Ye Wen, dazed and aching from the concussions, spat out mouthful after mouthful of blood. Fortunately, his body had been robust lately, with ample vital energy, so these few coughs didn't cause any lasting harm; it was the agonizing pain that thoroughly depressed him.

Worse still was the fact that these explosions seemed utterly unstoppable. Ye Wen could only watch helplessly as his True Qi was ceaselessly driven into the Innate Purple Qi, only to detonate violently within it.

Amidst these repeated blasts, the Innate Purple Qi began to change. The entire mass of energy ceaselessly contracted and solidified, eventually condensing into an incredibly dense existence.

Ye Wen couldn't quite define the current state of his Innate Purple Qi; perhaps it could be termed solid?

Just then, the movement of the nine masses of Hun Tian Treasure Mirror energy reached a near-peak, and then, without any deliberate command, they began to converge toward the location of the Innate Purple Qi.

Although Ye Wen sensed these changes, worry gnawed at his heart. Yet, he knew this internal transformation was now an unstoppable tide. Success hinged entirely on whether he could endure this trial. If he succeeded, perhaps this "Great Explosion" would finally allow a true "universe" to form within him, equivalent to mastering the final layer of the Hun Tian Treasure Mirror: the Profound Universe.

If he failed, "……," then he stood a high chance of being utterly annihilated in this final, most ferocious blast!

“Success, or nothing!”

Even though Ye Wen couldn't be certain he would survive, now was absolutely not the time to lose morale. He had to firmly believe in his success. If he himself believed utter failure was inevitable, even a situation salvageable might spiral into disaster!

With his resolve hardened, Ye Wen held his breath, centering his spirit, awaiting the arrival of the final explosion!

At this very moment, unbeknownst to him, his anomalous condition had drawn the attention of several key figures within the Shu Mountain Sect. Having sensed something amiss with Ye Wen early on, Garfield decisively shed his disguise. Initially, the little creature had planned on lazing about, but it quickly perceived Ye Wen's escalating abnormality.

Especially once Ye Wen began spitting blood, Garfield immediately rushed to Ning Ruxue and brought her over. Seeing Ye Wen’s dire state, Ning Ruxue promptly summoned Xu Xian and the others. She herself wished to help Ye Wen, but the nature of her cultivation technique and the properties of her True Qi dictated that she was incapable of assisting others in this manner.

Ning Ruxue initially thought that with Xu Xian’s arrival, things would stabilize. She presumed Ye Wen had merely suffered a slight deviation of Qi during normal cultivation, since he was seated, with only a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth and no other outward signs of distress.

However, by the time Xu Xian, Huayi, and Huang Rongrong arrived, a strange energy had begun to rise from Ye Wen’s surroundings. This energy was neither black nor white, neither dark nor light—it seemed capable of encompassing everything, yet also poised to destroy everything. Furthermore, this energy was profoundly solid, almost tangible, tightly enveloping Ye Wen until his very figure gradually became obscured.

Ning Ruxue and the others could only stand by and watch; they were utterly helpless. They considered striking out to dispel this mass of strange energy, but whether it was Ning Ruxue’s sword Qi or Xu Xian’s palm strikes, any energy unleashed vanished as if sinking into the sea, having absolutely no effect.

“Not even a sound is audible; any further attack is futile!”

Xu Xian felt a wave of discouragement seeing this situation, but what he said was undeniable fact! Moreover, with Ye Wen inside, they had no way of knowing if striking too hard might injure him, so they could only cease their efforts and quietly observe the evolving situation.

While Ye Wen remained unaware that he had become the focus of a concerned audience, he welcomed the final, great explosion!

The nine masses of Hun Tian energy slammed successively into the solidified Innate Purple Qi. This was followed by bursts of intense heat, and then a shockwave, powerful enough to feel like it would tear Ye Wen apart, radiated outward from the inside. Feeling as though he were about to burst, Ye Wen desperately wanted to employ some technique to vent this surging energy externally, but he discovered all his efforts were useless—he couldn't even move a finger.

A deafening roar echoed in his ears, and the intense impact nearly rendered him unconscious. However, the searing pain instantly cleared his momentary stupor. Ye Wen, now fully alert, could only endure the tumultuous agony churning inside his body!

Amidst this extreme pain, Ye Wen completely failed to notice that at the very instant of the explosion, a strange wave of energy had spread throughout his entire frame. If he had been conscious, he would have realized this energy was the Profound Universe, which he had diligently cultivated but struggled for so long to elevate.

As the Profound Universe Qi spread through Ye Wen’s body, it began to temper and refine the damaged sections within him. Because Ye Wen’s physical form had been nearly demolished by the successive blasts, with the final explosion nearly erasing him entirely, the tempering process of the Profound Universe proceeded remarkably smoothly. Demolishing the old structure entirely to build anew is invariably simpler than attempting repairs on the original foundation.

After an unknowable span of time, when the upheaval finally subsided, Ye Wen was astonished to find that his body seemed devoid of any meridians, and he could detect not a trace of True Qi remaining within him.

“Did I die? Or have I become crippled?”

He tried to move his finger, but he couldn't even sense where his digit was located. Ye Wen attempted to open his eyes, but the scene before him remained unchanged—that space, resembling a pitch-black night sky, offered no sight of anything else. The galaxy-like energy structures that once existed there had completely vanished.

“What is this state? Was it success or failure?”

Ye Wen leaned toward the conclusion of success, reasoning that if he had failed, he certainly wouldn't have the leisure to ponder abstract thoughts here; he would have been reduced to nothingness long ago!

Since he could still babble nonsense, and "see" this expanse of dark sky, it proved he had survived. However, judging by the appearance, perhaps the matter wasn't entirely concluded yet?

Indeed, subsequent developments confirmed Ye Wen’s speculation. After another indeterminate period, Ye Wen perceived that the area within him where the Innate Purple Qi once resided was gradually undergoing a transformation. Initially, a distinctly chaotic energy manifested—an energy so disordered it seemed to encompass every known power, and this energy began to shift, slowly spreading outward.

Gradually, the lost galaxies reappeared inside Ye Wen’s body. These galaxies all started minuscule, growing from what appeared in Ye Wen's sight as tiny points of light, one by one, until they coalesced into a beautiful and magnificent stellar system.

Once all nine major galaxy systems were restored, the remaining chaotic aura transformed into countless more, smaller galaxies. Before long, Ye Wen’s body resembled a true cosmos, filled with stars both large and small, dominated by those nine primary stellar masses—the nine true energies of the Hun Tian Treasure Mirror!

That wasn't all. Besides being the most powerful forces within Ye Wen’s body, these nine True Energies continuously interacted and influenced each other, generating miscellaneous secondary energies, much like how new celestial bodies are perpetually formed in the universe for myriad reasons.

Ye Wen couldn't determine if this complex change was beneficial or detrimental. According to his previous understanding, having such a jumble of True Qi within one’s body was an absolute taboo for cultivation!

Yet, at this moment, Ye Wen vaguely sensed that this situation was immensely advantageous for him, carrying no downside. Instead, the proliferation of these star-like entities seemed to be making him even stronger.

Looking around, Ye Wen noticed that the exact spot where the explosion had occurred—the locus of the Innate Purple Qi—remained utterly devoid of any celestial bodies. That region seemed like a world unto itself, still containing residual clouds of chaotic energy. Perhaps this was why no galaxies had formed there?

“But… where did the Innate Purple Qi go?”

Ye Wen searched extensively but could not locate any trace of the Innate Purple Qi within his body, not even the slightest speck of light; he carefully sensed every part, and none of it matched the Innate Purple Qi.

“Could it be… that upon achieving the Great Completion of the Profound Universe, the Innate Purple Qi was discarded?”

Ye Wen felt a pang of reluctance to lose the Innate Purple Qi. After all, that technique had accompanied him for decades; he had grown accustomed to it. To lose it abruptly left him feeling a shade of melancholy!

As he sighed, he suddenly realized that when he habitually circulated his energy, the Qi of the Innate Purple Qi could be wielded effortlessly. Yet, when Ye Wen tried to locate it deliberately, the energy remained absent.

“Could it be that the Innate Purple Qi has merged throughout my being? That I can command it instinctively?”

He initially theorized this, but when Ye Wen attempted to channel his energy again, slowing his movements, he finally discovered the truth. The Qi was indeed being drawn from his body, almost as if it were energy readily available at his fingertips.

When Ye Wen activated his right hand, the stellar bodies positioned near his right side moved vigorously, releasing potent energy. This energy, upon being directed outward, instantly transformed into the Innate Purple Qi that Ye Wen desired!

“This…”

Contrary to his expectations, the Innate Purple Qi had not merely dispersed; rather, all the strange energies throughout his body could convert into Innate Purple Qi. Though the result was the same, the implication was fundamentally altered!

“It really is… gone?”

Still unwilling to accept it, Ye Wen experimented one more time. This time, he raised his right hand again, but he did not channel the Innate Purple Qi technique. Instead, he focused on the Tai Chi Divine Art, a technique he had only partially referenced and borrowed concepts from! He had never formally practiced this art, but having read the complete manual, he knew how to utilize it.

The moment the thought arose, a perfect mass of Tai Chi energy materialized in Ye Wen’s palm. The orthodoxy of this Qi rivaled that of a master who had diligently practiced the Tai Chi Divine Art for centuries. Realizing this, Ye Wen finally confirmed his condition: the Innate Purple Qi was indeed gone, replaced by this Hun Tian Treasure Mirror energy, which seemed capable of encompassing everything, covering all forces within the universe.

“Is this the true Hun Tian Treasure Mirror?”

Opening his eyes, Ye Wen found the surrounding environment had drastically changed. When he had inadvertently entered that state of cosmic explosion, the Immortal Realm was deep in winter; the vegetation on Mount Shu had withered, and the biting, cold winds were almost unbearable for disciples with lower cultivation.

But now? Lush green grass carpeted the ground, the nearby trees were vibrant green, and the occasional chirping of cicadas clearly signaled that summer had arrived.

“Just how long did I spend with my eyes closed?”

In the past, he might have assumed he was in seclusion for a few months, but this time, he truly couldn't ascertain the duration! He even suspected that in the time it took him to close and reopen his eyes, centuries might have passed!

“They always say cultivation defies time, and now I truly grasp why the concept of years becomes meaningless!”

Ye Wen could only pray that the time he spent with his eyes shut hadn't been too long. If he opened them to find everyone gone and the world aged beyond recognition, he feared he might truly collapse. Yet, despite the apparent passage of time, not a speck of dust clung to his body. He couldn't fathom why! He was naturally unaware that during that period, layers of True Qi constantly enveloped him, warding off not just dust but preventing anyone from even approaching. Ning Ruxue had initially considered erecting a makeshift shelter to shield Ye Wen from the elements, but the unpredictable bursts of energy forced her to abandon the effort.

Standing up, Ye Wen intended to return to his courtyard first to check on things. If time hadn't passed too extensively, his junior sister should be waiting there?

Glancing at the sky as he moved, it appeared to be mid-afternoon, perhaps two or three o'clock. Even if his junior sister was practicing, she would likely be in the training room within his courtyard.

The thought had barely formed when, merely taking one step, Ye Wen found himself instantaneously standing at the entrance of his own courtyard. This sudden shift stunned the two young disciples guarding the entrance, and Ye Wen himself was frozen in place.

“Ah……”

“Ah………Grand Ancestor Master!”

After a few seconds of shared silence, one disciple reacted, realizing the man before them was the Grand Ancestor Master who had entered seclusion. They hadn't expected him to emerge today and immediately bowed: “Congratulations on emerging from seclusion, Grand Ancestor Master!”

“Ah?” Ye Wen blinked, instantly understanding the expedient excuse Ning Ruxue and the others must have concocted for him! Considering the nature of those past moments, it truly was akin to seclusion, and since he seemed to have undergone significant changes, the term 'seclusion' wasn't entirely inaccurate.

Smiling as a nod of acknowledgment to the two young disciples, Ye Wen raised his foot to step inside. But as he did, he suddenly remembered: where was his junior sister? They would surely know.

“Is Junior Aunt Ning here?” The disciple replied respectfully, “Junior Aunt Ning is out; she is not here!”

“Do you know where she went?”

“We heard that envoys from the Heavenly Court arrived, and Junior Aunt Ning and Uncle Master Xu went ahead to greet them!”

“Oh!” Ye Wen was surprised that his emergence coincided with visitors from the Heavenly Court—he wondered what the matter was? But mentioning the Heavenly Court reminded him of something, and he asked again: “How long was I in seclusion this time?”

The two disciples blinked a few times, seemingly taken aback by the question. Their Grand Ancestor Master didn’t even know how long his seclusion lasted? Had the retreat driven him mad?

It was the quickest thinking, most astute disciple who recovered first. He realized that their Grand Ancestor Master must have been breaking through a profound barrier, so immersed in cultivation that he lost track of time. It was the hallmark of a true master to be so unaware of the passing years upon exiting seclusion!

“Grand Ancestor Master, your seclusion lasted a full eight months! From the end of last year straight through to June of this year!”

June meant the height of summer. After a few more inquiries, Ye Wen learned that autumn was rapidly approaching—he had nearly completed a full cycle!

However, this news brought Ye Wen a measure of relief. His period of retreat was within an acceptable range; the terrifying scenario of opening his eyes centuries later had not materialized.

“Grand Ancestor Master, is there anything else you require?” Seeing Ye Wen silent and not entering, the disciple inquired respectfully, unsure what the Grand Ancestor Master planned to do.

Ye Wen considered this, then casually instructed: “Bring some tea and refreshments. I will wait in this courtyard for your Uncles and Aunts to return!”

This single statement covered two necessities: food and drink, and the clear signal for them to notify Ning Ruxue that he had returned and should come see him as soon as her important matters were settled!

The disciple was indeed sharp; without needing further clarification, he nodded and hurried off, heading directly in the direction of notifying Ning Ruxue and the others.

Having given his orders, Ye Wen stepped into the courtyard. The moment he entered, he heard an extremely excited meow! Following the sound, he saw that Garfield, the little creature, was indeed lying under the shade of a tree, excitedly waving its paws at him.

But…………

“Garfield, walking on two legs is not appropriate for a cat!”

Seeing Garfield standing upright, waving its paws while charging toward him, Ye Wen found the sight profoundly bizarre! Even knowing that Garfield was no ordinary feline, this behavior was difficult to accept.

“Meow!”

Garfield, chest puffed out with paws on its hips in a mocking posture, seemed utterly unconcerned, appearing instead quite proud of its current “stance.” It strutted back and forth in front of Ye Wen several times before Ye Wen subdued it using forceful measures.

“How is your training going? Let me see if you’ve built any muscle!”

While amusing himself with Garfield, the disciples brought up the fruits, tea, and snacks. After only a few bites, a feeling stirred in Ye Wen’s heart: he knew Ning Ruxue was rushing back.

He didn't need to look specifically, nor did he need to activate the Glazed Divine Eye; Ning Ruxue’s joyous, sprinting figure immediately registered in his mind.

“This… could this be what they call Unity of Man and Heaven?”

Even as he speculated, Ning Ruxue’s figure stopped before him. A delicate breeze wafted by as Ye Wen directly took Ning Ruxue’s hand: “I know you were worried!”

“Mmm!” She had countless things to say, but at that moment, she couldn't utter a single word, content merely to sit beside Ye Wen, accepting his hand, and quietly sharing his food.

They remained like that until dinnertime, when Ning Ruxue finally spoke: “By the way, the Heavenly Court sent an emissary this time; it seems there is a task requiring Senior Brother to handle?” She had been troubled by this matter, and now her Senior Brother had awakened just in time! Although she had many private words to exchange, important matters came first.