Chapter 417 – The Legend of Taixuan, Deadbone's Nest Construction

Tianze Lake Main City.

Tianze Academy, Faculty Conference Room.

Instructors and experts from various cities and territories arrived one after another.

The recruitment of instructors had largely concluded, and the teaching at advanced academies like Tianze Academy and Taihu Academy was about to begin.

“Didn’t the academy’s student recruitment end two weeks ago?”

“Exactly. Now, batches of exceptionally talented students have already moved into the academy’s dormitories. I’ve also heard reliable news that among this year’s intake, there are three top prodigies who have acquired epic-tier professions.”

An instructor with insider information lowered his voice as he spoke to an acquaintance nearby.

Instantly, six or seven soft, sharp intakes of breath echoed around them.

Though the instructor spoke quietly, the vast majority present were Fourth-Order Experts, with only a few specially recruited professional mentors possibly not having reached the Fourth Order.

How could they not overhear such whispers?

It seemed the rumors were true—among the billions of ordinary people who entered the Eternal Continent during the world fusion, some had indeed obtained epic-tier professions, ascending to greatness in a single step.

The thought alone was enough to evoke envy!

One instructor, who had spent considerable resources and called in favors to acquire and fuse with an Inheritance Stone, only to achieve an outstanding one-star tier, felt even more envious and resentful.

“Who exactly are these three epic prodigies?”

“I’d really like to know too. Oh, I don’t mean anything by it—just want to get acquainted with these geniuses. Definitely not thinking about taking them as disciples in advance or anything.”

“Foolish Er Gou, if you’re thinking it, why say it out loud!”

The instructor who had spoken earlier shook his head. “As for who these three prodigies are, I’m not sure. I suspect aside from the principal, very few in the academy know their identities.”

“However, given the power of an epic-tier profession, it probably won’t be long before these three stand out brilliantly once the new students begin their studies and cultivation. It’ll be like the difference between the bright moon in the sky and a flickering firefly.”

“I imagine the instructors teaching these three will be special-grade or first-grade instructors. Us ordinary instructors will at most teach the next tier of geniuses.”

That made sense.

The opportunity to form connections with epic-tier geniuses had slipped right through their fingers.

The surrounding instructors sighed helplessly but harbored no resentment.

After all, the first-grade and special-grade instructors were genuinely strong—absurdly so.

The special-grade instructors, without exception, were monsters ranking at the top of the leaderboards, and there were only three in total.

The first-grade instructors were also highly skilled, each possessing unique expertise.

Take first-grade instructor Ms. Ailin, for example.

It wasn’t that no one envied her special appointment to first-grade status.

Some had even approached Ms. Ailin for sparring, exchange, or discussion.

Ms. Ailin never refused.

Those who engaged in “academic” exchanges—commonly known as civil debates—with her were left speechless and questioning their life choices.

During these exchanges, she even pointed out one, two, three, or four flaws in their skill usage.

As for those who sparred with Ms. Ailin in martial combat, they didn’t suffer crushing defeats.

However, mid-fight, she would employ their signature combination killing moves, which was utterly demoralizing.As if all skills and abilities held no secrets in her eyes.

If such an extraordinary individual wasn’t qualified to serve as a first-class instructor, wouldn’t that imply they weren’t even qualified to be sixth or seventh-class instructors?

Thinking this, one instructor spoke up, “We truly can only teach second-tier geniuses. If we were to instruct those epic-level geniuses, we’d probably be utterly crushed in no time.”

“Indeed, just look at how Ms. Ailin has completely overwhelmed many people.”

“Hmph.”

Another instructor sneered, “They’re just epic-tier students. While they’re geniuses, there’s no need to overvalue them. In this very conference hall alone, I estimate there are at least three epic-tier experts. Not to mention that our epic-tier instructors here are already close to the Legendary Realm, while those three epic students are still complete novices who haven’t realized their potential.”

This sounded reasonable, yet carried a faint sour note.

Another instructor countered, “That’s not entirely fair to say. Since these three geniuses have reached epic tier, it means they’ve received heaven’s favor. Such individuals often encounter many fortuitous opportunities and have limitless futures.”

Yet another instructor refuted this rebuttal, “But tier is just tier. Throughout history, there have been numerous epic beings who failed to break through to the Legendary Realm.”

Both sides held their positions firmly.

Suddenly, they noticed something and immediately straightened up, falling silent.

The leadership had arrived, and the meeting was about to begin.

After a brief introduction from the host, the Tianze Academy Principal, who was also the Tianze Lake Main City Lord and the highest authority in Tianze City’s defense perimeter, took the stage to speak.

The Tianze City Lord delivered an opening address for the academy’s establishment and outlined several key points regarding upcoming work assignments.

His words were concise and powerful.

After finishing, the Tianze City Lord didn’t leave immediately. He said, “I know many of you came to work at the academy to learn more about the Legendary Realm. I won’t beat around the bush—today I’ll share some insights with you.”

The Tianze City Lord explained some key points about breaking through to the Legendary Realm and cultivation methods within the Legendary Realm, among other topics.

The audience appeared excited and gained substantial benefits from his words.

The Tianze City Lord was truly generous!

They had made the right choice coming to Tianze Academy. They’d have great stories to share with their comrades when they returned.

During the session, one instructor asked, “City Lord, I’ve heard that upon reaching the Legendary Realm, one can purify and elevate their bloodline through various methods to advance to epic tier. Is this true?”

Many people widened their eyes in surprise.

Clearly, for most present, this concept was unheard of, let alone being able to judge its validity.

The Tianze City Lord responded, “Yes and no.”

He paused before continuing, “Generally speaking, when we reach the second stage of the Legendary Realm—the Soul Realm—through the fusion and resonance of the Divine Soul and body, we do gain the conditions to purify our bloodline.”

“However, to accomplish this, three conditions must be met. First, the correct method; second, necessary Treasures; third, sufficient time.”

“Purifying one’s bloodline is a somewhat dangerous process that consumes significant resources and time. Particularly time—advancing from outstanding three-star quality to epic tier requires a considerable duration.”

Yet even so, with a stable path to the epic tier available, no matter how time-consuming or expensive, most Legendary Realm experts wouldn’t hesitate to pursue it.The Tianze City Lord continued, “Even so, refined bloodlines have their limits. You must understand that there are differences even among Epic beings.”

“The strength of Epic lifeforms lies in their all-around prowess—robust physique, condensed spirit, vast energy reserves, and most importantly, unique skills that only Epics can awaken, or what we call Epic Skills.”

“Moreover, some top-tier Epic lifeforms not only wield Epic Skills far surpassing those of other Epics but may even master a second Epic ability.”

What the City Lord didn’t mention was that the most exceptional Epics could touch upon and utilize a wisp of conceptual power even when first entering the Legendary Realm.

But this needed no mentioning.

After all, he, the Tianze City Lord, had yet to grasp even the slightest trace of conceptual power.

He suddenly waved his hand, and the wall on one side of the conference hall gradually turned transparent, resembling a floor-to-ceiling window. Beyond it lay the vast, azure expanse of Tianze Lake, visible at a glance.

He said, “In Tianze Lake not far from us resides a top-tier Epic lifeform, merely half a step away from the legendary tier.”

“Its history predates even our Tianze City and the Taixuan Alliance. It has formed a pact with Tianze City and serves as the Guardian deity of the entire Tianze Lake region—the Tian Shui Bai Long, the Dragon Venerable.”

“If you remain at this academy long enough, you too may have the opportunity to behold the Dragon Venerable.”

Countless eyes gazed out the window at the serene Tianze Lake.

Faintly, they seemed to envision a majestic white dragon commanding the lake and mountains, summoning wind and rain with divine might.

Some suddenly realized that the immense Tianze Lake had always been free from storms and disasters, likely due to the Dragon Venerable’s protection.

Someone asked, “City Lord, what about legendary lifeforms? They exist, don’t they? Are there any legends within our Taixuan Alliance?”

“Yes.”

The City Lord’s direct answer took many by surprise.

Even among Epics, there were hierarchies.

If a being like the Dragon Venerable—a top-tier Epic—could serve as the Guardian of the entire Tianze Lake region, then what of legends?

They waited with bated breath for the City Lord’s answer.

The Tianze City Lord countered with a question, “Many of you have heard of the Nirvana Secret Realm, correct?”

“Indeed, there is a Nirvana Tower within. It’s said that by passing its trials, one can obtain one or even several Legacy Skills. If certain special conditions are met, one may undergo baptism through the Legacy, elevating their life tier.”

“There was once a rumor about a challenger who cleared the Nirvana Tower’s trials and emerged as an Epic. Could it be that…”

Some gasped in succession.

The Tianze City Lord didn’t keep them in suspense. “It is exactly as you think. A great legend resides within the Nirvana Secret Realm. This is no secret; most in the Legendary Realm already know. However… while many are aware of the legend’s presence in the Nirvana Secret Realm, very few have actually laid eyes upon it.”

“Meeting a legend depends on fate. If the legend does not wish to be seen, no matter how outstanding your trial performance, it is useless. After all, ‘outstanding’ is merely by our human standards. In the eyes of revered and powerful legendary lifeforms, so-called excellence is but fleeting clouds.””Of course, there is also the possibility that some may have already encountered legends, having gained their favor, yet remain unaware that what they witnessed were the legendary beings of myth.”

Legends remain too distant after all.

As remote as stories themselves.

Audible, yet forever unseen.

Still, many cling to the hope, “Could I have already encountered a legend? I too have ventured into the Nirvana Secret Realm. What exactly do legends look like?”

…

Legends traverse the earth.

Black mist stands like rows of soldiers, guarding their advance.

“This is the place.”

“Where nine undead ley lines converge, with multiple rich dark element deposits in this area—highly suitable for integrating the Undead Holy Mountain.”

Of course, for Deadbone, these favorable conditions alone were insufficient.

One crucial prerequisite remained missing.

His soulfire flickered dimly as his gaze pierced through space, illuminating the subterranean depths of this desolate land.

Below lay hollow cavities, saturated with dense undead energy.

No rule decreed that mountains must be built upon the surface.

The undead, after all, are beings who prefer dwelling within burial mounds. And graves are often buried underground.

Deadbone concluded: situating the Undead Holy Mountain underground was perfectly fitting.

Having scouted the surroundings thoroughly—sweeping the area over a dozen times—and emulating the Lord by preparing dozens of contingency plans, he deemed the safety probability of 99.8% sufficiently reliable.

“Descend.”

The Undead Holy Mountain manifested above Deadbone’s head and, in an instant, merged with the earth, drawing upon the essence of heaven and earth to fortify itself.

The surrounding terrain began to shift.

There were no deafening roars, no dazzling spectacles—only silent, gradual transformations.

The peaks grew slightly taller, adorned with more bleached bones.

In some areas, the massive skeletons of great Dragons were faintly visible.

Meanwhile, deep beneath this sprawling mountain range, within a vast subterranean zone brimming with undead energy, an inverted mountain slowly emerged.

Towering and fantastical, it seemed forged from countless billions of bones.

Though suspended upside-down, the myriad undead inhabiting it remained unaffected, as if the entire Undead Holy Mountain still stood firmly upon the earth.

「Prompt: Your Undead Holy Mountain is expanding!」

「Prompt: Your Undead Holy Mountain is being remodeled!」

In Deadbone’s vision, the territory representing the Undead Holy Mountain continuously spread.

Three kilometers, ten kilometers, twenty kilometers, thirty kilometers…

The vast territory enveloped the surrounding peaks.

Switching to his Hero perspective, Deadbone could survey the entire region at a glance.

As the Undead Holy Mountain rapidly grew in scale, Deadbone also began its reconstruction.

His focus lay primarily underground.

In the shallow subterranean layers.

Rumble~

Soft rumblings echoed as soil churned, giving rise to one burial mound after another, each brimming with immense undead energy.

Undead dwelling within would greatly benefit from this.

This modification was inspired by the Skull Graveyard.

Next,

Deadbone reached out, gathering countless streams of undead energy that converged into flowing rivers. These dark rivers pooled and accumulated at the heart of this domain, forming a massive underground black lake.

Around the black lake, shadow ore glimmered faintly, scattered throughout.

Skeleton Soldiers clambered out from the black lake, clattering away in all directions.

Afterward,

Deadbone crouched halfway, driving a bone spike extending from his palm deep into the earth.White bones spread continuously beneath the earth, and within moments, a forest of bones constructed from skeletons filled the subterranean regions of this territory.

The bone forest could emerge from the ground at any time, transforming into weapons of slaughter, covering a vast area with a diameter of thirty kilometers.

This was the power Deadbone effortlessly wielded, drawing upon the scale of the Holy Mountain.

After a brief rest, Deadbone seized the opportunity of evolution to continue deploying layers of defensive measures.

The Withering Wilderness, the Purgatory Realm, the Revival Highlands, and others took shape one after another.

At the core, the main peak of the Undead Holy Mountain underwent earth-shaking changes. Thousands of Miracle Buildings rose from the ground, and countless bones continuously assembled in mid-air, forming one massive Undead Behemoth after another.

This process of evolution and transformation lasted a full two and a half days before finally concluding.

Deadbone wiped the nonexistent sweat from his brow.

Now,

standing upon this land, Deadbone possessed a power far beyond the ordinary, an incredible might.

Even if he were to leave this place and venture far away, he could still use the ‘Undead Holy Mountain’ skill to summon a projection of this Holy Mountain and exert a force far surpassing his previous capabilities.

At the same time, in Tianyuan Territory.

“Ding~!”

A prompt sounded in Mu Yuan’s ears.

The intangible Lord Power suddenly surged and expanded.

(End of Chapter)