Chapter 522 3 Paths to Immortality

Only top-tier Nascent Soul clans like the Ji Clan and the Featherflight Pavilion possessed the capability to forge such treasures. Take for instance Featherflight Pavilion's cave-dwelling spiritual artifact—the Featherflight Pavilion—a treasure whose value was in no way inferior.

However, even with the 10-1000-year heritage of the Featherflight Pavilion, such treasures were likely limited to merely 2 or 3 artifacts—legacy treasures that safeguarded the sect's destiny and fortune.

Thinking of the severely lacking Star Fragment (Spiritual Object), a sharp glint suddenly flashed in Eldrin (Person Name)'s eyes: "Forging 2 spirit treasures wouldn't require much fifth-order spirit wood or Void Gem (Spiritual Object), but the greatest shortfall lies with Star Fragment (Spiritual Object)."

However, within the forbidden lands of demonic cultivators in this realm, Star Fragment (Spiritual Object) was by no means scarce.

"You mean..."

Lyra's eyes widened in surprise, and she couldn't help but glance at Eldrin.

After a moment of contemplation, she nodded slowly. A long pause later, she added, "The demonic springs within the forbidden lands of demonic cultivators were all forged by the Outer Realm Demons using refined Star Fragments (Spiritual Object)."

However, it had now been over 6 100 years since the cataclysm of the Demonic Abyss. Most low-level demonic cultivation forbidden zones like the Demon Cavern had long been cleansed, leaving only places like the Black Mist Ridge as remaining sanctuaries for demonic practitioners.

"This kind of demonic cultivation forbidden ground has deep-rooted foundations, with an Eldrin (Person Name) overseeing it. Without the combat power of the late Eldrin (Cultivation Realm) stage, I'm afraid no 1 can touch it."

Hearing her words, Eldrin nodded and said, "Then we shall wait a little longer and plan this matter another day."

Putting away the Ancient Star-Gazing Scroll, Eldrin turned his gaze to the final ancient volume.

This incomplete scroll records a cultivation art known as the 'Heaven-Seizing Path Ascension Art', capable of assisting practitioners in attaining the Acquired Dao Body.

To perform this art, 1 must first obtain a Dao Body, then refine its bloodline and physical essence into a medicinal catalyst, ultimately seizing the Dao Body for oneself.

Yet this alone was not enough. The seized Dao Body remained unstable, requiring a blood sacrifice of 3,600 cultivators. Only by nourishing it with their vital essence could the Dao Body ultimately be fully cultivated.

Once this Acquired Dao Body is fully cultivated, it will possess approximately 80% of the efficacy of the original Dao Body. Moreover, as it is not an Innate Dao Body (Spiritual Root), its foundation remains fundamentally flawed.

This cultivation method, while it could enhance a cultivator's chances of breaking through to the Nascent Soul, Mid Stage, was ultimately incapable of forging a flawless Nascent Soul. Moreover, it offered no reciprocal nourishment to 1’s innate spiritual treasure.

"What a vicious forbidden art—"

Eldrin's face turned ashen, for it was clear that his mother had been refined into a medicinal catalyst by Qin Duzun using this very technique, her Dao Body stripped away.

This forbidden art was far too sinister, and it even contained methods that involved blood sacrifices of humans. Clearly, it was not a technique native to the Zi Realm, but rather resembled the methods of the Outer Demons.

No wonder the Qin Clan dared not easily reveal this. If such forbidden arts were exposed, I'm afraid even the Human Race's Dao Monarchs would not tolerate their existence.

Lyra, standing nearby, noticed the shift in his expression and instinctively grasped his hand. "My husband, the Qin Clan has now been eradicated by our hands. This karmic debt is settled."

"What is lost cannot be reclaimed. There is no need for further rage."

Hmph!

Upon hearing this, Eldrin finally let his killing intent dissipate.

He gazed at the ancient scroll in his hand, his pupils sharp with intensity, and declared, "This method is far too malevolent. Allowing it to remain in this world would only bring calamity."

"Then I shall destroy it, lest it lead future cultivators down the path of evil."

As his voice faded, he unleashed the Sun True Fire to incinerate this ancient scroll.

The Solar True Fire could incinerate all things, effortlessly setting this ancient scroll ablaze.

However, as the ancient scroll burned, a brilliant golden light erupted, and from within the ashes emerged a single page of golden foil.

"This is..."

The 2 of them stared blankly, their gazes involuntarily drawn to the golden foil.

This single sheet of golden foil emanated a golden radiance, its surface inscribed with profoundly mysterious script, as though torn from some celestial tome.

This took the 2 of them by surprise, causing a flicker of doubt and alarm to cross their faces.

In this realm, cultivation techniques are strictly stratified. Only Nascent Soul level methods can be called ancient scrolls, and only Pure Yang Dao Lords are qualified to author texts.

Thus, all soul cultivation techniques are also known as the 'Pure Yang Celestial Tome' and the 'Soul Dao Scripture'.

Such profound scriptures as the 'Pure Yang Celestial Tome' contain the insights of a Primordial Spirit Dao Lord into the laws of heaven and earth. Should 1 fully comprehend them, they would peer directly into the mysteries of the cosmos and grasp the profound secrets of the Great Dao.

Lyra glanced at the remnant page, yet perceived each character as containing a 1000 meanings, finding herself momentarily unable to comprehend its profound mysteries.

Eldrin (Person Name), however, was completely absorbed. He gazed quietly at this celestial scripture, and after a long while, his face filled with awe as he exclaimed, "Extraordinary!"

It turned out that this golden foil was called the Ascendant Immortal Dao-Forging Art, and it should have originated from a certain volume of the Pure Yang Heavenly Scripture.

As it was merely a single tattered page, its origins could no longer be traced. Yet the contents it recorded were truly astonishing.

This Path Ascension and Dao Forging Art elucidates the methods for a Nascent Soul cultivator to forge a Dao Body.

According to the records within the tattered page, if a Nascent Soul Dao Lord cultivated this method, they could evolve a Dao Body from nothingness.

Most crucially, this cultivation method could nurture the Dao Body, enabling a cultivator's physical form to advance continuously. It even contained methods for transforming 1's body into an Immortal Physique.

After reading it, Eldrin couldn't help but remark to Lyra, "I only knew physical constitutions varied in strength, but I never imagined celestial bodies would also be classified into 3 grades and 9 tiers."

According to this damaged scroll, once a cultivator reaches the Feathering Ascension realm, they can harness the power of natural laws to reconstruct their immortal form.

However, there are distinctions between strong and weak Immortal Physiques. Those forged through the Laws of Dao merely compensate for inherent weaknesses and cannot be considered top-tier.

In addition, cultivators who practice body refinement techniques, or prodigies with innate Dao bodies, may also choose to directly cultivate an immortal physique.

According to the records on the tattered scroll, cultivators have 3 paths to immortality: Dao Fruit, Laws, and Immortal Body.

Those with unwavering Dao Heart, indomitable perseverance, and transcendent talent may condense a Dao Fruit and ascend to immortality.

Those with astonishing comprehension may also grasp the power of laws through their remarkable insight, ascending to become immortals who command the principles of nature.

Others chose a third path: forging an immortal body amidst the mortal realm, transcending the celestial tribulation to achieve physical ascension, then refining their primordial spirit to complete the celestial metamorphosis.

These 3 paths each held their own distinctions. Although all could eventually realign their shortcomings upon achieving immortality, their core emphases would remain fundamentally different.

The 'Dao Fruit Immortal' possessed astonishing perseverance and resolve. With his supreme cultivation base, he forcibly condensed the Dao Fruit, transforming into an undying True Immortal. Though his cosmic primordial energy remained flawless and unbreachable, his comprehension of natural laws and his immortal physique remained his shortcomings.

The Law Immortal possesses unparalleled comprehension, wielding the power to command the laws of heaven and earth. Yet even their Dao Heart and Immortal Physique are not without flaws. Upon reaching profound realms of cultivation, they face the peril of being assimilated by the very laws they command.

The 'Celestial Body Immortal' possesses unparalleled natural talent, with physical strength rivaling that of innate deities—capable of suppressing the stars of the 9 heavens with a single hand. However, their comprehension of Dao Heart laws falls short compared to the former 2. Upon attaining immortality, they can only tread the path of physical sanctification.

This Method of Ascending Immortality and Forging the Dao was the final page torn from a certain Scripture of Pure Yang, documenting the art of tempering an immortal body amidst the mortal world.

Unfortunately, this fragmentary page was incomplete, and its creator had never truly reached the final step. The so-called method to forge an immortal body was merely speculative.

After reading it, Eldrin informed Lyra of the situation and remarked, "If that's the case, most human cultivators follow the path of either Dao Fruit Immortality or Law Immortality."

Chapter 1 The Azure Cloud Sect's recruitment ceremony had just concluded. Countless aspiring cultivators gathered at the foot of the mountain, their eyes filled with fervent anticipation. A young man in blue robes stood silently at the edge of the crowd, a faint, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. In his previous life, he had been the revered "Floating Cloud Immortal Venerable," but now, he was merely Lin Xuan (Person Name), an outer sect disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect. "30-2 1000 spirit stones, a dozen or so Foundation Establishment Pills, and over a 100 mid-grade spirit herbs—this should suffice for my initial cultivation," Lin Xuan murmured to himself, his gaze sweeping over the bustling scene before him. Suddenly, a commotion erupted nearby. A young master clad in luxurious silk robes sneered, "A mere mortal with no spiritual roots dares to dream of joining the Azure Cloud Sect? How laughable!" The crowd parted, revealing a frail youth trembling under the scornful gazes of those around him. The youth clenched his fists, his voice resolute. "I will tread the path of cultivation, even if it means defying the heavens!" Lin Xuan's eyes flickered with a trace of reminiscence. How similar this youth was to his former self—obstinate and unyielding. With a casual wave of his sleeve, a surge of imperceptible spiritual energy enveloped the frail youth. "Here are 3 Foundation Establishment Pills," Lin Xuan said calmly, placing a jade vial into the youth's hand. "Remember—true cultivation lies not in talent, but in the heart." The crowd stared in stunned silence. Foundation Establishment Pills were priceless treasures, yet this blue-robed youth had given away 3 without hesitation! Just as the commotion subsided, a deafening roar echoed from the horizon. A massive spirit beast descended from the clouds, its wings blotting out the sky. Atop the beast stood a man in black robes, his aura oppressive and formidable. "Eldrin (Person Name)!" someone exclaimed in terror. "The Demon Sect's Young Master!" Eldrin’s gaze swept across the crowd, finally settling on Lin Xuan. "I never expected to find the legendary Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) here today. Hand it over, and I might spare your life." Lin Xuan chuckled softly, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes. "You overestimate yourself." In that instant, a brilliant sword light erupted, soaring into the heavens like a awakened dragon. The very air seemed to freeze as an overwhelming sword intent enveloped the entire mountain. Eldrin’s expression shifted dramatically. "You... who are you, really?" A 100 years had passed since his reincarnation, and Lin Xuan had long grown weary of such petty squabbles. With a mere thought, the Li Fire Sword of the Returning Abyss (Magic Treasure) returned to his side, its radiance shimmering like flowing water. "The path of cultivation spans thousands of years," Lin Xuan said, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. "But for you, it ends here today."