After a long silence, Immortal Monarch Yuanshu finally exhaled heavily and spoke slowly, "I was aware of this Great Expedition to the Wisdom Realm."
"In fact, all the Immortal Monarchs of the Immortal Court knew about it."
"But I never imagined it would be so catastrophic."
"Even Fellow Daoist Bull Demon fell in battle."
Suddenly, a realization dawned on his face. "No wonder! No wonder the Myriad Immortals Hall has been sealed off for the past decade, closed to outsiders. The Immortal Court must have feared that the loss of so many Immortals would cause their Immortal Names to vanish from the Hall, triggering unnecessary complications."
Han Yi had visited the Myriad Immortals Hall several times. As required by the Immortal Court, after ascending to the True Immortal Realm, Immortals must register their Immortal Names in the Hall. Even if they leave the Great Luo Immortal Realm, as long as they remain within the Primordial Great World and avoid venturing into the Chaos, their Immortal Names would still be able to sense their fate, including fortunes, calamities, and even life or death.
But this expedition to the Wisdom Realm was different. The Immortal combat on the Two Realms Battlefield, right at the World Barrier, had been so intense that Immortal Fortresses crumbled. Even an Immortal Monarch like the Great Sage Bull Demon had fallen. If someone as powerful as the Ancient Immortal Zhurong had his Dao Artifact, the Zhurong Halberd, shattered by the Chaos, one could only imagine the horrific fate of Immortals below the Immortal Monarch level.
Immortal Monarch Yuanshu stood up and paced within the Immortal Pavilion. His expression shifted constantly, yet as always, he completely concealed his aura, revealing no trace of Immortal Might. To all appearances, he seemed utterly ordinary, like any mortal.
Inwardly, however, he was profoundly shaken.
The Two Realms Battlefield Han Yi had described—the chaotic battles near the World Barrier, beyond the edge of Chaos—was a place where even Yuanshu would struggle to survive. The enemies they faced were powerful beings equivalent to Immortal Sovereigns or even Dao Ancestors from the Immortal Realm. While Yuanshu was strong enough to flee from an Immortal Sovereign and preserve his life, under such circumstances, he hardly qualified as a true powerhouse.
"Fellow Daoists Yuansui and Yilong also went there. I wonder how they're faring," he mused.
"But we were never informed which Immortal Sovereign accompanied them."
"As for the entity that sent you back from the Chaos, it emanated the aura of Myriad Tribulation Heaven, suggesting it might be a Dao Ancestor. I know nothing about it."
"That Dao Shadow on Myriad Tribulation Peak has been there since I joined the Sui Zhu Immortal Court."
"It hasn't changed in all these years."
With a shake of his head, Immortal Monarch Yuanshu suppressed his inner turmoil and turned to Han Yi, a bright light flickering in his eyes.
"Now that you've weathered the Profound Immortal Tribulation, you're no longer the same as before."
"Once I secure your Golden Immortal Authorization, I'll have someone escort you there," Immortal Monarch Yuanshu said. "For now, focus on consolidating your cultivation here at the Dao Field. I'll take care of the rest."
Han Yi's heart leaped with joy. After thanking the Immortal Monarch, he bid farewell and departed.
During his previous visit to the Primordial Art Pavilion, Immortal Monarch Yuanshu had promised to apply for his Golden Immortal Authorization upon his ascension to the Profound Immortal realm.
This application had to be submitted to the Immortal Court for access to the corresponding Golden Immortal level of the Profound Repository Palace. This repository housed countless secrets of the Immortal Realm, Immortal Techniques, and ancient texts—treasures far beyond anything found in a Dao Field.
Even Immortal Monarchs couldn't directly grant Golden Immortal Authorization; it required approval from the Immortal Court.
After Han Yi left, Immortal Monarch Yuanshu sighed, "This young man's potential is limitless."
Although Han Yi had glossed over the details of his return to the Penglai Immortal Realm, Immortal Monarch Yuanshu knew the journey couldn't have been so simple.
Even for someone with his peak Grand Unity cultivation, traveling from the Great Luo Immortal Realm or the Penglai Immortal Realm to the World Barrier took two years. Yet, based on his calculations, Han Yi had somehow crossed the Chaos beyond the World Barrier, returned inside, and been transported to the Penglai Immortal Realm in no more than a month—perhaps even within a few days.
This implied that the Immortal who had brought Han Yi back to Penglai was at least an Immortal Sovereign, and not just any Immortal Sovereign—possibly even a Dao Ancestor.
Having reached the realm of Immortal Sovereign or Dao Ancestor, these beings placed immense importance on causality and would never act carelessly. Whether it was a deliberate act or a casual favor, transporting Han Yi to Penglai was no simple matter.
Moreover.
Observing Han Yi's aura and condition, Immortal Monarch Yuanshu realized he was fundamentally different from other Profound Immortals who had weathered the Profound Immortal Tribulation. It was as if he had bypassed the usual post-tribulation weakness, his cultivation realm as stable as those who had cultivated for decades.
Snapping out of his reverie, Immortal Monarch Yuanshu refocused on his current predicament.
In truth, his greatest passion lay in researching Immortal Arts, hence his Daoist Title, Yuanshu, and the creation of the Origin Technique Arena.
However, in the past three centuries, he had sensed a gathering storm. As the Eighth Epoch neared its end, the looming threats of the Wisdom Realm beyond and the internal strife of the Dao Court filled him with unease.
After a moment's contemplation, he rose from his Immortal Pavilion and journeyed to the heart of the Immortal Court—the sacred land where the Dao Ancestor cultivated.
His heart heavy with anxiety, he resolved to seek guidance from the Dao Ancestor.
Meanwhile, after leaving the Primordial Art Pavilion, Han Yi bypassed the Orthodox Law Immortal Palace and Heavenly Candle Hall, returning directly to his Dao Field and his Ninth Layer Immortal Pavilion.
After cultivating within the pavilion for seven days, he sensed someone calling out with Immortal Sense. Stepping outside, Han Yi found Golden Immortal Golden Cry, whom he hadn't seen in many years.
Back when Han Yi had first become a True Immortal, Golden Immortal Golden Cry had invited him to join the Primal Art Dao Field. Unfortunately, the Primordial Dao Conflict took an unexpected turn, preventing Golden Immortal Golden Cry from participating.
Now reunited, Golden Immortal Golden Cry remained unchanged: steadfast as a mountain, yet radiating a sword-like sharpness. These seemingly contradictory qualities blended seamlessly within him, creating no dissonance. Han Yi still vividly remembered the massive sword hilt deep within Golden Resonance Daoist's palace.
"Greetings, Golden Resonance Daoist," Han Yi said, bowing respectfully.
Golden Resonance Daoist stared intently at Han Yi, his inner world churning like a stormy sea. Each encounter with this young cultivator left him profoundly shaken.
In barely two hundred and fifty years, Han Yi had transcended the True Immortal Realm and ascended directly to the Profound Immortal Realm. Upon closer inspection, his cultivation wasn't superficial at all, but rather remarkably profound, astonishing even Golden Resonance Daoist himself.
In truth, Golden Immortal Golden Cry was unaware that Han Yi had survived the Great Expedition to the Wisdom Realm with the Immortal Fortress, or that Han Yi, at the peak of the True Immortal Realm, had slain a peak Profound Immortal of the Three Lifetimes Wisdom Race.
Had he known these things, his estimation of Han Yi would have soared several levels higher.
His primary purpose in visiting was to fulfill Immortal Monarch Yuanshu's directive to grant Han Yi Golden Immortal Authorization.
Though a peak Golden Immortal himself, Golden Cry only held Golden Immortal Authorization within the Sui Zhu Immortal Court.
Reaching the Golden Immortal Realm marked one's entry into the middle echelons of cultivation, and further breakthroughs became exceedingly difficult.
Regaining his composure, Golden Resonance Daoist spoke slowly:
"Han Yi, your rapid advancement to the Profound Immortal Realm and the stability of your foundation are truly remarkable."
"Immortal Monarch Yuanshu has ordered me to escort you to the Heavenly Candle Hall and grant you Golden Immortal Authorization."
"Come with me."
Han Yi's face lit up. As his cultivation realm advanced, he increasingly valued access to information authorization.
Leaving aside the secrets of Chaos and other Immortal Realms, the Great Luo Immortal Realm alone harbored boundless mysteries. In certain situations, advance knowledge of even a single secret could greatly ease challenges and ensure more prudent decisions.
Han Yi, with his system panel, lacked nothing in terms of cultivation resources or combat power.
"Thank you, Immortal Monarch," Han Yi said.
"Many thanks, Daoist Golden Resonance!"
Han Yi expressed his gratitude and followed Daoist Golden Resonance as he turned to leave. "Oh, by the way," Daoist Golden Resonance suddenly recalled, "there's been some upheaval in the Blazing Flame Dao Court recently. It would be best to remain within the Immortal Court's territory for the time being."
Han Yi frowned. "The Blazing Flame Dao Court? What happened?"
Seeing Han Yi's confusion, Daoist Golden Resonance remembered that Han Yi was even more devoted to cultivation than himself, with seclusion being his norm. He transmitted a stream of Immortal Sense directly into Han Yi's mind.
After absorbing the information, Han Yi abruptly grew alert. He realized that amidst the grand expedition to the Wisdom Realm, subtle yet significant shifts were also unfolding within the Immortal Realm itself.
The most prominent development was undoubtedly the newly established Blazing Flame Dao Court.
This formidable power, born from the actions of an Inverter of the Dao and seized by Sacrificial Daoists, had initially focused on constructing the colossal Grave-Crossing Dao Vessel, a structure spanning two Immortal Domains. But now, it had begun to take unexpected actions that defied all expectations within the Immortal Realm.
The Blazing Flame Dao Court occupied a strategic position at the heart of the Great Luo Immortal Realm, with the Age Candle Dao Court to the north, the Lingxiao Dao Court to the west, the Imperial Court Dao Court to the east, and the Luo Tian Dao Court to the south.
Two years prior, Boundary Lotus Immortal Sovereign, one of the two Immortal Sovereign-level Sacrificial Daoists of the Blazing Flame Dao Court, unexpectedly appeared south of the Luo Tian Immortal Court, manifesting in the Azure Profound Immortal Domain, one of the three southernmost Immortal Domains of the Immortal Realm.
Simultaneously, two completely unfamiliar Immortal Sovereign auras materialized aboard the newly constructed Grave-Crossing Dao Vessel.
Alarmed, Houtu Immortal Venerable, formerly one of the Six Imperial Guardians of the Great Luo Immortal Court and now residing in the Imperial Court Immortal Court, sensed these auras and went to investigate. However, she was ambushed by the two foreign Immortal Sovereigns and forced to retreat, wounded, back to the Imperial Court Immortal Court.
Rumor had it that during Houtu Immortal Venerable's injury, the aura of Dao Ancestor Huangting briefly flickered across the battlefield, leading some to suspect that the Dao Ancestor himself had intervened. Yet the outcome remained unchanged: the Grave-Crossing Dao Vessel remained unscathed, and neither of the Sacrificial Daoist Immortal Sovereigns perished.
By this point, immortals throughout the Immortal Realm understood why the Dao Ancestors of the Luo Tian and Imperial Court Immortal Courts had refrained from intervening during the establishment of the Blazing Flame Dao Court. The Blazing Flame Dao Court itself possessed a Dao Ancestor-level Sacrificial Daoist overseeing its operations.
As for Age Candle, Lingxiao, and even the Eastern Sovereign Immortal Court, they held back due to their lack of territorial claims, the absence of immediate conflict, and their deep apprehension toward Sacrificial Daoists. They chose to observe from afar rather than engage directly.
Meanwhile, Boundary Lotus Immortal Sovereign, who had appeared at the Azure Profound Dao Field, directly approached Qingxuan Immortal Venerable. After a clandestine discussion, Boundary Lotus Immortal Sovereign took up residence in a mountain range at the southernmost edge of the Azure Profound Immortal Domain, near the Outer Void.
Qingxuan Immortal Venerable tacitly approved of this arrangement.
This greatly puzzled the immortals of the Immortal Realm.
Everyone knew that Boundary Lotus Immortal Sovereign had become a Sacrificial Daoist, a fact easily discernible to any Immortal Sovereign or higher. Under such circumstances, it seemed inconceivable that Qingxuan Immortal Venerable would enter into any secret agreement with her. Even if he chose not to execute her, he should have expelled her.
Moreover, the masters of the three southernmost Immortal Domains of the Great Luo Immortal Realm—Qingxuan, Qingling, and Yinglong—were among the Immortal Realm's most powerful Immortal Sovereigns, on par with Ancient Immortal Zhurong and second only to Haotian Immortal Venerable and Kunpeng Demon Venerable.
Their combined strength undoubtedly surpassed that of Boundary Lotus Immortal Sovereign.
Thus, the immortals speculated that Boundary Lotus Immortal Sovereign must have revealed some hidden secret that secured her continued presence at the Azure Profound Dao Field.
Although no open conflict had yet erupted, tensions were quietly brewing beneath the surface, causing unease among the immortals of other Immortal Courts.
After hearing all this, Han Yi remained vigilant but surprisingly calm. Compared to the Blazing Flame Dao Court's petty schemes, the battles on the Two Realms Battlefield and the chaotic clashes in the void held far greater significance for him.
He was primarily concerned with whether any Immortal Fortresses had broken through the blockade to reach the Wisdom Realm.
In essence, his perspective on the grand scheme of things had subtly shifted since the Great Expedition to the Wisdom Realm, diverging from his previous outlook.
Golden Resonance Daoist, observing Han Yi's unchanging expression, secretly admired his composure.
A moment later, the two arrived at Heavenly Candle Hall. Crossing the threshold into this Boundary Heaven, they headed straight for an Immortal Pavilion at the heart of the hall.
The single-story pavilion was modest in size. Above its entrance, a plaque with three large characters radiated a faint golden glow:
Golden Immortal Pavilion.
True to its name, this pavilion served as the operational hub for all Golden Immortals within the Sui Zhu Immortal Court.
Heavenly Candle Hall only accommodated Golden Immortals as its highest-ranking visitors. Grand Unity Immortal Monarchs, considered high-ranking officials within the Immortal Court, were entitled to establish their own Dao Fields and were thus exempt from arbitrary assignments.
Upon entering the Golden Immortal Pavilion, Han Yi found only one Golden Immortal steward from Heavenly Candle Hall present, which was hardly surprising. Even within the Sui Zhu Immortal Court, Golden Immortals were scarce compared to the vast numbers of True Immortals and Profound Immortals.
Golden Immortal Golden Cry led Han Yi forward and addressed the steward:
"Fellow Daoist Puming," Golden Immortal Golden Cry said, "I am under orders from Immortal Monarch Yuanshu to bring Profound Immortal Han Yi of the Primal Art Dao Field here and grant him Golden Immortal Authorization."
Golden Immortal Puming, whose Daoist Title was Puming, focused his gaze on Han Yi, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes.
"An early-stage Profound Immortal? Granting Golden Immortal Authorization to someone at that level... such an occurrence is exceedingly rare in the annals of the Immortal Court."
"It seems Immortal Monarch Yuanshu holds Fellow Daoist Han in very high regard."
Han Yi maintained a respectful demeanor, cupping his hands in a silent greeting. Given Puming's status as a Golden Immortal, any response from him would be presumptuous. He chose silence as a compromise.
Golden Immortal Puming, observing Han Yi's respectful silence, chuckled lightly, unfazed by the lack of verbal reply.
"Present your token. I will verify the Immortal Court's decree. If it has been issued, I will grant you the authorization directly."
Han Yi reverently presented his golden token.
Puming placed the token on the Immortal Spirit Pillar behind him, causing a beam of light to flicker into existence.
"Indeed, Golden Immortal Authorization," Puming confirmed. He didn't need to take further action; the Heavenly Candle Realm's Realm Spirit within the Golden Immortal Pavilion had already used the Immortal Spirit Pillar to infuse Han Yi's token with the authorization.
In less than a breath's time, the golden light vanished, and the token returned to Han Yi's hand.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Puming," Golden Immortal Golden Cry said, cupping his hands in gratitude.
He prepared to depart, but Golden Immortal Puming called him back.
"Fellow Daoist Jin Ming, perfect timing. The Immortal Court has assigned you a mission."
Golden Resonance Daoist halted and turned around, a puzzled expression on his face. Golden Immortal Puming continued, "A year ago, traces of the Evil Mountain were discovered in the Lin'an Immortal Domain. Even worse, an Evil Immortal of the Immortal Monarch level has been sighted there."
"Immortal Monarch Lin'an led an expedition to the Extraterritorial Battlefield several years ago and has yet to return."
"Immortal Venerable Daoling has ordered Immortal Monarch Lingyue, accompanied by thirty Golden Immortals, to eradicate the Evil Mountain. Your name is on the list of Golden Immortals for this operation."
Golden Immortal Puming tossed a Jade Disc to Golden Immortal Golden Cry. As Golden Cry caught it, his Immortal Sense swept over the disc, quickly grasping the mission's details.
The Jade Disc carried a wisp of Immortal Venerable Daoling's aura, ensuring its authenticity. As one of the six Immortal Sovereigns of the Age Candle Immortal Court, Daoling's orders were not to be disobeyed. Moreover, the mission involved eradicating the Evil Mountain, a task with no inherent flaws.
Having accepted the mission, Golden Immortal Golden Cry led Han Yi out of the Golden Immortal Pavilion.
Han Yi, who had overheard the conversation, felt a stirring in his heart. Though he had never met Immortal Monarch Lin'an personally, the monarch's reputation was well-known. Ranked seventh among all Immortal Monarchs in the Immortal Court, Lin'an had once led an expedition to the Crimson Thunder Domain in the Lin'an Immortal Domain, a journey Han Yi himself had undertaken years prior.
As for the Evil Mountain, Han Yi was equally aware of its notoriety. Alongside the Soul Tower and the Black Realm, it was considered one of the three major dark forces in the Immortal Realm.