A Deity Once Dreamt: Condemning the Heavens, #9

Chapter 2 - Ancestral Worldpower

The energy did not vanish after he finished his first breakthrough. Instead, it continued to fill his dantian, pressing it to the limits. 

The nine seals on his body began shining. First, the light was dull and hard to notice, but the more energy he absorbed, the lighter they became before they started trembling as if they were absorbing the excess energy.

Xue Wei was unaware of what was happening outside, his full focus was on his body, and he felt the energy purifying every cell in his body; the elements within his body also rose a grade, and his elemental affinity became even better. 

It was not only his cultivation base that was improving; everything about him was being taken to another level. His body, which was already near-indestructible due to his bloodlines, was even more sturdy after the energy finished rebuilding his cells. 

His meridians had been widened from how they were before. Now more energy could be used and unleashed at once, making his attacks even more deadly. 

His dantian had been slowly expanded. Not to the point where it could not handle the influx of energy, but enough to store the extra energy that had appeared out of nowhere. 

All in all, the benefit that this Hui Yue had given him was simply over the top, and it was still not stopping.

The energy from Hui Yue continued to pour into his body. It did not stop until it could no longer enhance his body any further, and the nine seals could not contain any more energy. Even his dantian was full to the bloating point. 

Looking at his strength, Xue Wei took a deep breath; incredulity lit up his eyes. Had he actually jumped directly to the Earth Saint third layer rank? 

This increase in strength first made him immensely nervous. Although a boost in power was good, he had already once used the nine seals to seal up his foundation to make sure it was sturdy. He was not willing to risk his foundation for fast advance.

Hui Yue saw that the immediate reward did not blind him and that his expression turned solemn, and he praised the young man in his heart. 

Don't worry, this energy will not affect your foundation, he said with a smile as he could instantly guess the worry that Xue Wei had. 

"I cannot use Archaic Energy as it would blow up the body you have, but I have other energies that can help you. They are all much more condensed than yours as they come from a Deity. 

Deities are different from mortals. No matter how strong you get, you will always be a mortal, but upon becoming a Deity, your body will cease to exist in the way you know of it now. You will become a creature of energy instead.

Xue Wei frowned. If he gave up on his body, would he still be able to take on the shape of a Vermilion Bird and an Azure Dragon? Would he remain what he was today? 

Hui Yue did not say anything more. If Xue Wei was not willing to give up some things, how could he possibly advance in the future? If he could not embrace the sacrifice of his mortal body, then he would never become a Deity either.

Xue Wei was deep in thought as he thought of the words said by Hui Yue, and the white-haired guest did not interrupt him either. 

Finally, Xue Wei sighed. So be it. Originally I thought I was a mere human, but then the belief was being taken away from me. Then I thought that I was an Azure Dragon, but even that has proven to be incorrect. Now I don't even know what I am, so why should I cling onto a body that is so confused as mine is? What I need is strength! Strength to ensure that my loved ones will never encounter any problems in the future!

Seeing him make a decision so swiftly, Hui Yue was surprised, but he quickly smiled and felt that this young man was interesting. It was no wonder than Lan She had taken an interest in him.

He was a much more decisive person than many of the people Hui Yue had met along his travels. It was hard to find someone like this young man. 

Hui Yue looked at him and suddenly had an urge to see him grow, but he also knew that he was not here for the sake of discovering talents, but because he had to convince Lan She that he had to come back home. 

Sighing and shaking his head regrettably, Hui Yue waved his hand, and a small vial appeared in his hand. 

"This is a medicine that the Gods use to save themselves. As long as you have died with a complete corpse and the death happened less than ten minutes ago, you can then use it to revive the person, as long as it was a mortal. 

"There is one pill within, so guard it well. Don't waste it. This is a guarantee that you can save someone once, but only once. You are a genius yourself, so you should know just as well as me that the future can only be controlled by yourself. 

"Although you can receive a lot of help, it will not do you any good, and instead hinder your future accomplishments. 

The energy I used was Ancestral Worldpower. This power has no harm to you, and it will continue to roam in your body. You cannot use it before you become a god, and it will continue to purify all the Qi you gain.

Chapter 3 - Frog in the Well

Xue Wei could feel that the energy that had penetrated deep into his dantian was different from the Qi he usually used. 

The Vermilion Bird and the Azure Dragon spirits within his dantian almost started fighting one another for the sake of gaining most of the energy, but surprisingly enough, it was impossible for the two spirits to consume the energy. Their attempts proved futile and caused quite some frustration to the spirits.

Xue Wei almost burst out laughing seeing them like this; it was the first time he had seen the two aloof spirits within his dantian being so greedy. 

At the same time, he understood that the energy was anything but ordinary in order to make them react like this.

Thank you, he said, heartfelt to Hui Yue. I am very grateful for the help you have given me. Although I doubt I will be able to return the favor, if you need me to help you, do not hesitate to ask for me.

Hui Yue could see that Xue Wei was serious. He smiled slightly, but he did not reject his kindness. 

Who knows what might happen in the future, Hui Yue said with a nod of his head, I might actually need your help one day, so I will be impolite and remember your promise.

Xue Wei had been worried about Hui Yue not taking him seriously, so he was astonished when he heard how serious Hui Yue sounded. 

Well then, I will go and find Lan She, Hui Yue said with a nod of his head, and suddenly a light breeze entered the room, after which the young white-haired man had vanished without a trace. 

Xue Wei was not too shocked to see him vanishing like that, but he was once again motivated to increase his strength as soon as possible. 

Previously he was unaware of the worlds beyond his own. He had thought that the apex of the world he lived within, was the highest he could ever reach, but now he knew that this world was but a small step towards the real adventure, towards the other worlds. 

He was indeed a frog in a well. 

He was feeling a strange sensation of yearning. These outside worlds, where everything was different. How could he not yearn for them? 

He was tired of this world. He was tired of the constant battles, the people scheming, and the enmity between continents, or races. He wanted to spread his wings in a world where no one knew him, where he was not the Holy Son, where he was nothing special. Somewhere he could just be himself. 

Hui Yue had left him, unaware of the dreams he had sparked in Xue Wei's mind. 

Xue Wei spent a few days in secluded cultivation. When he was not deep in meditation, he was thinking about the worlds beyond their own; he was thinking about the endless worlds. 

But he also realized that he could not just rush to the God level and then leave the world. He had too many things that had to be completed before he could go. 

He had to solve the problems with the Chang'an Continent. He had to solve the war, and find Xiao Lei. He also needed to know his own origin; he had to find out if it was only the Vermilion Bird Clan he could merge with, or whether or not he could also merge with the White Tiger and Black Turtle bloodlines.

He also had to help Bai Tianyi solve his blood feud against the eight noble families. 

Although they had gotten some interest in the Ascended's Realm, that was far from enough to soothe his anger. He needed to eradicate the ancestors of these families, who had banded together to deal with him.

Lin Xiao had no blood feud; he just wanted to run away from the other Diviners. Hei Gou had long since left everything behind him. Although he was not happy with his family having sacrificed him, he had no wish to get revenge on them. They were the ones who gave him life after all.

Luoluo had also let down her hatred after being freed from the soul reaping formation within the Garden of Shadows. Although it was something she would forever remember, she saw it as a necessary thing to be able to meet the ones who truly mattered to her. Xue Wei, Lin Xiao, Bai Tianyi, and Hei Gou had turned into her family members now.

And finally, there was Wang Xiaoyun. Xue Wei was aware that she had changed in their time within the Ascended's Realm. She no longer blamed every beast for the destruction of her family, with the exception of Chu Huiyin, the Ice Harpy. She would have to die before she could let go of her hatred.

Although Xue Wei wanted to travel, and leave this world, he wanted to do so together with his friends and family. He was not going to leave them behind. Hence he also understood that he had to solve all the hatred first. He had to ensure that no one would encounter a heart demon due to leaving unfinished matters in this world. 

Sighing, Xue Wei left his room only to find that all the others were waiting for him in the living room. Their eyes displayed some worry as they looked at him, but soon this worry was changed to shock.

You released the seals? Bai Tianyi asked, since this was the only reason he could find for Xue Wei's sudden boost in strength, but Xue Wei shook his head. 

I will tell you about it in a moment, but why are you all gathered here? 

The war has intensified. Hei Gou answered, looking somewhat worried.

Chapter 4 - The War Intensified

T he war intensified ? Xue Wei frowned, feeling it was weird. Has it not been stable for years, and only comprised of small skirmishes? Why did it suddenly change like this?

Well... Hei Gou looked at Xue Wei before he shook his head and sighed. It is indirectly your fault.

My fault? Xue Wei was surprised and quite shocked. Had he done nothing, he thought? Hadn't he been entirely focused on cultivating? 

Seeing him being so perplexed, Bai Tianyi shook his head and smiled. The enemy has gotten intel that the Demon Phoenix Continent's generals have increased their strength. They now think that the Vermilion Birds has some treasure that can mutate a Primordial Beast, and their greed has surpassed their rationality.

I see. Xue Wei nodded his head. It seemed that he was the reason for the war flaring up. 

So, what is it to you? Xue Wei asked again as he looked at them, and all of them looked at one another, not sure who should speak. It was clear that they had spoken before amongst each other, but now that they had to tell Xue Wei, they were worried about his reaction.

Come on; I don't bite.

We are thinking of joining the army. Eventually, it was Hei Gou who spoke. "We don't really care too much about who wins and who loses the war, but we have been relaxing for a long time. Our hands are itching for a proper fight again. 

A battlefield will be suitable or us to grow as well. We need somewhere where others can pressure us, and we feel that joining the war is the best solution for us.

Xue Wei thought about it for some time, before he nodded his head. Their reasons made sense, and after speaking with Hui Yue, he knew that it was, in fact, not a bad idea to go out and fight.

At the same time, he also knew that his advance would slow down. He was different from the others because of the nine seals on his body. He needed to use every single moment to cultivate, but he also wanted to enhance his battle experience. 

Facing a difficult question, Xue Wei fell into contemplation. He was considering what to do when he suddenly heard a rage-filled roar erupting next to him, Xue Wei! You traitor! How could you tell my uncle where to find me?! 

Xue Wei did not have to turn his head to know that it was Lan who had emerged out of nowhere. 

Lan, long time no see, Xue Wei said casually, not at all caring about the rage that was evident on the man's face. For some weird reason, Xue Wei felt that it was impossible for Lan to really harm him.

How could you? I have been treating you so well. Why would you tell my uncle where to find me? This won't do, let me hide by your side for some time! 

We are going to join the battlefield, Xue Wei said with a smile, We are going to fight with our lives on the line to ignite our potential. With such a deity like yourself around us, how could we ever encounter life-threatening danger?

Don't worry, Lan said through gritted teeth, I will let you experience a lot of life-threatening situations! 

Xue Wei smiled slightly. As long as Lan promised not to interfere with their battles, he did not care what the older man did. 

Oh right, Xue Wei waved his hand and took the Thunder Flame Crown out of the storage treasure before he tossed it to Lan. I got your crown.

Lan's rage-filled eyes changed, and a gleeful smile erupted on his lips. You got it! he exclaimed happily and started examining the crown from every angle. 

Then he stored it in his own storage treasure and he seemed to look a lot less unhappy. 

Well then, let us go to visit the Emperor. We are going to join the army, so we need his approval.

The others nodded their heads. Together with the group, including Lan, they hurried to the study where the Emperor was buried in paperwork. 

What brings you here? He asked gently while looking at Xue Wei and the others. 

We would like to join the army, Xue Wei said straightaway. We have been cultivating for some time now, and we need some practical fights, some encounters to push our potential to new heights.

The Emperor gave a deep look at the group before he nodded his head. Then I will let you join the army, he said. But you have to be careful. Even if you wish to train your skills and fight, you have to make sure that you are not in any life-threatening danger.

Xue Wei nodded his head and looked at the Emperor. He could feel that the Emperor was gentle towards him because of his affection towards his mother, but he was not going to say anything. 

The Emperor was also aware that he could not control Xue Wei, but he still wanted him to be safe. He was, after all, the flesh and blood of the woman he could never forget. 

After having gotten permission, the group returned to the courtyard to pack up their things before they went to the military office. 

The military office was the place where people were signing up in the army, and when their group arrived, they attracted a lot of attention. 

Many were here to sign up for the army, but none of them were as high profile as Xue Wei and his friends. 

Chapter 5 - Signing Up for the Army

Many primordial beasts , humans, and even some Vermilion Bird Clan members were waiting at the sign-up point for the army. 

Everyone knew that if the Demon Phoenix Continent lost this war, their worriless lives would change once and for all, and thus they decided to register themselves for the army. 

They all wanted to do their best to help the Continent get through the danger that was now lurking around them. Still, they were all aware that they were doing this for their families, because of the patriotic feeling within themselves, and in gratitude for everything that the Continent had provided them with. 

Xue Wei and his friends were known to everyone. They were foreigners who were well received in the palace. They could live a leisurely life, and no one expected them to participate in the war, as they had no lingering feelings for this Continent. 

But now, this group of people, alongside one more they did not know, had appeared at the sign-up place. Clearly, they aimed to join the army. Had they misunderstood these people? Did they really want to help the Demon Phoenix Continent survive the disaster? 

Xue Wei and his friends could see the surprise in the people's eyes, but they completely ignored them as they went to que up. 

Murmurs erupted in the surroundings, everyone began discussing their purpose, but none of them reacted at all, even when some of them were speaking loudly enough for them to hear everything they said. 

As they stood in the queue, it took quite some time for them to reach the table where they could register, but even the military officer who was in charge of signing people up looked at them with confusion and some hostility.

It was not known to the outside world that the one who had enhanced the ability amongst the Generals was the one in front of them, hence they thought that this group of people was merely here to live a comfortable life. They could not help but be alert whenever they saw Xue Wei and his friends wanting to sign up.

Before anyone had time to question Xue Wei, a General of the army appeared at the registration area, his eyes scanned over the area, and he looked at Xue Wei with shock when he saw him and his friends lining up. 

Master Xue, the General hurried to his side. This General was renowned for being patriotic and respected. They thought he was alert and vigilant against Xue Wei. They could not let outsiders join their army, what if they were spies? 

But contrary to their expectations, the General looked politely at Xue Wei and bowed slightly. 

Master Xue wishes to join the army? he asked. It will be our great honor to have such an esteemed expert such as yourself and your friends joining our army.

Xue Wei looked at the general and smiled politely. That was our plan.

The military officer who was supposed to sign up people for the army was stunned. How could this mutated general treat Xue Wei so well? It was not just normal respect; there was a level of reverence in his voice that made everyone understand that he even looked up to this young man who was weaker than him in strength, and much younger than him in age. 

Xue Wei knew that this General would never expose his achievements, but he would still not allow anyone to cause problems for him, and he looked at the people around them.

Master Xue has done much for our Demon Phoenix Continent, the General said. We owe him a lot, but he is even thinking of joining the army to assist our Continent. It is our honor to have him working for us, so please approve of their registration procedures and hurry up! We cannot afford to waste time! 

Xue Wei nodded his head approvingly. Saying that he had done much for them, but not going into detail was the best way to make them look at him in a favourable way.

"Master Xue, all of you have to write your names down, after which we will send you to the training camp. There is no time limit for how long someone stays in the training camp; it depends on how fast someone becomes accustomed to the army lifestyle. 

"When you are accustomed, you will be sent to the front line where you are going to join the skirmishes or undertake missions. The more kills you get, the more tasks you complete, the more merits you will get. 

Merits can be traded for resources, so do your best!

Xue Wei nodded his head before he wrote down his name on the sign-up form. At the same time, the others signed their names as well. When Lan signed, Xue Wei saw that he only wrote Lan, he was not using his given name. 

Many knew of Lan, but those who knew his given name were few. Xue Wei did not know what his story might be, but he could often see a trace of sadness, loneliness, and grief in his eyes. 

Maybe his past was painful, and could have been the reason for him to no longer use the name 'She'.

Xue Wei said nothing; he just glanced at the names that had been signed on the document. Then suddenly, Xue Fu came out of the Beast Tag, and she also signed her name on the document. 

Many of the people present were shocked to see that they had a beast tag and even more surprised when they saw that the one who came out from the beast tag was a Primordial Beast in human form. In the Demon Phoenix Continent, it was impossible to make a Primordial Beast become a tamed beast, so this was shocking to them.

Chapter 6 - Training Camp

Xue Wei had no intention of being low-key. He wanted to show everyone his might to make them all understand that he, and his group, were not to be belittled.

If they pretended to be weak, they would be bullied, but if they showed their prowess, others, of decent skill, would be more interested in sparring with them, hence helping them when they trained. 

They wanted to enter the warzone as soon as possible to improve their potential and their combat ability. But if they pretended to be weak, they would end up in the training camp for far too long.

Xue Wei and his friends had considered many different things before coming to this conclusion. They were going to be sparkling like stars, they would be so brilliant that no one would be able to take away the shine that belonged to them. 

The officer behind the registration table was also stunned, but he dared not be disrespectful due to the General's apparent reverence towards Xue Wei. 

Please take these tags, the officer said, as he handed a wooden token to each of them, "drip a drop of blood onto them, to bind them to yourself, and then go to the training camp. 

The training camp is located outside the city. It is not hard to find.

Xue Wei nodded his head, and all of them accepted the tokens, after which they dripped their blood onto them, and stored them away in their storage treasures. 

Having already packed everything they needed to pack, all of them left the sign-up area, and started moving towards the outside of the city. 

Although they had not been given any directions, it was not a problem. Ass soon as they exited the city, they could move much faster, and they should be able to locate it quite soon.

It took them three hours to locate the training camp. It was a massive location, built at the foot of a mountain. It housed around a million hopeful soldiers at this current point in time, and it was a rough environment. 

Looking at the barracks and the dirty ground that had turned to mud, Xue Wei could not help but glance at Luoluo. However, he was surprised to see that every step she took, left the soil under her feet frozen, so even the mud could not dirty her shoes. 

Luoluo had truly benefited greatly from being in the Ascended's Realm, and she had matured a lot. 

When they arrived at the entrance to the training camp, a veteran soldier greeted them.

Show me your tokens, he barked the order in a way that did not allow one to decline, and Xue Wei, alongside the others, took out their tokens, and presented them to him.

Okay, then let me tell you a few rules of the Training Camp, the man began after he had inspected their tokens. 

"There are three different kinds of