Nine-Nether Tribulation Flame Grand Celestial Venerable, the Realm Above Immortals!

Shangyang Inner Landscape.

As Jiang Ning closed his eyes again, the sword's ringing in his ears faded into the distance until it vanished completely.

His mind grew clear and still once more.

After an unknown stretch of time, hushed conversations rose around him.

Jiang Ning opened his eyes. Everyone seated around him had the bearing of immortals: the men were handsome and graceful, the women elegant and unworldly.

Every line and contour looked painstakingly carved.

"You look unfamiliar, Junior Brother," said a lovely woman seated beside Jiang Ning.

Her hair was swept up with nothing but a wooden pin. Her Daoist robe was the plainest white, without a single ornament, yet she seemed like an immortal descended from heaven.

"You have a keen eye, Senior Sister. This is my first time here," Jiang Ning said.

"No wonder you looked unfamiliar." The woman nodded slightly.

Then she asked, "How many years have you cultivated the Dao, Junior Brother?"

"Less than two years, even counting every last day," Jiang Ning answered truthfully.

"Two years?" Her gaze sharpened, a ripple passing through her calm eyes. "May I ask your name, Junior Brother?"

"Jiang Ning," he said evenly.

"Jiang Ning." The woman slowly repeated his name, thought flickering in her eyes. "I haven't heard of anyone renowned by that name."

"You're giving me too much credit, Senior Sister. I'm just an ordinary man," Jiang Ning said.

"An ordinary man could not have come this far in two years. Even someone who had reversed the innate and inherited an ancient legacy could not do it." Her gaze was clear as a mirror. "An Immortal Seedling's phantom stands behind you, yet you have accomplished all this before becoming immortal. You're still young and can build your foundation further. Once you become immortal, you may enter the