Chapter 620: Such a Wonderful Place
A year ago, Dugu Jingtian obtained an ancient map from an old ruin, and it was unknown what material was used to make the map, but somehow, it had remained intact over the long years.
The map was divided into two parts, the left side containing some ancient characters, while the right side depicted a desert, marked at its center with a circle.
The characters on the map were too ancient; Emperor Dugu Jingtian could not recognize a single one. To decipher the mystery of these ancient texts, Dugu Jingtian had indeed gone to great lengths. He gathered a large collection of ancient texts, and then called upon a group of confidants. After six months of research, they finally deciphered the ancient characters on the map.
These ancient characters contained an astonishing big secret...
In the Primordial Era, it was the most brilliant time for Cultivators. At that time, cultivation resources were extremely abundant, and anyone willing to put in the hard work could achieve commendable accomplishments.
Of course, cultivation also depended on talent. Some people had extraordinary talent; not only did they cultivate at a rapid speed, but they also possessed heaven-defying fortune. After cultivating for several centuries, they would cross the Tribulation and ascend to the Immortal Realm, becoming immortals with the same longevity as the heavens and the earth!
Those with average or poor cultivation talent had slow cultivation speeds and poor fortunes. Being able to cultivate to the Transcendance Tribulation Stage was already a huge opportunity for them, to think of ascending to the Immortal Realm... was nearly impossible.
Whether mortal or Cultivator, everyone shared one thing in common, and that was the fear of death.
Why do people desperately cultivate? Isn't it to extend their lifespan?
To ascend to the Immortal Realm, one must meet two conditions. First, reach the Tribulation Crossing Period Great Perfection. Second, pass the Great Heavenly Tribulation, also known as the Celestial Tribulation. After passing the Great Heavenly Tribulation, one would shed the mortal coil and ascend to the Immortal Realm!
Only those who have personally experienced the Heavenly Tribulation know its horror. Let's take an example. Out of ten thousand cultivators at Tribulation Crossing Period Great Perfection who attempt to cross the tribulation, at most, one could succeed. A one in ten thousand chance, such a cruel thing!
Some Great Cultivators at the Tribulation Crossing Period, lacking confidence in themselves, dare not attempt to cross the tribulation lightly, living every day in fear and trepidation. Once one's cultivation reaches the Tribulation Crossing Stage, lifespan significantly increases, but there is ultimately a limit! Once that limit is reached, death is inevitable.
The longer one lives, the more the fear of death intensifies.
Later, some Great Cultivators at the Tribulation Crossing Period got together to brainstorm countermeasures. Their central idea was: How to extend life without crossing the Celestial Tribulation.
And believe it or not, they actually came up with a countermeasure...
That countermeasure was... they joined forces to create an independent realm, and then lived in this independent realm. Since the independent realm was created by them, they were able to freely modify the laws of the realm. After some exploration, they finally got their wish and possessed strength not inferior to immortals, even with their mortal bodies. As their strength increased, so did their lifespan... Although they couldn't achieve true eternal life, their lifespan increased by several times, even dozens of times. Any one of them could live for tens of thousands of years, or even over a hundred thousand years.
What difference is there, living over a hundred thousand years, from eternal life?
People in later times gave this independent realm a rather impressive name, "Little Heavenly World".
All Cultivators who entered the Little Heavenly World came to be known as "Scatter Immortals".
As time passed by, the secret of the Little Heavenly World's existence slowly became concealed. From the Primordial Era to the Ancient Times, and now to the current Era of Cultivate Immortality, no one knew of the Little Heavenly World's existence.
If Dugu Jingtian had not happened upon an ancient map by chance, he too would not have known about the Little Heavenly World. It has to be said that Dugu Jingtian's luck was truly too good.
...
After deciphering the ancient text, Dugu Jingtian's heart stirred with excitement. He had never imagined such a wonderful place could exist in the world! Upon entering the small celestial realm, one's strength would surge dramatically, with the body of a mortal possessing the power of an immortal, and one's lifespan would greatly increase! How amazing was that!
"My life is reaching its limit! Just when I was consumed with anxiety, the heavens granted me an opportunity! I must seize it with both hands!"
"The path to becoming an immortal has been severed; to ascend to the Immortal Realm is no longer possible! At this time, the small celestial realm has become the ideal destination."
"No matter what, I must enter the small celestial realm!"
Dugu Jingtian made his decision in an instant—he would go to the small celestial realm!
Recently, he had been busy searching for the small celestial realm, leaving early and returning late, and sometimes not showing his face for several days at a time. Unintentionally, he had neglected his younger son's hundred days feast. Once there was a lead on the small celestial realm, a joyful Dugu Jingtian began to prepare for his son's hundred days feast, and he sent out invitations to those of some status, ensuring the celebration was grand.
Dugu Jingtian had found the entrance to the small celestial realm, but being naturally cautious, he did not rush to enter. Instead, he sent a steadfast confidant to scout the small celestial realm, to see if it truly was a paradise for cultivators as the map had indicated.
The staunch confidant did not disappoint Dugu Jingtian. Braving dangers that could have cost him his life, he infiltrated the small celestial realm, understood the situation, and then withdrew. Although he was a little shaken, his excitement was palpable. This was the small celestial realm! A realm second only to the Immortal Realm! If he could enter and cultivate there... wouldn't that be blissful...
The staunch confidant had already made plans. After reaching the Tribulation Crossing Period Great Perfection, he would boldly enter the small celestial realm, augment his strength through cultivation, and meanwhile, meet with the masters of the small celestial realm.
"You've done well! After we return to the imperial city, I will reward you handsomely," Dugu Jingtian began to promise.
"Serving Your Majesty is my duty," the staunch confidant said reverently. "I dare not covet Your Majesty's reward."
"I always make a clear distinction between rewards and punishments; merit is rewarded, and mistakes are punished," Dugu Jingtian said, pausing briefly: "The matter of scouting the small celestial realm... let's not spread the word. I don't want too many people to know about its existence."
The confidant was quick to beat his chest in assurance: "Your Majesty, rest assured, even in death, I will keep the secret."
"Good, very good! Excellent!" Dugu Jingtian smiled and nodded his head: "As I've said before, I do not let down those who are loyal to me."
The small celestial realm was a must-visit! But not now!
Dugu Jingtian was no ordinary person; he was the high and mighty Human Emperor, ruling over the entire Human Territory, with countless individuals depending on him for their livelihoods. If Dugu Jingtian were to leave without a trace, it would certainly cause great chaos, and so he had to ensure all matters were in order before he could enter the small celestial realm without worries.
The most important aspect was the succession of the imperial throne...
Who should take over as Human Emperor?
Dugu Jingtian fell into deep thought. In an instant, several candidates flashed through his mind, each one rejected in turn; not just anyone could become Human Emperor! First, the person had to be prestigious, experienced and of high seniority, and their cultivation could not be too low, otherwise, they wouldn't command respect.
After consideration, there was only one person who was somewhat suitable. However, this person... of a detached nature, had a quirky temperament, and was not exactly popular. If they were to become Human Emperor, it was likely to provoke opposition from many...
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