These people were all complaining, with many even cursing and shouting in anger. Back then, they had been imprisoned here for years despite committing no major offenses.
“Polished by trials, they call it! Talking about enlightenment here—but does he not know that time is more precious than anything? Who would willingly endure this place?”
Their dissatisfaction and resentment ran deep.
“Is there no shortcut?” Shi Hao asked. He truly didn’t want to waste time here and needed to break free as soon as possible.
The crowd around him seethed with indignation, each recounting their own experiences.
To them, this was a bizarre domain—endless, with no exit in sight.
“Perhaps only the ancient platform at the center, modeled after the Ascension Immortal Platform, is worth a try. Rumor has it that enlightenment there might offer a way out.”
After a long silence, someone finally spoke.
They had heard that in the past, someone had seemingly vanished from that spot, successfully escaping.
“Have none of you tried it?” Shi Hao inquired.
“That damned place has nothing but a broken stone platform. What enlightenment could there be?”
“Nothing but rocks upon rocks. Are we supposed to believe there’s some wordless divine scripture hidden there?”
Many were furious. Most had visited the platform but found nothing—no means to break free from this prison.
The so-called Ascension Immortal Platform was an ancient stage meant only for those who achieved immortality.
As for this imitation stone platform, who knew how it was modeled or constructed? But that was its name.
Shi Hao arrived, followed by others curious to see if he could break the deadlock.
After so many years, hope had nearly faded for those trapped here. They longed for someone to shatter the balance and lead them out.
The place was barren, save for a towering stone platform resembling a mountain, built from massive stacked boulders.
Yet, over time, the stones had fused into one, forming a single, ancient-looking altar.
Many had sat upon it, exhausting their efforts to seek enlightenment—only to walk away empty-handed.
Frowning, Shi Hao circled the platform, opening his divine sense and heart to perceive any anomalies.
Nothing.
Then, he released his immortal energy. The first strand brought calm; the second, silence. But when the third emerged—lightning crackled, and strange phenomena erupted!
The others were stunned. This newcomer had barely arrived yet already triggered such a reaction.
Shi Hao understood—this was tied to immortal energy. No wonder it was called the Ascension Immortal Platform.
This only reinforced the importance of cultivating immortal energy on the path of cultivation. Even such trials required it to break through.
It was clear that in the future, his three strands of immortal energy would shine brightly when needed.
Shi Hao ascended the platform, sitting cross-legged to meditate, hoping to shatter this space and escape.
Lightning coiled around the altar, and golden lotuses took root in the void, exuding a sacred fragrance as they bloomed around him.
Soon, he entered a wondrous state—his mind and body empty, his three strands of immortal energy resonating with the platform.
From afar, the onlookers marveled, realizing why only Shi Hao could achieve enlightenment here.
“Astonishing! He’s cultivated three strands of immortal energy. So this platform was meant for someone like him. No wonder we failed!”
They no longer felt unjustly trapped. How many could achieve such a feat?
Shi Hao ignored them, wholly immersed in his meditation. The platform glowed, emitting faint chants—indistinct yet palpable, a mysterious force tempering his immortal energy, making it more resilient.
Even more surprising, this power gradually nourished and strengthened his immortal energy.
Since reaching their peak, his three strands had remained stagnant. Yet here, they stirred anew.
Dozens of days later, one strand condensed into a Dao Flower above his head—mystical, profound, and brimming with power.
*Snap!*
The petals unfurled, releasing wisps of pure immortal mist that enveloped Shi Hao, deepening his aura of mystery.
“This guy is truly extraordinary!”
Eyes widened in shock.
The Dao Flower bloomed and scattered repeatedly, as if being refined, its presence growing ever more formidable.
Finally, it stabilized—a perfected Dao Fruit hovering above him.
The platform dimmed, its mystical essence seemingly drained.
“This Ascension Immortal Platform is nothing but a whetstone, honing a Dao Flower for this youth. Incredible!”
“To manifest a Dao Flower in the Sacred Sacrifice Realm—he’s a once-in-an-era genius!”
Some sighed in envy and admiration.
Shi Hao opened his eyes, smiling at the crowd. “Do you all wish to leave?”
The question stunned them before they erupted in cheers. Who wouldn’t? Trapped here for so long, they were on the verge of madness.
“Then step onto the platform!”
A stampede ensued as they rushed forward, excitement overflowing.
“Young master, if you can truly free us, please do so!”
“Decades in this hellhole—I’m practically moldy! Help us escape!”
Shi Hao nodded. He had reaped the platform’s benefits—a priceless treasure, though it could only forge one Dao Flower for him.
*Boom!*
Seated in meditation, he formed hand seals as the Dao Flower above him pulsed with arcane power.
The platform ignited, unleashing endless runes that tore through the void, forming a silver path leading beyond this realm.
“Ah! The path to freedom!”
“At last, liberation!”
Tears welled in some eyes as they dashed toward the exit.
Shi Hao followed, glancing back one last time. In a fleeting vision, he saw the grand palace and the white-browed elder at the bronze gate.
He bowed deeply in gratitude.
The elder had called this a trial, not a punishment—and so it was. The rewards were immense.
Even if he missed opportunities at the Heavenly Deity Academy, this alone made it worthwhile.
A Dao Flower in the Sacred Sacrifice Realm—rare and destined to shine brightly in the future.
“What if I could see the true Ascension Immortal Platform?” he mused eagerly.
Across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths—especially in the Boundless Heaven—immortal clans and descendants of true immortals likely possessed similar treasures.
This was why Shi Hao sought these realms—to seize such mystical chances and grow stronger.
“Rumor says the Boundless Heaven houses true immortal families. I hope to witness their sacred relics!”
As the silver path closed, the freed cultivators exchanged names and promises to reunite.
“Wait—have any of you heard of the Heavenly Deity Academy?” Shi Hao asked before parting.
“No,” some shook their heads blankly.
“I think I heard whispers years ago—about one being established in the Boundless Heaven.”
Their responses varied.
Shi Hao recalled—the academy wasn’t ancient but newly founded. These people, trapped for years, wouldn’t know.
“With three strands of immortal energy, you’re heading there? Then we’ll catch up! We’ve missed much while imprisoned.”
These were all talents—some with immortal energy themselves—eligible for the academy.
“See you there, brother! We’ll show you around—introduce you to true immortal descendants, peerless beauties!”
“Ha! Maybe even win one’s heart—if you can impress them!”
Laughter echoed as they dispersed.
“Interesting. You’re Shi Hao, from the Three Thousand Provinces?”
A voice cut through, sharp as lightning.
A guardian of this ancient land—a powerhouse stationed to oversee its mystic connections to the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, especially now, with chaos looming.
“Who are you?”
Shi Hao sensed no goodwill from the figure seated atop a distant boulder.
“Missing from the Imperial City’s ancient battlefield, evading even those three for months—yet here you are, in the Boundless Heaven. Impressive.”
The man knew of the three experts leading talents to the academy—and bore a grudge.
A native of the Boundless Heaven, he held prejudice against Shi Hao, likely for defeating local geniuses.
“Silent now?” the man taunted.
“You’re a senior on the cultivation path. I’m merely listening to your wisdom,” Shi Hao replied calmly.
The man laughed coldly. “To reach the Boundless Heaven alone is extraordinary. Lucky you. Here’s a deal—fetch me a few Life Stones from the Primordial Ancient Mine, and I’ll let you be.”
The freed talents nearby paled.
The Primordial Ancient Mine—a cursed, perilous place, rumored to be the burial ground of immortal kings. Few who entered ever returned.
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