They were actually discussing the ancient method versus the modern method, forcing a choice!
None of those present were ordinary—each was a pinnacle figure of their domain, mostly the strongest of their clan’s younger generation. How could they remain unmoved at such a moment?
“Elders, your words are too vague and lack detail. How are we to choose?” Finally, a young man with bull horns spoke up, voicing his doubts.
This echoed the thoughts of many. At such a critical juncture, without thorough understanding, who would dare make a hasty decision? It would affect their entire future.
Someone added, “The immortal qi we’ve painstakingly cultivated—does it only count as the ancient method? Is it not a standard for judging the modern method?”
All those present were prodigies who had undergone countless trials to enter the Celestial Academy. Most had cultivated at least one strand of immortal qi, a source of their pride. Throughout history, how many had taken this step? They hailed from the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, rising from nineteen ancient worlds and being chosen. Immortal qi was the key to their supremacy. Now, hearing that those who had cultivated immortal qi might not necessarily be the strongest in the current era naturally left them stunned and indignant.
Their pride, their source of arrogance—how could it be dismissed so casually?!
“Indeed, the modern method is not necessarily weaker than the ancient one. Some have walked that path, reaching the forefront, astonishing even us,” an elder responded.
“Elder, are you saying that those who excel in the modern method can rival us even without cultivating immortal qi?” a purple-clad girl asked.
“Are there such people?” Others also questioned, unconvinced.
“Naturally,” the elder nodded.
This caused an uproar. To rival them without cultivating immortal qi? It was unbelievable, shocking them to the core.
“Elder, please elaborate and give us examples,” the purple-clad girl said, respectful but clearly skeptical.
Even Shi Hao was surprised. He couldn’t believe someone without even a single strand of immortal qi could match him—the gap in combat power was too vast.
“Very well, I shall give you a live example,” said an old man in golden Daoist robes atop a stone cliff, his hair and beard white as snow, his face youthful, and his eyes gleaming like golden lamps.
The crowd was startled. A live example? Did such a person truly exist among them?
Sure enough, the elder on the cliff raised his hand and pointed into the crowd, drawing all eyes.
In the stone forest, a chubby youth gaped, speechless.
The old Daoist was pointing at him—using him as the example.
Cao Yusheng forced a smile. “Elder, you must have the wrong person. I’ve already cultivated a strand of immortal qi.”
Though thick-skinned, he wouldn’t dare claim to be unrivaled in the modern method—such a thought had never crossed his mind.
Qing Yi, Little Rabbit, Chang Gongyan, and others all turned to him, puzzled. Why him?
“No mistake. It’s you,” the old Daoist smiled, his golden pupils shining like lightning upon him.
“Am I really that strong?” Cao Yusheng feigned modesty, making those around him roll their eyes—they knew his cunning and shamelessness all too well.
The crowd’s attention now centered on the chubby youth.
“No need for false humility. Step forward,” the old Daoist commanded, directing him to a high platform beneath the cliff to face everyone.
“Elder, what makes him special? How does the modern method manifest differently in him?” the purple-clad girl pressed.
The golden-robed elder’s smile faded, his expression solemn. “This youth can contend with you even without using immortal qi. If you doubt, test him yourselves.”
“Wait, Elder! I haven’t done anything wrong. Don’t make enemies for me!” Cao Yusheng protested.
Others were equally confused. This fatty had only cultivated one strand of immortal qi. If he suppressed even that, how could he compete?
“He hides his strength well,” the old Daoist said, ordering Cao Yusheng to unleash his full power—his fleshly body’s killing arrays. He warned that failure to comply would mean immediate execution.
Gritting his teeth, Cao Yusheng’s body erupted with bone scripts, every inch of his skin releasing chaotic sword energy. Killing arrays emerged from his flesh, shocking the crowd into gasps.
“See? If he perfects this path, will he be weaker than those with immortal qi? Who among you dares challenge him?” the old Daoist declared.
Silence fell. Those knowledgeable recognized it—the legendary supreme killing array. Who would dare face it head-on?
Yet, it was horrifying. Such an array, carved into one’s flesh? That was monstrous.
“Elder, are you saying the modern method is about engraving killing arrays within the body?” someone asked.
The old Daoist sighed. “I merely gave an example. You miss the essence. His strength comes from surpassing the limits in the Array Formation Realm, carving killing arrays into his body, and refining them over time.”
His words left the crowd pensive.
“My point is—Blood Move, Cave Heaven, Engraving, Array Formation… True One, Sacred Sacrifice—each realm holds such opportunities,” the elder continued.
Another elder added, “Breaking limits in every realm, surpassing the past, reaching unprecedented heights—that might lead to a new frontier.”
After a long silence, someone asked, “That’s too difficult. Are there other examples?”
“Then let me cite another—one known to those from the Three Thousand Dao Provinces,” the golden-robed elder said.
“Oh?” Interest spiked.
“That person named Huang, also known as Shi Hao. Many have heard of him,” he said.
Chang Gongyan, Long Fairy, Devil Fairy, and others from the Three Thousand Provinces knew him well—Huang was a legend.
The elder explained, “From what we know, he achieved a breakthrough in the Cave Heaven Realm, forging a new path. He shattered his ten cave heavens, merging them into one, surpassing all predecessors. If perfected, even without immortal qi, his single cave heaven could suppress those with immortal qi.”
Gasps filled the air. Shattering ten cave heavens, merging them—what audacity and brilliance!
Even Wang Xi, Lü Tuo, and Yao Yue were moved, their eyes alight with awe.
Some from the Three Thousand Provinces had guessed Shi Hao’s secret, but hearing it confirmed by the Celestial Academy’s elders was still staggering.
“Now do you understand? The modern method, when truly surpassing limits, is equally terrifying. Whether it’s that fatty’s Array Formation Realm or Huang’s Cave Heaven Realm, both reached supreme heights!” an elder proclaimed.
Many nodded numbly. It was too daunting—carving the world’s third supreme killing array into one’s flesh? The killing intent alone could destroy the user before any foe. Shattering ten cave heavens? Even breaking a few would likely annihilate body and soul.
“This is too hard. How many in the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths could achieve it?” someone challenged.
The golden-robed elder’s gaze turned icy. “Hard? Compared to cultivating immortal qi? It’s equally perilous, requiring life-and-death struggle. Though I nearly forgot—most of you cheated to gain immortal qi. Few truly earned it through sheer defiance.”
His words made many lower their heads.
These prodigies understood. Most had family aid, some even swapping bodies with ancient corpses sealed with immortal qi from the Immortal Ancient Era.
“The world has changed. Truly self-made are rare,” the academy’s Second Elder lamented.
Shi Hao was stunned, scanning the crowd.
“A handful cultivated it themselves. But do you recall where you succeeded?” an elder asked.
The crowd paled.
“You remember—it was in remnants of the Immortal Ancient Era. Only there could it be done. Our current world is unsuited for the ancient method. Breaking through is near impossible.”
This struck like a hammer, leaving all in silent contemplation.
Even Shi Hao stayed quiet. His three strands of immortal qi were indeed cultivated in such ancient lands.
“Don’t worry. Once cultivated, it’s usable outside, with no drawbacks,” an elder reassured.
“Elder, are you suggesting we choose the modern method?”
“Not necessarily. I’m stating the modern method isn’t inferior. For the ancient method, we have tomes from the last epoch and can send you to surviving Immortal Ancient fragments.”
“Human energy is finite. Don’t attempt both paths—it’s too arduous. Today, you must choose.”
The message was clear.
After deep thought, someone asked, “If we cultivate the ancient method, we have supreme scriptures, even immortal classics. But for the modern method, what inheritances are there?”
“As I said, some have walked this path far ahead, their brilliance illuminating past and present. If you seek transcendence in the modern method, there is guidance!” an elder declared.
“Remember—Blood Move, Cave Heaven, Engraving, Array Formation… Surpassing ancient sages in every realm? Even those with three strands of immortal qi would meet their match! Of course, it’s near impossible. But this path, if trodden, might truly oppose the Other Shore!” the Second Elder proclaimed.
This ignited fervor. Many vowed to walk this path.
“Elders, are there truly guides and methods?”
“Yes! Some have gone far, leaving trails to follow!” the Second Elder affirmed.
“Now, choose,” an elder said.
…
The place erupted in chatter!
“I choose the ancient method,” Shi Hao declared when his turn came, his choice clear.
“You… are destined for the modern method,” the Second Elder mused, thinking, “Does he plan to walk both paths?”
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