The parts of the stone pillar that appeared to have disappeared had not completely dissipated.

Instead, power from the Dao Net continuously replenished them, like flesh and blood regenerating. Yet the corrosive force within the Ten Thousand Stars Grave clung to them like a bone-deep affliction, refusing to disperse.

Thus, an extremely strange scene appeared before everyone. A portion of the giant pillar rapidly shifted between two states, existence and nonexistence. It appeared almost transparent, shrouded in shadows.

Qian Ruochang carefully retrieved the pillar from the Ten Thousand Stars Grave.

At the same time, he issued an order to the newly recruited Immortal Hunters who had been watching the spectacle: "Create a localized Dao Primal formation isolated from the Dao Net, and use it as a breeding ground for the power of [World Extinction]."

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this.

Clearly, an order of this level was beyond what they could accomplish. After joining the Immortal Hunters, they had either been carrying out missions or forced to take vacations. They had never received formal training.

Fortunately, Qian Ruochang had not suddenly lost his mind.

Before his voice had even faded, waves of fluctuations came from the void outside the Ten Thousand Stars Grave.

A seven-colored halo rapidly traversed from the Shuo Star Sea through the Dao Net. It burst forth with brilliant light, enveloping everyone within it.

Inside the halo was a sea composed entirely of Dao Primal symbols. As if responding to Qian Ruochang's previous words, tens of millions of symbols surged toward everyone at the center like a raging tide.

As for the remaining Dao Primal symbols, they suddenly became transparent and faded away, as though they had never existed from the beginning.

Caught completely off guard, everyone was drenched by this 'tide.'

No one was left untouched.

At the same time, the method for executing the technique [Dao Beyond the Dao] appeared in everyone's minds.

Dao Beyond the Dao: At the boundary of the Dao Net, open up another newly born Dao Net domain. This domain is like a miniature version of the Dao Net. Aside from its reduced coverage and diminished power, everything else is identical to the Dao Net. All existing commands within the Dao Net are applicable within it.

If this newly born domain is used to expand territory, it can greatly reduce the cost of having the Dao Net establish new areas of coverage.

Alternatively, it can be used to conduct certain extremely dangerous experiments. This allows identical experimental conditions to those within the Dao Net to be achieved without threatening the Dao Net itself.

To guarantee the absolute safety of the Dao Net, the newly established Dao Beyond the Dao domain can only be connected to the Dao Net through the combined efforts of the three Chief Directors of the Administration Council. Before that, the newly born domain will remain in a state of absolute [Isolation].

...

Along with the command came a large amount of information regarding the various [Dao Beyond the Dao] domains.

Even though the complexity of the command was something rarely encountered in their lives, under the illumination of that strange halo, everyone learned it immediately and understood it instantly. There was no need to study, memorize, or master the entire process.

Under Qian Ruochang's command, everyone worked together. As one command after another was constructed, a newly born Dao Net domain was 'created' just like that.

Although they had completed the construction of this miniature Dao Net so easily, this group of newly recruited Immortal Hunters could not comprehend the profound nature of the process.

They merely felt that it was the same as before. Commands were generated, followed by all the feedback from the Dao Net.

Only Li Fan saw a scene that everyone else could not.

At the instant the [Dao Beyond the Dao] technique was executed, the entire Dao Net seemed to enter a state of stillness. Then, it actually appeared to dim.

This allowed light from even farther outside the Dao Net, the true Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, to pass through.

Casting a projection, it revealed the shadow belonging to the Dao Net.

"If the Dao Net is a sheet of paper used to copy and overlay reality, then the newly born domain we have created is the projection of the Dao Net."

Everyone remained enveloped by the strange halo.

The stone pillar carrying the power of World Extinction was thrown into the newly born Dao Net.

As the miniature Dao Net continuously supplied Great Dao laws to feed it, the invisible power of World Extinction was also cultivated in ever greater quantities.

Even while standing outside the domain, everyone inexplicably felt a sense of unease.

Just then, the stone pillar within the domain, which had been completely gnawed away until only half remained, suddenly transformed into a gigantic hand.

It began manipulating the surrounding power of World Extinction.

Although the giant hand was continuously corroded and disappeared, it was likewise replenished by the power of the miniature Dao Net.

Thus, after manipulating it repeatedly for a long time, the giant hand finally forged a black arrow.

Once the first World Extinction Black Arrow had been forged, the scene within the domain suddenly changed again. It divided into three completely different regions.

One was used to cultivate the power of World Extinction, the second to forge the black arrows, and the third to store the black arrows.

A human face appeared on every black arrow.

Each face corresponded precisely to one of the newly recruited Immortal Hunters present.

"This is a weapon for us?" Dao Yuan asked in astonishment.

Qian Ruochang smiled. "Not yet. Only after you have truly set up the trap and an Immortal enters the Dao Net will it truly belong to you."

"The power of World Extinction will constantly erode anything that comes into contact with it. Without the support of the Dao Net's power, even I would be drained dry and reduced to dust in an instant. Therefore, you must remain connected to the Dao Net when using it."

"Let's go."

Qian Ruochang glanced back at the boundless and deathly silent Ten Thousand Stars Grave before leading everyone away at high speed.

"This newly born domain will accompany us throughout this Immortal capture operation. Regardless of whether the mission succeeds or fails, we must make this domain disappear. We cannot allow the power of World Extinction to run rampant within the true Dao Net."

After leaving the dark grave and returning to the vibrant lands of the Shuo Star Sea, Qian Ruochang pointed toward the halo surrounding everyone and said:

"This halo is meant to prevent accidents. If our entire force is wiped out, the halo will be responsible for recovering everything we leave behind."

Everyone's expressions became somewhat strange upon hearing this.

"With Boss Qian leading us, and with such a powerful weapon as the World Extinction Black Arrow, not to mention that we are inside the Dao Net and fighting on home ground, how could we possibly be wiped out even if we lose?" Jiang Yuming asked with a frown, clearly unconvinced.

The faint smile that had remained on Qian Ruochang's face immediately disappeared.

"The identities of hunter and prey can be reversed in an instant."

"Although our chances of victory are relatively high, our opponent is an [Immortal], after all."

"Moreover, it is a True Immortal who has survived from the ancient calamities until now, enduring both the ancient catastrophe and the hunting of the Immortal Hunters..."

Qian Ruochang gave Jiang Yuming a cold glance.

Jiang Yuming could not help lowering his head and repeatedly said, "This junior has been enlightened."

"Your understanding of Immortals is still far too shallow. Next, I will take you to truly understand what a True Immortal is."

"And, incidentally, find suitable bait."

The light and shadows around them rapidly changed.

At this speed, they could already have crossed the Shuo Star Sea several times. Yet, for some unknown reason, they continued moving forward without end.

The vibrant light of life once again became dim.

However, it did not disappear. Instead, it seemed to slowly float above everyone's heads, like stars surrounding and hanging overhead.

They were continuously advancing deeper into an unknown realm.

"We are heading to the place where the [Deep Net] is located. The place where the Shuo Star Sea imprisons the Immortals is there as well."

"The so called Deep Net is the deepest core of the Dao Net." Qian Ruochang gave only this brief explanation of the [Deep Net], seemingly unwilling to say more.

"The Deep Net is an absolute secret. Ordinary people do not even know it exists, let alone have the good fortune to enter it."

"Even I cannot enter or leave it freely. If I did not bear the responsibility of hunting this True Immortal, I would have no permission to enter."

As they descended deeper, countless tiny points of light continuously flickered across Qian Ruochang and the newly recruited Immortal Hunters.

It seemed to be verifying everyone's identities.

When the stars of life above their heads completely disappeared, their descent finally came to a stop.

It was as though they had arrived inside a vast, dark hollow. Nothing but emptiness surrounded them.

Countless symbols seemed to surge simultaneously before Qian Ruochang.

A thread of light suddenly illuminated the darkness.

To the left and right of the thread were one square after another.

They resembled cages, yet also resembled worlds.

The boundaries of these boxes were unusually thick, as if determined to completely isolate whatever was imprisoned within from the outside world.

And inside these boxes...

What was imprisoned was none other than individual people!

Or rather, immortals!

Some of them were in a state of deep slumber.

Others remained awake. Their cold, murderous gazes constantly surveyed their surroundings with vigilance. They flew through the void, seemingly searching for a way to escape their confinement.

Still others were in a state of complete madness. They continuously unleashed immortal arts, bombarding everything in the world around them. Yet within the cages where they were imprisoned, there was nothing besides themselves.

All of these imprisoned True Immortals shared one common characteristic.

Their bodies were covered in various colored threads. Threads of different colors extended from their bodies and connected to the outside world.

Yet they did not touch the 'boundaries' of the cages. Instead, they simply vanished into the void halfway along the way.

Clearly, these imprisoned True Immortals could not see the existence of these threads on their own bodies. Only Li Fan and the others, who were observers from outside, could see them clearly.

"These... are immortals?"

After their initial shock, the reverence everyone held toward immortals completely vanished.

After all, anyone who saw the True Immortals that had previously existed only in legends and imagination actually reduced to this state before their very eyes would probably have their attitude change completely.

"Of course you cannot comprehend the terror of True Immortals while separated from them by immortal cages."

"If you were put inside and experienced it yourselves, you would understand what is meant by the [Might of a True Immortal]." Qian Ruochang saw the contempt arising in everyone's hearts and sneered.

His gaze swept across everyone, as though he truly intended to choose someone.

Everyone was horrified and immediately became serious. None dared reveal the slightest unusual expression.

Instead, they began observing carefully with solemn expressions.

"Boss Qian, these True Immortals should have been imprisoned for a very long time, right? Then why do they all still look so energetic and healthy?"

"They do not show the slightest sign of decline or weakness from being imprisoned for so long?"

Amid the complete silence, someone suddenly asked.

Qian Ruochang looked toward the person who had asked, Ma Tiande, and could not help but nod in approval.

"I did not expect you to identify the core of the problem so quickly."

"You are quite impressive!"

"It is not that we provide these True Immortals with energy after imprisoning them. Rather, as True Immortals, the energy within them is itself inexhaustible!" Qian Ruochang declared firmly.

Clearly, not everyone knew of the infinite nature of a True Immortal's power.

Once Qian Ruochang said this, the vast majority of them were greatly shocked.

"Infinite? How is that possible?"

Clearly, the concept of infinity completely contradicted everything they had learned and understood since childhood.

"The infinite immortal spiritual power of True Immortals originates from a mysterious region known as the [Infinite Ocean]."

"It even exists beyond the Great Dao itself. Thus, even the power at the core of the Dao Net cannot sever the connection between a True Immortal and the Infinite Ocean."

"The ability to freely draw upon the power of the Infinite Ocean is precisely what makes True Immortals truly terrifying."

Qian Ruochang pointed toward a man inside one of the boxes who had remained seated cross-legged with his eyes closed the entire time.

"This immortal was among the earliest batch we captured. He has already been imprisoned for nearly fifty thousand years."

"Yet his mind remains steadfast, without revealing the slightest weakness. Although these cages are places where the Dao is extinguished, making cultivation and advancement impossible, this immortal has relied solely on his inner comprehension. His strength has continued to increase silently over all these years. By now, no one knows exactly what level he has reached." Qian Ruochang sighed softly.

There was helplessness in his tone, as well as admiration.

"Why not simply kill them all?" Jin Changyue, who had remained silent for most of the time, suddenly spoke. She made no attempt to conceal the killing intent and eagerness in her voice.

"Heh..." Qian Ruochang did not answer. He merely laughed ambiguously.

Li Fan, however, noticed that while Qian Ruochang was laughing, his eyes inadvertently glanced toward the various colored threads covering the True Immortals.

Thinking of the four Nameless True Immortals who had been used as living formation anchors, Li Fan became thoughtful.

"Perhaps the establishment and stabilization of the Dao Net cannot be separated from these imprisoned True Immortals either."

Li Fan turned his head and looked around.

Clearly, what he could see before him at this moment was far from the entirety of the True Immortals imprisoned within the Dao Net.

Within the unseen darkness, who knew how many more [boxes] existed.

"They cannot be killed, yet their energy supply cannot be severed either..."

"Are we really just going to let them continue cultivating like this? Could it be that one day they might escape from these cages?" Dao Yuan furrowed his brows deeply.

The others also revealed traces of worry and fear in their eyes.

The True Immortals had been hunted down and captured one after another.

If so many imprisoned True Immortals were to lose control simultaneously...

The scene would be unimaginably terrifying.

"You do not need to worry about that."

"Even if they advance another step, the prisoners of the Deep Net are not something they can simply leave whenever they wish." Qian Ruochang was extremely confident in the strength of the cages.

"Although I cannot truly put you inside, I can let you experience the might of a True Immortal in a more tangible and direct manner."

"Who should I choose..."

Qian Ruochang looked around for a while before finally choosing an imprisoned True Immortal who appeared to have become completely harmless and spent his days simply sleeping soundly.

With a gentle wave of his hand, countless threads of various colors appeared out of thin air before Qian Ruochang.

They seemed to connect directly to the cage.

"Who wants to give it a try?" Qian Ruochang looked toward everyone.

"Me." Dao Yuan replied confidently.

Qian Ruochang said nothing. He simply connected the various colored threads to Dao Yuan's body.

The next moment...

This prodigy of the Shuo Star Sea actually lost control of himself and began trembling violently from head to toe.

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