Some people die, yet they still live.

Some people are alive, yet in truth, they are already dead.

For instance, Chi Tian, who narrowly escaped death by feigning it—Chen Yi has noted this for now. Once he fully comprehends the alternative system of the Flying Star Heavenly Dao's deductions and can completely isolate himself from the coverage of the orthodox systems of the myriad heavens, he will surely settle this karmic debt thoroughly!

Thus, Chi Tian, though alive, is in a sense already dead.

And some people are dead, yet they still live.

For example, the humanoid Dao Ancestor self-propelled elixir, Cui Changsheng, who threw himself into the Chaos Crucible!

Although it was cruel for the Dao Fruit condensed through hundreds of millions of years of bitter cultivation to be reduced to ashes, the unorthodox Chen Yi and the eeriness of the alternative system gave him new inspiration.

Therefore, when Cui Changsheng returned once more from the Heavenly Robe Stone Stele, he had already abandoned the idea of starting over from scratch. Instead, he even considered severing his remaining Great Luo Dao Fruit to refine it into an avatar, aiming to overtake on the curves!

After all, condensing fifty strands of foundational Dao Marks had exhausted his energy over hundreds of millions of years. Even with successful experience allowing him to avoid many detours, avoiding detours does not mean he could be faster than overtaking on a curve!

And how old is Chen Yi?

Over eight hundred years old!

A youngster of over eight hundred years could press down a former Immortal Emperor, and very likely possessed strength not inferior to that of a contemporary Supreme Immortal Emperor!

But what about himself?

An old relic from the Primordial Desolation Era, who once fought side by side with the young Ling Xiao. Accumulating over nine great epochs, he had only barely broken through to the Dao Ancestor realm. Faced with the former Immortal Emperor Chi Tian, he was not only powerless to resist but was even refined in an instant...

Comparing the two, the difference is stark!

What does this illustrate?

It illustrates that being fast on the curve is true speed!

It must be said, since his will was tainted by Chi Tian, Cui Changsheng's mentality had undergone a subtle change. Even though the mental corruption had been purified, the shift in mindset was irreversible!

Or perhaps, Cui Changsheng had reforged his Dao Heart, no longer stubbornly clinging to the orthodox supremacy of the myriad heavens, but also wishing to be as free and unfettered as Chen Yi!

"Senior, are you truly decided? Will you not reconsider?"

Within the Illusory Star Grotto-heaven, Chen Yi's true self looked at Cui Changsheng, who intended to sever himself, speaking with a rather grave tone.

He clearly knew this path was not easy to walk, especially for an old relic like Cui Changsheng, who had drifted within the orthodox systems of the myriad heavens for many years and ascended to the pinnacle of the Dao Ancestor throne!

This was a conflict between new concepts and ingrained perceptions. Senior Cui Changsheng might comprehend the essence of the alternative system, but attempting to practically apply it would be hindered by the instinctive, soul-deep habits of the orthodox systems!

It was akin to a colossal whale in the vast ocean trying to come ashore and transform into a land creature—the difficulty far exceeded that of an ordinary small fish!

Cui Changsheng pondered for a long time, finally revealing a serene expression: "Losing the foundational Dao Marks cultivated over many years is actually shedding a body of shackles. As long as the Dao Fruit remains for a moment, I cannot let go for a moment!"

"Having cultivated bitterly for hundreds of millions of years yet still being trapped by the Dao, the more I strive to cross, the less I can see my true self. Perhaps..."

"This is fate's best arrangement. Changing direction is the only way to surpass oneself and transcend everything!"

As his words fell.

The Heavenly Robe Stone Stele instantly turned to dust and dissipated, leaving only a remnant Great Luo body!

And within that brilliant radiance, a vibrant young man, yet exuding an immensely ancient aura, slowly walked forward. With a bright smile, he bowed slightly to Chen Yi:

This humble Daoist, Cui Changsheng, pays his respects to the Calamity-Sovereign!

Chen Yi nodded slightly in respect: "I dare not claim such a title. Since Senior has made his decision, this junior wishes you smooth sailing on your journey!"

With that, he waved his hand, opening a teleportation vortex leading directly to the Flying Star Realm.

"Hahaha, head held high, I stride forth from here; why should this body fear wind and rain!"

The corner of Cui Changsheng's mouth lifted, his Dao robes fluttering, as he stepped boldly into the dazzling teleportation vortex.

At the same time.

Flying Star Continent, former site of the Sacred Void Sect, within the Sacred Void Secret Realm.

Chen Hao, the closed-door disciple of the Calamity-Sovereign, was huffing and puffing, vigorously eating dirt.

This was not a metaphor; he was literally eating dirt!

Though not very elegant, it was the method with the highest material utilization rate!

If possible, he wouldn't want to make himself so wretched, not resembling a cultivator at all, but rather like a starving ghost who hadn't eaten for eight lifetimes, even finding dirt so delicious...

But there was no choice. Cultivating the ecological capsule bubble system combined with the Entropic Spirit Reverse Shedding Dao was a task left by his master. Moreover, that old geezer left without providing a passing standard, forcing him to grind himself to death!

"Soft upon entry, a smooth glide down the throat. Although not as fragrant as the Primordial Earth Essence the old geezer gave, this spirit soil once nurtured vast quantities of spiritual herbs, fertilized with premium spirit spring water. The taste is really... bleh, who the hell cultivated together here? This filthy smell, it's disgusting me, bleh..."

Cui Changsheng, witnessing everything: ...

Is this the entry path of the alternative evolution system?

A mouthful of dirt, a handful of source, enhancing the physique, with an indescribable, elusive power derived and lingering...

Indeed, it cannot be measured by common sense!

Hiss...

But does it have to be so self-debasing?

What if one can't bring themselves to put it in their mouth?

No!

Cui Changsheng, oh Cui Changsheng, how can you be so degenerate?!

Since you've decided to pursue transcendence, you must see it through to the end!

Eating dirt is merely that. One must not be superficial about the form; its true essence lies in the utilization of matter, using the body as the seed, transforming all things for one's own use...

It seems one doesn't necessarily have to eat dirt. In principle, direct contact absorption should be possible?

But can anyone explain why this guy is vigorously eating dirt?