CHAPTER 954: TOKEN FOR THE HEAVENLY LORD SECRET DOMAIN

Max lowered his gaze for a moment, thinking. His answer was measured but firm. "I plan to look for someone. For that, I’ll head to the Obsidian Order. Once that matter is settled... I’ll go to the Abyssal Stairs to test my strength."

"Abyssal Stairs?" Emperor Hermes frowned deeply, the weight of his voice making the air around them feel heavier. "I think that place has become useless for the current you. Tell me—what is your combat power right now?"

Max didn’t hesitate. "I can deal with early levels of Mythic Rank experts easily," he said plainly. "Don’t know about the mid and late levels though."

Hermes clicked his tongue in disbelief, the sound sharp in the stillness. "Tch... then yes, the Abyssal Stairs is meaningless for you now. That place is only worth anything for geniuses still within the scope of the Legend Rank. Your strength is clearly beyond that, far into a realm those stairs can’t temper any further." His tone held both admiration and a hint of exasperation, as though Max’s growth had outpaced even his expectations.

Max nodded slowly. He already understood this truth himself. But aside from the Abyssal Stairs, there was no other place he could think of where he could train under real pressure and hone his edge.

"Take this." Hermes’ voice cut into his thoughts, and with a flick of his wrist, a small object glinted in the air before falling into Max’s waiting palm. It was a hexagonal-shaped token, smooth yet carrying an ancient weight, with the single word ’Lord’ engraved in bold strokes at the top.

Max turned the token over in his hand, feeling a strange pulse of power from it. His brows furrowed in confusion. "This is?" he asked, his gaze snapping to Hermes.

A small, knowing smile curved the Emperor’s lips. "This... is one of the treasures I’ve kept hidden for decades. Even my closest advisors don’t know I possess it." His eyes locked on Max’s. "It is the token to enter the Heavenly Lord Secret Domain."

Max froze, his pupils shrinking. The name alone was enough to shake his composure. "The... Heavenly Lord Secret Domain?" he repeated, his voice filled with shock. He knew exactly what that meant—every expert in the Middle Domain did.

The Heavenly Lord Secret Domain wasn’t just any training ground—it was the most dangerous and rewarding secret domain in the entire world of Acaris.

Just holding the token, Max felt as if the weight in his hand wasn’t metal, but fate itself.

"Thank you, Emperor," Max said, his voice steady but sincere, the gravity of this gift pressing heavily in his chest.

"There’s no need to thank me," Hermes replied, his tone calm but his gaze sharp. He stepped closer, his voice dropping slightly. "Instead, listen carefully. I’ll tell you what you must know before stepping into the Heavenly Lord Secret Domain."

Emperor Hermes’ tone grew heavier as he began to explain, his eyes locking firmly on Max’s. "The Heavenly Lord Secret Domain is not a place for the unprepared. It is a battlefield reserved only for Mythic Rank geniuses, and even then, only for those under the age of a hundred. That limitation alone keeps the competition fierce—and deadly. The moment you step inside, you must understand this... there will be experts at all ten levels of the Mythic Rank waiting within, and every single one of them will be there for the same reason you are—to seize the opportunities that can change their fate."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a low, deliberate cadence. "Its opening is not fixed to any schedule. The token I gave you will signal you when the time comes. Etched within it is a teleportation rune. Once activated, it will pull you directly into the Heavenly Lord Secret Domain’s entrance. That rune is your key... and your lifeline."

Pausing for a moment, his expression hardened. "There are things I cannot tell you about the place—things that can only be understood when you see them yourself. But remember this... if you truly perform well there, there is a chance—however slim—that you could ascend to the legendary Divine Realm."

Max’s eyes widened at the words. "Divine Realm?" The thought alone sent a ripple of excitement through him. That realm was the dream of countless experts across the Middle Domain—an entirely different plane of existence, a higher world where true immortality and supreme power awaited. "You mean the Heavenly Lord Secret Domain can actually allow someone to ascend there?"

A faint smile touched Hermes’ lips. "It isn’t called the number one secret domain of the Middle Domain for nothing. Its depths hide trials that even the greatest of geniuses fear, but those same trials can forge a path to the heavens."

Max’s voice held a trace of curiosity now. "Has there been anyone who actually ascended to the Divine Realm with its help?"

"Many," Hermes said without hesitation. "Throughout history, countless names have risen from within its gates. The Four God Nations have produced the most—by far—boasting more ascendants than any other power. The Seven Overlord Forces also have their share, but they still fall short of the Four God Nations’ legacy."

"I see..." Max nodded slowly. It was no surprise to him. The Four God Nations were unmatched in strength and influence across the Middle Domain, and their dominance naturally extended even to opportunities like this.

Hermes waved a hand, the discussion drawing to a close. "Alright, you can leave now. And Max—one last thing. If anything happens... if you ever find yourself cornered by enemies you cannot face... use the Battle Realm. Escape. Hide. Survive. Even the brightest genius is useless if he dies before reaching his peak."

Max nodded respectfully to Emperor Hermes before turning away, leaving the place behind. His steps were steady but unhurried as he made his way through the sprawling grounds of the Great Ruler Empire.

Along the way, he caught the stares of countless geniuses, their gazes filled with admiration, awe, and an unspoken sense of reverence. Whispers followed in his wake—hushed voices speaking of the man who had bloomed nine lotus petals in his first Divine Path Lotus phenomenon, the one who had survived four Wraiths of the World, the one who had crushed every expectation placed before him.

Max only offered them a small smile, saying nothing, letting their admiration pass over him like the wind. He had no interest in basking in their praise—his mind was already occupied with the meeting ahead. A few minutes later, he arrived at Lyra’s office, the heavy, ornate door sliding open at her voice.