“There’s no reason to give up halfway. Since I’ve cultivated immortal qi, I should at least witness the scenery at the summit,” Shi Hao responded.
Shi Hao had achieved astonishing feats on this path—merging ten heavenly passages into one, becoming a true pioneer!
If he continued, he might transcend in other realms as well. That was why the Second Elder was shocked by his choice, hoping he would cultivate the methods of the present era.
The onlookers were stirred—this guy truly had audacity. Despite knowing the path ahead was rugged and fraught with peril, he still chose to walk it.
“Do you not realize that while the methods of the Immortal Ancient Era share some similarities with the current era’s teachings, they also hold many contradictions? Most importantly, you’d have to start from scratch—unlike the present-era methods, which are already engraved in your bones,” the Second Elder reasoned.
His words were not without merit. To learn the Immortal Ancient methods, one had to abandon all past achievements and begin anew.
Even if one had cultivated present-era techniques to an unprecedented level, it would be of no use for the ancient methods—different systems, different paths!
Shi Hao was well aware. He simply wanted to verify it for himself!
With his current combat prowess, even if he started over, he could rise swiftly—not needing decades or centuries of bitter cultivation.
His stance was clear, his will unshaken. He would first walk the ancient path, then comprehend the present-era methods—only then could he “accumulate profound foundations.” He hoped that one day, he would erupt with unparalleled power!
As for the others, some unhesitatingly chose the present-era methods, as the prospects painted by the elders were enticing enough to strive for.
Many, however, were deeply conflicted, their hearts unsettled, unable to immediately decide which path to take.
This was a decision that would shape their entire lives—there was no room for error!
Shi Hao strode decisively toward a group of those determined to learn the Immortal Ancient methods—mostly unfamiliar faces, though some he recognized.
As he approached, many instinctively made way, wary of him. This was the man who had dared to oppose the Wang Clan and was rumored to have slain a Three-Headed King—how could they not fear him?
As the dust settled, many exhaled in relief. No matter their anxiety or hesitation, a choice had to be made.
To their surprise, though fewer in number, those who chose the Immortal Ancient methods were all elites—none were ordinary. Among them were Princess Yao Yue, Lü Tuo, and even Wang Xi.
Many had cultivated two strands of immortal qi—true paragons among geniuses.
People understood their reasoning—having cultivated so much immortal qi, how could they simply abandon it? Naturally, they wished to witness the true grandeur of the Immortal Ancient methods.
Especially those with three strands of immortal qi—if they failed to reach perfection, it would be a lifelong regret.
Though it was unclear whether these individuals had truly cultivated three strands themselves or relied on their clans’ aid.
Still, possessing three strands of immortal qi, regardless of the means, was undeniable proof of their strength.
Those standing here were all proud and lofty! Yet when Shi Hao stepped forward, many felt a chill, their arrogance subdued.
Shi Hao frowned as he spotted the Ten Crown King and the Banished Immortal in the distance—both with three strands of immortal qi—joining their ranks.
Many watched covertly, their gossip aflame as they observed Shi Hao and Wang Xi, now at odds.
Then, Shi Hao saw Qing Yi approaching, also intent on learning the ancient methods.
“She truly should learn these ancient methods,” Shi Hao murmured, certain. Qing Yi bore the Azure Moon Flame, which still lingered, illuminating her soul—as if bridging past and present lives.
Next, he spotted Yue Chan—tall, skin like jade, raven hair cascading, eyes sparkling. Clad in pristine white, she was peerlessly elegant.
She and Qing Yi had entered the Heavenly Deity Institution together, their rivalry unresolved. Now, they made the same choice.
“Don’t stop me—I’m coming too!” Cao Yusheng shouted from afar. The rotund fellow insisted on joining, boasting he’d master the supreme Immortal Ancient methods and dominate the world.
A golden-robed elder promptly kicked him back, declaring he should not waste his talent—he was meant for the present-era transcendence methods.
“Enough. Since choices are made, those learning the Immortal Ancient methods, follow me,” an elder announced, leading Shi Hao and the others deeper into the institution.
The rest were taken elsewhere, destined for a path of extremes.
They arrived at an ancient land—crumbling walls, towering trees rooted in ruins, thorny vines blooming with vibrant, fragrant flowers.
The light was dim, casting an eerie gloom.
This was a relic from the Immortal Ancient Era, excavated by the elders.
The Fourth Elder arrived, seating himself atop a massive boulder, ready to impart the ways of the ancient methods.
“To learn the ancient methods, you must first understand their script and language—only then can you wield incantations and dao symbols. This is complex; you must devote yourselves to comprehension.”
All nodded in understanding—humility was essential.
“We begin with the script,” the elder said gravely, tracing symbols in the air—shimmering, metallic characters, dense and mysterious.
Soon, people noticed something amiss. In moments, the elder had inscribed tens of thousands of characters, sweat beading on his brow.
“Elder, why so many?” someone gasped.
For mere communication, this seemed excessive—and the elder strained under the effort.
“Without immortal qi, I fare little better than you. These characters demand the aura of the immortal dao—but I’ve grasped their meanings,” the elder explained.
Then he added, “You think this is many?”
Was it not? They wondered silently.
“True Immortal Ancient script numbers in the millions—vast as the starry river.”
“What? That’s impossible!”
“Immortal Ancient methods—each art, each incantation—require words of the great dao. Hence, the script is profound, intimate with the primal truths!”
Trembling with awe and longing, some began copying the characters, sensing their proximity to the dao.
Some deciphered meanings, but most remained inscrutable.
Shi Hao inhaled sharply. Grasping a few, he felt overwhelmed—memorizing these was no simple task.
Each character embodied an arcane truth, condensing rules and principles into a single glyph.
“No wonder the Immortal Ancient methods emphasize grand momentum—directly touching the source of the dao. Just this fraction is daunting,” Shi Hao mused. If millions were like this, mastery would demand immense effort.
Clearly, the Fourth Elder had issued a challenge, a faint smile on his lips.
“If the Immortal Ancient methods point to the dao’s essence, why is their language so convoluted?” someone questioned.
“If your strength suffices, millions of truths can be condensed into thousands—even hundreds—of characters,” the elder replied.
With a flick of his sleeve, gales surged, and chaotic mist engulfed the area.
From his sleeve emerged a fist-sized white jade mountain—exquisitely carved.
“Boom!”
The mountain expanded, casting vast shadows before settling with a quaking impact.
It was a jade peak, inscribed with no fewer than a million characters, glowing brilliantly.
The crowd studied them like treasures.
“Ah—the summit was sheared off. Were there characters there too?” a student asked.
“This is a relic of the Immortal Ancient Era—its sole purpose was aiding comprehension of the script,” the elder said, pointing to the peak. “Legends say it once bore 108 additional characters.”
“What could 108 characters accomplish?”
“They were the distilled essence of the great dao. Mastering even one was said to grant boundless power—but all are lost now.”
A single character, capable of shaking heaven and earth—such was the terror of the ancient methods.
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