The surprise came too suddenly. The nine Mahayana cultivators instinctively caught the Immortal Pills and all looked toward Ji Guizhen, seemingly wanting to confirm whether what they had heard was real.
Ji Guizhen swept his gaze over the nine of them and repeated what he had said earlier. This time, however, he also relayed Yunxi's instructions, making clear the best time to take the Immortal Pills and the purpose behind doing so. Only then did he ask, "Have you all understood?"
The nine nodded excitedly. First, they offered a Daoist salute toward the Dharma House from afar, then thanked Ji Guizhen before transforming into streaks of light and returning to their Immortal Caves. Three days later would be the day they faced their tribulations and ascended, and there were matters that needed arranging in advance.
Ji Guizhen watched the nine leave, then returned to his own territory and quietly awaited the coming of three days later.
Three days were enough for the news that nine Mahayana cultivators would simultaneously attempt to break through and ascend to spread throughout the Yuntian Realm. The entire Cultivation Realm was stirred into a frenzy. In two thousand years, this was the first time so many Mahayana cultivators had risked Liberation by Violence to attempt ascension. If they succeeded, others would have a chance to ascend in the future as well. If they failed...
Cultivators across the Yuntian Realm discussed the matter. Some were optimistic, while others sang a dirge for the attempt, but regardless, everyone awaited this day. All of them desperately wanted to see the outcome.
"The nine True Venerables are prepared to risk their lives for one final attempt. They truly are the Yuntian Realm's foremost figures, worthy of the title 'True Venerable.'"
"I'm afraid they'll throw away their own lives and