Cultivation Begins From The Desert-Chapter 855 - 838: Ascending to the Immortal Realm (Grand Finale)

Transmit Immortal Decree, change "Boundless Desert Sea Cultivation Realm" to "West Sand Continent Cultivation Realm"; this is the first and last decree issued by Zhouyang, the first True Immortal among the Human Race, after his Immortal Ascension.

After issuing this decree, Zhouyang returned to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm with his Dao Companion Xiao Ying, patiently waiting for the result of his son Zhou Guangcheng's attempt to reach the Tribulation Crossing Stage.

After waiting for seventeen years, the final news was of failure!

Even with the assistance of the "Three Treasures Ruyi," Zhou Guangcheng still did not succeed in knocking on the Immortal Sect, ascending the Tribulation Stage.

"I feel that my accumulation is still somewhat insufficient. Although the Immortal Sect was slightly opened by me, there is still a considerable gap from fully opening it. If I try to supplement other aspects to bolster my foundation, next time I fear the result might still be failure!"

On Profound Sun Peak, Zhou Guangcheng reported in detail his retreat process to Zhouyang, pointing out the reasons for his failure and shortcomings.

His expression did not show much sign of discouragement, and his mindset seemed fairly well.

After all, Immortal Ascension is inherently a very difficult matter; failing once is not a problem, because he is still less than two thousand five hundred years old, and he has another chance to try again.

Moreover, this failure allowed him to deeply realize his own shortcomings and find out the cause of his failure. From this perspective, he actually gained a lot.

"So, how do you plan to make up for your lack of foundation?" Zhouyang asked calmly.

Clearly, Zhou Guangcheng had already thoroughly considered this matter and promptly replied: "Currently, my deficiency mainly lies in two aspects: Primordial Spirit and Magical Power. For Primordial Spirit, I plan to cultivate a sect's secret technique for strengthening the spirit; for Magical Power, I intend to seek the innate primordial power with fire attributes to temper my Magical Power!"

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang deeply looked at him and said: "If you spend time cultivating the strengthening spirit secret technique, your lifespan might only allow you to attempt the Tribulation Crossing Stage once more. Have you considered this?"

"I have considered it. If after such thorough preparation I am still unable to succeed in the Tribulation Crossing, then whether it's one attempt or two, it makes no difference!"

Zhou Guangcheng firmly expressed his attitude.

Zhouyang's gaze sharpened, and he immediately approved: "Good! Since you have the resolve and determination to succeed or die trying, as a father, I will certainly support you wholeheartedly!"

After saying this, he waved his hand and said: "I will handle the task of seeking the innate primordial power with fire attributes for you. You should focus on cultivating the strengthening spirit secret technique within the sect!"

Father and son settled this matter, and Zhouyang immediately instructed the two Dao Companions to each continue their extinct state to prolong their lifespan, while he began to search widely for the innate primordial power with fire attributes.

He did not have many friends, but each one is a pinnacle of cultivation, and their lifespans start from several thousand years, scattered across the Human Race and the Demon Race.

Although the innate primordial power with fire attributes can be termed as an extremely rare treasure, it is not unobtainable.

After a widespread search, Zhouyang soon set off alone to a perilous location in the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm.

He learned from Zhu Zizhen that there is a great possibility of the presence of innate primordial power with fire attributes deep within the forbidden area "Li Yuan Forbidden Realm" of the Celestial South Continent Cultivation Realm.

The interior of "Li Yuan Forbidden Realm" is filled with Earth Lung Poison Flame. Even Nascent Soul Stage cultivators with fire attribute techniques, or Tier Six fire attribute Demon Kings, dare not venture too deep into this place.

When Zhu Zizhen traveled there, he could only venture eight thousand feet deep before being unable to withstand it.

According to Zhu Zizhen, there is a significant possibility of the presence of innate primordial power with fire attributes at depths of ten thousand feet below the area.

Zhouyang does not fear the risks that others cannot withstand.

He is now the only cultivator in this realm practicing the Extreme Yang Technique, a Tier Seven existence, and has cultivated his unique [Qianyang Immortal Body], along with the [Qianyang Treasure Pearl], an immortal artifact refined using fire attribute innate spiritual objects, believing no flame in this realm could harm him.

This proved true as, upon descending to depths of ten thousand feet within the "Li Yuan Forbidden Realm," the dense Earth Lung Poison Flame, though slightly discomforting, could not truly harm his immortal body.

At this depth, he indeed sensed the presence of the innate primordial power with fire attributes, though the power was faint and difficult to collect.

"Looks like I'll need to spend some time here!"

Zhouyang frowned slightly but did not say much more, instead taking out the special container refined from the [Ten Thousand Years Flame Jade] before coming, to collect the dispersed innate primordial power with fire attributes bit by bit.

Fortunately, he is now a True Immortal with extreme yang attributes having crossed the Tribulation; otherwise, an Nascent Soul Stage cultivator or Tier Six Demon King, even if reaching this depth, would certainly not be able to slowly collect the innate primordial power with fire attributes like him.

The dangers in the depths of the "Li Yuan Forbidden Realm" are not only from the Earth Lung Poison Flame but also its unique spiritual-attribute creatures born from the sea of flames. These creatures are not even considered Demon Beasts, merely aggregation of flames with weak spirituality.

But these flame aggregates, able to manipulate the Earth Lung Poison Flame, possess considerable strength deep below, and attracted by the innate primordial power with fire attributes, they rushed forth like moths to a flame to seize it.

Only these instinct-driven spiritual creatures dare attempt to snatch food from the mouth of a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal.

And those daring to do this were all devoured by Zhouyang by using his Three-legged Firebird "Fire Spirit."

After devouring these creatures seeking their own doom, the spirituality of the Three-legged Firebird also grew significantly, which was an unexpected gain for Zhouyang.

In this manner, Zhouyang spent a full hundred and twenty years in the depths of the ten thousand-foot flame chasm within "Li Yuan Forbidden Realm," finally collecting enough innate primordial power with fire attributes to temper his son's Magical Power.

When he completed this task and returned to Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, preparing to thank Zhu Zizhen in Wilderness Jungle, he was astonished to discover that Zhu Zizhen had quietly passed the "True Spirit Celestial Tribulation!"

"Fellow Daoist Zhu, when did you cross the Celestial Tribulation? Why didn't you inform Zhou here? Zhou once promised to be your Guardian!"

On Chixia Mountain, Zhouyang looked at Zhu Zizhen, who had already refined his True Spirit Body, and while offering congratulations, did not forget to jokingly express a complaint.

He indeed made this promise back then when he asked Zhu Zizhen for help to surround and kill Dragon Taming Clan Leader Dragon-Taming Star Feather.

At this moment, hearing him mention this, Zhu Zizhen immediately smiled and shook her head, saying: "I know Fellow Daoist Zhou is busy collecting the Fire Attribute Innate Primordial Power for your son, so how could I possibly trouble you? Besides, I have prepared for many years, and with the Vermilion Bird Fan given by Fellow Daoist Zhou, crossing the Celestial Tribulation is not a difficult matter!"

Zhouyang, hearing this, immediately made a solemn bow and said: "Speaking of this, I must thank Fellow Daoist Zhu for providing the information; I owe Fellow Daoist another favor!"

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you are too polite. It's just some information, nothing much."

Zhu Zizhen waved her hand, not wanting to take credit.

But Zhouyang could not forget this matter.

With a slightly contemplative expression, he hesitated for a moment before taking out a jade scroll and handing it to Zhu Zizhen, saying: "After successfully crossing the tribulation, when practicing Immortal Techniques and Divine Techniques, Fellow Daoist Zhu might as well first practice this 'Void Shift' Divine Technique!"

"Why is that?"

Zhu Zizhen furrowed her elegant brows, somewhat puzzled, looking at Zhouyang.

"The specific reason, I'm not able to say clearly. Take my advice — there won't be any mistake in it!"

Zhouyang brushed off with vague remarks and immediately took his leave.

Upon returning to the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, Zhou Guangcheng's Strengthening God Secret Technique was almost complete, so Zhouyang took him once again to retreat and cultivate at Donglai Immortal Island.

Thus, over another twenty years, Zhou Guangcheng achieved great success in the Strengthening God Secret Technique. Zhouyang handed over the collected Fire Attribute Innate Primordial Power to him, helping to refine his magical power, elevating and purifying it to nearly perfect level.

Then Zhou Guangcheng once again began practicing the "Three Treasures Ruyi Technique," cultivating into the "Three Treasures Ruyi."

Two hundred more years passed, Zhouyang, after practicing the Heaven-Burning Melting Furnace Immortal Technique, took some time to visit the Extreme North Icefield, awaken Qin Yue'er and Lu Xuewei from the ice cave, allowing them to recover their damaged primordial spirit through some activities.

Seizing the chance when his mother Qin Yue'er visited him, Zhou Guangzheng, who had made no progress in his cultivation for hundreds of years, sought his father Zhouyang once again.

"Father, do you really want to see me falter in the Nascent Soul Stage my whole life? I was wrong before, but Father, are you not even willing to give me the chance to correct my mistakes? What do you want me to do to gain your forgiveness?"

On Jade Spring Peak, Zhou Guangzheng fell to his knees in front of Zhouyang, full of sorrow and pain in his eyes, looking at Zhouyang, crying endlessly.

This was the first time he had cried in front of Zhouyang since he was born.

Since his birth, he never cried before Zhouyang.

It was clear that being unable to progress in his cultivation for hundreds of years was indeed distressing and hopeless!

Seeing her son in such a state, Qin Yue'er felt deeply distressed, and she pleaded: "Zheng'Er truly knows his mistake this time, husband, please forgive him this once. I believe he'll never dare disobey you again!"

Hearing his mother, Zhou Guangzheng nodded repeatedly, loudly declaring: "Mother is right, I will never disobey Father again. I can swear, if I ever commit an immoral act again, let me die under the celestial tribulation, never ascending to the Upper Realm!"

At this point, Zhouyang would not only fail as a father if he still refused, but his marriage with Qin Yue'er would likely end.

He deeply looked at Zhou Guangzheng, speaking in a low voice: "As your father, I am willing to believe in your genuine change, and forgive your past unfilial actions. But remember the vow you made today — if not, even if the heavens won't punish you, I will come for you myself!"

With that, he pointed with two fingers, using Primordial Spirit Transmission to teach the "Three Treasures Ruyi Technique" to Zhou Guangzheng.

"Thank you, Father, for forgiving me and for teaching me. I will forever heed Father's teachings and dare not act against filial duty again!"

Upon receiving his wish, Zhou Guangzheng was overjoyed, repeatedly bowing to Zhouyang in gratitude, showing genuine sincerity.

"Sigh! Wish you well!"

Zhouyang sighed deeply, waved his hand, and his form vanished from sight, returning directly to Donglai Immortal Island.

Originally, he planned to teach the Tribulation Secret Technique to his younger son only after Zhou Guangcheng succeeded in crossing the tribulation.

But today's circumstances left him no choice but to teach it now.

Time passed, and over another hundred years, Zhou Guangcheng returned to the Dome Heaven Immortal Realm, ready to break through the Tribulation Crossing Stage after once again cultivating a piece of "Three Treasures Ruyi."

Fortunately, after nine years of retreat this time, he successfully opened the Immortal Sect, becoming Spirit Realm's third True Immortal.

With Zhouyang's prior preparation of Tribulation Crossing Spiritual Artifacts, including the restored Earth and Yellow Armor, along with the Tier Seven Immortal Artifact Red Sky Divine Spear in his possession and his perfected body, there was no fear of celestial tribulation.

Of course, this was mostly because he didn't have Zhouyang's ambition to endure the full power of tribulation thunder with his body for refinement.

This crossing of the tribulation also made waves, attracting many cultivators to watch, yet the influence was not as grand as Zhouyang's, since he did not linger to refine the True Immortal Body as Zhouyang did on site.

After Zhou Guangcheng successfully ascended in cultivation, he promptly relocated to Donglai Immortal Island for calm refinement of the True Immortal Body.

One family achieving dual ascension, father and son as True Immortals! 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

With Zhou Guangcheng's immortality ascension, he and Zhouyang as True Immortal father and son once again became the most discussed topic in the Spirit Realm, making the Zhou Family a revered object of envy among countless cultivators.

Such a dual ascension scenario, unheard of even in ancient times, and having father and son as True Immortals is unprecedented in this realm.

Now, not only were ordinary cultivators envious, but even those Tier Seven beings marveled at Zhouyang's and Zhou Family's luck, celebrating the luck of the human race.

Originally, seeing humanity losing Du Chongyang and Master Withered Wood, and falling far behind the demon race in the number of Tier Seven beings, there was an assumption that humanity was headed for decline.

However, with Zhou Guangcheng's ascension to immortality through Crossing the Tribulation, the Human Race has produced two Tribulation Crossing True Immortals within two thousand years. Who would dare utter such words now?

Moreover, the Thunder Feather True Spirit is a life-and-death acquaintance of Zhouyang, Zhu Zizhen's relationship with Zhouyang is ambiguous as well, and the Heaven-Reaching True Spirit seems to have a good rapport with Zhouyang. These matters aren't secretive within the circles of Tier Seven existences.

Under such circumstances, even if someone wishes to incite war between the Human Race and the Demon Race, they wouldn't dare to actually implement it.

After Zhou Guangcheng's ascension, Zhouyang immediately collected the various materials reserved by the East Sea Dragon Palace and handed over the Spiritual Materials amassed by the Zhou Family over hundreds of years to himself.

Then, with Lan Daoist, he covertly assembled an Ascension Altar atop the East Pole Grassland.

Yes, the method of ascending imparted to Zhouyang by True Monarch Donglai was essentially the technique for constructing the Ascension Altar.

Although the Ascension Platform of Ancient Times in the Spirit Realm was destroyed, its connection with the Ascension Platform of the Upper Realm hasn't been completely severed.

The former Ascension Platform of the Spirit Realm was also built by cultivators descending from the Upper Realm.

The Ascension Altar's construction method bestowed upon Zhouyang by True Monarch Donglai naturally couldn't compare to the original Ascension Platform, nor could it be reused.

Despite this, with the assistance of this Ascension Altar and the collective efforts of several Tribulation Crossing True Immortals, there was more than a seventy to eighty percent chance to break the world barrier, bodily surging out of the Spirit Realm into the Chaos Void akin to Late-Tribulation Crossing cultivators.

Back then, the residual soul of True Monarch Guangming had stated that as long as a Tribulation Crossing True Immortal enters the Chaos Void, there would be a sense with the Upper Realm. At that point, simply moving toward the sensing direction would allow crossing through the vast Chaos Void to reach the Upper Realm.

This is also the reason why True Monarch Donglai said his Secret Technique only has a thirty percent possibility of ascension.

After all, the Chaos Void isn't a safe place; traversing it to reach the Upper Realm is unlikely without the formidable power akin to Late-Tribulation Crossing cultivators or a powerful entity from the Upper Realm's Ascension Platform to guide them.

This is why Zhouyang sought out the East Sea Dragon Saint, as his Mid-Tribulation Crossing cultivation was undoubtedly highly beneficial when traversing the Chaos Void.

Some might wonder why Zhouyang, holding the method to construct the Ascension Altar, didn't inform Du Chongyang earlier, enabling him and others to gather manpower to assemble an Ascension Altar and explore the path?

That's because using this Ascension Altar for ascension is akin to "illegal crossing."

Once ascending with this Ascension Altar for the first time, the powerful entities stationed at the Upper Realm's Ascension Platform might be too late to react, unable to prevent the altar's power from spreading out and linking with the Lower Realm's Ascension Altar.

However, after this situation, those powerful entities could pinpoint the Spirit Realm, set permissions to stop further connections with this side, and weaken the altar's power significantly.

Therefore, Zhouyang could not act as such at the time.

With Lan Daoist's help, Zhouyang spent over fifty years to successfully construct the Ascension Altar.

This Ascension Altar, intended for single use only, consumed materials worth billions of Lower Grade Spirit Stones!

Since the method to activate the altar was known only to Zhouyang, and the key to start it was in his possession, he wasn't worried that others might find and use the altar first.

After leaving Lan Daoist and his avatar to guard the Ascension Altar, Zhouyang went to awaken his two Dao Companions, taking them on his journey to Donglai Immortal Island.

"Cheng'Er, have you truly thought it over? If you reconsider now, your father can wait a few more centuries until you forge an Immortal Body and master the Void Shift Immortal Techniques before departing!"

On the Immortal Island, Zhouyang gazed solemnly at his eldest son, who had yet to complete his True Immortal Body refinement.

"I've thought it over long ago. If I were to leave with you, Father, the Human Race would be left with only Feng Wuji, who is indifferent to matters. Even if you take several Demon Race True Spirits, the Human Race would face great peril!"

"And if the Human Race encounters danger, neither the Zhou Family nor the Profound Sun Immortal Sect would be spared. We might then be reviled by countless cultivators; I cannot permit such events!"

"Moreover, Mother, Aunt Qin, and Senior Sister Lu require someone to protect and awaken them periodically. If the Human Race faces calamity and the Zhou Family falls, who would guard or awaken them?"

Zhou Guangcheng, with a determined demeanor, meets Zhouyang's gaze, his flat tone full of resolute intent.

Indeed, he refused Zhouyang's offer to ascend together, choosing to stay in the Spirit Realm to safeguard the Human Race, protect his mother, defend the Zhou Family, and guard the Profound Sun Immortal Sect!

"My son..."

Xiao Ying tearfully stepped forward to embrace her son, tears streaming down her face.

At this moment, she knew her years of care for her son weren't in vain; he hadn't let down her affection nor his parents' teachings.

Meanwhile, Qin Yue'er, similarly tearful, felt overwhelming envy.

She realizes her son, Zhou Guangzheng, could never achieve what Zhou Guangcheng did—forsaking ascension for Human Race righteousness, for family safety, for the clan and sect's survival.

"Good, speaking such words, you haven't wasted your mother's years of care, nor the teachings from your father and master. You've upheld my surname and haven't dishonored the Zhou Family's bloodline; you haven't betrayed your identity as a Human Race True Immortal!"

Shouting in admiration, Zhouyang was deeply moved by his son's protective and self-sacrificing spirit, full of pride and admiration.

Even during Zhou Guangcheng's ascension to immortality, he hadn't felt this proud.

But now, truly he was proud to have such a son.

"As your father, I am proud to have a son like you!"

In Zhouyang's eyes, a hint of moisture could be seen as he gently patted his son's shoulder, his tone suffused with pride and feeling.

"I have always been proud to have a father like you. Father, you are forever the model I strive to emulate!"

Zhou Guangcheng raised his hand to grasp Zhouyang's palm, his eyes also full of reverence.

"Rest assured, my son, as long as I succeed in ascending to the Upper Realm, I will surely seek out my master, True Monarch Donglai, and do everything in my power to earn a path of ascension for the beings of this realm!"

Zhouyang tightly held his son's hand and resolutely promised, "You and your mother just wait for me in the Lower Realm, wait for me to contact you. One day, our family will reunite in the Upper Realm, and no one will be able to separate us again!"

"I will wait, I will stay with mother and keep waiting!"

Zhou Guangcheng nodded heavily, his voice somewhat choked up.

Xiao Ying too held tightly to the hands of father and son, placing the three hands together, her voice choking with sobs as she responded, "I will wait too, waiting for the day you return, husband!"

"That day will surely come, I promise you!"

Zhouyang's voice was low and firm as he made his promise.

Since Zhou Guangcheng chose to stay, Zhouyang had no hesitation in giving the remaining spot to Zhu Zizhen, as thanks for his past help to the father and son in their path to immortality.

In the following years, Zhouyang devoted himself to seclusion, preparing some things for his son Zhou Guangcheng and the Zhou Family, also addressing all the matters that needed to be sorted.

He even visited the Great Brightness Immortal Palace with Qin Yue'Er to see his younger son Zhou Guangzheng, who was cultivating the "Three Treasures Ruyi Technique," and engaged in a deep father-son conversation with this once rebellious son.

After taking care of everything that needed doing, Zhouyang transferred the control artifact of Donglai Immortal Island's Guardian Immortal Array to his son Zhou Guangcheng, then took his family to meet the long-waiting East Sea Dragon Saint and proceeded to the East Pole Grassland.

When the Zhou family arrived at the Ascension Altar, Lei Yu True Spirit, Heaven-Reaching True Spirit, and Zhu Zizhen, the three Tier Seven True Spirits of the Demon Race, were already in place.

"Is this the Ascension Altar Fellow Daoist Zhou spoke of? Indeed it looks mysterious, with an extraordinary air!"

As soon as the East Sea Dragon Saint arrived with Zhouyang, his gaze first focused on the Ascension Altar, his eyes full of wonder.

This Ascension Altar stood nine zhang tall, in the shape of a column, densely covered with countless "Golden Seal Texts," exuding an aura of mystery even by merely being there.

Hearing his words, Zhouyang remained calm and said, "Thanks to Fellow Daoist Hai for providing those precious materials, otherwise, I don't know how many years it would have taken me to construct this Ascension Altar!"

"Hehehe, Fellow Daoist Zhou is too kind. Just trading some useless materials for a chance of ascension was indeed a gain for an old dragon like me."

The East Sea Dragon Saint chuckled, without any intent to claim credit.

Zhouyang glanced over at several fellow ascension companions and said sincerely, "This ascension, leaving this realm should not be a problem, but once we enter the Chaos Void, that is when the true test begins. What dangers lie ahead, no one knows, but only by uniting can we have the greatest chance of crossing the vast void to reach the Upper Realm. I hope all fellow Daoists will watch over and support each other, never abandoning one another!"

Upon hearing this, Lei Yu True Spirit immediately responded, "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Zhou. We all hail from the same realm, and by your immortal senses, the detect the Upper Realm more accurately. We will certainly stay closely united by your side and act according to your orders!"

"I agree with this view," Zhu Zizhenmiao's eyes flicked, immediately agreeing with Lei Yu True Spirit's words.

"I am also willing to follow Fellow Daoist Zhou's instructions," Heaven-Reaching True Spirit hesitated slightly before expressing his stance.

The East Sea Dragon Saint seeing this, squinted his eyes slightly, then chuckled and said, "Hehehe, the old dragon certainly won't be going solo, especially since I wish to be introduced by Fellow Daoist Zhou to meet True Monarch Donglai again after ascending!"

"Good, since all fellow Daoists trust in me, I will do everything in my power to lead you to the Upper Realm!"

Zhouyang solemnly bowed to everyone, then said in a deep voice, "Let's get started then, everyone!"

Saying so, he immediately waved his sleeve, storing Lan Daoist into his storage ring and led the way onto the Ascension Altar.

Pocket world spiritual artifacts like the Dongxuan Pearl, during the boundary break, any life forms inside would be targeted and obliterated by a realm's Heavenly Dao Laws, so bringing people along for ascension won't work.

Moreover, the Upper Realm won't accept beings below tier seven for ascension.

Lan Daoist is not strictly a life form, so he can avoid obliteration.

Once the five tier seven beings ascended onto the Ascension Altar, Zhouyang immediately activated the twenty-four top-grade spirit stones placed on the altar, energizing the Ascension Altar.

Bang!

With the activation of the Ascension Altar, an intensely thick white beam of light suddenly surged up from the altar, straight into the vast sky, seemingly piercing through the entire heavens.

Meanwhile, at some far-off place in the void, a response seemed to emerge, releasing a mighty force to pierce through the endless Chaos Void, resonating with the soaring white beam of light in the Spirit Realm.

In an instant, the sky ripped open a massive gap, as if the heavens had collapsed.

And on the Ascension Altar, Heaven-Reaching True Spirit, upon witnessing this, immediately let out a low roar, his face ferocious as his hands tore apart.

"Rip" a ripping sound of tearing some protective layer echoed.

The five beings heard the ripping sound atop the Ascension Altar and were overjoyed, hastening to urge their Void Shift divine technique to move towards the gap.

"Wait for me!"

A single "wait for me" was the last sound Xiao Ying and the others watching this grand ascension heard, also the last sound Zhouyang left behind.