The moment Ji Changkong uttered those words, Lingmeng was struck speechless. She remained silent for a long while.

"Hand over the chip!" Liquid Metal Man Number Nine turned woodenly toward Lingmeng, clearly preparing to make a move. "Do you truly believe you can do as you please?" Lingmeng snapped, her almond eyes wide with fury, a chilling aura spilling out.

"Since everyone gathered here presumably shares the same objective, it seems high time I unveiled the source!" Ji Changkong smiled faintly. At this declaration, everyone's eyes lit up.

Even Liquid Metal Man Number Nine turned his gaze toward him. Ji Changkong ceased speaking.

Suddenly, he closed his eyes, and a dazzling radiance erupted from his brow. Slowly, a new eye began to emerge from the center of his forehead.

A faint, ethereal glow diffused from his third eye. It managed to envelop the entire area.

Under the illumination of his third eye, all the pervasive mists in the Chaotic Sea of Boundaries were swept away. To the south of this region, an immensely vast mirror surface slowly manifested.

Within the mirror was a realm of pure chaos, saturated with deeper, flowing streams of mist and scattered light, concealing untold mysteries. The light from his third eye did not diminish; instead, it continued to project into the distant reaches.

Wherever the light passed, save for the mist within the mirror's confines, all surrounding mist for billions of miles vanished, revealing numerous black holes of varying sizes. From within those black holes, exceedingly powerful fluctuations suddenly emanated, affecting the black holes caught in the illumination.

The affected black holes began to twist and transform, and out of them emerged beings—some strangely shaped humans, others ancient lifeforms. A Five-Clawed Golden Dragon, ten thousand miles long, let out a thunderous roar and a wild laugh: "Another one has arrived!" A Daoist, clad similarly to Lingmeng, emerged, his figure tall and slender.

His white beard flowing, he too materialized from a black hole, remarking, "Quite a few have made the journey this time." "Master!" Upon seeing the newcomer, Lingmeng cried out in sudden joy, "Master, what brings you here?" "I have been dwelling here for thirty million years." The person Lingmeng called Master squinted his eyes. He smiled, "I hadn't expected you to find your way here as well." A burly man, clad in animal skins with long, flowing hair and holding a curved bow, exuded a rough energy, laughing heartily, "My quiet cultivation has been disturbed!

Who dares cause such a ruckus? To be able to shine a light upon the Source, it seems you have acquired the Eye of Chaos.

You must hail from the same universe as I." The burly man chuckled, his gaze settling on Ji Changkong. "Boy, my name is Kuo.

Have you heard of me?" Ji Changkong’s expression froze momentarily. Then he smiled, "So you are the Sacred Ancestor 'Kuo' of the Southern Barbarian Tribe of the Five Elements Continent.

It seems you attained the realm of Ultimate Chaos long ago." "Hahaha, you are from the Five Elements Continent too, boy?" Kuo roared with laughter. "What a coincidence!

You even know of our Southern Barbarians. Boy, has anyone managed to cultivate the Supreme Level using the Nine Yi Divine Archery Manual I left behind?" "No," Ji Changkong shook his head.

Kuo looked thoroughly disappointed. "Those youngsters truly lack spirit." An ancient retainer, his face etched with wrinkles like deep ravines, wearing a magic robe similar to Osoros' and a pointed hat, emerged from a black hole.

He glanced at Osoros and stated, "Young man, did you enter the Heart of the Universe via the ancient magic array I left behind?" "You are?" Osoros was instantly startled and hastily bowed low, "To think, venerable elder, that you arrived here so long ago." The divine light from Ji Changkong's third eye continued to shine down, revealing black hole after black hole. Ancient powerhouses emerged one after another.

These individuals came from various origins: powerhouses from the Ultimate Chaos realm of Ji Changkong's universe, ancestors from Lingmeng's Daoist universe, and ancient mages from Osoros' magical civilization. Each one appeared profoundly aged, their energy fluctuations shaking the heavens.

In just a short time, dozens of figures materialized from the various black holes. Each possessed immense individual strength.

Upon emerging, they stared intently at the massive mirror surface illuminated by Ji Changkong's third eye, breathing heavily. This colossal upheaval stunned Osoros, Lingmeng, Zihan, and Liquid Metal Man.

They could never have imagined such a concentration of powerhouses in this single area. Had it not been for the divine light from Ji Changkong, they would never have perceived the existence of so many black holes, concealing so many peak masters.

Liquid Metal Man Number Nine, who had been poised to settle matters with Lingmeng, was immobilized by the sudden turn of events, his intention to strike momentarily suspended. "Why are you all gathered here?" Osoros asked, his face etched with bewilderment.

"It's all because of the Heart of the Universe," the old retainer sighed. "We are merely a fraction.

Over eons, the ultimate powerhouses who emerged from the great universes number far more than us. Yet, now, only this many of us remain." "Why?" Osoros asked in shock.

The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon, after fully manifesting its massive form and coiling its body, maneuvered close to Ji Changkong. Its huge pupils were filled with curiosity.

"Zhobu Zi, why is there the aura of our Sacred Beast race on you?" "Uh, are you the Sacred Ancestor of the Sacred Beast race?" Ji Changkong’s expression was peculiar. "Indeed.

I am the first ancient lifeform of the Sacred Beast race to achieve immortality," the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon replied, before pressing the question: "Why does your body carry the scent of our Sacred Beast race?" "A portion of your essence blood flows within my veins," Ji Changkong replied after a moment’s hesitation. The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon seemed suddenly intrigued and prepared to demand specifics, but Ji Changkong clearly did not wish to elaborate.

Instead, mimicking Osoros, he pressed: "What are you all gathered here for?" "For power," the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon sighed. "We can also sense the existence of the Source.

Those who reached our level, after long wanderings in the Chaotic Sea of Boundaries, eventually found the Source. But upon arriving, we all hesitated." "Why?" Osoros inquired.

"The Source remains sealed, opening only at specific times. Each opening is accompanied by immense peril.

For untold ages, we have gathered around the Source, enduring repeated dangers. Most perished under that terrifying Heavenly Might, leaving only a select few fortunate enough to enter." The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon sighed again.

"Every time the Source opens, intense energy surges around it, disseminating the profound truths of the laws of heaven and earth. Even lingering in the periphery allowed us great gains.

Those who dared venture inside the Source must have reaped unimaginable rewards." Saying this, the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon looked envious. "If only we could enter the Source, that would be best." "You have already attained the pinnacle of power.

Why must you still push toward the Source? With your cultivation, you could dominate any universe.

Why risk your lives charging inside?" Osoros questioned. "The pursuit of power is endless," the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon shook its head.

"Once on this path, one always strives for higher ground. In other universes, we can no longer attain further enlightenment.

No matter how many years we cultivate, progress becomes impossible. Only here can we find the catalyst for a breakthrough.

This is why we are all congregated here." The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon’s words resonated with many. The dozens of Supreme figures from the great universes all stood breathing heavily.

Unexpectedly, these powerhouses from various universes were gathered in amity, appearing to maintain excellent relations without any conflict. "Your...

your relationship seems exceedingly harmonious. How—how is this possible?" Osoros asked, utterly confounded.

"We hail from disparate universes. The vast universe is infinite, and it is no small feat for us to gather here.

The loneliness of countless ages is beyond common understanding. Having someone to converse with is a great fortune.

We share a unified goal: to enter the Source. Every time the Source opens, we must stand together, and every time someone meets an unfortunate end.

Here, we have no struggle of the strong preying on the weak, as our power levels are relatively similar, and no major conflicts of interest arise. Furthermore, every one of us possesses endless life force," the old retainer explained with serene composure.

Ji Changkong frowned, his gaze sweeping over these masters. He noticed their profound cultivation levels.

On several of them, he could clearly sense the aura belonging to "It." Evidently, those who had reached the Ultimate Chaos realm came from the same universe as he did, cultivating the power belonging to "It," or perhaps having acquired a piece of its flesh. Ji Changkong had, to some extent, grasped the origins and nature of "It." As he looked at those individuals, the Seven-Colored Soul Imprint in his mind slowed its rotation almost imperceptibly, and the world within the Tianyuan Bead nearly ceased its function, lowering his own fluctuations to the barest minimum.

However, someone still noticed his abnormality. "Is the Slender Demon on you?" Kuo’s deep gaze seemed capable of penetrating everything.

He scanned Ji Changkong’s form and slowly stated the observation. Ji Changkong had already retracted the Slender Demon before entering, yet it was still detected.

The masters of the Ultimate Chaos realm were truly terrifying. "Yes," Ji Changkong nodded.

"But the Slender Demon is now under my control and will no longer harm anyone." "I sense the aura of 'Chaos' upon you!" The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon furrowed its brow. "Unlike us, the aura of 'Chaos' on you is far stronger, and it grows stronger every second, every minute!

You—have you obtained all of it?" The Golden Dragon became shocked by its own conclusion as it spoke the latter part. It cried out, "Boy, do you know what 'It' will do by nature once the Chaos merges completely?" "Destruction," Ji Changkong smiled and nodded.

"Since you understand, why do you still seek to unify the Chaos?" The Five-Clawed Golden Dragon’s gaze grew troubled. The other Ultimate Chaos realm powerhouses originating from the same universe as Ji Changkong also frowned deeply, turning their attention toward him.

"I have already entered the Heart of the Universe before this," Ji Changkong reassured them. "You need not worry about that." He smiled, then added, "And it’s not just me; you can all enter together!" He paused, then continued, "And you can enter without any casualties!" At these words, every powerhouse gathered there froze, staring at him in utter disbelief.

"Lingmeng, as agreed, I have located the Source. I didn't lie to you, did I?" Ji Changkong didn't offer further explanations but turned to Lingmeng with a grin and asked.

Lingmeng nodded slowly, her expression strange. "Everyone gathered here desires to enter the Source.

Our goal is unified," Ji Changkong’s expression sobered. "I can illuminate the dangers involved in entering the Source, and everyone can proceed safely by following me.

However, what exactly lies within the Source, no one knows. Whether you live or die inside the Source, no one can predict." Taking a deep breath, Ji Changkong asked one last time, "Are you truly willing to risk it?" No one answered.

All their eyes were resolute; it wasn't a matter of doubting his ability, but not a single one showed fear or hesitation. "Our power has reached its zenith.

We cannot advance further in any universe," Kuo stated gravely. "To us, nothing else in the cosmos holds any appeal.

Only the unknown Source is our ultimate destination. As long as you can grant us entry to the Source, I believe not one of us will hesitate for a moment." "Good!" Ji Changkong nodded, casting a glance at Number Nine.

"And you, are you preparing to reclaim that lost chip here, or will you venture in to see?" In the emotionless eyes of Liquid Metal Man Number Nine, faint, strange signals began to flow. After a moment, Number Nine stated, "I want to go in." "I knew you were different from other metal beings," Ji Changkong smiled mysteriously.

A strange light flashed in Number Nine's eyes, and in an instant, it exhibited emotional fluctuations usually only seen in humans! "I shall open the door!" Ji Changkong roared with laughter.

The divine light from his third eye reappeared, shining entirely upon the massive mirror surface that had been revealed. The mirror surface began to change, rippling with mysterious waves under the divine light of Ji Changkong's third eye.

The waves emanated from the mirror, spreading outward in all directions from the surface as the center point. The dozens of experts gathered there, upon seeing the waves spreading from the mirror, all changed expressions dramatically, as if those surges were the very Heavenly Might that had claimed the lives of previous masters.

They anxiously prepared to evade. "Follow me!" Ji Changkong bellowed.

The divine light from his third eye flashed explosively, and wherever the light passed, it dispelled the spreading ripples. Where the divine light shone, the ripples vanished, revealing a luminous path before Ji Changkong.

Ji Changkong charged straight ahead onto that bright road. The powerhouses of the great universes, who had intended to flee, saw that the divine light in his eyes could truly dispel the ripples.

They were astonished and, without hesitation, began to gather closely behind him. Soon, these powerhouses from all the great universes formed a long, unbroken line, following him closely.

These figures were the Supreme masters of their respective universes, their control over power having reached unimaginable heights. They refrained from any reckless movement only because they feared the power emanating from the Source.

Thus, they followed Ji Changkong cautiously, guarding against the vibrations surging from the Source, as they advanced toward it. Wherever the divine light swept, the ripples were pushed aside.

Ji Changkong maintained a solemn expression, advancing toward the Source as if on a pilgrimage. I have returned.

A feeling welled up in his heart, causing him to pause slightly. Returned?

Did I belong here originally? What fate awaits me inside?

Ji Changkong suddenly hesitated. "Quick!" The urgent voice of the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon reached him.

Ji Changkong snapped back to reality. He looked back and saw that the Five-Clawed Golden Dragon, due to its massive size, had its tail dangerously close to being touched by the ripples surging from the mirror.

In this area, some force seemed to affect the Golden Dragon’s ability to shrink; it could only maintain its true form, unable to revert to human shape or control its volume. Thus, it was the most vulnerable to being struck by the waves.

The Golden Dragon's cry pulled Ji Changkong back to the present. Be it life or death, he would decide after entering!

Ji Changkong suddenly solidified his resolve and, without further hesitation, charged quickly toward the Source. Finally, he reached the threshold of the Source and reached out to touch it, only to feel as if he were grasping at nothingness, devoid of sensation.

It was somewhat similar to entering the Void Illusion Realm. Ji Changkong paused, then plunged inward.

A familiar field! The so-called Source was remarkably similar to the world within the Tianyuan Bead!

It was shrouded in mist, vast, empty, and boundless. Gigantic vortices spun rapidly in the sky at a speed almost invisible to the naked eye.

Each vortex seemed to represent a fundamental law or the essence of power in the universe. Here, life surged vibrantly, as if all beings could be purified and cleansed here.

Being in this place, Ji Changkong truly felt a sense of returning home, as if he had always belonged here. And he was not the only one who felt this way!

Osoros, Lingmeng, and Liquid Metal Man Number Nine all looked bewildered the moment they entered, as if they had touched a mysterious, deep sanctuary within their souls, suddenly gaining some form of enlightenment. Their expressions became incredibly strange.

Home? This feeling of home!

Ji Changkong moved in a daze, as if existing in the state of practicing the 'Nirvana State' within the Tai Xu Secret Record, his consciousness blurred. Yet, he seemed to be grasping something ethereal.

The simulated world within the Tianyuan Bead began undergoing dramatic changes. The nine organs derived from Chaos within him were influenced by a stronger power, undergoing a brief period of cleansing, and starting to fuse.

The nine Origin Fires within the Tianyuan Bead also mutated here, their fusion rate suddenly accelerating. Even the nine Chaos Profound Meanings being merged within his Seven-Colored Soul Imprint began to change rapidly...

In the Sea of Souls, the Tai Xu Secret Record spun, radiating divine light that flooded into the Sea of Souls, bringing tranquility to Ji Changkong’s mind and conjuring the marvelous illusion that he was pure void, his consciousness capable of manifesting all things... Similarly, Osoros, in his trance, saw mysterious symbols flickering across his body.

In Osoros’s eyes, a bizarre scene unfolded. Osoros saw himself within his own vision, constantly experiencing the myriad events of the human world.

It seemed his future trajectory was being displayed in his pupils. Within his eyes, he continually comprehended various worldly powers and experienced every human emotion.

A peculiar chip flashed in Osoros's mind, seemingly influencing him and causing rapid growth in a short time. "You—you have grasped the truth of time and acquired half of Tyr’s power!" The elder sister he called his ancestor cried out in horror.

"You—you have locked yourself into the past, concealing all your power. You—you must have surpassed me long ago!" Osoros could not see her; he continued to transform.

The passage of time in his eyes sped up dramatically, making him appear ancient, nearly catching up to the old retainer. Lingmeng was experiencing the same phenomenon.

Within her mind, an identical peculiar chip began to change. The curved chip rotated ceaselessly, mirroring the high-speed spinning vortices in the sky of the Source.

This rotation spurred a mutation in Lingmeng’s soul, instantly granting her an infinite stream of technological knowledge. This knowledge integrated with the divine soul condensed from her Dao arts, causing her power to surge dramatically in a brief moment.

The last one to change was Liquid Metal Man Number Nine. A chip identical to those in Osoros’ and Lingmeng's minds began to rotate within his body, altering his soul.

This chip was slightly larger than the ones in Lingmeng’s and Osoros’ minds, seemingly activating a type of fluctuation. This fluctuation was extremely similar to the energy that had previously surged from the Source, yet it was transmitted outward through the vortices within the Source.

These fluctuations appeared capable of traversing any distance. After being transmitted through the vortices, they vanished rapidly.

In the universe where the Mechanical Empire resided, countless stars of technology shone, upon which rested immense nuclear power stations. These power stations activated simultaneously.

Endless nuclear energy erupted from thousands upon thousands of reactors, instantly tearing fissures in the fabric of the universe, surging toward the most mysterious Chaotic Sea of Boundaries.

Unimaginable nuclear energy, erupting from the most technologically advanced civilizations in the cosmos, traced a specific trajectory into the chaotic Sea of Boundaries before surging madly into the Source. Once inside the Source, this nuclear energy bifurcated into three, each stream injecting directly into the bodies of Reimu, Osos, and Liquid Metal Man Number Nine.

Before that frenzied infusion of power, the forms of Osos, Reimu, and Number Nine were already undergoing relentless transformation, their entire surfaces shimmering with a coat of silvery, metallic sheen.

Three chips had altered the trio, completely remaking them, conditioning their very essence to accommodate such cataclysmic levels of nuclear force.

These three streams of vast nuclear power, each capable of annihilating dozens of universes, were precisely apportioned and injected into Osos, Reimu, and Number Nine.

The pinnacle powerhouses from the various universes, who had also entered the Source, witnessed this entire event unfold, their eyes fixed on the spectacle.

Yet, they found themselves utterly incapable of intervention.

Because the nuclear energy that flooded into the bodies of the three had transcended the scope of what they could possibly restrain or halt.

I apologize for the sporadic updates over the past few days; partly it was the New Year holiday, but primarily it is because the end is approaching, and I haven't quite sorted out all the remaining plot points, making it difficult to commit to writing. I sincerely regret this, everyone.

(To be continued)U