An Alchemist's Path to Eternity

The moment the towering pillar of light pierced the heavens, every soul within thousands of li was drawn to it. Across the Jilei Nine Mountains, all cultivators were shaken to the core. Shock rippled through their hearts as they gazed up at the radiant beam, and fear gripped their chests, yet a feverish light ignited within their eyes.

A remnant world!

Such a scene had occurred once before. Three hundred years ago, when the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect opened the Sky Ascension Secret Realm, such a beam had erupted into the sky. That realm was believed to be the hidden dwelling of an ancient, mighty cultivator. Even now, the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect had yet to fully explore its depths.

This pillar of light was not some illusion or mystical flare. It was the result of vast spirit energy erupting in an instant, pouring outward with overwhelming force. And for the spirit energy to be so immense, the one who had left the pocket world behind had to be of extraordinary cultivation. Even if not an ancient cultivator, they must have been someone close to the Divine Transformation Realm.

Almost immediately upon its appearance, rogue cultivators from every direction surged toward the light. Even the battlefield at the eight mountain, which had been in chaotic conflict, quieted under the shouted commands of the Adepts from both sides.

Then, Adepts of the Falling Cloud Sect and the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect took the lead, swiftly dispatching trusted disciples and forces toward the ninth mountain to clear out uninvited stragglers and rogue cultivators.

The next day, outside Trapping Hollow Valley, a colossal crater had formed, a sunken basin that stunned all who gathered. Nearly twenty Adepts from the six sects assembled before the pit, each one silently staring at the darkness below.

That pitch-black, ancient door resembled a black hole, devouring every trace of light. Within its shadowy maw, silver-white lightning crackled and flared, exploding at intervals with a sharp, piercing crackle that sent shudders down the spines of those who watched.

A wave of hushed murmurs swept through the crowd. From the Sword Sect’s side, a young Daoist stepped forward. He appeared barely twenty, yet his overwhelming aura surpassed even the gathered Golden Core elders.

Yaoguang!

He was a cultivator at the late-stage of the Golden Core Realm, and as if that were not enough, he was also a sword cultivator of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect! Each of these titles carried enormous weight. The mere mention of his name was enough to make hearts grow heavy.

As Adept Yaoguang gazed at the massive, open doorway before them, a look of wonder flashed across his face. ”The legacy of a mighty cultivator! A Divine Transformation pocket world!”

No sooner had the words left his lips than the crowd, which had fallen silent out of reverence, burst into noise once again. All across the restless gathering, divine consciousness voice transmissions buzzed like swarming insects.

Yaoguang slowly withdrew his gaze and swept it over the onlookers. Under the sheer weight of his presence, many found themselves turning pale. Would the Sword Sect repeat what it had done three centuries ago, monopolizing yet another pocket world just as they had done with the Sky Ascension Secret Realm?

Suddenly...

”Daoist Brother Cheng Yan, what do you think?” Yaoguang asked, this time in a perfectly calm tone.

The one he addressed was Cheng Yan, a late-stage Golden Core grand cultivator... of the Falling Cloud Sect. An enemy, in other words. And under all eyes, the white-haired old man spoke in a hoarse voice, ”By now, everyone should’ve heard the details from Fairy Ruthless.”

The crowd nodded. Not long ago, Fairy Ruthless had recounted the incident—an Ice Fortress guest elder in the Foundation Establishment Realm had triggered a lightning formation, slaying Flame Alliance’s Di Wanyun. In doing so, he had inadvertently uncovered this place that appeared to be the pocket world of a Divine Transformation cultivator. The storm had torn open its sealed gate.

In any other context, an Initiate killing an Adept would have shaken the Jade Cauldron Domain to its core. But compared to a Divine Transformation cultivator’s pocket world, it was barely worth mentioning.

”And what’s your point?” Yaoguang asked, smiling faintly.

Cheng Yan continued slowly, ”Since it was the Ice Fortress and the Flame Alliance who opened this place, there’s no justification for our two upper sects to claim it for ourselves. Especially not with all six sects present. Those who witnessed it should share in the rewards.”

Before Yaoguang could even reply, the Golden Core Adepts from the other four sects immediately voiced their agreement. The two Adepts from Ailao Mountain, three from Green Pill Valley, Moonshade and Fairy Ruthless from the Ice Fortress, and even the two brooding Golden Core elders from the Flame Alliance, all expressed no objection. Not a single one questioned it. Only among the vassal forces, those first-rate forces that held Golden Core cultivators, were there lingering looks of discontent. From among their ranks, a broad-shouldered man strode forth boldly.

”Daoist Brother Yaoguang, my Heavenly Blade Sect lost nearly seventy percent of disciples in this war. It was a brutal toll. Now, this pocket world was discovered, and I have no doubt there is plenty of fortune to be discovered inside. Are we to be denied even a single sip from this pot?”

As he spoke, other leaders of vassal factions could no longer hold their tongues either.

”Fellow Daoist Tianque is right! When fortune lies before us, those who are fated should take their share.”

”Daoist Brother Cheng said it himself: Those who are here to witness it shall share it. We aided the Falling Cloud Sect in war. We deserve our portion too.”

”And truth be told, we were just a step slower. Even some Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators have already entered. If they can share in the fortune, why should we be excluded?”

With every word, their momentum subtly shifted, as though they were beginning to seize the upper hand. These organizations led by Golden Core cultivators weren’t limited to the Sword Sect alone; the Falling Cloud Sect had affiliates, and so did Green Pill Valley. Even the Flame Alliance had one such power among its vassals. As a result, no one stepped forward to suppress the unrest. No one wanted to stir up discord within their camp.

Everyone was waiting for the Sword Sect and the Falling Cloud Sect to give their response.

Faced with such boiling sentiment, Yaoguang still wore a smile, though it was growing colder by the moment. With a snap, his folding fan closed.

“Very well,” he said calmly. ”Since everyone is eager to explore, my Jade Cauldron Sword Sect will not dampen your enthusiasm. Those who wish to enter may go as they please. But there is one condition you must agree to beforehand.”

Everyone was stunned. No one had expected the Sword Sect to be so agreeable. There was no trace of their usual domineering behavior. All eyes turned to the elder of the Falling Cloud Sect.

The late-stage Adept Yaoguang represented the Sword Sect Alliance; naturally, the one to speak for the Four-Sect Alliance would be the late-stage Adept Cheng Yan. What would he say?

Cheng Yan’s cloudy eyes locked onto Yaoguang. ”What’s your condition, Fellow Daoist?”

Yaoguang’s smile deepened ever so slightly. “Simple. The vassal powers don’t matter. But among the six great sects, each may only send one Golden Core Adept.”

”That’s it?” Cheng Yan frowned.

Yaoguang nodded. ”That’s all.”

“Any restrictions on Foundation Establishment or Qi Refinement cultivators?”

”None.”

”Very well. I accept!” Cheng Yan agreed without hesitation.

The remaining four sects had no objections either. Sending in one Golden Core cultivator each still offered plenty of opportunities. Soon, under the coordination of their respective sects, Adepts entered the pocket world gates, bringing with them large numbers of Foundation Establishment and Qi Refinement disciples.

As for the vassal forces? Their Adepts had already rushed in ahead of them. Surprisingly, the Sword Sect also sent only one Adept—Kaiyang, the one who had previously fought Linghu Jie.

Seeing Kaiyang enter alone, Cheng Yan’s expression subtly changed, and he summoned Linghu Jie.

”Senior Brother, what are your orders?” Linghu Jie asked in a low voice.

In public, he carried himself with the dominance and arrogance of the upper sect elder he was. But before Cheng Yan, whose seniority surpassed even that of Sage Han Zhan, he was completely deferential.

Cheng Yan explained in a low voice, “The Jade Cauldron Sword Sect has explored a Divine Transformation pocket world before. They likely understand certain patterns we do not. When you go in, do not act rashly in pursuit of merit. Move steadily. Also, let your disciples use puppets to probe the area. That should make your side more efficient than the other sects. In short, focus on stability above all. I’ve already sent word to Junior Brother Han Zhan to come quickly. Once he’s here, things will be under control.”

He spoke without haste, each word calm and measured. Linghu Jie suppressed his restlessness and nodded. ”I understand, Senior Brother.”

”Go, then... Ah, and one more thing. Besides guarding against the dangers of the place itself, be wary of the other Adepts.” Cheng Yan looked at him with a gentle expression. ”The wickedness of men surpasses even the cunning of ancient cultivators.”

”You speak true, Senior Brother. I’ll keep it in mind!” Linghu Jie gave a quiet grunt of assent, then led his people through the shadowy gates.

Similar scenes played out across the other sects. At the Ice Fortress, for instance, two women stood face to face with frosty expressions, and their voices were sharp with tension as they argued.

”Senior Sister Sect Leader is on her way. I should enter first and scout the area, that’s only reasonable,” said Moonshade.

”I think you just want to seize whatever Nascent Soul opportunity you may find inside and leave your responsibilities behind!” Fairy Ruthless snorted.

”Oh, and you aren’t doing the same?”

”I can feel my Black Ice Talisman still working. Luo Chen is probably still alive. I have to get him out!”

”Hmph. Just a mere Initiate. What does his life or death matter to the Ice Fortress? Why pretend to be so sentimental, Senior Sister Ruthless?”

”He’s someone the Supreme Elder personally designated. If he dies, neither of us can bear the consequences!”

”Then what do you propose? We both have reasons we must go. If we keep arguing here, other sects will seize the initiative.”

Just as the two reached an impasse, Fairy Ruthless’s expression suddenly shifted. The Black Ice Talisman she had personally given Luo Chen had vanished! This meant the freezing defensive power sealed within it had been completely depleted.

Did Luo Chen die?