Chapter 686: Chapter 686

The Heavenly Prison World erupted in a sea of jubilation. Everyone was cheering and rejoicing at the chance to escape this place alive.

For the geniuses who had just been banished to the Exile Zone, the overwhelming relief brought them to tears.

Standing by the window of his small bamboo building, Li Pin could clearly sense the Fortune that had once been concentrated on him rapidly dispersing, flowing back across the Heavenly Prison World to countless geniuses. This included both the extraordinary talents and those who had taken more unconventional paths.

He felt no regret over this. Fortune was a fickle thing. When present, it made cultivation effortless, granting inspiration and rapid progress. But he wouldn't cling to it. If it was gone, so be it. He had always relied on nothing but himself.

This was evident in how he had altered the Supreme Secret Art, Endless Reincarnation into a method that concentrated "higher-dimensional power" onto his present and future self.

A streak of light tore through the sky.

Wang Fuyun arrived outside Li Pin's bamboo hut alongside several elders from the Worldbreaker Peak. Joining them were Yun Lai, Yu Xuexian, Yu Li, and Gao Shengyan, the seasoned figures from Dragon Abyss Tower.

Wang Fuyun looked at Li Pin with a hint of emotion. "I never expected this day to come so soon, and in such a seamless manner."

"That's only natural," Li Pin replied. "Whether it's the Human Race or other powerful alien species, none would stand idly by while billions of geniuses, prodigies, and even supreme talents were imprisoned by the Black Abyss Highlord as test subjects.

"This isn't just about value. It's a matter of pride. If they didn't act to rescue their own, how could their people feel secure? Without that sense of security, what unity would remain within their races?"

He had initially worried that Li Pin, having just become a savior, might become intoxicated by the glory and fortune that came with it, making it hard for him to let go. But seeing Li Pin's calm demeanor, he felt reassured.

A true prodigy had their own pride. Being captured, imprisoned, and then offered some benefits—would he willingly accept such a fate and stay here? Even if given the chance to leave, would he hesitate?

Though Li Pin had gained significant advantages from cultivating in the Heavenly Prison World, no one would willingly trade their freedom for such benefits.

Wang Fuyun smiled and said, "Regardless, we owe you our gratitude. You've given hope to countless people. Without you, tens of thousands might not have survived to see the day when the Heavenly Prison World was finally opened.”

"I didn't do much," Li Pin replied, shaking his head.

Seeing this, Wang Fuyun chose not to press the matter further. Instead, he asked, "You've been recommended for the Eternal Ascent of Humanity Initiative. Will you be returning to the Humanity Sanctum with us?"

He smiled and added, "In a way, you've already reached the fourth level of the Primordial Supreme Technique. Although you're still stuck at the True Spirit stage, your mastery of this Supreme Technique is proof of your extraordinary talent.

"This technique is a legacy left by the Supreme Genesis. With your achievements, once you return to the Humanity Sanctum, you could choose to become his disciple. In fact, I believe you have a strong chance of being directly accepted as his personal disciple."

Wang Fuyun's words sparked admiration among those around them. A direct disciple of a Supreme being! What an honor that would be!

Every Supreme being's personal disciple held a status no less than that of a Cosmic Radiance. Moreover, anyone chosen as a Supreme being's disciple was almost guaranteed to form a True Spirit and achieve the realm of Cosmic Radiance. The only difference lay in how far they could advance on that path.

Of course, some could have the qualifications to glimpse that Supreme Realm, the pinnacle of the cosmic starry skies.

"Become Supreme Genesis' disciple..." muttered Li Pin.

He shook his head. "We'll see."

Wang Fuyun nodded. "Fair enough."

Li Pin's talent was undeniable, but for a Supreme being to accept a disciple, talent alone was no longer the deciding factor. At their level, they acted purely on their own will. Aside from their own understanding and principles, little else could influence their decisions.

If they weren't inclined to take on a disciple, it wouldn't matter how talented someone was. Not even an unparalleled genius who could dominate an entire era would catch their interest.

Their conversation left Yun Lai, Gao Shengyan, Yu Xuexian, and Yu Li even more impressed with Li Pin.

Yu Li transmitted his thoughts to the others.

"The Hall Master's talent is truly remarkable. In just ten years, he's cultivated the Supreme Technique to its fourth level—even if it's not yet a complete fourth level. The level of talent he's displayed is no less than that of a Supreme Prodigy. The only thing missing is time to prove his ability to dominate an era. Yet, despite possessing such talent, he remains so composed.... We pale in comparison."

Gao Shengyan and Yu Xuexian both voiced their agreements.

"The Hall Master's achievements are no coincidence. From him, I've truly learned the meaning of 'remaining calm in the face of great events.'"

"There's much more to learn from him than just that," Yu Xuexian chimed in. "One of his greatest strengths is his unwavering determination. When faced with danger, he doesn't retreat. He holds firm, believes in himself, and pushes forward.

"By forcing himself beyond his limits, he not only breaks through obstacles but also shatters the barriers of his own cultivation."

At this moment, Wang Fuyun glanced at the jade stones in his hand. These were rare treasures similar to linked stones.

When the portal first opened, he had already sent a few trusted members of Worldbreaker Peak through. If the other side turned out to be a deadly trap or another confinement, they would crush the sub-stones, which would send a signal to the Mother Stone.

Now, seeing that those who had left seemed to be safe, Wang Fuyun finally spoke. "Let's go as well."

He smiled and said, "First, we'll head to the Humanity Sanctum. With your achievements, you can easily pass the assessment for the Eternal Ascent of Humanity Initiative. Once you arrive, you'll surely put those ranked in the top ten in their place—especially Xiao Ruyi, heh..."

Li Pin nodded, then flew toward the portal in the sky along with Wang Fuyun and the others.

As for the competition in the Humanity Sanctum, regardless of whether or not Wang Fuyun had mentioned it, this was something Li Pin had already planned to do. Facing humanity's elites, the ones unshackled by the oppressive rules of the Heavenly Prison World, was precisely what he sought.

Competing against such powerhouses, learning from them, refining himself, and surpassing his own limits... that was the future he truly desired.

The group quickly reached the portal.

However, as if aware of some inside information, he did not attempt to stop anything. Instead, he turned to Wang Fuyun and the others. "Go on, board the Tianxu Divine Ship. Once everyone is present, it will depart."

"What about Li Pin?" Wang Fuyun quickly asked. "He has cultivated a Supreme Technique to nearly the fourth level..."

The Cosmic Radiance explained briefly, "The Black Abyss Highlord personally named him to stay. A great opportunity awaits him, something you need not concern yourselves with."

Wang Fuyun was a somewhat renowned figure in the Humanity Sanctum with a high probability of achieving the Cosmic Radiance realm in the future. Given his status, the Cosmic Radiance could not turn a blind eye to his words.

"The Black Abyss Highlord..."

That Highlord is somewhat of a lone wolf. He is of human lineage and occasionally favors the human race. Yet, he always acts on his own terms, unlike the Supreme Council, which consistently prioritizes human interests. If Li Pin became his disciple, wouldn't that mean...

Wang Fuyun quickly said, "Li Pin cultivates the Primordial Supreme Technique. With his talent, he has a strong chance of apprenticing under the Supreme Genesis. In the future, he could at least become a Cosmic Tyrant.

"Even better, he may have a chance to glimpse the Supreme Realm! Please report this to the Supreme Council. A genius of this caliber must not be left adrift..."

The Cosmic Radiance raised an eyebrow. "A supreme prodigy?"

He glanced at Li Pin but soon shook his head.

Every era boasts a hundred or so so-called "supreme prodigies," yet in the end, most of these self-proclaimed or externally praised elites prove to be nothing extraordinary.

They may call themselves supreme prodigies or be elevated to such status by others, but this is only because they have never encountered a true Supreme Prodigy.

When faced with a true supreme prodigy, these so-called "supreme prodigies" inevitably pale in comparison, becoming mere supporting characters to the true prodigy. By the end of an era, only one or two individuals truly rise to dominate their time.

Li Pin was a name the Cosmic Radiance had only heard mentioned by the Black Abyss Highlord. Perhaps he has performed well in this trial, but before that, who had ever heard of him? It was likely that he was just another one of those "Supreme Prodigies" who turned out to be unremarkable.

With that, the Cosmic Radiance calmly stated, "This is the will of Supreme Genesis."

Wang Fuyun's words were cut short. No one could defy the will of a Supreme.

At that moment, Li Pin spoke. "Go ahead. I'd like to meet the Black Abyss Highlord."

Wang Fuyun gave him a deep look. He had hoped Li Pin would rise in the Humanity Sanctum, stand out with outstanding results, and be accepted as a direct disciple of a Supreme. But now...

Li Pin emphasized once more, "I know what I'm doing."

Seeing this, Wang Fuyun could only sigh. "Take care. I hope we'll fight side by side again."

"Hall Master..." Yu Xuexian wanted to say something, but the Cosmic Radiance had already lost patience. "Board the Tianxu Divine Ship at once. You can choose to stay if you want."

With no other choice, Yu Xuexian, Yu Li, Gao Shengyan, Yun Lai, and the others hurriedly bid farewell. "Hall Master, take care."

"Alright," Li Pin responded.

Soon, the group stepped into the open portal and vanished.

As time passed, more and more people left through the gateways, eager to escape the Heavenly Prison World.

In just half a day, the once densely populated world that was home to billions, was now nearly empty.

Once the exodus was complete, Sasha closed the portals and turned to Li Pin with a soft smile. "Come with me. I'll take you to a place to rest while we await His Majesty's return."

Though he pursued the Supreme path, he also wanted to understand the ultimate form of the Highlord's path.