The three thousand provinces were boundless and endless. Even the most powerful individuals, with their limited energy, could hardly traverse them all.
Shi Hao transformed into a Kun Peng, his heart heavy with an indescribable emotion. With a mighty flap of his wings, he soared into the heavens, crossing the vast expanse of the world.
Time blurred as he flew, until he sensed the gaze of powerful beings upon him. Only then did he tear through the void, vanishing from the skies.
As promised, he was heading toward the desolate and forbidden lands—a place of legend, fraught with peril, where death might come swiftly.
Along the way, he utilized the colossal teleportation arrays connecting the provinces, steadily advancing toward his destination.
During this journey, Shi Hao unexpectedly learned that the visitors from beyond the domain had relaxed their conditions. Now, anyone could tread the ancient path—so long as they found the legendary city, they would pass the trial and earn the right to join the Celestial Academy.
The Upper Realm erupted in excitement. By now, everyone knew the purpose of these outsiders, and countless prodigies were eager to rush into the forbidden lands.
However, the elders of various sects frowned in concern. If these young talents acted recklessly, the Upper Realm could suffer devastating losses.
“In the past, even the old sect master of the Creation Academy perished in the forbidden zone. If you enter, you must weigh the risks carefully.”
“Since ancient times, only a handful have ever emerged alive. Be cautious, deliberate, and think thrice!”
The words of these great figures, though few, doused the fiery enthusiasm of many young warriors like a bucket of cold water.
This was the truth. The three thousand provinces were vast, but the terrifying forbidden lands were even more expansive—filled with dangers that promised a near-certain death.
Though some areas had been explored and were relatively safe, the trial path, the ancient road, was not among them.
To go or not to go?
For the next two days, the three thousand provinces were in turmoil, with debates raging everywhere.
“Do you think you’re the Ten Crown King? He possesses true strength, the qualifications to enter the Celestial Academy. Treading that path is nothing to him.”
“Indeed, we must be clear-headed. Without cultivating immortal qi, we are far inferior to the likes of the Banished Immortal. Relying on luck to gain entry is unrealistic.”
…
Yet, some refused to yield, convinced of their untapped potential.
“Throughout history, the greatest supreme beings often bloomed late, only revealing their brilliance after centuries. I firmly believe that once I step into the Celestial realm, I will surge forward, matching anyone!”
These ambitious youths dreamed of rising above mediocrity.
Their elders sighed, earnestly advising them. The records of supreme beings in ancient texts were one in a billion—not models to emulate.
On this day, as the three outsiders relaxed their conditions, they also delivered a message to the prodigies of the three thousand provinces: whether one had cultivated immortal qi or not mattered little, for there were still opportunities to rise. The Celestial realm could bring transformation, and even greater rebirth in higher realms!
This inspired many, and countless dreamers set forth.
The Upper Realm grew even noisier, unable to settle.
Shi Hao, as promised, arrived at the edge of the forbidden lands—though this region was different from the one leading to the Immortal Ancient Ruins, separated by dozens of provinces.
This was a terrifying place, rarely ventured into.
The forbidden zone leading to the Immortal Ancient Ruins, though perilous, had been largely explored and was accessible.
At the border of Sheng Province, where towering mountains pierced the heavens, Shi Hao stood gazing ahead. The peaks in the forbidden lands were monstrously high, dark and imposing, as if propping up the palaces of the Heavenly Emperor.
Clouds and mist shrouded their midsections, making them seem less like mountains and more like pillars holding up the sky.
“Have you decided?” On a nearby hill, the three supreme beings from beyond the domain sat, watching Shi Hao below.
Lin Tian, the blue-eyed woman, and others stood respectfully by their side, awaiting orders.
“I have decided,” Shi Hao declared, ready to embark at any moment.
“Rest for now,” one of the middle-aged men said, gesturing. A cushion woven from white divine grass materialized in the air, glowing faintly, accompanied by faint chants.
The blue-eyed woman and the others were visibly astonished, especially Lin Tian, who seemed envious of the cushion.
Without a word, Shi Hao ascended and sat cross-legged upon it, closing his eyes to rest.
Instantly, his heart trembled. The cushion was extraordinary—merely sitting on it calmed his mind, dispelling sorrow and reluctance.
Soon, he entered a state of clarity, bordering on enlightenment.
*What kind of cushion is this?* he wondered.
As if reading his thoughts, the blue-eyed woman smiled. “This isn’t just any divine grass. It comes from an immortal’s abode.”
Shi Hao was stunned. He knew the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths held countless opportunities and relics, including true immortal caves.
Yet, sitting on an immortal-related artifact still amazed him.
But then he relaxed. He had encountered similar treasures before—like the cushion he once retrieved from the Kun Peng’s nest, only to feed it to the Imperial Butterfly.
A wasteful act, he knew, one that would draw ridicule if revealed.
Days passed, and Ning Chuan arrived, followed by the Banished Immortal and the Ten Crown King.
Alongside them came tens of thousands of others—far fewer than those who had entered the Immortal Ancient Ruins, for this journey was far deadlier, promising a slim chance of survival.
“Hey, over here!” A familiar voice called out—Cao Yusheng, the chubby youth, waving vigorously.
Shi Hao also spotted other acquaintances: Feng Wu from the Celestial Academy, Yue Chan from the Heaven Mending Sect, the witch from the Sky Severing Sect, and even old foes like Gu Jian Yun from the Sword Valley.
Among the hundred thousand, many were elites of notable status and strength.
“One final warning,” a middle-aged man on the hill announced. “This path is fraught with death. Consider carefully—it’s not too late to turn back.”
Though murmurs arose, none withdrew.
“Then let us begin!”
With a sweep of his sleeve, the man unleashed a gale, and a brilliant golden path unfurled through the forbidden lands.
“Follow this road. Persevere, and you will find the ancient city.”
As symbols ignited across the forbidden zone, the sealed ancient path awakened, welcoming the trial-takers.
“Elder, have you walked this path before?” the Banished Immortal asked.
“No, but I have other means to reach the city,” the man replied.
Pale faces spread through the crowd. Even this supreme being hadn’t dared tread this road?
“I withdraw!”
Where none had retreated before, now ten thousand stepped back.
“Any others?” The three supreme beings surveyed the crowd.
“Then proceed.”
With a joint incantation, they sent the remaining participants onto the path in a shower of light.
“Shi Hao, here!” Cao Yusheng called, but his voice was lost as everyone scattered like raindrops across the ancient road.
The path was eight thousand miles wide, its length unimaginable, stretching deep into the forbidden lands.
Some were flung millions of miles ahead, while others barely began—all separated by the supreme beings’ power.
Shi Hao landed in the ancient wilderness. Despite the towering trees and lush vegetation, the silence was eerie—no birds, no beasts, not even insects.
This was the true forbidden zone.
No companions were in sight—not yet.
Activating his Heavenly Eye, Shi Hao scrutinized every detail. Here, even mud or a drop of water could kill a sect master.
“Ah—!”
A scream pierced the silence, dozens of miles ahead.
Frowning, Shi Hao dashed forward like a beam of light, only to realize the sound had come from hundreds of miles away.
What he saw chilled his blood: a tree branch bore a dozen corpses—or rather, a dozen hollowed-out skins.
Something had drained their blood, dissolved their bones, devoured their marrow and organs, leaving only intact skins swaying in the wind.
His gaze turned icy. *What kind of horror is this?*
Before he could react, a withered blade of grass shot toward him.
Dodging, Shi Hao watched as the grass obliterated a distant mountain.
Drawing the Great Luo Immortal Sword, he turned toward the source of a chilling laugh.
An ancient, malevolent tongue echoed through the woods, its meaning conveyed through intent:
“Crossing the border to find so much prey… what luck.”
Shi Hao shuddered.
*This is bad.*
Even the three supreme beings couldn’t have foreseen this—creatures from beyond the border had invaded. A catastrophe was unfolding.
*What manner of beings are these?*
His eyes narrowed, ready for battle.
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