source, essentially helping the cultivator establish their Dao foundation. What you feed into the pool determines what it becomes.

You could seek a fiendish elemental land, or absorb various elemental qi from the world to refine and transform your pool—using fire-elemental crystals, ice-elemental crystals, or rare treasures. All could impart a source and complete the transformation.

While the process is not difficult, the quality of the material used to instill the source determines the strength of the foundation. Using ordinary elemental qi results in a mundane source, but using high-grade treasures leads to a much more powerful foundation. The benefits in later cultivation would be immense.

There is also a pill that aids this process—the Foundation Pill. It helps cultivate a suitable source for the cultivator and ensures the transformation proceeds smoothly.

This realm is thus called Sea Transformation.

Once the Sea Transformation Pool completes its evolution and integrates a source, the Divine Sea becomes like an endless ocean. For instance, if fire is used for refinement, the Divine Sea transforms into a sea of flames—not literal flames, but infused with fire Dao resonance. Though much of it remains illusory, the real part—the original Divine Sea—forms the core, and the illusory expansion lays the foundation for future growth.

This is the Dao Foundation.This is Foundation Establishment.

"He actually used the chaotic energy within the Primal Chaos Heavenly Emperor Tower to perform Foundation Establishment, birthing a source. The Dao foundation I've built... is the Sea of Chaos."

Yi Tianxing was inwardly stunned.

The Sea of Chaos, with a chaotic source—chaos being the mother of all things—meant his constitution could accommodate any element or cultivation technique without restriction. But the resources needed for cultivating with a chaotic source would also be far greater than for others.

This was a trade-off.

Droplets of chaotic liquid continuously fell into his Divine Sea, tireless and inexhaustible.

Soon, a crystal-clear liquid layer surfaced in the Divine Sea.

"Ninth Layer of the Divine Sea Realm—Foundation Establishment complete. True qi transforms into true essence. I now possess power on par with the Life Aperture Realm. True essence is the hallmark of Divine Sea Perfection. The Life Aperture Realm is about opening apertures and reflecting them in the Divine Sea's void. For cultivators who already opened apertures in the Divine Sea Realm, Foundation Establishment at the Ninth Layer means they've essentially already reached the Life Aperture Realm. Advancing is merely a matter of reflection—it's just a single thought away."

The Life Aperture Realm was difficult to define.

A Life Aperture births divine abilities, but it didn't matter how many apertures one opened. One could even cultivate a single aperture, refining it to the extreme, and still wield earth-shattering power.

What truly made the Life Aperture Realm powerful was that the inner energy had transformed into true essence. Using true essence to activate apertures vastly amplified their might compared to using true qi.

Of course, combat strength depended on many variables—it was never easy to determine. A strong Divine Sea cultivator could kill a weaker Life Aperture one. The reverse was also possible.

True cultivation stages were defined by lifespan and longevity.

"The Sea of Chaos… this sensation is truly strange. It feels like my connection to the world has become incredibly clear. My pull on heaven and earth energy is stronger. I can now absorb and refine any type of energy. It's a wondrous feeling."

Yi Tianxing took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes, a profound light flashing within them. Advancing from the Seventh to the Ninth Layer in one leap brought such an immense transformation that his whole being felt euphoric.

Incredibly powerful!

Glancing at the Primal Chaos Heavenly Emperor Tower still suppressed in his Divine Sea, then at the now fully evolved Chaotic Dragon Pool, he shook his head and stopped pondering it. After all, the emergence of the Sea of Chaos was only beneficial to him.

Now that the Divine Sea had transformed, the next step was to accumulate true essence, filling and expanding the Divine Sea. The longer this accumulation lasted, the more powerful the true essence would become, and the greater the potential for explosive strength.

At this stage, he had entered a phase of accumulation.

He had essentially reached Divine Sea Perfection. From here, it was simply a matter of stepping into the next realm.

True essence could be cultivated at any time—it only got stronger.

"Ninth Layer of the Divine Sea Realm—time to open the Spirit Sea Aperture and condense spiritual power. I never expected that a single drop of Spirit Transformation Liquid would cause such a vast transformation. The wonders of fate are beyond comprehension."

Though the process was unexpected and beyond his full control, the results were clearly in his favor.

He had opened another aperture, further boosting his strength.

"The Black Armor Aperture, Dantian Aperture, Innate Yin-Yang Aperture, Food Cauldron Aperture, and now the Spirit Sea Aperture—I've unknowingly opened five apertures."

For one who had opened multiple apertures, stepping into the Life Aperture Realm was practically effortless.

Ding dong!

A clear, melodious sound echoed from outside the room, drifting through the courtyard.

The zither music was ethereal, refreshing the heart and mind, naturally calming the soul with its serenity.

Outside… dawn had broken.

Pushing open the door, Yi Tianxing stepped out of the meditation room and inhaled the rich scent of nature in the air. His lungs felt cool and refreshed—exceedingly comfortable.

"This Eternal Continent, formed from the fusion of countless worlds, may have destroyed the modern civilization of the 21st century… but it also restored nature. One loss, one gain—isn't that the cycle of all things? Compared to the past, I actually prefer this world. Even if it's an age of chaos, it holds a unique allure."

Yi Tianxing murmured, deeply moved.

In the past, the air reeked of car exhaust. Compared to now, that was like living in a garbage dump.

Now, he felt he truly belonged to this world of chaos.

Starting from scratch, everyone had a chance. Anyone could rise.

Even a beggar could become an emperor.

He walked quietly into the backyard.

In the courtyard, flowers were already in bloom, exuding a rich, natural fragrance that wafted through the air.

In the pavilion, a beautiful figure sat playing the zither.

Her slender fingers plucked the strings, releasing melodies as elegant as flowing water. Though devoid of true qi, the sheer emotional resonance could immerse any listener, offering a glimpse into a different state of mind.

Yi Tianxing quietly entered the pavilion and stood behind the graceful figure, closing his eyes to listen.

In the music, he felt longing for family, nostalgia for home, and a faint, sorrowful yearning.

She was missing her loved ones, her home.

Yi Tianxing felt it too.

"I wonder how my parents are doing. Are they safe? Are they even alive?"

"And Ziyan… how is she faring at the Immortal Sect? What level has her cultivation reached? Is anyone bullying her?"

Scenes flashed through his mind—faces of loved ones resurfacing.

This music evoked a deep yearning for family.

At some point, the music slowly ceased.

Yi Tianxing stepped forward and embraced the woman in front of him.

Her body initially stiffened, then softened.

"Brother Yi…"

Cai Yan whispered softly.

"Zhaoji… I can't give you a wedding or a stable life right now. But will you still… become my wife?"

Yi Tianxing held her close and spoke gently.

He didn't know why, but at this moment, he just wanted to hold her.

In this chaotic world, being with family was rare—precious beyond words.

In such times, all one could rely on were new families, friends, and the bonds they forged.

Cai Yan missed her family. He couldn't find them, couldn't return her to her homeland.

But he could give her a home.A new home.A home that belonged to them both.