He explained, "At that time, Ascenders weren't called Ascenders but were referred to as Cultivators or Immortal Practitioners."

Gu Jianlin paused in thought for a second: "And then, because one of them slew an ancestor-level Ancient God, they provoked a Supreme?"

Jing Ci nodded: "Yes. Although history doesn't record the specifics of that battle, it must have been devastating. Otherwise, why do you think the Emperor was so short-lived and desperate in his quest for immortality?"

Gu Jianlin thought to himself, so that's how it is.

"The second figure was Mr. Gui Gu, the ancestor of the Zongheng Sect during the Warring States Period, said to have manifested the Ghost Star Formation. The first President of the Ether Association inherited his legacy and traveled overseas to seek the ruins of the Ancient God Realm, amassing abundant resources for the Human World. That's how they returned to Hua Country and established a stable Ascender order."

Jing Ci said calmly, "You may not realize this, but before the Ether Association was founded, our country didn't have any organizations for Transcendents. Back then, this land was known as the Land of Divine Revelation and followed a traditional family-based system. Many Ascender families today trace their lineage back to historically renowned figures. There are even descendants of the Imperial Family among them."

"As for why they went overseas, the reason is simple. Our country has far too many Ancient God ruins. Why else would it be called the Land of Divine Revelation? If you don't loot some resources from abroad, you'd have no chance against the Ancient Gods and Ancient Ancestors here. To put it simply, our country is a hell-level dungeon, while other countries are beginner villages."

He shrugged: "If you were born in North America, you wouldn't see an ancestor-level ruin even in your next life."

Gu Jianlin murmured, "No wonder."

"The third figure is the first President of the Ether Association, the fourth is the current President of the Ether Association, the fifth is my teacher, and the sixth is the Red King—though he's already dead."

Jing Ci explained, "But without exception, these five Catastrophe-level Ascenders all clashed with the Candle Dragon Venerable in the real world. Occasionally, battles took place in the Ancient God Realm, leveraging the power of the Heavenly Person Realm."

Gu Jianlin looked up at the golden realm in the sky.

"What exactly is this thing?"

He raised his head to the heavens, his eyes illuminated by the dazzling golden radiance.

Jing Ci explained in layman's terms, "You already know that the rules of the real world repel the Ancient Gods because this world does not belong to them; they cannot adapt to its natural laws. It's like fish being unable to live on land without water. The Heavenly Person Realm intensifies this repulsion to an extreme degree, significantly weakening their power."

"Otherwise, how do you think humanity gained today's advantage and became the masters of this world, given the massive power gap between humans and Ancient Gods?"

He said, "It's all thanks to the Heavenly Person Realm. It not only strengthens the repulsion of Ancient Gods in the real world but can also create real-world rules within the Ancient God Realm."

Gu Jianlin's pupils quivered as if a surge of electricity ran up his spine to the back of his head.

Jing Ci glanced at him: "Yes, exactly what you're thinking. The Heavenly Person Realm is indispensable when human Ascenders venture into Ancient God ruins."

Gu Jianlin pondered for a moment: "I hadn't expected humanity to develop something like this to combat the Ancient Gods."

"Wrong."

Jing Ci's gaze became profound as he said, "This wasn't invented by humanity. It was the ultimate killing weapon created by Supremes to destroy each other, and humanity merely ended up utilizing it."

At these words, Gu Jianlin felt a chill spread through him.

Jing Ci didn't delve deeper into the topic but instead changed the subject: "Moreover, the Heavenly Person Realm isn't exactly a barrier—because barriers can be broken, but the Heavenly Person Realm cannot. Its essence lies in the forced alteration of natural laws. For Ancient Gods, the inability to escape it spells real danger."

A smile suddenly surfaced on his face, and he said seriously, "The essence of the Heavenly Person Realm is the Breathing Technique."

Gu Jianlin had an epiphany. No wonder when the Heavenly Person Realm appeared, the Black Qilin in his mind immediately fell into slumber, while the Breathing Technique became exceptionally smooth, as if merging into one.

"In the Heavenly Person Realm, the Breathing Technique is enhanced, while the powers belonging to Ancient Gods are suppressed. History records an ancestor who tried to forcibly undergo Ancient God Transformation within the Heavenly Person Realm."

Jing Ci warned, "And then, their body disintegrated, their soul fled and scattered, and they fell into slumber for five thousand years."

Damn five thousand years.

Gu Jianlin found this utterly unacceptable.

Even as the Second Generation Kirin Venerable, his education and worldview remained fundamentally human.

He couldn't stomach the thought of waking up to find five thousand years had passed, the people he cared about reduced to dust in the river of history, their graves long gone. What would be the point of living then?

Although living is an individual's journey, the essence of who you are is shaped by the other people in your life.

"So, in the Heavenly Person Realm, you can no longer rely on Ancient God powers."

Jing Ci admired the rain curtain in the storm and smiled: "And without Ancient God powers, you haven't fully grasped the advanced applications of the Breathing Technique. This means you're currently just a Second Rank Junior Fate Officer. You might be significantly stronger compared to Ascenders of the same rank, but there's still a limit."

"You also have two auxiliary Mythical Weapons. The Lock of Nonexistence is a good tool for disguising yourself, but apart from catching someone off guard in your first attack during battle, it's rather useless."

He chuckled: "The Soul Comforting Bell does have some utility, but its effects in combat are limited as well."

Gu Jianlin had a sinking feeling upon hearing this.

"As for Mrs. Yan, she's still alive but is currently mutating toward the Gu Worm form."

Jing Ci raised a finger, his smile deepening: "This is an excellent challenge. Remember what I told you? Only by placing life and death aside can you truly master the essence of the Breathing Technique."

As his words fell.

Gu Jianlin's phone rang with a chilling voice.

"Dawn Combat Sequence, please be advised. The Nightmare Master has suffered heavy injuries, their rank has plummeted to the lowest point, and they currently pose no threat. All squads should prioritize clearing the city streets of out-of-control Gu Worms to ensure the safety of civilians."

"Those operating in the West Port Forbidden Zone, please simultaneously search for traces of the Ancient God Clan while dealing with the Gu Worms. If anyone spots a Divine Servant, immediately report it. Unless necessary, avoid confrontations with Unclean and Fallen entities within the West Port Forbidden Zone. Especially with the You Ying Group—engage in cooperation unless provoked by them."

"Not everyone in the West Port Forbidden Zone is a criminal. The Horus Eye Satellite has been fully activated, and Taixu will aid you in identifying their identities promptly. Do not commit wrongful killings. Save anyone you can."

"Warriors, please protect yourselves and strive to save every innocent soul."

"We're counting on you!"

The voice belonged to Chen Bojun, resonating in the raging storm.

Gu Jianlin stayed silent for a moment and asked, "This is what the Ether Association should be like, isn't it?"

Jing Ci smiled: "To be precise, this is what Dawn Combat Sequence should embody—they are warriors who defend humanity's borders in the darkness, each deserving your respect."

But at that moment, the communication channel crackled with static noise.

A cold, condescending voice rang out: "All departments, be advised. Receiving Judgment Court's highest directive, confirmed by Saint Li Qingsong. Proceed with indiscriminate cleansing of the West Port Forbidden Zone! Officially declare war on the You Ying Group!"

Gu Jianlin froze briefly, his pupils suddenly illuminated by a sky-piercing blaze.

Boom!

A massive explosion erupted in the West Port's black market district, a mushroom cloud shooting into the sky.

[PS: This book is officially published on Qidian Reading App. The next chapter will be updated at 11:30 PM. Please support the official version.]