Chapter 473-477 (Patreon)

473. Escort Mission

Lin Fei murmured to himself about the need for contribution points, which were essential not only for acquiring the second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra but also for his preparations to cross the Thunder Tribulation.

To understand the power of the Thunder Tribulation, experiencing it firsthand was crucial, and the dream world provided the perfect environment for such simulations.

Here, Martial Gods who had personally experienced the Thunder Tribulation could recreate it almost exactly, offering Lin Fei a chance to gauge his readiness for the ordeal.

Such preparatory simulations were common practice among the Martial Gods of the Great Dream Sect. However, hiring a Martial God who had undergone the Thunder Tribulation, even just for a simulation, would cost at least a hundred contribution points. Without these points, one's options in Great Dream City were severely limited.

Determined to earn contribution points, Lin Fei decided to head to the Task Hall, where members of the Great Dream Sect exchanged and issued personal tasks.

While the Great Dream Ancestor rarely posted tasks, members often sought assistance for various missions, many of which involved conquering minor worlds. These tasks were high in rewards but fraught with danger, as conflicts with powerful beings were common in such worlds.

Knowing his current lack of understanding of the overall strength of other Martial Gods and Deity Transformation experts in the Divine Realm, Lin Fei wisely chose not to engage in such risky endeavors. Then, a particular task caught his eye:

"Employment of a Martial God who has not yet crossed the Thunder Tribulation. Task: To protect the employer on a journey to Black Moon City, duration of one month. Reward: One thousand contribution points!"

This task immediately stood out to Lin Fei, offering a substantial reward that would cover his immediate need for contribution points. It seemed like an opportunity not to be missed.

Lin Fei's eyes brightened at the thought of earning a thousand contribution points, a substantial amount that was neither too high nor too low for a task like this. The mission was to journey to Black Moon City, a place known for its chaos but not particularly dangerous for a Martial God.

For many Martial Gods, such places posed little risk. A trip to Black Moon City for a month could earn Lin Fei the points he needed to experience the power of the first and possibly the second Thunder Tribulation, helping him decide whether to continue strengthening his abilities or to undergo the tribulation.

"I'll take this task," Lin Fei decided, approaching the attendant at the Task Hall to claim the mission. The process was smooth; Lin Fei had not yet crossed the Thunder Tribulation, an undeniable fact.

However, he was curious about why the task specifically required a Martial God who had not undergone the Thunder Tribulation. Even a Martial God who had could be hired for a thousand contribution points, which seemed odd. Nonetheless, the employer must have had their reasons.

After receiving the task, Lin Fei got the location from the employer and left Great Dream City. He headed to the specified spot in the Ancient City, an ordinary street corner with no one around. Waiting quietly, about an hour later, a woman in a black robe approached him.

"Martial God Lin Fei?"

"Employer?"

"I am not the employer; I am the person you are tasked to protect," the woman in the black robe clarified.

Lin Fei was surprised to find that she was a Martial King, a rank not particularly noteworthy in the Ancient Covenant, but it was unusual in Great Dream City, where most were Martial Gods. The fact that she denied being the employer, yet there was no other Martial God around to hire someone for the protection of a mere Martial King, made Lin Fei suspect that she was, indeed, the employer, being cautious and careful to conceal her identity.

Lin Fei quickly surmised that the woman in the black robe was likely one of those legendary "lucky ones" rumored about in Great Dream City. She had managed to obtain the Great Dream Heart Sutra despite her low realm and had successfully cultivated it to gain access to the city.

Using the resources and information available in Great Dream City, she had risen rapidly. Once perhaps just a mortal or martial saint, she had now found herself among Martial Gods and even True Monarchs, leveraging even the slightest resources to her great advantage.

"From now on, I'll call you Uncle Lin," the woman said. "You can refer to me as 'Young Master'. Aside from necessary communication, try not to speak. The task is to accompany me to and from Black Moon City within a month. Once that's done, you'll have completed the task."

Lin Fei found her conditions intriguing but simple enough for a hiring mission. Yet, he was cautious, "If you're pursued and I have to intervene, the cost is a hundred contribution points for opponents below Martial God level and a thousand for those above."

"Regardless, you must ensure my safety," she insisted.

Lin Fei understood her fears. Black Moon City was chaotic, and a Martial King like her was vulnerable to danger. However, accompanied by a Martial God, her safety was considerably more assured. Her specific request for a Martial God who hadn't crossed the Thunder Tribulation might indicate she wanted someone strong but not overwhelmingly so, in case they harbored ill intentions.

"Agreed, I'll do it," Lin Fei responded, and the woman nodded in satisfaction, declaring an immediate departure for Black Moon City.

Lin Fei quickly adapted to his new "role". He was curious about the woman's intentions in hiring him and the nature of her mission, especially considering her pretense and the effort to hide her identity. She seemed affluent, possibly possessing magical treasures, and was familiar with the Divine Realm, unlike Lin Fei, who was venturing outside the Ancient Covenant for the first time.

The journey was quiet, with little conversation between them. As they neared Black Moon City, the sky darkened under the shadow of the Black Moon, a sign of entering the domain of the Supreme Black Moon.

"We are now within the domain of the Supreme Black Moon," she explained. "Wherever the Black Moon hangs in the sky, that's his territory. Black Moon City isn't far now."

True to her words, Lin Fei soon saw the massive city bustling with people, many of whom cast wary and sharp glances at them, sensing the presence of outsiders.

474. Roadblock! A Flat Rate of Ten Thousand Contribution Points!

Lin Fei, with an impassive demeanor, entered the Black Moon City alongside the woman. In the city's myriad shops, the woman began to discreetly sell various items. While each transaction was modest in scale, the cumulative total across Black Moon City was remarkably substantial. All this unfolded under Lin Fei's watchful gaze.

In each shop, Lin Fei subtly, almost imperceptibly, addressed the woman as "Young Master," a deliberate ploy to mislead the shopkeepers into overestimating her status. It was all an elaborate façade, employing Lin Fei as a mere decoy to intimidate those harboring malicious intentions.

"So that's it..." Lin Fei mused, admiring the woman's meticulous caution. Her possession of coveted treasures was evident, necessitating a gradual and discreet disposal of these goods to avoid unwanted attention.

Despite not having passed the Thunder Tribulation, Lin Fei was confident enough in her presence, daring to witness the entire process. The realization dawned on him: this woman was undoubtedly a fortunate cultivator of the Great Dream Heart Sutra. Utilizing just the first layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra, she navigated among numerous Martial Gods, reaping immense benefits and amassing a fortune over time, significant enough to afford the services of Martial Gods like Lin Fei.

However, caution aside, Lin Fei and the woman eventually attracted attention. Black Moon City, a place where one could freely trade anything without questioning its origins, was also a breeding ground for danger, teeming with a mix of characters. Their method of selling small quantities in each shop, though prudent, would not conceal their secrets if they were under scrutiny from the start.

After about ten days in Black Moon City, having sold almost everything, the woman suggested they return.

"Let's go back," she said. "Once we reach the Ancient City, your task will be complete."

She seemed quite pleased with Lin Fei. The trip had been successful: not only had she sold many items, but she also acquired numerous satisfying goods. Lin Fei's conduct throughout had particularly impressed her.

Returning to the Ancient City would allow her to dedicate considerable time to cultivation, potentially reaching the pinnacle of Martial King.

A rare smile graced her face, while Lin Fei remained stoic, nodding silently without a word, letting the woman make the arrangements. After all, his earnings were a mere thousand contribution points. Their mutual desire to avoid complications hastened their departure from Black Moon City.

But scarcely had they flown out of Black Moon City, not far from its limits, when Lin Fei abruptly halted. Standing with his hands clasped behind him, he gazed into the void.

The woman, somewhat hesitant, asked, "Why have we stopped?"

Lin Fei, in a serene tone, responded, "Come out now. You've been waiting for quite a while, haven't you?"

"Ah?" A voice echoed in surprise. "He actually detected us?"

"Impressive, indeed, he's quite skilled."

"We were so careful, yet we couldn't lure them into our lethal formation."

At that moment, two figures materialized from the void, as if appearing out of thin air, their previous whereabouts unknown.

The woman's face darkened as she quickly grasped the situation. She realized they must have been targeted since their time in Black Moon City.

"What do you want?" she asked, foregoing any idle chatter. If she could dispel these Deity Transformation experts with a portion of her belongings, she would not be stingy.

After all, material possessions were external to oneself. Temporarily yielding was her way of survival; otherwise, she would have perished countless times already.

"Reasonable," the two Deity Transformation experts nodded in approval. "Unfortunately, you have too many valuable items on you, and we want them all!"

The woman, with a solemn voice, inquired, "So, there's no room for negotiation?"

"What if there isn't?" they retorted. "A Martial God and a Martial King, and the Martial God hasn't even passed the Thunder Tribulation. You kept calling each other 'Young Master'. The act was convincing, but alas, we care not for any 'Young Master' powers. Real or fake, it's irrelevant."

"Our goal is to seize the treasures and leave. Do you think you could summon a True Monarch or even a Supreme to hunt us down?" they scoffed. "If you had such connections, you wouldn't need to sell treasures in Black Moon City."

The two Deity Transformation experts had the woman and Lin Fei firmly in their grasp, convinced that neither was a significant figure. After all, why else would they resort to selling treasures in Black Moon City?

Observing the woman's seasoned methods, it was clear this wasn't her first time conducting such transactions, hardly the behavior of a high-ranking individual.

In a moment of resolve, the woman turned to Lin Fei and proposed, "You hold off one for a thousand contribution points." Lin Fei, somewhat surprised, asked, "Can you handle the other Deity Transformation cultivator?" He was aware of her potential hidden strengths, but the prowess of the two Deity Transformation cultivators was not to be underestimated.

"I'll have to try," the woman said with a determined look, her eyes betraying a hint of hesitation, though she had no other choice.

Lin Fei shook his head and calmly offered, "I have a plan to deal with both for two thousand contribution points. How does that sound?"

The Deity Transformation cultivators, overhearing Lin Fei and the woman's conversation, scoffed with a darkened expression, "You're facing death and still think you can negotiate?"

"Do you think we only have a single Deity Transformation form?" they taunted. "We've invested heavily to deal with you!"

With a wave of their hands, multiple incarnations burst forth from their bodies - one, two, three, four, five... Each person manifested four incarnations, or perhaps they themselves were an incarnation, amounting to five each.

Together, they formed a formidable assembly of ten incarnations, each exuding the aura of a Deity Transformation. This was the true terror of Deity Transformation experts: with enough resources, they could cultivate numerous incarnations, hundreds or even thousands, forming a terrifying army. The Martial Gods, on the other hand, had only one form but their combat prowess subtly surpassed that of Deity Transformations.

However, Lin Fei hadn't undergone the Thunder Tribulation and was at a disadvantage in both realm and momentum. Facing the ten Deity Transformation incarnations, the woman's expression soured, her heart sinking at the overwhelming odds.

Lin Fei remained unperturbed and decisively said, "No more words. For a flat rate of ten thousand contribution points, I'll handle these incarnations and ensure your safe return, totaling twelve thousand contribution points."

His voice was calm yet exuded undeniable confidence, leaving the woman momentarily stunned. She knew the challenge of facing ten Deity Transformation incarnations, yet seeing Lin Fei's composed expression, she made a resolute decision, agreeing to his terms.

"Flat rate, ten thousand contribution points, solve this for me."

Lin Fei's lips curled into a faint smile as he replied, "As you wish." The next moment, hundreds of particle worlds within Lin Fei burst forth explosively.

475. Lin Fei Shatters Ten Deity Transformation Incarnations!

Lin Fei had never undergone the Thunder Tribulation, not even once. However, he possessed hundreds of particle worlds. Once these worlds erupted, their terrifying power was akin to a volcanic explosion, instantaneously detonating.

"Boom!"

Lin Fei's aura suddenly enveloped the ten Deity Transformation incarnations. Even these incarnations, along with the woman, were momentarily bewildered by such a formidable presence. Could someone who hadn't passed the Thunder Tribulation really possess such a fearsome aura?

But it was already too late. Lin Fei launched a punch, targeting all ten Deity Transformation incarnations without exception.

"Buzz."

Moreover, his Saber World descended, its suppression power dramatically enhanced by the fusion with the world's laws, undergoing a qualitative transformation.

With the deployment of Lin Fei's Saber World, the ten Deity Transformation incarnations were further oppressed. For a brief moment, the combined momentum of Lin Fei's ten particle worlds, Saber World, and the world laws rendered the incarnations utterly immobile.

However, this was only a fleeting instant. The Deity Transformation cultivators quickly reacted, but their response was tardy. Lin Fei's punch had already thunderously struck the ten incarnations.

"Bang."

There was no time even for a cry of agony. In an instant, the ten Deity Transformation incarnations were shattered, reduced to dust, and annihilated on a particle level. The void returned to tranquility.

Lin Fei slowly withdrew his hand, calmly stating, "It's done. Don't forget the total of twelve thousand contribution points."

The woman seemed to awaken from a dream, utterly shocked. At that moment, she realized how ludicrous her plan had been, seeking a Martial God who hadn't passed the Thunder Tribulation, thinking they would be weak.

But now? It appeared she had unwittingly discovered an extraordinary being. Without having undergone the tribulation, yet so terrifying, Lin Fei had obliterated ten Deity Transformation incarnations with a single punch. This was far from ordinary.

The woman, having traversed the Divine Realms for many years, was not devoid of insight. The Martial God she had employed, Lin Fei, was clearly no ordinary being. Her intuition suggested that his status in the Great Dream City was likely remarkable. For a moment, her expression was a complex mix of wariness and relief.

Regardless, the immediate threat seemed to have passed. The two Deity Transformation cultivators had surely not perished; it was only their incarnations that had been destroyed.

Each Deity Transformation cultivator would have hidden their true self in a place of absolute safety to ensure their immortality. Unless someone specifically targeted and relentlessly hunted their incarnations, losing a few would not lead to their demise.

However, for the two of them, the loss of so many incarnations was undoubtedly a severe blow, possibly taking thousands of years to recover.

Upon returning to the Ancient City, the woman hesitated before softly introducing herself, "Martial God Lin, my name is Xia Yue. I was the one who posted the task in the Great Dream City and hired you. When I first obtained the first layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra, I was merely a mortal. After years of deceit and cunning, I've cultivated to Martial King, but Martial God is still far beyond my reach. I've taken some extreme measures to preserve myself. Please forgive me."

Lin Fei responded calmly, "You are indeed fortunate. However, your affairs are of no concern to me. Once you pay the twelve thousand contribution points, our dealings are concluded."

Lin Fei showed no interest in Xia Yue's "secrets". At the level of Martial Gods, especially at his level, he could obtain whatever he desired directly. Besides, what significant secrets could a Martial King hold? Even if there were secrets leading to becoming a True Monarch, what would that mean to someone like him? He simply did not care.

Xia Yue seemed to want to say more but ultimately remained silent. She only mentioned that upon completing the task, Lin Fei would naturally receive his twelve thousand contribution points.

Lin Fei nodded and immediately headed to the Great Dream City. Upon submitting the task at the task hall, he indeed received the twelve thousand contribution points.

"Twelve thousand contribution points, I didn't expect to get them so quickly," he thought. "This is quite a fortune, enough for me to experience the might of a Thunder Tribulation."

Lin Fei promptly spent a hundred contribution points to seek out a Martial God, aiming to experience the might of a Thunder Tribulation firsthand. The Martial God readily agreed. For a Martial God, simulating the power of a Thunder Tribulation in a dream was a simple task.

"Rumble..."

Soon, Lin Fei witnessed the formidable power of a Thunder Tribulation. Indeed, it was strong, but not to the extent of being world-destroying or causing despair.

"I'm comparing it with the strength of a hundred particle worlds within me," Lin Fei thought. "Naturally, it seems manageable. But without these worlds, whether I could withstand it is uncertain. However, from what I see, passing a Thunder Tribulation should be feasible."

Lin Fei's cultivation had reached a bottleneck; his laws could not be further augmented. His only path forward was to undergo the Thunder Tribulation, and he felt confident about it. "Everything is ready. There's nothing to fear in the Thunder Tribulation, even that of the Divine Realms," he mused.

Leaving the Great Dream City, Lin Fei returned to the Ancient City, where there was a designated area for undergoing tribulations. As a member of the Ancient Covenant through the Great Dream Sect, he could use this facility for free.

The so-called free tribulation ground was essentially a place with reinforced formations. These formations absorbed the power of the heavenly thunder, preventing its force from spreading too widely. They could not, however, weaken the thunder's strength.

A genuine Thunder Tribulation required the Martial Gods to endure the strikes of heavenly thunder, with the number of strikes varying. The tribulation would cease when deemed "appropriate," meaning it no longer continued to plunder the laws.

The more laws it plundered, the better, but this also meant a longer duration under the thunder's assault. The power of the thunder increased as the tribulation progressed, posing a greater risk if one became too greedy.

Passing the tribulation tested not only one's accumulated strength but also one's temperament.

"I am Lin Fei, a member of the Great Dream Sect," Lin Fei declared.

"Great Dream Sect? You may enter. Come out on your own after the tribulation ends."

Seeing Lin Fei enter a formation for the Thunder Tribulation, the onlookers were surprised. While the Great Dream Sect had many members, their levels varied, and those who came to undergo tribulations were even fewer compared to other major martial forces.

Now, a Martial God from the Great Dream Sect attempting the Thunder Tribulation was a rare sight, drawing the attention of many to Lin Fei's tribulation process.

476. First Tribulation, Plundering Three Laws

Unaware of the attention he was attracting from the outside, Lin Fei was indifferent to it. The so-called formation was essentially a vast open space, with some arrangements designed solely to prevent the spread of the Thunder Tribulation's force to others. The brunt of the tribulation, however, was for Lin Fei to bear alone.

"Let's begin," Lin Fei inhaled deeply.

"Boom."

The next moment, he unleashed the world laws. As he did, he seemed to "see" into the depths of the void, where a vast sea of Origin lay. This sea, teeming with world Origins, barely stirred at Lin Fei's use of the world laws, a mere drop in the ocean.

Just as Lin Fei's consciousness was about to touch this sea of Origin,

"Boom,"

A massive bolt of thunder struck down without warning.

The Thunder Tribulation had begun!

The thunder appeared out of nowhere, without clouds or any signs, striking Lin Fei's area with unbelievable speed.

"The Thunder Tribulation!"

"It's so swift. Is this really just the first one, and so terrifying?"

Many discussed the comparison between the paths of Immortal and Martial cultivation. Despite the strength martial cultivators wielded, their path was fraught with peril, especially at the Martial God level. In contrast, those who followed the Immortal Dao, upon reaching Deity Transformation, could create countless incarnations without facing Thunder Tribulations.

However, one's dao wasn't just a matter of preference. Immortal cultivation required innate talent, not everyone could become a Qi cultivator. Similarly, without unwavering will, one couldn't become a Martial God. Thus, these discussions were mostly hypothetical. No Martial God regretted their path.

At this moment, Lin Fei harbored no regrets either. He faced the thunder above, seemingly poised to obliterate him. He stood still, enduring the lightning with his physical body, as this was the essence of facing the tribulation. Dodging or not facing it head-on would only result in endless assaults from the tribulation, leading to inevitable death.

Finally, the thunderbolt struck Lin Fei's physical body. The terrifying force of the thunderbolt, upon entering his body, instantly began to annihilate the particles of his flesh. All particles were obliterated, turning to ash wherever the thunder touched. Just one bolt of lightning had almost destroyed half of Lin Fei's physical body.

However, at this critical moment, the hundreds of particle worlds within Lin Fei erupted fiercely. The power of these particle worlds collided with the thunder's force, annihilating much of its destructive power. The remaining thunder, although still possessing the power to annihilate, was unable to destroy the rest of Lin Fei's physical particles. Moreover, Lin Fei's hundred-particle worlds remained unscathed.

Lin Fei sensed that he could have passed the tribulation at that moment, provided he stopped there. But he needed to plunder more world laws. How could he stop?

In that instant, as the first bolt of thunder struck, Lin Fei had already plundered one world law. Normally, passing a Thunder Tribulation allowed the plundering of one law, but Lin Fei wasn't satisfied with just one.

Thus, he once again approached the Sea of Origin with his consciousness and plundered another world law.

"Boom!"

The second bolt of thunder descended. This was still the first Thunder Tribulation, but Lin Fei, aiming to plunder two laws, faced the second bolt. This was a significant risk, but great rewards often come with great risks. Such Martial Gods often end up stronger than their peers, as they acquire more laws.

The spectators outside were astonished to see the second bolt of thunder.

"What, a second bolt? He's greedy for more laws, isn't he?"

"Surviving the tribulation is hard enough, yet he aims to plunder more laws. Each additional law plundered almost doubles the thunder's power. If he can't withstand it, it's a sure path to death!"

"Can this Great Dream Sect's Martial God withstand it?"

The second bolt of thunder arrived swiftly, entering Lin Fei's body in the blink of an eye, unleashing a terrifying destructive force. Lin Fei was prepared. The hundreds of particle worlds within him burst forth, their immense power confronting the thunder's force head-on.

"Boom."

Lin Fei's body trembled as the two forces collided, obliterating most of his physical form. However, the power of the second bolt of thunder was substantially exhausted.

Using the power of the world laws, Lin Fei then attempted to suppress and seal the thunder's force. Ordinary laws were ineffective against such thunder, which contained the power of destruction capable of annihilating all forces and laws.

But Lin Fei's world law was different; it encompassed and contained everything, even the force of destruction. This stray destructive force was sealed by the world law and gradually dissipated into nothingness.

"Success is possible!" Lin Fei thought. "To withstand the Thunder Tribulation, a typical Martial God uses a method of attrition. The stronger the physical particles, the more thunder force it can deplete. My particle worlds, with their powerful force, can also consume a substantial amount of the thunder's power. That's why I can withstand the second bolt. But to continue, I probably can't withstand a third bolt. Unless I have other powers to resist or deplete the thunder's force.

My law's power should be able to seal the tribulation's destructive force. Other Martial Gods' laws are too few and too weak to have much effect on the tribulation's power."

Lin Fei, resolute and decisive, felt he could still plunder another law. "Let's continue!" He didn't hesitate. Believing he could continue to plunder laws, he immediately started to plunder the third.

"Boom."

The third bolt of thunder struck instantly, leaving many onlookers astonished.

"A third bolt of thunder?"

"What is he trying to do?"

"He's actually plundering three laws in one tribulation... this is unbelievable! When did the Great Dream Sect produce such a figure?"

Martial Gods who could plunder three laws in a single tribulation were exceedingly rare. Even throughout the history of the Ancient Covenant, there were very few, no more than ten. Each one was a dazzling figure of their era, with some even becoming Martial Ancestors and True Monarchs.

Now, they were witnessing a Martial God who dared to plunder three laws in his first tribulation. Whether he would succeed remained uncertain, but everyone's eyes were fixed on Lin Fei, filled with curiosity and awe. They all wanted to see who this extraordinary and brilliant Martial God, daring to plunder three laws in his first tribulation, really was.

477. The Second Layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra

As the third bolt of thunder struck, Lin Fei's physical body was almost entirely annihilated, including nearly half of his hundred particle worlds. He was unable to withstand the third thunderbolt on his own.

Fortunately, Lin Fei's world laws came to the rescue, immediately sealing the third bolt. Although the thunderbolt broke the seal, its force was largely spent, gradually weakening and finally being withstood by Lin Fei's physical body.

In the end, everything settled, leaving Lin Fei with only about one-tenth of his physical body intact. It was indeed a dangerous gamble, but worth the risk, as Lin Fei gained three world laws from this tribulation.

Each world law could create a hundred particle worlds, so with three new laws, Lin Fei could create an additional three hundred particle worlds.

Moreover, these new worlds, strengthened by the more potent world laws, were far more powerful than his previous ones. This cumulative increase in power was not merely threefold, but potentially five or even ten times greater.

Feeling the three new world laws within him, Lin Fei began integrating them with his Original world laws. Without hesitation, he commenced the creation of new particle worlds. The vast world laws supported the simultaneous creation of multiple particle worlds.

"Boom!"

One after another, new particle worlds were created, each enhancing Lin Fei's physical strength further. In a short time, he added three hundred new particle worlds to his body, bringing the total to four hundred.

Lin Fei opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing within them as he called upon the system panel to review his status.

Host: Lin Fei

Martial Realm: Martial Gods (First Thunder Tribulation)

Great Dream Heart Sutra: First Layer (Progress 1%)

Four Symbols and Five Elements Creation Method: Four Hundred Particle Worlds

Lin Fei's martial realm was now that of a Martial God who had passed the first Thunder Tribulation. Furthermore, he had successfully created four hundred particle worlds through the Four Symbols and Five Elements Creation Method, making him incredibly powerful. The only weak point was the Great Dream Heart Sutra, still at the first layer.

However, with plenty of contribution points at his disposal, acquiring the second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra was not a problem. Rising, Lin Fei left the formation. As he did, countless eyes outside the formation immediately focused on him.

"It's him, the one who acquired three laws in a single Thunder Tribulation."

"Indeed a new face, truly incredible."

"Great Dream Sect has gained another powerful member."

"Though he has only passed one tribulation, his strength is unfathomable."

"Perhaps the Great Dream Sect might produce another Martial Ancestor in the future!"

"Leaving aside Martial Ancestors, reaching True Monarch is quite probable."

In no time, information about Lin Fei spread among the various powers of the Ancient Covenant. The Great Dream Sect, being a significant force, naturally drew attention when it gained a new official member, especially one capable of enduring three bolts of thunder in a single tribulation.

Lin Fei, accustomed to being the center of attention, paid no mind to the whispers and gazes. No matter how low-key he tried to be, his presence was as conspicuous as a firefly in the dark night.

Accepting the inevitability of attention, Lin Fei, as a Martial God, felt no need for undue concern. In the Ancient Covenant, a Martial God might not be a titan but was certainly not to be underestimated. Killing a Martial God was no easy feat.

Returning to the inn, Lin Fei contemplated his situation. An inn was not the most convenient place for him; he needed his own residence. However, having just arrived in the Ancient Covenant, there was no rush. His priority was to acquire the second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra. With twelve thousand contribution points at his disposal, enough for the ten thousand required for the sutra, Lin Fei didn't hesitate. He immediately went to make the exchange.

"Senior brother, I need to exchange for the second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra."

Lin Fei arrived at the exchange location in the Great Dream City and faced a True Monarch, a grand Martial God. The True Monarch nodded, confirmed Lin Fei's identity, and deducted ten thousand contribution points. Then, with a single tap on Lin Fei's forehead, a world of information flooded Lin Fei's mind.

"Like bubbles in a dream, seeming real and yet illusory..." These profound and esoteric words were the teachings of the second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra, imparted directly into Lin Fei's mind without any written instruction. This knowledge would gradually fade from memory if not learned, but Lin Fei didn't face this difficulty. As soon as the voice echoed in his mind, the system's voice immediately followed:

"You have obtained the second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra."

"Your first layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra is now complete."

"You have advanced to the second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra."

Lin Fei had thus broken through. It turned out that no profound comprehension was needed; acquiring the second layer's mantra automatically perfected the first layer. This was due to Lin Fei's "effort" in the first layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra.

Receiving the second layer's teachings was like enlightenment, instantly completing his understanding and saving him a lot of time. He smoothly transitioned to the second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra.

The second layer of the Great Dream Heart Sutra didn't offer any offensive or defensive powers. Its main benefit was the ability to enter the second level of the dream state.

With a thought, Lin Fei entered this second layer. Upon entering, his surroundings undulated like ripples in water, eventually calming down. He noticed he was still in the Great Dream City, but it was much quieter, with fewer people around. He also felt that the Great Dream City seemed more real.

"Is the second layer of the dream state even more realistic?" Lin Fei pondered.

Lin Fei found it strange. He was fully aware that he was in the second layer of the dream state, yet the more he realized this, the more astonished he became. Contrary to expectations, his surroundings didn't become more illusory; they appeared even more real. In fact, Lin Fei was now unable to discern what was reality and what was part of the dream.

The second layer of the dream state allowed control over the flow of time. With just a thought from Lin Fei, time sped up dramatically, moving at ten times the normal speed. Yet, he couldn't perceive this acceleration himself. To him, everything seemed as it always had.

To test this, Lin Fei deliberately stayed in the second layer for ten hours before leaving the dream state and the Great Dream City.

"Hmm? Indeed, only one hour has passed in the real world, but I truly experienced ten hours in the second layer of the dream state." He pondered, "Even Dao Integration True Immortals can't control time, can they? The Great Dream Heart Sutra is truly miraculous..."

Lin Fei intuited that the Great Dream Heart Sutra didn't actually control time but rather related to perception. Nonetheless, this ability of the sutra was incredibly wondrous, a truly unique scripture. No wonder the creator of the Great Dream Heart Sutra, one of the eight great Martial Ancestors of the Ancient Covenant, was revered for such profound and unparalleled mysticism.