In the Samsara Palace, Su Li and his parents chatted merrily. Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation drained a cup of immortal wine and laughed as he praised Su Li, then bestowed many rare treasures upon him to encourage his cultivation.
Su Li stored the gifts in his ring, then walked to the center of the hall. His expression serious, he looked at his father and mother seated on the dais and bowed respectfully. In a steady voice, he said, "Father, Mother, at the Bamboo Forest Gathering, I wish to become an immortal!"
Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation paused, his deep eyes settling on Su Li. Then he met Su Li's calm, composed gaze. With one look, he knew the answer.
Immortal qi curled through the Samsara Palace, and the atmosphere was solemn.
Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation said earnestly, "Li'er, the True Immortal realm is no small matter. You must be fearless and steadfast in your Dao heart. Do you understand?"
Su Li rose, returned to his seat, and nodded. "I'll remember your words, Father."
"Good." Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation nodded with satisfaction, then continued, "To break through to the True Immortal realm, you need more than powerful cultivation and good fortune. You also need a steadfast, fearless Dao heart.
"Remember, Li'er, no matter what difficulties or dangers you face while resisting the tribulation of ascension, never give up lightly, and never lose faith.
"Otherwise, if you fail the tribulation, you may get off lightly—or you may be reduced to ashes beneath the great tribulation, your body and Dao destroyed. Remember: above all, proceed with caution."
Hearing his father's heartfelt words, warmth filled Su Li's heart. He already knew all this, of course, but hearing it from family made it different. This was the kind of familial love he had never experienced in his previous life.
"I'll remember, Father," Su Li replied.
He knew that to break through to the True Immortal realm at the Bamboo Forest Gathering, he would need more than his own effort and cultivation. He also needed greater fortune and wisdom.
"Li'er, this is the Immortal King Essence Blood I'm giving you." As Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation spoke, he turned his palm over. A drop of Immortal King Essence Blood, radiating brilliant immortal light, appeared in his hand. At once, the aura of a mighty giant filled the hall, pressing on Su Li's chest and making it hard to breathe.
"This drop of Immortal King Essence Blood contains boundless power. It can control the life and death of ordinary Immortal Kings and all beings beneath them, bring flesh and bone back to life, and seize the fortune of Heaven and Earth. If the need arises, simply burn it, and it will save your life."
Immortal King Essence Blood contained the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth and the laws of the universe, and possessed supreme power. But for that very reason, even giant Immortal Kings dared not condense too much of it; doing so placed an enormous strain on their true bodies.
Su Li carefully accepted the Immortal King Essence Blood. Looking at its brilliant scarlet glow, he could barely contain his excitement. "I will treasure Father's gift and live up to your expectations."
"And these three Immortal King artifacts. I forged them myself to help you survive the tribulation of ascension. I thought you might need them after another ten thousand years, but I never imagined you'd be facing the tribulation at just twenty."
As he spoke, Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation brought out three differently shaped treasures: a protective inner armor, the Spirit Spring Jade Pendant, and the Tribulation-Suppressing Ancient Shield. The three artifacts were simply designed, their surfaces engraved with ancient runes. Their powerful Immortal King auras washed over Su Li, leaving him astonished. These three Immortal King artifacts were among the most powerful treasures in all the heavens. His father had spared no expense for him.
"These three Immortal King artifacts don't require you to shed blood to claim them. When the great tribulation of ascension arrives, simply summon them. They'll ease much of the pressure of the immortal tribulation."
Su Li accepted the three artifacts, deeply moved.
He knew how much faith and affection his father had placed in him. He would not let them down. At the Bamboo Forest Gathering, under the opportunity to discuss the Dao with the Immortal Kings, he would break through to the True Immortal realm.
"Li'er, are you ready?" Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation asked.
Su Li straightened his chest and replied firmly, "Father, I'm ready. I'll strive without end for the path to immortality!"
"Good!"
"Truly my son! You have the mettle of an Immortal King's child. I look forward to your good news." Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation laughed.
He knew that Su Li had the potential and resolve to break through to the True Immortal realm. As long as he continued to work hard and hold fast to his faith, he would surely shine at the Bamboo Forest Gathering.
Afterward, Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation gave Su Li further instructions on the details and precautions involved in breaking through to the True Immortal realm. He told Su Li that at the critical moment, he had to remain calm and focused, without a single distracting thought.
At the same time, he had to make good use of his cultivation and good fortune, continually uncovering his potential and striving for the greatest breakthrough possible.
Su Li silently committed his father's advice to memory, his resolve growing firmer.
He knew that to advance further on the path of cultivation, he needed not only unwavering faith and an indomitable will, but also tremendous effort and sweat.
So he decided to redouble his cultivation in the days ahead and break through to the True Immortal realm as soon as possible.
At last, with his parents' blessings and encouragement, Su Li left the Samsara Palace and returned to his residence to enter seclusion and recuperate, bringing himself into the best possible condition.
"Chen, Li'er..." True Immortal Moon Radiance leaned against Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation's sturdy shoulder, her expression grave. She was worried about Su Li.
"Moon, it'll be all right. I'll protect Li'er when he breaks through. Don't worry." Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation gently stroked his partner's hair, soothing her.
"Besides, Li'er... is no ordinary boy." Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation spoke as if hinting at something, his meaning hard to read.
Hearing this, True Immortal Moon Radiance said nothing. She simply leaned quietly against Immortal King Six Paths Reincarnation, her bright, dazzling eyes glimmering with clarity, as if she could see the distant future.
"Mm..."
True Immortal Moon Radiance murmured softly.
......
Li Palace.
Su Li sat cross-legged above an Immortal Spring Eye, which poured forth dense mists of immortal Dao. Immortal qi steamed around him, and boundless immortal fortune filled his supreme body.
Su Li drew a deep breath of the immortal Dao aura wafting from the Immortal Spring Eye. Instantly, he felt refreshed from head to toe. His pores felt clear, and his whole body seemed to float toward immortality, as if he had returned to the era when all things first came into being. He felt utterly at ease.
"The Immortal Spring Eye is truly a heaven-defying treasure. No wonder Father went through so much to find it. Even Immortal Kings benefit greatly from such a treasure, let alone me, a mere Supreme at the extreme level." Su Li sighed. The Immortal Spring Eye was indeed a rare cultivation treasure. With it at his side, how could he fail to become a True Immortal?
Then Su Li continued cultivating. The immortal Dao aura drifting from the spring's eye was ethereal, and before long, clouds and mist swirled through the palace, as if he were in a supreme immortal palace.
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