5000 Years In

~~4000 Years Into Training~~

Lei Jin took note of the situation around the Void. The progress of the Army was clearly visible. The number of 7th rank Masters was roughly the same as before. However, this wasn't due to them not promoting. It was rather a result of the people inside small universes opting to join the fight of their own volition. 

So while the number of 7th ranks was stable. The number of 8th rank Masters was climbing. And so was the number of 9th rank masters. Resulting in a massive increase of the actual combat power of the Army. The result was so large that some of the 9th rank masters couldn't help but seek an audience with Lei Jin. Liang Changming was among them. 

"What can I do for you?" Lei Jin asked, seeing that the 9th rank masters were all quite eager to ask something.

"Well, Supreme Master Lei Jin, This one wishes to ask if we should continue the Army's Seclusion or not. We currently have over 200 9th rank masters and many other masters with them." One of the 9th rank masters answered, followed by several nods in agreement. 

"Surely the Ink Clan is unable to handle this force. We number over 10 million as it is. Is there really no way for us to win this battle with what we have now?" Another 9th rank master said, adding more context behind their questions. 

Lei Jin looked at all of them and sighed. "Do all of you feel like this? Even you, Senior Liang? Or is there something else?" Lei Jin asked, clearly showing his new found disappointment. "A shame this is what they are asking about." He thought. 

"I don't think this way. I know you well enough to know that you must have your reasons to continue with the Army's Seclusion. But I am curious what that reason might be. I hope you could enlighten this old man." Liang Changming said, nervously. He was clearly trying to tread the line so he didn't push any buttons that need not be pressed. 

"Since that's the case. I'll tell you the most important reason first. If that isn't enough to satisfy you… then I can say one of the other reasons. But you must understand that I'd prefer not to bring up reason number 2 until we have at least one thousand 9th rank masters. The same goes for reason number 3." Lei Jin said with an annoyed sigh. "The main reason is rather simple. But I'll spell it out for you anyways. I promised a four thousand year practice at first. Then later extended it to ten thousand later on to provide more time for more masters to appear. I can always increase the amount of time. But cutting that time short must never be done." He said, as his gaze moved along the 9th rank masters present.

"Understood, I only have one question about this then… How much time has passed outside the Void space?" Liang Changming asked. 

"If you're worried about that, I wouldn't. But as far as the amount of time that's passed outside… I'd say maybe 2 days. And we have about a month of time outside before we have to leave. I'll trust that, eases your minds." Lei Jin explained in a slightly less annoyed tone. 

"That's fantastic! With those odds we could stay here for sixty thousand years at most. Unless Jin'er wishes to increase the speed again." Han Qiu said, flying up. "I have another question I'd like to ask." She added. 

"Ask away. If it is something I can answer then I will." Lei Jin said, in a bit more chipper of a mood. 

"Is the 9th rank truly the limit? I've been thinking about this a lot recently in my meditation. Does Jin'er know anything about this?" Han Qiu asked. 

"Reason number 3, 9th rank is likely not the limit of the open heaven realms power. However, I have yet to confirm this for myself as of yet. Once I do confirm the situation I will inform all of the Army about this matter. But right now I must ask you to wait patiently for that answer." Lei Jin explained in his own roundabout way. 

"Good, then I won't bother you any longer. You must be busy with everything that's been going on." Han Qiu said, flying away. 

"We will also take our leave now as well. We thank the Supreme Master for taking the time to shed light on our ignorance." The other 9th rank masters said, cupping their hands and flying away. 

After this Lei Jin paid close attention to the Ancient Divine Spirits. Providing them with benefits that were tailored just for them. This gave him an excuse to monitor the improvement of his two step-children as well as the other three. And Lei Jin was not disappointed in the slightest as a result. After this he went back to a deep meditative state to focus on his own cultivation again for another thousand years. 

~~5000 Years In~~

Lei Jin opened his eyes, his aura surged with a strength that shattered the imagination. The 9th rank masters felt like nothing more than pebbles facing a mountain. Let alone those below that realm. 

It was also at this time when Lei Jin's women were all at peak 8th rank strength or had broken through to the 9th rank open heaven realm. With these events together, if it hadn't been clear beforehand… It was undeniable even to an idiot, that was, Lei Jin's family was supreme and mighty, the mightiest among the entire 3000 Worlds. 

"I have woken up to announce that I have confirmed one of my suspicions. The 9th rank is NOT the limit of the open heaven realm. I have now confirmed this information in my own way. It is now up to the 9th rank masters to comprehend this for themselves as well." Lei Jin said, tossing a rather sizable jade scroll over to Azure Heart. "Comprehend it well. I wish you all the best of luck. I have to go now and stabilize this new found limit. May your cultivation journey be fruitful and full of success." He added, just before returning to a deep meditative state.

The army… was shocked.