Chapter 124: A New Global Era, Further Evolution, Attaining the Golden Body Realm

Old Ji, Old Yun, and the others were all shocked upon discovering this. Even the younger generation, who had recently grown stronger and more confident through the world’s recent evolution, were all stunned and found it hard to believe what they saw unfolding in the starry sky.

Setting aside the technological means, the mere sight of such images emerging from deep space was enough to intimidate a large group, compelling them to proceed with utmost caution. And the colossal starship, stretching tens of thousands of meters across the sky, surpassed all imagination. This was a scene that once belonged only to movies, yet now it had truly arrived in reality—right there in outer space.

Only then did Old Ji and the others understand why Lu Yuan had urged them to restrain their power before entering seclusion once more. The fundamental reason was that the extraterrestrial beings were overwhelmingly powerful, wielding unpredictable methods.

They had been closely monitoring the situation, keen to stay abreast of developments. Days passed, and dozens of starships neared Earth. Strangely, their speed slowed, and instead of entering immediately, they paused at the edge of the domain. Whether by design or accident, meteorites began to gather around the ships.

Simultaneously, within that passageway, more objects appeared—one was a complete star. Yet its surface shimmered with a metallic luster, and its diameter was less than ten thousand meters. It seemed not to be a genuine star, but some kind of flying vessel.

This scene was truly terrifying.

After deliberation, the leadership realized they could not conceal this indefinitely; sooner or later, they would have to face the truth. Under these circumstances, it was better to inform the public and all awakened ones—at least to prepare them. Otherwise, a sudden revelation would catch everyone off guard. They knew it would cause panic in the short term.

“Aliens have appeared in the starry sky. Hurry, check the latest news!”

“There’s already a live broadcast, officially launched, showing many scenes captured by probes.”

“My God, is there really life beyond our realm? Where did they come from? What is their purpose in arriving here?”

Indeed, once the images and news from beyond the stars were officially released and broadcast live, everyone was stunned, unable to believe it. It was too far-fetched, beyond comprehension. Yet the truth was right before their eyes, and no matter how astonishing, they had to accept it.

Fortunately, having endured many great upheavals in this new era, people, though frightened and anxious, eventually came to accept the reality. Everyone watched closely—the whole world’s attention was riveted. They sensed that perhaps a new era was about to begin.

On that very day, through their star probes, the leadership discovered that after the starships halted, they detected a tremendous force gathering. At the same time, a cannon muzzle flared with scorching brilliance—originally, it had shattered a comet upon its first appearance.

Now, the cannon was aimed at Earth, and the accumulating energy was even more terrifying than before.

“Are they… are they preparing to attack us?”

“Their intentions are clearly hostile. Such immense energy—how can we possibly resist?”

“Should we retaliate with thermonuclear weapons? It seems impossible—it’s too late, and might be ineffective.”

“What can we do then? Just sit and await our doom?”

“An attack would bring devastating destruction.”

Shock and anger filled the hearts of all, but above all, there was fear. The reason was simple: the starships were channeling immense energy, and this time, more than a dozen ships were involved. The scale of destruction would be unimaginable.

Old Ji and Old Yun were rendered speechless by the scene, their faces etched with despair.

Extraterrestrial life had appeared and, without any clarification of their nature, launched a direct assault. For a moment, panic gripped the people, as if the end of days had come.

Yet soon, Jiang Ningxian emerged from her residence and approached the leadership, urging them not to worry. She assured them that although the world had changed, certain methods still existed, and there would be no grave crisis for the time being.

Sure enough, as if proving her words, after the starships had accumulated sufficient power, they unleashed beams of light in bombardment. But outside Earth, enormous runes suddenly shimmered into existence.

These runes were gentle yet incomplete in appearance, but ultimately they blocked all the beams.

The terrifying energy did not descend upon Earth; everyone was protected by some mysterious force.

All of this was broadcast live for all to witness, easing their fears.

Though no one understood the nature of these protective runes, at least disaster had been averted.

Yet soon, shock arose again, as people noticed silhouettes and giant beasts on those starships. Due to the great distance, their forms were indistinct.

The problem was that some of these beings appeared directly in space without any protection.

Old Ji, Old Yun, and the others looked grave, realizing the immense power of these entities.

According to the evolutionary system they had devised, even beings at the fourth stage of the Golden Body Realm could not survive in space.

Only those who had reached the fifth evolutionary stage—still unnamed—could do so.

From this, they inferred that the extraterrestrial beings were at least at this level.

It was clear, then, that these beings were bound to descend.

“They are incredibly strong. Once they arrive, the world’s order will shift once more.”

In a meeting room at the Mount Tai Trial Institute, everyone’s eyes held deep solemnity and worry. The events so far made clear that more troubles lay ahead.

The official forces were no longer sufficient to control everything; even thermonuclear weapons were ineffective.

If the extraterrestrial beings descended with hostile intent, a great war would surely erupt.

“This matter must be discussed with King Lu,” someone said decisively. “Let’s hear his opinion.”

“Opinions can be heard, but ultimately, the decision rests with us,” Old Ji responded. He believed they could not rely entirely on King Lu, though some consultation was warranted.

“I agree, but King Lu is still in seclusion. For now, it’s best to continue observing the extraterrestrial beings,” Old Yun added, agreeing with Old Ji but recognizing they must not disturb the seclusion. Besides, the extraterrestrials had not yet descended.

They could continue to build their foundation to face future crises.

“Good,” the others agreed immediately.

Fortunately, on their side, they had Jiang Ningxian from the Desolate Flame Star Domain. If anything truly unsolvable arose, they could seek her counsel—validating their earlier decision.

Meanwhile, in a certain building, Lu Yuan sat cross-legged as before, circulating the Ancient Dragon Breathing Method and visualization techniques.

But unlike before, this seclusion was not to break genetic shackles—he had reached his limit and could break no more. Now, he sought to unleash all his power to break into the next realm.

A low hum filled the air.

His golden qi and blood had long been restrained, but now an even mightier force burst forth from within him.

His fierce aura caused the air to ripple with a subtle roar.

Electric arcs continuously swirled around him, radiating extraordinary energy.

The one hundred and eight broken shackles released a vast and overwhelming energy, like a volcanic eruption—terrifying beyond measure.

Thump, thump.

His heart beat, his internal organs emitted a radiant glow.

Under the onslaught of this formidable force, Lu Yuan’s cells—and every fragment of flesh—underwent transformation.

This had been ongoing for some time, and now he truly reached his limit. Thanks to the unlocking of the mysterious power between heaven and earth, his progress was smooth.

After an indeterminate span, all the genetic shackle myths and their powers were fully released, surging into every corner of his body.

With a tremendous roar, Lu Yuan was enveloped in golden light.

Behind him, a great sun blazed forth, accompanied by fifteen mystical realms.

The shackled realm was broken. A new energy emerged, propelling him into a fresh evolution.

His skin was bathed in golden light, and even his pores inhaled and exhaled refined energy.

His physique was strengthened; his limbs and torso radiated an even more intimidating aura.

The Golden Body Realm—he had achieved it!

The energy released by the one hundred and eight genetic shackles had propelled him directly to the pinnacle of this realm.

There was no other way—his foundation was too strong, and previous accumulations far surpassed others.

Otherwise, he would not have remained in the shackled realm for so long.

A buzz.

The next moment, Lu Yuan opened his eyes, which gleamed with a terrifying radiance.

“This breakthrough has enhanced my physique and transformed my divine abilities. More importantly, my Martial Dao Heavenly Eye has changed as well—very good.”

Feeling his body, he smiled with satisfaction. Compared to his power in the shackled realm, his strength had increased at least tenfold.

Moreover, the Golden Body Realm had two signature abilities: flight and the golden body divine form.

Of course, Lu Yuan did not rush to test these. Having just broken through, he needed time to adapt to the new power.

Understanding oneself was the key to unleashing the fullest strength.

He had always approached things this way and knew better than to become complacent.

“Stop for now. I don’t know how long I’ve been in seclusion.”

Lu Yuan chose not to continue, but to emerge. According to his memory, the second awakening would coincide with many great events.

He stepped out of the room, retrieved the communicator specially provided by Old Ji and the others, and checked it.

There was no need to search carefully—the entire network was abuzz with discussion of one event.

[Extraterrestrial beings appear, imminent arrival—will it be a blessing or a curse for Earth?]

The headline was conspicuous, with a live broadcast link.

Lu Yuan clicked it.

Through the news and discussions, he quickly understood what had recently transpired.

Putting down the communicator, his gaze grew solemn, but soon a smile appeared.

“Finally… have they come?”

(End of chapter)